Toyota has slammed the brakes on more than 161,000 vehicles in the United States, announcing a major recall over a defect that could compromise driver safety while reversing.
According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the affected vehicles suffer from a fault in the rear-view camera display, which may fail to show an image when the vehicle is placed in reverse, effectively blinding drivers at a critical moment.
The recall, disclosed on Saturday, raises fresh concerns about vehicle safety systems that motorists increasingly depend on to avoid collisions, pedestrians, and property damage. Rear-view cameras have been mandatory on new vehicles in the U.S. since 2018, making any failure a serious safety issue.
While Toyota has not reported widespread crashes linked to the defect, regulators say the malfunction increases the risk of accidents, especially in tight urban spaces and crowded parking areas.
Owners of the affected vehicles are expected to be contacted by Toyota, with dealers set to inspect and fix the camera display issue at no cost.
The development adds to a growing list of high-profile recalls in the global auto industry, underscoring the challenges automakers face as vehicles become more software- and electronics-dependent.
For now, Toyota drivers are advised to remain cautious when reversing and to watch their inboxes closely for recall notices.
