NHTSA and Audi Recall Most 2022 Models
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Audi just announced a recall for nearly every 2022 model Audi sold thus far because of a potential software problem. The backup camera view may fail to display when the vehicle is shifted into reverse. Owners of 2021 or 2022 model years that have the latest version of the company’s Modular Infotainment Toolkit system are covered by the Audi recall. It is estimated that more than 2,800 2021 and 2022 vehicles may be affected.
Description of the Potential Problem
At times, when the vehicle is put into reverse, the display, which should show a live image from the backup camera, will show a frozen image or simply go black. The automaker has recalled other 2021 models for a similar issue.
The repair is minimally invasive since it is a software issue. It will be performed free of charge by Audi dealers. Notification letters to owners are expected to go out in the mail by December 17, 2021. In the meantime, owners can contact customer service for Audi at 1-800-253-2834. The recall number to reference is 91CR.
Specific Models Under the Audi Recall
Volkswagen Group of America, the company that owns Audi, is recalling a large portion of its new fleet including, the 2021 Audi S8 and A8 and the following 2022 models:
- A3 Sedan
- A4 Sedan
- Audi A5 Sportback
- E-Tron GT
- Q3 (the company’s most popular model)
- Q5
- RS6 Avant
- S5 Sportback
- Q5 Sportback
- Q7
- Q8
- SQ7
- SQ8
- RSQ8
- S3 Sedan
The recall does not apply to every single Audi in the current U.S. lineup – if you own an A6, A7, R8, or TT, you have dodged a bullet.
No Over-the-Air Solution
Because the problem is software-related, there is no easy over-the-air update. Owners of the affected vehicles will need to take their vehicles to a dealer for service. The NHTSA website has a vehicle recall lookup to see if your car is under recall. You will need to input the VIN.
A Common Problem
Other automakers have dealt with issues concerning backup cameras in recent months. Newer models of the Volkswagen Golf were recalled for a similar issue last year. Mercedes-Benz recalled 375,000 vehicles ranging from 2019 to 2021 model years because of blank screens while the cars were in reverse. However, that issue was able to be remedied remotely.
For close to a decade, backup cameras have been standard equipment in many new vehicles. In May 2018, the NHTSA made the inclusion of backup cameras a legal requirement for all new vehicles. Despite the fact that backup cameras have been in use for a number of years already, they still present issues, as evidenced by the number of recent recalls. This is likely due to the fact that the infotainment systems of which the cameras are a part have become more and more complex, and thus more prone to glitches.
Watch the YouTube video. The clip below discusses a huge recall of Ford vehicles in 2021 for backup camera issues.
Personal Injury Attorneys in Sacramento
Thank you for reading our report on the recent Audi recall. My name is Ed Smith. I’m a personal injury attorney in Sacramento. If you have been seriously injured in an accident due to no fault of your own and would like to receive compassionate, free, and friendly advice, please do not hesitate to call us. If appropriate, we can then set up a no-obligation consultation to go over your options more thoroughly. Our telephone number is (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 if you are outside the 916 area code. You can also reach us online.
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