Ford's Rearview Nightmare: How Many Recalls Does It Take to Fix a Camera?
Multiple Recalls on Rearview Cameras Raise Questions About Ford's Commitment to Safety
Disclaimer: This article is as informational as it is snarky. For actual legal advice, consult someone who passed the bar exam, not the snack bar.
Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.
Ford Motor Company, America's second-largest automaker, has once again hit the headlines, but not for reasons they'd like. On Friday, the Detroit-based giant announced a recall of 169,000 vehicles in the United States to replace faulty rearview cameras and update software. The cost? A whopping $270 million. But here's the kicker: this isn't Ford's first rodeo with rearview camera recalls. Oh no, it's a recurring nightmare that seems to have no end in sight.
Let's rewind a bit. In May, Ford recalled 422,000 vehicles in the U.S. due to the same issue. Before that, in January, they recalled 462,000 vehicles worldwide. Notice a pattern here? It's like a broken record, except each spin puts your family's safety at risk.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) warns that the loss of a rearview camera image could significantly reduce a driver's rear visibility, thereby increasing the risk of a crash. So, while Ford has reported only two minor crashes and no injuries, the question remains: How many more "minor" incidents will it take before we see a tragedy?
The Vehicles You Need to Watch Out For
If you're driving any of the following Ford models, you might want to pay attention:
2020-2023 Explorer and Aviator sport utility vehicles
2020-2022 Corsair vehicles
2022-2023 Transit vans
2018-2021 Navigator vehicles
2021 Bronco vehicles
Since 2021, the NHTSA has been investigating whether Ford delayed a 2020 recall of 620,000 vehicles for a similar issue. The question is, did Ford recall enough vehicles, and did they do it in time?
As parents, our primary concern is the safety of our children. Companies like Ford need to understand that every "minor" glitch and delayed recall puts our families in jeopardy. It's high time we hold them accountable for their actions. After all, how many recalls does it take to fix a camera?
We want to hear from you. Have you experienced issues with your Ford vehicle's rearview camera? Do you think Ford is doing enough to address these recalls? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. If you or someone you know has been affected by this issue, consult with a legal expert for personalized guidance.