2025 Ford Escape Backup Camera Recall (25V161)

Recall 25V161 at a glance

What is wrong with the 2025 Ford Escape in recall 25V161?

The rearview camera may incorrectly display an inverted image when the vehicle is in reverse.

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Escape vehicles. The rearview camera may incorrectly display an inverted image when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Is it safe to drive a 2025 Escape with recall 25V161?

NHTSA has not told owners to stop driving, but the risk is real: An inverted rearview camera image will not accurately display what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

NHTSA describes the risk this way: An inverted rearview camera image will not accurately display what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

NHTSA has not issued a do-not-drive or park-outside warning for this recall. Still, get the repair done as soon as it is available, and stop driving if you notice symptoms related to the camera.

Which vehicles are included in recall 25V161?

Recall 25V161 covers 4,721 vehicles: 2025 Ford Escape.

NHTSA lists 4,721 vehicles in this campaign, built December 10, 2024 to January 17, 2025. Not every vehicle of these models and years is included, so check your VIN.

What is the fix for the Escape backup camera recall?

Yes. Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge.

Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C08.

When was recall 25V161 announced?

Ford Motor Company reported recall 25V161 to NHTSA on March 14, 2025. NHTSA lists the owner letter date as March 28, 2025.

This recall was filed 18 months ago, and vehicles were built over a span of 38 days. If your Escape was built in that window, the VIN check below is the way to confirm it is included.

How do I check if my Escape is part of recall 25V161?

Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If recall 25V161 is open on your Escape, 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 2025 Escape 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 Escape owners do about recall 25V161?

Check your VIN, schedule the free recall repair, and keep a repair order for every dealer visit.

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm recall 25V161000 applies to your Escape.
2. Call a Ford dealer and schedule the recall repair. Ask how long the repair takes and whether parts are in stock.
3. 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.
4. Keep a simple log of any camera symptoms with dates and mileage. Video of a warning light or the problem happening is strong evidence.
5. Count the days the vehicle is at the dealer. Days out of service add up toward California's 30-day presumption.
6. If the problem comes back after the repair, return to the dealer and contact a lemon law attorney.

What are Escape owners reporting to NHTSA?

Owners have filed 24 complaints with NHTSA about these vehicles since 2020, 0 of them about the rearview camera.

Too few NHTSA complaints about the rearview camera have been filed since recall 25V161 was reported (0) to say whether the fix is holding.

NHTSA’s public complaint database lists 24 owner complaints filed since 2020 for the vehicles in this recall, and 0 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.

• 2025 Ford Escape: 24 complaints in total, 0 about the rearview camera

Can recall 25V161 make my Escape 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.

Owners often ask whether this camera recall means their Escape qualifies as a lemon. Not by itself. Song-Beverly looks at whether a defect covered by the warranty substantially impairs use, value or safety and was not fixed after a reasonable number of repair 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 Escape 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.

Frequently asked questions about recall 25V161