If you own a model year 2024 or 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe or Santa Fe Hybrid, you need to be aware of a significant safety recall affecting your vehicle’s backup camera system.
Hyundai Motor America has determined that a defect exists in certain vehicles where the rear view camera image may fail to display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. This issue has triggered a noncompliance recall because the affected vehicles fail to meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111 regarding “Rear Visibility.”
Here is everything owners need to know about why the cameras are failing, the safety risks involved, and how Hyundai plans to fix the problem.
What is Causing the Santa Fe Camera Failure?
It is frustrating when a new car feature stops working. In this case, the problem isn’t necessarily a defective camera lens, but rather how the camera system was installed at the factory.
According to investigations by Hyundai’s Safety Test and Investigation Laboratory (STIL), the root cause stems from improper installation of the rear view camera wiring harness.
During the manufacturing process, variations in how the “end-of-line” wire harnesses were packaged allowed for inconsistencies in cable routing. In some vehicles, the camera wiring harnesses were installed with a “twist.” This twisting creates increased tension on the wires.
Over time, this tension can cause physical damage to the wiring, including solder cracks near terminal connections and damage to the wire’s shield line. Once these wires are compromised, the connection becomes unstable, leading to a flickering image or a completely blank screen on your dashboard display.
Why This Is a Safety Issue
A functional rear view camera is vital for safe reversing. It helps drivers spot pedestrians, obstacles, and other vehicles in their blind spots.
When the camera fails to display an image, the driver loses this critical view. This noncompliance with FMVSS No. 111 increases the risk of a crash or backup collision.
The Investigation Timeline
Hyundai began looking into this issue between March and June 2025 after routine monitoring of warranty claims showed a spike in inoperative cameras. They analyzed 21 different camera assemblies, discovering the solder cracks and wiring damage. Following extensive review with the supplier and Hyundai’s North America Safety Decision Authority in November 2025, the decision was made to issue a recall.
The Fix: What Hyundai Will Do
- Replace the rear view camera assembly entirely.
- Reposition the wiring harness correctly to ensure there is no tension causing damage to the new unit.
Important Dates and Next Steps for Owners
If you own a 2024-2025 Santa Fe or Santa Fe Hybrid, keep an eye on your mail.
- Owner Notification: Hyundai expects to mail notification letters to affected owners beginning January 19, 2026.
If your camera is currently not working, you do not need to wait for the letter to contact your dealer.
Essential Recall Reference Numbers
When speaking with your dealer or searching the NHTSA database, use these reference numbers to identify this specific issue:
- Hyundai Recall Number: 288
- NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V-808
