Tesla Dashcam Unavailable? Reasons And Fixes.

Tesla dashcam unavailable can be a frustrating problem, signaling an issue with your USB drive, internal vehicle settings or even faulty software updates.

I understand how concerning this can be, but this post aims to guide you through the maze of possible causes and solutions for such Tesla dashcam problems.

Whether you’re a fellow Tesla enthusiast or a worried owner dealing with dashcam errors, this blog is designed with you in mind and will impart practical knowledge to help troubleshoot and potentially solve your Tesla dashcam malfunction.

The dashboard of a full-sized, all-electric, luxury, crossover SUV Tesla Model X

Key Takeaways

1. Common reasons for Tesla dashcam unavailability are issues with the USB drive (especially if you’ve been using it for a long time), internal problems within the vehicle, or specific settings being turned off. Sometimes the flash drive might also get unmounted and cause this issue.
2. You can troubleshoot this issue by checking your USB drive compatibility, making sure dashcam’s settings are accurate and its software is updated. If these fixes don’t resolve the problem, you may need to contact Tesla’s service team for assistance.
3. If you still face issues even after troubleshooting, this might require attention from Tesla service center. Additionally, setting up Sentry mode correctly and having properly formatted USB drives can help avoid this problem. Elon Musk has assured that a fix for this commonly faced problem is on its way.

Understanding the “Tesla Dashcam Unavailable” Issue

The “Tesla Dashcam Unavailable” error is a common issue faced by many Tesla owners. This problem typically arises due to issues with the USB drive.

A typical scenario might involve using a Tesla (Samsung) 128GB USB thumb drive for about a year, only to discover that the memory storage has become faulty.

This problem can also be attributed to internal issues within the vehicle or if certain settings are deactivated. Another potential issue could be the flash drive unmounting, causing Sentry Mode or Dashcam to become unavailable.

An Overview of Common Tesla Dashcam Problems

There are several common problems that might result in your Tesla dashcam not working. One of these includes USB compatibility issues.

If you’ve recently started using a new dashcam and it shows as unavailable, you should check its settings for accuracy and consider reformatting it if necessary.

In some cases, corrupted data on your USB drive can lead to this error message. Outdated software versions causing compatibility problems or hardware malfunctions within your vehicle itself can also cause this issue.

USB Drive Compatibility and The “TESLADRIVE” Folder

Proper functioning of your Tesla’s dashcam requires compatible USB drives and correct file management.

You may need to create a specific folder on your USB drive named “TESLADRIVE” for the dashcam system to work effectively.

It’s also essential to ensure that your USB driver type is compatible with Tesla’s system – any mismatch here could lead to your dashcam becoming unavailable.

The Importance of Regular Software Updates in Your Tesla

Regular software updates are vital to keep all features in your Tesla functioning correctly, including the dashcam.

However, bear in mind that some software updates can cause issues with certain features like dashcams, necessitating further updates or fixes from Tesla itself.

Staying on top of these updates is crucial to avoid any potential Tesla dashcam errors and ensure optimal performance.

Troubleshooting Steps For “Tesla Dashcam Not Working” Errors

If your Tesla dashcam is not working, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take.

Try unplugging and replugging your USB drive or restarting your vehicle. Often, this simple action can help the system recognize the device correctly again.

If these quick fixes don’t work, it might be time to contact Tesla’s service team for assistance. They can help identify and rectify other underlying issues like corrupted data on your USB drive or hardware malfunctions within your vehicle.

Contacting the Tesla Service Team When Troubleshooting Fails

If after trying all possible solutions you still face an issue with “Tesla Dashcam Unavailable“, it might be time to get in touch with the Tesla service center.

Specifically mentioning any recent changes in updates received might have triggered this problem could aid them in diagnosing the issue quickly and efficiently.

Remember, a quick call to the service team could save you significant time and frustration.

Navigating Controls for Sentry Mode and Dashcam Functionality

You can set up Sentry mode by navigating through Controls > Safety > Dashcam/Sentry Mode on your Tesla’s interface if everything is working fine with your system.

These features require properly formatted USB drives (either FAT32 or ext4 file system) to function properly.
Understanding these controls is key to solving many common Tesla dashcam issues yourself.

Elon Musk’s Assurance of a Fix for Ongoing Dashcam Issues

It’s noteworthy that Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, has acknowledged the commonly faced “Dashcam Unavailable” problem and assured that a fix is on its way.

This upcoming solution should help resolve these issues for Tesla owners in the near future, bringing much-needed relief and ensuring a smoother driving experience.

In the meantime, following the tips mentioned above will help you manage and troubleshoot any Tesla Dashcam errors efficiently.


If you’ve found my article on the unavailability of the Tesla dashcam to be useful, I believe you will also appreciate a few more posts that provide valuable insights on different aspects of Tesla.

Firstly, in my guide on how long a Tesla battery lasts, I delve into the various factors that can influence your battery’s lifespan and how to prolong it. After all, ensuring optimum functionality of your battery not only prolongs its life but also keeps features such as your dashcam running smoothly.

In addition, if you’re keen on understanding more about Tesla’s green initiatives, my piece on Tesla significantly increasing its battery recycling capacity provides an interesting perspective. This piece highlights how Tesla is reducing e-waste while maintaining the performance of their EVs, including essential features like dashcams.

Next up, for those contemplating getting a new Tesla or replacing their existing one, but unsure whether to buy or lease, check out my comprehensive guide can you lease a Tesla. Through this post, I aim at helping potential owners make an informed decision by weighing down pros and cons of leasing versus buying outright.

Last but not least, if you are considering trading in your old vehicle for a new one from Elon Musk’s stable, don’t miss out on reading about whether Tesla accepts trade-ins or not. This post is designed to give you a detailed overview of Tesla’s trade-in process, ultimately easing your transition into a new Tesla, equipped with features such as their built-in dashcams.

Jonathan Rice

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