More than 330,000 Ford Mustangs have been recalled to fix an issue with the faulty backup cameras, which could cause it to go blank or appear distorted and prevent drivers from seeing obstacles behind them.
According to a USA Today news report, the recall includes cars manufactured between 2015 and 2017 that may be fitted with faulty backup cameras.
Recall Forced by Faulty Backup Cameras
The problem is believed to have been caused by an issue with the wiring harness within the deck lid, which is located between the taillights. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notes that a loss of electrical conductivity caused by a damaged deck lid harness and/or an insufficiently soldered header connector internal to the camera can lead to a loss of rearview image.
The recalled wiring harness went into production on Feb. 22, 2014, and was taken out on Oct. 2, 2017. Ford began using the faulty backup cameras on May 12, 2014, and pulled them on Feb. 28, 2015. NHTSA estimated that 100% of the affected model-year vehicles were included in the recall. When the recall begins, dealers will inspect and repair the deck lid wiring harness and/or replace the rearview camera, as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk will be mailed out on March 7.
Ford will send out second letters once the remedy is available. If you own these vehicles, please call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford has said in documents that it knows of two “minor crashes” because of these problems. Last year, NHTSA investigated Ford over whether it dragged its feet with a recall involving more than 620,000 vehicles due to faulty backup cameras
. NHTSA noted at the time that Ford knew about the problem in February 2020 and that it had warned the automaker several times about the increasing number of complaints.
Auto Product Liability Issues
All vehicles in the United States built in May 2018 or afterward must have backup cameras under federal law. According to the advocacy website, KidsandCars.org, in the United States, at least 50 children are being backed over by vehicles every week. Most of the victims in such cases are young children between 12 months and 23 months. Over 60% of such tragic accidents involve a larger vehicle such as a truck, van, or SUV.
When a back-over accident occurs due to faulty backup cameras, the automaker can be held liable for the injuries, damages, and losses caused. Victims and their families would be well advised to contact an experienced auto defect lawyer who can offer them more information about pursuing their legal rights
.
Source: https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2022/02/23/ford-recall-mustang-backup-camera/6911437001/
