2021 Ford Explorer Backup Camera Software Recall (21V735)
Ford Motor Company · 228,297 vehicles · Reported September 22, 2021
Ford Motor Company is recalling 228,297 2021 Ford Explorer; 2021 Lincoln Aviator; 2021 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying. A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will make the repair free of charge.
Recall 21V735 at a glance
| NHTSA campaign number | 21V735000 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer recall number | 21S44 |
| Date reported to NHTSA | September 22, 2021 |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Vehicles | 2021 Ford Explorer; 2021 Lincoln Aviator; 2021 Lincoln Corsair |
| Units affected | 228,297 |
| Component | Back Over Prevention > Software |
| Safety risk | A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| Fix | Available at dealers |
What is wrong with the 2021 Ford Explorer in recall 21V735?
The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Corsair, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with 360-degree cameras. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
Is it safe to drive a 2021 Explorer with recall 21V735?
NHTSA has not told owners to stop driving, but the risk is real: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA describes the risk this way: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
There is no do-not-drive order on this campaign. If your Explorer shows warning lights or behaves differently in a way that involves the software, have it checked before driving further.
Which vehicles are included in recall 21V735?
Recall 21V735 covers 228,297 vehicles: 2021 Ford Explorer; 2021 Lincoln Aviator; 2021 Lincoln Corsair.
NHTSA lists 228,297 vehicles in this campaign. Not every vehicle of these models and years is included, so check your VIN.
| Model years | Make | Model |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Ford | Explorer |
| 2021 | Lincoln | Aviator |
| 2021 | Lincoln | Corsair |
What is the fix for the Explorer backup camera software recall?
Yes. Dealers will update the Image Processing Module (IPMB) software, free of charge.
Dealers will update the Image Processing Module (IPMB) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 16, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S44.
When was recall 21V735 announced?
Ford Motor Company reported recall 21V735 to NHTSA on September 22, 2021. NHTSA lists the owner letter date as November 16, 2021.
| Date | What happened |
|---|---|
| September 22, 2021 | Ford Motor Company filed the defect report with NHTSA; NHTSA assigned campaign 21V735000. |
| November 16, 2021 | Owner notification letters mailed (per NHTSA). |
This recall was filed 61 months ago. If your Explorer was built in that window, the VIN check below is the way to confirm it is included.
How do I check if my Explorer is part of recall 21V735?
Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If recall 21V735 is open on your Explorer, it will be listed there.
The fastest check is NHTSA’s VIN lookup. Type in the 17 characters from your registration or insurance card. Because only some 2021 Explorer vehicles are included, the VIN check is the only reliable way to know. A brand-new recall may take several days to show up.
What should Explorer owners do about recall 21V735?
Check your VIN, schedule the free recall repair, and keep a repair order for every dealer visit.
- Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm recall 21V735000 applies to your Explorer.
- Book the recall appointment with any authorized Ford dealer. Ask up front whether parts are available and how long the vehicle will be there.
- Get a repair order for every visit, even if the dealer only inspects the vehicle. Read it before you leave and make sure your complaint is written the way you described it.
- Keep a simple log of any software symptoms with dates and mileage. Video of a warning light or the problem happening is strong evidence.
- Count the days the vehicle is at the dealer. Days out of service add up toward California's 30-day presumption.
- If the problem comes back after the repair, return to the dealer and contact a lemon law attorney.
What are Explorer owners reporting to NHTSA?
Owners have filed 503 complaints with NHTSA about these vehicles since 2020, 26 of them about the rearview camera.
Since recall 21V735 was reported on September 22, 2021, owners have filed 26 complaints with NHTSA about the rearview camera on these vehicles. 3 of them (12%) describe the same problem happening more than once or coming back after a repair attempt.
How we counted: we matched NHTSA owner complaints for the model years in this recall that list the rearview camera and were received on or after September 22, 2021, then flagged narratives that describe a repeat failure or a problem returning after a dealer repair, recall service or software update. Data from NHTSA, accessed October 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports and may involve a related rearview camera issue rather than this exact defect; automated text matching can miss or misread some reports.
NHTSA’s public complaint database lists 503 owner complaints filed since 2020 for the vehicles in this recall, and 26 of them involve the rearview camera. Complaints are reports from owners and have not been verified by NHTSA, but a high count for the same component is a sign the problem is widespread.
- 2021 Ford Explorer: 430 complaints in total, 19 about the rearview camera
- 2021 Lincoln Aviator: 39 complaints in total, 2 about the rearview camera
- 2021 Lincoln Corsair: 34 complaints in total, 5 about the rearview camera
A few excerpts from owner complaints filed with NHTSA (unverified, lightly trimmed):
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon shifting into reverse, the rearview camera failed to display an image. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired.
2021 Ford Explorer owner, DE, NHTSA complaint 11664320, filed June 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the rearview camera became inoperable. The contact stated that the rearview camera image was blank. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V159000 (Back Over Prevention) and 25V393000 (Seats).
2021 Ford Explorer owner, KY, NHTSA complaint 11680757, filed August 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention). The vehicle failed to connect or communicate with the computer and module. The dealer informed the contact about a possible diagnostic test.
2021 Ford Explorer owner, OK, NHTSA complaint 11752671, filed July 24, 2026
Can recall 21V735 make my Explorer a lemon in California?
Not by itself. A recall repair that fails, or repeat dealer visits for the same defect, can support a California lemon law claim.
A recall by itself does not make a car a lemon. Under California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, what matters is whether a defect covered by the warranty substantially impairs the vehicle's use, value or safety, and whether the manufacturer or its dealers fixed it within a reasonable number of attempts (Civ. Code 1793.2(d)).
A rearview camera that blanks out or freezes is a safety issue because federal rules require a working backup image. Camera problems are often software related, and many owners see them come back after an update.
The recall repair is available at dealers. If it works, great. If the same symptom comes back, the recall visit is one repair attempt and the next visit is another.
For the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, California presumes the manufacturer had enough chances if the Explorer went in two or more times for a defect likely to cause death or serious injury, four or more times for the same defect, or spent more than 30 days in the shop (Civ. Code 1793.22(b)). Direct notice to the manufacturer is required for some of these. The presumption is a shortcut, not the only path to a claim.
An owner who prevails in a lemon law case can recover reasonable attorney fees and costs from the manufacturer (Civ. Code 1794(d)). You pay nothing, win or lose. We are paid only if you win, and the manufacturer pays our fees, including in settlements. If a case is lost, our firm covers the costs.
In our cases, a recall repair visit counts as a repair attempt, and it's strongest when the owner complained about the problem before the recall came out. A recall shows the defect is real and that enough owners reported it for the manufacturer to issue a fix.
A software update can count as a repair attempt, especially if you complained about the problem or the update keeps being repeated. I've seen dealers do the same software update five or six times with no fix.
The biggest mistake I see is waiting too long. The mileage offset starts at your first repair visit for the problem, so the sooner you take it in, the better. If the problem comes and goes, take it in when it happens. You can't go back to that date later.
If you get a recall notice, call a lemon law attorney right away. You may have taken the car in for the same problem before and forgotten, or there may be other recalls related to it.
Jacob Shayesteh, Esq. (SBN 362320), Founder and Managing Attorney. Quotes lightly edited for clarity. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Has your Explorer been back to the dealer for this problem?
Call 877-536-6620Other Ford Explorer recalls
Frequently asked questions about recall 21V735
Did the recall 21V735 fix work?
Since recall 21V735 was reported on September 22, 2021, owners have filed 26 complaints with NHTSA about the rearview camera on these vehicles. 3 of them (12%) describe the same problem happening more than once or coming back after a repair attempt. If your vehicle still has the problem after the recall repair, go back to the dealer, get a repair order, and talk to a lemon law attorney.
When will owners be notified?
According to NHTSA, owner notification letters were or are scheduled to be mailed November 16, 2021.
Is the 21V735000 recall repair free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are done free of charge at authorized dealers.
How do I know if my Explorer is part of recall 21V735000?
Enter your 17-character VIN in NHTSA's recall lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or call a dealer. The VIN is on your registration, insurance card and the lower corner of the windshield.
Is it legal to drive with a blank backup camera?
Federal safety rules require new vehicles to have a working rearview image, which is why camera failures are recalled. Have it repaired, and use mirrors and extra care until then.
Does the recall fixing my car mean I have no case?
Not necessarily. Even if the recall repair fixed it, you may still have a case, and a car that's a year or more old can still qualify.
Do used cars qualify for California lemon law?
We take certified pre-owned, demo and dealer vehicles. Since the California Supreme Court's Rodriguez decision in 2024, ordinary used cars generally do not qualify.
How long does a recall lemon law case take?
Recall-related cases typically resolve in one to three months from your first call. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
What does a lemon law attorney cost?
You pay nothing, win or lose. We are paid only if you win, and the manufacturer pays our fees, including in settlements. If a case is lost, our firm covers the costs.
Sources
- NHTSA recall record 21V735000 (recall report and owner letters are posted there)
- NHTSA complaints and recalls data, accessed October 1, 2026
- California Civil Code 1793.2 and 1793.22
Attorney advertising. America’s Lemon Lawyer is a trade name of Wynn Law Group, APC. Responsible attorney: Jacob Shayesteh, Esq. (SBN 362320). This page is general information, not legal advice. America’s Lemon Lawyer is not affiliated with NHTSA or Ford, Lincoln. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.