2021-2022 Ford F-250 SD Backup Camera Software Recall (25V686)

Recall 25V686 at a glance

What is wrong with the 2021-2022 Ford F-250 SD in recall 25V686?

The 360-degree view camera system may not display a rearview image properly in certain lighting conditions.

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, and F-450 SD vehicles. The 360-degree view camera system may not display a rearview image properly in certain lighting conditions.

Is it safe to drive a 2021-2022 F-250 SD with recall 25V686?

NHTSA has not told owners to stop driving, but the risk is real: A rearview camera image that does not display properly can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

NHTSA describes the risk this way: A rearview camera image that does not display properly can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

There is no do-not-drive order on this campaign. If your F-250 SD 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 25V686?

Recall 25V686 covers 291,901 vehicles: 2021-2022 Ford F-250 SD; 2021-2022 Ford F-350 SD; 2021-2022 Ford F-450 SD.

NHTSA lists 291,901 vehicles in this campaign. Not every vehicle of these models and years is included, so check your VIN.

What is the fix for the F-250 SD backup camera software recall?

An interim notice went out first. Check NHTSA to see if the final repair is now available for your VIN.

Dealers will update the image processing module software, free of charge.This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on October 30, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the remedy is available on each phase. Owner notification letters were mailed May 19, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA8. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 13, 2025.

When was recall 25V686 announced?

Ford Motor Company reported recall 25V686 to NHTSA on October 10, 2025. NHTSA lists the owner letter date as May 19, 2026.

This recall was filed 11 months ago. If your F-250 SD was built in that window, the VIN check below is the way to confirm it is included.

How do I check if my F-250 SD is part of recall 25V686?

Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If recall 25V686 is open on your F-250 SD, 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 2021-2022 F-250 SD 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 F-250 SD owners do about recall 25V686?

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 25V686000 applies to your F-250 SD.
2. Call a Ford dealer and schedule the recall repair. Ask how long the repair takes and whether parts are in stock.
3. Keep a copy of every repair order. Check that each one lists your complaint, the mileage, and the dates in and out.
4. Write down when symptoms involving the software happen: date, mileage, speed, weather and what you felt or heard. Photos and short videos help.
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 recall repair does not fix it, or the vehicle keeps going back for the same issue, talk to a lemon law attorney.

What are F-250 SD owners reporting to NHTSA?

Owners have filed 537 complaints with NHTSA about these vehicles since 2020, 19 of them about the rearview camera.

NHTSA’s public complaint database lists 537 owner complaints filed since 2020 for the vehicles in this recall, and 19 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 F-250 SD: 165 complaints in total, 7 about the rearview camera
• 2022 Ford F-250 SD: 123 complaints in total, 2 about the rearview camera
• 2022 Ford F-350 SD: 111 complaints in total, 6 about the rearview camera
• 2021 Ford F-350 SD: 96 complaints in total, 4 about the rearview camera
• 2022 Ford F-450 SD: 24 complaints in total, 0 about the rearview camera
• 2021 Ford F-450 SD: 18 complaints in total, 0 about the rearview camera

Here is what some owners told NHTSA, in their own words (excerpts, unverified):

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-350. The contact stated that the back over prevention camera failed to function as intended. In addition, an error message indicated that the camera was unavailable and to contact the dealer.

2021 Ford F-350 SD owner, MT, NHTSA complaint 11655026, filed April 16, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-350. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V686000 (Back Over Prevention) and 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled while the accelerator pedal was depressed.

2021 Ford F-350 SD owner, CA, NHTSA complaint 11719967, filed February 23, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-350. The contact stated that the back over prevention camera had been inoperable since purchasing the vehicle. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V048000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the VIN tool showed no open recall. The local dealer was contacted.

2021 Ford F-350 SD owner, FL, NHTSA complaint 11729638, filed April 7, 2026

Can recall 25V686 make my F-250 SD 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 software recall means their F-250 SD 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.

This is not the first recall for this problem. When a manufacturer has to recall the same software again, that suggests the earlier fix did not work. If your 2021-2022 Ford F-250 SD has had this repair more than once, keep every repair order.

Earlier campaigns on these vehicles involving the same component: 25V134000, 25V315000, 25V442000.

Civil Code 1793.22(b) sets out a presumption that applies in the first 18 months or 18,000 miles: two or more repair attempts for a defect likely to cause death or serious bodily injury, four or more attempts for the same defect, or more than 30 total days out of service for repairs. Written notice to the manufacturer is required in some cases. Owners outside that window can still have 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 25V686