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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says Ford is recalling 144,516 2022-2024 Ford Maverick pickups because the rearview camera can freeze when the vehicle is in reverse. The lack of a live image could increase the chances of a crash. The Maverick has been a big seller for Ford. It is much more affordable than the larger trucks and buyers have been pleased with its capability.
The Maverick and its hybrid sibling are certifiable hits. Sales of the small pickups have been steady and both versions of the pickup have picked up a number of awards. Car and Driver just named the 2024 Maverick the top small truck and gave it a perfect ten out of ten score. Earlier, Consumer Reports also named the 2024 Ford Maverick the best small truck and the Maverick Hybrid the best fuel-efficient truck in its 2024 Buying Guide.
What is Causing the Problem
According to NHTSA, the rearview camera image can freeze when the vehicle is in reverse. You can easily understand why that could increase the risk of a crash. If the driver isn’t seeing a live image of what is really happening, they could easily hit someone or a vehicle behind them. According to the safety recall report, Ford is aware of 4 warranty claims, and 22 complaints of a frozen rear view camera image in North America. The first known report of a frozen rear camera image was received on April 4, 2022. Ford is aware of two reports of accidents and no injuries related to this condition.
The recall only involves the trucks with the Connected Touch Radios.
How Dealers Will Fix the Problem
Unfortunately, owners will have to visit their dealers to get the issue fixed. Dealers will update the radio’s software free of charge. Owners should start receiving notification letters after September 30th. Drivers with concerns can contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for the recall is 24S59. The NHTSA number for the recall is 24V-684. Automakers stress that you should never rely on the camera image alone, you should always look around to make sure there is not a person or vehicle behind you.
Every time a car or truck is recalled the automaker has to reimburse the dealerships for the service technician’s labor. That adds up especially when the recall involves a large number of vehicles, like this one of 144,516. Often, the automakers try to recoup some of the money from suppliers, but it is a long and costly process.
Ford Photo
Mary Conway is a professional automotive journalist and has decades of experience specializing in automotive news analysis. She covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin.
Follow Mary Conway at @MaryConwayMedia and send her car news tips for future stories.
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