What happens when a safety feature intended to avert accidents no longer works? That’s the question facing more than a million Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru owners after a massive recall was announced in late October. The problem revolves around malfunctioning rearview cameras, technology drivers have grown to rely on daily for safe reversing.
According to NHTSA, these recalled vehicles are equipped with a PVM system that, when in reverse gear, may freeze or show a blank image. It is not just a tech glitch it’s a potential safety hazard that could raise the chances of collisions. This recall includes more than 100 models across recent years-from family SUVs to electric vehicles-making it one of Toyota’s largest in recent memory.
The situation now raises pertinent questions from owners Is my car affected? How soon can it be fixed? And what should I do now? Here’s a breakdown of some of the most critical information every driver should know.
1. Scale of the Recall
The recall affects a total of 1,024,407 vehicles across the Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru brands. This sweeping action covers model years from 2020 to 2026, making it one of the largest safety-related recalls in Toyota’s recent history. Everything from sedans and hybrids to SUVs and electric vehicles is included, a testament to just how pervasive this Panoramic View Monitor issue has become. According to NHTSA, a frozen or blank rearview camera image can greatly limit a driver’s ability to view what’s behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of crashes.
2. The Core Problem
The recall has at its core a software glitch in the Panoramic View Monitor system’s Parking Assist ECU. When in reverse gear, the rearview camera fails to display well either it freezes on a still image or it turns blank. As the NHTSA put it, “A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.” This means affected vehicles will not meet federal safety requirements for rear visibility.
3. Popular Models of Toyota Affected
The models included in the recall are some of the most recognizable by Toyota from the 2025-2026 Toyota Camry Hybrid and the 2023-2026 Toyota Crown to the 2023-2025 Toyota RAV4 and Highlander series, including the Grand Highlander, Land Cruiser, Prius, Sienna Hybrid, Venza Hybrid, Mirai, and the all-electric bZ4X. Owners of these models are being advised to urgently check the recall status.
4. Models from Lexus among them
Luxury brand Lexus is heavily represented in the recall, with models affected including the ES and ES Hybrid (2023–2025), GX (2024–2025), LC and LC Hybrid (2024–2025), LS and LS Hybrid (2023–2025), LX (2022–2025), NX and NX Hybrid (2022–2025), RX series (2023–2026), RZ (2023–2025), and TX series (2024–2026). Even plug-in hybrid variants of the NX, RX, and TX are affected by this recall, further showing that both the traditional and electrified Lexus vehicles share the same vulnerability.
5. Subaru’s Involvement
While it is mainly a Toyota and Lexus issue, Subaru’s participation comes in with its Solterra EV, jointly produced with Toyota. The 2023–2025 Subaru Solterra falls under the recall number WRE25. This becomes one of the ways in which the more-connected platforms and technology between manufacturers today distribute defects across more brands.
6. Safety Risks for Drivers
Rearview cameras are more than conveniences-they’re critical safety tools. If the camera display freezes or goes dark, drivers could be unable to see obstacles, pedestrians, or other vehicles when reversing. This is particularly hazardous in urban areas, parking lots, or driveways that are already challenging to navigate. The NHTSA emphasizes that the defect increases the risk of a crash and that owners should have the repairs done as soon as possible.
7. Free Repairs Available
Owners of the affected vehicles should visit authorized Toyota or Lexus dealers for a free software update to the Parking Assist ECU. For Subaru owners, updating can be provided at Subaru dealers. This will restore full functionality of the Panoramic View Monitor system and make the system compliant with federal safety standards.
8. Notification Timeline
The notice letters to owners will start mailing on December 16, 2025, according to Toyota. These letters will describe the defect, explain the repair options, and include reference numbers for the recall – namely, 25TB13 and 25LB06 for Toyota and Lexus models and WRE25 for Subaru. Additional notifications may be mailed for subsequent steps, if required.
9. How to Check Your Vehicle
Drivers who are unsure if their car is affected can check the NHTSA recall database, which supplies real-time safety recall information on vehicles, parts and accessories. USA TODAY’s recall database also has lists of affected models updated as more information becomes available.
10. Customer Support Options
Questions and inquiries can be forwarded to the Toyota customer service hotline at 1-800-331-4331, with Subaru owners calling their brand service line. Other inquiries about the recall can also be directed to the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline on 1-888-327-4236. Recall numbers should be ready when calling to facilitate assistance.
This recall serves as a reminder that even advanced safety technology can fail, and staying informed is key to protecting both drivers and passengers. With free repairs available and clear steps to verify recall status, affected owners have a straightforward path to resolving the issue. Acting quickly not only restores peace of mind but ensures these vehicles meet the safety standards they were designed to uphold.
