NHTSA Complaint #11482190 — 2016 FORD FUSION

Approximately 3 weeks ago my teenage driver called me at work to inform me that his display was "black" and he had no radio. When asked to provide more details, he said that the display screen in the care, which is a touchscreen that is divided into 4 sections (phone, navigation, climate, radio) was not functioning like intended. This screen also displays the backup view when in reverse. He also stated that there is no radio, his phone does not connect via Bluetooth as it did previously to allow for hands-free driving. My son said the screen was functioning as intended when he parked his car for the night, but upon starting the next day it was black- no warning or other symptoms of this problem. We had the car evaluated at the Ford dealership and told it could be two things, but unsure which-tech said have to fix one first and if that doesn't work then the other. APIM failure is one of the two potential problems. My son is a teenage driver, the lack of Bluetooth connectivity and the safety net of the backup display poses a risk for (1) driving distraction related to inability for hands-free driving (2) backup rearview display and additional alerts while car is in reverse malfunctioning increasing the likelihood of collision when in reverse. Ford has known issues with APIMs in various 2017 and newer makes/models.