Tesla Model S Owners & Service Manuals

Tesla Model S: Limitations and Inaccuracies

Collision Avoidance features cannot always detect all objects, vehicles, bikes, or pedestrians, and you may experience unnecessary, inaccurate, invalid, or missed warnings for many reasons, particularly if:

  • The road has sharp curves.
  • Visibility is poor (due to heavy rain, snow, fog, etc.).
  • Bright light (such as from oncoming headlights or direct sunlight) is interfering with the view of the camera(s).
  • A camera or sensor is obstructed (dirty, covered, fogged over, covered by a sticker, etc.).
  • One or more of the ultrasonic sensors is damaged, dirty, or obstructed (such as by mud, ice, or snow, or by a vehicle bra, excessive paint, or adhesive products such as wraps, stickers, rubber coating, etc.).
  • Weather conditions (heavy rain, snow, fog, or extremely hot or cold temperatures) are interfering with sensor operation.
  • The sensors are affected by other electrical equipment or devices that generate ultrasonic waves.

WARNING: The limitations previously described do not represent an exhaustive list of situations that may interfere with proper operation of Collision Avoidance Assist features. These features may fail to provide their intended function for many other reasons. It is the driver's responsibility to avoid collisions by staying alert, paying attention, and taking corrective action as early as possible.

CAUTION: If a fault occurs with a Collision Avoidance Assist feature, Model S displays an alert. Contact Tesla Service.

    READ NEXT:

     Speed Assist

    How Speed Assist Works Model S displays a speed limit on the instrument panel and you can choose if and how you are warned when you exceed the speed limit. Also, instead of using the detected speed

     Cabin Camera

    Your Model S may be equipped with a cabin camera located above the rear view mirror. The cabin camera can determine driver inattentiveness and provide you with audible alerts, to remind you to kee

     Using the Touchscreen

    SEE MORE:

     Cruise control unavailable

    Reduced front radar visibility Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer are unavailable because the radar located in the front bumper area of your vehicle has no or low visibility. Continue to your destination. Your vehicle is OK to drive. Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer will remain

     Brake Caliper Pad Slides

    Note: This is recommended for cold weather regions. Note: Cleaning and lubricating the caliper pad slides/abutments is not included in the Annual Service price.  Note: Perform the following steps on all 4 calipers. Remove the pad retaining pins and collect the anti-rattle spr

    © 2019-2026 Copyright www.tesms.org