Volkswagen Recalls 356,649 Audi Vehicles for Faulty Rearview Cameras That May Not Display (Free Software Fix Coming February 2026)

Volkswagen is recalling 356,649 Audi vehicles across 19 models due to a software error that can prevent the rearview camera from displaying when drivers shift into reverse, violating federal safety standards and increasing crash risk. Filed with NHTSA on December 19, 2025, the recall affects model years 2019-2026, with owners receiving notification letters on February 17, 2026, and free software updates available at Audi dealerships starting that month.

Why Volkswagen Is Recalling Over 356,000 Audi Vehicles

A software glitch in Audi’s Top View System can cause the rearview camera image to fail to display in certain situations, leaving drivers without the rear visibility required by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 111. This standard mandates that all vehicles manufactured after May 2018 must have functioning rearview cameras that provide a clear view of the area directly behind the vehicle when in reverse.

When the camera fails, drivers lose critical visibility of pedestrians, children, objects, and other vehicles behind their car, significantly increasing the risk of backup accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration confirmed that vehicles with non-functioning rearview cameras are in direct violation of federal safety requirements.

According to NHTSA documents, the problem stems from increased shielding resistance in coaxial cables combined with reduced electromagnetic interference protection, potentially caused by variations at crimp connections. This electrical noise disrupts the camera signal, causing sporadic failures that prevent the display from showing the rear view.

Which Audi Models Are Affected by the Recall

The recall impacts 19 different Audi products manufactured between 2019 and 2026, affecting 356,649 total vehicles. The extensive scope demonstrates this is not a single-model issue but a systemic problem with software or components shared across Audi’s platform.

Affected models include 2019-2024 e-tron electric vehicles (37,075 units), 2019-2025 A6 sedans (45,175 units) and A7 sedans (11,449 units), 2019-2026 A8 sedans (12,220 units) and Q8 SUVs (60,712 units), 2020-2024 e-tron Sportback EVs (10,191 units), 2020-2025 S6 (2,904 units) and S7 sedans (2,570 units), 2020-2026 A6 Allroad wagons (5,526 units), Q7 SUVs (120,597 units), SQ7 (8,502 units), SQ8 (11,586 units), RS Q8 SUVs (7,681 units), and S8 sedans (3,002 units), 2021-2026 RS 6 Avant wagons (6,425 units) and RS 7 sedans (4,403 units), and 2022-2026 e-tron GT (3,859 units) and RS e-tron GT electric vehicles (3,222 units combined).

This is the same problem that affected over 173,000 Porsche vehicles in a separate but related recall filed in late 2025, demonstrating that shared software across Volkswagen Group brands created widespread vulnerability.

When the Recall Was Announced and Investigation Timeline

Volkswagen Group of America filed the recall report with NHTSA on December 19, 2025. However, the investigation into this defect began much earlier. Audi and NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation first received reports of the rearview camera glitch in December 2023.

Over the following ten months through October 2024, engineers worked to replicate and identify the root cause but struggled due to the sporadic, intermittent nature of the failure. Between October 2024 and October 2025, Volkswagen performed extensive testing attempting to pinpoint the exact problem but could not definitively determine a single root cause.

On December 12, 2025, these findings were presented to NHTSA officials, who confirmed the vehicles’ non-compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 111, finalizing the decision to recall.

What Audi’s Free Software Fix Involves

Audi’s solution is software that can perform what the company calls a “self-healing process of the cameras.” This preliminary software update aims to restore camera functionality and ensure compliance with federal rear visibility requirements.

Dealers will update affected vehicles’ software at no cost to owners. The fix doesn’t require hardware replacement—just a software installation at authorized Audi dealerships. However, NHTSA documents note that “remedial action is presently being developed,” suggesting additional fixes may follow if the initial software update proves insufficient.

Owner notification letters will be mailed starting February 17, 2026, with instructions on how to schedule free repair appointments. Affected owners can already check their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on NHTSA’s website at NHTSA.gov/recalls to confirm if their vehicle is included.

Have There Been Any Accidents or Injuries?

NHTSA documents do not report any accidents or injuries directly caused by the rearview camera failures as of the recall filing date. However, the recall was initiated specifically because the defect increases crash risk by reducing driver visibility behind the vehicle.

The lack of reported accidents doesn’t mean the defect isn’t dangerous. Backup accidents typically occur at low speeds in parking lots, driveways, or residential streets, and may go unreported to NHTSA even when they cause property damage or minor injuries.

What Audi Owners Must Know About Recall Rights

Federal law requires Volkswagen to repair recalled vehicles free of charge regardless of warranty status, mileage, or vehicle age. Even if your Audi is ten years old or has 200,000 miles, the recall repair is completely free—including parts and labor.

If you already paid out-of-pocket for rearview camera repairs before this recall was announced, you may be entitled to reimbursement under NHTSA’s reimbursement guidelines. Contact Audi customer service with your repair receipts, VIN, and documentation showing the camera problem to request reimbursement.

The repair obligation extends beyond the original warranty period. Similar Ram trucks vehicle recalls for display and software problems have established that manufacturers must provide free fixes even years after vehicles leave the dealership.

If your Audi dealer claims they don’t have the software update available yet or tries to charge you for the repair, file a complaint with NHTSA at NHTSA.gov/vehicle-safety/vehicle-complaints. Federal law prohibits dealers from charging for recall repairs.

What Affected Audi Owners Should Do Now

Visit NHTSA.gov/recalls and enter your 17-digit VIN to check if your Audi is included in this recall. Your VIN is located on your vehicle registration, insurance card, dashboard (visible through the windshield on the driver’s side), or driver’s side door jamb.

If your vehicle is affected, watch your mail for the official recall notification letter arriving on or after February 17, 2026. The letter will include instructions for scheduling your free software update at an authorized Audi dealership.

Don’t ignore this recall. While you can continue driving your Audi, use extra caution when reversing. Check mirrors, look over your shoulder, and be especially vigilant for children, pedestrians, and obstacles behind your vehicle if the camera display fails.

Contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834 with questions about the recall, to schedule your repair appointment, or to request reimbursement for previous camera repairs. You can also visit your local Audi dealership starting in February 2026 to have the software update installed.

If your rearview camera failed and caused an accident, injury, or property damage before the recall repair, consult an automotive defect attorney about potential claims beyond the free recall fix. Document the camera failure with photos, repair records, and accident reports.

Last Updated: January 17, 2026

Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for advice about your specific situation.

Call to Action: Check if your Audi is included in the rearview camera recall at NHTSA.gov/recalls using your VIN. Schedule your free software update when notification letters arrive in February 2026, and use extra caution when reversing until the repair is completed.

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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