Mitsubishi Outlander Rearview Camera Recall (SR-26-002): Your California Lemon Law Rights

Recall 26V549000 (Mitsubishi reference SR-26-002) covers 67,146 Mitsubishi SUVs — 2025 and 2026 Outlander and 2026 Outlander Plug-in Hybrid — whose Alliance In-Vehicle Infotainment (A-IVI) system may fail to display the rearview camera image when the vehicle is placed in reverse because of improper software programming. NHTSA records the vehicles as failing to comply with FMVSS 111 (rear visibility) and notes the increased crash risk.

What the recall covers

Mitsubishi reported recall 26V549000 on August 25, 2026, covering 67,146 SUVs: 2025 and 2026 Outlanders and 2026 Outlander Plug-in Hybrids. The Outlander is the redesigned third-generation model Mitsubishi built with Nissan's platform, and its infotainment system is the shared Alliance In-Vehicle Infotainment unit — which is why the software problem sits in the head unit, not the camera itself.

What actually goes wrong

Due to improper software programming, the infotainment system may not display the rearview camera image when the vehicle is shifted into reverse. The camera is fine; the screen simply does not show it. FMVSS 111 requires the rearview image to appear whenever the vehicle is in reverse, so NHTSA records a noncompliance. For a driver, the symptom is a black or frozen screen when backing up.

What the fix is

Mitsubishi dealers will update the A-IVI software, free of charge. Because a dealer performs the update, there should be a repair order recording the date and mileage. If the dealer says no paperwork is needed, ask for it anyway.

Does this make an Outlander a lemon?

A single infotainment update that corrects the camera is not, by itself, a lemon law case. Owners with a stronger claim are those whose screen or camera keeps failing after the update, who have had repeated visits for infotainment lockups, Bluetooth and connectivity problems, or driver-assist warnings, or whose new Outlander has spent 30 or more cumulative days in the shop. These are recent model years, so the vehicles should still be under Mitsubishi's warranty.

How a California buyback works

Under California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, a vehicle may qualify as a lemon if it has a warranty-covered defect that substantially impairs its use, value or safety and Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. or its authorized dealers cannot repair it after a reasonable number of attempts — or if it has been out of service for warranty repairs for more than 30 cumulative days. A defect likely to cause death or serious bodily injury if the vehicle is driven is held to a shorter standard: at least two repair attempts rather than four. If a claim succeeds, the manufacturer pays your attorney fees, so a consultation costs nothing out of pocket. Time limits apply and they depend on the vehicle and the manufacturer, so it is worth asking early rather than late.

Beyond the recall: Is my Outlander a lemon?

Infotainment faults are among the most common causes of repeat visits on new vehicles. If your Outlander's screen freezes, reboots, drops CarPlay or Android Auto, or loses the camera, report every occurrence and keep the repair orders. Repeated visits for the same problem are what establish a pattern.

What to do next

Check your VIN, complete the free repair, and keep every document. If the problem comes back, or your Mitsubishi has other defects that keep returning to the shop, Mousavi Law Firm can review it at no cost — call 844-MOUSAVI.