Blind Spot Monitor: A Standard Feature In Modern Subaru Models

Subaru added blind-spot monitoring to its suite of safety technologies as early as 2015, with the feature available as an option on some models in that year. By 2016, the feature was standard on Limited trims of the Outback and Legacy models, while it was also available as an option on Premium trims. In 2019, the Subaru Forester included blind-spot detection as an available feature.

Blind spot detection was an optional feature for the 2016 Subaru Outback and Legacy models

The EyeSight system uses cameras to provide these safety features, and in 2016, Subaru expanded it to include Lane Keep Assist. This feature detects when the vehicle deviates from its lane at speeds above 40 mph, providing steering assistance to guide the car back into its lane. The system also alerts the driver with audible and visual warnings.

The addition of blind-spot detection to the EyeSight system enhances the safety of the 2016 Subaru Outback and Legacy models, providing drivers with an extra layer of awareness and assistance on the road. This feature is particularly useful when changing lanes, as it helps to identify vehicles in the blind spot that the driver might not otherwise see.

It is worth noting that blind-spot detection was not available on all Subaru models in 2016. For example, some owners of the 2015 and 2016 Subaru Forester models have expressed interest in adding blind-spot detection to their vehicles. However, it appears that a full system upgrade, including new sensors, mirrors, and electronic components, would be required to retrofit blind-spot detection on these models.

The 2017 Subaru Forester included blind spot detection

The system employs sensors, including radar and cameras, often positioned on the mirrors and/or rear bumper, to constantly monitor adjacent lanes and nearby objects relative to the driver's designated blind spot zone. When another vehicle enters this area, the sensors detect it and trigger an alert, typically a blinking light on the corresponding side mirror, sometimes accompanied by a beeping or clicking noise. This alerts the driver to use added caution when shifting lanes or merging.

In most Subaru models equipped with blind spot detection, the warning light is located on the inner rim of each side mirror. The system engages automatically and does not require any action from the driver. However, if needed, the driver can disable the system by toggling a switch located in the dash area and/or on the infotainment screen.

The 2017 Subaru Forester's inclusion of blind spot detection as part of its EyeSight suite of safety technologies demonstrates Subaru's commitment to enhancing driver safety and providing advanced awareness features to assist drivers on the road.

Subaru EyeSight is a suite of safety technologies that can be added to certain models

The EyeSight system uses dual-colour cameras, mounted behind the windshield and facing forward on either side of the rearview mirror, to monitor the road and traffic conditions. It acts as an extra pair of eyes, warning the driver of approaching obstacles and even applying the brakes if the driver does not react in time. This is known as Pre-Collision Braking, which is always on in the background, acting as a "second set of eyes" for the driver.

The system also includes Adaptive Cruise Control, which helps maintain a safe distance from the car in front and can even help centre the vehicle in its lane. Lane Keep Assist detects when the vehicle is drifting from its lane and applies steering assistance to correct this, accompanied by audible and visual alerts.

Other features of EyeSight include Lane Departure Warning, which alerts the driver if the vehicle begins to wander outside the intended lane without a turn signal being used, and Lane Change Assist, which provides an enhanced alert if there is a vehicle approaching in the neighbouring lane when the indicator is on.

For added peace of mind, EyeSight also offers a DriverFocus system, which uses facial recognition technology to identify if the driver is drowsy or distracted and gently reminds them to focus on the road or take a break.

Blind spot detection was not available for the 2015 Forester

Subaru added blind spot detection to its suite of safety technologies for the 2016 Outback and Legacy models. The 2016 Subaru Outback and Legacy were rated 'Top Safety Pick+' by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), including a top 'advanced' score for models with EyeSight in the front crash prevention category.

The Subaru EyeSight system gives drivers an extra pair of eyes on the road and an extra foot on the brake pedal. It warns of approaching obstacles with forward collision warning and even has pre-collision braking if the driver doesn't react in time. It also adds adaptive cruise control, which helps the driver keep pace with the car ahead.

Blind Spot Detection in modern Subaru vehicles is packaged together with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. The system uses radar and a series of carefully placed sensors on and around the vehicle to make driving safer and offer greater peace of mind. The sensors constantly monitor adjacent lanes and nearby objects relative to a driver's designated blind spot zone. When another vehicle enters this area, the sensors detect it and trigger an alert—typically a blinking light on the corresponding side mirror, sometimes accompanied by a beeping or clicking noise. This lets the driver know they should use added caution when shifting lanes or merging.

Subaru does not offer a blind spot detection system for the Forester as an aftermarket solution

Blind Spot Detection is a safety feature that provides drivers with support in areas where they need it most: in their blind spots. This feature, common in many modern cars, uses radar and a series of sensors on and around a vehicle to make driving safer and offer greater peace of mind.

Subaru offers this feature, known as Subaru Blind Spot Detection, in many of its models. The system automatically engages, employing a set of sensors, including radar and cameras, often positioned on the mirrors and/or rear bumper. When another vehicle enters the driver's blind spot, the sensors detect it and trigger an alert, such as a blinking light on the corresponding side mirror, sometimes accompanied by a beeping noise.

While Subaru offers Blind Spot Detection as a standard or optional feature in many of its models, it does not offer this feature as an aftermarket solution for the Forester. Some owners of older Forester models without this feature have expressed interest in adding it, but it appears that Subaru does not provide a way to do so.

One owner of a 2015 Forester without Blind Spot Detection inquired about adding the feature, but a fellow owner informed them that Subaru does not offer a blind spot detection system for the Forester as an aftermarket solution. While some third-party options may exist, these are likely to be expensive and may not work as well as an integrated system.

Another owner of a 2016 Forester without Blind Spot Detection also inquired about adding the feature after the 2017 model was released with it. However, they were informed that it would not be a simple upgrade and would require a lot of new parts and labour, making it much more cost-effective to buy a newer model with the feature.

Therefore, while Blind Spot Detection is an important safety feature that enhances overall safety and driver reassurance, those seeking to add it to their Forester after the initial purchase will not be able to do so through Subaru directly and may face challenges and high costs if they pursue third-party options.

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