Ford Motor Company has issued a recall affecting 24,950 of its 2023-2024 F-250, F-350, and F-450 Super Duty trucks. The recall addresses a defect in which water can infiltrate the Tailgate Park Assist Sensor Interface Module (TPASIM), causing the rearview camera to display intermittently or show as blue or black. This malfunction poses a safety risk by reducing the driver’s rear visibility and increasing the chance of accidents, especially when reversing. Because of this issue, these trucks do not comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 111, which mandates proper rear visibility.
Safety Risk –
A defective rearview camera can impair the driver’s ability to see behind the vehicle, substantially heightening the risk of a collision. This concern is particularly serious when backing up, making prompt attention crucial for owners of affected models.
Production Information –
The affected Super Duty trucks were manufactured between October 4, 2022, and March 14, 2024. Owners can check if their vehicle is included in the recall by contacting their local Ford or Lincoln dealership or by using the Ford On-line Automotive Service Information System (OASIS).
Recall Remedy –
Ford will remedy this safety issue at no cost to owners. The fix involves replacing the tailgate top camera, the wiring harness, and the TPASIM module, as well as updating the Image Processing Module A (IPMA) software to enhance system performance. Owners will receive notification letters by December 9, 2024. For more details, they can contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 and reference recall number 24S66.
Vehicle owners who need more information can also reach out to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or visit the NHTSA website at nhtsa.gov.
Investigation Details –
The defect was first identified on February 6, 2024, when a prototype 2023 Super Duty truck experienced a black screen issue with its tailgate top camera. Subsequent investigations found that water was seeping through a poorly sealed camera connector, leading to image failures.
- Containment Measures: By March 2024, the Kentucky Truck Plant had implemented a fix, adding a new connector to keep moisture out.
- Extensive Testing: Throughout 2024, Ford’s Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) team conducted further testing, prompted by warranty claims. They discovered that water damage could spread to nearby pins in the TPASIM module, affecting the primary rearview camera.
- Reported Incidents: Ford logged 130 warranty claims and 11 field reports from September 2023 to August 2024, but there have been no related accidents or injuries. The Field Review Committee approved the recall on October 18, 2024.
Ford urges owners of these trucks to address the defect swiftly to ensure their safety and comply with federal vehicle standards..