Tesla has recalled 218,868 vehicles in the United States after identifying a software issue that can delay the rearview camera image when drivers shift into reverse. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the problem may reduce rear visibility and increase the risk of a collision.
The recall affects several versions of the Model 3, Model Y, Model S and Model X equipped with Tesla’s hardware version 3 system. Tesla said the issue has already been addressed through an over-the-air software update distributed to vehicle owners.
The recall comes amid continued regulatory scrutiny of Tesla’s software systems and follows the closure of a separate NHTSA investigation into the company’s remote vehicle movement feature. While no crashes or injuries linked to the camera issue have been reported, Tesla acknowledged receiving warranty claims and field reports that may be associated with the defect.
Rearview Camera Delay Affects Multiple Tesla Models
According to the recall notice published by the NHTSA, the rearview camera display in affected vehicles may appear with a delay after the vehicle is placed into reverse. Regulators said this could impair the driver’s rear visibility during manoeuvres.
“Loss of the rearview camera image may affect the driver’s rear view and increase the risk of a collision,” the agency stated. The notice added that drivers may still reverse by using mirrors and shoulder checks if necessary.
The recall covers a broad range of vehicles produced between 2020 and 2023. USA TODAY reported that the largest share of affected vehicles includes the 2021, 2022 and 2023 Tesla Model Y. Other recalled vehicles include Model 3 sedans, Model S saloons and Model X SUVs.
Tesla stated that all affected vehicles contain hardware version 3, which the company stopped producing on 3 January 2024. The manufacturer also confirmed that there have been no reported fatalities, injuries or confirmed collisions linked to the issue. According to reports, Tesla has received 27 warranty claims and two field reports potentially connected to the delayed camera display. The company did not indicate that any additional mechanical repairs would be necessary.
Software Update Already Delivered to Most Vehicles
Tesla said the issue stems from software version 2026.8.6 and that it has issued a corrective update identified as version 2026.8.6.1. The remedy was delivered remotely through Tesla’s over-the-air update system, allowing owners to install the fix without visiting a dealership or service centre.
The company stated in its recall documentation that more than 99.92% of affected vehicles had already successfully downloaded the updated firmware. According to Reuters, the recall was formally announced on 6 May following notification from the NHTSA.
Tesla plans to notify owners officially by 11 April, according to documents cited by USA TODAY. Owners with questions have been advised to contact Tesla customer service directly.
The recall arrives shortly after the NHTSA closed a separate investigation involving around 2.6 million Tesla vehicles equipped with a feature allowing remote vehicle movement. Reuters reported that regulators concluded the incidents connected to that feature were limited to low-speed situations.
