Does Subaru EyeSight record when car is off?
Subaru EyeSight is the automaker’s driver‑assist system that uses forward cameras to help with braking, collision avoidance and lane‑keeping. The short, practical answer: EyeSight does not continuously record video when the car is off. The system is designed to power down with the vehicle and is not a parked dashcam. Data handling occurs in relation to active safety features and connected services, not ongoing idle surveillance.
How EyeSight Works
EyeSight relies on stereo cameras mounted near the rearview mirror to monitor traffic, pedestrians and overall vehicle surroundings. When the ignition is on and EyeSight is enabled, it can activate features such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance. The system processes images and sensor data in real time to assist the driver, but it does not function as a continuous video recorder in the way a dashcam would. Power for EyeSight comes from the vehicle’s electrical system, which means the cameras and related software are active only when the car is awake and the safety features are engaged. Some data may be logged for safety analytics, diagnostics or connected services, but this is separate from ongoing, parked recording.
Data Handling and Privacy
Subaru’s privacy documentation describes how EyeSight data is collected and used, including vehicle data, safety events and telematics information when the driver uses connected services. The company indicates that data handling is governed by regional privacy laws and by the owner’s service settings, with access limited to authorized Subaru affiliates and service providers. Importantly, video data from EyeSight is not presented as a standing, parked-recording feature; recording or transmission tends to occur in the context of active safety functions, remote services or specific events, rather than continuous monitoring while the vehicle is off.
Does EyeSight Record When the Car Is Off?
In practice, EyeSight is designed to operate with the ignition on. The forward‑facing cameras are typically powered down when the vehicle is off to protect the battery, and there is no continuous dashcam‑style recording while the car is parked. Some data may be collected or transmitted when connected services are in use or after a safety event, but this does not imply ongoing video recording once the car is shut down. For model‑specific behavior or regional differences, consult your owner’s manual and Subaru’s current privacy policy.
Model and Market Variations
Subaru markets EyeSight differently across generations and regions. Features and data handling can vary by model year, trim level and country, affecting what data is stored, how long it is retained and whether certain connected services are available. If you want a precise explanation for your vehicle, check the official documentation for your exact model and the privacy/telematics terms applicable in your region.
Bottom Line
Overall, Subaru EyeSight does not serve as a parked dashcam and does not continuously record video when the car is off. The system is built to operate when the vehicle is powered and to safeguard driver privacy by limiting data collection to active safety functions and approved connected services. If you need a dashcam‑style recording solution for parked use, you would typically need a dedicated dashcam or other aftermarket option, in addition to EyeSight.
Summary
EyeSight enhances safety through forward‑looking camera technology while the car is running, with data handling tied to active features and regional policies. It is not designed to provide ongoing video recording when the vehicle is off. For specifics about your model, refer to the owner’s manual and the latest Subaru privacy policy, and consider talking to Subaru customer service for model‑level clarifications.
