Loss of Braking, Faulty Cameras, and Previous Fix Failures:
In Canada, Ford and Stellantis Recalls meets stringent federal safety standards is overseen by Transport Canada. Recently, the agency has flagged several critical safety campaigns, including one major recall impacting over 9,000 vehicles from manufacturers like Ford and Stellantis (which includes Dodge, Ram, and Chrysler).
This latest wave of recalls addresses serious defects that could compromise primary safety features, ranging from fundamental braking capability to the function of mandatory rearview cameras. What makes this announcement particularly alarming for some owners is that certain recalls involve vehicles where previous attempts to fix the problem have failed, requiring owners to return for a second, more effective remedy.
Vehicle safety recalls are a critical consumer protection measure. For Canadian drivers, knowing the specific models affected, the nature of the risk, and the simple steps to get a free, permanent fix is paramount. This in-depth guide provides all the necessary information for owners of the recalled Ford Bronco, Ford Escape, Dodge Journey, and Ram Promaster models to ensure their vehicle is safe and fully compliant.
The Ford Recalls—Braking and Botched Fixes
Ford has recently been involved in several large-scale safety campaigns in Canada, and two key issues demonstrate the severity of the defects and the challenges of ensuring a definitive repair.
The Loss of Power Brake Assist: A Critical Braking Failure
One of the most concerning defects impacts the power brake assist system in nearly 10,000 Ford vehicles.
Models Affected: This recall targets 9,344 Ford vehicles, specifically certain 2021 Ford Bronco and 2020–2021 Ford Escape models.
The Defect: The problem lies within the power brake assist system. A potential issue can cause a loss of power brake assistance. This doesn’t mean the brakes fail entirely, but the driver must apply significantly more force to the brake pedal to stop the vehicle.
Safety Consequence: The primary risk is a dangerous increase in stopping distance. Transport Canada has noted that the affected vehicles may not meet the minimum stopping requirements of Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. An extended stopping distance drastically increases the risk of a collision, especially during emergency braking situations on Canadian roads.
The Persistent Rearview Camera Problem
Another critical safety concern affecting Ford owners involves the essential rearview camera system, a feature mandated by federal law.
Models Involved in Previous Recalls (Over 9,000 Units): While this specific recall is part of a larger, ongoing campaign, earlier reports flagged around 9,000 Ford and Lincoln vehicles that required a second repair because the initial recall repairs were insufficient. These models included the Ford Edge (2021–2022) and Ford Explorer (2020–2023), among others.
The Second Fix: The issue typically involves a software problem that causes the rearview camera image to display incorrectly or not at all. The previous software updates applied by dealers failed to permanently resolve the issue for some vehicles. The new recall requires a different or more robust software solution to ensure the camera functions reliably every time the vehicle is shifted into reverse.
Action for Owners: Owners who had their camera software updated under a prior recall for these models should check their VIN to see if they are included in the campaign requiring a second, corrective repair to finally fix the camera functionality.
Canadian Driving Insight: The ability to stop quickly is crucial in Canada, where weather conditions can make roads slippery. Any compromise to the braking system, even if only requiring increased pedal force, poses a substantial winter driving hazard.
The Stellantis Recalls—Dodge and Ram Safety Failures
In addition to the Ford campaign, Transport Canada has focused on separate, major safety defects impacting popular models under the Stellantis umbrella, specifically Dodge and Ram vehicles.
Rearview Camera Failure in Dodge and Ram
Similar to the issues seen in Ford models, thousands of popular Dodge and Ram vehicles are being recalled for a faulty rearview camera system.
Models Affected: This recall campaign affects 9,533 vehicles in Canada, including the 2019–2020 Dodge Journey SUV and the 2019–2021 Ram Promaster commercial van.
The Defect: Transport Canada reports that a problem with the rearview camera component itself can cause the image to fail, either not displaying correctly or not appearing at all.
Safety Consequence: For large vehicles like the Ram Promaster van and the Dodge Journey SUV, the driver’s ability to see directly behind the vehicle is severely limited without the camera. A non-functional rearview camera increases the risk of a back-over crash, potentially leading to injury or death, especially in parking lots or driveways.
The Remedy: For these Dodge Journey and Ram Promaster models, the manufacturer will notify owners to take their vehicle to a Stellantis dealer to have the rearview camera replaced with a new, compliant unit, free of charge.
Other Stellantis Recalls of Note
While the over 9,000-vehicle count is primarily driven by the Dodge/Ram camera issue and the Ford braking problem, other Stellantis vehicles have also seen recent, smaller-scale Canadian recalls.
Dodge Dart Gear Shifting: Certain 2013–2016 Dodge Dart models have been recalled for a gear shifting problem that could pose a safety risk.
Ram Promaster Loss of Power: Separate from the camera issue, some 2024 and 2025 Ram Promaster vans were recalled due to a risk of sudden loss of power to the wheels, which is a severe hazard, especially when driving on highways.
Your Safety Action Plan—Checking Your Canadian Vehicle
For every Canadian vehicle owner, the responsibility of ensuring your car is safe rests on checking its status against the official Transport Canada database.
The Essential VIN Lookup Process
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is the only definitive way to know if your specific vehicle is included in any active or pending recall in Canada.
Locate Your VIN: Find the 17-character VIN on your dashboard (visible through the driver’s side of the windshield) or on the sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb. It’s also on your insurance and registration documents.
Visit Transport Canada: Use the official Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database (often linked through the government’s Canada.ca site).
Search the Database: Enter your VIN into the lookup tool. The system will clearly state if there are any unrepaired safety recalls associated with your vehicle.
Confirm the Fix: If a recall is found, note the Recall ID number and the described defect. This is the crucial information you need when calling the dealership.
The No-Cost Guarantee and What to Expect at the Dealership
Safety recalls are a consumer right protected by law in Canada; you should never have to pay for the repair.
Free Repair Mandate: Under Canadian federal safety regulations, manufacturers are required to remedy safety-related defects at no cost to the owner, regardless of the vehicle’s mileage, age, or warranty status.
Manufacturer Notification: The manufacturer (Ford, Stellantis/Dodge/Ram, etc.) is responsible for sending a notification letter by mail to the last registered owner on file. However, waiting for this letter is unwise, as mail can be delayed or misdirected.
Scheduling the Service: Contact your local authorized dealership for the brand (Ford dealer for a Bronco, Ram dealer for a Promaster).
Call Ahead: Confirm the dealer has the necessary replacement parts (like a new wiring harness, brake pads, or camera unit) or the latest software update before you drive there.
Book an Appointment: Schedule the recall repair. These fixes are usually quick, often taking less than an hour, but the time can vary based on the repair type and dealer availability.
Driving Safely on Canadian Roads
The recent Transport Canada recalls impacting over 9,000 vehicles, primarily focused on critical safety systems in Ford and Stellantis models, underscore the ongoing need for consumer awareness. Defects causing extended stopping distances in the Ford Bronco/Escape or the loss of rear visibility in the Dodge Journey and Ram Promaster are not minor inconveniences; they are immediate safety risks.
By using your VIN and the official Transport Canada database, you can quickly determine if your car is one of the thousands impacted. Do not rely solely on the mail notification—take proactive steps today to ensure your vehicle receives its free, federally mandated safety repair. Your vigilance is the final step in the safety chain, protecting yourself, your passengers, and fellow road users across Canada.
