The technology replacing mirrors keeps getting recalled, and the situation is only getting worse

Problems with rearview cameras in cars

Nissan, Stellantis, and Volkswagen have become the latest manufacturers to announce vehicle recalls due to faulty rearview cameras. Since this technology became mandatory in the US in 2018, over 180 recalls related to these systems have been registered.

Ford has the most issues with rearview cameras—this company leads both in the number of recalls and the number of affected vehicles. Among the main problems are the absence of an image on the screen, intermittent operation, blurry picture, or delayed transmission, which can lead to dangerous situations during parking.

Recall statistics

Since 2018, over 12.3 million vehicles have been recalled due to rearview camera malfunctions. Most issues arise from software errors rather than mechanical damage. In 2025, the situation worsened: in the first half of the year alone, 30 recalls have already been registered, affecting 2.8 million vehicles.

The latest models subject to recalls include the Nissan Frontier and Kicks, as well as the Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport. In total, over 250,000 of these vehicles are affected.

Which manufacturers have the most problems?

Ford is the absolute leader in the number of recalls—35 cases affecting 4.6 million vehicles. In second place is Stellantis (formerly FCA) with 20 recalls and 1.7 million vehicles. Nissan ranks third (9 recalls, 1.6 million cars).

Meanwhile, manufacturers like General Motors and Toyota show much better performance. GM has recalled only 106,000 vehicles due to camera issues, and Toyota—95,000.

The reliability of rearview cameras is becoming especially important against the backdrop of the trend toward reduced visibility due to the design of new electric vehicles. Some models, such as the Jaguar EV, do not have a rear window at all, making cameras the only way to monitor the situation behind the vehicle.

Overall, while rearview camera technology improves safety, its implementation is accompanied by significant technical problems. Manufacturers will have to find ways to increase the reliability of these systems, especially given their growing importance in modern vehicles.

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