Volkswagen and Porsche Issue Recall for Over 500,000 Vehicles Due to Rearview Camera Malfunction

Recent issues with rearview mirrors have prompted a significant recall from Porsche and its parent company, Volkswagen, affecting over half a million vehicles in the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced these measures on Tuesday, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.

Volkswagen Group of America, which includes its Audi subsidiary, is recalling a total of 356,649 vehicles due to a software error that may hinder the display of the rearview camera image, according to the NHTSA. This issue raises safety concerns, as a malfunctioning rearview camera can increase the risk of accidents.

In 2024, Volkswagen reported nearly 380,000 units sold in the U.S. market, a slight increase from approximately 330,000 in 2023. This recall comes at a critical time for the company as it seeks to maintain consumer trust and safety standards.

Volkswagen did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The recall follows a recent announcement that Porsche, the luxury subsidiary of the German auto group, would also be recalling 173,538 vehicles in the U.S. due to similar rearview camera issues. This marks one of the largest single safety recalls issued by Porsche Cars North America in recent years, underscoring the widespread nature of the problem.

Last year, the NHTSA issued recalls for several other manufacturers, including Hyundai Motor America, Ford Motor, Toyota Motor, and Chrysler, all due to similar rearview camera issues that pose a risk of crashes.

The Volkswagen recall specifically affects certain models manufactured between 2019 and 2026. Dealers will be required to update the software free of charge, ensuring that affected vehicles meet safety standards.

(Reporting by Rhea Rose Abraham in Bengaluru and Rachel More in Berlin; Editing by Sumana Nandy and Miranda Murray)

Recent issues with rearview mirrors have prompted a significant recall from Porsche and its parent company, Volkswagen, affecting over half a million vehicles in the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced these measures on Tuesday, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.

Volkswagen Group of America, which includes its Audi subsidiary, is recalling a total of 356,649 vehicles due to a software error that may hinder the display of the rearview camera image, according to the NHTSA. This issue raises safety concerns, as a malfunctioning rearview camera can increase the risk of accidents.

In 2024, Volkswagen reported nearly 380,000 units sold in the U.S. market, a slight increase from approximately 330,000 in 2023. This recall comes at a critical time for the company as it seeks to maintain consumer trust and safety standards.

Volkswagen did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The recall follows a recent announcement that Porsche, the luxury subsidiary of the German auto group, would also be recalling 173,538 vehicles in the U.S. due to similar rearview camera issues. This marks one of the largest single safety recalls issued by Porsche Cars North America in recent years, underscoring the widespread nature of the problem.

Last year, the NHTSA issued recalls for several other manufacturers, including Hyundai Motor America, Ford Motor, Toyota Motor, and Chrysler, all due to similar rearview camera issues that pose a risk of crashes.

The Volkswagen recall specifically affects certain models manufactured between 2019 and 2026. Dealers will be required to update the software free of charge, ensuring that affected vehicles meet safety standards.

(Reporting by Rhea Rose Abraham in Bengaluru and Rachel More in Berlin; Editing by Sumana Nandy and Miranda Murray)