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Subaru Stop Start The Worst New Gas Saving Feature Ever? How To Turn It Off

Check out the stop/start system on the 2021 Subaru Forester, Outback, and Crosstrek. Why is it worse than other automaker’s technology?
2021 Subaru Forester, 2021 Subaru Crosstrek, 2021 Subaru Outback

Auto-Stop-Start is one of the most controversial fuel-efficiency features on new Subaru vehicles. Many automakers use a system that automatically stops the engine when you come to a complete stop for more than a few seconds. It’s designed to save fuel every time the car stops at a stop sign or you wait at a traffic light.

The frequent starting and stopping of the engine are tiresome to some drivers who live in urban areas, especially if you commute in heavy stop-and-go traffic every day. And many Subaru Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, and Ascent owners say they don’t like the car stopping and starting because it shakes the car every time the engine starts back up.

2021 Subaru Forester, 2021 Subaru Crosstrek, 2021 Subaru Outback

Why does Subaru’s system shake the car more than any other automaker’s? A recent column in the San Diego Union Tribune says Subaru is among the worst for engine vibration on restart. They say Subaru’s Boxer engine design in which the pistons are horizontally opposed creates more significant side-to-side movement and more vibration.

One Forester owner says he asked the dealer about the issue, and the salesperson who sold him the car said that if you turn on the rear defroster, the shaking will stop. Why does turning on the rear defroster stop the vibration?

2021 Subaru Forester, 2021 Subaru Crosstrek, 2021 Subaru Outback

Using the defroster temporarily disables the start-stop system. When there’s a sizeable electrical draw, the car’s computer disables the start-stop system to keep the battery from being drained with the engine is turned off. It’s not the best to run the rear defroster all the time when it’s not needed.

Can I disable my Auto Stop-Start?

The Auto Stop-Start can be disabled on 2020-2021 Subaru Outback, Forester, Legacy, and Crosstrek. It’s different for each model, and the problem is that you cannot permanently disable it in some models like Forester. The system will always default to an on position once you turn the car off. So every time you get back in your vehicle, you have to disable the system again manually.

The new Outback and Legacy do have a feature on its new 11.6-inch touchscreen menu, and you can disable the system. When you are on the home screen, push the car icon button to change the settings and then click on “Others,” allowing you to turn off the Auto Stop-Start system. The Auto Stop-Start on the new 2021 Subaru Forester, Outback, Legacy, and Crosstrek can be annoying, but it will save fuel if you live in an urban area.

You Might Also Like: The Subaru Forester Model Year Most Likely To Need An Expensive Engine Rebuild

Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Comments

Stephen M Lind (not verified)    April 10, 2022 - 3:40AM

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I agree with Mr Bindas. Time to take the garbage out. I love my outback but auto start stop is garbage. It should be optional. To Karen quit trying to sell people garbage and listen to your customers

sarmet (not verified)    November 1, 2022 - 10:50AM

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I just bought a 2022 Forester. I hate the Start/Stop feature. I discovered that I can neutralize it by slipping the car in to neutral when I stop at a stop light before the system kicks in. My foot is still on the brake but no Start / Stop mechanism kicks in.

Art V. (not verified)    May 24, 2021 - 2:44PM

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This auto stop/start feature is extremely dangerous in the snow when driving in areas with hills.

If you start to slide backward, step on the brakes and ... the engine cuts out leaving you without power steering and the ability to use the famed 4-wheel traction to correct the skid. So there you go sliding backward out of control. I live in Seattle, a city with dozens of very steep hills. I would never, ever have this system in my car. Much too dangerous for my family and others on the road.

From a safety standpoint, it should auto-disable anytime there are snow or ice conditions. It should always allow the driver to permanently disable this "feature."

Karen K (not verified)    June 1, 2021 - 8:09AM

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Art, what on earth are you talking about? The feature is easily disabled by pressing a single button. A single degree turn of the steering wheel also causes the engine to re-engage. I know you're still shocked it's not 1930, but try and stop the doomsday speeches on a feature that millions of people live with every day.

Mike Danzis (not verified)    October 24, 2022 - 3:26PM

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I am seriously digging this Karen K person... no muss, no fuss, no drama. Just stumbled upon this forum while searching for something on the auto-stop-start (I hate it, but have gotten used to turning it off before I put the car in drive); Karen is shutting down the Drama Kings with her feedback and it is highly entertaining You go, Karen K!

Bob C. (not verified)    March 17, 2023 - 6:28PM

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I think you're breathing in too many gas fumes from the fuel savings you think you're getting with the auto start stop. You shouldn't have to keep turning off the auto start stop every time you get into the car and start it. I don't see how you could be saving fuel when you continually have to restart the car. Also, I wouldn't count on a long lifespan of your starter and battery but I will guarantee the cost to replace them will be far greater than the fuel you might possibly save.

Nappo (not verified)    August 25, 2023 - 3:42PM

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I agree 150%, that start/stop feature is a pain in the ( ! ). A new Startermotor will set you back $ 1200, how much gas can you buy for that? And besides, more gas is used on every start and added pollution is generated with every start than the low rpm idle for a minute or less as the engine is at optimum temp. Another stupid nuisance is the seatbelt buzzer that chimes even if the engine is off, unless one shuts the door first, not to mention the automatic turn on of the radio.
I just ordered a little electronic gadget that will disable the stop/start for good :-)

Rodger from Oz (not verified)    June 25, 2021 - 11:46AM

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Who said anything about electric cars in this thread? Though to counter your statement, why do you suppose vehicle manufacturers are increasingly stating they are only making electric vehicles in the future? Maybe they know something that you don’t…

MAX (not verified)    July 3, 2021 - 9:08PM

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Not if you live in (for instance) HUGE Southern California, where "freeway" hypercongestion would shake you up every few feet! SPECIALLY in an Outback, with its horizontally-opposed engine. The car should have a simple BUTTON on the dashboard, instead of a multi-step touchscreen menu function. Who thought this was a good idea?
Good car otherwise, but it's a deal breaker.

Gary bailey (not verified)    May 10, 2022 - 9:36PM

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Stop start is an annoying feature. But my main concern is that people put there keep referencing subaru engines as horizontal opposed. Subaru along with porsche, air còoled Volkswagen, Alfa suds, jowett, and the list goes on, are not horizontal opposed engines.
For an engine to be horizontally opposed it must have 2 pistons in the same cylinder bore,.
For some reason modern journalists who have no engineering or mechanical qualifications have come up with this nickname due to ignorance.
Google commer knocker to see what a real opposed engine design is.
I hope the journalist that stared this conversation gets back to me so I can explain the principal to him in detail.
Nical

MAX (not verified)    May 11, 2022 - 9:47PM

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FROM J.D. POWER: When it comes to internal combustion engines (ICE), the vast majority of the cars sold are motivated by “inline” and “V-type” engines. These terms designate the configuration of the cylinders arranged along the crankshaft.
Inline engines typically have three, four, or six cylinders lined up in a vertical row. V-type engines angle the cylinders in a shape similar to the letter V, alternating cylinders on either side of the crankshaft. They typically have six, eight, ten, or twelve cylinders.
Far less common are HORIZONTALLY OPPOSED engines, which usually arrange four or six cylinders horizontally in relation to the crankshaft. This is why they are often called flat-4 or flat-6 engines. Alternatively, because the pistons within these cylinders “jab” outward from the crankshaft, they are known as BOXERr ENGINES.
Currently, the boxer engine is a defining trait of the Subaru brand. From the BRZ sports car to the Ascent family-sized SUV, every vehicle in its lineup has a flat-4 with or without turbocharging. Until a few years ago, some Subarus also had a flat-6 engine.
AND, FROM AUTOS.CA:
Only two manufacturers currently use horizontally opposed engines: Subaru and Porsche. Subaru uses four and six-cylinder versions; Porsche uses a six-cylinder version in its Boxster, Cayman and Carrera models, but V6 and V8 engines in other models.

Jimmy (not verified)    September 2, 2022 - 11:29AM

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You are an idiot Jeremy. This is the worst feature ever to be forced on drivers. You don't deserve to ride a bicycle let alone a piece of shit car that has been programmed to think for you, and teach you how to be irresponsible so you can text and check up on face-plant while your car automatically brakes and keeps you in your lane! YOU, are a piece of shit Jeremy! PS. I spill gasoline on the ground intentionally every time I fill my lawnmower, because those spouts that are now required on gas cans, you know the ones that are supposed to reduce spillage, yeah, they suck as much as you Jeremy, and I just remove them and pour straight from the can. I have killed enough grass in my lawn that my mowing requirements have been cut in half, you piece of shit Jeremy!

Jimmy (not verified)    September 2, 2022 - 11:33AM

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You are an idiot Jeremy. This is the worst feature ever to be forced on drivers. You don't deserve to ride a bicycle let alone a piece of shit car that has been programmed to think for you, and teach you how to be irresponsible so you can text and check up on face-plant while your car automatically brakes and keeps you in your lane! YOU, are a piece of shit Jeremy! PS. I spill gasoline on the ground intentionally every time I fill my lawnmower, because those spouts that are now required on gas cans, you know the ones that are supposed to reduce spillage, yeah, they suck as much as you Jeremy, and I just remove them and pour straight from the can. I have killed enough grass in my lawn that my mowing requirements have been cut in half, you piece of shit Jeremy!

Jack (not verified)    March 25, 2023 - 6:03PM

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After 16k miles my forester tells me it saved 1/2 a gallon of gas. That is city driving not highway. Now when is my starter going to need replaced which has a larger carbon footprint to manufacture and ship to me.

Cathy Brochu (not verified)    May 23, 2021 - 3:41PM

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This is why (stop and start feature) I will not be purchasing a new vehicle from Subaru.
I can say that I love my Crosstrek BUT I am not at all impressed with the stop and start feature.
Bummer!

Bonnie (not verified)    May 24, 2021 - 8:57AM

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I Love my 2021 crosstrek, I HATE the auto stop/start feature, So I press the disable button each and every time I get in the car. After a while it becomes a habit. I'm waiting for a software update to permanently disable the feature.