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Ford Bronco Accessory Recall: Safety Concerns Over Rearview Camera Compatibility
Ford Motor Company, renowned for its innovation and reliability, is issuing a recall for a select number of Bronco upfit spare tire carrier kits. These kits, sold as official Ford Performance accessories, have sparked a safety recall due to compatibility issues with the rearview camera systems on specific 2024 and 2025 Ford Bronco models.
Details of the Recall and Affected Models
According to filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), eight Bronco accessory package part numbers are impacted. These kits span various editions, including the Matte Black Package (model years 2024 and 2025), Sinister Bronze Package, and both Matte Black and Matte Titanium/Gray versions of the Dark Trail Series Package. Notably, these accessory packages are not designed for two-door Bronco variants or Broncos with the rugged Sasquatch off-road package, ensuring that only select four-door models are affected.
What Triggered the Ford Bronco Recall?
Concerns arose when owners reported that, after installing these upfit spare tire carriers, the rearview camera failed to display images while reversing, potentially hindering driver visibility and safety. Ford's investigation, initiated on May 9, 2025, identified that 64 units intended for Broncos equipped with advanced 360-degree cameras were inadvertently installed on vehicles featuring only a rearview camera setup. These incompatibilities led to blank screens upon shifting into reverse, a clear violation of safety expectations for modern SUVs.
Warranty Claims and Dealer Response
Prior to the official recall, Ford had already received three warranty claims related to this issue, dating back to August 14, 2024. Some Ford dealerships had proactively identified and rectified the compatibility concerns, swapping in the correct camera equipment for affected customers. As part of the recall process, Ford will notify registered owners and lessees between August 4 and August 8, 2025. All inspections and, if necessary, camera replacements will be performed free of charge, emphasizing Ford’s commitment to customer satisfaction and road safety.
Performance, Pricing, and Package Details
The recalled accessory kits are engineered for Broncos powered by the base 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine or the more robust 2.7-liter unit. These engines are mated to either a seven-speed manual or ten-speed automatic transmission, providing versatility for different driving needs. The upfit packages—especially those designed for the Outer Banks Lux trim—offer a suite of visual and performance upgrades. Features include a heavy-duty spare tire carrier, extended fender flares, matte-black alloy wheels, black lug nuts, a 2.0-inch suspension lift for enhanced off-road capability, and a ProCal calibration tool.
Matte black styling accents extend to grille caps, script badges, and exclusive rear Bronco badging, capped off with a smoked Blue Oval emblem—a signature touch for Bronco enthusiasts seeking custom flair. These accessory kits are competitively priced at $5,200 for most options, with the Dark Trail Series variants retailing for $5,600.
Warranty Coverage and Installation Standards
Ford Performance packages are backed by a three-year/36,000-mile warranty, applicable when installation is completed by certified Ford dealerships or ASE/Red Seal-certified technicians, ensuring the best performance and peace of mind for owners.
Market Position and Competitive Landscape
Starting at $38,995 for the 2025 model year base two-door Bronco with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost, the Bronco maintains strong appeal for adventure seekers, while the top-tier Bronco Raptor commands $79,995, emphasizing Ford’s breadth in the SUV market. This recall, though specific, underscores Ford’s dedication to maintaining the Bronco’s reputation for safety and reliability amid fierce competition from rivals like the Jeep Wrangler and Toyota 4Runner.
Stay tuned as Ford continues to enhance both the safety and customization options for Bronco drivers worldwide.
Source: autoevolution
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