Your team replaces a bumper and sends the car out looking perfect. But a week later, the customer says the adaptive cruise stopped working. Now the question is this: are you responsible?
When ADAS is involved, the answer could be yes.
Why Liability Is Growing
Modern vehicles rely on sensors that sit behind panels, bumpers, windscreens, and grilles. These sensors need to be precisely positioned and calibrated. If they are not, the system may not function properly.
If your repair affects a radar, camera, or sensor, and you do not calibrate it or inform the customer, your shop could be held liable for any resulting failure.
No Warning Light Does Not Mean No Problem
Many ADAS faults will not trigger a dash warning. The system may remain active but behave incorrectly. That includes:
- Braking too late or too early
- Lane assist drifting or deactivating
- Blind spot systems misreading traffic
- Parking sensors giving false alerts
If the customer is involved in an incident and the system fails to perform, the blame may fall back on the last repairer.
What the AAAA ADAS Code of Conduct Recommends
In Australia, the ADAS Industry Code of Conduct outlines technician responsibilities. Key takeaways include:
- Always check if ADAS systems are present before repair
- Follow OEM or equivalent calibration guidelines
- Perform a scan after repairs to confirm system status
- Clearly document when calibration is performed or declined
Following the Code is not just about compliance. It helps protect your business if something goes wrong.
Real Risks to Your Workshop
Ignoring ADAS can lead to:
- Costly comebacks
- Insurance disputes
- Reputational damage
- Legal action if injury occurs
Customers expect these systems to work. If your repair affects them, the responsibility may be yours whether you realised it or not.
Final Tip
Every panel job is now a safety job. Take the time to check for ADAS impact. Document everything. And if calibration is needed, either do it or refer it out.
In the eyes of the customer and the law, “we did not know it needed calibration” is not a strong defence.
For more resources, visit our Calibration Club.
Hiran Alwis is an automotive lecturer and ADAS specialist with over 15 years of experience in diagnostics, advanced safety systems, and technical training. He founded ADAS Project to help everyday drivers and workshop technicians understand and safely use advanced driver assistance systems.