Forward Collision Warning Fault: What It Means and What to Do
Forward Collision Warning, FCA on Hyundai, Pre-Collision System on Toyota, Active Brake Assist on Mercedes, Forward Collision Alert on Vauxhall. Same fault, different dashboard text on every modern make. The radar or camera that runs automatic emergency braking has lost its aim. Here's what's actually happening, what to check first, and what the recalibration costs, per system from £162 inc VAT.
Before driving with a warning
Do not rely on the affected assistance feature. Follow the warning instructions in your handbook. If you are unsure about the vehicle's condition or whether to drive, get advice from a qualified repairer before travelling.
The warning names a function, not the cause
Manufacturers use names such as Front Assist, pre sense, Pre-Collision System and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist for different combinations of collision-warning and braking-assistance functions. The exact name and fitted equipment matter.
A warning can involve sensor visibility, installation, calibration status, electrical or other faults. Several functions may share information, but several warnings do not prove one fault or one calibration will resolve them.
Include the exact message, registration and repair history. Windscreen, bumper, suspension and replacement-part work can trigger vehicle-specific checks; they are not universal proof of a sensor moving out of alignment.
Pick your make
Make-specific naming, pricing and the model-level pattern we see on each.
- By makeRead more
Hyundai
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) on the IONIQ, Kona and Tucson.
- By makeRead more
Nissan
Forward Collision Warning paired with Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) on the Qashqai and Juke.
- By makeRead more
Toyota
Pre-Collision System (PCS) on the Corolla, C-HR and RAV4.
- By makeRead more
Honda
Honda Sensing suite (covers ACC, Lane Assist and Collision Mitigation) on the Civic and CR-V.
- By makeRead more
Mercedes
DISTRONIC and Active Brake Assist on the A-Class, GLC and E-Class.
- By makeRead more
Subaru
EyeSight, Subaru's stereo camera setup, showing 'EyeSight Disabled' on the Forester, Outback and XV.
- By makeRead more
Mazda
'MRCC malfunction' and 'SBS malfunction', usually arriving as a pair, on the CX-5, CX-30 and Mazda 6.
- By makeRead more
Vauxhall
Forward Collision Alert, flagged as 'Collision detection risk system fault', on the Corsa, Astra, Mokka and Grandland.
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By makeRead moreFord
Pre-Collision Assist unavailable, sensor blocked and front-camera service messages: distinguish the warning before booking.
Before you enquire
- 1
Read the exact warning
Follow the warning instructions in your handbook. Photograph the message while safely parked and include any other warnings. Do not rely on an affected assistance feature.
- 2
Describe recent work
Include glass, bumper, suspension, electrical or replacement-part work, and when the warning began. Missing details do not prevent an enquiry.
- 3
Keep earlier findings
Send relevant scan, repair and calibration reports. Do not repeatedly clear codes or test the system by deliberately triggering its warnings.
- 4
Explain practical concerns
Include your location and any unfinished repairs or concerns about driving. Seek qualified advice before travelling if you are unsure whether the car is safe to drive.
Which work may be needed
Forward-collision warning and braking assistance use different equipment across vehicles. Include the exact message, registration and repair history. Several warnings together do not prove one radar calibration will restore every function.
A diagnostic scan reads available fault information. Its findings, repair instructions and any physical checks guide the next step; further investigation may be needed. The centre pre-scan price is £54 including VAT when that operation is required.
Front-radar calibration is £162 including VAT at a centre. Replacement configuration is a separate operation, listed at £232.80 including VAT. It is not a replacement-and-calibration package, does not supply or fit a part, and is not automatically required again if the installer has already completed it.
The vehicle-specific method can involve static work, a prescribed driving procedure or both. Calibration cannot repair damaged hardware, wiring or an unsuitable installation. The quote covers the work identified for your car; unsuccessful work or a return visit may carry charges.
ADAS calibration prices
However your make brands the warning, the quote is per system: the front camera, the front radar, or whichever the scan says has lost its aim. Every centre charges the same rate, shown per system, inc VAT with the net figure alongside. Your total is confirmed in writing before anything is booked.
Calibration — per system
Coding a replaced part to your vehicle
- When your job needs a diagnostic pre-scan, it's £54 inc VAT (£45 +VAT), itemised separately. It reads available fault information; finding the cause may require further investigation. A post-scan is a separate operation.
- Two or more systems in one visit: the highest-priced system is full price, each additional system is 35% off at a centre. Scans aren't part of the discount. Front camera and front radar together come to £267.30 inc VAT (£222.75 +VAT).
- Replacement configuration and calibration are different operations. The work required depends on the vehicle and what the installer has already completed. Configuration prices do not include supplying or fitting a replacement part, or an automatic calibration bundle.
- Unsuccessful work, further investigation or a return visit may carry charges, including at a service centre. The appointment terms and written quote set out the work and applicable charges before booking.
- Mobile calibration is available for garages and bodyshops with workshop conditions. Ask us.
Frequently asked questions
The full repair history matters, including damage that was repaired before you acquired the car. A warning after a collision does not prove calibration alone will fix it. Mounting, wiring, compatible parts and completed installation may need checking first. Send existing reports rather than deliberately testing the assistance system.
Whichever badge your dashboard uses, pricing is per system rather than per warning. Front camera calibration is £162 inc VAT (£135 +VAT), front radar is the same, with the full rate card on this page. Two or more systems in one visit: the highest-priced system is full price and each additional system is 35% off at a centre. That discount never touches the scan. A diagnostic scan, when your job needs one, is priced and itemised separately.
The appointment length depends on the vehicle, required procedure and condition. Dynamic work can depend on road and weather conditions; faults or unfinished repairs may need attention first. The booking arrangements give the expected timing for your job. Include earlier reports and any time or travel constraints with the enquiry.
One sensor can support more than one function, while an assistance system can use information from several components. Several warnings therefore do not establish one fault or a particular number of calibrations. Include every message and the complete repair history so the findings can be considered together.
No. Calibration is appropriate for a required aiming or learning operation; it cannot repair every cause of an assistance warning. Hardware, installation, wiring or configuration faults may need other work. Keep earlier findings and describe whether the warning never cleared or returned later. Repeating calibration is not a guaranteed remedy.
The required procedure and site conditions decide, not the warning alone. Static target work can need controlled space and floor conditions; dynamic calibration is a prescribed driving procedure, not a synonym for mobile attendance. Include your registration, location and repair history in the enquiry. Centre prices and mobile quotes are different.
Hyundai and Kia badge it Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, FCA on the dash. Toyota shows 'Pre-Collision System Malfunction'. Honda folds it into Honda Sensing, where Collision Mitigation does the braking. Subaru's is EyeSight, showing 'EyeSight Disabled'. Mazda pairs 'MRCC malfunction' with 'SBS malfunction'. Vauxhall spells it out as 'Collision detection risk system fault'. Mercedes calls it Active Brake Assist, and Nissan sticks with plain Forward Collision Warning. Each make's guide is linked above, and the fault behind every wording is the same one: a forward sensor that has lost its verified aim.
Book your collision-system calibration
Send your registration and what's been done. We come back with the price, the nearest service centre, and the soonest slot.