Mazda Calls Back Some 230,000 Vehicles Over Faulty Rearview Cameras
» Posted September 29, 2023 • Resources | Share This Post
Add Mazda to the list of major automakers calling back cars over malfunctioning rearview cameras.
The Japanese car manufacturer is recalling nearly 230,000 vehicles, Mazda recently told federal regulators in the U.S. A defect could cause rearview cameras to become distorted, according to the company.
“On certain vehicles equipped with a hatchback, the rearview camera may display a distorted or flickering image,” Mazda said in a defect notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “A distorted or flickering rearview camera image while reversing could affect driver judgment, increasing the risk of a crash.”
The recall covers Mazda CX-3 small crossovers for 2016 to 2021 and 2014-2018 Mazda3 hatchbacks. The automaker is blaming a design flaw for the snafu.
“Due to improper design of the rearview camera wiring harness fastener, the harness may become damaged from vibrations during normal vehicle use and/or while closing the liftgate,” Mazda said in the NHTSA filing. “Subsequently, the connector pins wear out, causing high electrical resistance. This results in image distortion or flickering.”
The company plans to notify owners of recalled cars via mail by mid-September. It will ask owners to bring their vehicles to local dealers for inspection and repair.
The recall follows similar moves by several other major auto manufacturers.
Jaguar, for example, recently called back some 3,100 XE sedans. The company said rearview cameras may not display an image, creating a safety hazard.
In August, Ford said it was recalling 19,000 Super Duty pickup trucks because camera displays may not properly function in some 2023 trucks equipped with a Pro Trailer Hitch Assist feature.
Know Your California Lemon Law Rights
The truth is that automakers recall millions of vehicles around the globe every single year. They often cite serious defects that pose real safety risks for everyone on the road.
Fortunately, car owners and lessors have some valuable rights and protections under the state’s lemon law.
Officially known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, the lemon law requires Jaguar and other auto manufacturers to perform various repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. The law also forces the company to buy back - or replace, in some situations - vehicles that it is unable or not willing to fix.
There is no set number of repair requests or attempts that must be made before the buyback or replacement obligation kicks in. An experienced California lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and explore your options.
Talk with a California Lemon Law Attorney
California car owners and lessors have some important rights and protections under the state’s lemon law. You do not need to wait for a recall to get a defective vehicle fixed.
If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a California lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.
Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney.
