Hyundai to recall more than 143,000 U.S. vehicles over rear-view display issue, NHTSA says

Over 143,000 Hyundai SUVs recalled

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 143,472 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Hybrid SUVs in the U.S. because rearview cameras may not have been installed properly. Drivers could experience a blank screen when reversing, which increases the risk of a crash.

The recall affects 2024 and 2025 models. Owner notification letters are scheduled for January 19, 2026. Dealers will replace the rear-view camera and reposition the wiring harness at no additional cost.

Rearview camera wiring is faulty

The rearview camera wiring in some Hyundai Santa Fes can fail if not installed correctly, reducing visibility for drivers when reversing. This can leave the driver without a view of obstacles directly behind the vehicle.

NHTSA attributes the issue to a harness assembly problem at Tier 2 supplier Seoyon E-Hwa Alabama, which causes tension/wear in the shield line and poor terminal contact. The cable may wear or lose contact, which can cause the camera to stop working altogether.

A straightforward dealer remedy

Dealers will replace the rearview camera and reposition the wiring harness at no cost. Hyundai updated NHTSA that the new harness material is more flexible, which should prevent future failures.

Until the repair is completed, drivers must rely on mirrors and turn their heads to see behind them. The fix is simple but requires scheduling a dealer visit to ensure safety is restored.

Hyundais affected by model

The recall affects 106,049 combustion-only Santa Fe models and 37,423 hybrid models in the U.S. Both the 2024 and 2025 model years are included in this recall, according to Autoblog.

Owners can check their vehicle identification numbers on NHTSA’s website to see if their SUV is affected. Hyundai will also send letters to notify owners and provide instructions on scheduling repairs.

Not Hyundai alone with camera issues

Rear-view camera recalls have hit multiple brands in 2025. Ford recalled 1.9 million vehicles worldwide in September and nearly 1.45 million in the U.S. in October.

Stellantis recalled 219,000 U.S. vehicles. Alfa Romeo recalled over 62,000 Giulia and Stelvio models. Volvo recalled over 400,000 U.S. vehicles.

Background on rearview camera law

FMVSS No. 111 requires a compliant rear-view image on light vehicles manufactured on/after May 1, 2018, to improve rearward visibility and reduce backover crashes. The law aims to improve visibility and reduce accidents when reversing.

Several automakers have struggled to meet the requirement due to installation or software errors. Toyota recently recalled over a million vehicles due to issues with camera software, highlighting that this remains a common industry challenge.

How the wiring fails

The camera’s main wiring harness was improperly assembled by an Alabama supplier, resulting in tension and wear on the cable shield, according to CarScoops. This poor contact can make the camera image stop displaying entirely when reversing.

Drivers selecting reverse may see a blank screen, leaving them without any view of hazards behind the vehicle. The issue highlights how a minor assembly error can have significant safety implications.

Owners can take early action

Hyundai owners don’t need to wait for a letter to see if their SUV is affected. They can check their VIN online using NHTSA’s website for quick confirmation.

If a vehicle is affected, scheduling a repair at a dealer after January 19, 2026, will ensure that it is fixed free of charge. Until then, drivers should rely on mirrors and careful observation when reversing.

Hyundai’s adventurous image takes a hit

The Santa Fe has rugged styling that suggests off-road adventures, but more than 143,000 SUVs are heading to dealers for a backup camera fix. This issue is far less exciting than rocks or rivers, but more important for safety.

The recall shows that even high-tech features need careful assembly. Drivers should have their vehicle repaired before trusting the rearview camera again.

Smaller Hyundai recalls

Hyundai also disclosed a separate side-curtain airbag recall covering about 258 vehicles across select 2025–2026 Hyundai/Genesis models (NHTSA Campaign 25V809). This includes Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, Tucson, and Genesis GV70 models, highlighting the automaker’s attention to safety.

Even small recalls demonstrate Hyundai’s commitment to promptly monitoring and addressing safety issues. Owners can rest assured that parts and labor are provided at no charge.

Why camera recalls are tricky

Even minor wiring mistakes can prevent a rearview camera from working, creating serious safety risks. Small assembly errors can affect thousands of vehicles, making precision crucial in modern car manufacturing.

High-tech safety features still rely on basic installation accuracy to function. This demonstrates that supplier errors can have a disproportionately significant impact on everyday driver safety.

How dealers will repair the issue

Dealers will replace the wiring harness with a new flexible material and reposition it to prevent wear. This ensures the camera functions properly and avoids future failures.

If needed, the rearview camera itself may also be replaced at no cost. Hyundai confirms that all parts and labor are included to fully restore the vehicle’s backup safety feature.

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Industry-wide visibility challenges

Rearview camera problems affect multiple brands in 2025, including Ford, Stellantis, Alfa Romeo, and Volvo. Even top safety-conscious brands experience recalls, demonstrating that technology can be challenging to implement perfectly.

Despite technology issues, drivers can always rely on traditional mirrors. Simple habits, such as looking behind the car, remain essential to safe reversing, even in high-tech SUVs.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.