Nearly 7M Cars Have Unfixed Backup Camera Recalls: CARFAX

Recalls related to backup cameras have risen sharply, up by more than a million since the start of the year, according to CARFAX data.

Nearly 7 million vehicles on U.S. roads have unfixed recalls on their backup camera system, which can reduce driver visibility and increase the risk of a crash.

The recalls stem from a range of issues, including blank or distorted screens, frozen images, and intermittent camera failures.

Last week, Tesla recalled more than 210,000 vehicles due to lagging rearview camera images, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Backup cameras increase vehicle safety by significantly reducing the risk of fatalities and serious injuries caused by back-over accidents, according to NHTSA.

“Backup cameras are a critical safety feature and when they don’t work properly, can significantly limit what drivers see behind them,” said Faisal Hasan, vice president of Data Acquisition. “With millions of vehicles still carrying unfixed recalls, it’s important for drivers to check for open recalls and get them repaired as soon as possible. These fixes are free and can help prevent potential accidents.”

10 states with the highest number of unfixed camera recalls include:

1. Texas: 696,000
2. California: 545,000
3. Florida: 492,000
4. Michigan: 332,000
5. Ohio: 282,000
6. Illinois: 273,000
7. New York: 269,000
8. Pennsylvania: 263,000
9. Georgia: 220,000
10. North Carolina: 216,000

The vehicle history company says several factors are contributing to the rise in camera-related recalls.

Since 2018, federal regulations require backup cameras on all new vehicles sold in the U.S. that weigh 10,000 pounds or less. As a result, even minor malfunctions can become federal safety compliance issues.

At the same time, growing vehicle complexity means these systems often rely on interconnected hardware and software, creating more opportunities for widespread failures.

Research continues to show the safety benefits of backup cameras. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, rearview cameras are associated with:

• An estimated one-third reduction in backover incidents
• A 50% decrease in severe injuries
• A 78% reduction in reported fatalities

Recalls affect a wide range of automakers and model years.

Drivers can check for open recalls on their vehicle for free at carfax.com/recall. All recall repairs are completed at no cost to consumers. Before scheduling service, CARFAX recommends drivers contact their local dealer to confirm parts or software availability.