Honda Recalls Over 114,000 Fit and HR-V Vehicles for Faulty Backup Camera Display
Japanese automaker Honda has issued a recall affecting two vehicles spanning five model years. Although the issues may not put most drivers in life-threatening situations, the Honda recall does present a safety concern. Failing backup camera displays on the Honda Fit hatchback and HR-V crossover may imperil drivers or passersby.
What happened to the backup camera display?
According to a Honda press release, the automaker says a power circuit in the infotainment display system was “improperly designed.” The company explains that the problem will surface in affected vehicles when the engine starts. The cranking of the ignition may cause the battery’s charge to drop below the minimum manufacturer setting. Subsequently, it may prevent the display system from turning on, thus failing to display images from the rearview camera.
The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) asserts such vehicles fail to comply with the “Rear Visibility” requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111. The government agency says Honda will notify customers by mail by March 13, 2023.
What vehicles are subject to the recall?
Only vehicles wherein an ignition key is needed are impacted by the issue. Push-button start vehicles remain unaffected. The following models are currently under recall:
- 2019-2022 Honda HR-V
- 2018-2022 Honda Fit
Honda Fit and HR-V owners may contact the manufacturer’s customer service line at 1-888-234-2138. Honda’s number for this recall is 6DW. Owners may also use the NHTSA website and enter their VIN to confirm their vehicle is part of the extensive recall.
Owners may locate their car’s VIN (vehicle identification number) in multiple places. Most VIN platers appear on the lower left-hand side of the dashboard, just below the windshield. All VINs, apart from those manufactured before 1981, will have 17 characters. Owners may also find their VIN on the car’s frame, underneath the spare tire, inside the drive-side doorjamb, inside the rear wheel well, and even on the engine block. Relating to paperwork, the VIN can be found on insurance, title, and registration documents.
How will Honda fix affected Fit and HR-Vs?
Reportedly, the remedy for the backup camera display is a software update. The NHTSA says Honda dealerships will update the display audio unit software free of charge.
Software updates are typically one of the quickest repairs to accomplish. Owners of Fit hatchbacks and HR-V crossovers can also schedule an appointment with their local dealership before letters are sent.
Are the Fit and HR-V subject to other Honda recalls?
Per the NHTSA, the 2019 Fit is subject to two additional Honda recalls dating back to 2020. Both relate to the Fit, and over a dozen other models for a low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
The 2019 HR-V is subject to the aforementioned fuel pump recalls and one other. CarComplaints reports that Honda issued the recall to address the protective coating on the rear brake calipers.
