Forward Collision Warning
Flashing red with a beep: brake now — the car detects an imminent collision. Steady amber: the system is unavailable.
What it means
An active forward-collision alert means radar/camera systems detect you closing too fast on the vehicle ahead; many cars pre-charge the brakes or apply them automatically. A steady amber light (often with an exclamation point or 'OFF') means the system is disabled or its radar sensor is blocked.
Can you keep driving?
An active red alert demands immediate braking. A steady amber 'system unavailable' light means you can drive normally — you simply no longer have the automatic safety net; clean the radar emblem on the grille and have faults checked.
What to do now
- 1
Brake immediately on an active red alert.
- 2
Clean the front grille radar area and windshield camera zone.
- 3
If the light persists after cleaning, have the driver-assist system scanned — do not ignore it after any front-end impact.
Likely causes
- • Genuine collision risk detected (active alert)
- • Radar sensor blocked by snow, mud, or a badge cover
- • Sensor misalignment after a minor front impact
- • System switched off
Typical fix cost
$0 to clean sensors; $300–$1,500 for radar replacement and calibration
Ranges reflect mainstream US parts-and-labor pricing; your vehicle and region will vary.