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Vehicle recall · NHTSA · Published November 18, 2020

VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS (2021) recall — Back Over Prevention

Volkswagen recalls 2021 Atlas models with rear view camera issues causing black screens or freezes, increasing crash risk. Owners must update software free of charge by December 11, 2020 deadline.

🇺🇸 NHTSA recall #20V716000VehicleVolkswagen ›
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✎ GovInfoNow plain-language explainer

What happened, in plain English

Volkswagen is recalling certain 2021 Atlas vehicles due to rear view camera malfunctions that can cause black screens or system freezes, reducing driver visibility when reversing. This increases the risk of crashes during normal use. Read more at govinfonow.com/recall/80714-volkswagen-2021-atlas-back-over-prevention-recall-reduced-visibility-risk.

Source Summary by GovInfoNow · govinfonow.com/recall/80714-volkswagen-2021-atlas-back-over-prevention-recall-reduced-visibility-risk · Updated October 4, 2026 · Official notice: NHTSA #20V716000

Cite this page

“Volkswagen 2021 Atlas Back Over Prevention Recall: Reduced Visibility Risk.” GovInfoNow, updated October 4, 2026. https://govinfonow.com/recall/80714-volkswagen-2021-atlas-back-over-prevention-recall-reduced-visibility-risk. Based on NHTSA recall #20V716000 (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V716000).

Why it’s dangerous

The rear view camera may malfunction during ignition cycles, causing black screens or system freezes. This reduces driver visibility when reversing, increasing crash risk during normal use.

Who’s affected

Owners of 2021 Volkswagen Atlas models are affected. Drivers with rear view camera issues face higher crash risk when reversing.

How to tell if you have this one

Check for 2021 Atlas models with rear view camera issues. The recall covers vehicles that fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 111 for rear visibility.

  • Brand
    Volkswagen
  • Category
    Vehicle
Based on the official NHTSA remedy

What to do — step by step

  1. Contact Volkswagen

    Call 1-800-893-5298 to schedule a software update for your vehicle.

  2. Update Software

    Dealers will provide a free software update to fix the rear view camera malfunction.

Official remedy

What NHTSA says to do

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the infotainment system software, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91BB/91BC.

✎ GovInfoNow

Questions people ask

Why is my rear view camera causing problems?

The rear view camera may malfunction during ignition cycles, causing black screens or system freezes, reducing visibility when reversing.

How do I know if my vehicle is affected?

Check if you own a 2021 Volkswagen Atlas model that fails to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 111 for rear visibility.

Is there a deadline for the software update?

The recall began December 11, 2020, but no specific deadline for the software update is stated.

Take action

Contact Volkswagen

We’ve drafted a message you can send Volkswagen to request your refund or repair — edit it as you like.

Subject: Recall 20V716000 — Volkswagen Volkswagen

Hello,

I own a Volkswagen that is covered by recall 20V716000 from Volkswagen.

The official recall notice states: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the infotainment system software, free of charge.  The recall began December 11, 2020.  Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.  Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91BB/91BC.

I’m writing to arrange the remedy described in the recall (a refund, repair, or replacement as applicable). Could you please tell me the next steps to resolve this?

Thank you.

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Where this comes from

The facts (hazard, remedy, dates, manufacturer) are pulled from the official NHTSA recall record. The plain-language summary and step-by-step checklist are written by GovInfoNow to make the official notice easier to act on — they don’t replace it.

  • Official source: NHTSA Recall #20V716000 (November 18, 2020)
  • Plain-language summary written by qwen3:4b on October 4, 2026, from the official record above. Not reviewed by a person — if it conflicts with the NHTSA notice, the notice is correct. Report an error on this page.
  • GovInfoNow is an independent service and is not a government agency. We republish official NHTSA recall data; we don’t issue, amend or administer recalls.
GovInfoNow is an independent guide. We are not NHTSA or any government agency. Always confirm details with the official recall.Data: CPSC · FDA · NHTSA · USDA