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Having Problems With Subaru Starlink? What Owners Can Do

Subaru has a problem with its Starlink infotainment system. Have you had problems with your Subaru vehicle?

Have you experienced issues with Subaru Starlink on your Subaru Outback, Crosstrek, Impreza, Legacy or BRZ vehicle? You are not alone. Subaru’s latest infotainment system called Starlink is messing up and there is a new lawsuit filed by a disgruntled owner. The new lawsuit alleges the Subaru Starlink infotainment systems “freeze and malfunction because the head units fail, and updates offered by the automaker have allegedly failed to fix the systems.”

Subaru has never received much praise for their infotainment options so the Japanese automaker made a big push to change that when they introduced Starlink1 for select 2016 Legacy and Outback models. Owners reporting problems on their Subaru vehicles now include some 2018-2019 Subaru BRZ, 2018-2019 Subaru Crosstrek, 2017-2019 Subaru Impreza, 2015-2019 Subaru Legacy, and 2015-2019 Subaru Outback.

Starlink is supposed to improve your driving experience

Subaru’s Starlink offers a suite of onboard technology bringing multimedia content with smartphone connectivity, navigation, and extra safety to Subaru vehicles. A driver can use the Starlink system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth. The technology also includes the screen for the backup camera, controls for the radio and audio system.

But about 50 percent of owners are reporting some problems with Subaru Starlink. The Starlink systems consist of Harman Gen 3 audio and navigation head units, and the lawsuit alleges it's the head units that create safety concerns for Subaru drivers.

Complaints from owners

  • Back up camera freezes or shuts down
  • Head unit failure that disables audio and radio control
  • Complete system lockup and error messages that only go away after the vehicle has been turned off several hours
  • Display goes blnk even though the infotainment system is still working
  • Can’t shut off radio or adjust volume when backing up due to a technical glitch
  • Radio volume is blaring when the car is turned on, even if the radio was turned off when the car was last turned off.
  • Favorites on smartphones and other connected devices aren’t remembered
  • Radio will turn on and off randomly
  • The touchscreen is very unresponsive
  • Spotty bluetooth connection prevents calls and Apple CarPlay or Android Auto functionality.

Even though Subaru has issued at least two Starlink software updates to fix the head units, the lawsuit claims some customers weren't helped much by the updates or by technical service bulletins (TSBs) issued by Subaru to dealerships. The lawsuit also says new TSBs are supposed to be sent in July 2019 to correct the problem because the past updates have failed to work.

Consumer Reports says about 50 percent of customers with Subaru Starlink are very satisfied. CR also says even though it’s an upgrade over Subaru’s previous antiquated infotainment systems, “the new system remains decidedly average.”

What can customers do?

Some owners have reported they have had better luck with replacing the entire head unit, but are on backorder and can be up to a 6-month wait. Technical service bulletins advise service technicians to install the software updates, perhaps just to buy Subaru of America some time to figure out what’s wrong. There are also tips for replacing the audio amplifier, and troubleshooting ideas for Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connection issues.

The Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey issued a ruling recently largely denying Subaru’s motion to stay discovery pending the outcome of its motion to dismiss. The Judge’s order found Subaru’s concerns about the expense of discovery “overblown” and acknowledged that even Subaru concedes that some of the plaintiffs’ claims will survive its motion.

Owners can wait to see what happens with the latest lawsuit and if you would like more information on the case, you can go here. Subaru Outback, Crosstrek, Impreza, Legacy and BRZ owners with Starlink problems can go here to check on any current Subaru recalls for your vehicle.

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Photo credit: Subaru USA

Comments

Dale (not verified)    August 31, 2020 - 3:34PM

Same problem with 2020 Forester. My Subaru App will not connect with car in garage using WiFi.

Edmund Brown (not verified)    September 15, 2020 - 2:48PM

My 2018 Outback has 4-5 software updates and module replacement. After recent replacement had to have Sirius activation. Guess what? The radio had a previous owner. My guess they had a refurbish for the rplacement. Getting real tired of Subaru. Today I got an email telling me the Starlink feature is not working. UGH.

Jim (not verified)    January 5, 2021 - 3:27AM

2020 Outback Onyx has been having infotainment blackouts from within the warranty period, now over 30,000 miles. Dealership applied recent cockpit update, still having problems.

Bruce Hilpert (not verified)    January 18, 2021 - 10:27AM

I have had constant problems with my 2018 Forester Starlink...mainly in that it keeps dropping my paired phone. Now when I turn off the radio, it keeps playing despite the blank screen. I have taken this to the Subaru dealer and the service manager lied and told me that "Bluetooth is finicky, nothing we can do." Now I find they have known about these far-ranging problems for several years. This is ABSOLUTELY the last Subaru I will ever buy!

Louis Steppello (not verified)    March 1, 2021 - 2:57PM

2014 outback starlink goes blank and then returns. why?
What is the responsibility of Subaru. What is my recourse?

Max Banning (not verified)    May 11, 2021 - 4:20PM

We have a 2020 Outback that after the software upgrade was completed, we started having problems with Android Auto. First it was difficult to bring up Google Maps and now we can not even connect with Bluetooth. We are using the same USB cord as before the upgrade but to not success.

Daniel D (not verified)    June 11, 2021 - 10:38AM

My 2021 outback system works fine if I don't have CarPlay attatched when I start. If I do then only CarPlay will work -no satellite or radio-. Very finicky....

Michael Simonov (not verified)    June 12, 2021 - 11:13AM

I have a 2020 Outback.and have the latest update. On a recent roadtrip with apple carplay using maps and i phone plugged in via USB the screen just disappeared at a critical time when I needed directions. The Starlink icon on the screen blinked on and off and no car play!!! After several hard resets by holding the volume button in it came back then disappeared again. Finnicky at best, dangerous at worst o n a highway in an unfamiliar city depending on it for directions. Needing 12K oil change soon and will ask dealer if anything can be done. My i phone car play ap is up to date as is the phone. It's a starlink issue for sure. Frustrating

Walter S (not verified)    July 22, 2021 - 4:12PM

2018 Outback. The Starlink system worked mostly for a long time; I had the problem that when you start the car, the radio would be on full blast while the system intialized. Nothing I could do about that. Occasionally the system would hang after a phone call - only way to fix it was to turn the car off and open the door. I got a SW update 2 months ago and not only did it not fix anything but things have gotten slowly worse. Now the touch screen is frozen; but stores up clicks so that it will randomly click things at 20 min intervals. Does the same thing with or without a phone connected. Is there anyway to just reset the system or revert FW?

Anthony Green (not verified)    August 25, 2021 - 11:48AM

I also have issues with my star link system it was working perfect until I got it back after the dealership added all the stuff to my car after purchase first volume did not work except on steering wheel so they fixed that know I can not connect by USB to my smart phone and only 1 usb charges and nothing more. They can keep star link it sucks I am thing of having a kenwood entertainment system installed instead at least they last.

Eleanor Puchta (not verified)    September 13, 2021 - 11:28AM

2017 Forrester
Can't get the Sirius radio channels, called recieved the. "" refresh signal""" channels appeared. Until car was shut off. Then no channels again,,, Took car to dealer was told need the radio (Subrau Softwear) updated 3 hrs it took,,,,, got in car had channels left dealer and stopped for lunch. Started car. Again channels said. ""UNAVAILABLE""
Went back to dealer showed then the reoccur problem. Now the suggestion was a new radio for 800.00 dollars. Sorry can't afford that

Susan Hiestand (not verified)    October 2, 2021 - 12:26AM

I had a firmware update to my 2020 Forester. Now I cannot make a Bluetooth call , apple SE IPHONE 14.8 iOS on 1 year old phone and no previous issues on Bose headphones or iPhone and EarPods, without Bluetooth call audio cutting out to radio and cycling back to phone audio then radio every 3 words. Call does not disconnect but this happens both on incoming and out going calls. Either within seconds or 1 minute or 10 minutes. Useless. I have 4,400 miles on auto and love it but this is a huge new problem. Dealer has wiped and reset starlink and iPhone connections. They don’t know what to do next. They have never heard of this problem. Right. After reading these lawsuits and known complaints I think not so much. The dealer is filing a complaint to Subaru and tend to blame my phone. I have No issues with any other Bluetooth device. Ever. I’ve asked for a new entertainment module which must be approved thru channels. I can see the stall already. It’s a warranty issue. What can I do? I’m in property management, MN Has a state law prohibiting use of phones other than Bluetooth. Big reason for this car purchase. My car is dec 2020 manufactured purchased April 2020. What can I trace or do?

Anthony Green (not verified)    October 2, 2021 - 9:37AM

When I got my new 2921 Subaru cross trek sport everything in my car worked awesome no issues. I take it in to Subaru of Spokane to get the packages installed that I paid for during purchase and I got my car back and the volume knob was not working I was so pissed so I called them back and told them the issue so they checked it out saying it was a software glitch more like they bumped it and broke it I am not that stupid thinking it had something to do with software so they installed a new stereo they said it was done I get it back and I noticed my 2 USB ports where not working under my stereo and had charge only on the USB’s in the Nicky box under the arm rest I was pissed so I called them back they had to order another stereo instead of pulling out the one they installed checking the connections they thought my radio was bad I call this being lazy you think I would trust Subaru of Spokane to change my oil probably not I woul be afraid that they would forget the drain plug.

S daley (not verified)    October 10, 2021 - 12:54PM

Hello my staink only works when i have blue tooth enables. Almost hit my husband in own parking lot. It wirks and then it doesn't work. Needs to run by itself not off cell phone sevice or internet at all nerds to work ny satellite service or give up money!

Joda (not verified)    November 28, 2021 - 7:21AM

2019 impreza, cd player stopped workin a few months ago. Bought it off the lot 1st brand new car. daylight savings time really muffed up everything. set the clock to manual changed time, next time get in car it's wrong date wrong time. Bluetooth pairs only when it wants and never stays connected. volume gets loud while feeble attempts to do this are in vain. aha app is garbage as far as trying to perform an update, have yet to figure it out. pisses me off, cuz i wanted the cd player, bought a new car and here's what we get. shoulda got the base model!?

Barbara (not verified)    December 14, 2021 - 2:22PM

2016 Outback Subaru with Fugitzu-10 head unit
Unit turns self on/off. Had parasitic draw that killed new battery. Subaru did software upgrade, no change, replaced head unit 2 weeks ago and 1 week ago entire system froze 30 minutes and turned back on. At dealership again and 3 hrs ago started troubleshooting. Can not contact Starlink. Email on web void. This could have dire implications and even risk if following gps when it quits. Any ideas? I wrote dealership owner and service director. This is very frustrating! Thank goodness parts etc covered under extended warranty under Allstate. Please HELP!!!!

Ed Murray (not verified)    January 3, 2022 - 4:41PM

Starlink issues. The remote unlock feature fails. The beep is clearly heard but the doors do not unlock. SO when my wife went out to retrieve something in the car and I went into my Subaru app on my phone and authorized unlock she heard the beep and I got a message that indicated the car unlocked but no doors were unlocked.

christy (not verified)    January 28, 2022 - 10:39AM

Just bought a 2021 Crosstrek. I've had it for a month and carplay has worked inconsistently. I've had a blank screen and loud buzzing sound occur three times while driving. Dealership has been unable to fix the problem. It also doesn't handle as well as my 2016 Impreza. After hearing of all these issues I wish I had traded for a Honda or Toyota instead.

brian krzyzaniak (not verified)    March 13, 2022 - 11:18PM

dealer (subaru of saskatoon) installed FIFTH radio (sept 2-2021) since car was new > TWO DAYS later it was already acting up so I notified both the dealer AND subaru-canada - I was told that they would " investigate" > I heard NOTHING so phoned dealer in Nov 2021 and he told me that subaru-canada was WASHING THEIR HANDS of my RADIO PROBLEMS > Neither the dealer or subaru-canada have a CLUE as to what the words CUSTOMER SERVICE mean > because of the way that I have been MISTREATED,,, I am saying BUYER BEWARE

Woody (not verified)    April 14, 2022 - 10:22PM

In the last week, I just bought a new 2022 Forrester Wilderness and am having lots of problems with the StarLink Phone app. I am able to pair my Samsung S20 Smartphone and hear my a phone dialed call over the car speakers. But, I am unable to download my contacts from my phone or initiate a phone call w/o taking my phone out and dialing the number with the phone.

Mary (not verified)    May 11, 2022 - 10:55PM

I have a 2017 Legacy.
You cannot pair the phone with the car. Therefore you cannot receive calls over the audio. It is dangerous on the highway to try to swipe a Smartphone to answer a call. So I don't do so of course. I also carry a small flip-easy to open and talk, only on long trips and instruct people to use that # if there is an emergency.
If you try to pair the phone it and the radio constantly interfere with each other during a call. No one can understand your broken up sentences interspersed with radio noise and you cannot get the full message from them. I kept trying to pair the phone-useless activity. I've turned off the Bluetooth in the car. But somehow they come back on and now the phone dings at me every 30 secs while driving around town asking me to pair it up. It is out of warranty and I expect no help. I'm mad of course and will not buy a new one.
It drives well, it is comfortable, it has good visibility. It did need 3 batteries in the first two years-they were vague about why but did not charge me. It also needed a new engine, a new ignition and a new air conditioner in the first 10,000 miles.
Under warranty so OK but very inconvenient and worrying. What is wrong with these cars ?

John (not verified)    November 20, 2022 - 10:49PM

Just bought a brand new 2023 Outback less than 2 weeks ago and the Starlink is quitting on me - the Starlink icon on the screen is blacked out and most of the safety features such as lane deviation, blind spot warning, head unit, are not working anymore. What a headache! this is my 3rd outback and I think it will be the last one I will buy too. through the 3 brand new outbacks I have owned so far, I have to say that Subaru's quality and reliability are really declining, sadly.

Robin Leon (not verified)    November 27, 2022 - 11:16PM

2016 Forester infotainment system scrolls through all all screens and beeps constantly. Not responsive to touch or obscenities. Dealer said $3,500 for a new one and it is on back order. They never mentioned any others having problems.

Mike (not verified)    April 3, 2023 - 7:31PM

I purchased a used legacy limited 2019 in March of 2022 good low miles, had one time radio mishap and nothing until recently and the the head unit has a mind of it's own, can't use any button because it goes somewhere else that I wasn't going to. Called and visited Subaru to see if there was a recall and they said no, but I could bring it in and they could look at it ( $$$ ). Thanks but I'm good. Spoke with my local radio/ speaker friend and he said instead of replacing it with the same thing and you might still have the same problem because they don't even know what is wrong, just upgraded your head unit to something better, keep the speakers and amp because that's Harmon kardon but the head unit is not. So I'm going with Kenwood and be done with this problem for good. He said that after it's installed you will see how much better your system is by replacing factory head unit.

Clay Wright (not verified)    April 9, 2023 - 4:21PM

Last week I purchased a new 2023 Subaru outback wilderness. Almost immediately I noticed the system was slow to respond to user inputs. Within a few days the navigation failed completely. I would have thought the dealer would have wanted to get the car in their shop right away but they scheduled on appointment next week.. Their plan is to load new software. I am told that takes 3 to 4 hours.. If that doesn't work I am seriously considering invoking the lemon law.

Raoul (not verified)    May 23, 2023 - 5:49PM

It has been 6 months the starllink lost its mind it randomly works then beeps insistently can’t even turn it off. The dealer tried installing software update reloaded the upload latest update.

Finally told me that the starlink system has to be replaced an a replacement is on backorder and will be 30 days. Well that was 6 months ago and stil waiting said there is nothing that they can do. Don’t know when a replacement will be here.

Frustrated don’t know what to do but can’t wait another 6 months.
Does Subaru even care.

I have a 2020 and it is working fine so far

Edward Rodenhizer (not verified)    May 24, 2023 - 9:15PM

I just inherited a 2018 Subaru legacy. Drove it home today 5/24 /2023 from West Virigina .on the way home radio screen started beeping and froze up , we call Subaru dealer and they said turn it off and back on which didn't fix the problem so on the internet it showed how to hold in three knobs to reboot , that worked for an hour .Then it kept restarting , freezing , scanning channel system had a mine of it own .We turned the screen off and I will call dealer tomorrow. Car runs nice great gas mileage , comfortable ride but the operating system is annoying and dangerous.

William Rucki (not verified)    September 22, 2023 - 1:24PM

Yes we have a Subaru 2019 Legacy yes the entertainment system that backup camera the radio everything does not work properly it's very annoying it makes you very nervous driving knowing that this unit does that I've been dealing with the Subaru dealer and Subaru of America and I've got nowhere I've been complaining about it for 2 to 3 months they have done nothing to help us I'm looking forward to put a lawsuit against them cuz it's very distracting and we want to get rid of this vehicle to the problem with this Entertainment System it looks like they don't want to pay for it and I would have to sue them I'm assuming there's nothing else that I can do

Edward Dybala (not verified)    January 24, 2024 - 11:10AM

I have a 2018 Subaru Legacy. The head unit locks up and the radio stops playing. The dealer charged me $170 to correct this problem, but it still presist. I'll never buy a SUBARU again.