Nissan North America has announced a safety recall of certain 2018-2022 model year Nissan LEAF vehicles related to a defect with the rear-view camera harness that could impact rear visibility. As of February 2nd, 2024, recall number 24V-071 affects approximately 57,914 vehicles equipped with the faulty camera assemblies according to Nissan’s Part 573 Safety Recall Report to the NHTSA.

What Vehicles Are Impacted By the Recall?

The recall involves ALL 2018-2022 Nissan LEAF cars of all trim configurations that were factory-equipped with the rear-view camera harness part numbers 28442 5SA0D or 28442 5SA1A. Only vehicles manufactured at Nissan’s Smyrna, Tennessee plant between September 29th, 2017, and April 21st, 2022 are potentially affected.

To find out if your specific LEAF is part of the recall, visit Nissan’s recall site and enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

What Is the Rear View Camera Defect?

According to Nissan’s defect report, the issue involves damage that can occur to the rear-view camera wiring harness inside the vehicle’s rear hatch door. The potential for motion and vibration during driving or manual hatch operation combined with the harness routing design and layout makes the cables vulnerable to pinching, bending, or fraying over time.

As the harness sustains repeated stress, internal wires can become damaged. The consequence of this damage is shown as degradation of the rearview camera display, often beginning with symptoms like image distortion, blurriness, colored static, or flickering. Left unaddressed, the rearview camera video feed can fail with a fully blank screen.

Rear Visibility Impacted By Camera Failure

A malfunction of the rearview camera prevents the display of video from the reverse-mounted camera. This impacts compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 111 dictating rear visibility requirements in all passenger vehicles. Lack of video feed eliminates rear vision aid when reversing or parking, heightening the risk of crashes into pedestrians, obstacles, or other vehicles outside the driver’s peripheral sight lines.

What to Look Out for – Early Warning Signs

Nissan stated that many impacted vehicles will exhibit early symptoms as harness damage progresses. This includes:

• Degraded overall rear view image quality – blurriness, washed-out color, flickering
• Multi-colored dots or patches within the camera picture
• Visible static, lines, and distortion within the display video feed

Consumers spotting such irregularities when shifting into reverse should schedule an inspection by a Nissan dealer to diagnose dashboard camera functionality. Early harness damage can potentially be corrected before outright failure occurs.

Nissan’s Proposed Recall Remedy

Nissan has indicated that they are preparing an appropriate fix to be carried out on affected vehicles once parts and repair instructions are ready for deployment. This will involve inspection and likely replacement of damaged wiring as well as routing adjustments during service visits.

The manufacturer also stated in their recall report that vehicle owners qualifying for the recall will be offered reimbursement for any previously paid repairs related to the rear-view camera defect before receiving their official notification.

Important Recall Actions for Consumers

Nissan stated that notifications will be issued to owners of all potentially affected vehicles starting on March 20th advising them to schedule service appointments with local dealerships. If you suspect your car has issues with rear camera functionality, contact Nissan immediately at 1-800-647-7261 to address concerns before your official notification. Make sure you have your VIN handy to check the status of your vehicle.

Bring affected LEAF models to Nissan service centers once parts and instructions are available after March 20th. Technicians will inspect and replace any damaged components contributing to video display problems on qualifying vehicles at no charge as part of the recall.

Stay alert for any notices from Nissan by mail or email and schedule service promptly to restore the full function of your car’s backup camera system. Visit Nissan’s recall site to sign up for updates involving new recalls if desired moving forward.

Nissan Rearview Camera Malfunction? Consumer Action Law Group Can Advocate for You

Are you experiencing malfunctions with your Nissan’s rearview camera? Symptoms such as image distortion, persistent blurriness, aberrant colorization, or rapid flickering may indicate a significant defect. If these issues compromise your rearward situational awareness, you may have legal recourse under California’s Lemon Law.

The team of highly experienced legal professionals at Consumer Action Law Group advocates for consumers facing these exact scenarios. We provide the following:

• Free Case Evaluation: Our initial consultation, provided free of charge, will evaluate your specific situation and determine if you have a viable claim under the Lemon Law.
• Guiding You Through The Process: We will clearly explain your legal options, navigate complex legal procedures, and help you understand each step of the journey.
• Fighting For Your Rights: We will aggressively pursue the maximum possible compensation on your behalf, whether it’s a full refund, vehicle replacement, or cash settlement.

Don’t hesitate to seek legal representation if your Nissan’s rearview camera poses a safety risk. Contact Consumer Action Law Group today for a free consultation and discover how we can help you achieve a just resolution.