Warning! 250K cars recalled for dangerous backup camera problem

October 11, 2019

A potentially dangerous malfunction has one major car manufacturer recalling more than 250,000 vehicles of various models. Other makes and models are also included in the recall. The malfunction affects the vehicles’ rear camera displays. Drivers who change certain settings can trigger a glitch in which the rearview image is no longer visible on the dash display.

Drivers generally rely on the rear camera display to make sure people aren’t walking behind them when they pull out of a driveway or parking space, so this dangerous problem can lead to serious consequences.

Here’s what you need to know about the recall, which is being done in conjunction with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Cause of malfunction

The recall affects various BMW models and the malfunction occurs when drivers adjust the brightness or contrast of the backup camera and display settings. Those simple actions cause the rearview image to no longer be visible on the console.

The cars’ systems will retain the abnormal setting the next time the vehicles are placed in reverse. The NHTSA says the problem makes the vehicles non-compliant with federal requirements regarding rearview mirrors.

The NHTSA adds that the lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash. So far no injuries have been reported.

Also affected by the lack of the rearview image are some Rolls Royce models and the Toyota Supra. The total number of recalls is 257,481.

Fixing the problem

The NHTSA says BMW is expected to begin notifying owners soon and will begin the recalls Nov. 19. Dealers will update the backup camera software free of charge.

If you have questions, you can call BMW at 1-800-525-7417, Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735 or Toyota at 1-888-270-9371.