2024 Tesla Model Y Camera Cover Transparency Issue

Tesla has issued Service Bulletin SB-26-15-001 for certain 2024 Model Y vehicles to address a condition where the rear view mirror upper camera cover may not be transparent enough. This lack of transparency can lead to specific warnings for owners, impacting the Tesla Model Y camera cover transparency.

This campaign bulletin, issued on January 8, 2026, provides detailed technical diagnosis and repair procedures for this non-safety-related condition. The issue specifically pertains to the 2024 Model Y in North America, manufactured at Giga Texas.

Symptoms

Owners of affected 2024 Tesla Model Y vehicles may notice "increased vehicle occupancy warnings in low-light conditions." This occurs because an insufficiently transparent rear view mirror upper camera cover can prevent infrared light from properly traveling through it, hindering the camera's ability to function as intended in low-light environments.

Important Warnings

Tesla explicitly states that this condition, while causing warnings, "has no effect on vehicle operation or Autopilot features." Owners should be aware that despite the warnings, the core driving and safety systems of the vehicle remain unaffected by the Tesla Model Y camera cover transparency issue.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing the Tesla Model Y camera cover transparency issue involves a visual inspection of the rear view mirror upper camera cover. Technicians begin by removing the camera cover, following Service Manual procedure 15051802. Once removed, the cover is inspected for transparency by holding it up to a bright light source, such as a fluorescent light, natural light, or a flashlight. When using a flashlight, the light should be shone through the underside of the cover while inspecting from the outside.

Technicians compare the cover's transparency against known good examples (similar to Figure 1 in the bulletin, which depicts a transparent cover) and non-transparent examples (similar to Figure 2, showing a non-transparent cover). If a new revision -F upper camera cover is available, it can be used as a direct comparison to determine if the existing part is transparent enough.

Repair Procedure Summary

If the rear view mirror upper camera cover is found to be sufficiently transparent during the inspection, no replacement is required. In this case, the cover and any components removed for access are reinstalled, and correction code S012615001 is used to document the inspection.

However, if the inspection reveals that the rear view mirror upper camera cover is not transparent, it must be replaced. The replacement involves installing a new cover with revision -F or later, again following Service Manual procedure 15051802 for removal and installation. After the new, transparent cover is installed and all components are reassembled, correction code S022615001 is used to record the replacement.

Required Parts

For vehicles requiring a replacement, the necessary part is the REAR VIEW MIRROR - CAMERA UPPER COVER, identified by part number 1783798-00-F. Tesla advises using the revision listed or later, as specified in the Parts Catalog.

Owner Action

If you own a 2024 Tesla Model Y and are experiencing "increased vehicle occupancy warnings in low-light conditions," it is recommended to contact a Tesla Service Center. Reference Service Bulletin SB-26-15-001 when discussing the Tesla Model Y camera cover transparency issue with the service team. The inspection and potential replacement will be performed by trained technicians to resolve the condition.

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Source: NHTSA ID 11028088