National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) officials announced on Monday the commencement of a preliminary evaluation into approximately 35,950 Ford Flex vehicles across the United States. The investigation stems from numerous reports of rear-view camera failures, raising concerns about potential safety risks for drivers and pedestrians.
The federal agency disclosed that it has received 23 complaints from Ford Flex owners, all pertaining to the 2019 model year. These reports detail various issues with the rear-view camera system, including blank screens, distorted images, and inverted displays. Such malfunctions could significantly impair a driver’s ability to detect obstacles or pedestrians when reversing, potentially leading to accidents or injuries.
The NHTSA’s decision to launch this investigation underscores the agency’s commitment to ensuring vehicle safety and compliance with federal standards. Rear-view cameras have been mandatory in all new vehicles sold in the United States since May 2018, a regulation implemented to reduce backover accidents and enhance driver awareness.
Ford Motor Company, in response to the NHTSA’s announcement, stated that it is cooperating fully with the agency to support the investigation. A spokesperson for the automaker said, “We take the safety of our customers very seriously and are working closely with NHTSA to assist in their evaluation.”
The preliminary evaluation is the first step in the NHTSA’s investigative process. During this phase, the agency will gather and analyse data from various sources, including manufacturer records, consumer complaints, and field reports. If the evaluation uncovers evidence of a safety-related defect, the NHTSA may upgrade the investigation to an engineering analysis, which could potentially lead to a recall.
Experts in automotive safety emphasise the importance of functioning rear-view cameras in modern vehicles. Dr. Sarah Johnson, a transportation safety researcher at the University of Michigan, commented on the situation: “Rear-view cameras play a crucial role in preventing backover accidents, especially in larger vehicles like the Ford Flex. Any malfunction in these systems could pose a significant risk to pedestrians, particularly children and the elderly.”
The Ford Flex, a full-size crossover SUV, was discontinued after the 2019 model year, making this investigation particularly notable as it focuses on the final production run of the vehicle. Owners of 2019 Ford Flex vehicles are advised to remain vigilant and report any issues with their rear-view camera systems to both Ford and the NHTSA.
As the investigation progresses, the NHTSA will determine whether a safety recall is necessary. If a recall is issued, Ford would be required to notify all affected vehicle owners and provide a remedy at no cost to consumers.