My 2016 Ford F250 was flagged under safety recall notice 25S89, the federal safety agency recall 25V572 for the issue of where the backup camera could display a blank/distorted image, or message that the rear view camera is unavailable. The camera on my F250 has not completely failed, but has exhibited the known issues mentioned in the recall intermittently. I received the recall notice from Ford and brought my F250 to Wiscasset Ford for a scheduled appointment on 5/9/2026 to address. Wiscasset Ford did not repair my camera or replace any parts based on what they claimed was "a lack of recall codes were present". The dealership afterward must have entered in the database that they have addressed the recall as my VIN now shows no open recalls on it, despite the fact they didn't replace/repair anything. I received a letter from Ford referring to "Customer Satisfaction Program 25N15" stating not to return to the dealer for this repair "UNLESS" if the rear view camera displays a blank or distorted image. On 8/10/2026, my truck exhibited the distorted image/"camera not available" message again on an occasion in reverse. I took photos/video as proof. I once again made an appointment for 9/10/2026 at 8:15AM to address the issue. Upon arrival and explaining the reason for my service appt. to the advisor, I was asked if I was willing to pay for the diagnostic to be done on my F250. I stated no as my issue was based on a known recall and I showed my photos/video of the failure as proof. The advisor excused himself to speak with the shop foreman. Returned saying they'd look at my truck "as a good faith issue", (generous of them...) but they'd have to repeat the "test for codes" process and if the codes were still not there, there was nothing they could do, despite my evidence my truck having the symptoms relative to the recall. Plus I'd have to leave my truck with them all day, despite having an appt. Took 1 hour to test on 5/9. Left as I felt they do not take this safety concern seriously.
Ford F-250 SD backup camera problems
80 of the 6,553 owner complaints about the Ford F-250 SD describe backup camera failure, most of them for the 2019 model year.
- owner complaints
- 80
- worst model year
- 2019
- typical mileage
- 62,000
By model year
Often reported together
Screen failure 13Collision warning 2Won't start 1Loss of power 1Fuel pump 1Fire or smoke 1
What owners say
The backup camera failed. Vehicle had a 1 year customer satisfaction program and Ford would not repair this because it failed outside the 1 year window. Now, they came out with a 15 year one time fix, but Ford does not have a remedy. This is a safety issue and should be a recall (just like it is on our 2 Ford Mavericks)! The camera was also hanging up and not allowing the sync system to shut off which was consistently draining our battery. Had our sync system updated at local mechanics shop and camera/sync started working again for a couple of weeks and its back to blue or black screen saying “camera unavailable contact dealership.” My dealership said no remedy available until Feb 2027. The vehicle also states “check your surroundings” but you can’t because it doesn’t work. This at a minimum should be a recall as it is a safety issue and it is on other Ford vehicles.
Backup camera goes blurry and very distorted
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-250. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention). The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera displayed a blank or distorted image. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who inspected it and determined that the vehicle did not meet the requirement to replace the rearview camera. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
The vehicle looses the display screen and or the camera screen while driving forward and reverse at times. It also freezes up and glitches which then makes the reverse camera not in real-time causing a minor accident. The screen sometimes turns black and sometimes blue. Secondly the trailer towing lights don't work properly and say that the trailer disconnected or not working properly. We tow or move many vessels at work and it is not the trailers. It is the truck. I am sure I saw a recall ref the trailer plug but now it shows that there are no open recalls or issues. Again that is another safety issue. I have a ford bronco that had a reverse camera and display issue and it has a active recall on it. This f250 experiences the same issues. I don't know why it is not recalled
Back up camera will show a black screen about 1-2 times a month. Have to turn the truck off and restart to get the camera to work again
The failure of the APIM has completely disabled the Rearview Backup Camera, which is a federally mandated safety feature (FMVSS No. 111). Operating a heavy-duty F-250 without a functional backup camera creates a significant blind-spot hazard and an immediate safety risk to pedestrians and property. King Ford has confirmed the failure. Service Director Jamie Churchwell has acknowledged the damage as "Consequential Damage" resulting directly from the attempted software update for Safety Recall 22S35. It is currently being reviewed by the Ford District Parts and Service Manager (as reported by the dealer) for a "Related Damage" warranty claim . The vehicle’s screen and backup camera were functioning perfectly prior to the recall service. The failure occurred at the dealership during the application of the manufacturer’s recall software update.
This vehicle is subject to two open safety recalls for which no repair remedy is currently available from the manufacturer: 1. Recall 24V957 (24S78) Dec 20, 2024 involves the high-pressure fuel pump and powertrain control system. The recall states the fuel pump may fail and cause extended cranking/no start or loss of motive power while driving. Loss of motive power while in traffic or while towing increases the risk of a crash. The manufacturer has stated that parts and/or software are not available to repair this defect. The vehicle is regularly used for towing a recreational trailer, which increases the safety risk if loss of power occurs during operation, especially at highway speeds or while merging. 2. Recall 25V686 (25SA8) Oct 10, 2025 involves the 360-degree/rear-view camera system. The recall states that the rear camera image may become dark in certain reversing situations when front and side cameras are exposed to significantly more light than the rear camera. Reduced visibility while reversing increases crash risk, particularly when maneuvering a large pickup truck. The manufacturer has acknowledged both recalls but has not provided a repair remedy within a reasonable timeframe. The powertrain-related recall has remained unresolved for an extended period. The vehicle has not been repaired because the manufacturer states parts/software are unavailable. At this time, the defect conditions have not resulted in a confirmed failure event, but the vehicle continues to be operated with open safety recalls that cannot be remedied. The safety risk remains present due to lack of available repair. Due to the prolonged unavailability of a repair remedy for a recall involving potential loss of motive power, I am unable to safely use the vehicle for its intended purpose of towing, as doing so would increase the risk of a crash if the defect occurs.
The backup camera has a VERY elongated view so that what is seen on the screen is extremely stretched out and is almost unusable. I have owned many of these vehicles over the years and the cameras provided a good enough view that you could use it for backing up, as it should be. The current camera makes things behind you look very far away and things next to you look like you're going to hit them when you're actually several feet away (4'-6').
The rear view backup camera will get scrambled or become blurry from time to time . It is happening more frequently causing the inability to know what is behind you when backing up.
Related recalls
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, F-600, 2026 F-150, and F-750 SD vehicles. The analog cluster’s tachometer and speedometer may become stuck or move erratically, providing inaccurate readings to the driver. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 101, "Controls and Displays."
- Risk
- A speedometer that fails to display accurate vehicle speed can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the instrument cluster modules, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are expected to be mailed in October 26, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in December 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C46. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on on October 7, 2026.
Recall number 26V653000 · Recall details
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 F-550 SD, F-450 SD, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, and 2025 F-150 vehicles. The Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) may fail at startup.
- Risk
- An instrument panel display that does not show critical information, such as warning lights or vehicle speed, increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- The instrument panel cluster software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 5, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S88.
Recall number 25V540000 · Recall details
Electrical system: integrated trailer brake control
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 F-150, 2022 Maverick, Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 22V‑193. Due to a software error, a towed trailer equipped with an electric or electric-over hydraulic brake system may not brake.
- Risk
- Loss of trailer brake functionality can extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the integrated trailer brake control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S18.
Recall number 25V132000 · Recall details
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Escape, Super Duty F-250, Super Duty F-350, Super Duty F-450, and Super Duty F-550 vehicles equipped with a digital instrument panel cluster. The module may have been improperly soldered, preventing the instrument panel from illuminating. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."
- Risk
- An inoperable instrument panel cannot show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, which may increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the module or instrument panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 4, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C25.
Recall number 23V506000 · Recall details
Electrical system: integrated trailer brake control
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 F-150, 2022 Maverick, Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 vehicles. Due to a software error, a towed trailer equipped with an electric or electric-over hydraulic brake system may not brake.
- Risk
- Loss of trailer brake functionality could result in extended stopping distance, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the integrated trailer brake control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S17.
Recall number 22V193000 · Recall details
Electrical system: wiring
- What is wrong
- Certain pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles and vans equipped with 6.0l diesel engines may experience stalling without warning while driving and may or may not restart.
- Risk
- Should the engine stall, a vehicle crash could occur.
- Remedy
- Dealers will upgrade the fuel injection control module (ficm) wire harness or replaced, and/or have a new injection control pressure (icp)) sensor connector installed free of charge. The recall began on july 22, 2005. Owners may contact ford at 1‑800‑392‑3673.
Recall number 05V270000 · Recall details
Questions about the Ford F-250 SD backup camera
Which Ford F-250 SD years have backup camera failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2019 (19 complaints), 2017 (12 complaints) and 2016 (9 complaints).
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