If the rear cross-traffic alert or side blind zone system in your 2021 through 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, or Cadillac Escalade doesn’t detect all vehicles or displays a “System Unavailable” Error on your gauge cluster- there might be a simple fix.

Rear Cross Traffic & Blind Spot System Errors – Potential Models Affected

  • 2021 through 2023 model year
  • Chevrolet Suburban & Tahoe
  • GMC Yukon
  • Cadillac Escalade
A diagram showing the location of the radar modules for the side obstacle system in the Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon & Escalade
A diagram showing the location of the radar modules for the side obstacle system in the Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon & Escalade (Courtesy GM-Techlink)

Rear Cross Traffic & Blind Spot System Errors – The Issue

Some of the above vehicles may have an issue with their rear cross-traffic alert and/or blind spot detection system that causes them not to detect every vehicle, not work at all, or to display an error message in the driver’s information display. The system may work sporadically or not at all.

This issue is most common on vehicles that have had bodywork or the rear bumper removed.

A radar module installed incorrectly (backwards) on the rear bumper of a GM Full-size SUV.
A radar module installed incorrectly (backwards) on the rear bumper of a GM Full-size SUV. (Image Courtesy GM-Techlink)

Rear Cross Traffic & Blind Spot System Errors – The Fix

The issue is that one or both of the rear-facing radar modules in the bumper have been installed incorrectly and/or backward. The modules are left/right specific and should be installed with the printed labels facing the front of the vehicle. The side object detection systems can still work with the modules installed incorrectly but will work inconsistently or poorly. This most commonly happens when a rear bumper has been replaced, removed, or damaged.

If you’ve had work completed on your vehicle and this error or problem has begun after the work, consider this a potential fix and ask your technician to refer to #PIT6087 for more details.

A radar module installed correctly (label facing forwards) on the rear bumper of a GM Full-size SUV.
A radar module installed correctly (label facing forwards) on the rear bumper of a GM Full-size SUV. (Image Courtesy GM-Techlink)

Thanks to GM-Techlink for the images and heads up on the potential issue!