Pedestrian Detection Alert
Flashing red: a pedestrian is detected in your path — brake. Steady amber: the detection system is unavailable.
What it means
Camera and radar watch for pedestrians and cyclists ahead, especially at city speeds. An active red alert (usually with a chime, sometimes with automatic braking) means the car thinks a collision with a person is imminent. A steady amber light means the system is off or its camera view is blocked.
Can you keep driving?
An active alert demands immediate braking. A system-unavailable light means drive normally — you simply don't have the automatic backup; clean the windshield camera area.
What to do now
- 1
Brake immediately on an active alert, then verify with your own eyes.
- 2
Clean the windshield in front of the camera and the front emblem/radar area.
- 3
Get persistent amber warnings scanned — especially after windshield replacement or front-end work.
Likely causes
- • Pedestrian or cyclist detected in the vehicle path (active alert)
- • Camera or radar blocked by dirt, snow, or glare
- • System fault or switched off
Typical fix cost
$0 to clean sensors; $300–$1,500 for camera/radar replacement and calibration
Ranges reflect mainstream US parts-and-labor pricing; your vehicle and region will vary.