Recall 20V716 affects 32,048 2021 Volkswagen vehicles with rear camera screen failures. Repair is free at any franchised Volkswagen dealer.
Volkswagen is recalling 32,048 2021 Atlas Cross Sport, Tiguan, Jetta, Golf, Atlas, and Arteon vehicles because the rear view camera can show a black screen or freeze during an ignition cycle. A failed rear image reduces visibility while backing up and increases crash risk; Volkswagen dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rear view camera on these 2021 Volkswagen Arteon, Golf, Jetta, Tiguan, Atlas Cross Sport, and Atlas vehicles is the camera system that sends the view behind the vehicle to the infotainment screen when reverse is selected. The screen is part of the MIB radio and infotainment unit, which receives the camera request and displays the rear image so the driver can see the area behind the vehicle.
The problem is in the MIB 3 radio software behavior. When the vehicle is woken up by opening a door, the infotainment unit enters standby. If the vehicle is not started, the unit goes back to sleep after 30 seconds to reduce energy use. In that sleep state, the video line is not diagnosed, and a camera activation request can be lost. The result is a black screen or a frozen infotainment system for one ignition cycle.
There is no warning sign before failure. When the issue happens, the rear image is missing or the infotainment screen freezes after the camera is requested.
Who's affected?
Covers the Arteon, Golf, Jetta, Tiguan, Atlas Cross Sport, and Atlas, all tied to the same rearview camera system.
| 2021 Volkswagen Arteon | Camera |
|---|---|
| 2021 Volkswagen Golf | Camera |
| 2021 Volkswagen Jetta | Camera |
| 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan | Camera |
| 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport | Camera |
| 2021 Volkswagen Atlas | Camera |
| Units affected | 32,048 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
A black or frozen rear view camera image reduces what the driver can see while backing up, increasing the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before the image fails, so use mirrors and look behind the vehicle when reversing until the software update is complete. Repair is free at any franchised Volkswagen dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021 Volkswagen Arteon, Golf, Jetta, Tiguan, Atlas Cross Sport, or Atlas is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Volkswagen dealer to schedule the free infotainment software update that fixes the rear-view-camera black screen or freeze.
- Bring the recall notice if Volkswagen mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V716 and Volkswagen recall 91BB/91BC when you call.
- Use extra care when reversing until the repair is complete, and check mirrors and surroundings before backing up.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Volkswagen technician updates the infotainment system software that controls the rear view camera display. The software update is free under recall 20V716. The repair addresses the camera display malfunction that can show a black screen or freeze the infotainment screen during an ignition cycle. Volkswagen will not offer reimbursement for this campaign, so prior related repair costs are not handled through a separate recall reimbursement plan.
| Reimbursement | No separate reimbursement |
|---|
Timeline
| November 18, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 11, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| January 15, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| January 15, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 15, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| January 15, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V716?
Recall 20V716 covers 32,048 2021 Volkswagen Arteon, Golf, Jetta, Tiguan, Atlas Cross Sport, and Atlas vehicles with rear view camera software that can show a black image or freeze the infotainment system during an ignition cycle. This reduces rear visibility while reversing and increases crash risk.
What should I do if my 2021 Volkswagen Arteon, Golf, Jetta, Tiguan, Atlas Cross Sport, or Atlas is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 20V716. If it is, contact a franchised Volkswagen dealer to schedule the infotainment system software update. Reference recall 20V716 and Volkswagen recall number 91BB/91BC when you call.
Does the recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. Volkswagen dealers will update the infotainment system software free of charge at any franchised Volkswagen dealer.
What is the safety risk from this Volkswagen rear view camera recall?
The safety risk is reduced rear visibility when backing up. A black or frozen rear view image limits what the driver can see behind the vehicle, which increases the risk of a crash. The free dealer software update addresses the camera display problem.
When did Volkswagen start the recall repair?
Volkswagen began the recall repair on December 11, 2020. The remedy is available now, and a franchised Volkswagen dealer can update the infotainment system software for free if your VIN is included in recall 20V716.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V716000 |
|---|---|
| Volkswagen customer service | 1-800-893-5298 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V716 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V716000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →