Hyundai is recalling about 143,472 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Hybrid SUVs from model years 2024 and 2025 because of a wiring problem that affects the backup camera. The recall applies to vehicles sold across the United States. The issue comes from a manufacturing mistake made by a supplier in Alabama. During assembly, the bundle of wires that connects to the rear camera was twisted and squeezed too tightly. This damaged the protective layer around the wires inside and caused the camera to lose power.
Because of this issue, when drivers put the vehicle in reverse, the backup camera may not show an image or might freeze. This makes it harder for drivers to see what’s behind them. Federal law in the U.S. requires all new vehicles to have working backup cameras under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 111. These cameras are important for preventing accidents, especially in places like driveways or parking lots where children and pedestrians are often nearby.
How the Problem Happened
The wiring issue began at the supplier’s factory in Alabama. Workers did not route the harness (the group of wires) through the vehicle correctly during assembly. This caused the wires to bend and twist too much, which damaged the metal inside. Over time, this strain broke the connection to the backup camera, causing the system to fail.
After identifying the source of the problem, the supplier improved its production methods to prevent more mistakes. However, thousands of SUVs built before this fix left the factory with the faulty wiring. Those vehicles are now part of Hyundai’s recall.
In addition to this main recall, Hyundai also announced another smaller recall affecting 258 vehicles related to a side-curtain airbag problem. When combined, about 143,730 vehicles are affected in total. The impact goes beyond just the owners of these cars, since family members, service technicians, and parking attendants may drive these vehicles too, many more people could be affected.
The Recall Process and What Owners Should Do
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is the government agency that oversees vehicle safety. It identified a pattern of backup camera failures in Hyundai’s warranty and field reports. Because rear visibility is a federally required safety feature, NHTSA directed Hyundai to issue an official recall. Federal law gives NHTSA the power to order recalls when safety standards are not met.
Hyundai dealers will repair the issue for free. The fix involves replacing the faulty camera wiring harness with a new one that is more flexible and better protected. The updated harness also routes differently to prevent wire twisting. Vehicles produced after Hyundai corrected the manufacturing process already have this improved design.
Owners of affected vehicles will receive mailed notices explaining how to schedule a repair at authorized Hyundai dealerships. In the meantime, anyone can check whether their SUV is part of the recall by entering their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on Hyundai’s website or on NHTSA’s online recall lookup tool. Once confirmed, owners should contact their dealer for a convenient appointment. There will be no cost for the inspection or repair.
A Larger Pattern in the Auto Industry
This incident is part of a wider issue facing many carmakers. Other brands, including Toyota, Ford, and Nissan, have recalled hundreds of thousands of vehicles in recent years for similar problems involving camera failures or software issues. As cars become more advanced and rely on complex camera and sensor systems, maintaining consistent quality has become a challenge for manufacturers and their global suppliers.
Hyundai has faced similar issues before. In 2021 and 2022, the company recalled over 226,000 vehicles for a different backup camera problem caused by weak electrical connections on circuit boards. These repeated problems highlight how small errors in wiring or design can disable major safety features. They also show why automakers need to closely monitor suppliers and test components more thoroughly.
Until affected cars are fixed, drivers should assume their backup cameras may not work reliably. Experts recommend returning to basic safety habits: check your mirrors, turn your head to look behind you, and reverse slowly. Every year in the U.S., about 50 children are accidentally backed over by vehicles. This tragic statistic emphasizes the importance of both technology and driver attention.
Overall, Hyundai’s recall serves as a reminder that even small wiring mistakes can have large safety consequences. As vehicles gain more cameras and electronic features, automakers must strengthen their quality control processes. Reliable safety systems depend not only on innovative designs but also on careful manufacturing and oversight at every stage of production.
Sources:
Reuters – Hyundai Motor to recall 143,472 US vehicles over rearview image issue (NHTSA)
Carscoops – A “Tiny” Mistake Just Forced 143,000 Hyundai SUVs Back to Dealers
Cars.com – Hyundai Recalls 143,000-Plus Santa Fes, Santa Fe Hybrids for Backup Camera
Autoblog – Over 143,000 Hyundai Santa Fe SUVs Recalled For A Safety Defect