2021-2023 Ford F-150 Backup Camera Display Recall (26V489)

Recall 26V489 at a glance

What is wrong with the 2021-2023 Ford F-150 in recall 26V489?

A software error may cause the rearview camera image to be obstructed by the infotainment home screen menu when the vehicle is placed in reverse.

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 F-150 and 2023-2026 F-250 SD vehicles equipped with 8-inch SYNC infotainment screens. A software error may cause the rearview camera image to be obstructed by the infotainment home screen menu when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Is it safe to drive a 2021-2023 F-150 with recall 26V489?

NHTSA has not told owners to stop driving, but the risk is real: An obstructed rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

NHTSA describes the risk this way: An obstructed rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

There is no do-not-drive order on this campaign. If your F-150 shows warning lights or behaves differently in a way that involves the display function, have it checked before driving further.

Which vehicles are included in recall 26V489?

Recall 26V489 covers 47,587 vehicles: 2021-2023 Ford F-150; 2023-2026 Ford F-250 SD.

NHTSA lists 47,587 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-150 backup camera display recall?

Yes. The fix is an over-the-air software update.

The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 7, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C37. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 31, 2026.

When was recall 26V489 announced?

Ford Motor Company reported recall 26V489 to NHTSA on July 28, 2026.

This recall was filed 2 months ago. If your F-150 was built in that window, the VIN check below is the way to confirm it is included.

How do I check if my F-150 is part of recall 26V489?

Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If recall 26V489 is open on your F-150, it will be listed there.

Enter your 17-character VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup. It shows any open safety recall on your vehicle, including 26V489000. Your VIN is on the registration card, the insurance card, and the driver side of the dashboard where it meets the windshield. Recent recalls can take a few days to appear in the lookup.

What should F-150 owners do about recall 26V489?

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 26V489000 applies to your F-150.
2. Book the recall appointment with any authorized Ford dealer. Ask up front whether parts are available and how long the vehicle will be there.
3. Keep a copy of every repair order. Check that each one lists your complaint, the mileage, and the dates in and out.
4. Keep a simple log of any display function 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 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-150 owners reporting to NHTSA?

Owners have filed 2,123 complaints with NHTSA about these vehicles since 2020, 32 of them about the rearview camera.

Too few NHTSA complaints about the rearview camera have been filed since recall 26V489 was reported (0) to say whether the fix is holding.

NHTSA’s public complaint database lists 2,123 owner complaints filed since 2020 for the vehicles in this recall, and 32 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-150: 1,015 complaints in total, 23 about the rearview camera
• 2022 Ford F-150: 594 complaints in total, 6 about the rearview camera
• 2023 Ford F-150: 408 complaints in total, 1 about the rearview camera
• 2023 Ford F-250 SD: 43 complaints in total, 1 about the rearview camera
• 2024 Ford F-250 SD: 38 complaints in total, 1 about the rearview camera
• 2025 Ford F-250 SD: 16 complaints in total, 0 about the rearview camera
• 2026 Ford F-250 SD: 9 complaints in total, 0 about the rearview camera

Examples of what owners have reported to NHTSA (unverified excerpts):

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera failed to display an image, compromising the backup prevention system. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated.

2021 Ford F-150 owner, VA, NHTSA complaint 11651106, filed March 27, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while reversing into their driveway, the back over prevention display rear view camera was frozen, no warning lights were illuminated, and in the process, the contact crashed into the corner of their house with the rear passenger tail light.

2021 Ford F-150 owner, OH, NHTSA complaint 11671039, filed July 3, 2025

The contact called on behalf of the owner of a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V315000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). However, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact was the caller's son.

2021 Ford F-150 owner, GA, NHTSA complaint 11671109, filed July 3, 2025

Can recall 26V489 make my F-150 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.

Because the remedy is an over-the-air update, there may be no repair order unless you take the 2021-2023 Ford F-150 in. If the symptom continues after the update, get it documented at the dealer so it counts.

Earlier campaigns on these vehicles involving the same component: 23V573000.

California law presumes a reasonable number of attempts has been made if, within 18 months or 18,000 miles of delivery, the same problem was repaired two or more times for a defect likely to cause death or serious injury, four or more times for any covered defect, or the vehicle was out of service for repairs more than 30 days in total (Civ. Code 1793.22(b)). Some of these require written notice to the manufacturer. A claim can still succeed outside that window.

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 26V489