How to Fix Nissan Front Radar Obstruction Issues

If the front radar of your Nissan vehicle is blocked, the advanced Forward Collision Warning system will not function properly.

This obstruction also disables the automatic emergency braking feature, which is integrated with the collision warning system.

Common causes of front radar blockages include weather elements like rain, accumulated dirt, or other debris that interfere with the radar’s ability to scan effectively.

What Causes Front Radar Blockages?

When the radar is obstructed, a notification will appear on your vehicle’s dashboard, typically reading Front Radar Obstruction: Unavailable.

Seeing this alert doesn’t mean there’s an issue with your vehicle’s braking or acceleration systems, so there’s no need to panic.

However, until the obstruction is cleared, the emergency braking feature will remain inactive. What’s happening here?

The radar or sensor responsible for monitoring the speed of vehicles ahead and the distance between them and your car is being physically blocked.

This blockage prevents the radar from accurately scanning the road and surrounding vehicles.

You may need to clean the front bumper and the sensor area. Even a small amount of dirt or mud can disrupt the radar’s functionality.

If your vehicle is spotless, the issue might be weather-related. Heavy rain, snow, or dense fog can impair the radar’s performance.

While it’s generally safe to drive with a disabled front radar and emergency braking system, you’ll need to exercise extra caution on the road.

Additional Causes of Radar Issues

Several factors can trigger a front radar obstruction warning. Below are common reasons for radar malfunctions and steps to address them.

Some problems can be resolved independently, while others require professional assistance from a certified Nissan technician.

Damage from Minor Collisions – Sensors and radars are surprisingly delicate. A minor impact, such as a bicycle hitting the front bumper, can damage the radar, requiring replacement.

If your vehicle has been in a low-speed collision, the radar may be compromised. Replacing it is often more cost-effective than attempting repairs, so consult your mechanic about installing a new radar.

Faulty or Aging Wiring – If the wiring supplying power to the radar is damaged or worn, it can cause malfunctions.

Insufficient power may lead the sensor to mistakenly detect an obstruction. Have a mechanic inspect the wiring and replace it if necessary.

Purpose of the Front Radar

Regardless of how cautiously you drive, there’s always a risk of colliding with an object or vehicle ahead.

Many drivers have accidentally bumped into their garage door while rushing to drop their kids off at school.

Nissan’s anti-collision technology, including front radar systems, helps reduce the likelihood of such incidents.

The front radar is a key component of the Intelligent Forward Collision Warning System, supported by sensors around the front bumper. This system alerts drivers to potential low- and high-speed collisions.

While avoiding low-speed collisions is important, preventing high-speed crashes is critical to ensuring safety.

The system calculates your vehicle’s speed, the speed of the vehicle ahead, and the distance between them to provide timely warnings.

If you’re too close to the vehicle in front, the system alerts you to the risk of a collision if the leading vehicle stops abruptly.

With this information, you can slow down to increase the gap or change lanes to avoid a potential crash.

Nissan Recall for Radar Issues

Many Nissan owners have reported persistent front radar obstruction warnings, even after repeated attempts to resolve the issue with mechanics.

This frustration has led some owners to demand a recall to address the problem at the manufacturer level.

The call for a recall began in August 2020 and remains unresolved, with ongoing discussions about affected vehicles.

A document from nhtsa.gov indicates that the issue affects Nissan models equipped with distance sensors, intelligent cruise control, or emergency braking systems.

Conclusion

A potential recall for Nissan vehicles with front radar or emergency braking issues may be on the horizon. Persistent radar problems suggest a possible manufacturing defect.

If you encounter a front radar obstruction warning, inspect and clean the radar sensor on your vehicle’s front bumper. Dirt, heavy rain, or fog can interfere with its operation, disabling the emergency braking system.

Faulty wiring may also cause the radar to misinterpret a lack of power as an obstruction. In such cases, professional inspection and repair are recommended.