Over one million Toyota, Lexus and Subaru vehicles are being recalled in the US following the discovery of a software fault that may cause rear-view cameras to fail. The flaw, affecting models fitted with the Panoramic View Monitor system, poses a risk of reduced visibility while reversing and could increase the chance of a crash, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The recall impacts 1,024,407 vehicles manufactured between 2022 and 2026, including select models from Toyota, Lexus and the Subaru Solterra range. The software glitch may cause the camera image to freeze or disappear entirely when the vehicle is placed in reverse, placing these cars in violation of US federal visibility regulations.
Rear Visibility Compliance Concerns Spark Large-Scale Recall
The Panoramic View Monitor system, installed in various 2022–2026 Toyota and Lexus models, as well as Subaru Solterra SUVs, is designed to offer drivers a large visual perspective around their vehicle. Yet according to the NHTSA, a recurring software error can cause the rear-view camera to display a frozen or blank screen when reversing, meaning drivers may not see obstacles or pedestrians behind the car.
This defect contravenes Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 111, which mandates rear visibility technology in all modern passenger vehicles sold in the United States. The recall was announced on Wednesday 5 November, following an internal investigation and regulatory review.
In a statement, the NHTSA confirmed that this malfunction “can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash,” especially in settings such as residential areas, schools, or when parking in tight spaces.
Toyota dealers will resolve the issue by updating the parking assist software free of charge. Vehicle owners affected by the recall will be notified by mail and are advised to contact their local dealership or the automaker’s customer support line. As a precaution, owners are also being encouraged to avoid relying solely on the camera system until the issue is corrected.
Recurrence of Similar Faults Raises Questions Over Software Testing
This is not the first time Toyota has faced problems with its camera systems. Just last month, the automaker issued a separate recall affecting nearly 394,000 vehicles in the US due to a different fault also related to rear-view visibility. That action involved 2022–2025 Toyota Tundra and Tundra Hybrid pickups, as well as 2023–2025 Sequoia Hybrid models.
While the underlying technical issue differs from the current Panoramic View Monitor fault, both recalls point to broader concerns about software validation and quality assurance in modern vehicle electronics. As cars become increasingly reliant on integrated sensor networks and digital safety systems, even minor coding errors can lead to significant safety risks.
Neither Toyota nor Subaru have reported any known accidents or injuries related to the most recent defect, but the scale of the recall underscores the potential severity of such malfunctions. According to Reuters, Toyota is working closely with federal regulators to ensure full compliance with visibility standards and prevent similar issues in future models. Owners can check whether their vehicle is affected by visiting the NHTSA recall website or by calling the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
