Pleasanton, CA – July 18, 2020 – Nissan (OTCMKTS: NSANY) has recalled 6,157 hatchback hybrids with malfunctioning back-up cameras. The recall includes 2020 Nissan Leaf hybrids.
Recall summary
Due to a software issue in these Leaf hatchbacks, the back-up camera display can suddenly disappear when the car is in reverse and be replaced with the previous image. This is especially prone to happen when the car is first started and the reverse speed is greater than usual.
Risks
Rearview cameras are supposed to help prevent back-up crashes by showing the driver a 10-foot to 20-foot area behind the vehicle. If the camera is not functioning properly, there is a risk that the driver runs over the person or an object behind them.
The history of rearview cameras
Back-up cameras became mandatory on all new vehicle models in mid-2018. This was precipitated by the Cameron Gulbransen Kids Transportation Safety Act of 2007 that was named after 2-year-old Cameron who was tragically killed by a backing up SUV that could not “see” him. After the passage of the act, Congress issued safety standards to prevent child deaths and injuries from back-over accidents.
Before the passage of the new standards, back-up crashes killed an estimated 284 people and injured around 12,000 annually, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The repair
Dealers will update the back-up camera software for free. The software update is currently available, and should take less than half a day.
Is your vehicle part of this recall?
Over 6,000 vehicles are included in this Nissan recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.
