Volkswagen Atlas, Tiguan and Jetta backup camera can fail

NHTSA campaign 20V716000 · Reported 2020-11-18 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

medium How serious is it? About this label

Not an immediate danger and the notice does not tell you to stop driving, but a blank or frozen camera makes backing up riskier, so check behind you and use your mirrors until it is fixed.

What's wrong, in plain English

When you start one of these Volkswagens, the backup camera may not work right. The screen can go black, or the whole infotainment display can freeze, so you see nothing behind you when you shift into reverse. Federal rules require a working rear view image, and these vehicles do not meet them. The fix is a software update for the infotainment system, and the dealer does it at no cost.

What you should do

1. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm your vehicle is included.
2. Call your Volkswagen dealer, or Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298, and mention recall 91BB/91BC.
3. Have the dealer install the infotainment software update — the repair is free.

Affected vehicles (5)

2021 Volkswagen Atlas
2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
2021 Volkswagen Golf
2021 Volkswagen Jetta
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

Who to contact

Volkswagen — official Volkswagen recall lookup

Customer service: 1-800-893-5298

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

The bigger picture

Why does the Volkswagen backup camera screen go blank in reverse? · all 12 Volkswagen recalls in this area

Official notice

Component: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas Cross Sport, Tiguan LWB, Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas FL and Arteon vehicles. The rear view camera could malfunction during an ignition cycle, leading to a black screen or infotainment system freeze. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Safety risk: A black or frozen rear view image reduces the driver's visibility when reversing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the infotainment system software, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91BB/91BC.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.