Sunita Somvanshi
Volvo and its electric vehicle subsidiary Polestar have launched major recalls affecting more than 440,000 vehicles in the United States due to a software flaw that prevents rearview cameras from displaying when drivers shift into reverse. The problem raises accident risks and violates federal safety regulations that require functional backup cameras.
The Numbers: Who’s Affected?
The recall spans 413,151 Volvo vehicles and 27,816 Polestar 2 electric cars. For Volvo owners, this includes nearly all recent models with Google built-in software:
- 2023–2025 Volvo S60
- 2022–2025 Volvo S90
- 2023–2025 Volvo V60/V60 Cross Country
- 2022 Volvo V90/2022–2025 V90 Cross Country
- 2021–2025 Volvo XC40
- 2022–2025 Volvo XC60
- 2023–2025 Volvo XC90
Every Polestar 2 ever sold in the American market is included in the recall, with the company noting that 2025 is the final model year for this vehicle.
What Goes Wrong?
When affected vehicles are placed in reverse, instead of displaying the rear camera view, drivers see a message stating “Camera is temporarily not available” on their center displays.
The technical cause differs slightly between the two brands. Volvo attributes the failure to a software issue in vehicles equipped with Google built-in infotainment systems. Polestar describes the problem as “a synchronization error between the Parking Assist Camera (PAC) and the Infotainment Head Unit (IHU)” combined with a fault in the IHU’s video receiving hardware.
In both cases, the result is the same: drivers lose critical visibility behind their vehicles when backing up.
The Fix: Software Updates
Both companies will address the issue through software updates. Volvo has indicated that owners can receive the update in two ways:
- Over-the-air updates (eliminating the need for a dealership visit)
- Service at authorized dealers
Volvo’s software fix is already installed in 2026 models manufactured after April 21, 2025. Polestar’s solution will “always maintain the high-speed signal connection between the PAC and IHU, instead of toggling on and off by request” and will “add a reset of the IHU video signal receiving hardware in case a synchronization error is detected.”
Timeline and Notifications
Volvo plans to mail recall notices to affected owners starting in late June 2025. Polestar owners can expect notification letters around June 19, 2025.
Neither company has reported any crashes, injuries, or fatalities linked to this defect so far. Volvo has stated that owners who previously paid for repairs related to this issue will be eligible for reimbursement.
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Regulatory Concerns
The malfunctioning cameras violate Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 111, which requires vehicles to have functioning rear visibility systems. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is overseeing the recall process.
The Bigger Picture: Software’s Growing Pains
This recall exemplifies a rising trend in the auto industry: software glitches causing safety recalls. As vehicles become increasingly dependent on complex software systems for essential functions, manufacturers face new challenges in ensuring reliability.
While over-the-air updates offer convenience for addressing software problems, they also introduce new potential failure points in vehicle systems. This dual-edged sword of automotive technology advancement requires careful management by manufacturers and vigilance from consumers.
The timing of these recalls coincides with other business adjustments at Volvo, including workforce reductions at their South Carolina plant, pointing to broader challenges for the Swedish automaker.
For consumers driving these affected models, the message is clear: when recall notices arrive next month, take action promptly to ensure your vehicle’s backup camera works properly—whether through an over-the-air update or a visit to your dealer.
