Toyota Tundra Recall Affects 162K Trucks, Backup Camera Failure Increases Crash Risk
Toyota announced a major safety recall in January 2026 affecting approximately 162,000 model year 2024-2025 Tundra and Tundra Hybrid pickup trucks. The recall addresses a multimedia display defect that can prevent the rearview camera from showing when backing up, violating federal safety standards and increasing the risk of crashes with pedestrians or objects behind the vehicle.
What’s the Safety Issue?
The multimedia display may become stuck on a camera view or display a black image under certain circumstances, according to Toyota’s official recall notice filed with NHTSA. When this happens and you shift into reverse, the backup camera image won’t appear on your screen.
This matters because Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 111 requires all vehicles sold after 2018 to have functional rearview cameras. Without that camera view, you’re driving blind when backing up a truck that’s as large as a Ford F-150 or Chevy Silverado.
Toyota recalls 162,000 Tundra vehicles for faulty rearview camera display violating safety standards, as reported by multiple automotive outlets following the January 23, 2026 announcement.
Which Trucks Are Affected?
The recall covers 2024 and 2025 Toyota Tundra and Tundra Hybrid trucks equipped with the Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Recalled trucks were assembled between August 17, 2023, and June 17, 2025 at Toyota’s San Antonio, Texas manufacturing facility.
Toyota’s recall numbers for this campaign are 26TB02 and 26TA02. The NHTSA has documented this under campaign number 26V-034 in their official recall database.
How to Check If Your Truck Is Included
Don’t wait for the mail. Here’s how to verify your truck’s status right now:
Run Your VIN: Visit Toyota.com/recall or NHTSA.gov/recalls and enter your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number. You’ll find your VIN on the dashboard (driver’s side) or your insurance card.
Call Toyota: Contact Toyota’s Brand Engagement Center at 1-800-331-4331 with your VIN ready. Representatives can confirm if your truck is part of the recall.
Check Your Production Date: If your Tundra was built between August 2023 and June 2025 and has the PVM system, there’s a good chance it’s included.
Similar to what happened with the More Than 72,000 Ram Trucks Recalled For Blank Instrument Displays, Toyota discovered this issue through internal monitoring and acted proactively to address the safety concern.
What’s the Free Fix?
Toyota dealers will update the Parking Assist ECU software at no charge. The software update resolves the display freeze issue and ensures the rearview camera functions properly when you shift into reverse.
Customers will be notified about this issue by late-March 2026, according to Toyota’s official statement. However, you don’t need to wait for the letter. Call your local Toyota dealer now to schedule the repair.
The fix takes about an hour at an authorized Toyota dealership. Bring your truck in, let technicians update the software, and you’re back on the road with a functioning backup camera system.
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When Will You Get Notified?
Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 10 through March 24, 2026. Dealers were electronically notified back on January 23, 2026 and already have the repair procedure available.
Don’t wait for the letter if you know your truck is affected. Schedule service now to avoid the rush when all 162,000 owners receive their notices simultaneously.
Your Legal Rights Under This Recall
Federal motor vehicle safety law gives you specific protections:
Free Repairs: All recall work must be performed at no cost for parts or labor. This is mandated by federal law.
Reimbursement Available: If you already paid out-of-pocket to fix this display issue before the recall was announced, Toyota must reimburse you. Contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331 with your repair receipts and VIN.
Any Dealer Works: You can take your Tundra to any authorized Toyota dealer for the recall repair. You’re not limited to where you bought the truck.
Just like the Ford Recall Of 119,000 Vehicles Over Engine Heater Fire Risk, manufacturers must provide free remedies for all safety defects once a recall is issued.
What to Do While Waiting for Repair
Drive normally, but take extra precaution when backing up. Without a functioning rearview camera, you’re relying solely on mirrors and looking over your shoulder.
Check blind spots carefully before reversing, especially in parking lots where children or shopping carts might be behind your truck. The Tundra’s size makes visibility particularly important.
If your display is currently frozen or showing a black screen, schedule service immediately. Don’t delay on a safety feature designed to prevent backup collisions.
Similar Display Issues in Other Vehicles
Toyota isn’t alone facing multimedia system problems. More than 162,000 Toyota Tundra units are being recalled over an issue that prompted a recall of more than one million vehicles last year, showing this is part of a broader industry challenge with digital display systems.
In October 2025, Toyota recalled over 1 million vehicles including the bZ4X, Camry, Land Cruiser, RAV4, and several Lexus models for similar rearview camera display issues.
FAQs
How do I know if my Tundra is affected?
Enter your VIN at Toyota.com/recall or NHTSA.gov/recalls to see if your truck is included in recall numbers 26TB02 or 26TA02. You can also call 1-800-331-4331 for verification.
What exactly fails on these trucks?
The Panoramic View Monitor system can freeze on a camera view or show a black screen. When this happens and you shift into reverse, the rearview camera won’t display, leaving you without that critical safety feature.
When will Toyota fix my truck?
The repair is available now at all authorized Toyota dealers. The software update takes approximately one hour and is completely free. Owner notification letters will be mailed between March 10-24, 2026, but you can schedule service immediately.
Will this affect my truck’s resale value?
Completed recalls typically don’t hurt resale value. However, unrepaired safety recalls can make selling more difficult and may reduce what buyers are willing to pay. Get the fix done promptly to maintain your truck’s value.
Is it safe to drive my Tundra before the recall repair?
Yes, you can drive normally. The defect specifically affects the rearview camera display when backing up. Use extra caution when reversing and rely on your mirrors and direct visibility until the repair is completed.
Can I get reimbursed if I already paid for this repair?
Yes. Contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331 with your repair receipts, VIN, and proof the repair addressed this specific display issue. Toyota will review your claim under their general reimbursement plan.
Has this defect caused any accidents or injuries?
Toyota has not reported any accidents or injuries related to this recall as of February 2026. The company issued the recall proactively after discovering the software issue during internal testing and customer feedback.
Last Updated: February 14, 2026
Disclaimer: This article provides informational content only and does not constitute legal advice. For recall verification and repair scheduling, contact Toyota directly or visit an authorized dealer.
Next Steps: Check your VIN immediately at Toyota.com/recall to confirm if your Tundra is affected by recall 26TB02/26TA02. Schedule your free software update at any authorized Toyota dealer.
Stay informed, stay protected. — AllAboutLawyer.com
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
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