Hyundai has announced a recall affecting 226,118 Santa Fe crossover SUVs and Elantra compact sedans due to a potential failure of the rearview camera image display, according to a report from the NHTSA on Monday.
The issue originates from solder joints on the rearview camera’s circuit board, which may be insufficiently connected. As time passes, these connections could deteriorate, leading to camera failure. The NHTSA warns this situation raises the possibility of accidents when reversing, potentially causing harm to people or objects.
This recall includes all models of the 2021-2022 Hyundai Santa Fe midsize crossover and all variants of the 2021-2022 Hyundai Elantra compact sedan. Hyundai has identified instances where the camera display may turn completely black or white but stated it has not received reports of any crashes or injuries linked to this defect.
Hyundai is among numerous manufacturers executing significant recalls due to malfunctions with rearview camera displays. Major automakers such as Ford, GM, Ram, Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler, Honda, BMW, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Volkswagen, Hyundai, and Kia have all carried out similar actions over the last few years.
The requirement for rearview or backup cameras was established for all new vehicles produced from 2018 onwards. As manufacturers incorporate more sophisticated touchscreen technology into their display projections, they may inadvertently breach Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
This recall is not merely procedural, as non-compliance can lead to substantial penalties.
Recently, in November, the NHTSA fined Ford $165 million for failing to address a rearview camera recall in a timely and transparent manner. This is the second-largest penalty imposed on a car manufacturer by the NHTSA, following the $1 billion fine against Takata, a defunct airbag manufacturer linked to 28 deaths and over 45 million vehicle recalls in the U.S. over the last decade.
For owners of the 2021-2022 Santa Fe and Elantra models, notification letters will be sent via mail starting as early as January 19, 2025. A dealer will replace the rearview camera at no charge. Owners who have already paid for repairs prior to the recall may be eligible for reimbursement.
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