Ford Motor Company (Ford) has announced a significant recall affecting 144,516 units of its 2022 to 2024 Ford Maverick compact pickups. The recall pertains to issues with the rearview camera display, which may freeze while the vehicle is in reverse, potentially increasing the risk of accidents. Here’s what you need to know about this important safety recall.
Summary of the Recall –
- Models Affected: 2022-2024 Ford Maverick equipped with Connected Touch Radios (CTR)
- NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V684000
- Potential Number of Units Affected: 144,516
- Remedy: Software update to the Connected Touch Radio (CTR)
- Owner Notification Date: Expected mailing on September 30, 2024
- Ford Recall Number: 24S59
Safety Risk –
The main safety concern is that the rearview camera display may freeze when the vehicle is in reverse. This malfunction can misrepresent the vehicle’s surroundings, increasing the risk of a crash as drivers may be unable to accurately gauge their proximity to obstacles.
Recall Chronology –
- April 4, 2022: The first known report of a frozen rearview camera image was received.
- June 13, 2024: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) contacted Ford regarding multiple complaints of rearview camera freezing on 2022 Ford Maverick vehicles.
- June 2024: Ford’s initial investigation confirmed that all affected vehicles were equipped with CTR, leading to 26 additional claims related to the issue.
- July 2, 2024: The issue was escalated to Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group for further investigation.
- July-August 2024: Ford and the CTR supplier conducted stress testing, identifying a software defect related to improper memory handling that could lead to the frozen display.
- September 6, 2024: Ford’s Field Review Committee reviewed the concerns and approved a field action.
Ford is currently aware of four warranty claims, seven Vehicle Owner’s Questionnaires (VOQs), and 22 complaints in North America related to this issue. While the company has received two reports of accidents, it has confirmed that there have been no injuries linked to this condition.
What Owners Should Do –
Owners of affected Maverick vehicles will receive notification letters from Ford with instructions on how to proceed. The remedy involves a free software update to the Connected Touch Radio (CTR) system, which is expected to resolve the issue.
For more information, vehicle owners can contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Additionally, inquiries can be directed to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or through their website at www.nhtsa.gov.