Ford has issued a widespread recall affecting more than 128,000 of its full-size Bronco SUVs, citing serious safety concerns with the vehicles’ rearview cameras. The issue stems from a defect that causes the display screen to go blue or black when shifting into reverse—leaving drivers essentially blind when backing up.
At The Barry Law Firm, we represent California consumers who’ve purchased or leased defective vehicles. Whether it’s a Ford Bronco camera recall, infotainment system failure, or another persistent safety issue, you may be eligible for compensation under California’s Lemon Law.
If you own a 2022–2023 Ford Bronco with a 360-degree camera system, your vehicle may be at risk—and it’s important to understand your rights and options. This isn’t just a small recall—it’s a warning sign about how high-tech safety systems can fail when they’re needed most.
The Ford Bronco recall 2023 is just one example of increasing problems tied to tech-heavy vehicles. When essential features like backup cameras or sensors fail, drivers are left without critical visibility. And for those dealing with 2022 Ford Bronco defects, the problems often go beyond the camera—ranging from infotainment glitches to mechanical concerns.
For California drivers, this isn’t just an inconvenience—it could be grounds for a Lemon Law claim. When essential safety features like rearview cameras fail, and repairs don’t stick, the law offers protection. Ford may be on the hook for refunding or replacing the vehicle.
What’s Going On With Ford’s Bronco Camera Recall?
The Ford Bronco recall—officially known as Ford Motor Company Recall 23S48—applies to specific Broncos equipped with the optional 360-degree camera package. According to reports filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), affected drivers may experience their SYNC display screen flashing blue or black when the camera system is triggered.
This can happen when the vehicle is shifted into reverse or when the 360-degree view is manually activated. In either case, the backup camera fails to function as intended. This defect severely compromises visibility, especially in crowded parking lots, tight alleys, or around small children and pedestrians.
Owners have reported frustration as the issue seems to occur intermittently, making it hard to predict when the system will fail. Even worse, the problem may appear to fix itself temporarily, only to resurface unexpectedly. This inconsistency makes the defect even more dangerous.
In the broader context of Ford SUV recalls, this issue reflects a troubling pattern where multiple Ford models experience persistent technology and hardware failures. The Bronco has also been subject to separate issues, including the Bronco door latch recall, which added to concerns about overall safety.
Additionally, the issue affects the trust drivers place in their vehicle. When you can’t rely on a federally required safety feature, confidence in the entire vehicle drops. Some drivers may start avoiding reverse altogether or become overly cautious—changing how they drive out of fear.
This loss of confidence isn’t just psychological—it may affect how owners use their Bronco in daily life, whether parking, backing into driveways, or navigating job sites. The camera system is marketed as a convenience and safety feature, but in this case, it has become a liability.
Why Is This Happening? 
Unlike some recalls driven by software bugs, the Ford Bronco camera defect is hardware-related. The root cause lies in the camera’s internal electrical connector. Over time, microscopic movements between tin-coated contact surfaces can result in corrosion and the formation of tin oxide, interrupting signal flow.
Additionally, manufacturing misalignments can cause the internal contacts to deform, further degrading the circuit and disrupting the video feed. In plain terms: no software update can fix this. A full hardware replacement of the camera unit is required.
These hardware failures are especially concerning because they originate from poor material choices and design flaws. Tin-plated connectors are known to degrade over time—particularly in environments exposed to moisture, vibration, and temperature fluctuations.
For a rugged vehicle like the Bronco, which is often driven off-road or in unpredictable weather, these conditions are expected. That makes the use of fragile components even more problematic. The design simply doesn’t match the vehicle’s intended use.
The Ford Bronco NHTSA recall documentation confirms that this isn’t just an isolated issue but a systemic failure affecting core vehicle safety features. From camera defects to latch issues, these SUVs are facing growing scrutiny from federal regulators and consumers alike.
Buyers shouldn’t have to pay the price for engineering shortcuts. When the parts used in key safety systems aren’t built to last, manufacturers must be held accountable. That’s what California’s Lemon Law is designed to do.
What Should Ford Bronco Owners Do?
Ford has announced it will begin notifying affected owners starting May 5, 2025. If you receive a recall notice—or suspect your vehicle is impacted—you should schedule a free repair with your dealership as soon as possible.
You can also proactively check your vehicle’s status by entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) at NHTSA.gov or by calling 1-888-327-4236.
Don’t wait for the issue to become more severe. A failing backup camera puts you, your passengers, and bystanders at risk every time you shift into reverse. Documenting your experience now can also strengthen your case later.
If your Bronco has already been in for repairs but the issue keeps coming back, take note. Under California’s Lemon Law, repeated unsuccessful repair attempts for the same issue may entitle you to legal relief. That includes refund, replacement, or cash compensation.
Also, be aware that some dealerships may offer temporary fixes or dismiss the issue altogether. Insist on full documentation of all service visits and request a copy of any diagnosis. Keep emails, receipts, and written statements for your records.
Some Bronco owners have reported that they were unaware of the camera recall until it was too late—leading to minor collisions or unsafe conditions. Don’t let that happen to you. Stay proactive, stay informed, and get your vehicle evaluated quickly.
If your dealership confirms the defect but doesn’t have parts available, continue documenting your attempts to schedule the repair. Delays or repeated failures to fix the issue may strengthen your lemon law claim even further.
Why Is This a Safety and Financial Concern?
A malfunctioning backup camera increases the risk of backover accidents, property damage, or injury—especially in driveways, parking garages, or school zones. These situations demand precision and visibility. When a screen fails, it compromises driver awareness and endangers others.
The federal government requires all new vehicles to be equipped with a rear visibility system, making a functional backup camera a legal safety requirement. Failure to comply—even temporarily—poses a legal and regulatory concern.
For families, this defect is even more alarming. Parents backing out of a driveway need absolute certainty that nothing is behind them. A black or blue screen could lead to tragedy in seconds.
Financially, unresolved defects often lead to missed work, additional dealership trips, rental car costs, and the loss of reliable transportation. These aren’t small expenses—they can quickly add up and disrupt your life.
Your vehicle’s resale value may also drop if it’s associated with an unresolved or recurring defect. Buyers are increasingly cautious about used vehicles with known recall histories, especially when they involve safety systems.
These financial concerns only grow with time. The longer the issue persists or recurs, the harder it becomes to sell the vehicle, maintain your lifestyle, or have confidence in its safety. California’s Lemon Law offers a path forward when manufacturers fall short.
What Vehicles Are Affected? 
According to Ford’s official recall documentation, this issue affects 2022–2023 Ford Broncos (excluding the Bronco Sport) that are equipped with the optional 360-degree camera system. Over 128,000 vehicles are included in the recall campaign.
Ford has not yet confirmed whether this defect affects other models or trims in future production runs, but investigations are ongoing. If you drive a Bronco and experience backup camera issues, it’s best to act now—even if you haven’t received formal notice.
Vehicle owners who lease their Broncos are also covered under California’s Lemon Law. You do not need to own the vehicle outright to pursue legal action. Leaseholders have the same consumer rights when it comes to defective safety systems.
If you purchased your Bronco used from a dealership and are now experiencing these camera problems, you may still be eligible. California Lemon Law applies to many types of transactions—not just brand-new purchases.
Many of the complaints associated with the Ford Bronco recall 2023 suggest that additional components—like electrical harnesses or in-dash displays—may also be compromised. Future recalls could expand based on continued investigations.
The scale of this issue suggests it could grow. If your vehicle isn’t yet listed but suffers from similar defects, you may still have a valid legal claim. The 2022 Ford Bronco defects reported thus far suggest a wider trend that California drivers should be prepared to challenge.
How The Barry Law Firm Can Help
At The Barry Law Firm, we specialize in helping California consumers take legal action against manufacturers when their vehicles fail to meet quality and safety standards. If your Ford Bronco has been in the shop repeatedly for camera malfunctions, electrical defects, or other safety issues, you may be entitled to a refund, replacement, or cash compensation under California’s Lemon Law.
Why Work with The Barry Law Firm?
Lemon Law Expertise – We specialize in California Lemon Law cases and know how to hold manufacturers accountable.
No Upfront Costs – The California Lemon Law requires the manufacturer to pay our fees. That means, at The Barry Law Firm, we will never charge you, no matter the outcome of your case.
Proven Success – We have helped thousands of consumers obtain favorable settlements for their defective vehicles.
Personalized Attention – We handle all legal paperwork and negotiations so you don’t have to deal with the stress.
If Ford’s recall repair or dealership service hasn’t resolved your Bronco’s safety issue, you may have a case. Contact us to explore your options
Conclusion
Ford’s recall of more than 128,000 Bronco SUVs underscores a growing issue in the auto industry: high-tech systems failing at the worst possible time. From blank backup camera screens to hardware defects that can’t be fixed with software, the consequences for drivers are serious—and potentially dangerous.
These failures are particularly frustrating because they affect vehicles marketed as premium, adventure-ready models. When a core safety system like a backup camera doesn’t work, the vehicle’s reliability comes into question—along with the brand’s commitment to quality.
California’s Lemon Law was created to protect consumers from exactly these kinds of problems. If your Ford Bronco safety issue continues after multiple service attempts—even if your dealer tries to fix it—you don’t have to settle. You have rights.
At The Barry Law Firm, we specialize in holding manufacturers accountable. We’ve helped thousands of California drivers fight back against persistent defects, unsafe vehicles, and failed repairs. Our track record with Ford Bronco NHTSA recall cases gives us the insight and experience you need.
Our goal is simple: Get you back on the road—with a vehicle that works the way it should. No more temporary fixes. No more dealership runarounds. Just results.
Contact The Barry Law Firm today for a FAST & FREE consultation. Let us help you assert your rights, fix your situation, and fight for the outcome you deserve.
Email
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
