Where is the pre-collision sensor located?
The pre-collision sensor is typically mounted at the front of the vehicle, combining a forward-looking camera and radar unit. In most cars the camera sits behind the windshield near the top center, while the radar unit lives in or behind the front bumper or grille. The exact placement varies by make, model, and year.
Automakers design pre-collision (or forward collision avoidance) systems with multiple sensors to detect vehicles, pedestrians, and other hazards. This multi-sensor approach helps the system function across weather and lighting conditions, but it also means there isn't a single universal location. Knowing where these sensors live can help you understand maintenance, cleaning, or any warning lights related to the system.
Common front-end sensor placements
The following overview shows the most typical physical footprints used by modern pre-collision systems.
- Forward-facing camera: mounted behind the windshield, usually near the top center above the rearview mirror. Some vehicles integrate it into the mirror housing; the camera provides image data used for object recognition and lane-keeping cues.
- Radar sensor: located behind the front bumper or in the lower grille area. It may be in a dedicated radome within the bumper, behind a plastic cover, or in the grille module, providing distance and speed information to the system.
- Ultrasonic sensors (where equipped): embedded in the front bumper corners to assist with low-speed collision avoidance and parking-related alerts by detecting nearby obstacles at close range.
Most systems combine data from the camera, radar, and sometimes ultrasonic sensors to determine if a collision is likely and whether warnings or braking should be engaged.
Notes for drivers and owners
Because the precise arrangement varies by brand and model—often even across model years—it's best to check your owner's manual or consult the service department if you're unsure where the sensors are in your car. Clean the camera lens and ensure the radar/radome areas are free of dirt, snow, or decals that could impede sensing. Some newer vehicles are moving toward camera-first configurations and may use fewer or differently positioned radar units; always verify for your specific model and year.
Summary
In short, pre-collision sensors are typically split between a camera mounted behind the windshield and a radar unit tucked into the front bumper or grille, with ultrasonic sensors adding close-range awareness in many vehicles. Exact locations depend on the vehicle’s make, model, and year.
Where is the pre-collision sensor?
Along with a camera behind the windshield near the rear view mirror. So if either of these components is blocked the system may stop functioning properly.
Why does the pre-collision system light come on?
The pre-collision system relies on a front radar sensor and camera, usually behind the windshield near the rearview mirror. Dirt, debris, or misalignment can trigger system unavailability warnings and disable cruise control. Start by cleaning the sensor area gently with a soft cloth.
How to clean a radar sensor?
Below the Mercedes-Benz. Emblem both cameras are used for the Mercedes-Benz.
How to reset front collision sensor?
System this could be labeled with a car icon. And some lines in front of it. All you need to do is press and hold that button for a few seconds.
