It doesn’t seem to have been a good time recently for some manufacturers. Ford has recently had a few recalls amounting to a huge number of vehicles. Now, Jeep, Ram, Dodge, and Chrysler have had to recall an incredible number of vehicles in the same range.
A huge problem appears to have occurred involving rear cameras on many of the Stellantis brands’ cars. In fact, the issue seems to stem from a radio software glitch that has been causing the rearview image to stop appearing as drivers attempt to reverse.
For most owners, it appears a recall isn’t going to be a problem. Stellantis has stated that a free over-the-air software fix will take care of the problem for most people. But for others, the only way that the issue can seemingly be fixed is via this huge Stellantis recall.
Rear cameras have been under the watchful eye of many consumers recently. Issues with them, as well as with dashboards and the massive screens cars now have, have become quite prominent in recent years.
What Has Actually Been Going On?
The issue stems from the backup cameras in a wide array of cars from Jeep, Ram, Dodge, and Chrysler in the United States. We mean backup in the sense of a reversing camera. According to the manufacturer, the issue is due to a radio software glitch. This glitch can cause the rearview image to stop appearing while a driver is trying to reverse the car.
For most people, the over-the-air software fix should resolve the problem. That will ensure that many consumers do not need to visit a dealership to get the problem sorted. It is, however, important that those affected know which models are affected and what the update will do, so you know what you need to do. The recall covers a huge list of both 2026 and 2027 model-year vehicles, which is slightly embarrassing for those vehicles that have only just been released for the next model year.
In the list issued by Stellantis, some of the vehicles involved include the Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid, Chrysler Voyager, Dodge Charger, Jeep Cherokee, Compass, Gladiator, Grand Cherokee, Grand Cherokee L, Grand Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer L, Wrangler, Ram 1500, Ram 2500, and Ram ProMaster and ProMaster EV. So that is a huge number of vehicles. In fact, it is 848,000 vehicles in total in America and Canada. In total, it is 955,000 worldwide.
Is the Rearview Camera Glitch Dangerous?
The defect is traced to the radio software that can keep the rearview camera feed from showing on the main, central screen as the driver selects reverse. The wide-angle view behind suddenly vanishes, leaving you to rely solely on the mirrors and your direct line of sight. If you need to reverse out of a tight spot or onto a busier road, that could cause a bit of stress and anxiety.
A working rearview camera is actually part of the minimum required rear visibility gear under federal rules. If a failure does occur, that does classify as a safety defect, despite the presence of mirrors, our own eyesight, and the vehicle itself being fine. The free update should update the radio system and restore the camera image without a dealership being needed. A message on the screen of the car, or via the car’s app, should notify you that the update has taken place.