If you have ever test-driven a car and noticed the blind spot light was missing, you probably asked the same thing a lot of shoppers do: why isn't blind spot warning standard on every car? It feels like a basic safety feature by now. Yet plenty of new vehicles still treat it as an upgrade you have to pay extra for. Let's look at what the research says, and what your options are if your car doesn't have it.
What Consumer Reports found
Consumer Reports has looked at this question twice, and the numbers are worth a read.
In a 2023 analysis of 14 of the best-selling heavier vehicles (4,000 lb or more, including big SUVs and pickups), blind spot warning came standard on the lowest trim of only three of them. None of the top five brands offered it standard across every trim. Shoppers who paid to add it on the cheapest trim that offered it would have spent about $1,600 on average, according to the report.
An earlier 2020 study of the 15 top-selling models found a similar pattern. Blind spot warning was standard on the base trim of just three of the 15, and for the other models that offered it, the median extra cost to add it was about $2,510. Those are 2020 model-year figures, so treat them as a snapshot of the market back then rather than today's prices.
Why do automakers do it this way?
Carmakers rarely explain this in detail, so here is the general picture. Many manufacturers build their lineup in tiers. Base trims keep the sticker price low, and features like blind spot warning, heated seats and bigger screens get bundled into mid and upper trims or option packages. Bundling lets a brand advertise a low starting price while still earning more on the well-equipped versions. Consumer Reports has been critical of this approach for safety features, and one of its analysts said safety shouldn't be treated as a luxury item.
That's a policy and pricing choice, not a limit of the technology. The hardware behind the feature is not exotic, which is part of why the aftermarket can offer it.
How to check what your car has
Not sure whether yours is equipped? A few easy checks:
- Look for a small indicator light on or near each side mirror that lights up when you start the car.
- Check the settings menu on your dash or infotainment screen for a blind spot or side-assist option.
- Read the window sticker or the owner's manual for the trim and package list.
If none of those turn up anything, your car most likely doesn't have it, even if a sister trim of the same model does.
If your car doesn't have it: two ways to add visibility
You have a couple of GCH options, and they work differently, so pick based on what you want.
Radar-based blind spot detection
The Authentic OEM BlindSpot Detection with Cross Traffic Detection kit is a radar-based system. According to the product listing, it uses original equipment components and works on vehicles with plastic bumper fascias (the radar sits behind the bumper cover). It also includes cross traffic detection, which checks for traffic approaching from the sides when you back out of a parking space or driveway.
The listing explains it comes in two variations. One reads vehicle data over the CAN bus, which the listing says is the most common setup and typically connects at the OBD2 port under the dash. The other connects to the vehicle speed signal wire, which the listing says suits cars that have trouble communicating over CAN, and notes Toyota, Lexus and Subaru typically use that configuration. Because the right variant depends on your vehicle, please confirm fitment with GCH before ordering.
Side-view cameras
If you'd rather see the space beside your car, the Universal Blindspot Adjustable Side View Camera is typically mounted under a side mirror. The listing describes a 170-degree wide-angle, waterproof (IP67/68) camera that can feed an aftermarket monitor or, with a compatible integration module, a factory display. A camera is a different tool than a radar alert: it shows you the lane instead of warning you about a vehicle in it. The listing itself notes cameras are meant to be used along with your mirrors, not instead of them.
Quick FAQ
Is blind spot warning required by law?
Not as far as we know. Consumer Reports has called for automakers (and in 2020, for Congress) to make it standard, but we haven't found a current federal requirement. Check NHTSA for the latest if this matters for your decision.
Can I install it myself?
A camera is a manageable DIY project for many people. A radar system involves bumper-cover work and vehicle data connections, so many owners prefer a professional install. When in doubt, ask a pro.
Will an add-on work exactly like the factory system?
Behavior can differ by vehicle and kit. Ask GCH about your specific car before you buy.
Not sure which route fits your car?
Send GCH your year, make and model and we'll help you work out which option makes sense. You can also browse our full catalog.