I had a BlackVue DR970X-2CH Plus II dashcam installed, together with a BlackVue B-130A dashcam battery, in early November 2025 (hardwired installation). Previously, I had a BlackVue DR650S-2CH dashcam and a BlackVue DR900X-2CH dashcam, each paired with a dashcam battery and each of which operated without any problems for years.
Problems with the DR970X-2CH Plus II surfaced immediately. The GPS did not work. I spent significant time researching and troubleshooting (dashcam? wiring? installation? microSD card? vehicle itself? etc.). I also spent significant time exchanging e-mails with the retailer (BlackBoxMyCar) and the manufacturer (BlackVue) on the issues. Eventually, the GPS module was diagnosed as faulty.
The front dashcam was exchanged under warranty in mid-December 2025. The replacement dashcam was worse than the original. It exhibited the same GPS problem, but had other issues too: (i) Parking Mode rarely engaged; and (ii) if you were stopped with the car in Park and the engine running, the dashcam sometimes stopped recording. Troubleshooting was repeated, but I also took the vehicle back to the specialty dashcam shop that did the installation (they had also installed my previous BlackVue dashcams and dashcam battery). No issues were found with the vehicle, the settings, the dashcam battery, etc. Once again, the front dashcam was diagnosed as faulty. I obtained a full refund.
My experience showed the BlackVue DR970X-2CH Plus II dashcam to be unreliable, with recurring fundamental faults. Subsequent research suggested that my experience was not uncommon. This dashcam is marketed as a premium product at a premium price. It is indeed sold at a premium price, but is clearly not a premium product. This dashcam model should never have been brought to market.
Throughout this experience, the retailer of the dashcam (BlackBoxMyCar) was responsive, acted reasonably and tried to be helpful. However, BlackVue’s support was mediocre. They struggled to answer basic technical questions about the interaction of the dashcam with the dashcam battery, and the logic of important dashcam battery settings. BlackVue deflected questions by saying that input was needed from other technical support staff. Customer Service staff were courteous, but never did provide answers. I can only conclude that there are basic questions about the technical functionality and software logic of their product that BlackVue cannot answer. This does not inspire confidence in BlackVue.
I have since purchased a different brand of dashcam. It is paired with the BlackVue B-130A dashcam battery using an optional hardwire kit from the dashcam manufacturer. The dashcam has operated reliably since installation and the GPS connects to the network within a few minutes of startup.
I would still consider buying another BlackVue dashcam in future, but I would have to be very, very confident that it was reliable and free of faults. I do like their dashcam form factor better than anything else on the market. I like their app, and particularly the battery management component of the app, which I use to monitor the B-130A battery.
