What is the screen recall on the Ford Explorer?
For Ford Explorer owners, there isn’t a single, universal “screen recall.” Instead, Ford has issued multiple recall campaigns over the years that address infotainment touchscreen issues in certain model years. If your vehicle is affected, the center display can go dark, freeze, or become unresponsive, which may limit access to navigation, audio, and certain vehicle information. Repairs are typically performed by a dealer at no cost to the owner, based on the vehicle’s VIN.
What triggers the recall and which models are affected
Recall campaigns involving the Explorer’s infotainment screen vary by production date and region. The specific model years and VIN ranges affected are identified in official notices, and new campaigns can be added as issues are found. The common thread is a problem with the center display (or related SYNC electronics) that can impair the user interface or related functions. Always verify against official sources for your exact vehicle.
Why these recalls occur
Infotainment recalls typically arise from hardware failures in the display module, wiring or power supply, or software faults within the SYNC system. The aim of the recalls is to ensure the driver has reliable access to essential information and controls, even if the screen itself is malfunctioning. Ford’s process is to diagnose the issue, confirm the affected VINs, and perform the approved remedy at no charge to the owner when the campaign is active.
How to check if your Explorer is affected
To determine whether your vehicle is part of an active recall for the infotainment screen, use official VIN-checking tools and contact your dealer. This lookup is the most reliable way to confirm eligibility and the required remedy.
- Locate your vehicle’s VIN. It’s a 17-character code found on the driver’s door jamb sticker, the windshield, or your vehicle registration/card.
- Visit the official recall lookup sources (NHTSA’s site and Ford’s recall portal) and enter the VIN to see active recalls, including any screen/display-related campaigns.
- Contact a Ford dealer with the VIN to confirm recall status, get a repair appointment, and receive any required documentation.
If your VIN shows an active recall, scheduled service will be performed at no cost to you. If there is no active recall, but you’re still experiencing screen issues, the dealer can diagnose other non-recall causes and provide paid service if applicable.
What happens during the recall remedy
Remedies vary by campaign, but typically involve one or more of the following actions. The exact steps depend on the specific recall notice tied to your VIN.
- Replacement of the infotainment center display or related module and connectors.
- Software updates or reprogramming of the SYNC system to fix the underlying fault.
- Inspection or replacement of damaged wiring harnesses or power supplies linked to the display system.
- Diagnostic testing to verify the repair resolved the issue and confirm ongoing functionality of connected features.
Repairs are performed at Ford dealerships at no charge to the owner, and the time required can range from under an hour to a few hours depending on parts availability and the specific campaign.
Staying informed and next steps
Keep your information current and stay proactive about recalls. The screen-related recalls can be updated as new information becomes available, so regular checks are wise.
- Sign up for recall alerts and periodically re-check your VIN on official sites, especially if you’ve heard of new campaigns.
- Register your vehicle with Ford and create a MyFord Account to receive notices and track recall status.
- When a recall is announced for your VIN, contact your local Ford dealer promptly to schedule the free repair and confirm parts availability.
- After service, request documentation of the repair and the recall completion for your records.
By staying informed and acting promptly, Explorer owners can ensure the infotainment system remains reliable and that driver access to essential information is preserved during recall repairs.
Summary: The Ford Explorer screen recall landscape is not a single event but a set of campaigns targeting infotainment display issues in specific model years and VINs. Owners should check their VIN against official recall databases, schedule free dealer repairs if an active recall exists, and maintain records of any recall-related work. Regular monitoring of recall notices helps ensure continued access to a fully functioning center display and SYNC system.
What is the Ford recall black screen?
According to the recall notice, posted Oct. 13 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the rearview camera on certain Ford vehicles can display distorted images or a blank screen when a vehicle is in reverse, increasing the risk of a crash.
What is the major recall on the Ford Explorer?
Ford Motor Company has issued multiple recalls for the 2021 Ford Explorer to fix problems ranging from faulty airbag fasteners to rear suspension issues. The latest Ford Explorer 2021 recall stems from a defective rear axle horizontal mounting bolt.
What is the Ford screen recall?
Ford Motor Company is recalling nearly 230,000 vehicles in the United States due to a software flaw in the instrument panel display. The issue can prevent critical information, such as warning lights and vehicle speed, from appearing, increasing the risk of a crash.
What is the blue screen recall on Ford Explorer?
Frequently Asked Questions. What is the issue tied to this recall? When certain 2020-2023 model-year Explorer® SUVs are placed in Reverse — or when the 360-degree view is selected — the SYNC screen may intermittently display an image of blue or black (during low-speed operation).
