In May of 2025, Ford Motor Company issued a recall affecting numerous vehicles equipped with the SYNC 4 infotainment system. At the heart of the recall is a software-related defect that may cause the rearview camera system to fail. This poses a serious safety hazard, as rear visibility is essential for safe maneuvering and is federally required in all new passenger vehicles.

This defect comes at a time when infotainment systems are playing a more integrated role in vehicle safety. The Alexander Law Firm is currently handling over 30 lawsuits across multiple manufacturer's involving inoperative or faulty safety features, including the rear camera, forward collision warning, blind spot warning and adaptive cruise control.

The Ford SYNC 4 system, featured in newer models including the F-150, Mustang Mach-E, Bronco, and Expedition, manages a wide range of in-vehicle controls — from navigation to safety camera displays. Affected vehicle range from model year 2021 to 20214. The full list of vehicles affected are the Ford Bronco, Edge, Escape, F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, Expedition, Transit, Mach-E, Ranger, Mustang, Lincoln Nautilus, Navigator, and Corsair.

Nature of the Defect: Rearview Camera System Failure

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Ford's own recall filings, the issue arises from intermittent or complete failure of the rearview camera display. This failure is tied to a software glitch within the SYNC 4 infotainment system, which may:

• Display a blank or distorted screen when the vehicle is in reverse
• Fail to engage the camera view when reversing
• Occasionally reset or freeze, leaving the image frozen or delayed

This defect violates Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 111, which mandates that rear visibility systems function reliably to prevent “backover” accidents.

How to Identify If Your Vehicle is Affected

If you own a Ford vehicle with the SYNC 4 system, you should take the following steps:

1. Check for Recall Notifications:
• Visit the official NHTSA Recall Lookup Tool and enter your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
• You can also check directly on the Ford Recall Page.
2. Observe the Behavior of the Rear Camera:
• If your camera fails to activate, shows a black screen, or glitches during operation, your vehicle may be affected — even if you haven't yet received a formal recall notice.
3. Look for SYNC 4 System Resets or Errors:
• Repeated reboots, lag in screen response, or persistent “SYNC error” messages can also signal related software instability.

Your Legal Rights Under the Michigan Lemon Law

If you've already brought your vehicle in for repair — and the problem persists — state and federal lemon laws may protect you.

What is the Michigan Lemon Law?

The Michigan Lemon provides remedies to consumers who purchase new defective vehicles that cannot be adequately repaired after a reasonable number of attempts. Generally, you need at least 3 repair attempts for the same defect, OR at least 25 days in the shop within the first year from delivery to the original buyer or lessor.

Why the Camera Defect May Qualify

A malfunctioning rearview camera can meet the lemon law threshold because:

• It impairs safety, which is one of the key protected interests under the Michigan Lemon Law
• Ford has already acknowledged the defect through a formal recall
• If the camera issue persists even after a dealership attempts repairs, it strengthens the case that the vehicle is a "lemon”.

Steps to Take If Your Vehicle Qualifies

1. Document Everything:
   Keep copies of all service records, repair orders, recall notices, and communications with the dealer.
2. Make Sure the Repairs Are Attempted:
   Give the dealer at least 3 documented opportunities to fix the issue.
3. Consult Adam Alexander;
4. You may be entitled to:
• A replacement vehicle
• A full refund
• Incidental damages, including rental car or towing costs

Final Thoughts

This Ford recall underscores how software-related defects can now create serious safety issues, especially when tied to critical features like rearview cameras. While recalls are designed to fix these problems, they don't always succeed. If you're still dealing with an unreliable rearview camera despite taking your vehicle in for repair, the law may be on your side.

Consumers shouldn't bear the cost — or risk — of a defect the manufacturer failed to correct. Know your rights, stay informed, and take action if needed.

Need Help?

If you think your Ford vehicle qualifies for the Michigan Lemon Law, contact Adam Alexander, Esq. for a free case review.