How long does Subaru EyeSight record accidents?

Subaru EyeSight does not function as a dashcam and does not continuously record video footage of accidents. If you need incident video, Subaru offers a separate Drive Recorder feature where available, which can capture short clips around an event. The exact duration and availability depend on your vehicle model, trim, and market.

What EyeSight records and how long

EyeSight uses a forward-facing camera to monitor the road and make real-time safety decisions. It does not store a long video log you can view later, and there is no fixed recording duration for accidents within EyeSight itself.

• EyeSight processes camera images in real time to detect hazards and apply interventions; it does not create or retain continuous video footage for playback.


• It may log safety-related event data (such as braking events or warning activations) for diagnostic purposes, but not as user-accessible crash footage.


• There is no publicly published specification for a default or maximum “accident recording” duration in EyeSight itself.


• For actual video records of incidents, Subaru offers Drive Recorder (where available), a separate system that can save short clips around an event.

In practice, EyeSight does not provide a crash video timeline to drivers, and the data it stores is intended for safety analysis and service diagnostics rather than everyday playback.

Drive Recorder: video around incidents

If you want incident video, Drive Recorder acts as a dashcam companion to EyeSight where it is offered. It captures short video clips around events, with the exact behavior and duration depending on the model and regional configuration.

Before using Drive Recorder, note these general points:

1. Availability: Drive Recorder is not installed on all Subaru models or in all regions; check with your dealer.


2. Recording window: It typically stores a limited video window surrounding the event (pre-event and post-event footage) rather than continuous recording.


3. Storage: Video is stored on a memory medium (often a microSD card) and can be overwritten as needed.


4. Access: Saved clips are usually accessible via the infotainment system or by removing the memory card, depending on regional implementation.

When Drive Recorder is active, the clips are intended for incident review and insurance purposes rather than ongoing surveillance, with privacy controls governed by local laws and Subaru’s policies.

Availability by market and privacy considerations

Camera recording features, including Drive Recorder, vary by country, vehicle trim, and dealership. Privacy regulations in different regions may require warnings, consent, and specific handling of video recordings in public spaces. Always review local laws and Subaru’s privacy notices when enabling any recording feature.

Summary

EyeSight itself does not function as a long-term crash video recorder. It does not provide user-accessible accident footage. Drive Recorder, where offered, provides limited incident video with a short pre- and post-event window, and its availability and exact duration depend on the vehicle, market, and settings. For specifics, consult your owner's manual or your Subaru dealer.

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.

How far back can camera footage go?

Camera footage can be stored for as little as a few hours to as long as indefinitely, but typical retention periods for standard systems are 7 to 90 days, with longer periods being more expensive. How far back footage goes depends on factors like the system's storage capacity, user settings, and legal requirements, which can mandate longer retention for sensitive industries like banking or casinos. 
Typical storage durations

• Home security systems: 7 to 30 days 
• Small businesses: 14 to 90 days 
• Retail stores: Often 30 to 90 days, but sometimes as little as one week 
• Larger businesses and high-risk industries: 90 days or more, with financial institutions like banks and casinos often required to store footage for six months to a year due to regulations 
• Police body cameras: Varies, but footage of significant events can be stored for years or even indefinitely 
• Public surveillance: Can be 30 days to a year or longer, depending on regulations 

Factors that influence storage time

• Storage capacity: The physical amount of space on the hard drive or cloud storage determines how much can be stored. 
• Recording method: Some systems overwrite the oldest footage when storage is full, while others require manual archiving. 
• Recording settings: Cameras that record continuously use more space than those that only record when motion is detected. 
• Legal and regulatory requirements: Certain industries must keep footage for extended periods due to government or industry standards. 
• User preferences: Some users opt to manually export and save footage for longer periods than a system's default settings. 

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. 

How long does car camera footage last?

Car camera footage duration depends on the SD card size and video quality settings, which determine how long it can be recorded before overwriting. A larger card or lower video resolution increases the recording time, which can range from a few hours to several days depending on the specific settings. Advanced features like cloud storage can extend how long footage is available. 
How footage duration is determined

• SD card capacity: This is the primary factor. A larger SD card can store more video, so the footage will last longer before the oldest clips are deleted. 
• Video quality (resolution): Higher resolutions, like 4K, use significantly more storage space than 1080p or 720p, which drastically reduces the recording time. 
• Loop recording: Most dash cams use this feature, where the camera continuously records and overwrites the oldest files once the storage is full. 
• Emergency recording: Clips are automatically saved and protected from overwriting when a sudden impact is detected by the G-sensor, preserving important footage. 

Examples of recording duration

• 128GB SD card: Can hold approximately 16–24 hours of 1080p video, but only about 3–6 hours of 4K video. 
• 512GB SD card: Can store up to 72 hours of 1080p video. 
• Commercial dash cams: Some systems can record for 3–50 hours of drive time and also store footage in the cloud for longer periods, such as 30 days or more. 

How to maximize recording time

• Choose the largest SD card you can afford. 
• Select the lowest video quality that is still useful for your needs. 
• Turn off audio recording if you don't need it. 
• Periodically transfer important clips from the SD card to another device or cloud storage.