Tesla Cabin Radar: How to recognize it and what it can do

Have you ever wondered if your Tesla has a hidden safety feature that provides more comfort and security? With the new software update 2025.2, Tesla finally activates the previously silent Cabin Radar - an intelligent system that revolutionizes the vehicle safety concept. Below, you will learn how the Cabin Radar works, what advantages it offers, and how you can check if your Tesla is equipped with it.

Functions of the Cabin Radar

Tesla uses the Cabin Radar to precisely detect where the occupants are inside the vehicle. The system replaces conventional seat sensors with more reliable radar technology, ensuring:

Accurate Occupancy Detection:
- The Cabin Radar precisely detects the position of vehicle occupants and prevents false alarms, for example, when heavy objects are mistakenly detected as passengers.
Optimal Airbag Deployment:
- Future software updates are expected to introduce dynamic airbag controls that adapt to the actual body size and position of the occupants.
Advanced Safety Features:
- In the third quarter of 2025, Tesla plans to integrate features such as child detection and emergency health monitoring. This way, the system will be able to automatically activate emergency calls and locate the vehicle in case of an emergency.

Regular vs. 4D Radar

In addition to the standard Cabin Radar, Tesla is also developing the so-called 4D Radar - an advancement that enables even more functions. The 4D Radar is already found in newer models like the Cybertruck and the updated Model Y. In these vehicles, the hardware version differs, so future features may be rolled out gradually. For owners of older models, it's important to know that they may still be using an earlier version of the Cabin Radar, which can be expanded via an update.

How to check if your Tesla has the Cabin Radar

Do you want to know if your vehicle is equipped with the Cabin Radar? It's simple:

Activate Service Mode:
- Enter the Tesla Service Mode, which is primarily intended for technicians but can also be used safely by you – make sure to exit before driving.
Open Safety Menu:
- Navigate to “Safety & Restraints” in the left menu and then select “Seats”.
Notice Display:
- A green area appears between the two front seats. If “Cabin Radar (ICR)” is displayed here, your Tesla is equipped with the new system.

The Cabin Radar is typically located above the rearview mirror between the two front seats in supported models. For models like the 2024+ Model 3, some 2022+ Model Y, and updated versions of Model S and Model X, the installation has already been done – older vehicles might require a retrofit to address issues with the safety sensor.

Future Prospects and Extensions

Tesla will continuously develop the Cabin Radar. Future features, such as the automatic activation of Dog Mode when your pet is forgotten in the car, or enhanced emergency notification, are intended to further increase comfort and safety. Additionally, Tesla plans to increasingly switch to camera-based passenger recognition to reduce costs and further expand functionality.

With these innovations, Tesla sets new standards for vehicle safety and comfort, once again demonstrating how technological advancements can make everyday life safer.