Limitations of Cross Traffic Alert

Updated 06/08/2023

The Cross Traffic Alert (CTA) function may have limitations in certain situations.

CTA does not perform optimally in all situations but has some limitations. For example, the CTA sensors cannot “see” through other parked vehicles or obstructions.

Here are some examples of situations where CTA’s "field of vision" may be already limited and approaching vehicles cannot therefore be detected until they are very close:

P5-1507-CrossTrafficAlert Princip-Exception1 — The car is parked deep inside a parking slot.

P5-1507-CrossTrafficAlert Princip-Exception2 — In an angled parking slot CTA may be completely “blind” on one side.

P5-Icon red circle 1 — In an angled parking slot CTA may be completely “blind” on one side.

However, as the driver slowly reverses the car, the angle it makes with the obstructing vehicle/object changes and the blind sector rapidly decreases.

Examples of further limitations:

Dirt, ice and snow covering the sensors may reduce the functions and deactivate alerts.
CTA is deactivated when a trailer is connected to the car’s electrical system.

Sensors

The sensors for the CTA function are located inside each corner of the rear wing/bumper. The sensors are also used by the Blind Spot Information (BLIS) function.

P5-1507-CrossTrafficAlert Sensor — Keep this surface clean - also on the left-hand side.

To ensure optimal functionality, the surfaces in front of the sensors must be kept clean.

Do not affix any objects, tape, labels or similar within the area of the sensors.

Important

Repair of the BLIS and CTA functions' components or repainting the bumpers must only be performed by a workshop - an authorised Volvo workshop is recommended.