VW Transporter Radar Sensor Failure Warning Signs

I dealt with a similar driving assistance issue on my 2011 VW Crafter. As someone with some hands-on experience maintaining my own vehicles, I can share what worked in my case. The symptoms were nearly identical, multiple electronic issues, warning lights, and sensor malfunction alerts. The adaptive cruise control stopped working completely. After a diagnostic scan showed sensor-related codes, I took it to a workshop. Turned out the radar sensor was just heavily contaminated with road grime and debris. The technician performed a thorough cleaning of the sensor area and recalibrated the safety systems. Total cost was 45€ for the service, which solved all the problems. Before you proceed with more extensive repairs, it would help to know: Have you noticed any physical damage to the front bumper area? When did these symptoms first appear? Are the issues constant or intermittent? Have you had any recent body work done near the sensor locations? This could save you significant money if its just a simple sensor cleaning rather than a complete unit replacement.

Latest service was at 71675km. The fault codes I got point specifically to the radar sensor unit. No recent bodywork or damage to speak of. The issues started gradually over the past week and are now constant. After reading your reply, I inspected the front sensor area and noticed quite a bit of dirt buildup. Would you recommend trying to clean it myself before heading to a workshop? The adaptive cruise and other driving assistance features are completely dead at this point, and those warning lights are getting annoying. If professional radar calibration is needed anyway, might be best to let a technician handle the whole job.

Thanks for those details. Given my experience with the same issue, I would strongly advise against DIY cleaning of the radar sensor. While the buildup of dirt seems like an easy fix, these sensitive safety systems require precise calibration after any interference. When my radar sensor was serviced, the technician explained that even slightly incorrect cleaning methods could damage the sensor coating. The complete service involved: Professional cleaning with specific solutions, Full electronic system check, Radar sensor calibration, Testing of all affected driving assistance features The calibration process alone requires specialized equipment. Without proper recalibration, the adaptive cruise control and other safety systems might work erratically or not at all. Since your symptoms match mine exactly (warning lights, sensor malfunction alerts, failed driving assistance), heading straight to a workshop would be the safest bet. They can properly diagnose whether dirt buildup is truly the only issue and ensure all systems are correctly calibrated afterward. The 45€ I spent was worth avoiding potential sensor damage and ensuring all electronic systems were properly restored to working order.

Thanks for the detailed information about the calibration requirements. Given the sensor malfunction situation and the complete failure of the driving assistance systems, I will take it to a professional workshop rather than risk making things worse with DIY attempts. The dirt buildup I noticed and the gradual onset of problems does match your experience pretty closely. My mileage being close to a service interval anyway makes this a good time to have everything checked properly. I will schedule an appointment to have the radar sensor cleaned and calibrated, plus get them to do a full system diagnostic while its there. Better to spend 45€ on proper service than risk damaging an expensive sensor. Will update once I know if cleaning and calibration fixes the collision avoidance systems or if there turns out to be a bigger issue.