Ford Issues Safety Recall for 24,900+ Super Duty Trucks Due to Tailgate Camera Malfunction
Safety Notice: Ford Motor Company has announced a significant recall affecting certain Super Duty pickup trucks due to potential water damage in tailgate camera systems that may compromise rear visibility.
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Affected Vehicles and Identified Problem
The recall impacts approximately 24,900 model-year 2023-2024 Ford Super Duty trucks, including:
- F-250 SD (Super Duty) pickup trucks
- F-350 SD single rear wheel and dual rear wheel models
- F-450 SD chassis cab vehicles
Root Cause of the Safety Issue
Investigations revealed that water intrusion may occur in the Tailgate Park Assist Sensor Interface Module (TPASIM), leading to:
- Complete loss of rearview camera display (black screen)
- Intermittent blue-tinted camera feed
- Erratic image distortion or flickering
- Potential failure of park assist alerts
Safety Risks and Potential Consequences
The compromised rear visibility creates several safety concerns for drivers and surrounding vehicles:
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- Increased backing accident risk in parking situations
- Reduced awareness of pedestrians or obstacles behind the truck
- Potential for property damage during trailer hitching
- Violation of federal safety standard No. 111 (Rear Visibility)
Comparative Industry Context
This marks Ford's third camera-related recall in 18 months, following similar issues with:
- 2021 Expedition/Lincoln Navigator backup cameras
- 2022 Bronco Sport/Maverick camera wiring harnesses
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports camera-related recalls industry-wide have increased 42% since 2020 as automakers implement more complex multi-camera systems.
Repair Process and Owner Responsibilities
Ford authorized dealers will perform the following corrective actions at no cost to owners:
- Replacement of the tailgate top-mounted camera assembly
- Installation of a new weather-resistant wiring harness
- Upgraded TPASIM module with improved sealing
- Software update for the SYNC infotainment system
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Timeline and Notification Process
Ford will implement a phased notification schedule:
- First-class mail notifications to registered owners
- Follow-up digital alerts through FordPass app
- VIN lookup tool on official Ford recall website
Important: Owners may continue driving their vehicles until repairs are completed but should exercise extra caution when reversing and consider using a spotter when possible.
How to Check if Your Vehicle Is Affected
Truck owners should take these immediate steps:
- Locate your 17-digit VIN (driver's side dashboard or registration documents)
- Visit the official NHTSA recall website or Ford's recall portal
- Contact your preferred Ford dealership to schedule inspection
Additional Support Resources
For further assistance, owners may:
- Call Ford Customer Service: 866-436-7332 (Reference Recall #24S66)
- Contact NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline: 888-327-4236
- Use MotorVero's recall lookup tool
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Technical Deep Dive: Why Water Intrusion Occurs
Engineering analysis reveals the vulnerability stems from three design factors:
- Gasket Material Selection: Original silicone gaskets degrade faster than EPDM alternatives in wet conditions
- Wire Harness Routing: Current path creates water collection points near critical connections
- Capacitor Tolerance: Existing circuit boards lack sufficient moisture-resistant coating
Long-Term Reliability Improvements
The updated components feature:
- Military-grade IP67 waterproof connectors
- Dual-layer conformal coating on circuit boards
- Redesigned drainage channels in the tailgate structure
Owner Compensation and Legal Rights
Affected owners should be aware of their protections:
- Lemon Law Coverage: May apply if repairs require multiple attempts
- Rental Reimbursement: Available for extended repair periods (state-dependent)
- Diminished Value Claims: Potential eligibility for post-repair value loss
Need immediate assistance with your Ford recall?
Contact Our Recall SpecialistsPreventative Maintenance Tips for Truck Owners
While awaiting repairs, owners can:
- Regularly clean tailgate seams and camera housing
- Apply dielectric grease to visible connectors
- Park facing downhill during heavy rain to promote drainage
- Test camera functionality before each trip
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Industry Implications and Future Outlook
This recall highlights broader automotive industry challenges:
- Increasing complexity of vehicle camera systems
- Balancing waterproofing needs with thermal management
- Standardization of environmental testing protocols
Automotive suppliers predict 78% of new trucks will feature multi-camera systems by 2025, necessitating improved durability standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will the repair take?
Most dealerships complete the service in 2-3 hours, though parts availability may cause delays in some regions.
Can I disable the faulty system?
No - federal regulations require functional backup cameras on all vehicles under 10,000 lbs GVWR.
Does this affect aftermarket camera installations?
Only factory-installed systems are included in this recall. Aftermarket systems should be evaluated separately.
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