Lawsuit Investigation: Automatic Braking Problems with Subaru EyeSight

Attorneys working with ClassAction.org are investigating whether a defect is causing the automatic braking system in certain Subaru vehicles to malfunction.

Drivers have complained that the pre-collision breaking feature, which is part of Subaru’s EyeSight system, is engaging at random, including in instances when there are no obstacles in the road. Because of the safety risk this presents, attorneys are looking into whether a class action lawsuit can be filed to help find a fix for the issue.

Which Subaru Vehicles Are Under Investigation?

What Problems Have Been Associated with EyeSight’s Pre-Collision Braking Feature?

Complaints have surfaced that the pre-collision braking feature is detecting obstacles that don’t exist and will unexpectedly and automatically trigger the car’s brakes. This can cause the vehicle to slow down or stop abruptly in the middle of traffic, increasing the driver’s risk of a rear-end collision.

Subaru Drivers Complain of Abrupt Stops, Near Accidents

The following is a sample of complaints posted online by or on behalf of Subaru drivers who had issues with EyeSight’s pre-collision braking feature [sic throughout, emphasis ours]:

Wife was driving to work was at a red light, when it turned green she proceeded through and the car came to an abrupt stop in the middle of the intersection, there were no cars in any direction. She then went down the road about 1/4 mile and the pre-collision braking activated again going 25-30mph, no car in front or any objects. She then pulled over and turned off the pre-collision braking to keep it from happening again. There was no traffic in front of or behind her and both times she was accelerating. She is too scared to drive it now and is wanting to get a different Outback without eyesight.”
— 2015 Outback, mlillypad194, SubaruOutback.org

While driving approx 60-65 mph in the fast lane of I-24 interstate with driver's foot on the gas pedal, all lights on the dash board suddenly came on and the Subaru went into automatic braking system, causing the front to go into a nose dive, and the brakes stayed locked. An accident incurred and the Subaru as well as a vehicle behind were totaled.” 
— 2015 Legacy, Lookout Mountain, TN, CarComplaints.com

The contact stated on three occasions while driving 25-35 mph, the automatic collision braking system engaged when there was no object present. The contact mentioned it happened while approaching a curve. Additionally, the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard however, after pumping the brake pedal the brakes worked as designed. The automatic collision warning indicator warning light was illuminated.”
— 2017 Outback, Murray, KY, NHTSA ID 11349311  

We have a 2019 Subaru Forester, problems have been with the eyesight slamming on the brakes for no reason, and turning on and off at random times. The major issue has been the slammed on brakes when the road ahead was clear, jarring me and passengers, my wife literally had whiplash and a headache from the extreme, unexpected braking.” 
— 2019 Subaru Forester, Willoughby Hills, OH, CarComplaints.com

On curvy mountainous roads at or below posted speeds, the eyesight system brakes engage dangerously (e.g., traffic) and unexpectedly. The eyesight system is incorrectly sensing hillsides as hazards. The eyesight alarm is similarly triggered on street intersections.”
— 2017 Subaru Outback, San Diego, CA, NHTSA ID 11395802

How a Class Action Lawsuit Can Help

If a class action lawsuit can be filed, drivers may have the chance to get back the money they spent repairing and replacing components in their EyeSight systems. Furthermore, a successful case could force Subaru to come up with a fix for any automatic braking problems and offer it to drivers free of charge.

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