Subaru Impreza adaptive cruise problems

Filed Aug 25, 2026 · Acceleration, Electrical · WI

The speedometer and the entire dashboard goes haywire when driving. It’s impossible to know what speed I’m going, no inspection yet. The cruise control light is on and won’t go off. I’m not sure if it’s on or not which is unfastened and could cause other issues. The check engine light goes on and off as well as the brake and ABS lights. There is no telling what could be wrong with those lights. It gets hard to brake when the brake light and the ABS light is on. Also the transmission gets stuck and I can’t reverse the car or put it in park unless I turn the car off with my foot on the brake and shift in to Park turn the car back on and now I’m able to reverse. That’s dangerous when trying to park on a busy road or parking lot.

Filed May 7, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · UT

2019 Subaru Impreza has experienced intermittent and now persistent failures involving the factory EyeSight driver assistance system. Prior to complete failure, the EyeSight system would randomly disable and re-enable while driving. Adaptive cruise control and related safety features became unreliable and would intermittently stop functioning. The issue worsened over time and eventually resulted in repeated “EyeSight Off” warnings and multiple system fault messages. Vehicle diagnostic scans showed repeated U1235 “Lost communication with EyeSight” faults across multiple modules, including ABS, steering, transmission, and instrument cluster systems. Additional communication and airbag indicator-related faults were also present. The windshield was recently replaced due to a crack located near the EyeSight camera area. Subaru service personnel stated that EyeSight systems are extremely sensitive to windshield specifications and calibration requirements, and that aftermarket windshields may prevent proper operation or calibration of the system. Subaru also indicated that EyeSight calibration equipment is highly specialized and expensive, and that repair costs may not be practical relative to the vehicle value. Despite attempts to reset the vehicle systems and inspect the issue, the EyeSight system continues to malfunction and remains disabled. Because EyeSight controls important driver assistance and collision-avoidance features including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking, this issue creates significant safety concerns. The intermittent nature of the failure, repeated communication faults, and inability to reliably restore system operation raise concerns regarding the long-term reliability and serviceability of Subaru EyeSight systems.

Filed Apr 5, 2026 · Engine · VA

Vehicle Production Date: January 2014 Related Recall: Subaru WTM-73 / the federal safety agency ID 16V738 (revised July 11, 2017 as WTM-73R) Recall Coverage Production End Date: September 13, 2013 Mileage at First Incident (March 2024): 79,268 Mileage at Second Incident (February 2026): 92,325 The secondary air pump failed in March 2024 (79,268 miles) and again in February 2026 (92,325 miles) just 13,057 miles later. The February 24, 2026 failure produced smoke while parked among other vehicles and trees. A tow truck operator disconnected the pump to prevent a potential fire. Dealer did not replace relay alongside the pump, inconsistent with WTM-73 as revised by WTM-73R (July 11, 2017). The relay subsequently failed, requiring a separate visit. Components are unavailable for inspection. The problems were confirmed and repaired by an authorized Subaru dealership in Sterling, VA. Service records document both failures. For the February 2026 repair, the dealership mistakenly concluded the repair was under warranty and completed it as such - then later tried to backtrack and make me pay. The March 2026 return visit confirmed blown fuses and a failed relay due to incomplete initial repair, which the dealership also made me pay, but later reimbursed me after I referenced the revised recall notice. March 4, 2024: P2444 diagnostic code and a hissing noise. Repair costs not reimbursed as the recall does not cover my vehicle's production date. February 13, 2026: a hissing noise was recorded February 14, 2026. Check Engine light; additional lights may have been present but cannot be confirmed with certainty, distracted by urgency of the situation. March 3, 2026: multiple warning lights illuminated within 2.3 miles after leaving dealership from having air pump repair: Check Engine, Sport Drive, and Cruise Control Recall WTM-73R covers vehicles through September 13, 2013, mine indicates January 2024. I request the federal safety agency extend coverage to vehicles produced through at least January 2014.

Filed Feb 22, 2026 · Acceleration, Airbags · WV

car just locking on its own as you're driving down the road cruise control light blinking on and off randomly had a brake light gets stuck when I got home and got other vehicle the other night it took you forever to get that off but I have received takata airbag recall notice do not drive and no one can be in the passenger seat also definitely progressed as time went on these unusual symptoms mostly computerized but have a hard time believing they're not related to the airbag recall yes it's available for inspection that's what I tried to do at not closest authorized dealership but they would not budge really on anything at all wouldn't have towed it then tow back wouldn't come pick it up exchange me a car then I would have means of transportation to pick it back up that makes the most sense but I can drive it is what they're telling me but there can be no passengers in the car they want me to bring it down there bottom line but it's nothing like the complimentary round trip towing or other transportation alternatives are available that is advertised on the do not drive paper I got in the mail and its not worth my time arguing with them I had an appointment scheduled on the 17th at 8:30 but that was me driving it down there maybe getting a loaner vehicle while I was there but there just didn't seem like there was no certainty on that but something's got to be straightened out here I can't have my children riding in this car or my wife she's pregnant and my grandmother has got to get to dialysis this week and here I'm stuck I'm trying to get this dealership to reason with me we never come to an appointment to be rescheduled because they don't want to work with me at all drive down there wait and bring it back is it should I contact another dealership right now I'm driving it sparingly to get groceries in a few things by myself but the more I looked into the situation and the bizarre computer errors any more details you need contact me sorry for the grammar errors

Filed Jan 11, 2025 · Driver assistance, Electrical · TX

Three engine check lights due to rodent damage within two weeks, even when I first bought the car in South Florida it had damage due to rodents and that when I first found out they use soy for the wires, I had thought the dealership I got it from had replaced it all but no. Fast forward 2-3 years later in a different state I had gotten the first engine check light and thought it was due to bad repairs from the place I bought it from, I had thought after the first repair they got rid of the soy wiring since it was expensive but then I happened a second time 140 miles after I fixed the first one. It was then on that I realized these were recent damage and not old so I decided to buy some things to deter rodents since it’s cold now. And now comes to the third time it gets damaged after snowing and melting a little. I haven’t even driven more than 10 miles and I already have to spend more on repairs. I might even have to get rid of the car altogether if this keeps happening. This damage means cruise control is off due to the car now being in a safe mode and also it cannot tell how hot or cold it is so overall running of the car is gonna be worse off. I’ve put noise/ light devices in the engine bay and also mint pouches made to deter mice and such and still had issues

Filed Jan 1, 2025 · Driver assistance · TN

While driving a multi lane road with traffic going same direction in front of me, if one or more cars begin to slow for a left or right turn, the auto braking feature begins to slow and will try to stop my car. Problem is that the car in front of me turning isn't in my lane. I have a clear lane ahead and suddenly the system brakes. still locked onto the car in front, but doesn't recognize the clear road ahead and I can easily pass it on by. I've nearly been re ended because the guy behind me wasn't thinking I would suddenly brake for nothing. It happened with adaptive cruise control, and with that off, the auto braking system, or "accident avoidance" system. I have have more near misses driving this car than with any other car I've had without the system. This system is dangerous, it doesn't work like it was intended.

Filed Feb 21, 2024 · Acceleration, Transmission · KY

Since new, maybe once a month, Cruise control idiot light comes on and flashes until car is turned off. usually no bother but one day it started braking without me and I bought the DUMB base model!!! before extended warranty expires, this august, hopefully dealer will replace wheel speed sensors on rear wheels. not sure if this will fix problem. I have asked them to check this six or seven times now. they tell me warranty may not cover it unless code is stored? hopefully they will stand behind product and fix it anyway. 2017 Impreza with 33000 miles and have done ALL recalls and maintenance!

Filed Jul 27, 2022 · Transmission · WI

My transmission completely locked up on me while driving at interstate speeds. I was traveling at 65 MPH with the car in regular driving mode, on cruise control and the transmission completely locked up on me. The front tires locked briefly, causing me to go into a small skid, which I was able to correct, and then the engine revved high and I had no power. This lockup and skid caused a rapid deceleration of the vehicle and had there been lots of traffic around me it would have caused a major accident on the interstate, possibly causing fatalities. My transmission completely locked up once I went through the nearest intersection to get to a side road. This left me stranded in the middle of a major highway intersection with no ability to physically push my vehicle out of the way. The vehicle behind me just about rear-ended me. This has been a major issue with these transmissions and a major safety issue. These transmissions should be put on a recall since this is a major safety issue. The extended warranty that Subaru has put out only waits for a problem to occur, this does not save lives but only puts them in danger. They should be FORCED to do a recall. No warning lights illuminated on the dash prior to the transmission locking up. The vehicle has been inspected by a certified mechanic and has diagnosed that it is an issue with the transmission itself and no other component on the vehicle. This issue of the CVT transmission is well documented.

Filed Jun 20, 2022 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · LA

I was using the adaptive cruise control on the highway set to 55 mph. The car suddenly decelerated to ~44 mph so quickly I had whiplash. There was no other vehicle in front of me and the highway was clear of debris. The dealership said this could be caused by a glare.

Filed Nov 11, 2021 · NY · fire

I was driving on a three-lane parkway commuting to work, and the weather was clear. I was the only person in the vehicle. I left just after 7:40AM I had been driving for about 40 minutes. I had the cruise control ready to be set as I had turned it on briefly earlier in the drive, but it was not turned on at the time. When the cruise control button is pushed and "ready," lane keeping assistance turns on. The dashboard suddenly alerted saying the "Eyesight Driver Assist" was not working. Seconds later it said "check owner's manual" and then "check engine." Within a few seconds, the car began decelerating quickly. I got over to the right lane, turned on my hazard lights, and then pulled off on the shoulder where the car came to a full stop. I turned the car off and could see smoke coming from under the hood of the car. Within about 10 or 20 seconds, I climbed over the center console and out of the passenger door on the right and began backing quickly away from the car while watching it. The car then started on fire under the hood, and I called 911 immediately. My call to 911 was at 8:26AM. This whole incident--from driving to the start of the fire--occurred within about 1 minute or at most 2 minutes total. The car is a 2022 Subaru Impreza and was brand new. It had no prior issues or maintenance completed on the vehicle and no maintenance was due. I had the car for less than two months, and it had just over 1000 miles on it. I had never seen any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms on the car before. I had driven the car home from work the previous day and got home around 7:00PM. This was the first time I had seen any of the warning signs on the dashboard indicated above. The police department arrived within a few minutes and then the fire department arrived a few minutes after that. The fire spread to the entire vehicle and it was towed. The insurance company (GEICO) and Subaru indicated they will be investigating and inspecting the vehicle.