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What is the Subaru Starlink app, and why is it going away in the 2016-2018 Subaru Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, Impreza, Legacy, WRX, and WRX STI models? Subaru says the Starlink app is no longer supported, but the functions that the app previously offered are still available.
As wireless carriers shut down their 3G networks, certain Subaru Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, Impreza, Legacy, WRX, and WRX STI models will lose the ability to automatically contact first responders after a crash.
Starlink safety and security connected services rely on a wireless connection, and in some older model-year Subaru vehicles, these services use a 3G network. In February 2022, the current wireless provider elected to retire this 3G network, which will affect services such as Automatic Collision Notification, SOS Emergency Assistance, and remote vehicle features in those affected vehicles.
Subaru owners need the update.
If you haven’t had the update, Subaru retailers offer a complimentary update for affected vehicles with an active Starlink Safety and Security subscription. This update will allow continued access to important safety and security services. The subscription would have been canceled if an affected vehicle was not updated before the 3G network retirement date.
Subaru says, “Wireless data network providers will be phasing out their 3G cellular networks to make room for newer technologies. As a result of this decision by the network providers, devices that require 3G wireless networks, such as the Starlink system inside some Subaru vehicles, will no longer operate unless they are upgraded.”
Subaru of America was notified that 3G wireless network retirement would occur in February 2022. Affected vehicles include the 2016-2018 Subaru vehicles with an active Subaru Starlink Safety and Security subscription.
According to Subaru, affected services include Automatic Collision Notification, SOS Emergency Assistance, Stolen Vehicle Recovery, and Remote Features such as locking and unlocking your Subaru vehicle. If the Starlink system in these vehicles is not updated, then the Starlink services will be canceled upon the retirement of the 3G network, currently expected in February 2022.
Which Subaru models are impacted by the 3G retirement?
2016-2018 Forester 2.5i Premium
2016-2018 Forester 2.5i Limited
2016-2018 Forester 2.5i Touring
2016-2018 Forester 2.0XT Premium
2016-2018 Forester 2.0XT Touring
2016-2018 Legacy 2.5i Premium
2016-2018 Legacy 2.5i Limited
2016-2018 Legacy 3.6R Limited
2017-2018 Legacy 2.5i Sport
2016-2018 Outback 2.5i Premium
2016-2018 Outback 2.5i Limited
2016-2018 Outback 3.6R Limited
2017-2018 Outback 2.5i Sport
2016-2018 Impreza 2.0i Limited
2016 Impreza 2.0i Sport Premium with Eyesight
2016 Impreza 2.0i Sport Limited
2017-2018 Impreza 2.0i Premium
2017-2018 Impreza 2.0i Sport
2016-2017 Crosstrek 2.0i Premium with Eyesight
2016-2018 Crosstrek 2.0i Limited
2018 Crosstrek 2.0i Premium
2017 WRX 2.0T Premium with Harman Kardon
2017-2018 WRX 2.0T Limited
2017-2018 WRX 2.5T STI
If you are an active Starlink Safety and Security service subscriber and did not update your Starlink system before February 2022, your services would have automatically been canceled, and you should have been issued a pro-rated refund for the unused portion of your subscription.
Subaru owners of the 2016-2018 Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, Impreza, Legacy, WRX, and WRX STI can contact your Subaru Retailer for further details or refer to your MySubaru account for scheduling assistance.
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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 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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Photo credit: Subaru USA
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Comments
This article is misleading…
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This article is misleading and false. The app is not going away. It is 3G that has ended support, requiring a vehicle update at the dealer. It has nothing to do with the starlink app.
Why is this dated yesterday…
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Why is this dated yesterday for a feature that went away 16 months ago.... misleading and really old news
I have a 2014 ram 1500. It…
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I have a 2014 ram 1500. It as well had a 3G cellular connectivity. However, ram uconnect sent me an 4G ODB dongle to interface with the truck to be able to continue using most of the features. I just can't believe that these companies were still using 3G base equipment up until 2019.
Did this affect Messaging…
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Did this affect Messaging between my IOS device and the Outback? I am no longer able to get my messages to the Head Unit unless I use Apple's app and plug in USB? Wheat happened? I have been to the dealer and exchanged many emails with a Subaru Customer Advocate but no one has explained what happened, nor do they acknowledge a Subaru issue. Why the MYSTERY?
Same here. Cannot get…
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In reply to Did this affect Messaging… by John Lamia (not verified)
Same here. Cannot get messages now, without Apple CarPlay. Additionally, my phone is silenced as soon as it connects to the car's Bluetooth. It won't ring or give me the text chime, if the car is on. No one seems to see the issue.