Subaru owners often focus on both performance and exterior modifications, including body kits, aftermarket wheels, and custom lighting. These modifications can give your car a unique look and feel. For instance, a roof rack can enhance the Outback’s visibility. However, only Crosstreks with an 8″ screen HU can perform Wi-Fi updates. Additionally, a recent firmware update can be installed by a Subaru owner.
Some interior modifications include vinyl for the sides of the Baja seats instead of leather. For a more classy look, consider all-black Spec C seats and black carpet. Genuine OEM Subaru interior accessories can be purchased at wholesale prices, making it a great option for those looking to save money.
In addition to performance upgrades, Subaru owners can also customize their vehicles’ interiors with accessories such as armrest covers, armrest extensions, ashtrays, auto dimming mirrors, boot bumper covers, cargo area covers, and cargo covers.
📹 5 Settings to change on your new Subaru
5 Settings to change on your new Subaru Getting a new car is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. In today’s video, I show …
Can I upgrade MySubaru STARLINK?
To update your vehicle’s STARLINK system, you must visit an authorized Subaru Retailer. The MSRP does not include destination and delivery charges, tax, title, and registration fees. Prices, specifications, options, features, and models are subject to change without notice. Select colors may be subject to additional charges. EPA-estimated fuel economy is EPA-estimated MPG equivalent on a full battery charge.
From September 30, 2024, you can get 2. 9 APR financing for 72 months on a new 2025 Outback. The offer is manufacturer-only, no down payment required, and monthly payment of $15. 15 per $1, 000 financed. The length of the contract is limited, and the vehicle may not be in stock. Delivery is estimated upon ordering and must take delivery from retailer stock by September 30, 2024.
How to get Subaru STARLINK for free?
The cost of the Subaru STARLINK subscription can be waived with the purchase of a new Subaru vehicle, as the majority of models are equipped with a three-year trial period as a standard feature. The annual subscription fee is contingent upon the specific vehicle model and the selected service level. The addition of Subaru STARLINK safety and security features serves to enhance the on-road experience.
How do I upgrade my car interior?
DIY car interior upgrades can transform your car’s interior into a unique and stylish space. These include seat covers and cushions, steering wheel covers, floor mats, LED interior lights, organizational accessories, dashboard and trim upgrades, rearview mirror decor, and door sill protectors. These simple DIY projects can give your vehicle a fresh, personalized look without breaking the bank. Materials like leather, faux leather, cotton, and polyester can be used to create designs ranging from sleek and modern to fun and quirky, allowing you to express your personality and give your car a new lease on life.
Can I add Apple CarPlay to my 2017 Subaru?
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are free and standard on all Subaru vehicles, but your wireless carrier’s data rates may apply. Apps that require paid subscriptions will function only if you are subscribed. MSRP does not include destination and delivery charges, tax, title, and registration fees. Prices, specifications, options, features, and models are subject to change without notice. EPA-estimated fuel economy and actual mileage may vary.
Now through September 30, 2024, get 2. 9 APR Financing for 72 months on a new 2025 Outback. Manufacturer offer, no down payment required, monthly payment of $15. 15 per $1, 000 financed. Offer may vary by location and other rates and payment terms available. Financing for well-qualified applicants only. Length of contract is limited, subject to credit approval, vehicle insurance approval, and vehicle availability. Vehicle may not be in stock and estimated delivery to be determined upon ordering.
Can you upgrade Subaru infotainment system?
The Subaru vehicle is equipped with over-the-air (OTA) software update capabilities, which can be enhanced through the implementation of the following steps. Nevertheless, there are potential risks, such as the vehicle being relocated to an external location where the engine can safely be started and allowed to idle.
Can I modify my car interior?
The Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 and the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR) in India allow car enthusiasts to customize their vehicles, promoting driver and public safety by considering airbag functionality, emissions testing, and vehicle strength. These regulations aim to provide a platform for enthusiasts to showcase their preferences while ensuring road safety. However, understanding and complying with these regulations can be challenging for passionate individuals. Before making any modifications, consider the following factors:
- Safety: The regulations aim to ensure that the vehicle is safe for use and that the modifications are legal.
How do I add Starlink to my Subaru?
To pair your mobile device with your Subaru STARLINK system, ensure Bluetooth is activated on your device. On the STARLINK multimedia screen, click Setup Bluetooth Add to display the system’s name and PIN. Select your Subaru STARLINK system in the Bluetooth menu on your mobile device and the two will begin pairing. For more information on your STARLINK system or pairing with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, contact a knowledgeable team member.
How do I upgrade my interior design?
To update your home decor without a DIY project, consider replacing faded pillows with luxury designer ones or modern wall art. Rearranging shelves, pictures, and vignettes can also refresh your space. If you already love your interior styling but need a little extra, consider adding a luxury rug to create continuity and a solid foundation for new decor. Neutral options like fuzzy gray or bohemian pieces like Persian pieces can be used. Rugs can also define areas, especially in open floor plans, so experiment with shapes and size when searching for the perfect piece.
Can I upgrade my Subaru to Apple CarPlay?
Apple CarPlay is now available with all new Subaru cars and SUVs for the 2023 model year. To pair your Apple iPhone to your new Subaru, use an Apple Lightning-to-USB cable, located just below the infotainment screen. On your Subaru infotainment screen, select Yes to enable Apple CarPlay, and on your iPhone, select Allow to enable it. The process should take just a minute or two. For more information on the Subaru STARLINK infotainment system or how to pair an Android device, contact a knowledgeable team member.
Can I upgrade my car’s infotainment system?
The age of your vehicle may limit the ability to fully upgrade your car’s infotainment system to meet the latest standards and software updates. However, aftermarket infotainment systems can be installed, but they may come at a cost. Most infotainment systems are only compatible with tech made by or specifically for the automaker, but some are open to working with aftermarket upgrades. These additions are not mechanical, so they shouldn’t void any warranty or vehicle service contracts.
If allowed under your contract, your car’s dealership service center or certified repair facility can remove your old infotainment system and add a new one. Ensure the new infotainment system has the features, in-car apps, weather reports, and live traffic information you need.
Endurance can help protect your vehicle from expensive repairs by covering manufacturer-installed infotainment elements like your radio, as long as the repair is less than $1, 000. Some exclusions may apply, so check your contracts fine print to ensure you have the coverage you need.
📹 TOP 10BEST Interior Upgrades & Mods For Your Subaru WRX/STI
Top 10 Best Interior Mods For A Subaru WRX/STI. Hope these give some good ideas on what mods to do. 1. Steering wheel 2.
I finally got delivery of my ’22 Forester premium trim last week after pre ordering it after Christmas 2021. I have been perusal your articles since summer of ’21 and it made me decide to get the Forester aside from talking to people who owns Subaru vehicles. Your articles are very informative and helpful. Thanks and keep up the good work.
The most annoying feature by far on my new Forester is that the Bluetooth stays on even when the car engine is off. For example, when I am listening to music using my phone and wireless headphones, anywhere near my car, the car keeps trying to connect to the headphones, even though the engine is off. Every few seconds, I hear a beep through my headphones. At first I didn’t know what it was, but then I figured out that it was my car trying to connect to the headphones. I’m sure that some bright young automotive engineer thought this was a clever idea.
holy cow alex!! thank you!! i had my new subaru outback for a month now and my wife complained about the display being on all the time but since we didn’t see any “display off” button, we thought we just had to deal with it being on all the time. I did secretly like how it looks when on so it didn’t really bother me that much, but wife wanna sleep in long distance travel.
I discovered lately that even when you are in “D”rive mode on a CVT, the paddles still works for “downshifting” the CVT. Then you can upshift again and eventually when you are at the proper gear-speed, it will auto change back to D mode. I really wish there was a way to disable permanently the Autostart feature because it is really annoying and a dangerous feature imo that is almost on par as not having your car in-gear when waiting at a light. The 1+ sec delay for the engine to start and engage the transmission so you can move fast in an emergency situation is the reason why I keep Autostart off all the time.
I just purchase a 2024 Crosstrek (literally three days ago); somehow the 3-blink tap directional signal capability has been inactivated — it worked for the first day. How can I re-activate this feature. It is the feature on the directional lever that allows you to tap the lever for directional signaling rather than a hard click to signal a turn. I’ve been perusal a few of your tutorials and have since subscribed — thank you.
I use the Auto setting for my headlights on my 2012 Outback, but find it to be overly sensitive such that the lights come on even when I pass under a bridge or overpass for a second or two. The ability to desensitize will be a welcome addition for me on my next Outback. On a previous car, on Auto the lights came on too late and I actually put some black tape on a portion of the light detector to make them come on earlier.
I’m not sure if you’re allowed to say it, but I purchased an auto stop eliminator from a third party that installs into a control unit under the driver seat of my ’21 Crosstrek Limited in just a few minutes. It remembers the setting of the auto stop. One of my favorite easy to do mods- and it’s easily removable so it doesn’t affect resale.
I LOVE my 2021 Outback Limited, I just wish the seat heater controllers worked without opening another graphic. It should be one touch per heat setting, right on the screen where the graphic is, rather than touching the graphic and having another graphic open. I get that they want to “wow” you with the size of the screen, but sometimes that’s just not practical. Maybe if the processor was faster or would be a little better, but it’s slow which is okay. Thank the good lord for car play because the stock Subaru infotainment UI is gross. Fingers crossed that they’ll have an update that addresses the ear heater issue. They could have even made physical seat heater controllers, similar to the heater controls. That could have been nice. Again, I LOVE my Subaru. We have a Model X Tesla and I really do prefer driving the Outback.
Great article, thanks Alex! One thing I’m wondering… how do you switch off the “call in progress” reminder when in a call? The up and down arrows no longer work. The reason I think it is important is I am driving a US crosstrek in Canada and I am reliant on the digital speedometer in the center dash panel to know my speed (in kmph). The analog dial on the right has the kmph but they are too small to read. It also occurs to me if I am in cruise control mode I won’t be able to see that data if I’m in a call (hasn’t happened yet). Thanks!
There is the hatch back height setting that can be very frustrating. For low ceiling heights, you can adjust the hatch so it doesn’t come all the way up. However, figuring out how to correct that isn’t easy. The button near the dash light adjustment controls it. Maybe you can add that to an upcoming article.
RE: Auto Start/Stop on my new Crosstrek: It is very sporadic about when to stop at signals, sometimes not turning off for the entire light (up to 2 minutes), other times it turns off immediately. Also, there are very noticeable bumps and jerks both when stopping and starting, which can be quite disconcerting. If these objections could be overcome, I would use the feature all the time, especially since most of my driving is in the city, and, therefore, stop and go.
My 2011 Outback finally became unsustainable, mostly through my own fault of not going through car washes after tough Maine winters. Just got a white 2020 Forester I call Egg-atha Christie. These articles are fantastic, I have absolutely no patience for sitting down and reading manuals, I just press buttons until I get something to work. This is a whole lot more efficient. Thank you!
I personally find the auto start stop feature to be horrible because of how much it shakes the car, and when I’m in town I’m always frequently stopping at lights and it’s kind of bothersome to have the car just continuously doing that. But I understand why it exists, so I usually keep it on, especially if I’m going to be on a route where I don’t stop all that much. To be honest, it’s not that hard to make tapping the button part of your startup routine (check side mirrors, rearview, seatbelts), it’s just a little click. I think people who say they’ll never buy Subaru again over it are just speaking in hyperbole.
One note on the headlights: (2021 Forester) If the headlight switch is in the Auto position, you can momentarily turn on the high beams by pulling the stalk towards you, but you cannot push the stalk forward to leave the high beams on. You have to turn the main headlight switch to the ON position in order to be able to turn on the high beams by pushing the stalk forward to click it into place to keep them on.
My question is more of a mechanical one, I find the start stop annoying sometimes like in stop and go traffic or a town that has many lights, I sometimes disable that function, is there a warranty on the starter? starting the car that many time must place excess wear on your starter. What do you think?
Auto Start-Stop is a pain. You should be able to turn it off permanently until you want it back on. It will certainly cause extra strain on the starter and you will probably have to replace the starter motor sometime during the life of the car. Subaru has made it a default in order to report better mileage that really won’t happen.
Just got a 2023 Forester Limited two weeks ago and have not made it through all of the manual yet, so this article has been a huge help! I also learned about the paddle shifters through another article of yours, so I see me perusal a lot of your articles in the future, as they are incredibly helpful. Thank you!
Thanks so much. I actually read my owners manual cover to cover and you still came up with useful stuff that I missed/forgot due to the volume of information. Question about the auto stop-start system: from an engineering viewpoint, how does it actually work? Does it stop at a predetermined crankshaft position favorable to restart? Does it determine which cylinder is in an appropriate position and inject-ignite that cylinder on restart in addition to normal starter motor action? I know there are all kinds of clever tricks they can use and I’m curious to know how Subaru does it. Thanks again!
Alex, your a smart man when it comes to the Subarus. I do thank you for a wonderful job and the information that you have provided in all articles. The wilderness is 1 amazing car. This is one car I feel much safer than my 1985 full size Blazer. I greatly appreciate all the knowledge that you have provided for me and other Subaru owners. Thank you
I own a 2020 outback. When I purchased my car, I was under the impression that I paid $80 for auto start and there would be a minor fee annually. I recently discovered its part of a STARLINK pkg I don’t want or need. Is it too Kate to buy a fob? Tge orice fir STARLINK was quoted as $150 which doesn’t match what I’ve read online
Alex, I enjoy your articles as I currently own a 2015 Outback 2.5i Limited. I did own a 2021 Ascent Touring, but traded that in for a 2022 Outback Touring XT. Here is my question…You and others who extol the virtues of Subaru never mention the dumb stuff; such as: needing to unlock ALL the doors for access to the gas cap, unlocking all the doors to open the rear hatch from the dash button. These things are unsafe, and I have been writing to Mr. Doll telling him this is unsafe in our society, especially for a single woman like me. Another issue that is never mentioned is taking a Subaru through a car wash and making sure the staff is aware that they CANNOT spray anything inside the cabin as there is a danger of damaging the eyesight cameras.
As a new 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness owner, I’m finding your articles very helpful in understanding the vehicle. One request I’d make (but maybe just too time consuming for you to produce!) is to have a tutorial specifically dedicated to a deep dive into the settings menu on the multi-function/main display. I know the navigation of the system would be different for various models, but I find that level of detail explained to be super useful in understanding the vehicle better – even if it’s merely to set someone once and forget it. There are so many bells and whistles, that knowing what they do just helps to provide folks like me with a better sense of ownership. Anyway, that’s my 2 cents. Keep up the good work. Thanks!
I just found your website and it’s very informative. I have a 2017 outback. One other thing (that is useful in places where it’s required by law) is you can turn on daytime running lights. These are (at least on mine) is a subset of the full lights, kind of like extra markers on the front. Different than having lights on all the time.
Lights – instead of messing with the auto sensitivity, just turn them to “on” and be done. Then you’re always visible from front and rear, and conditions like brightness during snow or fog doesn’t cause your sensor to think you don’t need lights. They still turn off when you turn off the ignition, so there’s literally no reason to do it any other way. Set it and forget it and always be seen.
I find that the Automatic Vehicle Hold feature is a good option — one doesn’t have to keep the brake pedal depressed, and the car will unlock the brakes at the slightest tap on either the brake or gas pedal. Unfortunately, you have to opt in the AVH and opt out of the Auto Start Stop, which I never use.
We have a 2018 Subaru Outback. The passenger airbag icon above the rear view mirror is lit up even when someone is sitting in the front passenger seat. The icon has a person seated with the belt on, with an X and the number 2. Since there is a number 2 I wondered if it means the middle seats? Any idea how to fix this?
One problem I had with changing settings on my new (used) Forester, with the original battery that was not optimal, is that I got carried away doing all the settings and learning about how things work, and when I went to start the car, the battery died a horrible death. It got so low I couldn’t even lock the door, and was unable to use a trickle charger. AAA managed to help me get it started, with a bit of work, but people should be aware that the screen, especially the big screen with my touring trim, sucks up a lot of power.
Hi Alex. I have a unique question for you. Since you work for a Subaru dealership maybe you could help me out. I have a 2018 crosstrek, manual. It originally came with a gauge cluster that had a small black/white display. Alomg with that it had the basic blak/white MFD on top of the dash. Since then I upgraded it to a better version of the gauge cluster that has the larger color display in between the gauges. I did that by swapping the EEPROM. I then installed the 3 buttons on the bottom left of the steering wheel to controll the color display. That works. Then I upgraded to a better version center MFD. That is working ok. It receives the information from the car. I can toggle between the screens by pressing the INFO button on the left of the steering wheel. My issue is when I get to the that says press and hold INFO button to enter settings, nothing happens when I hold that button. I tried as much as few minutes. Is it something that a Subaru dealership can program for me? Thanks.
Bought a dealer service loaner with 2500 miles as a used 2022 Outback. Apple CarPlay will not connect to iPhone XR. I’ve updated iPhone to IOS 15.7 and restarted phone after update. Also I’ve updated apps to be used in CarPlay mode. With Apple cable, iPhone XR still not connecting to the Subaru. Have gone through various troubleshooting tips: forget this car and tried to reestablish connection, still not connecting. on iPhone went to Settings > General > CarPlay > Outback (I believe it found the car via bluetooth) > forget this car (clicked on) > then backed out of Settings and shutdown iPhone. Then restarted iPhone and tried reconnecting, but Subaru message said unable to establish connection with iPhone. Can you help with trying to get Apple CarPlay to work with my iPhone XR?
If you’re driving a car, your headlights should be on. Always. Daytime included. It’s not about what you can see… it’s people being able to see you. Lights are a must. Set your headlights to ON at all times. When you turn a Subaru off, the lights will always turn off with it. Battery will never drain.
Nice article. I do have a question about an older Subaru. I have a 2013 Subaru Legacy with the optional mapping system. It appears Subaru dropped support for the GPS system, and you can no longer get updates for the maps. Does anyone still support it or is the 2020 update the last those cars are getting? It seems that Subaru drops support on internal electronics faster than other manufacturers, but I may be wrong about that. Thank you.
Thanks Alex! I have a 2020 Crosstrek. I remember when I got it, there was an option to have the radio on or off when starting the car. I can’t seem to find it anymore and the radio is constantly on. Is there a way to have the radio default to off as I find myself constantly turning it off immediately after turning the car on. When I took it in for maintenance, they told me to hold the volume button for 3 seconds but it doesn’t seem to have worked.
Thanks to all of your articles on 2022 Subaru Forester Sport and some independent research of course, I just ordered mine yesterday. Won’t arrive until sometime between August-October though 😅 I’m driving a Honda Civic now so I also can’t complain since I’m paying less for gas right now than anyone in my family.
This was really good. I had figured out the Auto Start Stop but didn’t know how to shut off the lane warning signals so I am glad to know that! Is there any way to shut off the seatbelt warning signal? I tried turning all warning sounds to min but it didn’t seem to impact that at all and it’s annoying as hell! I have a ’22 Crosstrek which is the first vehicle I have purchased since 2007 when all these damn noises didn’t exist yet 🙂
The steering wheel adjustment comes from the Bondurant Driving school. It’s what I was taught at the police academy and is designed so that you have full control of the car when the car is skidding around corners. You never want the seat so far back that you start holding onto the wheel to keep yourself upright.
Your articles and informations are great for all those who are not familiar with all these buttons in new Subaru. I am getting my new Subaru Outback Limited by Metallic Silver next week probably. All dealers in Detroit are adding extra premium under various headings due to shortage in cars. This article is very useful to me. Thank you very much. Please post more articles about inside features and how and where to use X mode and so on..
Thank you Alex. Very informative. I learn much faster hands on or perusal vs reading the manual. I just got my 2023 Subaru Forester after waiting 5 1/2 months, (which was fine with me). I need to figure out how to get the digital speed up on my dash. If you can please compose a article for that, I would appreciate it. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with Subaru newcomers.
Love my Crosstrek, it’s my second, my only complaint is with my 2016 and now my 2021 is paint chipping on the hood of the car. I live in a cold urban climate so I imagine salt trucks and alike are to blame. I’m not a tailgater and I have never had this problem before in my 30 years of driving. And yes, I paid extra for the clear coat on my 2021 and I already have 2 chips.. Anyone else have this problem? Is this from regular road travel or maybe carwashes are to blame?
I finally got my car 2 weeks back. Your detailed articles are so useful to learn all features. I keep going back and forth to understand these new features in Subaru Outback Limited 2022 model. Can you please explain how to adjust Navigation preference in Tom Tom GPS such as avoidance Highways and Tolls etc and when needed how to get it back?
I remember in one of your articles, you made a comment about certain features that you might turn off. (Example: auto start/stop) But, when you turn the car off and then turn it back on, this feature is back on again. I remember you saying, it would be great if whatever way you left that feature, it stayed that way. I agree! However, I recently learned that on my 2022 Forester Premium, the lane departure warning stays the way you left it. I usually leave this feature on. But, for some reason I turned it off one evening and the next morning it was still off. I do appreciate your articles! It’s been very helpful.
We own 3 late model Subarus. We love all of them. But, I’m 76 years old. I’m not into all this hi tech stuff. I like to keep it simple and easy. So all this infotainment stuff is way over my head. But I’m sure that my kids love this stuff. However, I do find your knowledge intertaining. We especially love our 2020 Forester. But the 2022 Impreza is a fun car. Our 2018 Impreza was our first Subaru.
2022 Outback Limited owner, “Pre-Collision” Braking system defaults to ON every time on Restart. You cannot turn it off permanently. Subaru America needs to push out an update on the software for Pre-Collision because it absolutely is faulty. The system brakes on winding slow speed roads with trees next to the road and shadows. The system will auto brake when passing large white trucks on sunny days. The Driver Monitoring System (DMS) also defaults to ON at every restart. You can fix it by placing a piece of tape over the infrared camera that points at the driver, otherwise random “Keep Eyes On Road” beeping every time you drive under a bridge, or in and out of shadows. Uggg… next topic, interior rattles starting with the dome light in middle of headliner.
I hate the big touch screen in my Legacy. Quite often, it’s not responsive – especially the fan speed. Putting the seat heater in the touch screen is stupid and unsafe to use while driving as well as changing the climate controls. You can’t do anything by feel. You have to look at the screen.I’ve been driving Subarus for many years but this 2020 model is really pissing me off.
OH my gosh…do I feel old a dated. So yesterday I was taking an afternoon drive and really wanted to change (zero out) my triptometer. I did not have my computer so I could not watch your article (It was on my ‘to do’ list). I pulled out my manual and its diagrams were no help to me. I could not locate the button/knob by looking at the pages. So I began looking around…and what did I see (through my dirty glasses?!) I circular button, flash set against the console behind my lights lever. I pushed it in and VOILIA…it was there, in plain sight the whole time!
I hate hate hate my new Subaru for all the BS driver assistance stuff I need to shut off before I drive. Pre-Breaking, wait what, yep pre-breaking. I don’t want anyone else to apply the breaks but me the driver. First time I forgot to shut it off, while parking the car slammed the brakes and my 140 lb Cane Corso dog into the front seats. No thanks. Then there is driver monitoring system. It’s like a nanny cam for the driver. Which means every time I scratch my head or look out the window the car lowers my music and yells at me to keep my eyes on the road. NO THANK YOU, so that’s the 2nd thing I shit off every time I get in the are, of course the auto start stop to me is annoying, so shut that off. I typically have to hit 11 buttons or key strokes on the computer every time I get in. (NO THANK YOU) if Suburu was smart there would be away to permanently disable these features. But as of now there is no way to do that. This flaw may stop me for buying another one. Other wise I love my Subaru. But please Subaru give me away to permanently shut off the Nanny cam’s and auto pilot features that I never use and even find annoying and offensive. Please and thank you!
Alex, I purchased a 2023 wrx premium two months ago. The location setting of the vehicle shows where the car was purchased. The tech person from the dealership set up a zoom appointment which is standard and I attempted to change that setting to my home location. she was not able to fix the issue. Do you have a article or have you addressed this question before how to change this setting?
Alex, I have a 2021 Subaru Outback. One of the frustrating components of the vehicle is the key Fob to lock and unlock the doors. I’m grateful for the option. However, the range of operation is limited. Meaning… I’ve got to be very close to the vehicle for this feature to work. My wife has a Lexus RX 350 and the range of distance for that vehicle is 50 yards if not more. Question.. Can the range of the keyless feature to lock and unlock be increased?
Help! I want to adjust my seat to my comfort so I use the settings on the door. Each time i sit in the car, a 2022 outback, when it recognizes me it puts my seat back further back than my setting. How can I change that default setting? I am the only driver. There seems to be a hidden setting somewhere that changes the seat back.
Hi! I need help. I have a new 2023 Subaru Impreza purchased two months ago. Last week I finally started playing around with the buttons and I/set. Now something happens intermittently over last 3 days. I’ll be driving 35 to 55 and I hear a “beep” and see the word “OFF” in big white caps on the dash between the tachometer and odometer. Also, I noticed the steering wheel moving by itself. I called the dealership and discovered I had turned off the Vehicle Dynamic Control (it’s next to the Illumination brightness button). So I fixed that. However, tonight, just as I was very close to the driveway, I heard “bing” and saw “OFF” again. (The steering wheel did NOT move”. Do you have any ideas? Thank you.
There are a bunch of “features” I don’t like. First is the cruise control. Only adjusts up or down in 5mph increments – stupid. And the controls aren’t intuitive. Second, all the beeps and warnings- watch the road, keeps hands on steering wheel, car in front, Lane departure, etc. I don’t need all that – I have a wife sitting next to me doing it!
Auto headlights; my pet peeve, why doesn’t EVERYbody use this feature? EVERY single night I see at least one person driving with NO lights on. They seem to have the automatic daytime driving lights on and they don’t realize without turning on “headlights” we cannot see them from the back. Once on the New Jersey Turnpike I approached a car like this at highway speed, about 60-70 mph, the car being black with no lights on from the rear was almost Invisible until I was right up his A**!! People- use your Auto Headlight feature, PLEASE! Or at least remember to turn on headlights, Thank you
Helpful clip! Question? Just took home a new Subaru Outback 2024 Touring model. First day out driving, audible red light camera and speed camera warnings were heard often. Then, the notifications magically disappeared. We had not configured anything on the car at that point. Any answers? Checked several on-line sources and there is a lot of debate about what causes this. I had no Car Play on and no map/navigation engaged. Actually a helpful feature if I can find how to get it to start again.
Question: I have a 2021 Ascent touring model. Two of my friends own Subaru’s (one a 2020 Outback and one a 2023 Ascent). Both of them have settings that has welcome and goodbye message that says their names! Mine only shows the words Goodbye and Welcome” but not my name. How do I change it to show my name?
Hi Alex. I have a 2015 Subaru Legacy 2.5 Limited and I updated my maps. On the apps screen I can now see Mirror Link grayed. How can I activate it to use it with Wase for instance or my articles. I have installed Mirror Link on my cell but the infosystem does not seem to be activated. Many thanks for your help.
Bought a 2020 outback and the battery died and car broke down. Common problem for new Outback’s, crappy batteries. Would not take a charge. Replaced the battery so we could drive the car ASAP. Subaru would not compensate for the battery, despite a 3 year warranty. I guess they prefer you to drop your plans for the day, call a tow truck, wait for them to repair it, then drive back home later that night.
Helpful article, thanks. System doesn’t adjust steering wheel position so it’s a bit pointless when you have to adjust it manually each time (my wife’s much shorter than me so has a different steering wheel position to me). I guess we could try to find a position that suits us both but it’ll be a bit of a compromise.
Wife got a 2018 Outback new. I took it over when she got a 2021 Outback. She detests the new head unit display, including that she has to punch for the seat heater level adjustment several times to get to it and for it to respond. Any way to ‘simplify’ the circus lights of the head unit station displays?
Alex, I have just ordered a 2022 Forester Wilderness and am thinking about beefing up the tires to a 235/60-17 for some more real estate when off-road. Can you please tell me if you think that would fit in the spare tire location? I have been told that location is already very tight and won’t hold anything larger.
These articles are so helpful. I purchased a new Subaru in Mexico where I am an expat. The sales people were very enthusiastic and knew their product. They gave me a great tutorial, but in Spanish! The Manuel is also in Spanish. my conversational Spanish was not up to making sense of either. I drove for a while Not understanding the features of my new car. Very frustrating. I was also unable to get a book translated into English. Ironically, most of the Subaru drivers around me are also gringos. Really a big oversight for Subaru who attends to so many details well! Subaru was completely unresponsive to the efforts of my dealer to get me an English book! Anyway, thank you for the time and effort you put into knowing your product and helping people understand it.
Hi, I have a 2010 subaru forester premium 2.5. I bought it from someone 4 months ago and I don’t know much about this subaru, for example, which stereo do you recommend? They removed the one that came from the factory, the buttons that the guide brings, I think they are disconnected because they don’t work for me, I don’t know if the front glass and the side mirrors are defrosted, oh no? Sorry for so many questions and thank you for taking the time to read my message, blessings to you and your family from Pennsylvania
Thank you for your great articles! I have a 2023 subaru forester eboxer (german version) and i am looking for the possibility to adjust the auto light sensor so that the headlights are not too sensitive on and off. Unfortunately, in the menus accessible to me, I cannot find an auto light sensor entry as shown by you in the article. Can anyone help?
I just took delivery on a 2024 Subaru Crosstrek (base model with dual 7″ multimedia screens). It seems there is no way to turn off the radio. The dealer told me that it’s on all the time and to just turn down the volume or mute it. That cannot be correct. Any clue you could pass on as to how to turn off the radio. Thanks and thank you for these great articles!
Hello Alex very good article. I actually didn’t know all Subarus had auto start and stop. I have a question, what would be the cause of my rear wiper blade doing full swipes? When I turn it on it just randomly stops where ever it wants and then I have to turn it off and turn it back on for it to function again.
My 2018 legacy have the first two features. The third feature is different in mine. The turn signal activator is on the left side of the steering wheel. I set the headlight to auto and if i push the activator lever in, when its dark the high beams come on automatically, they turn off when a vehicle approaches. Pretty cool IMHO.
There a several things I hate about my 2022 Outback. Using the hands free calling with my iPhone plugged in results in everyone I am talking too saying it sounds like I am driving with all the windows down. Another issue is the car is painfully slow and gets awful around town mpg. We live in a fairly small city and I have been retired for over 10 years. No stop and go traffic. The best city mpg I have ever gotten was 21.6. One of the most annoying features is the seat belt chime. I really don’t need to be wearing a seat belt on my farm driving 10 mph. The Outback will be gone by the end of the year when my Ford Maverick Hybrid arrives.
Thanks for all the tips. Very helpful for my newly purchased Outback. I’ve been trying to figure out what I did to the display screen. I use Android Auto for navigation which I was using when I hit something that caused two “widgets” to appear at the bottom of the display screen, just above the temp control and below the map display. One widget is on the left displays temperature which I don’t need b/c I already have displayed that at the top. On the right is Spotify which is an app I have on my phone. I have no idea how to remove these. Any advice?
So annoying that in the outback you have to dig all the way into settings menu to turn off automatic braking and perform other functions. It’s way easier and more intuitive in the Crosstrek when you have buttons right there. I’m really just not a fan of having touch screens in cars, I think they can be clunky and over complicated. Especially when with the push of a button, you can actually feel with your fingers is much safer and easier!!!
Me again!!!thanks again for another great content!!!I love the mods on your wrx!!The one mod I would do is my seats in the front!!!I agree my lower back gets a little soar!!!Do your seats come with the heating option?That would my small hang up.Holla back!!!Can not wait for you to showcase your new vette!!