Is Subaru EyeSight the same as adaptive cruise control?
No, Subaru EyeSight is not the same as adaptive cruise control. Subaru EyeSight is an advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) that includes adaptive cruise control as one of its many features. EyeSight goes beyond just adaptive cruise control by providing a range of safety and convenience technologies to assist drivers.
What is Subaru EyeSight?
Subaru EyeSight is an ADAS that uses dual-camera visual technology to monitor the road and traffic conditions ahead of the vehicle. It is designed to provide a comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assist features, including:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Pre-collision braking
- Lane departure and sway warning
- Lane keep assist
- Lead vehicle start alert
- Reverse automatic braking
The EyeSight system is constantly scanning the road and can detect obstacles, pedestrians, and other vehicles, and then take appropriate action to help avoid or mitigate collisions.
What is Adaptive Cruise Control?
Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is a specific feature that allows the vehicle to automatically adjust its speed to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of it. ACC uses sensors to detect the speed and distance of the vehicle ahead and then adjusts the throttle and brakes accordingly to maintain the set following distance.
While adaptive cruise control is a key component of Subaru EyeSight, the EyeSight system offers much more advanced functionality beyond just adaptive cruise control. EyeSight's comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assist features make it a more robust and capable ADAS compared to standalone adaptive cruise control systems.
Does Subaru EyeSight have Adaptive Cruise Control?
The Subaru application of ACC is known as Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control. This feature functions seamlessly as part of our EyeSight® Driver Assist technology—a comprehensive suite of safety features designed to enhance the driving experience.
What does it mean when my Subaru says EyeSight?
When your Subaru displays "Eyesight," it means the driver-assist system is active, using cameras to help with safety and convenience features like adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, and lane keep assist. If you see an "Eyesight Off" message, it indicates the system is temporarily or permanently disabled due to a blocked camera, poor weather, a low battery, or another sensor issue, as explained on Reddit and JustAnswer and JustAnswer.
If you see "Eyesight" (system active)
- Safety and convenience: The system uses cameras to monitor the road ahead, helping with features like adaptive cruise control to maintain a safe distance and lane-keeping to help center you in your lane.
- Collision avoidance: It can warn you of a potential frontal collision and automatically apply the brakes if necessary, or help reduce the impact.
- Other functions: It can also alert you to the car in front moving, manage throttle to prevent unintended acceleration, and recognize speed limit signs.
If you see "Eyesight Off" (system disabled)
- Obstructions: The most common cause is something blocking the cameras on the windshield. This includes dirt, snow, ice, or even a low-hanging air freshener.
- Weather and lighting: Heavy rain, fog, snow, or driving directly into a low sun (at sunrise or sunset) can also temporarily disable the system.
- Battery issues: A weak car battery or a low voltage during engine startup can cause a temporary error.
- System faults: In some cases, there may be a malfunction with the system itself, or a related component like the electronic brake booster, or a calibration issue that requires a visit to the dealership.
What to do
- Clean the windshield: Make sure the area around the rearview mirror is clean and free of any obstructions, as this is where the cameras are located.
- Check weather conditions: If it's foggy, snowing, or raining heavily, the system may temporarily turn off. It should come back on once conditions improve.
- Power cycle the car: Turn the engine off, wait a few seconds, and then restart it to see if the system reactivates.
- Consult the manual: Refer to your Subaru's owner's manual for specific instructions on how to operate the system and what to do if warnings appear.
- See a dealer: If the warning persists after trying the above steps, contact your Subaru dealer for a diagnostic scan to check for any calibration or system issues.
What is another name for Adaptive Cruise Control?
Basics About Adaptive Cruise Control
This type of system may be known by several different names, including intelligent cruise control, dynamic cruise control, active cruise control, automatic cruise control, radar cruise control, and distance control.
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.
