NHTSA Complaint #11505194 — 2014 FORD ESCAPE

The back-up camera has been out on my 2014 Ford Escape Titanium for years. I am constantly told by the dealership that it needs a software update and that it is a couple hundred dollars to do this. This is absurd to me that software updates are needed for backup cameras to continue to work properly AND that the consumer should be expected to pay for this. I do feel this is a safety issue, as since cameras have been placed on some vehicles years ago, people have grown accustom to using them. They are a huge safety factor in crowded, busy parking lots from my perspective. The backup cameras are also a GREAT safety feature for young, inexperienced drivers. It is my understanding that at this time, some of the NEWER Ford models currently have an issue with backup cameras NOT working and there has been a recall issued to correct it. How is this fair to consumers who have older Ford models or different Ford models but are experiencing the SAME issues as it pertains to back-up cameras not functioning properly and are told they need to pay out of pocket for the software update? I am writing a letter to Ford & I have also provided feedback over the phone to them and been given a case number. Windows does not charge me for software updates on my computer, nor does my cell phone carrier charge me for updates on my phone. It should be a cost of doing business if cameras are going to be offered as a feature on vehicles.