Stellantis is recalling nearly 1.2 million vehicles in the U.S. and Canada, including Jeep and Ram models, due to a software glitch that can disable rearview cameras, posing potential safety risks.

The recall affects a wide range of popular models from the 2021 to 2023 model years, including Jeep Compass, Grand Cherokee, Wagoneer, and several Ram trucks and vans, among others. The issue stems from a software error that can cause the rearview cameras to shut down, discovered during a company investigation. While Stellantis reports no injuries or crashes related to the glitch, the company is taking proactive measures by providing an over-the-air software update, already received by some vehicles. Affected owners will be notified via their media screens and through recall notices in the mail.

[The recall shines a spotlight](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/stellantis-recall-jeep-grand-cherokee-wagoneer-software-glitch/) on the importance of rearview cameras, which have become a standard safety feature in modern vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has mandated rear visibility technology in all new vehicles under 10,000 pounds since 2018, citing its potential to prevent backover accidents. Any failure in such systems can significantly hinder a driver’s ability to detect obstacles or pedestrians behind the vehicle.

The specific vehicles impacted by this recall include the [Jeep Compass, Grand Cherokee, and Wagoneer](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/stellantis-recall-jeep-grand-cherokee-wagoneer-software-glitch/), as well as [several models of Ram trucks and ProMaster vans](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/stellantis-recall-jeep-grand-cherokee-wagoneer-software-glitch/). [The defect was identified](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/stellantis-recall-jeep-grand-cherokee-wagoneer-software-glitch/) through Stellantis' internal quality control processes, which flagged the potential software problem during routine diagnostics and customer feedback analysis. In response, the company swiftly initiated an investigation to verify the issue and determine its root cause.

Michael Curmi, head of global product safety and compliance at Stellantis, emphasized the company’s commitment to safety and their proactive stance in addressing the problem. 'Our primary focus is ensuring the safety and satisfaction of our customers. We will continue to monitor the situation and [take any necessary actions](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/stellantis-recall-jeep-grand-cherokee-wagoneer-software-glitch/) to maintain the [highest safety standards](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/stellantis-recall-jeep-grand-cherokee-wagoneer-software-glitch/),' Curmi said in a statement.

Upon successful detection of the malfunction, Stellantis’ technical teams developed [an over-the-air software update](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/stellantis-recall-jeep-grand-cherokee-wagoneer-software-glitch/) designed to rectify the problem. This approach allows the update to be [delivered directly to the vehicles](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/stellantis-recall-jeep-grand-cherokee-wagoneer-software-glitch/) without the need for a dealership visit, minimizing inconvenience to customers. Approximately 300,000 vehicles have [already received this update](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/stellantis-recall-jeep-grand-cherokee-wagoneer-software-glitch/), reducing their safety risk significantly.

Owners of the affected vehicles will [receive notifications via their vehicle's media screens](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/stellantis-recall-jeep-grand-cherokee-wagoneer-software-glitch/), with [additional recall notices sent through traditional mail](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/stellantis-recall-jeep-grand-cherokee-wagoneer-software-glitch/). The notifications will provide comprehensive instructions on how to proceed. Stellantis advises owners to ensure their vehicle software is updated promptly and to contact their dealerships should they have any concerns or require further assistance.

Consumer response to such recalls typically varies, but [timely and transparent communication](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/stellantis-recall-jeep-grand-cherokee-wagoneer-software-glitch/) from the automaker can play a critical role in maintaining customer trust and industry reputation. Vehicle safety experts suggest that Stellantis' [immediate and thorough response](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/stellantis-recall-jeep-grand-cherokee-wagoneer-software-glitch/) is essential in mitigating any potential fallout.

This recall is a reminder of the complexities involved in automotive software and the rigorous testing required to maintain vehicle safety. Although [no accidents have been reported](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/stellantis-recall-jeep-grand-cherokee-wagoneer-software-glitch/) due to this defect, [the preemptive action by Stellantis](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/stellantis-recall-jeep-grand-cherokee-wagoneer-software-glitch/) underscores the increasing interplay between automotive engineering and software reliability.