NHTSA Complaint #11562368 — 2018 FORD FOCUS

When weather began to get cold in 2023, the car's Sync system and all associated electronics (back up camera, usb ports, radio, navigation, touch screen, etc.,) went dark. At first 30% of the time, but within weeks the system was dead. Looking online, we found many other people having similar experiences with Ford products. The Ford dealership who serviced the problem said it was very common in Ford 150s. At first the component would fail and turn off and on intermittently. There was no warning. It would cut out or resume mid trip. Within a day or so, failure and possible resumption only happened when the car was turned on from a full stop and key removal. Updating the Sync system was not an option as it would go black or not connect to any methods. Dealership was unable to attempt an update as well. The part was replaced by a ford dealership. I no longer have it but they may. This puts myself and others at risk for multiple reasons a) Backup Camera display failing unexpectedly, b) navigation system failing unexpectedly, c) electrical component failure in the car may lead to other electrical systems failing. The issue was investigated and reproduced by Lilliston Ford in Vineland, NJ on Dec 21, when they deemed it a failure of the AIMS component and said it required full replacement. It was at this time they indicated that they are seeing it in other Ford vehicles. There were no symptoms. It was a fairly rapid degeneration from "sometimes" to "constant" failure within 2-3 weeks.