2022 XC90 Volvo Cross Traffic Alert
Cross Traffic Alert
Examples of areas where Cross Traffic Alert can assist the driver to detect obstacles during reversing.
The function is primarily designed to detect vehicles. In favourable conditions it may also be able to detect smaller objects, such as cyclists and pedestrians.
The function is only active if the car rolls backwards or if reverse gear has been selected.
If the function senses that something is approaching from the side, this can be indicated with:
- an acoustic signal – the sound is heard in the left-hand or right-hand speaker according to the direction from which the object approaches.
- an illuminated icon in the driver display’s Park Assist System graphic.
- an icon on the Park assist camera top view.
Illuminated icon for Cross Traffic Alert in the Park Assist System graphic on the screen.
If the driver does not observe the warning from the function and a collision is unavoidable, the auto-brake sub-function engages in order to stop the car, after which the driver display shows an explanatory text message on why the car was braked.
- The function is supplementary driver support intended to facilitate driving and make it safer – it cannot handle all situations in all traffic, weather and road conditions.
- The driver is advised to read all sections in the Owner’s Manual that relate to this function to learn about factors such as its limitations and what the driver should be aware of before using the system.
- Driver support functions are not a substitute for the driver’s attention and judgement. The driver is always responsible for ensuring the car is driven in a safe manner, at the appropriate speed, with an appropriate distance to other vehicles, and in accordance with current traffic rules and regulations.
Activating and deactivating Cross Traffic Alert
Activate or deactivate the function using this button in the centre display’s function view.
- Illuminated button – the function is activated.
- Extinguished button – the function is deactivated.
The function is activated automatically each time the engine is started.
Messages for Cross Traffic Alert
| Message | Specification |
|---|---|
| Blind spot sensor
Service required |
The system does not function as it should. A workshop should be contacted. |
| Blind spot system off
Trailer attached |
BLIS and CTA have been deactivated as a trailer has been connected to the car’s electrical system. |
A text message can be cleared by briefly pressing the 
button, located in the centre of the steering wheel’s right-hand keypad. If a message remains, contact a workshop – an authorised Volvo workshop is recommended.
Limitations of Cross Traffic Alert
The auto-brake sub-function can only detect and brake for other vehicles that are moving – not for stationary obstacles, a cyclist or a pedestrian, for example.
The function has a certain limitation – the sensors cannot “see” through other parked vehicles or obstructions, for example.
Here are some examples of situations where the function’s “field of vision” may be already limited and approaching vehicles cannot therefore be detected until they are very close:
The car is parked deep inside a parking slot.
In an angled parking slot Cross Traffic Alert may be completely “blind” on one side.
- Blind sector.
- Sector in which the function can detect/”see”.
However, as your car slowly reverses, the angle it makes with the obstructing vehicle/object changes and the blind sector rapidly decreases.
- Dirt, ice and snow covering the sensors may reduce the functions and deactivate alerts.
- CTA is automatically deactivated if a trailer, bicycle rack or similar is connected to the car’s electrical system.
- For good performance of CTA, there should be no bicycle rack, luggage carrier or similar mounted on the car’s towbar.
This function uses the car’s radar units, which have certain general limitations.