Does Your Camry Have Blind Spot Monitoring?

Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) is a safety feature that uses sensors mounted on side mirrors or the rear bumper to detect vehicles in adjacent lanes, alerting the driver through audible and/or visual warnings. While not standard on all Toyota Camry models, it is available as an option on certain trims and can also be installed aftermarket. To determine if a Camry has BSM, look for the BSM indicator in the outside rearview mirror, which will illuminate when a vehicle is detected in the blind spot. Additionally, some models may have an audible alert when the turn signals are activated. It's important to note that BSM is a supplementary function, and drivers should still rely on mirrors and shoulder checks when changing lanes.

Blind spot monitoring is not a standard feature on all Camry models

For those who have already purchased a Camry without blind spot monitoring, there are options to retrofit this feature. Aftermarket solutions are available, but they may not be cost-effective, and installing third-party accessories on a new car under warranty is not ideal. One option is to trade in your current Camry for a newer model that includes blind spot monitoring.

The good news is that starting with the 2025 models, blind spot monitoring will finally become a standard feature across all Camry trims. This means that soon, all Camry drivers will be able to benefit from the added safety and convenience of this technology.

It is worth noting that while blind spot monitoring can be a valuable feature, it should not replace proper driving techniques such as using mirrors and looking over your shoulder when changing lanes. Even with blind spot monitoring installed, drivers must remain vigilant and take full responsibility for their driving decisions.

Additionally, it is important to understand the limitations of blind spot monitoring technology. For example, the system may not detect small objects like motorcycles, bicycles, or pedestrians, and it can be affected by weather conditions or road surface variations. Therefore, it is crucial for drivers to visually confirm their surroundings and make their own judgments about lane changes and other driving maneuvers.

It can be added to a new car via a third-party system

Blind-spot monitoring is a safety feature that is becoming increasingly common in newer cars. It helps prevent lane-change accidents by alerting drivers to vehicles in their blind spots. While some Toyota Camry models do come with blind-spot monitoring, others do not. If you want to add blind-spot monitoring to your new Camry, you can do so via a third-party system.

Aftermarket blind-spot monitoring systems vary in price and features. The most affordable systems cost $250 or less, but they tend to be limited in functionality and accuracy, and they may require professional installation. Mid-range systems cost between $250 and $500 and offer higher accuracy, although still not as precise as factory-installed systems. The most expensive systems cost $500 or more and offer the highest reliability and accuracy, with advanced programming to reduce the possibility of false alarms.

When choosing an aftermarket blind-spot monitoring system, consider the accuracy of the sensors and the ease of installation. Professional installation is often the easiest option, but some kits can also be installed by the user. Sensor-based systems tend to be less expensive and easier to install than camera-based systems but may not be as accurate. Camera-based systems can provide a clearer view of the blind spot but are generally more costly and challenging to set up.

If you decide to install a blind-spot monitoring system yourself, you will need to purchase additional tools such as a drill and a wire cutter. The installation process typically involves mounting the sensors on the rear of the car, routing the wires inside the vehicle, installing the control unit, setting up the warning indicators, and connecting the power supply.

It is important to note that even with a blind-spot monitoring system installed, it is still essential to practice safe driving habits, such as using mirrors and checking blind spots manually.

The feature is standard on all 2025 Camry models

Blind Spot Monitoring is a highly sought-after feature for the Toyota Camry, and while it has not always been standard, the feature is standard on all 2025 Camry models.

The Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) system has two functions: the BSM function, which assists the driver in making a decision when changing lanes, and the RCTA (Rear Cross Traffic Alert) function, which assists the driver when backing up. These functions use the same sensors, which are mounted on the side mirrors or rear bumper. When a vehicle is detected in the blind spot, an indicator comes on at the base of the A-pillars, and if the turn signal is activated, an audible warning will sound.

The BSM function is a supplementary function that alerts the driver of a vehicle's presence in their blind spot. It is important to note that the function cannot judge if it is safe to change lanes, so drivers should not rely solely on this feature. The RCTA function is also only an assist and does not replace careful driving.

While the BSM and RCTA functions are incredibly useful, it is important to note that they have limitations. For example, the BSM function is not designed to detect small motorcycles, bicycles, or pedestrians, and it may not work correctly in certain weather conditions, such as heavy rain or fog. Similarly, the RCTA function may not detect vehicles approaching at high speeds or in certain road conditions, like steep inclines.

The inclusion of the BSM and RCTA functions as standard features in the 2025 Camry models is a significant upgrade, providing drivers with additional safety features and peace of mind.

The feature is available on some 2022-2024 models

Blind Spot Monitoring is available on some 2022-2024 Toyota Camry models. However, it is not a standard feature on all models and may be offered as part of an optional package. For example, on the SE and SE Hybrid trims, Blind Spot Monitoring is available as an upgrade, while on the XLE, XSE, and TRD trims, it comes as standard.

Due to supply chain issues and computer chip shortages, some dealerships may not offer the Blind Spot Monitoring feature on certain models, such as the SE and SE Hybrid. As a result, customers may need to wait longer or opt for a higher trim level or a different model year to get a Camry with Blind Spot Monitoring.

For the 2025 model year, Blind Spot Monitoring will be standard on all Toyota Camry trims.

It is worth noting that even with Blind Spot Monitoring, drivers should still use their mirrors and look over their shoulders when changing lanes, as this feature is only supplementary and does not replace the need for proper visual confirmation of the vehicle's surroundings.

The feature is not cost-effective to add to a Camry that didn't come with it

Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) is a desirable feature for any car owner, but it is not always standard on all models of the Toyota Camry. While some Camry owners have been able to add BSM to their vehicles, it is generally not cost-effective to do so if your car did not come with it from the factory.

Firstly, going the OEM route will likely be very expensive, and it is doubtful that dealerships would even be willing to perform the installation. While it is possible to install third-party BSM systems purchased online, this may void your warranty and is not advisable for a new car.

Secondly, the time and effort involved in installing BSM on a car that did not come with it are significant. Even professional installers will spend most of a day fitting the system, and the work required is likely to be complex for the average car owner.

Finally, it is worth considering that BSM is not a replacement for proper driving technique. Even with BSM installed, drivers are still expected to use their mirrors and look over their shoulders when changing lanes.

For these reasons, it is generally not worth the time or expense to add BSM to a Camry that did not come with it from the factory. A more cost-effective solution would be to sell your current vehicle and purchase a Camry model that includes BSM as a standard feature or optional package. This way, you can ensure that your new car has all the must-have features you desire without the hassle and expense of retrofitting.

Frequently asked questions