Rear view camera is blurry

[chuckecheeseli]

Hi all, I have a 2020 LR Model 3 (just prior to chrome delete, longer range, heat pump, power trunk etc. ). For at least months now, I've noticed that the rear view back up camera image is blurry. I try to clean it routinely with Rain-X and microfiber towels, but the blurriness persists.

My wife JUST took delivery of a 2023 Model Y, and I instantly noticed how much clearer her rear camera image is. Here they are for comparison.

My question-- has anyone requested repair for this under warranty? If so, what was your experience? I'm worried that Tesla will say that this is due to normal external wear and tear and is not covered, as they have told me in the past for the ridiculous amount of paint chipped off my rocker panels after one Pennsylvania winter.

 

[M00cow]

I have just purchased a Tesla Model 3 2020 which has a blurry rear camera. I have requested a service call with Tesla and they have quoted £0 for the repair. Hopefully they change the camera !

That's interesting to know - my rear camera is so crappy compared to the rest. Will see if it cleans up ok, but may have to do the same

 

[KenC]

I did try that, the side cameras are so clear it really makes the rear one standout as to how bad it really is.

Exactly. That's what made me go to Tesla Service. As noted above, they replaced it under warranty. I now, no longer, rub it with my thumb, but keep a squirt bottle in the trunk side cubby. I use that to squirt the lens whenever I think it's dirty. My theory, is that the lens gets micro scratched over time by licking your thumb and rubbing the lens. Or, just licking the lens!

 

[djayyy]

Tesla mobile service have just arrived, I also asked if they could look at the rear passenger side window dropping. In all fairness they seem really good so far

The guy looked at the camera and said, "doesn't look like any moisture in there, I will replace the camera and harness for you, I will also replace the window regulator and see how we get on!"

Fingers crossed

 

[MikeyMikeD]

Has anyone tried this? Just curious as to if it really works

Superhydrophobic Camera Cover for Model 3 & Y

Superhydro-what-now? Fed up with your rear camera immediately becoming useless when it's raining? And then needing to be cleaned once all the crud has dried onto it? Well, finally there's a solution. This patented camera cover for the rear camera of your Model 3 or Y encloses your camera, and...

abstractocean.com

 

[BrandonM3SR+]

I had this issue with my 2021 Model 3. I cleaned the lense with alcohol and microfiber cloth with no resolve. I found that using Triple Diamond metal polish worked wonders. It took the oxidation and scratches off from all the grime from the road. It’s now looking brand new again! Definitely recommend!

 

[UncleCreepy]

FWIW, I just replaced the rear facing camera on my 2020 M3 LR AWD. The image was quite blurry, but now it's fully restored. The cost was $125 CAD plus tax, and it took me about 20 minutes to replace the part.
I also tried to polish the lens (pretty sure it's plastic), but to no avail. This is what the old lens looks like after being abused by my thumb for four years:

From now on, I'll just use a small spray bottle and a microfiber cloth. I hope it'll last longer than the original part.

 

[holmgang]

my 2020 car got really blurry over the winter. no doubt it was due to scratches from my constantly wiping the rear camera with my finger, soft cloth, tissue, etc, and rubbing road salts and debris across it.

i read on official tesla servicing document (but can no longer find it!) that suggest using a very specific polishing compound to buff out the camera lens.

dont remember what that product was, and it shouldnt much matter because essentially youre using abrasive to buff down the lens anyway, so i just bought a "metal polish" paste from the local hardware store, and applied it on the lens with a rotary tool and wool/felt buffing wheel. smeared a thin layer of paste across the lens, buffed for 30 seconds at high speed. sprayed a bit of water, buffed for 15 more seconds. wiped it off. sprayed water and used a clean buffing wheel for another 15 seconds.

now camera image looks identical to my new model y. took all of 2 minutes to fix.



going forward for sure ill just spray the camera with water to get the winter debris off. no more rubbing the damn thing.

 

[stopcrazypp]

my 2020 car got really blurry over the winter. no doubt it was due to scratches from my constantly wiping the rear camera with my finger, soft cloth, tissue, etc, and rubbing road salts and debris across it.

i read on official tesla servicing document (but can no longer find it!) that suggest using a very specific polishing compound to buff out the camera lens.

dont remember what that product was, and it shouldnt much matter because essentially youre using abrasive to buff down the lens anyway, so i just bought a "metal polish" paste from the local hardware store, and applied it on the lens with a rotary tool and wool/felt buffing wheel. smeared a thin layer of paste across the lens, buffed for 30 seconds at high speed. sprayed a bit of water, buffed for 15 more seconds. wiped it off. sprayed water and used a clean buffing wheel for another 15 seconds.

now camera image looks identical to my new model y. took all of 2 minutes to fix.



going forward for sure ill just spray the camera with water to get the winter debris off. no more rubbing the damn thing.

Yeah, it's a big no-no to rub a lens without blowing off the debris first. The most common thing is sand and that will scratch even glass, much less plastic. For camera lenses, people typically use a rocket blower to blow off all debris first before cleaning with lens solution and a lens cloth.