Subaru Solterra 2023-2026 Owner's Manual: BSM (Blind Spot Monitor)

In the Subaru Solterra, the Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) is an advanced safety feature that utilizes rear side radar sensors positioned behind the left and right sides of the rear bumper to assist the driver in detecting vehicles located in areas that are difficult to see using mirrors alone.

WARNING

■ Cautions regarding the use of the system

• The driver of the Subaru Solterra is always responsible for safe operation of the vehicle. Maintain full awareness of surrounding traffic conditions at all times.
• The Subaru Solterra Blind Spot Monitor serves only as a supplemental aid, notifying the driver when a vehicle is present in a blind spot or rapidly approaching from behind.

  It does not determine whether it is safe to change lanes. Over-reliance on this system may result in dangerous situations, so visual confirmation by the driver is always required.

System components

1. Meter control switches

Used to activate or deactivate the Blind Spot Monitor system in the Subaru Solterra.

2. Outside rear view mirror indicators

When a vehicle is detected within the blind spot or rapidly approaching the Subaru Solterra from behind, the indicator on the corresponding side mirror will illuminate.

If the driver activates the turn signal toward the side where a vehicle is detected, the mirror indicator will flash and an audible alert will sound to provide an additional warning.

3. Driving assist information indicator

This indicator illuminates when the Subaru Solterra Blind Spot Monitor is turned off, accompanied by a notification on the multi-information display.

■ Outside rear view mirror indicator visibility

Under strong sunlight or bright lighting conditions, the mirror indicators on the Subaru Solterra may be less visible to the driver.

■ Buzzer

If the audio system volume is high or external noise levels are elevated, the Subaru Solterra warning buzzer may be difficult to hear.

■ Customization

Certain Subaru Solterra Blind Spot Monitor settings can be adjusted through the vehicle’s customization menu to match driver preferences.

WARNING

■ To ensure the system can operate properly

The Blind Spot Monitor sensors in the Subaru Solterra are located behind the rear bumper on both sides. Proper maintenance of these areas is essential for accurate operation.

Follow these guidelines to maintain system performance:

• Keep the sensor areas and surrounding surfaces of the Subaru Solterra rear bumper clean at all times.

  If dirt, snow, or debris accumulates, the system may not function correctly and a warning message may appear.

  If this occurs, clean the affected areas and drive the Subaru Solterra under normal operating conditions for approximately 10 minutes. If the warning persists, consult a SUBARU dealer.

• Do not attach accessories, stickers (including transparent types), or metallic materials near the Subaru Solterra sensor areas.
• Avoid painting over the sensor zones on the Subaru Solterra rear bumper.
• Do not expose the sensor areas to strong impacts.

  Even slight misalignment may cause incorrect detection or system malfunction.

  If damage occurs, such as dents, scratches, or dislodged components, have the Subaru Solterra inspected by a qualified SUBARU dealer.

  • After any impact affecting the rear bumper area
  • If visible damage is present around the sensor locations
• Do not disassemble or tamper with the Subaru Solterra sensor components.
• Do not modify the rear bumper or surrounding sensor areas.
• If removal, installation, or replacement of sensors or the rear bumper is required, always contact a SUBARU dealer.
• Improper repainting or repair of the Subaru Solterra rear bumper may interfere with sensor performance and trigger system warnings.

The Subaru Solterra Blind Spot Monitor enhances driver awareness during lane changes, but it must always be used in combination with proper mirror checks and attentive driving for maximum safety.

If any paintwork or refinishing is required on the Subaru Solterra, always consult an authorized SUBARU dealer to ensure that sensor functionality and system calibration are not compromised.

Turning the Blind Spot Monitor on/off

The Blind Spot Monitor system in the Subaru Solterra can be activated or deactivated through the vehicle’s customization settings, allowing drivers to tailor the system to their preferences.

When the Blind Spot Monitor is switched off, the driving assist information indicator will illuminate, and a corresponding message will appear on the Subaru Solterra multi-information display to notify the driver of its status.

Each time the Subaru Solterra power switch is set to ON, the Blind Spot Monitor automatically returns to the enabled state to ensure maximum driving safety.

Blind Spot Monitor operation

■ Objects that can be detected while driving

The Subaru Solterra Blind Spot Monitor uses advanced rear side radar sensors to identify vehicles traveling in adjacent lanes. Once detected, the system informs the driver through the illuminated indicators located in the outside rear view mirrors.

1. Vehicles traveling within areas that cannot be directly observed using the Subaru Solterra side mirrors (blind spots)
2. Vehicles rapidly approaching from behind and entering the blind spot zones of the Subaru Solterra

■ Detection range while driving

The detection zones for the Subaru Solterra Blind Spot Monitor are illustrated below and represent the areas where vehicles can be identified by the system.

The approximate detection coverage for the Subaru Solterra system is as follows:

1. From approximately 1.6 ft. (0.5 m) to 11.5 ft. (3.5 m) outward from each side of the vehicle*1
2. Approximately 3.3 ft. (1 m) forward from the rear bumper*2
3. Approximately 9.8 ft. (3 m) directly behind the rear bumper
4. From approximately 9.8 ft. (3 m) up to 230 ft. (70 m) behind the vehicle*3

*1: The immediate area within 1.6 ft. (0.5 m) from the side of the Subaru Solterra cannot be detected by the sensors.
*2: While being overtaken, detection may extend up to approximately 9.8 ft. (3 m) forward from the rear bumper.
*3: The greater the speed difference between your Subaru Solterra and another vehicle, the earlier that vehicle may be detected, potentially activating the mirror indicator sooner.

■ The Blind Spot Monitor linked function

The Subaru Solterra integrates Blind Spot Monitor data with the LDA (Lane Departure Alert) system, enhancing lane awareness by using information about vehicles traveling in adjacent lanes.

■ The Blind Spot Monitor is operational when

The Subaru Solterra Blind Spot Monitor will function correctly only when all of the following conditions are satisfied:

• The Subaru Solterra power switch is in the ON position.
• The Blind Spot Monitor system is enabled.
• The shift position is set to a position other than R.
• The vehicle is traveling at approximately 7 mph (10 km/h) or higher.

■ The Blind Spot Monitor will detect a vehicle when

The system in the Subaru Solterra will recognize vehicles within its detection area under the following circumstances:

• A vehicle in an adjacent lane overtakes your Subaru Solterra.
• Your Subaru Solterra gradually overtakes another vehicle in a neighboring lane.
• A vehicle moves into the detection zone while changing lanes near your Subaru Solterra.

■ Situations in which the Blind Spot Monitor cannot detect vehicles

There are certain objects and vehicles that the Subaru Solterra Blind Spot Monitor may not be able to detect due to system limitations:

• Small motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians, and similar road users*
• Vehicles traveling in the opposite direction
• Stationary objects such as guardrails, walls, signs, or parked vehicles*
• Vehicles directly behind your Subaru Solterra within the same lane*
• Vehicles traveling two or more lanes away*
• Vehicles that are being overtaken very quickly by your Subaru Solterra*

Even with the advanced safety technologies of the Subaru Solterra, the Blind Spot Monitor should always be used as an additional layer of awareness, not as a substitute for attentive driving and proper mirror checks.

*: Depending on environmental factors and driving conditions, the Subaru Solterra Blind Spot Monitor may occasionally detect nearby vehicles or objects even when they are not directly relevant to the driving situation.

■ Conditions in which a buzzer may not sound

In certain driving scenarios with the Subaru Solterra, the visual indicator in the mirror may flash while the turn signal lever is engaged, yet the audible warning buzzer might remain silent.

• When another vehicle is newly detected while the turn signal lever is already being held in position
• When the Subaru Solterra overtakes a vehicle in an adjacent lane at a significantly higher speed than that vehicle*

*: Depending on real-time driving conditions, the Subaru Solterra system may still activate the buzzer in some cases.

■ Conditions under which the system may not function correctly

• The Subaru Solterra Blind Spot Monitor may not accurately detect surrounding vehicles in the following situations:
  • When the sensor alignment has been altered due to a strong impact affecting the sensor or its surrounding structure
  • When contaminants such as mud, snow, ice, or even stickers cover the sensor area on the rear bumper of the Subaru Solterra
  • When driving on wet road surfaces with standing water during adverse weather conditions like heavy rain, snowfall, or dense fog
  • When multiple vehicles approach closely together with minimal spacing between them
  • When the distance between the Subaru Solterra and a following vehicle is extremely short
  • When there is a large speed difference between the Subaru Solterra and a vehicle entering the detection zone
  • When relative speeds between vehicles are rapidly changing
  • When a vehicle enters the detection area at nearly the same speed as the Subaru Solterra
  • When starting from a stationary position while another vehicle remains within the detection zone
  • When traveling over repeated steep inclines or declines, such as hills or road dips
  • When driving on roads featuring tight curves, continuous bends, or uneven surfaces
  • When driving on very wide lanes or close to the lane edge, where vehicles in adjacent lanes are positioned farther away from the Subaru Solterra
  • When accessories such as bicycle carriers are mounted to the rear of the Subaru Solterra
  • When there is a significant height difference between the Subaru Solterra and nearby vehicles
  • Immediately after the Blind Spot Monitor system has been activated
  • When the Subaru Solterra is towing a trailer or another vehicle
• There are also situations where the Subaru Solterra Blind Spot Monitor may detect vehicles or objects unnecessarily more frequently:
  • When sensor alignment has been affected by an impact
  • When the Subaru Solterra is traveling close to guardrails, walls, or other roadside structures entering the detection zone
  • When driving over repeated steep inclines or declines
  • When lanes are narrow or when driving near the edge of a lane, allowing vehicles from non-adjacent lanes to be detected
  • When traveling on winding roads, uneven surfaces, or consecutive curves
  • When the tires of the Subaru Solterra are slipping or spinning, reducing stability
  • When another vehicle is traveling very close behind the Subaru Solterra
  • When rear-mounted accessories such as bike racks are installed
  • When towing with the Subaru Solterra, which may influence radar reflections

To maintain optimal performance of the Subaru Solterra Blind Spot Monitor system, it is recommended to keep the sensor areas clean and avoid installing accessories that may interfere with radar signals. Proper awareness and manual checks should always complement the system’s operation for safe and confident driving.