Mitsubishi Recalls Nearly 200,000 SUVs Due to Faulty Rearview Camera Software

Mitsubishi Motors North America is recalling nearly 200,000 Outlander and Outlander plug-in hybrid electric SUVs due to faulty software that could cause rearview camera malfunctions. The issue, linked to improper software programming, could heighten the risk of a crash and make the vehicles out of compliance with federal regulations. No injuries or deaths have been reported. Owners will receive a letter and be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealership for a free repair.

Title: Mitsubishi Motors North America Recalls Nearly 200,000 Outlander SUVs Due to Rearview Camera Malfunction

Mitsubishi Motors North America has initiated a recall for nearly 200,000 Outlander and Outlander plug-in hybrid electric SUVs due to a software issue that could cause rearview camera malfunctions. The recall affects approximately 198,900 Outlander SUVs from model years 2022 to 2024 and around 179,248 Outlander PHEV SUVs from model years 2023 to 2025. The issue, linked to improper software programming in the infotainment system, could potentially lead to the rearview camera image freezing or displaying a black screen while backing up, increasing the risk of crashes and non-compliance with federal rear visibility regulations [1].

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reported that the faulty software could cause the rearview camera image to disappear, thereby reducing the driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while reversing. This malfunction could heighten the risk of collisions and non-compliance with federal regulations. To date, no injuries or deaths have been reported as a result of this issue [1].

Owners of the affected vehicles will receive a letter in the mail by the end of June, instructing them to take their vehicle to a dealership for a free repair. The repair involves reprogramming the in-vehicle infotainment system with countermeasure software to address the issue [1]. The recall replaces and expands a prior recall issued in May 2023 [1].

This recall is part of a broader trend of automakers addressing rearview camera issues. In recent months, other automakers such as Volvo, Polestar, and Porsche have also recalled vehicles for similar problems with rearview camera displays [2]. The increasing frequency of these recalls underscores the importance of maintaining vehicle safety features and the need for ongoing software updates.

Mitsubishi has a webpage where owners can enter their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to check if their vehicle is subject to the recall. Owners are encouraged to contact their local Mitsubishi dealership as soon as they receive the notification to schedule the necessary software update [1].

References:
[1] https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/another-automaker-recalls-nearly-200000-vehicles-due-rearview-camera-issue
[2] https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a65045553/mitsubishi-recall-outlander-backup-camera-failure/