Where are Toyota Safety Sense sensors?

Core components of Toyota Safety Sense sit at the front of the vehicle—a forward radar unit and a camera near the windshield—while additional sensors around the rear enhance features like blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross-traffic alerts. Exact placements and included sensors vary by model, year, and market.

Core sensors powering Toyota Safety Sense

The following sensors form the backbone of most Safety Sense functions on current Toyotas. They are primarily located on the front of the vehicle.

• Forward-facing millimeter-wave radar sensor mounted behind the front grille, used by Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and the Pre-Collision System to gauge distance and speed of objects ahead.


• Forward-facing camera mounted high behind the windshield (near the rearview mirror), used for lane-keeping assist, pedestrian detection, and traffic-sign recognition; it also works in concert with the radar to trigger braking when necessary.


• Camera-based features such as Automatic High Beams and lane-related functions rely on the windshield camera to interpret road markings and lighting conditions.

In practice, these core sensors provide the bulk of Safety Sense capabilities, with the radar handling range and relative speed detection and the camera handling lanes, signs, and pedestrian recognition.

Rear and peripheral sensors that expand coverage

To extend safety coverage beyond the front of the car, Toyota installs sensors in the rear area and, in some trims, around the sides of the vehicle.

• Rear-side radar sensors embedded in the rear bumper or quarter panels powering Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, which monitor adjacent lanes and approaching traffic when changing lanes or backing out.


• Ultrasonic parking sensors in the rear bumper (and sometimes the front) on certain trims to aid low-speed parking and obstacle detection during maneuvers.


• Additional corner or side sensors in some markets or models to bolster side visibility and safety features.

These rear and peripheral sensors complement the front-end setup, enabling safer lane changes, parking, and exit maneuvers even when objects are outside the forward view.

How sensing has evolved across generations

Toyota Safety Sense has evolved across generations, with newer versions generally adding more cameras, refined radar processing, and broader feature coverage. The exact sensor count and placement can differ by model, trim, and region, so specifications may vary from vehicle to vehicle.

• Early Safety Sense packages relied on a front radar and a single front camera; newer iterations expand sensing areas and improve interpretation through software and hardware upgrades.


• Rear-side sensing (for Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert) is more common on higher trims or newer generations, though availability varies by market.


• Parking-related sensors (ultrasonic) are increasingly common on newer models and trims to assist with maneuvering in tight spaces.

For precise details on a specific Toyota model, consult the owner's manual or vehicle information display to confirm which sensors are installed and which features are active.

Practical notes for drivers

Sensor performance can be affected by weather, dirt, glare, and road conditions. Keep camera lenses and bumper sensors clean, and always drive attentively, using safety features as a supplement to careful driving.

Summary

Toyota Safety Sense relies on a front-mounted radar and a windshield-mounted camera as its core sensing pair, with rear-side radar and ultrasonic sensors providing additional coverage for Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and parking assistance. The exact sensor configuration varies by model and generation, so check your specific vehicle’s documentation for precise details.

What happens if I press SOS in my Toyota?

Using the SOS button will put you in direct contact with the response center when you have a breakdown such as a dead battery, a flat tire, run out of gas, or need to be towed. With Toyota's Safety Connect®, you no longer need to purchase a membership in any other roadside assistance program.

Where is the pre-collision sensor located in a Toyota RAV4?

The RAV4's pre-collision sensor system uses two main components: a radar sensor, typically located behind the front Toyota emblem on the grille, and a front camera located behind the windshield near the rearview mirror. Both must be clean and free of obstructions, like dirt, snow, or stickers, for the system to function correctly.
 
You can watch this video to learn how to locate and clean the pre-collision sensors on a Toyota RAV4: 53sHow To DIY Moore YouTube · Oct 9, 2024
Radar sensor

• Location: Behind the front grille, often concealed by the Toyota emblem. 
• Function: Uses millimeter-wave radar to detect large objects like other vehicles. 
• Maintenance: Keep the area around the emblem clean by wiping it with a soft cloth. Do not attach any stickers or accessories to this area. 

This video demonstrates how to find and clean the radar sensor on a Toyota RAV4: 48sSteve CliffordYouTube · May 9, 2025
Front camera

• Location: On the windshield, near the top and behind the rearview mirror. 
• Function: Detects pedestrians, bicycles, and lane markings. 
• Maintenance: Keep the area of the windshield in front of the camera clear of condensation, ice, or other obstructions. Use the defroster if needed. 

This video explains how to clean the front camera sensor on a Toyota RAV4: 1mCar FixYouTube · Jul 2, 2025
Troubleshooting

• If you see a pre-collision system warning, first check both the radar sensor area and the front camera area of the windshield for any dirt or obstructions. 
• Clean both areas with a soft cloth. 
• If the warning persists, have the system inspected by a dealer, as it could indicate a more serious issue. 

Where is the blind spot detection sensor located on a Toyota?

The Toyota blind spot monitor has a visual indicator in the side-view mirrors, typically on the inside corner, and two radar sensors located behind the rear bumper, one on each side. The system is activated using a button on the dashboard, usually to the left of the steering wheel, or via the infotainment screen.
 
This video shows the location of the blind spot monitor sensor on the side mirror and rear bumper: 57sSteven WelchYouTube · Sep 1, 2020
Visual indicator

• Location: An orange or yellow icon is located in the inside corner of the side-view mirrors. 
• Function: It illuminates when a vehicle enters your blind spot. It will flash if you turn on your turn signal while a vehicle is in your blind spot. 

Sensors

• Location: The radar sensors are discreetly mounted on the inside of the rear bumper, one on each side, behind the bumper cover. 
• Function: These sensors scan a wide angle to the rear and sides of the vehicle to detect other vehicles. They also enable the Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) feature when you are in reverse. 

This video shows how to adjust the blind spot monitor settings on a Toyota Tundra: 58sToyotaDuoYouTube · Jan 24, 2025
Control

• Dashboard button: A dedicated BSM (Blind Spot Monitor) button is usually located on the dashboard, often near the steering wheel. Pressing it turns the system on or off. 
• Infotainment system: On many models, you can turn the system on or off, and adjust settings like brightness, sensitivity, and alert timing, through the central touchscreen display. To do this, navigate to the settings menu (often by pressing a "gear" or "setup" icon) and find the "BSM" or "Blind Spot Monitor" option. 

What is a Toyota safety sensor?

Toyota Safety Sense™ P (TSS-P): Included on mid-size and large Toyota models, this package includes Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Automatic High Beams.