In one of the largest automotive safety actions of the year, Toyota recalls cars in the United States due to a major software issue affecting the rear-view camera systems in more than one million vehicles. The recall, confirmed in early November 2025, impacts multiple Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra models built between 2022 and 2026.
The malfunction involves a software defect that can cause the rear-view camera display to freeze or go completely blank when the vehicle is shifted into reverse. With rear visibility considered a federally mandated safety requirement, Toyota’s recall underscores both the complexity and the responsibility that comes with increasingly high-tech vehicles.
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The Defect at the Center of the Recall
The affected vehicles are equipped with Toyota’s Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system — a feature designed to give drivers a 360-degree, bird’s-eye perspective of their surroundings when parking or reversing.
However, engineers discovered a software glitch in the display control unit that can cause the rear camera image to malfunction. The screen may:
- Freeze on a previous frame,
- Turn blank entirely, or
- Fail to display the camera view at all when the car is shifted into reverse.
This issue poses an immediate safety concern, as a non-functional camera may prevent drivers from detecting people, obstacles, or vehicles behind them.
Under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS 111), automakers must ensure that rear-view systems provide a consistent and reliable image. The defect means these vehicles fall out of compliance with U.S. safety regulations — prompting Toyota to take quick corrective action.
Models and Brands Affected
The recall covers several popular vehicles across Toyota’s luxury and electric divisions. The following chart summarizes the affected brands and years:
| Brand | Model Years | Examples of Models Impacted |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota | 2022 – 2026 | RAV4, Highlander, Camry, Prius, Crown, Mirai |
| Lexus | 2022 – 2026 | ES, LS, NX, RX, GX |
| Subaru | 2023 – 2025 | Solterra (EV co-developed with Toyota) |
All these vehicles include the Panoramic View Monitor system, either standard or as part of higher trim packages.
The recall affects more than 1,024,000 vehicles in the United States. Owners are encouraged to check their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on Toyota’s official recall lookup tool or through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s database to confirm whether their car is listed.
Toyota’s Official Response
Toyota has confirmed that the malfunction is linked to an internal programming error and not a hardware failure. The company will issue a free software update to fix the issue.
Here’s what owners need to know:
- The repair will be completed free of charge at authorized Toyota and Lexus dealerships.
- Toyota will notify all affected owners by mail, with letters expected to begin mailing before the end of 2025.
- The software update will reprogram the camera’s display control module, ensuring the image functions normally when the vehicle is placed in reverse.
- The process will take approximately 30 to 60 minutes and will not require any parts replacement.
Subaru Solterra owners will be notified separately but will receive the same fix under the automaker’s partnership with Toyota.
Toyota emphasized that it is not aware of any injuries or accidents related to this defect.
How to Check if Your Vehicle Is Affected
Drivers can take simple steps to confirm whether their vehicle is part of the recall:
- Locate your VIN: It can be found on your registration, insurance card, or the lower left corner of your windshield.
- Visit the recall lookup tool: Toyota, Lexus, and NHTSA provide online tools to enter your VIN and check recall eligibility.
- Schedule an appointment: If your car is listed, contact a local dealership to book the update. Most dealerships can complete the repair in under an hour.
- Drive cautiously until fixed: If your camera image flickers, freezes, or goes blank, use mirrors and manual checks when reversing.
Toyota’s customer service hotline for recall assistance is 1-800-331-4331. Lexus owners can call 1-800-255-3987, while Subaru Solterra drivers can reach 1-844-373-6614.
Why the Toyota Recall Is So Significant
Although recalls are common in the auto industry, this one stands out for several reasons:
- Scale and reach: With over a million affected vehicles across multiple brands, this is one of Toyota’s largest recalls in recent years.
- Safety category: The defect affects rear visibility — a critical feature that directly impacts accident prevention.
- Technology link: The recall is tied to software, highlighting how modern cars rely heavily on complex digital systems rather than purely mechanical components.
- Brand impact: Toyota’s reputation for reliability means the company is particularly proactive about addressing any safety risks quickly.
This recall follows a separate campaign announced in October 2025 involving nearly 400,000 Toyota trucks and SUVs with similar camera display issues. Together, these actions illustrate the company’s ongoing effort to strengthen oversight on electronic safety systems.
The Rising Role of Software in Vehicle Safety
Automotive recalls are increasingly linked to software rather than physical parts. Cameras, sensors, and automated driver-assist features now rely on millions of lines of code.
When a bug appears, it can affect a wide range of vehicles simultaneously. Unlike traditional recalls — where components must be replaced — software recalls can often be resolved through updates, saving both time and cost.
Still, this shift poses challenges:
- Manufacturers must ensure consistent software testing before release.
- Dealerships need the capability to perform quick updates on large fleets.
- Drivers must stay informed about digital recalls, which may not show obvious physical symptoms.
Toyota’s decision to issue a wide-scale recall rather than waiting for customer complaints demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to safety and transparency.
How This Impacts U.S. Consumers
For most U.S. Toyota and Lexus owners, this recall means little more than a quick trip to the dealership. However, for the broader market, it’s an important case study in how automakers manage high-tech risks.
Consumer benefits include:
- A free repair ensuring compliance with federal safety laws.
- Peace of mind that Toyota has taken steps to protect drivers and pedestrians.
- Enhanced awareness of how digital systems in modern vehicles require ongoing maintenance.
Potential drawbacks:
- Dealership service centers may see heavy demand, creating scheduling delays.
- Some owners may experience temporary inconvenience if parts of the display system are disabled during diagnostics.
- Resale values could dip slightly for vehicles with open recalls, though this effect is typically short-term once repairs are completed.
The Bigger Picture for Toyota
Toyota remains one of the most respected automakers in the world, but the company faces mounting pressure to maintain that image as vehicles become more software-driven.
The recall serves as a reminder that even established brands must balance innovation with reliability. The company’s swift acknowledgment and solution, however, suggest it remains deeply committed to quality control and consumer safety.
As automakers increasingly roll out connected, electric, and semi-autonomous vehicles, software testing and real-world data monitoring will play an ever-greater role in preventing recalls of this scale.
Preventing Future Issues
For drivers, there are several steps to reduce risk between recall periods:
- Keep your vehicle software up to date, especially as over-the-air updates become more common.
- Check your VIN at least twice a year for any open recalls.
- Report any malfunctions to your dealership as soon as they appear, even if they seem minor.
- If you’re buying a used car, ask the seller for documentation showing all recalls have been completed.
Maintaining awareness and regular maintenance can ensure that features like rear-view cameras — now standard on nearly all vehicles — perform correctly when needed most.
Final Thoughts
Toyota’s latest recall is a wake-up call for the entire auto industry about the importance of software integrity in modern vehicle design. While the defect is serious, the company’s quick and transparent action demonstrates a commitment to keeping drivers safe.
For the millions of U.S. drivers affected, the fix is simple and free — but acting fast is essential.
If your Toyota, Lexus, or Subaru Solterra is affected, check your VIN today, share your experience below, and stay informed about new updates that keep your drive safer.