Toyota Motor Corporation has issued a massive recall affecting 1,024,407 vehicles across the United States due to critical failures in their backup cameras. The recall includes popular Toyota and Lexus models from 2022 to 2026, as well as Subaru Solterra vehicles.
This represents one of the largest automotive recalls this year, raising serious safety concerns nationwide.
The Core Problem Explained
A software error causes rearview cameras to freeze or display completely blank screens when drivers shift into reverse. This malfunction occurs in vehicles equipped with Panoramic View Monitor systems and specific parking assist computers supplied by Denso Corporation.
The failure occurs randomly within the first 12.5 seconds after the ignition is turned on.
Federal Safety Violation
These defective cameras violate Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards Rule 111, which mandates proper rearward visibility. The law requires backup cameras to display images within 2 seconds of engaging reverse.
Toyota’s voluntary recall acknowledges this violation, making repairs mandatory for all affected vehicle owners.
Toyota Models Affected
Recalled Toyota models include 2023-2025 bZ4X, 2025-2026 Camry, 2023-2026 Crown, 2024-2026 Grand Highlander, 2023-2025 Highlander, 2024-2025 Land Cruiser, 2023-2025 Mirai, 2023-2025 Prius, 2023-2025 RAV4, and 2025 Sienna Hybrid.
The 2023-2024 Venza Hybrid and various hybrid versions are also included. These represent some of Toyota’s best-selling vehicles across the nation.
Lexus Luxury Line Impacted
Lexus owners aren’t spared from this recall. Affected models include 2023-2025 ES, 2024-2025 GX, 2024-2025 LC, 2023-2025 LS, 2022-2025 LX, 2022-2025 NX, 2023-2026 RX, 2023-2025 RZ, and 2024-2026 TX models. Multiple hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants are also affected.
The 2025 LX Hybrid is among the newest models requiring repairs.
Subaru Connection
The 2023-2025 Subaru Solterra, an electric vehicle sharing Toyota’s e-TNGA platform with the bZ4X, faces identical camera issues.
Subaru has assigned recall number WRE25 for affected Solterras. This cross-brand recall illustrates how shared automotive platforms can simultaneously propagate defects across multiple manufacturers.
How Toyota Discovered the Defect
Toyota first identified the problem during bench testing in 2024 and confirmed vehicles were affected by October 2025. Engineers discovered that when parking assist computers and panoramic view monitors simultaneously write data while the system powers off, camera synchronization fails.
The issue arises when lane counters fall out of sync due to abnormal signal noise.
The Technical Root Cause
The defect occurs when camera data lanes become unsynchronized during a camera view change. Abnormal noise during signal pauses causes lane counters to advance independently, disrupting the serial camera data from the four lanes.
Denso Corporation’s parking assist computer contains specific software logic that makes vehicles vulnerable to this synchronization failure.
Real-World Safety Risks
A malfunctioning backup camera significantly increases the risk of collisions when reversing, especially when involving pedestrians, children, or objects directly behind vehicles.
While drivers can technically look over their shoulders, backup cameras have become federally mandated precisely because they prevent backover crashes. This recall addresses potentially life-threatening visibility failures.
Nationwide Impact
Over one million American drivers are affected by this recall, making it one of the most significant automotive safety actions of 2025. Toyota expects dealers to have recall notices immediately, but vehicle owners won’t receive notification letters until mid-December 2025.
The sheer volume means repair appointments may experience significant delays at dealerships.
Free Software Fix Available
Toyota has developed a software update for the parking assist computer that prevents synchronization failure. Dealers will reprogram affected parking assist computers at no cost to owners, as required by federal law for all safety recalls. The fix also includes other software improvements addressing slight delays in rearview image display.
What Owners Should Do
Vehicle owners should search their VIN on the NHTSA website to confirm if their vehicle is affected. Contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331 using recall numbers 25TB13 or 25LB06.
Subaru Solterra owners should reference recall number WRE25. Schedule dealership appointments promptly once notified.
Timeline for Notifications
Interim letters notifying owners about safety risks will be mailed starting December 16, 2025. Additional letters will follow once the final remedy implementation is complete at all dealerships.
This staggered notification approach allows Toyota to manage the massive repair workload across its nationwide dealer network systematically.
Industry-Wide Camera Problems
Toyota’s recall follows similar massive camera failures from other automakers. Ford has recalled 3.3 million vehicles for rear camera issues this year alone. Stellantis recalled nearly 1.2 million vehicles last year for the same issue. These widespread failures suggest systemic industry challenges with the reliability of camera technology and software quality control.
Ford’s Record-Breaking Recalls
Ford issued over 111 recalls in 2025, potentially affecting 9 million vehicles—the highest annual recall count for any automaker.
Ford’s backup camera problems stem from unauthorized supplier modifications to printed circuit board header tools, causing terminal connection corrosion. The company faced a $165 million civil penalty for delayed responses to the recall.
Federal Backup Camera Mandate
Since May 2018, all vehicles weighing less than 10,000 pounds must have a functioning backup camera that meets FMVSS 111 requirements. The law was enacted to prevent backover fatalities and injuries, particularly involving children and elderly pedestrians.
Cameras must display images within 2 seconds of shifting into reverse and maintain specific field-of-view standards.
Previous Toyota Camera Recall
In October 2025, Toyota recalled 393,838 Tundra and Sequoia models for similar rear-view camera malfunctions. The earlier recall involved multimedia display software, which caused green or black screens instead of camera views.
The current 1-million-vehicle recall represents a separate, more widespread software defect affecting different vehicle lines and systems.
No Reported Injuries Yet
Toyota has not reported any accidents or injuries associated with this specific camera malfunction. However, the potential for serious backover incidents prompted the voluntary recall before injuries occurred.
This proactive approach demonstrates Toyota’s commitment to addressing safety concerns before they result in actual harm to drivers or pedestrians.
Dealer Preparation and Capacity
Authorized Toyota and Lexus dealerships nationwide are prepared to perform the software updates immediately.
However, with over 1 million vehicles requiring service, initial appointment availability may be limited. The actual repair time is relatively brief—just the duration needed to reprogram the parking assist computer software.
Long-Term Implications
This recall highlights growing concerns about the reliability of automotive software as vehicles become increasingly dependent on electronic safety systems. The cross-manufacturer impact—affecting Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru—demonstrates how supplier defects propagate throughout the industry.
Vehicle owners should remain vigilant about recall notices and promptly prioritize safety updates.