Subaru Isn’t Limiting New Tech With Chip Shortage But There’s One They Should

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Subaru is not limiting one feature on its new models like the 2022 Forester because of the microchip shortage, but there’s one that they should. Check out what customers dislike here.

Some automakers like Cadillac are opting not to put new safety features on cars because the global microchip shortage is causing shortages. Consumer Reports says Cadillac has temporarily suspended its Super Cruise driver assistance system in new Escalade SUVs. Customers have asked us if Subaru will stop putting its EyeSight driver-assist system on the newly-refreshed 2022 Forester and other models.

Consumer Reports says manufacturers, including Jaguar, Land Rover, Mazda, Nissan, Subaru, and Toyota, say that "although the chip shortage is having an impact on overall vehicle production, they’re not limiting features as a way to deal with the problem.”

Subaru of America responded to CR and said the chip shortage will not affect the availability of its EyeSight safety technology on the new 2022 Forester, 2022 Outback, and other models.

Subaru of America told CR, “The chip shortage has impacted our overall vehicle production, but we have not reduced the availability of our advanced safety features, including the EyeSight driver-assist system, on any of our models.”

Subaru offers EyeSight as standard equipment on every trim level of the 2022 Forester, 2022 Outback, 2022 Ascent, and 2022 Legacy. The Japanese automaker offers EyeSight on most trim levels of Crosstrek, Impreza, WRX, and BRZ models. They also provide a new fuel-saving feature.

The fuel-saving feature called Auto Stop-Start is a new technology that customers wouldn’t mind if Subaru would withhold or suspend from its new models because of the microchip shortage.

Customers are not thrilled with Subaru’s Auto Stop-Start engine feature that automatically shuts off the engine every time the car stops at a stop sign or you wait at a traffic light. It’s designed to save fuel, but customers don’t like how it works.

The frequent starting and stopping of the engine are tiresome to some drivers, especially those who live in urban areas who commute in heavy stop-and-go traffic every day. Many Subaru Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, and Ascent owners say they don’t like the car stopping and starting because it shakes the car every time the engine starts back up.

There is a way to shut the Auto Stop-Start feature off. You can read the full report here and check out the video below.

Subaru of America has said they will not limit the availability of EyeSight or any other safety technology on new models like the 2022 Forester. But some automakers are temporarily suspending some high-tech features so they can get new cars on dealers’ lots.

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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Photo credit: Subaru USA

Submitted by NMK (not verified) on October 10, 2021 - 3:17AM

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Every company should make all that extra "safety" stuff optional. I personally dont use any of it. In my opinion it makes drivers more lazy, less responsible and just overall worse drivers. All that junk also adds at least $5k to the price of every car its on. You can keep it.

Submitted by Dorcus Maximus (not verified) on October 10, 2021 - 7:24AM

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I have a 2021 Outback. Turning off the auto-stop-start feature is extremely easy. Anyone complaining about it is just plain lazy. The title of this article is irresponsible baloney. Subaru shouldn't remove the feature. The title should be, "Some new Subaru owners are whiny and lazy."

Submitted by Charles Mansell (not verified) on October 10, 2021 - 7:53AM

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I would be fine keeping the auto start stop, it saves me an average of a 1/4 gallon per week, and it is easy to turn off. I would much rather permanently remove or disable the eyesight system on my Outback, it's to sensitive in many situations and I prefer to not rely on a computer instead of myself paying attention.

Submitted by Don Levin (not verified) on October 10, 2021 - 3:20PM

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Manufacturers receive a kickback from EPA for cars with Auto Start Stop. However, chip shortages caused some to choose between not making cars or production without kickbacks and they chose the latter. I wonder if these also have normal batteries and starters, reducing weight, increasing mileage and whether savings are passed to buyers? I Hate this “feature” and immediately turn it off every time I start my Crosstrek.

Submitted by Nick (not verified) on October 12, 2021 - 9:57AM

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I wish they would do away with eyesight and start stop. I hate driving driving my Subaru because of those two features. Let me repeat that, "I hate driving my Subaru."

Submitted by NMK (not verified) on October 12, 2021 - 1:15PM

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This is why subarus with manual transmissions are the best subarus. None of this eyesight or start stop nonsense can be paired to the manual.

Submitted by Hank (not verified) on December 11, 2021 - 11:47AM

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They had an update so the start stop is ALWAYS on the main screen, when you start it, you simply touch the button and it goes off. My preference would be to make it always off, but I think they need to comply with regulations?? The eye sight, hmm, this is the best feature, I get on the freeway and use it to tag the car in front of me at cruise control levels, best feature and I think should be on all cars.