Legally reviewed by: Jessica Anvar Stotz, JD, MBA
In January 2024, Tesla, Inc. issued a recall of nearly 200,000 vehicles in the United States. The recall has been necessitated due to a potential malfunction of the backup camera, which may not operate as expected when the vehicle is placed in reverse.
The Tesla recall specifically pertains to certain models from the manufacturer’s lineup including the Tesla Model Y, Model S, and Model X – all from the 2023 model year.
Affected Tesla vehicles are distinctively equipped with the advanced “Full Self-Driving” computer 4.0 and operate on software versions ranging from 2023.44.30 to 2023.44.30.6 or 2023.44.100.
The vehicle manufacturer estimates that 100% of the listed vehicles have this defect. This table provides a quick overview of the recall:
Tesla Backup Camera Recall Overview
| Affected Vehicles | Nearly 200,000 in the U.S. |
| Models | Model Y, Model S, Model X (2023) |
| Issue | Backup camera may not function while in reverse |
| Cause | Software instability |
| Solution | Over-the-air (OTA) software update |
According to documents released by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the root cause of the issue appears to be software instability, which may intermittently prevent the backup camera from displaying images while the vehicles are in reverse.
The NHTSA has highlighted that this issue could potentially increase the risk of a collision. This recall comes less than two months after Tesla, Inc. announced a massive recall of over 2 million vehicles due to an autopilot issue.
Warranty Claims Involving the Tesla Backup Camera Not Working
The issue first came to Tesla’s attention through customer complaints that started surfacing in late December 2023. Multiple drivers had reported that the Tesla backup camera was not working in their vehicles.
After a thorough review of the situation, Tesla decided to initiate a recall on January 12. By January 22, the electric automaker had received 81 warranty claims that could potentially be linked to this backup camera malfunction.
Despite the presence of a system named “Full Self-Driving”, Tesla vehicles are not capable of completely autonomous operation. The system is designed to assist drivers, not replace them. Therefore, human drivers must remain alert and prepared to take control of the vehicle, reinforcing the importance of functional safety features like the backup camera.
Tesla Back Up Camera Fix
Tesla owners can verify the software versions running on their vehicles through the vehicle’s infotainment system, which provides information about the current version. In response to the backup camera issue, Tesla has proactively released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, as confirmed by the NHTSA.
The OTA update is designed to rectify the glitch causing the backup camera malfunction. This update is delivered directly to the vehicles, eliminating the need for owners to visit a service center. Once the update is available, owners will receive a notification on their vehicle’s infotainment screen.
They can then choose to install the update immediately or schedule it for a later time. Your Tesla vehicle must be connected to a Wi-Fi network to receive this OTA update. If owners have not yet received the update notification, they are advised to connect their vehicle to Wi-Fi and check for updates manually.
If the OTA update does not resolve the issue, or if you need assistance with the update process, please contact Tesla customer service at 877-79-TESLA (877-798-3752).
You can also fill out the contact form on the Tesla website or reach out to Tesla on social media sites like Twitter or Facebook. For more specific inquiries or support, please visit the Tesla Support page. If you need a Service Center visit, you can schedule a service visit through the Tesla app.
Is your Tesla Model S, X or Y Backup Camera not Working?
If you are a Tesla driver in California and you are having trouble with the recent backup camera recall or other issues, the Lemon Law Experts are here to help. Our firm is dedicated to making sure our clients get the justice and compensation they deserve.
We know these cases can be tough, and we aim to make the process as easy as possible for every client we take on. Our team will work hard to talk with the manufacturer on your behalf to get a resolution that works for you. If needed, we are always ready to go to court to get the best outcome.
At the Lemon Law Experts, our main goal is to help you get a resolution that gives you a safe, working vehicle. This may consist of a full lemon law refund or cash compensation. When you work with us, we will start by looking at your case closely to figure out the best way forward. If your case fits the requirements for a lemon law claim, our team will take the steps needed to work towards a resolution that is best for your situation.
The Lemon Law Experts make the lemon law process as easy and worry-free as possible for our clients, while working towards an excellent outcome. To see if you qualify, please call us at 877-885-5366 or fill out a case evaluation form on our website today.
