Subaru Ascent 2018-2026 Owner's Manual: Using the Driver Monitoring System

User recognition

When a driver profile is registered, the Subaru Ascent utilizes facial recognition technology to automatically identify the driver and apply personalized settings.

1. When the driver's door is opened while the push-button ignition switch is OFF, the user recognition interface is activated and the Subaru Ascent begins scanning for a registered user.

In some situations, such as when only a short time has passed since the ignition was turned off, the recognition screen may not appear immediately. However, the Subaru Ascent will still initiate recognition once the door is closed.

2. Sit properly in the driver’s seat and face forward for a few seconds to allow accurate recognition.

3. Once the Subaru Ascent successfully identifies the user, a welcome screen is displayed on the combination meter (color LCD).

At this moment, multiple personalized settings—including seat position, mirror angles, climate preferences, and display configurations—are automatically restored according to the stored user profile.

NOTE

• Operating the center information display controls will close the recognition screen, but recognition continues in the background.
• If the select lever is not in the "P" position, seat adjustment will not be executed even after recognition is completed.
• If recognition fails, repeat the process following the instructions in "When a user is not recognized".
• The Subaru Ascent does not perform user recognition while the vehicle is in motion.
• If the seat or mirrors are already moving during recognition, automatic retrieval of their positions may not occur.
• If any manual adjustment is made during the retrieval process, the system will cancel the automatic positioning. This includes:
  • Operating seat adjustment switches
  • Adjusting mirror controls
  • Pressing memory buttons ("SET", "1", or "2")
  • Moving the select lever out of the "P" position

When a user is not recognized

In certain situations, the Subaru Ascent may not be able to identify the driver, and a message such as "User recognition stopped" may appear.

• An object may be blocking the camera

Ensure that the camera has a clear view, then repeat the recognition process as described in the Driver Monitoring System section.

1. Camera

NOTE

• User recognition accuracy in the Subaru Ascent may decrease if the camera lens is dirty or covered with fingerprints. Clean the surface gently using a soft or slightly damp cloth.
• If the synchronized user function is turned OFF, it may not be possible to manually repeat the facial recognition process.

Additional insight: The Subaru Ascent Driver Monitoring System is designed to combine advanced safety monitoring with intelligent personalization. By maintaining a clean camera area and ensuring proper seating position, drivers can achieve the most reliable recognition performance and fully benefit from the system’s capabilities.