Hyundai recalls 226,000 Santa Fe, Elantra to replace rearview camera

Hyundai has recalled 226,118 Santa Fe crossover SUVs and Elantra compact sedans for a rearview camera image that can fail to display, the NHTSA disclosed Monday. 

The rearview camera’s circuit board may have insufficient solder joints that connect the electrical and mechanical bits. The connections could worsen over time and cause the camera to fail. This could increase the risk of hitting someone or something while in reverse, the NHTSA says.

The recall encompasses all versions of the 2021-2022 Hyundai Santa Fe midsize crossover, as well as all versions of the 2021-2022 Hyundai Elantra compact sedan. Hyundai found that the display could turn black or white, but it reported that it knew of no crashes or injuries related to the issue. 

Hyundai is not alone in conducting a widespread recall for a faulty, flickering, or distorted rearview camera image. Ford, GM, Ram, Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler, Honda, BMW, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Volkswagen, Hyundai and Kia—virtually every major automaker—have all issued similar recalls in the past few years.

The rearview or backup camera was mandated in all new cars built in 2018 and beyond, and as automakers make their display projections integrated into more advanced touchscreen functions, they can run afoul of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. 

It’s not a rote recall, however, as failure to comply can result in a steep penalty. 

In November, the NHTSA imposed a $165 million fine on Ford for failing to comply to a rearview camera recall in a timely and transparent manner. That’s the second largest fine imposed by the NHSTA on an automaker, behind only the $1 billion fine incurred by Takata, the now bankrupt airbag supplier responsible for 28 deaths and more than 45 million cars recalled in the U.S. in the past decade. 

For owners of the 2021-2022 Santa Fe and Elantra, notifications will be sent by mail as early as Jan. 19, 2025. The rearview camera will need to be replaced by the dealer at no cost to the customer. Reimbursement may be provided to owners who have paid for the fix prior to the recall. 

For more info, contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460 or visit Hyundai’s recall hub.