Polestar and Volvo recall thousands of vehicles over rearview camera failures

In the United States, Polestar and Volvo issued significant vehicle recalls due to issues with their backup cameras that could potentially pose safety risks. Polestar is recalling more than 27,800 of its Polestar 2 electric vehicles manufactured between July 2020 and November 2024. The recall was prompted by a malfunction that could lead the rearview camera display to show a message indicating that the camera is temporarily unavailable when the vehicles are in reverse. This malfunction raises concerns about the heightened risk of accidents while reversing due to lack of visibility. The issue is attributed to a synchronization error between the Parking Assist Camera and the Infotainment Head Unit, which was detailed in Polestar's report to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Owners of the affected vehicles were expected to receive notification letters about the recall by June 19, 2025, and a software update would be provided to resolve the problem. Meanwhile, Volvo Cars is also addressing a backup camera issue that affects more than 450,000 vehicles across the U.S. and Canada, with 413,151 affected in the U.S. and 40,673 in Canada. This recall encompasses several models manufactured from 2021 to 2025, including the XC40, V90, and S90, among others. The Volvo spokesperson reported that the rearview camera image may not display when these vehicles are put into reverse, similarly increasing the risk of accidents. As with Polestar, Volvo will implement a software upgrade to rectify this problem. Customers have been encouraged to get their vehicles repaired as soon as possible, with notification letters expected to be dispatched to owners on June 24, 2025. Notably, there have not been any recorded incidents related to this backup camera malfunction, indicating that the recalls were proactive measures aimed at preventing potential future collisions. Both recalls come shortly after each automaker identified the technical problems affecting their vehicles, and both companies plan to rectify these issues through software updates, which can be performed free of charge either at dealerships or via over-the-air updates. These recalls highlight the increasing focus on vehicle safety and the importance of responsive action by manufacturers in addressing issues that could compromise safety on the road. These incidents serve as reminders of the evolving nature of automobile technology and safety systems. With backup cameras becoming a standard feature in modern vehicles, automakers must ensure that their technology is reliable and effective in preventing accidents. Consumers should remain vigilant and responsive to recall notices from manufacturers to ensure their vehicles are safe to drive.