Tesla’s built-in dashcam is one of my favourite features, it’s a security tool and a way to capture unexpected moments.
But one day, I got in my car, checked for recent clips, and found nothing. No sentry mode footage, just an error message staring back at me.
I assumed it was a minor glitch, but after a few restarts, I knew something was wrong. I dug through every possible fix until I finally figured it out.
If you’re in the same boat, don’t worry, I’ll walk you through what I tried and what worked for me.
Common Causes of Tesla Dashcam Not Working
When my dashcam failed, I had no idea why. But after some research, I realized most issues come down to a few common culprits.
1. USB Compatibility Issues
Tesla requires a high-speed USB 3.0 or higher, but not all drives work well. I first used a basic flash drive, but it kept disconnecting.
Turns out, some drives can’t handle continuous recording. If your dashcam stops working randomly, struggles to save clips, or isn’t detected, your USB drive might be the issue.
I switched to a Samsung SSD, and the difference was night and day.
2. Corrupted or Full USB Drive
A corrupted or full USB drive can stop recording altogether. Tesla also leaves behind FSCK files, which take up space over time.
I once forgot to clear my USB for months, and eventually, it just stopped saving clips. When I checked on my laptop, it was completely full. After deleting old recordings, my dashcam was back in action.
3. Improper Formatting
If your USB isn’t formatted correctly, Tesla won’t recognize it. It needs FAT32 (for smaller drives) or exFAT (for larger ones).
I wasted hours trying to figure out why my drive wasn’t detected before realizing it was preformatted in NTFS, which Tesla doesn’t support. Once I reformatted it, everything worked instantly.
4. Software Glitches
Tesla’s software updates can sometimes introduce bugs. If you see a red X or a “check USB” message, the software could be the issue.
A software update once disabled my dashcam completely. A simple restart didn’t fix it, but a full power cycle did. It’s frustrating, but at least there’s a fix.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
Most dashcam issues come down to either storage problems or software glitches. I’ve had my fair share of frustrations with it, but after some trial and error, I figured out what works.
Here’s how you can get yours back up and running.
1. Check and Replace the USB Drive
Start by verifying that your USB meets Tesla’s requirements. If you’re using a slow-speed or outdated drive, replace it with a high-endurance USB 3.0 or an SSD.
Before buying a new one, test your current USB on a computer. If it’s unreadable or super slow, it’s time for an upgrade.
2. Free Up Space on the USB Drive
If your drive is full, the dashcam won’t save new clips. Plug it into a laptop and check how much storage is left. Delete old recordings and FSCK files to free up space.
I now make it a habit to clean my USB every couple of weeks. It’s a small step that prevents big headaches.
3. Reformat the USB Drive
If your dashcam still isn’t working, reformatting the USB drive can help.
- On Windows, use Disk Management to format the drive to FAT32 or exFAT.
- On Mac, use Disk Utility.
- If you don’t want to use a computer, Tesla has a built-in formatting option in the dashcam settings.
I tried formatting via my laptop first, but Tesla still didn’t recognize it. Reformatting directly in the car solved the issue instantly.
4. Restart and Reset Tesla Systems
If your USB is fine but the dashcam still won’t work, reboot your Tesla.
- Hold both steering wheel buttons until the screen restarts.
- If that doesn’t work, do a full power cycle: Go to “Safety & Security” > “Power Off,” wait a few minutes, and restart.
A basic reboot didn’t work for me, so I had to do a full power cycle. After that, my dashcam was back to normal.
5. Update Software or Contact Support
Check for pending software updates in Tesla’s settings. Sometimes, an update fixes dashcam issues. If nothing else works, Tesla support can diagnose the problem remotely.
In some cases, they can even push a remote reset or guide you through additional troubleshooting steps.
Final Thoughts
A faulty dashcam is frustrating, especially when you rely on it for security. From my experience, most issues come down to USB compatibility, storage problems, or formatting errors—all of which are fixable.
If your dashcam isn’t working, start with the basics—check your USB drive, clear old files, and reformat if needed.
If that doesn’t help, try a reset or update. A little effort goes a long way in keeping your dashcam reliable and ready to capture whatever happens on the road.
