2017 Subaru Forester Driver Assist & ADAS Problems

My 2017 Subaru Forester Touring (VIN: [XXX] , 118,200 mi) has a recurring EyeSight failure where the system becomes disabled and will not complete camera registration or calibration. Subaru of Sterling (VA) diagnosed active code B28A0 “Vehicle Model Judgment” and noted that the EyeSight stereo camera would not accept vehicle model registration. The technician documented: “Error for camera adjustment incomplete. When attempting to relearn UI for Eyesight camera, system is not taking vehicle registration; suggests camera replacement and perform recalibration.” This occurred after a confirmed DCM/STARLINK parasitic draw had caused repeated low‑voltage conditions until the dealer reset the DCM to factory mode (per the RO: “No further draw present at this time”), suggesting EyeSight registration may have failed due to prior voltage instability rather than true hardware failure. Subaru's service flow for B28A0 indicates this code can occur when the model write/registration is incomplete, interrupted, or mismatched—not necessarily when a camera has failed. Subaru lists causes such as: CAN communication issues, incorrect model registration, incomplete write due to ignition timing, or power/fuse issues during aiming (EyeSight diagnostic manuals). I am reporting this to NHTSA because EyeSight is a safety-critical system that governs adaptive cruise, lane keep assist, and pre-collision braking. My dealer is recommending camera replacement without documenting that Subaru’s required pre‑replacement steps (model registration inspection, CAN/LAN re-scan, voltage and fuse verification, genuine-part verification, etc.) have been completed. I request ODI review because EyeSight should not fail to register unless hardware is defective or a procedural/voltage issue exists. I want this documented in case this represents a broader pattern of EyeSight registration/calibration failures on Forester models using the same stereo camera platform. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

We have a 2017 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium with Eyesight with 58,582 miles. During the first week in June, 2022 the Eyesight System failed and displayed an error message that stated to “See Owner’s Manual “. The Owner’s Manual stated ”take the vehicle to Subaru dealer for servicing” which we did on June 9, 2022. The Subaru servicing dealer’s statement from the diagnostic invoice states “Checked for codes in all systems found code B2809 VDC Malfunction in Eyesight module. Checked code in VDC module found C1742 wheel cylinder pressure sensor ran test for code lead to needing VDC module replaced “. Subaru parts stated to the dealership that the part would not be available until July 30, 2022 when that date came I was notified that part would not be available until Aug. 8, 2022. I was notified again on Aug. 9, 2022 of another delay only this time indefinite as to when it may be available. Without the Eyesight System the following safety functions that I am aware of do not work 1) Adaptive cruise control, 2) Emergency front braking, 3) Lane departure and Lane keeping assistance, 4) Forward collision warning, and there may be other safety features that are connected to this system that I am not aware of.

PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED (SINCE I'D NOT DRIVEN QUICKLY THROUGH THE PARKING LOT - TOO MANY BACKING UP TOO QUICKLY!). SUDDEN ACCELERATION AND RAMMED INTO BRICK WALL OF THE BUILDING. MY FOOT MUST OF SLIPPED, BUT IT WAS FAST. NO COLLISION DETERRENTS ACTIVATED AT ALL, WHICH WAS STRANGE SINCE THIS CAR WILL STOP FOR AN OBSTACLE 1/2 A BLOCK AHEAD IN LOW LIGHT. NO BUZZING, BEEPING, WARNING, OR STOPPING. WAS ABLE TO SLAM MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, BUT STILL HIT THE WALL. NO AIR BAGS ACTIVATED.