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Mandatory ADAS Calibration: Ensuring Safety After Windshield Replacement

Yes, ADAS calibration is mandatory after every windshield replacement. This paper establishes that the calibration of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) is a non-negotiable, mandatory procedure following any windshield replacement. It details how ADAS cameras rely on the windshield as a critical optical component and explains why a replacement invariably alters the camera's precise alignment, creating severe safety consequences if left uncalibrated.

By WindshieldAdvisor Research Team

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11 min read

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October 21, 2025

Key Takeaways

✓Nearly 90% of model year 2023 vehicles require ADAS calibration after windshield replacement
✓A camera misaligned by just 1 degree shifts the focal point by 8 feet at 100 feet distance
✓0.6 degree misalignment reduces AEB reaction time by 60%
✓Uncalibrated ADAS creates 'silent failure'—no warning light appears despite system malfunction
✓All major automakers mandate ADAS recalibration after windshield service
✓Lawsuits from missed calibrations can exceed $1 million in settlements

Understanding ADAS and Its Reliance on the Windshield

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are electronic technologies designed to assist the driver. According to ANSI/AGSC/AGRSS 005-2022 safety standards, these systems require precise calibration after any windshield service. Key features include: Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): Automatically applies brakes to prevent or mitigate a collision. Lane Departure Warning (LDW) / Lane Keeping Assist (LKA): Monitors lane position and provides alerts or steering input. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Maintains a set following distance from the vehicle ahead. The 'eyes' for many of these systems are a digital camera mounted to the interior of the windshield. This camera's data is processed to identify lane lines, vehicles, and other hazards. The proliferation of this technology is staggering; nearly nine out of ten model year 2023 vehicles require calibration after a windshield replacement.

ADAS Prevalence

90% of 2023 model year vehicles require ADAS calibration after windshield replacement

Why Calibration is Mandatory, Not Optional

When a windshield is replaced, the precise position and angle of the forward-facing camera are invariably altered, making recalibration an absolute necessity. As stated in GM's February 2025 Position Statement on windshield replacement, this disruption occurs due to: Physical Position Change: The process of removing and installing a windshield changes the camera's location relative to the vehicle's chassis. Optical Property Variance: A new windshield will have minute differences in thickness, curvature, and light refractive properties that the system must be adjusted for. The sensitivity of these systems is extreme. Per research published by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), a camera misaligned by a single degree will have its focal point shifted by eight feet at a distance of 100 feet down the road. IIHS testing demonstrated that a camera misaligned by just 0.6 degrees reduced the effective reaction time of an AEB system by a staggering 60%.

Critical Safety Impact

A camera misaligned by just 0.6 degrees reduces AEB reaction time by 60%

Silent Failure Mode

A misaligned camera typically does not trigger a warning light, creating a false sense of security

Common Myths Debunked

This evidence refutes several dangerous myths: Myth: 'The system will calibrate itself.' Fact: According to all major OEM position statements, no current ADAS is capable of self-correcting its physical alignment after a replacement. Myth: 'There is no warning light, so everything is fine.' Fact: This is the most dangerous misconception. A misaligned camera will not typically generate a warning light. This creates a 'silent failure' mode where the driver is unaware their safety systems are compromised. Myth: 'The technician didn't unplug the camera, so it doesn't need calibration.' Fact: As defined by I-CAR technical standards, the critical change is the camera's physical position on the new glass, not its electrical connection.

The Severe Consequences of Improper Calibration

Per federal NHTSA guidance, driving with an uncalibrated ADAS can cause systems to not just fail, but to actively create dangerous situations. An uncalibrated LKA system might steer the vehicle toward oncoming traffic, while an uncalibrated AEB system could fail to see a stopped car or trigger sudden 'phantom braking.'

Active Danger

Uncalibrated systems don't just fail—they can actively steer toward oncoming traffic or cause phantom braking

Case Study: Honda Civic AEB Failure

A documented case study by American Honda Motor Co. illustrates this danger. A Honda Civic's AEB system was tested after a calibration was performed on a floor with a nearly imperceptible 1.5-degree slope. The diagnostic tool reported the calibration as 'correctly completed,' yet in the subsequent test, the AEB system failed completely. The car struck a target at 20 mph without any warning or attempt to slow down. This proves that a 'successful' calibration is not always a 'correct' one and that environmental conditions are paramount.

Real-World Failure

Honda Civic AEB failed completely after 'successful' calibration on sloped floor. Car struck target at 20 mph with zero braking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need ADAS calibration after windshield replacement?

Yes, absolutely. When a windshield is replaced, the camera's physical position and the glass's optical properties change. Nearly all automakers mandate recalibration, and NHTSA emphasizes this requirement. Skipping it creates a silent safety failure that could cause your safety systems to malfunction.

Why doesn't my car show a warning light if ADAS isn't calibrated?

This is the most dangerous misconception. A misaligned camera typically will not trigger a warning light because the system is electrically functional—it's just pointing in the wrong direction. This creates a 'silent failure' where your safety systems appear to work but are actually compromised.

How much does ADAS calibration affect system performance?

The impact is severe. Research shows that a misalignment of just 0.6 degrees reduces Automatic Emergency Braking reaction time by 60%. A 1-degree misalignment shifts the camera's focal point by 8 feet at a distance of 100 feet, causing the system to misinterpret the road.

What types of ADAS calibration procedures exist?

There are two primary methods: Static calibration is performed in a workshop with the vehicle stationary, using perfectly level floors, controlled lighting, and manufacturer-specific targets. Dynamic calibration requires driving the vehicle on well-marked roads at specific speeds while connected to a scan tool. Many vehicles require both.

Is ADAS calibration legally required?

While not federally mandated by law, it is mandated by vehicle manufacturers as part of their service requirements. Failure to perform manufacturer-required calibration constitutes negligence and can result in legal liability, with settlements exceeding $1 million in collision cases.

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