Volvo has announced a sweeping recall that affects more than 413,000 vehicles, including some of the brand’s most popular sedans, wagons, and SUVs—along with the all-electric Polestar 2. At the heart of the problem is a faulty backup camera system that may fail to display an image when the vehicle is shifted into reverse, increasing the risk of collisions and injury.
At The Barry Law Firm, we represent California drivers sold defective vehicles. Whether it’s a Volvo backup camera recall, a driver assist system failure, or another safety defect, you may be entitled to compensation under California’s Lemon Law.
If you own a Volvo equipped with Google’s built-in infotainment system—or a Polestar 2—you could be affected by this widespread Volvo 2025 recall. And while the fix may seem simple, the risks and consequences for drivers are very real.
What’s Going On With Volvo’s Backup Camera Recall?
Volvo is recalling a broad range of pre-2026 models due to a critical software issue with their rearview cameras. Specifically, the system may fail to activate the rear camera view when drivers shift into reverse. In other words, the screen goes black—leaving drivers without one of the most important safety tools in modern vehicles.
The defect impacts a wide range of vehicles, including the Volvo XC40, XC60, XC90, S60, S90, V60, and V90—all of which are equipped with Google’s integrated infotainment system. According to official documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the software malfunction may prevent the camera feed from displaying at all, resulting in a safety risk.
This latest NHTSA Volvo recall 2025 follows a wave of similar technology-related issues affecting various automakers who’ve adopted advanced digital systems. As vehicles become more dependent on software, problems like these highlight the vulnerability of even the most established safety features.
A backup camera is no longer a luxury—it’s federally required and critical for preventing backover accidents, especially involving children and pedestrians. A blank or non-functional screen not only compromises visibility, but also eliminates driver confidence in the vehicle’s safety systems.
Volvo’s remedy? A software update. While that sounds simple, more than 413,000 owners will need to visit their dealership to receive the fix, which may be inconvenient, especially for those relying on the vehicle for work or daily commutes.
What About Polestar Vehicles?
While Volvo is the main focus of the current recall, its sister brand Polestar is also recalling every Polestar 2 sold in the U.S.—a total of 27,816 vehicles. These vehicles are also experiencing a backup camera defect, though the cause is slightly different.
According to the recall filed by Polestar, the problem stems from a “synchronization error” between the rear camera and the display screen. When this issue occurs, the screen may not show the camera view in reverse, mimicking the same safety concern facing Volvo owners.
This Polestar recall backup camera issue is particularly notable because 2025 marks the final model year of the Polestar 2. The EV’s production has officially ended, but drivers are still expected to deal with unresolved defects like this one.
Although Volvo and Polestar have reduced their financial ties, their technological systems remain intertwined—especially through shared software platforms like Google’s infotainment interface. That means similar software bugs may continue to affect both brands for years to come.
Polestar owners are being advised to schedule appointments with their dealers to receive the necessary software patch. But just like Volvo drivers, they’ll have to go without one of the most basic safety tools in the meantime.
For EV drivers who rely on sophisticated camera and driver assist systems, this type of malfunction is particularly frustrating. Advanced vehicles are expected to offer enhanced safety—not take it away.
Why Is This a Safety and Financial Concern?
Although the Volvo XC90 camera issue and Polestar’s software defect may seem like minor tech glitches, they actually present serious safety and legal implications. A functioning backup camera is essential for reversing safely, especially in tight parking spaces or residential areas.
The issue becomes even more pressing when combined with other advanced driver assist features—many of which depend on seamless integration between software, sensors, and display units. In vehicles where the Volvo driver assist recall overlaps with the camera problem, drivers could experience a cascade of technology failures.
From a safety perspective, losing visibility behind your vehicle increases the risk of backover accidents, damage to property, or injury to pedestrians and cyclists. The lack of a visual guide undermines the very purpose of modern safety systems.
Financially, these unresolved defects affect more than just peace of mind. If your vehicle is under recall and must be taken in for service, you may lose access to transportation for days or longer—especially if parts or updates are delayed. Repeated trips to the dealership, missed work, or the need for a rental car can add up fast.
Moreover, the long-term reliability and resale value of your vehicle may be damaged. Buyers today expect functional, modern safety features. A history of recalls—especially one as far-reaching as this—can hurt your vehicle’s worth.
If you’re noticing other tech-related glitches in your Volvo or Polestar—such as laggy displays, malfunctioning driver assist, or erratic reverse gear behavior—these may all be connected to the broader software defect. And if those problems persist after the software fix, you may have a Lemon Law claim.
What If Your Volvo or Polestar Is Recalled?
If your Volvo or Polestar is listed in the recall, don’t delay. You can check your recall status using your VIN at NHTSA.gov or by calling 1-888-327-4236. Promptly scheduling your repair can help prevent avoidable accidents and support your Lemon Law claim if issues persist.
But it’s not just about whether your vehicle is on a recall list. In California, the law protects consumers who’ve experienced repeated defects or substantial impairments to vehicle safety—even if a formal recall hasn’t yet been issued.
That means even if your Volvo XC90 camera issue isn’t covered under the current campaign, you may still be eligible for legal relief if the problem remains unresolved after one or more repair attempts.
Start by documenting the issue. Note every service visit, repair attempt, or software update—along with how the vehicle behaves after each one. This documentation will be essential if you decide to pursue a California Lemon Law claim.
It’s also important to hold onto any dealership correspondence that promises fixes or explanations. If those promises go unfulfilled or if your vehicle continues to malfunction, you don’t have to keep accepting temporary solutions.
Volvo and Polestar have a responsibility to deliver safe, functional vehicles. If they fail to do that, California law gives you options.
What Vehicles Are Affected?
According to recall documents submitted to the NHTSA, the following Volvo models with Google built-in infotainment software are affected:
- 2023–2025 Volvo S60
- 2022–2025 Volvo S90
- 2023–2025 Volvo V60/V60 Cross Country
- 2022 Volvo V90 / 2022–2025 V90 Cross Country
- 2021–2025 Volvo XC40
- 2022–2025 Volvo XC60
- 2023–2025 Volvo XC90
Additionally, all Polestar 2 models sold in the U.S.—a total of 27,816 vehicles—are being recalled. These EVs are impacted by a separate but related software glitch tied to the rearview camera synchronization.
This expansive list shows that the problem isn’t limited to one vehicle or year—it’s a systemic failure affecting multiple product lines over several years. In fact, nearly every Volvo sold with Google software is now under scrutiny.
If you purchased or leased a Volvo between 2021 and 2025, there’s a strong chance your vehicle is involved in the Volvo backup camera recall. The same goes for any Polestar 2 purchased before the brand ceased production in 2025.
And as more defects are identified, this list could grow. The key is to act early, document thoroughly, and explore your legal rights if issues persist.
How The Barry Law Firm Can Help
At The Barry Law Firm, we specialize in helping California consumers take legal action against manufacturers when their vehicles fail to meet quality and safety standards. If your Volvo, Polestar, or other vehicle has been in the shop repeatedly for camera or software issues, you may be entitled to a refund, replacement, or cash compensation under California’s Lemon Law.
Why Work with The Barry Law Firm?
- Lemon Law Expertise – We specialize in California Lemon Law cases and know how to hold manufacturers accountable.
- No Upfront Costs – The California Lemon Law requires the manufacturer to pay our fees. That means, at The Barry Law Firm, we will never charge you, no matter the outcome of your case
- Proven Success – We have helped thousands of consumers obtain favorable settlements for their defective vehicles.
- Personalized Attention – We handle all legal paperwork and negotiations so you don’t have to deal with the stress.
If Volvo’s software update or Polestar’s repair strategy hasn’t resolved your vehicle’s safety issue, you may have a case. Contact us to explore your options.
You Are Not Alone!
Volvo and Polestar are recalling over 400,000 vehicles due to rearview camera malfunctions—highlighting growing concerns about the reliability of software-driven safety systems. If you’ve experienced a Volvo backup camera recall, a Volvo driver assist recall, or own a Polestar 2, you could be driving a defective vehicle.
From the Volvo XC90 camera issue to synchronization problems in the Polestar display, these defects aren’t just technical—they’re safety-critical and potentially life-threatening.
At The Barry Law Firm, we’re here to help California drivers hold automakers accountable. If your vehicle has been in for repairs and still isn’t functioning properly, you may qualify for compensation under California’s Lemon Law.
Contact The Barry Law Firm today for a FAST & FREE consultation. Let us help you assert your rights, fix your situation, and fight for the outcome you deserve.
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