Volkswagen Atlas SUVs Recalled Over Rearview Cameras

Volkswagen is calling back nearly 58,000 Atlas sport utility vehicles because their rearview cameras may not work, the automaker recently told federal regulators.

The recall covers 2024 to 2026 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport SUVs, according to a report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The cars were built with a specific version of rearview camera software that has since proved faulty.

The precise defect is not entirely clear, the automaker acknowledged. Volkswagen began receiving complaints about the issue in early 2024.

“Under certain very specific conditions, low voltage events of unknown origin may potentially cause the failure of camera images to appear, including rearview camera images,” Volkswagen said in the report. “Environmental conditions may have an effect, but there is no known systematic issue that has been identified as causing the combination of low voltage and other conditions required to result in the loss of camera images.”

That increases the risk of crashes for drivers who are backing up without the help of the camera. “Should this occur, owners are advised to use extra caution when reversing,” according to Volkswagen.

The company has logged nearly 600 claims potentially stemming from the defect. Volkswagen said it is not aware of any related crashes, fires, injuries or deaths.

Owners of recalled SUVs should receive notices via mail by July 28. Owners also can check the NHTSA website to see if their cars are covered by the recall.

Legal Rights for VW Drivers in California

This is not the only safety issue for Volkswagen and people who drive its cars. 

The automaker recalled nearly 50,000 Jetta sedans earlier this year, citing a transmission problem that could lead to fires. Loose wiring in the vehicles’ automatic transmissions could short-circuit and spark flames, Volkswagen said at the time.

Months later, VW called back nearly 40,000 Taos SUVs for separate fire risks. The company said a fuel tank defect could cause fires if the vehicles are involved in crashes.

Fortunately, Volkswagen drivers in California have some important rights and protections under the state’s lemon law. Many do not have to wait for recalls to get the company to fix malfunctioning and defective cars.

The lemon law generally requires carmakers to perform various repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces the companies to repurchase covered vehicles that they are not able to repair. That includes compensating the owner for the car’s purchase price, as well as financing fees, rental car costs and other related expenses.

There is no specific number of repair requests or attempts that must happen before the buyback or replace requirement kicks in. An experienced lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and take action.

Talk with a California Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a California lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney.