Tesla Full Self-Driving (Supervised) v14.1.7 update (2025.38.8.7), addresses a persistent issue affecting many vehicles. Now, the car can tell when the front cameras behind the windshield are blocked by residue on the inside glass and offer free precision cleaning appointments. This change is undocumented in official release notes.
When the system notices this, you’ll see a message on the main screen. It says, “Your vehicle’s forward-facing camera is experiencing obstructed visibility. The inner surface of the windshield in front of the camera needs cleaning. Schedule a complimentary 15-minute cleaning in the Tesla App via Request Service > Outstanding Work > Windshield Camera Area Precision Cleaning.”
Tesla’s self-driving tech depends on cameras seeing clearly. If there’s residue, often from the factory or from materials inside the car, the system can struggle. Sometimes, haze forms right where the camera looks through the windshield. This isn’t easy to clean on your own since you have to remove part of the camera’s housing. That step is tricky and can break the clips that hold it in place.
How free cleaning works
Once your car’s system spots an issue, it puts the cleaning request in the Tesla app. Owners just need to tap the Outstanding Work section and set up an appointment. Cleaning usually takes 15 minutes and doesn’t require replacement parts. Service Centers try to give fast appointments, sometimes even same day. If you qualify, a Tesla Ranger might even come to your home or office to do the cleaning.
Paying for cleaning and warranty info
If you book a cleaning when there’s no prompt or you do it as a paid service, the usual charge is $60 to $85 depending on the car model. Tesla often covers cleaning for vehicles still under the basic warranty when the cause is factory residue or off-gassing. The new alert makes it easier for everyone to get the service quickly when needed.
Elon Musk said through X that making the camera easier to clean is “a major area of focus” as Tesla sticks with its camera-based driving approach.
People expect Tesla to change the design in future cars so cleaning is easier, maybe with tool-free access or better housing. Engineers are looking into new seals and better ways to keep off-gassing from clouding up the camera area again.
Tesla offers a monthly windshield protection plan for repairs or replacement if you want more coverage.
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