Does your Toyota Prius integrated backup camera display a mirror image of text while in reverse?

This is my first post on Prius Chat since I purchased my first Toyota 2016 Prius trim level four this February. My previous car was a Bonneville SSEi.

When this Prius is in reverse, the integrated backup camera displays reversed text just as if you were looking in a mirror. However, in both the 2016 and 2017 Toyota factory marketing literature, the “integrated backup camera” feature has a published photo with normal reading text which says “PIV BUILDING A”. However, when I view the display while my Prius is in reverse, only a mirror image is displayed.

Because of other vehicle software issues such as a constantly rebooting navigation system, I contacted Toyota Customer Service at 800-331-4331. Toyota said to visit a dealer. After waiting over six months for Toyota to correct the software so their navigation system would quit rebooting constantly, the dealer advises it is normal for the backup camera to display a mirror image. The Toyota sales literature shows otherwise and does not have a disclosure that the image was simulated. My control head does not say JBL on it but this Prius Four has the advanced technology package. Attached below is the photo from the Prius sales literature.

Two questions for Prius owners:

1. As the 2016 and 2017 sales literature is inaccurate and there is no user or dealer settable option to correct the display of the rear view monitor system described in the Prius owner’s manual, what factory technical reference should customers use to understand if their Toyota Prius is operating correctly?

2. Does your Toyota Prius backup camera display a mirror image while your vehicle is in reverse?

 

I agree that sales literature is created in advance. That is why I waited for the 2017 literature to see if a disclosure was added. Until you told me, I never knew Toyota uses fake images in their sales literature. Toyota used the same photo in their 2016 and 2017 sales literature. When my Prius audio/navigation system took over six months to repair regarding the rebooting problem, I was told the camera issue and speed warning indicator is linked to the same software. After more than six months Toyota had a remedy to correct the constant rebooting problem. Then a few weeks later they forced a mandatory software update which crippled the ability for Pandora to work correctly on the audio/navigation system. I hope Toyota will not require another six months to fix this software issue or replace the recalled front passenger airbag which may have been improperly welded and/or misassembled.

As I firefighter, I like the option of being able to read a warning sign like I find in industrial locations where hazardous materials are used. I can stay in my vehicle with the windows up with ventilation on recirculate as an added safety precaution. It is much easier to read a warning sign when the text is not displayed as a mirror image.

I also notice the Prius speed warning indicator turns on and off at different speeds. For example, if the speed of the road is 50 MPH, the red border turns on at 50 MPH but will not turn off unless you reduce speed to 48 MPH. I would think the speed warning should turn on when you exceed the posted speed and turn off when you are at or below the posted speed. I rely on the sales literature and owners manual to determine if this is normal operation.

After 11,000 miles of driving, my pedestrian detection system has never successfully detected a pedestrian under driving conditions which meet the criteria for a warning. I did get brake alerts in error when large trucks made a turn far ahead of my Prius. It is difficult to determine if this is a software bug as the dealer can only advise if the pre-collision system is system is on or off.

 

Thanks for adding the photos. The image displayed has much lower resolution than my 2016 Prius. Maybe Toyota improved the camera system to give high definition (HD) resolution.

 

The word ambulance written in a mirror image so it can be recognized when viewed in the drivers' mirror. It is written both ways for quick emergency vehicle identification.

 

My Pontiac Bonneville did not have a rear camera, but it did have a supercharger.

 

Fortunately, the Prius fits my current driving needs and is used as a business vehicle.

 

Good idea. I will ask other people at work if they want to add an extra camera.

 

That feature would be useful. In my 2016 Prius Four with AT package built in January 2016 and sold in the United States, that software apparently doesn't exist. Can you set your speed warning to turn on and off at two different speeds?