On September 23, 2020, Ford Motor Company issued a recall that affects about 700,000 vehicles. Ford estimates as many as 47 percent of those vehicles may experience failure when using the rearview park assist camera.

A recall is necessary when a motor vehicle or a component of a motor vehicle does not comply with federal motor safety standards. Recalls have been increasing in recent years. In 2015, more than 52 million recalls were issued in the United States, and that number has been climbing ever since.

In Ford’s case, the recall covers most 2020 versions of Ford’s F-Series trucks, the 2020 Explorer, Mustang, Transit, Expedition, Escape, Ranger and Edge. It also includes the Lincoln Nautilus and Corsair. Ford stated that it was not aware of any reports of accidents or injuries caused by the rearview park assist.

How to Know if Your Ford is Affected

In company documents sent to the U.S. government’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Ford stated that the recall vehicles were not produced in VIN order. Ford stated that owners will be notified by mail if their vehicle was subject to this particular recall. They will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to replace the rearview camera. You if you own any of these potentially affected models, you can also call Ford’s toll-free line (1-866-436-7332) or contact a local Ford or Lincoln dealer. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also allows you to search recalls by vehicle identification number (VIN) or by make and model.

Starting November 7, 2020, Ford will replace the rearview camera at no cost. Ford stated that they will not issue reimbursement for costs because the original warranty program would provide a free repair for this defect.

What if a Dealer Denies My Right to Have a Recalled Vehicle Remedied at No Charge?

If your vehicle has been recalled, you have a legal right for the issue to be fixed at no charge to you. You also have a legal right for the issue to be fixed within a reasonable amount of
In most cases, there will be a lag time between the date of the manufacturer’s decision to recall and the date the remedy is available to consumers. The lag time allows the manufacturer to identify owners of the vehicles, develop remedial procedures, and to instruct dealers on how to repair the defect. In this particular recall, Ford has stated that they will start to repair the defects starting November 7, 2020.

Have You Suffered Any Injuries as a Result of the Backup Camera?

You may be entitled to other legal remedies under the California Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, also known as the “Lemon Law,” if these automotive defects persist. Also, just because a manufacturer issues a recall does not mean that they are not liable for any damages caused by the defect. If you suffered any injuries related to the faulty backup camera, you have the legal right to move forward with a manufacturer defect claim. Our experienced attorneys at Conn Law, P.C. can guide you through the complexities of filing a lawsuit. Contact us at 412-417-2780 or online today for a free consultation.