You can turn off EyeSight through your vehicle settings, though the system will re-enable itself each time you restart the car
Subaru EyeSight is a driver-information system that uses cameras to monitor the road ahead and can automatically brake, adjust your speed, or alert you if you drift out of your lane. If you want to disable it, you access the settings through your dashboard display — usually by pressing the "Menu" button on your steering wheel, navigating to "Vehicle Settings" or "Safety Settings," and toggling EyeSight off. The exact menu path varies slightly by model year and trim level.
The important thing to know upfront: turning off EyeSight is temporary. Every time you turn your car off and back on, the system resets to whatever your default setting is. If you have disabled it, you will need to disable it again at your next drive. There is no permanent "off" switch that persists across restarts.
Some drivers disable EyeSight because it interferes with their driving style, triggers false alerts, or they straightforward prefer not to use it. Others find the alerts distracting or the automatic braking too aggressive. Understanding why you want it off — and what happens when it is off — helps you decide whether disabling it is the right move for your situation.
Key Takeaways
- EyeSight turns off through your vehicle's dashboard menu under Safety or Vehicle Settings, but resets to on each time you restart the car.
- The system can be disabled if it triggers false alerts, interferes with your driving, or you straightforward prefer to drive without it active.
- When EyeSight is off, you lose automatic emergency braking and lane-drift warnings, so you are responsible for all braking and steering corrections.
- Some drivers find that dirty or obstructed cameras cause false alerts; cleaning the camera lenses may solve the problem without disabling the whole system.
- If EyeSight malfunctions or you see a warning light, a Subaru dealer can diagnose whether the issue is a camera problem, software glitch, or sensor misalignment.
Why drivers disable EyeSight
The most common reason is false alerts. If your EyeSight camera is dirty, partially obstructed, or misaligned, the system may brake suddenly when there is no obstacle, or warn you about lane drift when you are actually centered. Drivers in heavy rain, snow, or fog sometimes find that EyeSight becomes oversensitive and disables it temporarily to reduce distractions.
Some drivers disable it because the automatic braking feels too aggressive or unpredictable. If you are used to controlling your own braking, an unexpected automatic stop can feel jarring or unsafe. Others find the lane-drift warnings annoying if they drive in a way the system interprets as drifting — for example, if you make small steering adjustments or drive on roads with faded lane markings.
A smaller group disables EyeSight because they distrust driver-information systems in general, or because they are testing how their car drives without it. There is no penalty for turning it off, and it is entirely your choice whether to use it.
What happens when EyeSight is disabled
When EyeSight is off, you lose two main functions: automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control with pre-collision warning. You also lose lane-drift alerts and lane-keep information if your model includes those features. You are now responsible for all braking, steering, and speed control — the same as driving any car without driver information.
This is important if you rely on EyeSight as a safety net. If you have disabled it because of false alerts, understand that you have also disabled the legitimate safety features. If you are testing it out, keep in mind that you are driving without that layer of protection.
Your insurance company does not penalize you for disabling EyeSight, and it does not void your warranty. Subaru builds these systems as optional features, and you are free to use them or not.
Troubleshooting before you disable it
Before you turn off EyeSight entirely, it is worth checking whether the problem is the system itself or something fixable. The most common culprit is a dirty camera. The EyeSight cameras are mounted behind the windshield near the rearview mirror. If they are covered with dust, condensation, or road grime, they will misread the road and trigger false alerts.
Clean the inside of your windshield in that area with a soft, lint-free cloth. If you see condensation inside the windshield, park in a warm, dry place for a while to let it evaporate. If the cameras are visibly dirty on the outside (which is rare), you can gently wipe the windshield from outside, but do not press hard or use abrasive materials.
If cleaning does not help, the next step is to check whether the system is calibrated correctly. Camera misalignment can happen after a collision, windshield replacement, or even a hard bump. A Subaru dealer can recalibrate the cameras in about an hour. This is often cheaper and faster than learning to live with false alerts.
When to see a dealer about EyeSight problems
If you see a warning light on your dashboard that says "EyeSight System Malfunction" or "Camera Blocked," that is a signal to have it checked. The light means the system has detected a problem and has disabled itself automatically — you do not need to turn it off manually.
Common reasons for a malfunction light include a dirty camera, a misaligned camera after windshield work, a software update that needs to be installed, or a hardware failure. A dealer can run a diagnostic scan to pinpoint the cause. In most cases, the fix is straightforward: a cleaning, a recalibration, or a software update. Actual hardware failure is rare.
If you are still under warranty, any EyeSight repair should be covered. If your warranty has expired, ask the dealer for an estimate before they start work. Camera recalibration typically costs between $100 and $200, depending on the dealer and your location.
How to re-enable EyeSight if you change your mind
If you have disabled EyeSight and want to turn it back on, follow the same path: press Menu on your steering wheel, navigate to Vehicle Settings or Safety Settings, and toggle EyeSight back on. It will stay on until you disable it again or until you restart the car (if you had disabled it before the restart).
Some drivers use a hybrid approach: they disable EyeSight in certain conditions (heavy rain, city driving, parking lots) and re-enable it for highway driving. Since the system resets each time you restart, you can turn it on or off as your situation changes.
EyeSight and your driving habits
If you find yourself disabling EyeSight frequently, it is worth thinking about why. If it is false alerts caused by a dirty camera or misalignment, fixing that solves the problem. If it is the driving style — for example, the system brakes too hard or warns too often — you may be able to adjust to it over time, or you may straightforward prefer to drive without it.
Neither choice is wrong. EyeSight is a tool, and like any tool, it works better for some people than others. The fact that you can turn it off means Subaru built it as an option, not a requirement. If disabling it makes you a more confident, comfortable driver, that is a valid reason to keep it off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does disabling EyeSight affect my warranty or insurance?
No. Disabling EyeSight does not void your warranty or affect your insurance rates. Subaru designed the system as an optional feature, and you are free to use it or disable it without penalty.
Will EyeSight stay off if I turn off the car?
No. EyeSight resets to its default setting every time you restart the vehicle. If you disabled it before turning off the car, you will need to disable it again the next time you drive. There is no permanent off switch.
What should I do if I see an EyeSight malfunction warning light?
The warning light means the system has detected a problem and disabled itself automatically. Common causes are a dirty camera, misalignment, or a software update. Visit a Subaru dealer for a diagnostic scan. Most fixes are straightforward and inexpensive.
Can a dirty windshield cause EyeSight to malfunction?
Yes. If the area around the cameras (near the rearview mirror on the inside of the windshield) is dirty or fogged, EyeSight may trigger false alerts or disable itself. Clean that area with a soft cloth and see if the problem goes away.
Is it safe to drive without EyeSight?
Yes. Millions of cars on the road do not have driver-information systems. When EyeSight is off, you are responsible for all braking and steering, just like any standard vehicle. You lose the automatic emergency braking feature, so stay alert and maintain safe following distances.