Honda & Acura Repair Guide
Honda Safety Systems After a Collision
Most newer Hondas and Acuras use cameras and radar for driver-assistance features. A collision, or the repair that follows, can affect those sensors.
Quick answer
Honda Sensing and AcuraWatch rely on a windshield camera and radar sensors, often behind the front bumper or emblem. A collision or repair to those areas can move or disturb them. Honda certified shops complete Honda-specific training on the newest Honda technology, have access to all Honda repair information, scan every vehicle before and after a collision repair, and follow Honda procedures for checking and calibrating sensors when needed.
What Honda Sensing and AcuraWatch Include
Honda Sensing and AcuraWatch are Honda’s driver-assistance suites. Features vary by model and year, and can include:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System, which can brake if a frontal collision is likely
- Adaptive Cruise Control, which keeps a set distance from the vehicle ahead
- Lane Keeping Assist and Road Departure Mitigation, which help keep the vehicle in its lane
- Blind spot information and parking sensors on many models
These features depend on sensors being in exactly the right place and aimed correctly.
Repairs That Can Affect the Sensors
| Repair | Sensors it can affect |
|---|---|
| Front bumper, grille or emblem | Front radar |
| Windshield replacement | Forward-facing camera |
| Rear bumper or quarter panel | Blind spot radar and parking sensors |
| Wheel alignment or suspension work | Systems that rely on the vehicle’s direction of travel |
| Structural repair | Any sensor mounted to the repaired area |
Whether a sensor needs aiming or calibration depends on your model and the repair. Honda’s repair procedures specify when it is required.
How We Handle Safety Systems
- Pre-repair scan. We scan your vehicle’s systems with a Honda-approved scan to find fault codes before work starts.
- Repair to Honda procedures. We use Honda’s service and repair information for your model, including how sensors are mounted.
- Calibration when required. Sensors are checked and calibrated with the equipment and steps Honda specifies, when its procedures call for it.
- Post-repair scan. We scan again to confirm the systems are working without fault codes.
Signs to watch for
After an accident, have your vehicle inspected if you notice a driver-assistance warning on the dash, a feature that won’t turn on, or alerts that seem wrong. Learn more in Can I Drive My Car After an Accident?
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Honda safety systems need calibration after an accident?
Sometimes. It depends on what was damaged and repaired. Honda’s repair procedures specify when sensors must be aimed or calibrated.
Can a minor bumper repair affect Honda Sensing?
It can, because the front radar often sits behind the bumper or emblem. We check the sensors as Honda procedures require.
What scans does Honda require after a collision?
Honda requires certified shops to perform a Honda-approved scan before and after the repair of every Honda and Acura involved in a collision.
Are your technicians trained on Honda Sensing?
Honda certified shops complete Honda-specific training to stay current on the newest Honda technology. We also have access to all Honda service and repair information.
What should I do if a driver-assistance warning appears after my repair?
Call us at (812) 355-6563 and we’ll have your vehicle checked.
More Honda & Acura Repair Guides
Honda & Acura Certified Collision RepairOur Honda & Acura ProFirst certification, the vehicles we repair, and how to get an estimate.
Can Any Shop Repair a Honda?Your right to choose, and what to ask any shop before you decide.
Honda OEM Parts vs. AftermarketThe three kinds of parts on an estimate and how they differ.
Why Honda Certified Repair MattersWhat the program requires, and what it does and does not mean.
Honda & Acura ProFirst certified
Get Your Honda or Acura Repaired Right
(812) 355-6563
845 S. Auto Mall Rd., Bloomington, IN 47401
Monday–Friday, 7:00 am–5:00 pm
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Monday–Friday, 7:00 am–5:00 pm
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Last updated November 2026.