2020 Ford F-150 · symptom sheet
Backup camera goes black or freezes
- 30owner reports
- 6,650median miles
- 1involved a crash
Newest report Feb 6, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
30 of the 75 reports of infotainment on the 2020 F-150 describe backup camera failure.
Part of Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails (75 reports)
Tick what matches of 30 reports
Backup camera failure on other F-150 years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2014, 2015, 2017, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the camera (30 reports) and the head unit or screen (13 reports).
Recalls and investigations
5 recalls on the electrical system cover the 2020 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the windshield wipers to fail.
Due to a poor electrical connection, the rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image.
An incorrect attachment nut may have been used to attach the battery positive (B+) power supply cable to the starter motor, possibly affecting the electrical conductivity, resulting in excess heat and electrical arcing.
The fastener securing the Power Distribution Box (PDB) 12V cable and Battery Monitoring System (BMS) eyelets to the positive battery terminal may loosen and affect the vehicle's systems such as instrument panel displays and braking or steering assist.
All 11 recalls on the 2020 Ford F-150, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the electrical system on the F-150
Rearview camera fmvss 111 noncompliance. Open.
Engine compartment fires. Closed aug 2, 2006, led to recall 05V-388.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 3,000 and 46,000 miles, from the 12 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 1 service bulletin or notice for the 2020 Ford F-150 that deal with this problem. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Ford Motor Company has determined certain 2020 Model Year Ford F-150, F-Super Duty and Explorer vehicles with a Ford factory-installed backup camera fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111 - Rear Visibility.
What owners wrote
“Back up camera is defective. Known issue of poor solder joints. Camera is now inoperable. Began as an occasional disconnect. Then camera works. Ford claims no issues however itâs know to be a problem on this series within owners group.”
Filed Feb 6, 2026
“My rear back up camera all of a sudden does not have a clear view when backing up, the view is very grainy, and you cannot see anything behind you, Ford has recalled 1.4 million back up camera's and is tell me my truck is not affected, but the same year trucks are also affected by the recall.”
Filed Oct 25, 2025
“The rearview camera is and impossible to see when the sun hits it or after dark During the day it is blurry half way up. Been cleaned over and over and makes no difference. Dealer says this is the way it is. I have and own several fords with no issues like this.”
Filed Feb 3, 2025
“The rear view camera turned black, sometimes purple, the image is distorted. I googled it and it says 700,000 F150's were recalled for this problem but when I called the Ford where I live they said it didn't have a recall”
Filed Nov 25, 2024
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 1 of 30 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 193 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 86 reports
- Transmission fails or needs replacement 66 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 44 reports
- Transmission drops into neutral or downshifts on its own 32 reports
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 28 reports
- Engine rattles or ticks 26 reports
- Windshield cracks or distorts 25 reports