What year did Subarus start having backup cameras?
Subarus began quietly equipping many of their models with rear-view backup cameras in the early 2010s, with standard availability spreading across most of the lineup by the mid-2010s and becoming universal on new models before the 2018 safety deadline.
Policy backdrop and the safety baseline
The United States introduced a federal rule requiring rear-view backup cameras on most new passenger vehicles, with the standard taking effect for the 2018 model year. That mandate accelerated the push toward universal camera availability across all brands, including Subaru, and reinforced what many buyers had already begun to expect in everyday shopping and ownership.
Timeline: when Subarus began featuring backup cameras
Below is a concise timeline highlighting the general rollout across Subaru’s lineup. This captures when cameras moved from optional or limited use toward widespread and then standard status.
- Early adopters (around 2010–2011): rear-vision cameras appeared as an option on select Subaru models.
- Mid-years (roughly 2012–2014): more models offered cameras as standard equipment on higher trims; availability broadened across the range.
- Broad adoption (mid-2010s): backup cameras became common across most Subaru models sold in the United States and abroad.
- US safety mandate (2018): a federal rule required rear-view cameras on essentially all new passenger cars, reinforcing Subaru’s standard equipment across its lineup.
In practical terms, buyers of Subarus from the 2012 model year onward should expect to find a backup camera, with the feature becoming standard across nearly all models by the mid-2010s and fully aligned with the 2018 federal requirement.
How to verify if your Subaru has a backup camera
When shopping or reviewing a used Subaru, you can confirm the presence of a backup camera with a quick check and a few routine references.
- Drive or shift into reverse and watch the central display on the infotainment screen for a live rear view.
- Look for a “Back-Up Camera” label in the window sticker, owner’s manual, or Subaru brochure for the model year you’re considering.
- Ask a dealer or check official Subaru specifications for the exact model and trim, especially if you’re comparing models from different years.
Having confirmed the camera, you’ll also find that newer Subarus often integrate the backup view with features like guidelines and cross-traffic alerts as part of broader driver-assistance packages.
Current status in the 2020s
Today, backup cameras are standard on virtually all Subaru models sold in the United States, a legacy of the 2018 federal mandate and Subaru’s early adoption in the prior decade. International markets may have slightly different timelines or feature standards, but the core capability remains widely available across new Subarus globally.
Summary
Subaru began offering backup cameras in the early 2010s, with standardization across the lineup accelerating through 2012–2015 and becoming universal ahead of the 2018 U.S. safety rule. For buyers today, a backup camera is a baseline expectation on new Subaru vehicles, reflecting both early industry adoption and subsequent regulatory requirements.
What year to stay away from a Subaru Outback?
You should be wary of Subaru Outback years such as 2013–2014, 2017–2018, and 2020 due to common problems like excessive oil consumption, transmission issues, and electrical faults. Additionally, the 2010–2011 models may have transmission, engine, and brake line problems. Older generations, like 2005–2009, are known for head gasket issues and oil leaks.
2010–2014
- Excessive oil consumption: The 2013 and 2014 models are frequently cited for this issue, which was due to faulty piston rings and can lead to engine failure.
- Transmission issues: Both the 2010 and 2012 models are reported to have transmission problems, including rough shifting and failure. The 2010 is also known for torque converter issues.
- Electrical problems: Some models in this range have reported electrical faults.
- Headlight issues: 2011 models, in particular, had problems with headlights that burned out or melted.
- Brake line issues: The 2010 model had issues with faulty brake lines.
2017–2020
- Electrical issues: These models were plagued with electrical system problems, from the 2017 and 2020 models.
- Weak windshields: The 2017 and 2020 models are notorious for easily cracked windshields.
- Transmission problems: Some owners reported issues with the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) in the 2017 and 2020 models.
- Fuel range display malfunction: Some 2018 models had issues with the fuel pump and the fuel range display.
Older generations
- 2005–2009: These models are known for costly head gasket failures, engine leaks, and catalytic converter failures.
- 1994–1999: This generation had issues with cracked cylinder heads and premature engine failure.
- 2000–2001: This period is when Subaru was transitioning ownership, leading to transmission issues in these models.
Modern models (2015+)
- While later models generally saw improvements, some issues persist. The 2023 Outback had problems with the infotainment system, and the 12V battery was prone to draining.
What year does Subaru have a backup camera?
For all Subaru vehicles that have been manufactured and sold since 2018, the backup camera comes as a standard feature.
Does a 2010 Subaru Forester have a back up camera?
I forgot where I read that over 90% of Subaru cars made are still on the road. Prior to 2011, backup cameras didn't come standard on the Forester. These days, if you upgrade the head unit, you can add it on for another $100-$200 in labor.
What year did they start putting backup cameras in cars?
The first car with a backup camera was the 1956 Buick Centurion concept car, but the first production car with the feature was the 1991 Toyota Soarer, sold only in Japan. Backup cameras became available in the U.S. with the 2002 Infiniti Q45 and were mandated in all new vehicles in the U.S. starting May 1, 2018.
- 1956: The Buick Centurion concept car was the first to feature a backup camera, which displayed the image on a screen inside the car.
- 1991: The Toyota Soarer became the first production car to be equipped with a backup camera, though it was only available in Japan.
- 2002: The Infiniti Q45 was the first car to offer a backup camera in the U.S. market.
- 2018: Backup cameras became a standard, mandatory feature on all new vehicles under 10,000 pounds sold in the United States.
