VW Atlas and Golf Backup Camera Recall: What to Do Next

Volkswagen Group is now recalling certain Golf and Atlas SUV models due to software issues involving the rearview camera–affecting up to 84,432 vehicles.

According to the June 27 filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the rearview camera image in these vehicles may be delayed, or the screen may turn black after shifting into reverse.

If your vehicle has experienced repeat backup camera issues under warranty, we highly advise consulting with a lemon law legal professional.

They can help you understand your situation and explore your options, which might include receiving a replacement vehicle or a refund for all the expenses incurred due to owning a lemon, such as towing fees and legal costs.

Here’s a summary of average lemon law settlements for Volkswagen vehicles in recent years:

Affected Model	Average Lemon Law Settlement
2024 Volkswagen Atlas	$79,542
2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SUV	$77,005
2022-2024 Volkswagen Golf R	$80,060
2022-2024 Volkswagen GTI	$62,711

*Please be advised that the figures depicted in the chart are estimates that are derived from previous case results and should not be considered a guarantee or prediction. Each case is distinctive and necessitates tailored legal counsel.

Why Your VW Backup Camera Might Be Faulty

The VW Atlas and Golf backup camera recall includes 2022-2024 Golf R and GTI models, as well as 2024 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport SUVs. According to its filing with the NHTSA. Volkswagen has identified that 100% of these vehicles have the camera issue.

The issue was first noticed in August 2023 on certain 2022 model year Volkswagen Golf vehicles. Volkswagen conducted an analysis and found that the problem was due to defective software. Most of the recalled vehicles are Atlas SUVs, accounting for 78,907 units.

Safety Risks of a Malfunctioning Backup Camera

A defective backup camera can pose significant safety risks, especially when reversing a vehicle. The primary function of a backup camera is to provide drivers with a clear view of the area behind them, helping to prevent accidents and ensuring safe maneuvering in tight spaces. Here are some specific safety risks associated with a faulty backup camera:

• Increased Risk of Collisions: Without a reliable backup camera, drivers may not see obstacles, pedestrians, or other vehicles behind them. This can lead to collisions, causing damage to the vehicle and potential injuries to those involved.
• Reduced Visibility: When the backup camera screen turns black or the image is delayed, drivers lose a critical aid that enhances visibility. This can be particularly dangerous in low-light conditions or crowded areas where the rearview mirrors may not provide a complete view.
• Pedestrian Safety: Backup cameras are especially important in protecting pedestrians, including children, who might be in the vehicle’s blind spot. A malfunctioning camera increases the risk of not seeing someone behind the vehicle, leading to serious accidents.
• Parking Challenges: Accurate parking relies on the backup camera for guidance in tight spots. A faulty camera makes it harder to judge distances and angles, increasing the likelihood of scraping or bumping into objects.
• Driver Confidence: Knowing that the backup camera is unreliable can affect a driver’s confidence and decision-making while reversing. This hesitation or second-guessing can result in slower reaction times and unsafe maneuvers.

Ensuring that the backup camera functions correctly is essential for maintaining visibility and preventing accidents while reversing.

Volkswagen Backup Camera Fix

Dealers will provide a free update to the infotainment system software in the recalled vehicles, which Volkswagen estimates will take about one hour to complete. Owner notification letters are scheduled to be mailed on August 23, 2024.

If you have any questions, you can contact Volkswagen directly at 800-893-5298. The internal recall number for this issue is 91US, and the NHTSA’s number for this recall is 24V-480.

Getting Your Volkswagen Backup Camera Repaired

1. Check Your Vehicle’s Recall Status

Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website or Volkswagen’s recall page to verify if your vehicle is part of the recall. You can use your vehicle identification number (VIN) to check its status.

2. Wait for Notification

If your vehicle is affected, Volkswagen will send you an owner notification letter by August 23. Keep an eye on your mail for this important information.

3. Schedule an Appointment

Contact your local Volkswagen dealership to schedule an appointment for the repair. Mention the recall and provide your vehicle’s details to ensure they are prepared to update the infotainment system software.

4. Prepare for the Repair

Plan to leave your vehicle at the dealership for about one hour, as this is the estimated time needed to complete the software update. Arrange for transportation if necessary.

5. Get the Repair Done

Take your vehicle to the dealership at the scheduled time. The technicians will update the infotainment system software free of charge.

6. Confirm the Repair

After the update, verify that the backup camera is functioning correctly. If you encounter any issues, inform the dealership immediately for further assistance. Be sure to save all documentation from the recall repair.

7. Contact Volkswagen if Needed

If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact Volkswagen directly at 800-893-5298. Provide the recall number 91US for reference.

Understanding Your Lemon Law Options

Volkswagen has recently issued a recall for certain 2022-2024 Golf R, Golf GTI, 2024 Atlas, and 2024 Atlas Cross Sport models due to rearview camera issues. This follows a similar recall by Stellantis, which affected over 1 million vehicles, both stemming from software problems that could cause the rearview camera image to fail.

If you are experiencing rearview camera issues with a VW vehicle and have already sought repairs at an authorized Volkswagen dealership, you might be entitled to remedies under the Lemon Law.  State and federal lemon laws protect consumers who have purchased or leased vehicles that have been repeatedly repaired for the same or similar issues, ensuring they are not left with unsafe or unreliable vehicles.

The Lemon Law allows consumers to seek compensation and hold the manufacturer accountable for producing substandard vehicles. By pursuing a lemon law claim, you can alleviate the financial burden and inconvenience of owning a defective vehicle and secure a safer, more reliable car. For consumers in California, successful California Lemon Law claims offer several remedies:

• Repurchase: The manufacturer reimburses all monies spent on the defective vehicle, including the down payment, monthly payments (minus a usage fee), incidental expenses like towing or rental cars, and pays off any remaining loan balance.
• Replacement: The manufacturer replaces the defective vehicle with a similar one. The consumer may need to cover any price difference and applicable usage fees.

To properly pursue a lemon law claim, consider consulting an attorney specializing in lemon law cases. They will guide you through the process, evaluate your claim, and provide personalized advice tailored to your situation. Their expertise can help you build the best case possible and increase your chances of a favorable resolution.

Work with the Lemon Law Experts!

If you are facing rearview camera display issues with your VW vehicle in California, a leading lemon law firm like the Lemon Law Experts can provide invaluable legal help. With over a decade of experience serving California consumers since 2009, the Lemon Law Experts have successfully assisted thousands of clients in recovering millions of dollars in compensation for their lemons.

With meticulous attention to detail, we will assess your case thoroughly, gather pertinent evidence, and construct a compelling legal strategy to support your claim. Our expert lemon law attorneys hold plenty of experience in dealing with Volkswagen and other major automakers. We are familiar with the legal tactics commonly employed by large manufacturers and adept at countering them to help you get the best results possible.

Feel free to contact the Lemon Law Experts for a complimentary, no-obligation consultation. Our team is committed to offering guidance and support, helping you pursue the justice you deserve so that you can get back on the road swiftly and safely. Reach out to the Lemon Law Experts today to learn more.