Hyundai was founded in South Korea in the ’60s. Named modernity in Korean, this small motor company later grew up to become the largest car factory in the world, producing a motor every 10 seconds. But when you’re developing cars this fast, chances are many of them will have some sort of a defect. For example, thousands of Hyundai models have a faulty backup camera that has become a critical safety risk for drivers all around the world. If you want to understand how recall obligations work and what manufacturers must legally fix, this guide on vehicle recall laws offers a clear breakdown of your rights.
Backup or rear-view cameras have been mandatory in new vehicles since 2018. They reduce accidents while reversing. In fact, 1 in 4 car accidents happen when someone’s reversing their vehicle and runs over unsuspecting walkers. Hyundai’s recall covers vehicles from 2021 and 2022 experiencing faulty backup cameras due to solder joint failures.
These recalls haven’t appeared out of the blue. Hyundai has generally produced reliable and affordable vehicles that rank highly in safety & dependability studies. But all manufacturers face problems with recalls at some point. Even Hyundai has a history of recalls that show how this S. Korea-based company is committed to ensuring the safety of its customers:
This one was a landmark case in which South Korea’s government ordered Kia and Hyundai to recall around 240,000 vehicles after a whistleblower revealed defects that affected a dozen car models. This was also the first compulsory recall from the government. The whistleblower talked about how these models had faulty vacuum pipes, fuel hoses, and parking brake systems.
The models included in this 2017 whistleblower report involved sedans like the Hyundai Sonata to luxury rides like the Genesis series. Hyundai resisted action in the beginning, but had to take action after the government compelled them to do something about these key safety issues.
Another recall happened a month ago when both Toyota and Hyundai had to recall 1.1 million models for seat belt and panel display problems. Hyundai issued this recall when over 568,000 Palisade SUVs (model years 2020-25) had a defective seat belt buckle. The buckle assemblies didn’t securely latch 100% of the time, so drivers were prone to serious injuries in case of a car crash. The NHTSA alerted owners to inspect their seat belts and do swift repairs.
There have also been fire risks with Hyundai models. In 2021, the company recalled 82,000+ electric vehicles globally to replace batteries linked to a series of fire incidents. This involves a relatively small fleet, but this recall was one of the costliest ones in the industry’s history. One estimate says that it cost the company around $900 million. A similar recall took place a month ago when Hyundai recalled 135,000+ vehicles in America due to fire risk.
Hyundai recalled 226,000+ vehicles due to concerns over the rear-view camera display. A fault in the backup camera’s circuit board was responsible for this recall; the solder joints on the PCB of the camera could crack due to temperature fluctuations and normal wear & tear. This PCB issue caused the camera image to disappear from the infotainment screen when the vehicle shifted into reverse gear. As a result, it eliminates the mandatory rear visibility of your Hyundai.
This backup camera recall impacted many models. These vehicles are no longer compliant with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) to mandate a functioning rear-view camera for vehicles assembled after May 2018. So, if you own any of these models (used or new), you may look into your state’s lemon laws. Consider these models:
It’s interesting to note that this issue with the Hyundai backup camera recall isn’t something new or unique. In fact, it happened to the 2021 Hyundai Elantra four years ago. The backup camera was not working. Also, owners were seeing the battery discharge warning while the engine was still running. If you see these signs, you’ll know if your Hyundai’s backup camera is faulty or not:
Don’t forget that driving without a functional backup camera makes your car prone to causing a serious accident while reversing; you may end up running someone over in tight spaces or a poorly visible area, such as small children or pets. Your Hyundai also becomes non-compliant with federal law until you do the necessary repairs (affecting insurance claims & car resale).
Hyundai dealerships are replacing the affected backup camera assemblies free of charge. This issue was reported in November 2024. The replacement components utilize redesigned circuit boards that eliminate the solder joint failure altogether. The recall mailing began in January 2025 (owners are getting notified by mail). So, what’s next for you, a Hyundai model owner?
Hyundai backup camera recall repairs typically take a few hours. These repairs are not paid by you (the manufacturer covers these expenses). Just make sure that you have kept copies of all repair orders, communications, & receipts to document the process. If your Hyundai model has been affected, you should take these steps:
Some Hyundai models keep experiencing backup camera issues after the necessary repairs. If your vehicle has spent a lot of time out of service, your car may qualify as a “lemon” under state law. Review your Hyundai lemon law protections in Texas to understand whether you’re eligible for compensation:
You may also want to know if you can trade in a lemon car. We at Lemon My Vehicle can help you with these problems. We offer expert legal support to consumers dealing with unresolved backup camera issues. You get free case evaluations from us. If your vehicle qualifies, we can help you get a replacement vehicle or a refund of your purchase price. Your lemon vehicle can lead to compensation; you just need the right legal experts working on your behalf!
You may wonder what happens if the dealership can’t fix the issue with your backup camera. In case Hyundai’s recall repair doesn’t resolve your backup camera problem, we suggest you take these steps to protect your investment:
You need expert legal guidance to simplify complex lemon law claims. That’s how you improve your chances of getting a favorable resolution.
Hyundai has addressed rear-view display problems via over-the-air (OTA) software updates for a few 2024 Santa Fe models. That’s how they fixed issues like obstructive trailer parking assist messages that used to cover the entire rear camera image, blocking the driver’s view of what’s behind their vehicle. That’s why you should always:
The backup camera of your Hyundai reduces your risk of causing an accident. That’s why you should take this recall issue seriously. A properly functioning rear-view camera doesn’t merely help you avoid costly accidents but also makes your ride compliant. However, if your Hyundai Elantra or Santa Fe model (2021/22) has a defective camera, get it fixed right away. Do you suspect that your Hyundai is a lemon? Lemon law experts will help determine this for you.
We at Lemon My Vehicle can help you obtain the necessary monetary compensation for your lemon. Want to know if you qualify for cash compensation? Find out if you qualify for a cash or car replacement for your defective car! Let’s get started with Lemon My Vehicle today! We’ve resolved around 4,000 lemon law cases, and we’re ready to resolve your car now as well.
$26,534 $24,110 $23,345 $23,000 $22,195 $22,000 $21,586 $21,550 $20,183 $20,000 $20,000 $19,411 $18,000 $18,000 $17,000 $16,000
Call (213) 531-2056