If you own a 2018 or newer BMW model, there is a chance that a recall for the backup camera could affect you. According to a news report, this recall covers 257,481 vehicles including the 2018-2019 5-Series range, 2019-2020 X3, X5, Series and 7 Series. The campaign also covers the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, Phantom and Toyota Supra. The problem with these vehicles is that the backup camera and its display settings, which drivers can select, no longer show the view behind the car.
Details of the Recall
The cars will then retain this setting even after shutting the car off and turning it back on. Since backup cameras are federally regulated in the United States, all of these cars fail to comply with U.S. vehicle safety standards. Nissan recently recalled more than 1 million vehicles for precisely the same problem. Owners of these defective vehicles will receive notices in the mail starting Nov. 19.
The repair is simply a software upgrade to fix the issue. The change essentially reduces the range of brightness and contrast adjustments. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance first became aware of this potential issue on a 2019 BMW X4 and contacted BMW on May 15, 2019. This is the second recall covering the new Toyota Supra. The first was because of an improper weld for the seatbelt guide loop mount, but that only affected very few vehicles.
Auto Product Liability Issues
On March 31, 2014, NHTSA announced that it would require all automobiles sold in the United States built beginning in May 2018 to include backup cameras. According to the advocacy website, KidsandCars.org, in the United States, at least 50 children are being backed over by vehicles every week. Most of the victims in such case are young children between the ages of 12 months and 23 months. Over 60 percent of backover accidents involve a larger size vehicle such as a truck, van or SUV.
When a backover accident occurs as the result of defective backup cameras, the automaker can be held liable for the injuries, damages and losses caused. Victims and their families would be well advised to contact an experienced auto defect lawyer who can offer them more information about pursuing their legal rights.
