Ford Recalls 80,000 Edge Crossovers To Fix Backup Camera System

Over the last couple of years, Ford has run into many problems with its camera systems. More than once, Ford vehicles have been recalled due to issues with its camera systems, whether forward-looking or to the rear.

Both Hardware, Software Issues

Some of the issues have been hardware-related. For example, a couple of years ago, camera systems on Ford Mustangs had a set of issues. The camera images weren't good. In this camera issue, the problem was traced to a bracket out of alignment that Ford fixed the problem for free. And, there were other problems with the camera systems in other Ford models. First reports of issues with various camera systems surfaced on Ford Mustangs in 2020.

Now, according to the Ford Authority, the automaker is recalling about 80,000 Ford Edge crossovers due to problems with the backup cameras. It seems that a software issue has two results. The first result is a blank image, while the second is a distorted image. It occurs when the operator puts the Edge into reverse.

The issue is that the malfunctioning camera doesn't present the operator with a clear view of what is to the rear of the Edge. This problem increases the risk of a crash, although the automaker is not aware of any crashes or injuries related to this problem.

Ford built the affected crossovers at the automaker's Oakville Assembly Plant between Aug. 14, 2020, and Feb. 7, 2021. In total, the Ford recall affects 78,376 Edge models. Ford has recalled 80,000 Edge Crossovers to fix backup camera system.

Ford Will Begin Notifying Owners In April

Ford will begin notifying customers late in April regarding this issue. Ford advises owners to wait until they have received notifications from the automaker that the fix is ready.

The fix is simple. Ford will send a software update to dealers where it will be installed in the backup camera system. Alternatively, the automaker will update Ford Edge software over-the-air. The fix is free of charge. Ford's reference number for this recall is 22S14.

For more information, customers can contact Ford customer service at 866-436-7332. Or, owners can contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at 888-327-4236. Owners can also contact the safety agency's website at www.safecar.gov.

Marc Stern has been an automotive writer since 1971 when an otherwise normal news editor said, "You're our new car editor," and dumped about 27 pounds of auto stuff on my desk. I was in heaven as I have been a gearhead from my early days. As a teen, I spent the usual number of misspent hours hanging out at gas stations Shell and Texaco (a big thing in my youth) and working on cars. From there on, it was a straight line to my first column for the paper, "You Auto Know," an enterprise that I handled faithfully for 32 years. Not many people know that I also handled computer documentation for a good part of my living while writing YAN. My best writing, though, was always in cars. My work has appeared in Popular Mechanics, Mechanix Illustrated, AutoWeek, SuperStock, Trailer Life, Old Cars Weekly, Special Interest Autos, etc. You can follow me on: Twitter or Facebook.