Chrysler Recall Issued Due to Rearview Camera Failures in Certain Alfa Romeo, Dodge Vehicles

Affected vehicles may fail to display the rearview camera image, violating national safety standards.

Federal highway safety officials have issued a recall impacting nearly 50,000 Chrysler vehicles due to a potential defect in the rearview camera display module, which could significantly increase the risk of an auto accident.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the Chrysler rearview camera recall on April 15, warning that certain 2023 through 2025 model year Alfa Romeo Tonale and Dodge Hornet vehicles may have a software defect that could cause the rearview camera to fail.

A rearview camera, or backup camera, is an important safety feature that allows drivers to see behind themselves while the car is in reverse. Since at least May 2018, federal regulations have required that all new motor vehicles under 10,000 pounds feature a rearview camera, noting that if the image is not displayed, it may lead to a crash with another vehicle, object or bystanders.

While the NHTSA report (PDF) does not indicate that any accidents or injuries have resulted from the current defect, the recalled Chrysler vehicles do not comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 111, which mandates “Rear Visibility” in vehicles.

Stellantis, Chrysler’s parent company, first became aware of the issue on March 14, 2024, when Stellantis Europe Customer Experience opened an investigation for a potential issue related to rearview cameras failing to display images. 

Between March and June 2024, Stellantis reviewed warranty data, field reports and quality control records, followed by meetings with engineering and supplier teams to assess manufacturing and design processes. From July through August, component-level tests were conducted to reproduce the issue. In the following months, vehicle-level testing and CAN communication analysis were performed to further investigate the problem.

Ultimately, the company identified a software defect that inhibits the proper power-up sequence earlier this year, as well as a vehicle build issue affecting certain models, leading to a voluntary safety recall on April 8, 2025.

The recall impacts 48,494 model year 2023 through 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale and Dodge Hornet vehicles that were distributed for sale throughout the U.S. to licensed dealers. 

Customers will begin receiving notification letters in June, with instructions on how to schedule a free repair at their local dealerships. Vehicles produced on or before December 6, 2023, will receive a replacement radio featuring a new printed circuit board layout and software update, while those produced after that date will receive a software update only.

Any vehicle owners who have already had this service performed at their own expense may be eligible for reimbursement, in accordance with Chrysler’s reimbursement plan.

Chrysler’s numbers for this recall are 13C and 38C. Customers can also contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403 or the company’s contact for this recall, Emily C. Smith, via email at emily.c.smith@dot.gov.

Owners with any additional questions can also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.