A malfunctioning rear camera is more than an inconvenience - it's a real safety risk. Since 2018, federal law has required all new vehicles to have backup cameras to prevent backover accidents, which tragically cause over 210 deaths each year. Yet, thousands of drivers in New York and New Jersey still face persistent rear camera not working and backup camera not working issues due to wiring defects, software glitches, or display failures.

Major recalls, like Volvo's 2025 recall of over 413,000 vehicles for camera malfunctions, show just how widespread this problem is. If your backup camera keeps failing despite repairs, you may be entitled to powerful legal protections and compensation under lemon laws.

Why Backup Camera Defects Matter

Modern backup cameras are tightly integrated with your vehicle's safety systems, providing a 130-degree view behind your car to detect children, pedestrians, and obstacles. When your rear camera is not working, you lose this vital protection - a danger that courts and lawmakers take seriously.

Interesting Fact: Non-functional backup cameras can reduce your vehicle's resale value by up to $2,000. In some recent Honda Accord lemon law cases, owners received settlements exceeding $70,000 due to recurring camera failures.

Real Cases: How the Law Protects You

Courts increasingly recognize that backup camera failures are not just minor annoyances-they can be substantial safety defects that qualify for lemon law relief. Here are some real-world examples:

• Findel v. Jaguar Land Rover: The court ordered a vehicle repurchase because a defect in the navigation system disabled the backup camera, proving that integrated tech failures can qualify under lemon law.
• Karen Fishman v. Ford: The backup camera intermittently turned on while driving forward, creating a dangerous distraction. The court ruled this was a substantial safety impairment and awarded a full refund.
• Moran v. American Honda: Frozen touchscreens blocked access to the backup camera. The court found this a substantial defect and ordered a replacement vehicle.
• Thompson v. Nissan: Repeated infotainment system failures, including backup camera malfunctions, led to a successful lemon law claim based on diminished vehicle value and safety.
• Bloomfield v. American Honda Motor Company: An intermittently malfunctioning backup camera was found to “substantially impair use and safety,” qualifying the owner for lemon law protection.

Lemon Law Protections in NY & NJ

New York and New Jersey lemon laws require manufacturers to repurchase or replace vehicles with unfixable defects. For backup camera not working cases, success often depends on:

1. Safety Risks: Courts recognize cameras as essential safety features, not luxury add-ons.
2. Multiple Repair Attempts: If your dealer fails to fix the issue after 3–4 tries, your case is even stronger.
3. Impact on Value: Persistent camera issues can significantly reduce your vehicle's value.

Owners with substantial and recurring problems may be entitled to a refund or replacement under lemon law. Other owners may have claims for breach of warranty under the Magnuson-Moss Act.

Notable Recalls & Industry Admissions

• Volvo/Polestar: Over 440,000 vehicles recalled in 2025 for camera software flaws.
• Honda Ridgeline: 2020–2024 models' cameras failed due to wiring defects, with 402+ warranty claims filed.
• Land Rover: 58,000 Range Rovers recalled for camera display failures linked to surround-view systems.

What Should You Do Next?

If your rear or backup camera isn't working and repairs haven't solved the problem, don't wait. Courts have sided with consumers in cases just like yours - contact us now for a free consultation and let our experienced NY/NJ lemon law attorneys help you secure the compensation you deserve.

We also work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Sources:

• NHTSA Backup Camera Rule (CNET)
• Volvo Recall (Fox Business)
• Polestar Recall (The Lemon Firm)
• Honda Ridgeline Recall (California Lemon Law)
• Chiulli v. American Honda (vLex)
• Honda Backup Camera Recall (Lemon Law Experts)
• NY Consumer Protection Laws (NY State Bar Association)
• Land Rover Recall (Lemon Law Experts)

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