General Motors is recalling 306,511 vehicles in the United States because the rearview camera can display a distorted image or go completely blank when the driver shifts into reverse. Owner notification letters began going out on September 16, 2026.
If you drive a recent Chevrolet Trax, Trailblazer, Buick Envista or Encore GX, this one is worth five minutes of your attention. Here is what is affected, what GM will do about it, and how to check whether your specific vehicle is included.
One Correction Worth Making First
A syndicated wire story picked up by dozens of local outlets described the recall as covering "306,511 Buick Envistas." That is not accurate, and it matters if you are trying to work out whether your car is involved.
The 306,511 figure is the total across four models. According to GM Authority's breakdown of the recall population, Chevrolet Trax and Trailblazer models account for 234,336 of those vehicles — the large majority. The Buick share is far smaller: roughly 41,300 Envistas and about 30,850 Encore GX units.
So if you drive a Chevrolet Trax or Trailblazer, you are statistically more likely to be affected than a Buick owner, despite the headlines.
Which Vehicles Are Affected
- 2024–2025 Buick Envista
- 2024–2026 Buick Encore GX
- 2024–2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer
- 2025 Chevrolet Trax
An additional 30,996 vehicles across both brands are affected in Canada.
Reference numbers: NHTSA campaign number 26V539. GM's internal recall number is A262554900. NHTSA data identifies the affected component as the rearview camera assembly, listing GM part numbers 86554977 and 86554978.
What Is Actually Wrong
This is not a software bug, which is worth understanding because it changes what the fix involves.
Reporting on the recall describes a manufacturing quality issue: a cleaning step during assembly weakened the adhesive bond sealing the camera housing. That compromised seal allows moisture and road grime to work their way inside the camera over time, which is what eventually produces the distorted or blank image.
The practical consequence of that mechanism is that the failure is progressive. A camera that works fine today can degrade over months as contamination accumulates. Not every vehicle in the recall population will fail — recalls identify vehicles that may contain the suspect component, not vehicles that are confirmed defective.
Why a Backup Camera Counts as a Safety Recall
Some owners dismiss camera faults as an inconvenience rather than a safety issue. Federal regulators do not.
Rear visibility systems have been mandatory on new vehicles sold in the United States since May 2018, under the federal motor vehicle safety standard governing rear visibility. The rule exists because of backover incidents, which disproportionately involve small children and elderly pedestrians in driveways and parking lots.
A camera that shows a blank screen in reverse means the driver has lost a system they have likely come to rely on. NHTSA's stated concern is straightforward: limited rear view increases crash risk.
The Remedy
Dealers will inspect the rearview camera and replace it if necessary, at no cost. Replacement cameras come from an unaffected production batch.
A few details worth knowing:
- GM issued a stop-sale order on August 20, 2026. Affected vehicles cannot be sold, traded between dealerships or used as demonstrators until the fix is performed. If you are shopping for a used Trax, Trailblazer, Envista or Encore GX from these model years, ask whether the recall has been completed.
- NHTSA received GM's recall report on August 20, 2026, and VINs became searchable in the federal database that day.
- Owner letters began mailing September 16, 2026. You do not need to wait for the letter to schedule the work.
How to Check Your Vehicle in Two Minutes
- Find your VIN. It is visible through the windshield on the driver's side dashboard, on the driver's door jamb sticker, and on your registration and insurance documents.
- Search it on NHTSA's recall database at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Enter the VIN and it returns every open recall for that specific vehicle, not just this one.
- Or call the manufacturer directly. Chevrolet customer service: 800-222-1020. Buick customer service: 800-521-7300. Reference GM recall A262554900.
- Schedule the work with any franchised dealer. You do not have to return to the dealer who sold you the vehicle, and recall repairs are free regardless of warranty status or vehicle age.
Checking by VIN rather than by model year matters. Recall populations are defined by production ranges, not model years, so two identical-looking vehicles from the same year can have different recall status.
This Is Not the Only Recall Active Right Now
September 2026 has been a heavy month for recall activity. A few others worth checking if they apply to you:
Jeep Grand Cherokee rear coil springs — 328,381 vehicles. Covering certain 2021–2023 Grand Cherokee L, 2022–2023 Grand Cherokee and 2022–2023 Grand Cherokee 4xe models, where rear coil springs may have been installed incorrectly and can detach from the vehicle while driving.
This one carries an unusual and important detail: it replaces two earlier NHTSA campaigns, and vehicles already repaired under those previous recalls still need the new remedy. A completed recall in your service history does not close this one out. Interim owner letters were expected to mail September 29, 2026, with a second notification once the final fix is available. FCA US customer service: 800-853-1403; recall number 89D.
Stellantis Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer — roof rack crossbars that may detach while driving.
Ford Mustang, 2024–2026 — engine compartment wiring harness ground connections that may fracture, potentially causing loss of drive power or loss of headlights, air conditioning, windshield washers or the engine cooling fan.
The Statistic That Should Change Your Habits
According to Carfax data, roughly 20% of vehicles on U.S. roads have at least one unfixed recall. That is one in five.
The number climbs in commercial use: Carfax's analysis of taxis and rideshare vehicles across 16 major cities found about 27% carrying unfixed recalls, and among New York City cabs specifically, 38.6%.
More seriously, Carfax reports that more than 3.2 million vehicles currently have a "park outside" recall — issued when a vehicle carries a meaningful fire risk, with manufacturers advising owners to keep the vehicle away from structures until repaired.
The reason so many recalls go unfixed is mundane. Letters go to the address on the registration, and people move, sell cars privately, or simply throw the mail away assuming it is marketing. Nobody follows up.
A reasonable habit: run your VIN through the NHTSA database twice a year. It takes under a minute, covers every open recall on that specific vehicle, and the repairs are free.
If Your Camera Is Already Failing
Do not pay for a repair before checking recall status. If your vehicle is in the recall population, the camera replacement is free — and if you have already paid out of pocket for the same repair, manufacturers frequently reimburse owners for pre-recall repairs. Keep the receipt and ask.
In the meantime, treat the camera as unavailable. Check over your shoulder, use your mirrors, and walk behind the vehicle before backing out in any area where children might be present. The camera was always meant to supplement those habits, not replace them.
Quick Facts
- Vehicles recalled: 306,511 in the U.S.; 30,996 additional in Canada
- Models: 2024–2025 Buick Envista, 2024–2026 Buick Encore GX, 2024–2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer, 2025 Chevrolet Trax
- Largest share: Chevrolet Trax and Trailblazer, at 234,336 vehicles
- Defect: rearview camera may show a distorted or blank image in reverse
- Reported cause: a cleaning step weakened the adhesive seal on the camera housing, admitting moisture and grime
- NHTSA campaign: 26V539 — GM recall number A262554900
- Remedy: dealer inspection and camera replacement, free of charge
- Stop-sale issued: August 20, 2026
- Owner letters: began mailing September 16, 2026
- Contacts: Chevrolet 800-222-1020; Buick 800-521-7300
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my vehicle is part of this recall?
Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or call Chevrolet at 800-222-1020 or Buick at 800-521-7300 and reference GM recall A262554900. Checking by VIN is more reliable than checking by model year.
Does the recall repair cost anything?
No. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer, regardless of the vehicle's age, mileage or warranty status.
Is it safe to drive my vehicle?
GM has not issued a do-not-drive advisory for this recall. The concern is reduced rear visibility when reversing. Until the camera is replaced, rely on mirrors and shoulder checks and be especially careful backing out where pedestrians or children may be present.
My camera works fine. Do I still need the repair?
Yes, if your VIN is included. The reported failure mechanism is progressive moisture intrusion, meaning a camera that functions now can degrade later. The inspection is free.
I already paid to replace my camera. Can I get reimbursed?
Possibly. Manufacturers often reimburse owners who paid for a repair that a later recall covers. Contact GM customer service with your receipt and repair order.
How many cars on the road have unfixed recalls?
About 20% of U.S. vehicles have at least one open, unfixed recall, according to Carfax. More than 3.2 million currently carry a "park outside" fire-risk recall.
