Ford knew about dangerous backup camera glitches but moved too slowly to fix them, safety regulator says

Ford is facing a substantial fine of up to $165 million for delayed vehicle recalls involving faulty rearview cameras. This decision follows a three-year investigation that revealed the company waited too long to recall 600,000 vehicles in 2020 after drivers reported blank screens. Ford was found in violation of federal regulations mandating immediate defect notifications and timely quarterly update submissions.

The financial penalty, if fully enforced, will stand among the highest in regulatory history, second only to another major case involving an airbag manufacturer. The recall impacted Ford models such as the Edge, Escape, Expedition, Explorer, F-150, Mustang, Ranger, Transit, and Lincoln models.

Ford stated there were no fatalities or injuries associated with the defect. The company will work to rectify compliance issues, with an immediate payment of $65 million. Additional penalties depend on adherence to a consent order, which includes requirements for investing in data tools, a new testing facility, and mandatory improvements in recall efficiency.

Furthermore, Ford must reevaluate past recall decisions, potentially leading to new actions to include all affected vehicles. Quarterly meetings with regulators and a third-party review aim to ensure compliance and uphold road safety measures. Vehicle owners can verify recalls by checking their Vehicle Identification Numbers on Ford's site.