Cabin radar in Tesla Model Y activated - New safety function

Tesla has recently rolled out software update 2025.2.6, activating a new feature that utilizes a cabin radar that is used in some Model Y vehicles for over three years. This new function will also be available in the Model 3 Highland Refresh and in the Cybertruck.

Background: Tesla continuously optimizes its vehicles

Tesla is known for continuously improving its vehicles by adding new parts or replacing existing ones. This is not like traditional car manufacturers, who usually only make changes in new model years. The adaptations of Tesla often have a direct impact on owners, be it positive, such as the switch to the AI4 self-driving computer, or negative, such as the removal of the lumbar support in the front passenger seat.

Now we learn of a change that Tesla already in 2021 in the Model Y has made. From the end of 2021, radar units were installed in the front roof panel of the Model Y installed, directly above the rear-view mirror. With the 2025.2.6 update, this radar is now activated to better recognize passengers in the front seat.

What does the cabin radar do?

As the name suggests, the cabin radar is used exclusively to detect passengers in the front of the vehicle. According to the operating instructions from Tesla the cabin radar can "detect the presence of people in the vehicle and take measurements to determine occupancy". This supports safety functions such as passenger seat detection and enables dynamic deployment of the airbag depending on the size and position of the passenger.

Previously used Tesla seat sensors for this task, but the radar now offers more accurate detection. This technology is now standard on all new 2025 Model Ys. Tesla has also announced that this feature will soon be available in the Model 3 Highland and the Cybertruck.

Which Model Y vehicles are affected?

The cabin radar is in Model Y vehicles from 2022 and later that were produced from around the beginning of November 2021. Tesla has provided an illustration showing where the radar is located behind the roof panel. The service manual also offers a closer look at the radar.

Is this the same as the 4D radar in the new Model Y?

The 4D cabin radar, which is in the new Model Y 2026 can not only detect the occupancy of the front area, but also monitor the second row and even measure vital functions such as heart rate and breathing. This technology is able to regulate the vehicle climate if necessary, open windows or trigger alarms via the vehicle's app - even make an emergency call. This system is to be included in the Q3 software update for the new Model Y but it remains to be seen whether it will also be available for older Model Ys and the new Model 3 will be activated.

Will Tesla offer the radar as a retrofit option?

It seems that Tesla does not offer the cabin radar as a retrofit option for older vehicles, but there are reports that Tesla some owners of Model Y vehicles from 2023 are being offered free replacements for the radar. One owner of a 2023 Model Y Long Range received a message about "replacing the cabin radar" to receive the spring 2025 software update. There was probably a period of time when Tesla was unable to install the radar due to parts shortages and is now offering a free replacement for these vehicles.

Conclusion

Tesla once again shows how the company is continuously improving the safety of its vehicles with innovative solutions. The cabin radar not only offers more accurate passenger detection, but could even enable life-saving functions in the future if the technology is further developed. The possibility of a free replacement for affected vehicles shows how Tesla responds to the needs of its customers.