Tesla has issued a new Service Bulletin for the Model Y that addresses a potential issue with the vehicle’s front bumper camera, which in some cases can be affected by water intrusion.
According to the bulletin, identified as SB-25-17-012, the issue applies to certain 2025 and newer Model Y vehicles built at Fremont and Giga Texas and sold in North America. The condition is not classified as a safety defect, but it can lead to camera alerts or a temporary loss of the front camera feed if left unresolved.
Water intrusion could affect camera performance
The bulletin explains that water may enter the front camera assembly through channels in the front fascia wiring harness. If moisture reaches the camera housing or connector, it can lead to corrosion or cause the camera lens to become partially submerged.
When this happens, drivers may notice problems with the vehicle’s front camera feed. The symptoms can include blurry images, intermittent video, or a completely blank display when the camera is accessed through the vehicle’s touchscreen.
Because Tesla vehicles rely on multiple external cameras for driver assistance features, any disruption to a camera feed can trigger system alerts notifying the driver that a camera may be obstructed or unavailable.
Inspection and possible component replacement
Tesla’s recommended repair process begins with a diagnostic inspection. Technicians first check the camera feed on the vehicle display to look for visible signs of water intrusion. If the image appears severely blurred or the feed cuts out intermittently, the service procedure calls for replacing both the front fascia camera and the associated wiring harness.
Even if the touchscreen image appears normal, the camera assembly is removed and inspected with a flashlight to look for signs of internal moisture or corrosion around the connector.
If any damage is detected, the service bulletin instructs technicians to replace the same two components—the camera and the harness—to prevent the issue from recurring.
Software update may resolve some cases
Before proceeding with hardware repairs, Tesla also directs technicians to check the vehicle’s software version. Vehicles already running firmware version 2025.44.3 or later, or Full Self-Driving v14.2, do not require further action under the bulletin.
This suggests Tesla may have implemented additional protections or monitoring in newer software versions to mitigate the issue.
Not a recall, but a service campaign
Tesla classifies SB-25-17-012 as a campaign bulletin, meaning it provides repair guidance to service technicians rather than initiating a formal recall. Owners typically only receive the repair if their vehicle exhibits symptoms related to the condition.
If the issue is confirmed during inspection, the repair itself is relatively straightforward, with Tesla estimating roughly one hour of service time to complete the inspection and replacement if required.
Tesla also recently issued another Service Bulletin for the Model Y, but for vehicles built at Giga Berlin. That bulletin addresses a frequent complaint among owners of squeaky front brakes.
You can read the full Service Bulletin below.
