Major Toyota Recall Impacts Multiple Brands
In a sweeping safety move, Toyota is recalling cars across the United States due to a defect in rearview camera systems that may fail to display properly when reversing. According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notice shared by CBS News on November 5, 2025, the recall affects more than 1 million vehicles, including certain Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru models.
The Toyota recall covers an estimated 1,024,407 vehicles produced between 2022 and 2026, including Toyota’s popular SUVs and sedans, luxury Lexus models, and Subaru Solterra electric vehicles that share Toyota’s Panoramic View Monitor technology.
Officials say a software error in the rearview camera could cause the screen to freeze or go blank when the car is shifted into reverse. This malfunction could reduce a driver’s visibility, increasing the risk of accidents or collisions.
Details of the Toyota Recall
According to the NHTSA bulletin, the problem originates in the Panoramic View Monitor—a camera-based system designed to assist drivers with a full view around their vehicle. A glitch in the software may cause the camera feed to freeze or fail to display altogether, especially when the car is placed in reverse gear.
The safety concern prompted Toyota to recall cars promptly to ensure that affected drivers receive free repairs. The company emphasized that no injuries or crashes have been reported yet related to the defect, but the recall is being implemented out of caution.
Owners of affected vehicles can contact Toyota’s customer service line at 1-800-331-4331 or visit www.nhtsa.gov for additional recall information. Toyota service centers will update the camera software free of charge.
Lexus and Subaru Vehicles Also Affected
This Toyota recall extends beyond its main brand, as several Lexus and Subaru Solterra models are impacted. Subaru’s electric Solterra was co-developed with Toyota, using much of the same technology and camera system architecture.
Toyota officials clarified that the recall includes:
- 2022–2026 Toyota models with Panoramic View Monitor systems
- 2022–2026 Lexus models equipped with the same camera interface
- Subaru Solterra EVs produced under Toyota’s partnership agreement
Owners of Lexus vehicles can contact customer support through their dealerships or call Lexus customer care at 1-800-255-3987. Subaru Solterra drivers can reach Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783.
Why This Camera Flaw Matters
Rearview cameras have become standard in modern vehicles since 2018, following federal safety requirements aimed at reducing backover crashes. These systems rely on high-speed data transfer from the camera to the infotainment display, and even a brief software failure can leave drivers without critical rear visibility.
Experts note that this Toyota recall underscores the growing importance of software reliability in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). As automakers integrate more digital and autonomous features, even a minor software issue can have major safety implications.
Automotive analyst Rebecca Lane commented, “We’re seeing an era where vehicles are computers on wheels. When software fails, the safety risks extend beyond mechanical parts — it’s about visibility, sensors, and AI-driven perception.”
Toyota’s Commitment to Fixing the Issue
Toyota has assured customers that it is working swiftly with suppliers and dealerships to correct the defect. The fix involves a simple software patch that will be installed by service technicians in less than an hour.
“Toyota takes the safety of our customers seriously,” the company said in a statement. “We urge all affected owners to schedule their repair appointments as soon as possible.”
Owners will receive official recall notices via mail and email over the coming weeks.
How to Check If Your Car Is Affected
To find out if your vehicle is included in the Toyota recall, visit the NHTSA’s recall lookup page and enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Drivers can also use the Toyota and Lexus recall portals for brand-specific updates.
This latest recall follows previous software-related issues across the automotive industry, highlighting the ongoing challenges carmakers face as vehicles become increasingly digital.
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