Subaru Legacy backup camera problems

Filed Jun 8, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · PA

The factory touchscreen infotainment system is experiencing severe screen delamination (internal adhesive failure). This defect causes uncontrollable 'ghost touching,' where the screen registers phantom inputs. The system cycles through radio stations, changes audio sources, and changes navigation without driver input, causing an extreme, sudden driver distraction. Furthermore, the system frequently freezes and crashes, which completely disables the backup camera display. This prevents a clear view behind the vehicle and creates a severe safety hazard for pedestrians. The dealer confirmed the issue. Contacted Subaru of America and they are unwilling to assist at all with fixing the issue, leaving the customer to pay full price to replace the screen. Does not seem like a fair business practice.

Filed Jun 8, 2026 · NJ

The car 2018 Subaru Legacy 2018, has touch screen delamination on thecentral information/ entertainment screen, which leads to screen freezing, unresponsiveness, and erratic "phantom" inputs. These malfunctions disable vital safety features, like backup cameras, etc.. Subaru has settled claims on this issue, for this vehicle/model, but I do not believe there is an official recall, even though there is obviously a safety issue.

Filed Apr 24, 2026 · Electrical · IA

All electronic instrument panels failed to power on upon ignition. Vehicle was drive-able, but all key information provided by instrument panel was not available: such as actual speed, gear selection, engine RPMs, backup cameras. Additionally, infotainment system was not available either, so none of vehicle controls that reside on the displays were available. This condition persisted thru the length of drive.

Filed Oct 7, 2025 · Visibility · CA

I have been going back and forth with Subaru of America's Advocacy department for about two weeks now, I purchased my 2018 Subaru legacy back in August of 2023. My head unit in my vehicle has now completely stopped working, I have explained that now my back up camera is now freezing and going black and that it poses a safety risk, but they are not helping me, all they keep telling me was the extended warranty for that specific issue expired in July of 2023. when I checked Subaru's recall website, they have completed out that recall in July of 2025, I have never taken my car in for this issue, I was also never aware of this recall. I have all emails going back and forth with the advocacy department. the recall was for "FMVSS 111" per Subaru advocacy dept. my car has a total of two recalls that have been completed out but it shows they were completed out July 26, 2025, I have had possession of this vehicle since 2023 and was never made aware of any open recalls so I never have taken my car into get anything corrected. this vehicle's star link system is still linked to the previous owner because I can't get it to be linked to me yet.

Filed Aug 15, 2025 · Driver assistance · PA

The infotainment head unit system and screen with the backup camera is completely malfunctioning. There have been instances where the screen glitches out while backing up and I have almost been in a collision. The head unit makes constant random noises, and screen pop ups that cannot be turned off. This makes for highly distracted and unsafe driving as it makes it quite difficult for the car user to maintain sole focus and attention to the roadways and driving. The extreme glitchiness and phantom touches/noises are just as a distraction and safety concern as driving while using a cellphone which is against the law. The infotainment unit should be fully recalled, not just have a warranty extension. The Subaru dealership has inspected the head unit and declared the failure that was part of a now expired warranty extension. The failures came without warning; however the glitches have gotten more frequent and worse over time.

Filed Aug 12, 2025 · Driver assistance · NY

Aug 2025: 2018 Subaru Legacy, 55,500 miles. ISSUE: Rearview camera froze with high-pitch sound for about 10-seconds, then shut off, while in Reverse. I was not aware immediately of this. Did not hit the cars behind me but definitely could have. Unknown if reverse lights affected. Based on online searches, rearview cameras not working is criteria for a recall. BACKGROUND: My main screen is affected by Subaru Screen Delamination (can't use touch at all). My exact model got an extended warranty, but I was not aware of this extension until after it passed. Subaru of America and dealers refused to service it unless I paid full price out-of-pocket. Fast-forward to now, reverse camera being affected. I also see mention online of emergency broadcast radio being blocked, since it does not stay on one channel, due to screen issues. I do not recommend Subaru (not the only issue I've had on a once new vehicle).

Filed May 1, 2025 · Driver assistance · MD

Back up camera freezes or doesn't work when backing up- almost caused a accident!

Filed Feb 20, 2025 · DE

Starlink infotainment system (audio headunit),(defective)...freezing, malfunction, screen black out at any time...black out while in motion (reverse) using back up camera. Intermitting beeping sound though cars speakers while driving...major distraction...unsafe!.... Finding was within a august.2019 class action lawsuit or so (recall) : federal motor vehicle safety standard (111).I also have (documented) recent proof from winner subaru of dover delaware.. Which confirmed the (exact) same facts.... Contact:rep...name:(brook).I reached out to subaru america advocate.... Camden new jersey... Contact name: (niko)...#800‑782‑2783 ext#119027....case# [xxx]...I was offered $750 good will payment...for a used headunit... Thought winner subaru of dover delaware...a new headunit replacement they quoted $2,500.00....they want give me the $750 and make me pay $759 for labor....for the (fact) that they have know for years that the starlink infotainment system is (defect)...and has paid out 6.25 million dollars.. In reference to it! I only own this car 3 months 7 days....also... Winner subaru dover delaware...informed me that the car had aftermarket sway bar links... Though carfax...and research I was able call colonial volkswagen subaru... Feasterville trevose pa on 1/08/2024 ....was the dealership that had put them on.it was supposed to had been original subaru part not aftermarket...I told brook of winner subaru ..that's what I found out do to speaking to a service... Supervisor...that stated and confirmed the work was done there.I also reached out to subaru america..in reference to this...to no response....this both as a whole is unsafe practice and bad business....I should not have to pay for labor fees of sort...for what know and have know for a fact for years...and still going on till today. Im a hard working american consumer...that both this car 13 weeks ago...to be driving around with (distracting) safety issue. My cell# [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6

Filed Dec 19, 2024 · Driver assistance · MI

Main infotainment display delamination, this causes a safety concerns, as the screen can become irresponsive, and even black out during reverse making the backup camera, nonfunctioning. The other safety issue at risk is that because of the delamination it causes "ghost-clicking" on the screen, and makes the screen irresponsive, veering the drivers attention away from the road, potentially causing accidents as the main display controls all radio and bluetooth, and navigation. There are no indication or warnings from the manufacturer that the vehicle could be a risk to drive. When I called Subaru of America, I was told by the agent that they could not assist, when I brought up, based on my research this was a known issue, Subaru of America offered to pay $600 towards the replacement of the head unit. The head unit dependant on the dealer and labor time can vary from $1400-2200 for the repair.

Filed Nov 3, 2024 · Airbags, Driver assistance · CT

ODS sensor recall still not fixed/remedy available, used heat for first time since i purchased the car, minor cracks in the windshield, car radio/monitors randomly go black, reverse camera won’t work, restarts on there own after a while