Bumper Cover Repair With ADAS: Tesla

A simple bumper repair on a modern vehicle may not be as simple as it seems. New technologies like blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and other advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) utilize sensors behind the bumper covers. The ability for these sensors to be able to see clearly, normally requires special caution when considering a bumper repair. Many OEMs have different levels of warnings when it comes to repairing bumper covers with ADAS. So, what does Tesla say on the subject?

Tesla provides plastic repair information in Collision Repair Procedures ➤ General Repair Guidelines ➤ Plastic Components Repair Guidelines.

Tesla states:

  • "Caution Plastic repairs are not allowed in the area of radar sensors. Refer to Front Bumper Fascia Repair Guidelines for more information."
  • "Non-safety related plastic components can be repaired using industry standard tools and methods, such as nitrogen welding or two-part adhesive designed for plastic repair. "

Collision Repair Procedures ➤ Part Repairability Guidelines ➤ Front Bumper Fascia Repair Guidelines:

  • Provides detailed information on acceptable front bumper cover repair and refinishing including specific measurements where repairs are not to be performed.
  • There are no restrictions for rear bumper cover, lower valances, or ducting assembly repairs.

Tesla states:

  • "After refinishing the front bumper fascia, the paint thickness in the radar area must not exceed 300 microns (12 mils). Use a paint thickness measurement tool designed to work with plastic to determine paint coat thickness.
  • Do not remove the base plastic material in the radar area. The radar sensor is calibrated to the factory thickness of the plastic. Removing excessive plastic material in this area might result in incorrect radar function.
  • Repairing the front bumper fascia outside of the radar area is allowed, but do not perform any repairs in the radar area. (Repairs include adding plastic filler, glueing, plastic welding, plastic stapling, or leaving a feathered paint edge.)"

Always reference the OEM vehicle-specific repair procedures for guidelines when working with ADAS to ensure a complete, safe, and quality repair.

For additional Tesla information, check out the Tesla OEM Information page.

Additional I-CAR Collision Repair News you may find helpful:


Related I-CAR Courses

  • Repairer Driven News: Rivian Updates Door Handle Procedure Sunday, 4 February 2035

    Repairer Driven News (RDN) released an article featuring an updated Rivian procedure.

  • 2025 SkillsUSA National Competition Results Monday, 30 June 2025

    The 2025 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference took place on June 26, 2025. Every year I-CAR sends volunteers (virtually in 2021) to judge the collision repair technology competition....

  • Ford/Lincoln Rocker Panel Reinforcement Sectioning Friday, 27 June 2025

    We are often asked, “Can I section this panel?” Let’s take a look at Ford/Lincoln vehicles and sectioning the rocker panel reinforcement.

  • Back-To-Basics: Backside Panel Refinish And Edging Thursday, 26 June 2025

    Sometimes, going back to the basics can make the difference between a quality repair and a failed repair. When repairing and refinishing, you might need to refinish the panel's backside and edges.

  • Hyundai Position Statement: Pre- And Post-Repair System Scanning - UPDATE Monday, 23 June 2025

    Hyundai released an updated position statement relating to pre- and post-repair system scanning.

  • App-Based Connected Services Considerations Tuesday, 17 June 2025

    Have you had an experience where the vehicle notified the owner that it was being moved while it was in your repair facility? App-based connected services are available from many vehicle makers and...

  • Digital Key Considerations Tuesday, 17 June 2025

    The intermingling of technology and automobiles continues, with digital key offerings from most vehicle makers. Digital keys utilize smartphone technology to expand vehicle access and owner...

  • Back-To-Basics: Tire Tread Pattern Wednesday, 11 June 2025

    Sometimes going back-to-basics can make the difference between a quality repair and a failed repair. Let’s see how to identify tire tread patterns and their repair considerations.

  • Corrosion Protection Guidelines: Ford/Lincoln - UPDATE Tuesday, 10 June 2025

    A key factor in collision repair is making long-lasting repairs. When a vehicle is repaired, many areas of corrosion protection are disturbed. This creates corrosion hot spots that, left untreated,...

  • Rivian Restraints Wiring Thursday, 5 June 2025

    The question is often asked, "Can supplemental restraints system wiring be repaired?" The answer is: it depends on the vehicle maker. Let's take a look at Rivian's position on this subject.