Fix it
Dash Cam Not Recording? Fix It (2027)
Why your dash cam stopped recording and how to fix it: card errors, power issues, and settings checks.
A dash cam that is not recording is worse than no dash cam, because it creates false confidence. The causes are almost always the memory card, the power supply, or a settings change. Work through these fixes in order.
Camera shows a card error or keeps asking to format
Pull the card and inspect it on a computer. Standard cards fail under continuous writes; replace with a high-endurance card rated for dash cam use, sized within the camera's supported maximum (commonly 256GB or 512GB). Format the new card in the camera itself, not on a computer, and reformat every few months to prevent file-system corruption.
Camera shuts off shortly after starting the car
Check the power path first. A loose 12V plug or a failing USB cable causes brownouts that look like recording failures. Try the original cable and a different socket. If the camera uses an internal battery that has aged, it may no longer bridge short power gaps; supercapacitor models avoid this failure mode.
Loop recording overwrites everything too fast
This is a capacity problem, not a defect. Multi-channel and 4K recording consume cards several times faster than 1080p. Move to the largest high-endurance card the camera supports, lower the resolution if maximum sharpness is not needed, and shorten protected-event clip lengths so locked files do not fill the card.
Parking mode never triggers
Parking mode needs constant power. If the camera is plugged into a switched 12V socket, it loses power with the ignition and cannot monitor anything. Install a hardwire kit to a constant fuse with a voltage cutoff, then enable parking mode in the camera settings and confirm the detection sensitivity is not set to minimum.
Questions, answered
How often should I format the memory card?
Every 1 to 3 months with regular driving. Formatting in the camera clears fragmented files that cause write errors.
Why does my dash cam get so hot?
Windshields concentrate heat. Supercapacitor models tolerate this; battery models can swell or fail. Park in shade when possible.
The camera records but files are corrupted. Why?
Almost always a worn-out or too-slow card. Replace with a high-endurance U3 card from a reputable brand.