Toyota RAV4 Recalled for Defective Rearview Cameras
Toyota RAV4 Recalled for Defective Rearview Cameras
Toyota is recalling about 14,215 of its 2019 RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid SUVs because their rearview cameras may not activate when the vehicle is backing up. According to Consumer Reports, due to a faulty electrical connection, video from the rearview camera can fail to display when the vehicle is in reverse gear. The recalled vehicles include certain Toyota RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid SUVs manufactured from May 27, 2019, through July 11, 2019.
When the recall begins, Toyota will inspect the camera’s functionality and if necessary, replace the entire audio system, which includes the video screen and the camera’s electrical connections at no charge to the owners. Toyota has declined to tell Consumer reports if there have been any accidents or injuries as a result of this auto defect. The automaker will begin contacting owners Sept. 23, 2019. Owners may also contact Toyota at 888-270-9371. Toyota’s own number for this recall is K0N.
The Importance of Rear-View Cameras
As of May 1, 2018, all new passenger cars, SUVs and pickup trucks are required under the law to have a 10×20-foot zone of visibility behind them, which is typically accomplished by having a built-in rearview camera. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2014, about 210 people were killed and another 15,000 were injured when vehicles backed into them. Many of those victims were children under the age of 5 who were not visible to drivers even with rearview and side mirrors.
Preventing an Accident Backover
There are ways in which tragic accidental backovers can be prevented. Here are a few tips:
- Install a rearview camera and sensors on the vehicle.
- Before you move the vehicle, walk around and behind a vehicle.
- Know where children are before you move a vehicle.
- Make sure children are holding hands with a responsible adult in parking lots. Younger children should be fastened to strollers when in parking lots.
- Teach children that parked vehicles might move and drivers may not see them.
- Teach and instruct children to never play in, around or behind a vehicle.
- Drivers of SUVs, vans and trucks may find it difficult to see behind a vehicle. This is also true for cars that are parked on sleep inclines.
- Keep toys, bikes and sports equipment out of the driveway.
- It’s a good idea to trim foliage and landscaping around the driveway so drivers can see the sidewalk, street and pedestrians when backing out.
- Roll down the driver’s side window when backing to hear if someone is warning you to stop.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by a defective auto, please contact an experienced auto defect lawyer to obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights.
