Hyundai is recalling 226,000 vehicles for backup camera failures

Hyundai has issued a recall affecting approximately 226,000 vehicles in the United States due to backup camera malfunctions. The cameras may fail to display an image when the vehicle is in reverse, or the image may freeze or become distorted. This creates a safety hazard because drivers lose the ability to see obstacles, pedestrians, or other vehicles behind them while backing up.

The recall affects certain model years of the Hyundai Elantra, Elantra GT, Veloster, and Kona. The specific years involved depend on the model — for example, some Elantras from 2011 to 2019 are included, while other models have different year ranges. Hyundai has not yet announced a specific repair date, but owners will receive notification by mail once parts and service procedures are finalized.

Key Takeaways

  • Check your vehicle identification number (VIN) on Hyundai's recall website or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website to confirm whether your specific vehicle is affected.
  • You will receive a recall notice in the mail from Hyundai, but you do not have to wait — you can contact your Hyundai dealer now to ask about the repair status.
  • The repair will be performed at no cost to you, and you should not pay any dealer fees or diagnostic charges related to this recall.
  • Until the repair is completed, use your side mirrors and turn around to look before backing up, since the backup camera cannot be relied upon.

How to check if your vehicle is included in the recall

Your VIN is the unique 17-character code that identifies your specific vehicle. You can find it on your vehicle registration, insurance card, or on the dashboard at the base of the windshield on the driver's side. You can also look at the door jamb on the driver's side or under the hood.

Go to the NHTSA website at safercar.gov and select "Check for Safety Recalls" in the top menu. Enter your VIN and your vehicle's model year. The site will display any active recalls for your vehicle, including this backup camera recall. You can also visit Hyundai's official recall page and enter your VIN there to check the status.

If your vehicle is listed in the recall, write down the recall number (it will start with "24V" or similar) and keep it handy when you contact the dealer. This number helps the service department locate the correct repair procedure.

What happens when you take your vehicle to the dealer

Contact your local Hyundai dealer and tell them your vehicle is part of the backup camera recall. Provide your VIN and the recall number. Ask whether the repair parts are currently in stock and what the estimated wait time is. Some dealers may have parts available when ready, while others may need to order them.

When you bring your vehicle in, the dealer will inspect the backup camera system and replace or repair the faulty component. The repair typically takes one to two hours, though this can vary depending on the specific model and the dealer's workload. You will not be charged for parts, labor, or diagnostic fees — Hyundai covers the entire cost of the recall repair.

Ask the dealer for a written receipt showing that the recall repair was completed. Keep this documentation in your vehicle's maintenance file, as it proves the safety issue has been addressed. This record is also useful if you sell the vehicle later.

What to do if you have not received a recall notice yet

Hyundai mails recall notices to registered vehicle owners, but mail can be delayed or lost. You do not have to wait for the notice to arrive before scheduling a repair. If you have confirmed your vehicle is part of the recall through the NHTSA or Hyundai website, you can contact your dealer when ready to schedule service.

If your address on file with Hyundai is outdated, the notice may go to a previous owner or address. You can update your contact information by calling Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151 or by visiting the Hyundai owner portal online. Updating your address ensures you receive future recall notices and service bulletins.

Temporary safety steps while waiting for repair

Until your backup camera is repaired, rely on your side mirrors and your own observation. Before backing up, turn your head and look directly behind your vehicle. Adjust your side mirrors so you can see as much of the area behind and beside your vehicle as possible. Some drivers find it helpful to back up slowly and stop frequently to check their surroundings.

If you are in a parking lot or driveway, ask someone to stand behind the vehicle and signal you if anything is in your path. This is especially important if you have young children or pets in your household, as they may be harder to see from the driver's seat.

What if your dealer says the repair is not available yet

Hyundai typically staggers recall repairs based on parts availability and dealer capacity. If your dealer tells you the parts have not arrived, ask when they expect to receive them and whether you can schedule an appointment for a specific date. Some dealers maintain a waiting list for recalls and will contact you when they are ready to schedule your repair.

If you are uncomfortable driving the vehicle without a working backup camera, you have the right to request a loaner vehicle from the dealer while your car is being repaired. Not all dealers offer this automatically, so you may need to ask. Some dealers will also offer to pick up your vehicle from your home and return it after the repair is complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this recall affect my vehicle's warranty?

No. Recall repairs are covered separately from your vehicle's warranty and do not affect your warranty coverage. The repair is performed at no cost to you, and it does not count against any warranty claims you may have for other issues.

What if my backup camera fails again after the recall repair?

Contact your Hyundai dealer and explain that the camera failed again after the recall repair was completed. The dealer should inspect it at no charge and determine whether the same issue has recurred or if a different problem has developed. If it is the same defect, the dealer should repair it again under the recall.

Can I take my vehicle to an independent mechanic instead of a Hyundai dealer?

Hyundai recall repairs must be performed by an authorized Hyundai dealer to may support the repair is done correctly and to maintain your warranty. Independent mechanics cannot process the recall repair or bill Hyundai for the work. You must use a Hyundai dealer for this repair.

Do I need to pay for anything related to this recall?

No. Hyundai covers all costs associated with this recall repair, including parts, labor, and diagnostic fees. If a dealer asks you to pay for any part of the recall repair, contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151 to report it.

What if I have already paid to fix my backup camera before the recall was announced?

Contact your Hyundai dealer with your repair receipt and explain that you paid for a backup camera repair before the recall was issued. Hyundai may reimburse you for the repair cost. You will need to provide proof of payment and the original repair invoice. Call Hyundai customer service to discuss your specific situation.