More than 50 million vehicles in the United States have unrepaired safety recalls, according to the National Safety Council. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration urges vehicle owners and fleet operators to follow any interim safety guidance provided by the manufacturer and to contact your local dealership to fix the recalled part for free.

Recently, Audi/Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. issued a safety recall impacting a significant number of vehicles, across numerous brands, for a software issue that impacts rearview visibility.

Specifically, the automaker is recalling an estimated 170,296 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabriolet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattro, SQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ5, S8, S7, S6 Sedan, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, 2022 E-Tron GT, and 2021-2022 RSQ8 vehicles.

The problem is a software issue. A blank or black screen may be displayed instead of the rearview camera image when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear. This is a hazardous situation because reducing the driver’s rearview visibility increases the likelihood of a crash.

To fix the problem, dealers will update the infotainment software in the instrument panel main unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters will be mailed Dec. 2. Owners can reach Audi's customer service at (800) 253-2834. Volkswagen's reference number for this recall is 91DZ.