r/subaru • • Mar 15 '26

Mechanical Help Please post year, model, trim level, and DTC scan results when asking for help. Thanks.

51 Upvotes

IF YOU ARE POSTING FOR MECHANICAL HELP:

Please include year/model/engine/transmission information in "Mechanical Help" posts.

If you are looking for help with warning lights on your dashboard, please include results of an error code scan. Without error codes as a starting point, no one will be able to provide meaningful help for you.

The r/subaru community is very willing to help, but there's a baseline amount of context about your car that we need you to provide. Without the very basics like what kind of car you have and what symptoms you're experiencing, no one can give you any sort of accurate assistance.

If you are posting about warning lights, most auto parts stores (NAPA, O'Reillys, AutoZone, etc.) offer code scanning for free. While reading codes is not the same thing as diagnosing a problem, knowing what error codes you have is the minimum amount of information necessary to start figuring out what's wrong with your car.

Thank you :)


r/subaru • • Aug 19 '26

Announcement Big update today for Denso CP1.5 owners (2023+ vertical screen radios)

55 Upvotes
  • 23-25MY Outback/Legacy Models (including Wilderness models)
  • 23-26MY Ascent Models
  • 24-26MY Impreza
  • 24-26MY Crosstrek (including Wilderness models)
  • 24-26MY WRX
  • 25-26MY Forester
  • 26MY Forester Wilderness

CP1.5 radio updates are documented in TSB 15-305-22R (public copy not yet up to date). A new update released today, and I've already added the patch notes to the wiki page, but some of these patch notes are interesting enough that I thought it justified an announcement thread as well:

Update 7:

Release date: 8/18/2026

Version: XXXXXX205-280

Category: Meter Display

  • Change the charge abbreviation displayed in the power meter area from “CHR” to “CHG” in the 12.3-inch SHEV combination meter (map display mode).

Category: Display

  • The following (1 and 2) may occur together:
    • After rearranging Home screen icons and exiting edit mode (returning to the normal screen via the Home button), the rearranged icons may revert to their original positions.
    • Among the Home screen shortcut icons, ISS/AVH/VDC/SRH/SRVD/ DMS may appear dimmed and cannot be selected. (In this case, the corresponding original controls within the Settings screen still operate normally.)
  • Since the use of STARLINK will be discontinued, replace the applicable displays with a different design and logo. The designs shown below are among those subject to change.
  • In conjunction with the design changes (logo, etc.) associated with the discontinuation of the STARLINK trademark, update the MY SUBARU icon to a new design as well.

Category: Camera

  • If strong light (e.g., sunlight reflection) causes a portion of the upper area of the rear-view image to become severely overexposed (washed out), the rearview image may become hidden (not displayed).

Category: Reset

  • The CID may repeatedly reboot, if the ignition is turned ON (IGN-ON) shortly after the ignition OFF (IGN-OFF). Aafter turning the ignition OFF (IGN-OFF), the “See You” message appears on the CID and then disappears; approximately one minute later, the ignition is turned ON again (IGNON).

Category: Navigation

  • The MAP application ("Map" icon) may fail to start with “Loading Navigation” displayed continuously and with no map shown.
  • The area where the “EXIT” icon should appear might not be visible.

Category: SXM

  • Failure to register preset channel
  • When certain channels are selected the preset highlight on the CID may jump to a different preset channel and sequential preset scrolling may not work properly.
  • If the Favorite List for the Listener Profile prior to the change is displayed follow the work around steps 1-4:
    1. Change the Listener Profile.
    2. Register favorites in the OnDemand category up to the maximum (30).
    3. From the SXM main screen, open Setting > Favorite List; while the Favorite List is opening, press the “X” button to close the screen—repeat this 8 times.
    4. Press Edit in Favorite List, delete a favorite, then press Back—repeat this cycle twice.
  • Audio output from the newly selected source may be lost. With up to 23 teams registered on the SXM Team Notification screen, press the Add button to display a list of teams not yet registered for notifications, then switch the audio source (e.g., to BT or USB audio).

Category: Bluetooth

  • Bluetooth audio may appear to be playing on the CID screen, but no sound is output from the vehicle speakers.

Category: Android Auto

  • Wireless Android Auto may disconnect intermittently.

Category: CCU log

  • When exporting CCU diagnostic logs to a USB memory device from the Dealership Mode screen, the progress bar may appear not to advance at all for approximately the first minute.

Category: Diagnosis

  • When using the SSM Data Monitor to check the AUX-BOX USB connection, the diagnosis may incorrectly indicate a USB connection failure even though the USB device is properly connected.

Category: Telematics

  • Add an operation in the CID Settings screen to disable vehicle location tracking via telematics services. However, because this feature works in conjunction with the DCM (Data Communication Module), the option will not be displayed and cannot be used unless the DCM software, as well as the CCU software, is updated to a version that supports this feature.

Some of you may have gotten this update as FOTA (update over telematics) already, possibly as early as last week. To check your current software version, open the Settings app, and then on the General tab, scroll down to "System Information" and it will display your current software version.

No word on the aforementioned telematics/DCM update that's supposed to correspond with the feature change. I suspect this will be also pushed as a FOTA update. You'll have to navigate the settings menu and see if the feature is working for you.


r/subaru • • 4h ago

Forester Sport XT

Post image
245 Upvotes

Too nice of a day to not want to drive this thing.


r/subaru • • 13h ago

Meme Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

119 Upvotes

r/subaru • • 13h ago

Took a drive to Alice's Restaurant

Thumbnail
gallery
84 Upvotes

Took a mid-week drive to Alice's Restaurant in Woodside California.


r/subaru • • 12h ago

New tire day for both rides. Pray for snow this winter❄️!!

Thumbnail
gallery
75 Upvotes

New meats for Wrx/crosstrek! Wrx-225/55r17 Falken wildpeak AT trails. Crosstrek-225/65r17 Toyo Open County AT3


r/subaru • • 16h ago

Subaru Generic 02 Subaru Forester. Sourthern NH Right Before A Summer Thunderstorm

Post image
63 Upvotes

r/subaru • • 16h ago

Parking Buddy Post- gas fill-up find

Thumbnail
gallery
45 Upvotes

SF/ first-gen Forester, and me - my 4th gen/ SJ.

This is from late May of 2023. Coming home from university class.


r/subaru • • 15h ago

2026 Subaru Outback Owners – Anyone Experiencing Floating or Swaying in Crosswinds?

Post image
25 Upvotes

I recently leased a brand-new 2026 Subaru Outback Premium and I’m curious whether other owners have experienced something similar.
When driving at normal highway speeds (65–70 mph), particularly during wind gusts, high winds, or when passing large commercial trucks, my Outback feels like it’s floating or swaying from side to side. Sometimes the rear feels like it’s wiggling or fishtailing slightly.

The vehicle drives perfectly fine in calm conditions and settles once the wind or turbulence passes. Both Lane Centering Assist and Lane Departure Prevention are off during these incidents.

I’ve already taken it to Subaru, where they inspected the steering, suspension, tire pressures, and alignment. They couldn’t find anything mechanically wrong.
I previously drove a Mazda CX-50 on these same highways in similar conditions and never experienced this sensation.

Has anyone else with a 2026 Outback noticed excessive side-to-side movement in crosswinds or when passing trucks?

I’m trying to determine whether this is a normal handling characteristic of the redesigned Outback or something specific to my vehicle. I’d especially appreciate hearing from other Premium owners!


r/subaru • • 16h ago

Saab 92X

Post image
31 Upvotes

I have a Saab 92x that I have to get rid of and it feels bad to just junk it but unfortunately that’s what my options are getting limited to. I know im not suppose to post a sales ad and this isnt that. If anyone wants to come and grab it from me they can. Im in california the bay area.


r/subaru • • 10h ago

Mechanical Help has anyone else experienced this with carplay?

Post image
6 Upvotes

the map keeps glitching and when changing apps the screen gets distorted.

Subaru Crosstrek 2024 premium


r/subaru • • 1d ago

It’s what makes a Subaru, a Subaru

Post image
1.7k Upvotes

r/subaru • • 14h ago

forester gump near forest gump point!

Post image
14 Upvotes

r/subaru • • 22h ago

Replace the V with E...

Post image
50 Upvotes

Always wanted one!


r/subaru • • 7h ago

Car Mods I'm new to the Subaru community. LF advice

Post image
3 Upvotes

I just bought this a few days ago and I'm interested in things like lift kits, roof baskets, wheels etc. Just exterior mods. Where does everyone shop online for such things?


r/subaru • • 8h ago

Mechanical Help Is this 2003 Forester engine too damaged?

Thumbnail
gallery
3 Upvotes

Im looking at buying this 2003 forester for a donor for my car. It only has 71k miles. How likely is it that the engine is too damaged from the crash to be used? If pushed into the pulleys how fragile is the front of these engines/ repairable if damaged?


r/subaru • • 15h ago

Mechanical Help Questions about getting new shocks for 2021 Crosstrek

10 Upvotes

Hi everyone!

A few months ago, I went to my normal place, and a different guy than I normally see told me that there was a note on my car's file that said it needed new shocks (which makes sense to me, I'm still on the originals at 70k miles) and would cost $1,600. I didn't do it because that's a lot of money to drop at a moment's notice, and when I went back more recently, my normal guy was back and he didn't mention it at all.

I talked briefly with another mechanic who asked if I wanted to change the struts and then stopped replying after saying that it wasn't necessary if they weren't leaking/riding rough.

Started speaking with another mechanic yesterday who asked if I had the parts already. Said no, started looking into the parts today, and as someone with limited car component knowledge, I'm starting to get a little confused. I'm not seeing new/OEM shocks sold alone? Admittedly I haven't gone super in depth on it, but both my spare time and cash are pretty limited these days, so I am hoping to get some guidance about what I should do in this situation.

No leaking, car rides smooth, I do my oil changes mostly on schedule and theoretically I am up to date on other scheduled maintenance. Not sure if this matters at all, but I am usually on paved road, only very rarely am I on like non-paved compacted road.

1) Should I be changing the shocks alone? Or both/the whole assembly? Am I misunderstanding how these parts exist in my car?

2) Is it better for me to buy the part myself? Trying to be conscious of costs and the fact that I am in southern California and the mechanic I'm currently talking with is in Arizona (I will be in Arizona for other reasons)

3) Have skimmed a few other posts trying to figure out what to do here and some of them mention non-OEM parts. I don't want to do worse than OEM, but would like to save money in whatever non-quality compromising way I can. So I guess like, what should I do here ?? Any advice greatly appreciated.

Also really sorry for the wall of text. I'm not sure what's possibly helpful and what's not 😬


r/subaru • • 9h ago

Left Front CV axle replacement, now vibrating at idle

3 Upvotes

Hey all, I know this has been asked probably a million times before, so forgive me.

Driving a 2012 2.5l Outback with ~170K on it. Needed to replace the front left CV axle this summer--dealer wanted $850, my mechanic said he'd do it for half that with an aftermarket.

Now it's vibrating at idle when in drive--if I'm at a light and it's vibrating and I switch it to neutral, it immediately goes away. Feels like the vibrations increase if I turn the wheel left when I'm sitting at a light.

Questions: am I correct in assuming that this is likely the aftermarket axle thing that everyone talks about? If so, would you expect the mechanic to fix it on his own dime, or am I just getting an expensive lesson?

Also, what are the potential outcomes if I don't get it swapped for a Subaru part? Is it like an annoying thing that will just be annoying, or are there potentially catastrophic outcomes? How urgent would you think it is to replace it?

Many thanks for answering the same question again.


r/subaru • • 7h ago

Buying Advice Trailseeker, Solterra, or Uncharted 2027/2026 Advice

2 Upvotes

Hello hello!!

I'm looking at Subarus to replace my 2016 Ford Escape SE. And I was thinking electric but gas/hybrid is fine! Preferably electric, but with gas/hybrid I want an easy to fill/oil-change/etc as my Ford is NOTORIOUSLY bad for replacing parts myself. A normal work job takes like 6 hours solely because you have to remove a lot of parts. This new car purchase will be my third car ever, with my first being a Japanese Suzuki Lapin, and my Ford Escape.

I've heard lots of good things about Subarus, and I have 3 dogs. One is a Search and Recovery dog and when we travel with my Ford I tend to get stuck, so good traction is a must, big cargo space for my crash tested crate (Gunner brand), and preferably a back up cam and a de-icing mechanism. Which is why I'm considering the Trailseeker BUT I tend to back into shit because I get careless sometimes when in tight spots as sometimes our locations are crazy. I've hit like 6 things 6 different times backing up. And as a 🏳️‍🌈, I would like to pay it forward for Subaru for being very pro-lgbtqia+

Black on Black is a must as it's the easiest to fix scratches and match with parts. I need a deer guard. It's non-negotiable as my parents have hit almost 10 deer since living in Michigan.

Also considering driving to Canada to get Canadian models as they have different functions that are more winter-oriented.

Every Trailseeker video I've watched has nothing but glowing reviews, and I have a Subaru dealership nearby but I worry about wasting their time if I'm buying in Jan/Feb/Mar 27 timeline.


r/subaru • • 16h ago

Buying Advice Are they giving deals on 26 Outback ?

8 Upvotes

I'm just starting to look into this model.

I heard it's not selling well, true ? Are/will they give discounts/deals ?

edit: specifically price drops


r/subaru • • 6h ago

Trouble accelerating.

1 Upvotes

2008 Subaru Forester 180,000 miles.

I am having issues accelerating from a stopped position, as well as at higher speeds around 45-50 miles per hour.

When accelerating from a stop the car tends to hesitate around 10 mph. It doesn’t necessarily jerk, but it feels as if it’s empty. It then picks up and I experience higher revs around 4500-5000.

When going 45 to 50 mph at an incline I can have my foot all the way down on the accelerator and the car revs high around 5500-6000 and feels like it doesn’t shift. I top out around 50-55 mph until I am on a level surface.

Since this has been happening I have changed the fuel pump, battery, alternator, and most recently swapped the transmission fluid.

I fear my transmission is pretty much shot. Does this sound like the case, or am I overlooking something?
Is there anything else I can test/try to replace?

Please let me know if you need additional information or have any questions about the behavior.

Thank you!


r/subaru • • 13h ago

Endless Evap/Emission codes headache

4 Upvotes

2013 Subaru Legacy P0456 Code

This car has been nothing but an emissions/evap system headache.

Over the last year and half, it's had intermittent emissions, vacuum, and evap related codes. The exact codes and repairs varied based on when in time we are talking about. Memory seems to bring up p0441, p0442, p0420 and p0171, though this may not be correct and is a recollection across several past repairs over the last year and a half.

Long story short, over the last year and a half chasing a variety of emissions and evap codes ,the purge valve was replaced twice, the charcoal canister was replaced, and we had to get a new catalytic converter. Each repair worked on its own for a short time, but then a few months would pass and a new code would pop up with a new repair. Eventually, everything was chill for several months at the point when everything was said and done, and it was a glorious time of no lights.

Now, the light is back. This time, it's a P0456 Code. What could it be this time?? I swear by the time we're done with this car, every single component is going to have been replaced 3 times over just to pass a stupid emissions smog test to legally register the car every other year.

Half the people say "it's always a gas cap" half always say "it's never the gas cap, it's probably a purge valve or charcoal canister or a hose". Then half the people say that the p0456 "very small" leaks can be an incredibly difficult thing to find, even for actual mechanics with smoke machines

I'm just hoping whatever's broken or has a hole isn't too expensive to fix. This dang emissions and evap system has been so costly between all these parts breaking. So much money spent just to make sure I can pass a stupid smog test.

I've seen stories with this code specifically where it can drastically range from just a $20 gas cap, all the way into more than a thousand dollars for a new gas tank because of a tiny tiny pinhole somewhere that can only be fixed by changing the entire component out.


r/subaru • • 1d ago

Subaru Generic my 3rd gen legacy

Thumbnail
gallery
138 Upvotes

just showing off my car, posted it a while back when i was still on the old motor, we are running a v7 207 with 208 heads and a g30-770 on a Link g4x, planning on putting in a new clutch and octane boosters and run an 11


r/subaru • • 7h ago

Greetings. Looking for subie owners in 916

1 Upvotes

Hi. I have a 2011 impreza. The last car was an 01 ob. Both have had bj problems. I work on all my cars alone and need other subie owners to help. One pair of hands suck. Also, if you're familiar with older 2007 vw, it would help. Thx.


r/subaru • • 12h ago

Mechanical Help My 2022 Subaru impreza 38k miles, floor starts shaking a medium amount when I go faster than 75 but very noticeable after 80

2 Upvotes

it is rhythmic it is from the back of the car, does not shake the wheel goes on/off every secondish and when I press the pedal but it is not actually contributing speed (going 82 but only pressing the pedal enough to go 35) it does it significantly more. I have went to 2 shops and they say they cannot find anything but I am just in disbelief that there's nothing wrong. I just replaced the struts and got an alignment, this has been happening for months but because I don't go on the freeway almost ever I wasn't in a huge rush to fix it but this seems dangerous to drive and just kinda 'wait and see' what might happen. any thoughts on what it could be would be great if im missing information let me know