Drivers generally rely on the rear camera display to make sure people aren’t walking behind them when they pull out of a driveway or parking space, so this dangerous problem can lead to serious consequences. Here’s what you need to know about the recall, which is being done in conjunction with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Cause of malfunction
The recall affects various BMW models and the malfunction occurs when drivers adjust the brightness or contrast of the backup camera and display settings. Those simple actions cause the rearview image to no longer be visible on the console. The cars’ systems will retain the abnormal setting the next time the vehicles are placed in reverse. The NHTSA says the problem makes the vehicles non-compliant with federal requirements regarding rearview mirrors. The NHTSA adds that the lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash. So far no injuries have been reported. Also affected by the lack of the rearview image are some Rolls Royce models and the Toyota Supra. The total number of recalls is 257,481.
Fixing the problem
The NHTSA says BMW is expected to begin notifying owners soon and will begin the recalls Nov. 19. Dealers will update the backup camera software free of charge. If you have questions, you can call BMW at 1-800-525-7417, Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735 or Toyota at 1-888-270-9371.
List of vehicles being recalled
The BMW vehicles being recalled are: 2018
BMW 540d
2018-2019
640i xDrive Gran Turismo
2018-2020
530i530i xDrive540i540i xDriveM550i xDriveM5530e530e xDriveX3 sDriveX3 xDriveX3 M40iX3 M
2019-2020
X4 xDriveX4 M40iX4 MX7 xDriveX7 M50i740Li740Li xDrive750Li750Li xDrive8 Series Convertible and Coupe 840i840i xDriveM850i xDriveX5 sDriveX5 xDriveX5 M50iX6 xDriveX6 M50i330i330i xDriveM340iM340i xDriveZ4 sDriveZ4 M40i740Le xDrive745Le xDrive
2019
M850i xDrive Gran Coupe
Other vehicles recalled: 2018-2019
Rolls-Royce Phantom
2019
Rolls-Royce Cullinan
2020
Toyota Supra vehicles
To see if your car has any safety issues or recalls, simply type in your vehicle’s VIN at the NHTSA website.
