2016 Subaru BRZ Rear View Camera: Troubleshooting and Replacement Guide

Symptoms of a Failing 2016 BRZ Backup Camera

When the rear view camera on a 2016 Subaru BRZ begins to fail, the symptoms are usually obvious on the infotainment screen. Here are the most common signs that your camera needs attention.

1. Black or Blank Screen

The most common failure is a completely black or blue screen when you shift into reverse. The infotainment system may still display parking guidelines or a "Check Surroundings for Safety" message, but no video image appears. This can be caused by a complete failure of the camera unit itself, a severed wire in the trunk harness, or a poor connection at the camera or head unit.

2. Flickering or Unstable Video

If the video feed cuts in and out, flickers, or appears snowy, it often points to a loose connection or a frayed wire. The wiring that runs from the trunk lid to the car's body is constantly flexed every time the trunk is opened and closed. Over time, this can cause the wires inside to break, leading to an intermittent signal.

3. Blurry, Foggy, or Discolored Image

A blurry or foggy image is typically caused by a failure of the camera's lens seal. Moisture can get inside the camera housing, condensing on the inside of the lens and distorting the picture. In other cases, the plastic lens itself can become hazy or yellowed from sun exposure or scratched from cleaning, which permanently degrades image quality. A pink, purple, or otherwise discolored image often indicates a failure of the camera's internal image sensor.

Buying a Used 2016 BRZ Rear Camera (P/N 86267CA000)

Since a new OEM camera can be expensive, a used unit is a popular and cost-effective option. Because this is a simple electronic part with no moving components, a tested, working unit from a reputable recycler is a reliable choice. Here’s what to inspect before buying.

What to Inspect on a Used Camera

• Lens Condition: Closely examine the lens for deep scratches, haziness, or yellowing. Minor surface scuffs may not affect the image, but significant damage will result in a poor picture.
• Housing Integrity: Check the plastic camera body for any cracks or signs of being pried open. A compromised housing will allow moisture to enter and cause the camera to fail quickly.
• Electrical Connector: Look at the electrical connector pins. They should be straight, clean, and free of any green or white corrosion.
• Wiring Pigtail: Ensure the short wiring pigtail coming off the camera is intact, with no cuts or exposed wires.

Why Used OEM is a Good Choice

Choosing a used OEM camera over a cheap aftermarket alternative has significant benefits. An OEM camera is guaranteed to have the correct mounting points to fit the trunk lid perfectly. It will also have the correct factory electrical connector, making installation a simple plug-and-play process with no wire splicing required. Aftermarket cameras can sometimes have different image quality, viewing angles, or on-screen guidelines compared to the original.