Rearview Camera Problems Keep Coming Back
Backup cameras have been a must-have on new cars in the US for a while now, and for good reason—they make reversing out of tight spots way less stressful. But when that camera goes on the fritz, you lose a key safety feature, especially when you’re trying to dodge shopping carts or pedestrians in a busy parking lot.
Still, rearview camera problems just keep coming back for more. It’s been one of the most common reasons for recalls lately, and clearly, the issue isn’t packing its bags anytime soon.
GM is now recalling over 306,000 Chevrolet and Buick SUVs and crossovers because the rearview camera might decide to show you a funhouse mirror image – or nothing at all – when you shift into reverse. The recall hits some of GM’s most popular models, like the Chevrolet Trax, Trailblazer, Buick Envista, and Encore GX.
Chevrolet
It’s All in the Glue
A total of 306,511 vehicles are covered by this recent recall, all built between April and December 2024. A few early 2026 models are also part of the recalled units. The affected vehicles include:
- 2025 Chevrolet Trax – 159,821 units
- 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer – 73,665 units
- 2024-2025 Buick Envista – 41,323 units
- 2024-2026 Buick Encore GX – 30,852 units
- 2024 and limited 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer – 850 additional units
According to the recall document, the culprit is all in the glue. GM says a plasma-cleaning step during assembly might have weakened the adhesive holding the camera together. That means moisture or grime can sneak in over time, leaving you with a rearview camera that’s either fuzzy or totally useless.
GM started looking into complaints about dead backup cameras last year. There wasn’t a clear pattern at first, but as more and more drivers chimed in, the case was reopened this year. Turns out, over 33,000 complaints were tied to vehicles built during the problem period.
The risk here is pretty obvious: if your camera isn’t working, you can’t see what’s behind you, which ups your chances of backing into something. So far, GM says there haven’t been any crashes or injuries because of this glitch.
You Probably Should Use Your Mirrors for Now
The good news is that GM already has a fix ready. Dealers will check your camera and swap it out if needed, using parts from a different batch. Dealers are already in the loop, and GM has already started rolling out recall notices to owners. Some folks will get a repair invite right away, while others will get a heads-up to hang tight until more parts arrive.
If you drive a 2024–2026 Buick Encore GX or Envista, or a 2024–2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer or 2025 Chevrolet Trax, it’s a good idea to check if your ride is on the list. Just punch your VIN into GM’s recall site or the NHTSA lookup tool to find out.
Until you get the fix, keep an eye out for any backup camera weirdness – blurry images, flickering, or a screen that just goes dark when you shift into reverse. If you spot any of that, GM says to bring your SUV to the dealer for a free repair.
Buick
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