Your Subaru’s “extra set of eyes” might occasionally go blind. If you’ve experienced your Eyesight system suddenly shutting down or behaving erratically, you’re dealing with one of the most frustrating aspects of an otherwise impressive safety technology.
Let’s cut through the confusion about Subaru Eyesight problems and explore what causes these issues, how to fix them, and when they indicate a more serious defect that Subaru should address.
What Exactly Is Subaru Eyesight Technology?
Subaru Eyesight is an advanced driver assistance system that uses dual front-facing cameras mounted near your rearview mirror. These cameras work like a pair of eyes, constantly scanning the road ahead to enable several safety features:
- Adaptive cruise control that maintains safe distances
- Pre-collision braking that stops automatically when obstacles appear
- Lane-keep assist that prevents unintended lane departures
- Lane centering that helps keep your vehicle in the middle of your lane
When working correctly, Eyesight provides an impressive safety net. The problem? These cameras can experience various issues that compromise the entire system.
Most Common Subaru Eyesight Problems
Unexpected System Deactivation
The dreaded orange warning light indicating “Eyesight Disabled” ranks among the most frequent complaints from Subaru owners.
A 2023 Outback owner reported on Reddit that their system would randomly deactivate during highway drives, leaving them without adaptive cruise control for hours. These deactivations often come with error codes like E5 (camera halt) and B28C7 (fan malfunction).
False Braking Incidents
Perhaps the most dangerous Eyesight malfunction is when the system triggers emergency braking with no actual obstacle present.
These phantom braking episodes typically happen when the system misinterprets harmless objects like:
- Road seams or cracks
- Shadows cast across the road
- Roadside objects like mailboxes
- Overhead bridges or signs
One Outback owner described how reflective tape on a roadside mailbox repeatedly triggered emergency braking, nearly causing multiple rear-end collisions from trailing vehicles.
Lane-Keep Assist Failures
The lane-keeping feature can either be overly aggressive or completely ineffective. Owners report:
- Excessive steering corrections on roads with faded lane markings
- Conflicts with driver intentions during intentional lane changes
- Complete system disengagement requiring vehicle restart
A 2023 Forester service bulletin specifically addresses issues where the lane-keeping system disengages entirely, requiring a reset to resume functionality.
What Causes Subaru Eyesight Problems?
Environmental Factors
Subaru Eyesight’s camera-based system makes it inherently vulnerable to environmental conditions:
| Environmental Factor | Effect on Eyesight | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Extreme Cold (<10°F/-12°C) | System shutdown, lens condensation | Warm vehicle before driving |
| High Heat (>176°F/80°C) | Camera overheating, fan failure | Park in shade, use windshield sunshade |
| Direct Sun Glare | False readings, system shutdown | Use polarized sunglasses, adjust driving times |
| Fog/Heavy Rain | Reduced camera visibility | Drive manually, disable Eyesight temporarily |
| Dirty Windshield | Obscured camera vision | Keep windshield clean, especially camera area |
A North Dakota Subaru owner shared on forums that their Eyesight system routinely shut down during -20°F winters, making it essentially useless during the coldest months.
Software Glitches
Many Eyesight problems stem from software issues that Subaru has acknowledged through multiple reprogramming campaigns:
- In March 2024, Subaru released a bulletin outlining reprogramming procedures for 2022-2024 models to resolve E5 and B28C7 errors
- A 2021 recall addressed 5,402 Outbacks with defective pre-collision braking software that caused unintended stops
Despite these updates, users continue reporting issues post-repair, suggesting deeper problems may exist within the system architecture.
Hardware Failures
Physical component failures can also render Eyesight inoperative:
- Camera overheating due to cooling fan failures
- Misaligned cameras after windshield replacement
- Physical damage to the camera housing
- Electrical connection problems between cameras and control modules
How to Fix Subaru Eyesight Problems
DIY Troubleshooting Steps
Before heading to the dealership, try these owner-level fixes:
- Reset the Eyesight system:
- Turn off the car completely
- Restart and allow all systems to initialize
- For persistent issues, disconnect the battery for five minutes to perform a complete system reset
- Clean your windshield thoroughly:
- Pay special attention to the area in front of the cameras
- Use a microfiber cloth and proper glass cleaner
- Some users report that carefully cleaning the actual camera lenses (though Subaru advises against this) has resolved condensation issues
- Check for software updates:
- Ask your dealership if any new software updates are available for your model
- Ensure all existing recalls have been performed
When to Visit the Dealership
Head to your Subaru service department when:
- The Eyesight warning persists after reset attempts
- You experience dangerous false braking incidents
- The system routinely deactivates during normal driving
- Error codes appear on your dashboard
Unfortunately, dealership responses have been inconsistent. A 2023 Ascent owner documented over 10 dealership visits for recurring Eyesight failures, only to receive a loaner vehicle with identical issues.
Known Subaru Eyesight Recalls and Service Bulletins
Subaru has released several official communications about Eyesight problems:
- March 2024 Service Bulletin: Addressed E5 and B28C7 error codes in 2022-2024 Forester, Outback and Ascent models through software reprogramming.
- 2021 Recall Campaign: Involved 5,402 Outback vehicles with defective pre-collision braking software causing unintended stops.
- 2023 Service Bulletin: Specifically targeted Forester models with lane-keeping assist failures that required vehicle restarts.
Beyond these official campaigns, Subaru faces ongoing legal challenges including a nationwide class-action lawsuit alleging systemic Eyesight defects across 2013-2021 models.
Is Subaru Eyesight Worth the Trouble?
Despite the issues outlined above, Eyesight can still provide valuable safety benefits:
Advantages:
- Reduces collision risk under ideal conditions
- Can prevent or mitigate impacts when functioning correctly
- Provides adaptive cruise control that makes highway driving less fatiguing
- May qualify for insurance discounts
Disadvantages:
- Unreliable in extreme weather conditions
- May cause dangerous false braking incidents
- Often requires expensive repairs when out of warranty
- Creates driver uncertainty about system reliability
Preventative Maintenance for Eyesight Systems
To maximize Eyesight reliability:
- Maintain a clean windshield: Make this part of your regular vehicle maintenance routine.
- Protect from temperature extremes: Use sunshades when parked in direct sunlight and allow your vehicle to warm up in freezing conditions.
- Install all software updates: Even without specific problems, keeping your Eyesight software current may prevent issues.
- Use only Subaru-certified windshield replacement: Aftermarket glass or improper installation can misalign the cameras, requiring expensive recalibration.
- Document all issues: Keep detailed records of any Eyesight malfunctions and dealer visits, especially if you’re still under warranty.
Eyesight Issues by Subaru Model
Different Subaru models seem to experience varying degrees of Eyesight problems:
- Outback: Frequently reports false braking incidents and system shutdowns in hot weather
- Forester: Common issues include lane-keep assist failures and cold weather deactivations
- Ascent: More reports of camera overheating and persistent error codes
- Crosstrek: Tends to experience more sun glare-related Eyesight failures
Newer model years (2022+) have more sophisticated Eyesight versions but still experience many of the same environmental limitations.
The Future of Subaru Eyesight
Subaru continues developing its Eyesight technology, with newer versions offering:
- More advanced cameras with wider fields of view
- Additional sensors to complement the camera system
- Improved software algorithms to reduce false positives
- Better temperature management for camera components
However, until Subaru addresses the fundamental limitations of a camera-only system, owners should maintain realistic expectations about Eyesight’s capabilities and limitations.
Making an Informed Decision
If you’re considering a Subaru with Eyesight, weigh these factors:
- Your typical driving conditions (extreme climates may cause more problems)
- Your tolerance for technology that occasionally requires resets
- The value you place on advanced safety features despite limitations
- Availability of responsive Subaru service in your area
For current owners experiencing problems, staying informed about recalls and service bulletins while documenting all issues is crucial for potential warranty claims or participation in class-action remedies.
While Eyesight provides genuine safety benefits when working correctly, the system’s inconsistency remains its greatest weakness. Until Subaru develops more robust solutions, drivers should view Eyesight as a helpful assistant rather than a foolproof safety system – and always remain actively engaged in the driving process.
