Does Subaru EyeSight work as a dashcam?

No—EyeSight is not a dashcam; it's Subaru's driver-assist system that uses stereo cameras to monitor the road ahead and provide warnings and interventions. It does not continuously record or store video for playback.

This article explains how EyeSight functions, how it differs from a dashcam, what data it may retain, and what options you have if you want genuine dashcam footage while driving a Subaru.

What EyeSight does and how it works

EyeSight relies on a pair of cameras mounted near the top of the windshield to track vehicles, pedestrians, and lane markings. It processes this data in real time to warn you of hazards and, in many models, to automatically apply braking or adjust speed. The system's features vary by year and trim, but core functions are safety-oriented rather than recording-oriented.

• Forward collision warning and automatic pre-collision braking when a crash is likely.


• Adaptive Cruise Control with stop-and-go capability.


• Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist to help maintain your position in the lane.


• Traffic Sign Recognition where available, helping you see speed limits and other signs in the instrument cluster.


• Pedestrian and cyclist detection in many model years, improving auto-braking in urban settings.

EyeSight's primary purpose is to assist driving and reduce collision risk, not to capture road footage for later review. The system's data handling is designed for safety responses rather than as a video archive.

Data handling and video: what EyeSight stores

EyeSight does not provide a user-accessible video feed in most configurations. Any data retained by Subaru is typically for safety features, diagnostics, or service use and is not a usable dashcam recording for the driver. Audio recording, if any, and video handling vary by market and model year, so consult your owner's manual or dealer for specifics about your vehicle.

EyeSight vs dashcams: key differences

To understand how EyeSight differs from a dashcam, here’s a concise comparison of purpose, data access, and recording behavior.

• Purpose: EyeSight is an active safety system; dashcams are passive video recorders for evidence and monitoring.


• Video recording: EyeSight does not provide continuous video playback; dashcams record video (with options for parking mode).


• Access to footage: EyeSight video, if any, is not generally accessible to the driver; dashcams save video to an SD card or cloud.


• Data retention: EyeSight stores event data for safety, but not a driver-accessible video log; dashcams store your footage you choose to keep.


• Availability: EyeSight is standard or optional in Subaru vehicles; there is no universal built-in dashcam in EyeSight across models, though some regions offer an optional dashcam accessory separate from EyeSight.

In practice, EyeSight should not be used as a stand-in for a dashcam. If you need verifiable road footage, plan to use a dedicated dashcam installed in your Subaru.

Getting dashcam functionality in a Subaru

If you want dashcam-like evidence or continuous recording while driving, consider a dedicated dashcam that is part of your vehicle's installation rather than relying on EyeSight. Here are practical considerations and options.

• Choose a dashcam with high-resolution video (1080p or higher) and a wide field of view.


• Look for parking mode with motion and impact sensors (G-sensor) to capture events while the car is parked.


• Use a reliable power supply system, such as a dedicated dashcam hardwire kit or a fused power source, to avoid draining the car battery.


• Place the camera behind the windshield's center, just above the rearview mirror, ensuring it does not obstruct the driver's view or EyeSight cameras if applicable.


• Record to a microSD card with sufficient capacity and set up loop recording so old footage is overwritten automatically.


• Review privacy laws in your area regarding video and audio recording in vehicles; disable audio recording if required by law or policy.

Some Subaru owners also use a standalone dashcam in conjunction with Subaru Starlink services or smartphone apps for remote access, but this remains separate from EyeSight’s safety features.

Summary

EyeSight is a forward-looking driver-assist system, not a dashcam. It enhances safety via warnings and automated interventions using stereo cameras, but it does not provide a driver-accessible, continuous video recording of the road. If you need dashcam footage, install a dedicated dashcam alongside your Subaru, and check your model's compatibility with any optional Subaru dashcam accessories through your dealer.

Can an ADAS camera be used as a dash cam?

As a part of ADAS (advanced driver assistance system), dashcams help continuously record the view of the road, traffic, the driver's alertness, or bad driving patterns like cornering. Read More About How Dashcams are Integrated with Fleet Management Software?

Can you install a dash cam in a Subaru with EyeSight?

Yes, you can install a dash cam in your Subaru vehicle.
However, because of the Eye-Sight sensors, certain areas on the front windshield are a no-go zone for dash cams, radar detectors, and other devices.

Does Subaru EyeSight record video?

Subaru Eyesight, a collision-avoidance safety system, was never intended to be a dash cam. The cameras can record about 22 seconds of footage if your vehicle is involved in a collision.

What is the lawsuit against Subaru EyeSight?

A recent Subaru EyeSight class action settlement resolved claims that certain features, like pre-collision braking, could malfunction. Eligible class members may be entitled to benefits including a 75% extended warranty on specific repairs and potential reimbursement for out-of-pocket repair costs. The settlement covers specific model years of Subaru Legacy, Outback, Impreza, Crosstrek, Forester, Ascent, WRX, and BRZ vehicles.
 
What the lawsuit was about

• The lawsuit alleged defects in the EyeSight system's pre-collision braking, reverse automatic braking, and Lane Keep Assist features. 
• These alleged defects could cause the system to brake unexpectedly or fail to activate when necessary. 
• Subaru denied the claims but agreed to a class action settlement. 

Who is eligible

• Current and former owners and lessees of certain Subaru models equipped with the EyeSight system's pre-collision braking, reverse automatic braking, and/or Lane Keep Assist features. 
• Eligible models include specific 2013-2024 Subaru Legacy, 2013-2022 Outback, 2015-2023 Impreza, 2015-2023 Crosstrek, 2014-2021 Forester, 2019-2022 Ascent, 2016-2021 WRX, and 2022-2024 BRZ vehicles. 

Potential settlement benefits

• Warranty extension: The New Vehicle Limited Warranty for the EyeSight system is extended to cover 75% of the cost of certain repairs for up to four years or 48,000 miles, whichever comes first. 
• Reimbursement: Eligible class members who paid for covered repairs can receive 75% reimbursement for one repair. 
• To qualify for reimbursement, you must provide proof of payment and other documentation . 

How to file a claim

• You can find the claim form and more information on the official settlement website: Subaru EyeSight Settlement. 
• The deadline for filing a claim was September 27, 2025. 
• The court approved the final settlement on April 21, 2025.