NHTSA Complaint #11682649 — 2013 FORD F-150

The issue involves the rear backup camera system on my 2013 Ford F-150. The camera functions intermittently — sometimes it goes completely black, other times it freezes and does not change image, and occasionally displays a message that says "Camera Unavailable." This happens unpredictably and may change mid-use, even while the vehicle is actively reversing.e component that has failed is the rear-view backup camera system, which appears to be a software-related malfunction (as similar issues have been recalled in newer Ford models). The vehicle and system are available for inspection upon request.This failure presents a significant safety hazard. Because the camera may stop working mid-reverse, it can result in an inability to see behind the vehicle, potentially causing injury to pedestrians (especially children or people in blind spots), damage to property, or accidents in tight spaces. The inconsistent nature of the issue makes it particularly dangerous, as a driver may unknowingly rely on a malfunctioning system.Yes, I contacted the local Ford dealership to report the issue. They acknowledged the possibility of a software or system issue but stated I would need to pay $250 for a diagnostic, which would not go toward the cost of any repair. Due to the high diagnostic fee and the fact that this may be a systemic issue, I have not proceeded further yet.There were no prior warning lamps or alerts before the issue started. The only messages displayed occur at the moment of failure and include "Camera Unavailable" or a blank screen with no visual feed. These symptoms began in April 2025 and have continued sporadically since then.I am submitting this complaint because this is a serious safety concern, and I believe there may be a broader software issue affecting earlier Ford models, similar to those recalled in newer vehicles. As the driver, I should not bear responsibility for a system that is inherently defective and critical to safe vehicle operation.