Subaru’s legal team can probably breathe a little easier this week. A class-action lawsuit over certain years of the brand’s EyeSight safety system has officially wrapped up. The settlement passed its final fairness hearing in November, and the effective date came at the end of December. As is often the case, the plaintiff’s lawyers will receive the largest portion, but Subaru owners who paid out of pocket for repairs will also get reimbursed—and receive some extra warranty coverage as well.
Lawyers Got The Bulk Of The Settlement
Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist system includes one of the better Automatic High Beam setups on the market. That said, there can still be a brief one- or two-second delay—something you wouldn’t notice if the driver manually controlled the headlights.
The nine customers who started the class-action lawsuit will each receive $5,000 as part of the settlement. Meanwhile, the law firms representing them will be paid $2,428,118.67.
For other Subaru owners who experienced issues with the EyeSight system, there’s some good news too. Starting July 29, 2025, Subaru extended the new-vehicle warranty on the affected vehicles to 4 years or 48,000 miles from the original in-service date.
Since the affected vehicles go back as far as the 2013 model year, most were already past their original warranty. For those owners, Subaru agreed to a four-month warranty extension starting July 29, 2025, to cover any needed repairs during that time. If you had already paid out of pocket for EyeSight system repairs, the settlement could help there too—covering up to 75% of certain repair costs.
If you haven’t already filed a claim for repairs, unfortunately, it’s too late—the deadline was September 27, 2025.
The original lawsuit involved multiple plaintiffs who said there was a defect in the automated emergency braking system of Subaru’s EyeSight suite. They claimed Subaru didn’t properly inform owners about “manufacturing and workmanship defects, including poor calibration of the software from multiple control modules, including the ABS Control Module.”
According to the lawsuit, these problems could cause the vehicle to brake suddenly and unexpectedly. On the flip side, the system sometimes failed to engage when it was supposed to, leaving drivers unprotected. Owners also reported that the system could jerk the steering wheel without warning, making the driving experience unpredictable and potentially dangerous.
Driver Assists Are There To Help, Not Take Control
EyeSight is Subaru’s name for a suite of advanced driver-assistance features. The exact functions can vary depending on the vehicle’s model and year. Subaru describes it as “an extra set of eyes on the road—and, if needed, an extra foot on the brake while you drive.”
EyeSight includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure and sway warning, pre-collision braking, automatic emergency steering, and pre-collision throttle management. In 2026, some version of the system comes standard on every Subaru.
The vehicles affected by the lawsuit included:
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2013–2022 Subaru Legacy and Outback
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2014–2023 Impreza and Crosstrek
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2014–2021 Forester
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2019–2022 Ascent
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2015–2021 WRX
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2022–2024 BRZ
It’s important to remember that systems like Subaru’s EyeSight are advanced driver-assist tools—they can help, but they can’t prevent every crash. Drivers still need to stay attentive at all times. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notes that “driver assistance technologies hold the potential to reduce traffic crashes and save thousands of lives each year,” but emphasizes that “understanding how the technology works and how it can better protect you, your passengers, and others is key.”
We’ve reached out to Subaru of America for comment and will update this story once we hear back.
FAQ’s
1. What was the Subaru EyeSight lawsuit about?
The lawsuit focused on alleged defects in Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist system, including unexpected braking and steering issues.
2. Which Subaru models were affected by the lawsuit?
The affected models included 2013-2022 Legacy and Outback, 2014-2023 Impreza and Crosstrek, 2014-2021 Forester, 2019-2022 Ascent, 2015-2021 WRX, and 2022-2024 BRZ.
3. When did the class-action settlement become effective?
The settlement’s effective date passed at the end of December 2025.
4. Who benefits from the settlement?
Subaru owners who paid out-of-pocket for EyeSight system repairs and the initial plaintiffs who filed the lawsuit benefit from the settlement.
5. How much will the initial plaintiffs receive?
Nine initial plaintiffs will each receive $5,000 as part of the settlement.
6. How much did the lawyers earn from the settlement?
The law firms representing the plaintiffs will receive $2,428,118.67.
7. Does the settlement include extra warranty coverage?
Yes, Subaru extended warranties on affected vehicles, including a four-month extension for those already out of warranty.
8. How long is the new-vehicle warranty extension?
For vehicles covered by the suit, the warranty is extended to 4 years or 48,000 miles from the in-service date.
9. What does the four-month warranty extension cover?
The four-month extension covers repairs for EyeSight system issues for vehicles that were already out of their original warranty.
10. Can I still file a claim?
No, the deadline to file a claim was September 27, 2025.
11. What were the main defects claimed in the lawsuit?
The lawsuit alleged poor calibration of multiple control modules, including the ABS Control Module, which could cause sudden braking or failure to brake when needed.
12. Did the EyeSight system cause unexpected braking?
Yes, owners reported that the system sometimes braked unexpectedly without warning.
13. Did EyeSight fail to activate when it should?
Yes, the system also sometimes failed to engage in situations it was designed to handle.
14. Were there issues with the steering?
Some owners claimed the system could jerk the steering wheel unexpectedly.
15. What is Subaru’s EyeSight system?
EyeSight is Subaru’s suite of advanced driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise, lane departure warning, and pre-collision braking.
16. What features are included in EyeSight?
Features include adaptive cruise control, lane departure and sway warning, pre-collision braking, automatic emergency steering, and pre-collision throttle management.
17. Are all Subaru vehicles equipped with EyeSight?
In 2026, some version of EyeSight comes standard on every Subaru model.
18. Is EyeSight a replacement for attentive driving?
No, EyeSight is an assist system and cannot prevent all crashes. Drivers must remain attentive at all times.
19. How does NHTSA view driver-assist systems like EyeSight?
NHTSA says these systems can reduce crashes and save lives but emphasizes the importance of understanding how the technology works.
20. What is the settlement reimbursement for past repairs?
The settlement can cover up to 75% of certain out-of-pocket EyeSight repair costs.
21. Which model years are most impacted?
The lawsuit primarily involved Subaru vehicles from model years 2013 through 2024, depending on the model.
22. Does the settlement apply to all EyeSight issues?
The settlement covers specific defects related to the claims in the class-action lawsuit.
23. Why did Subaru extend the warranty?
The extension helps address customer concerns and provides additional coverage for affected vehicles.
24. Did Subaru acknowledge the defect?
The company agreed to the settlement but did not publicly admit liability.
25. Were there safety risks involved?
Yes, the alleged defects could result in sudden braking or steering issues, creating potential safety risks.
26. What is pre-collision throttle management?
It is a feature that reduces engine power if a potential collision is detected to help prevent or mitigate crashes.
27. How long did the lawsuit take?
The class-action process took several years, from the initial filing to the final settlement in late 2025.
28. Did all EyeSight-equipped Subarus have the issue?
Not all vehicles were affected. Only certain model years and configurations covered in the lawsuit experienced these defects.
29. What should owners do if they still have concerns?
Owners should contact Subaru or a qualified technician for inspection if they notice EyeSight system problems.
30. Are aftermarket repairs covered?
The settlement reimburses owners for certain out-of-pocket repairs, but coverage may depend on documentation and repair type.
31. Was there a recall issued?
While Subaru extended the warranty and reimbursed repairs, the settlement did not involve a standard recall for all affected vehicles.
32. What is adaptive cruise control?
A system that automatically adjusts the vehicle’s speed to maintain a safe following distance from traffic ahead.
33. What is lane departure warning?
A system that alerts the driver if the vehicle unintentionally drifts out of its lane.
34. What is pre-collision braking?
A safety feature that can apply the brakes automatically if a collision is imminent.
35. What is automatic emergency steering?
A feature that can help steer the vehicle to avoid a collision when braking alone may not be enough.
36. Did the lawsuit affect Subaru’s reputation?
The lawsuit brought attention to EyeSight issues, but Subaru continues to market EyeSight as a key safety feature.
37. Is EyeSight safer than traditional systems?
Yes, it provides additional driver assistance, but no system can completely prevent accidents.
38. Are future Subaru models affected?
No, the settlement only applies to the specific model years named in the lawsuit.
39. How can owners file a claim?
The filing deadline was September 27, 2025, so new claims are no longer accepted.
40. Can Subaru owners still get warranty coverage?
Yes, the standard and extended warranties still apply to current and future EyeSight-equipped vehicles.
41. Did this issue occur internationally?
The lawsuit specifically addressed Subaru vehicles in the United States.
42. Can the EyeSight system fail completely?
While rare, defects could cause system malfunctions, which is why attentive driving is crucial.
43. What documentation is needed for settlement reimbursement?
Owners typically need receipts or proof of repairs to claim reimbursement under the settlement.
44. How does EyeSight detect potential collisions?
EyeSight uses cameras and sensors to monitor the road and detect vehicles, pedestrians, and obstacles.
45. Are all Subaru models currently equipped with EyeSight?
Most models from recent years include EyeSight or an updated version as standard or optional equipment.
46. What is sway warning?
A feature that detects unintentional side-to-side movement of the vehicle and alerts the driver.
47. What is the purpose of the ABS control module?
The ABS module helps prevent wheel lockup during braking and is critical for vehicle stability.
48. Are the settlement funds already distributed?
Yes, the settlement became effective at the end of December 2025, and eligible owners should receive reimbursements shortly after.
49. Did Subaru provide any technical updates?
The company extended warranties and offered reimbursement for certain repairs but did not release a software update as part of the settlement.
50. Should drivers still rely on EyeSight?
Yes, but it should be used as an assist tool, not a replacement for attentive driving and safe practices.
51. Where can I find more information about the settlement?
Official information can be found on Subaru’s website and through the class-action settlement administrator.