About this problem
EyeSight is Subaru's camera-based driver assistance system. Two cameras behind the windshield watch the road and can brake automatically. Owners report it braking hard for things that are not there, or switching off in rain, glare or fog. Because the cameras look through the windshield, glass replacement and calibration also affect how well the system works.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Subaru Forester since 2012, 311 (6.8%) describe EyeSight automatic braking problems, the second most reported problem we track on the Forester. The reports cluster on the 2015, 2019 and 2020 model years, and the 2019 drew the most, with 90. It tends to show up early in the car's life: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 6,000 and 34,000 miles. 22 reports describe a crash or fire linked to it. No recall covers it, but Subaru has sent dealers service bulletins about it, listed below.
What owners report
Owners describe the Forester braking hard on its own, often at highway speed with nothing in the way: under bridges, past parked cars, in shadows or around curves. Some report the warning chime and a jolt; others report the car slowing sharply enough to risk being rear-ended. The complaints cluster in the 2015, 2019 and 2020 model years, the first years this system became standard on most trims.
How it gets fixed
Carmakers have released software updates for many of these systems, and some owners report the problem eased after a dealer update or a camera and radar recalibration. A dirty or misaligned windshield camera, or a replaced windshield that was not recalibrated, can also cause false alarms.
Typical cost: A software update is usually free under warranty. A camera or radar recalibration after windshield work typically costs $150 to $400 at a shop.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"We have a 2019 Subaru Forester, problems have been with the eyesight slamming on the brakes for no reason, and turning on and off at random times."
2019 Subaru Forester, 10,000 miles
"Within one hour of getting this new vehicle, the eyesight warning and braking system turned itself on and off repeatedly. This continues after two dealers have made repeated attempts to fix the system."
2015 Subaru Forester, 10 miles
"I seen there was a class action lawsuit against Subaru regarding the vehicles eyesight system and the windshield. We noticed a crack that had seemingly come out of nowhere. It has to of happened while it was parked in the driveway."
2020 Subaru Forester, 15,000 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Service bulletins
Subaru has sent dealers 29 bulletins that mention this problem on the Forester. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
This bulletin announces the availability of new reprogramming files developed to address two symptoms: Cooling fans inoperable with EyeSight camera exposed to high humidity/temperature conditions; Temporary halt mode detected b...
This bulletin addresses two symptoms related to EyeSight.
This Service Information Bulletin was developed to provide removal and installation tips to be followed when working with EyeSight Stereo Cameras.
This announcement is requesting retailer staff to retain the EyeSight protective hood covers from Generation 4 EyeSight cameras.
2022MY Forester EyeSight Quality Monitoring Team Activity Your Help is Needed.
This bulletin announces new software available for the EyeSight Stereo Camera Assembly.
Before you buy a Forester
- Drive the car on a busy road with parked cars, overpasses and shadows, where false braking tends to happen.
- Ask whether the braking software has been updated, and check for open recalls by VIN.
- If the windshield was replaced, ask for proof the camera was recalibrated.
Questions
Which Subaru Forester years have EyeSight automatic braking problems?
Complaints are highest for the 2015, 2019, 2020 model years. The 2019 drew the most, with 90 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 15,000 miles, and half reported it between 6,000 and 34,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
A software update is usually free under warranty. A camera or radar recalibration after windshield work typically costs $150 to $400 at a shop.