Blind Spot Monitor Indicator
In the mirror: a vehicle is in your blind spot. On the dash (amber): the monitoring system is unavailable.
What it means
The amber icon in your side mirror lights when radar detects a vehicle alongside — it typically flashes if you signal toward it. A steady amber warning on the dash itself means the system is off or blocked: the radar units behind the rear bumper get fouled by snow, mud, or bumper stickers.
Can you keep driving?
Yes in both cases — but if the system is unavailable, you're back to proper shoulder checks for every lane change.
What to do now
- 1
Clean the rear bumper corners where the radar units sit.
- 2
Never rely on the system alone — shoulder check every lane change regardless.
- 3
After any rear bumper repair, confirm the system works before assuming it does.
Likely causes
- • Vehicle detected in the blind spot (mirror icon)
- • Radar blocked by dirt, snow, or bumper accessories
- • Radar misalignment after bumper work
- • Sensor or module fault
Typical fix cost
$0 to clean the bumper corners; $300–$1,000 for radar replacement and calibration
Ranges reflect mainstream US parts-and-labor pricing; your vehicle and region will vary.