Tesla is turning on the cabin radar in recent Model Y vehicles. The update adds front-row cabin sensing, replacing seat occupancy sensors. This helps Tesla know the size of passengers, which matters in a crash.
More Tesla Vehicles to Get Cabin Radar
Tesla confirmed that other recent vehicles have the same radar. A future update will activate it.
Child Presence Detection
Front-row sensing is just one part of the update. Tesla is adding support for rear-seat detection. The system will spot children left inside.
Tesla posted on X that
“at least 37 children die per year from heatstroke, just in the United States, according to the NHTSA.”
The radar will alert owners and turn on HVAC to keep the child safe. If needed, the car will call emergency services and send its location.
The radar does more than detect if someone is left behind. It classifies passenger sizes to adjust airbag deployment. It can tell the difference between an adult and a child, adjusting safety settings. It also tracks heart rate and breathing.
Tesla cars outside the U.S. support eCall, but in the U.S., they can’t call 911 unless a phone is connected via Bluetooth. Tesla may add direct emergency calling in North America later.
Supported Models
Right now, the cabin radar is active in Model Ys from the last couple of years. Tesla confirmed that the same radar is in the new Model 3 and Cybertruck.
Tesla’s Electronic Parts Catalog shows that 2024 Plus Model Y, 2024 Plus Model 3, and Cybertruck share the same radar. The 2023 Model Y has a different part number, but the 2022 and 2023 models are getting front-row sensing in the 2025.2.6 update.
Rear-seat sensing is coming later this year. Tesla says the refreshed Model Y will get it in Q3 2025. Other models will follow, but calibration takes time because of different interior layouts.
If you own a recent Model 3 or Cybertruck, expect front-row sensing soon. Rear-seat sensing will come later.
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