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)

57 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 • • 8h ago

Hatchback Thursday Are Saabarus welcome here? 2006 9-2x Aero, EJ255 5MT

Post image
192 Upvotes

Only 234 made with the EJ255 + 5MT. My dad & I picked her up as a project car in 2016 and she’s been a blast.


r/subaru • • 2h ago

What is this noise? 👂 What is this symbol on the top right windshield of my new Forester?

Post image
64 Upvotes

r/subaru • • 2h ago

Anyone else miss NASIOC?

63 Upvotes

and forums in general? There was so much information and knowledge shared in such an organized way. You need how to on x? search subforum and keyword and guaranteed multiple threads documenting it. People posting their build journey on members gallery where you can follow every changes and upgrades made. Have a question on something specific and can't find the answer? Either post new thread or in an existing one and someone will always help.

We also had our local club forum where discussions were more organized, easier to coordinate meets, FS sub, and generally brought the community closer together.

Im not sure what happened why people suddenly stopped using forums, but reddit and FB groups are just not the same.


r/subaru • • 17h ago

Forester Sport XT

Post image
869 Upvotes

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


r/subaru • • 9h ago

It's our Sheep & Wool festival this weekend!

Post image
162 Upvotes

r/subaru • • 3h ago

Are Subarus more gasoline-consuming because of the AWD?

28 Upvotes

Hello, folks!

I just got my first car and am learning a lot of things about cars I hadn't even thought of. Unfortunately, it isn't a Subaru because the wallet wouldn't allow it :( but I am curious about this brand because it is one I admired as a kid and it does get pretty good ratings on reliability, which is one of the things I care about the most, so it would be one of my options for a future car.

One thing I have been learning about is FWD, RWD and AWD. I didn't even know which one my car was up until I had to go up and manouver in a steep slope on reverse that that came to my consideration. My car being FWD, I assumed, and was confirmed by some folks, that such a manouver would indeed have been easier to do in a AWD. Granted, I don't have to perform such manouvers most of the time, but it got me thinking, and, coincidentally, I came to learn that all Subarus are, in fact, AWD.

I don't know whether that has something to do with the fact that the Impreza was a rally star and, as they said in Top Gear, there hasn't been a car that hasn't won the WRC since the 80s that wasn't AWD. I do find this option interesting, if maybe not relevant for all use-cases, but, when checking the specs of the 2026 Impreza, I was surprised by how much petrol it consumes: more than 7 litres every 100 km. This is a higher consume than that of equivalent cars such as the Mazda 3 or the Toyota Corolla, and I am curious whether that is due to the AWD or maybe it's just a fuel efficiency thing from the engine. I have read that may be a possible cause, but I would like you Subaru guys to confirm or whether there are also other reasons.

Thanks so much :)


r/subaru • • 4h ago

Lil photo shoot with the BRZ

Thumbnail
gallery
20 Upvotes

r/subaru • • 59m ago

Best Subaru scan tool?

• Upvotes

So I leased a Subaru 2025 imprezza and I drive a lot, like 30k miles a year, anyway I know how to do alot of my own maintenance but my one problem is the electronic brakes, Subaru charges around 350 for all my breaks to be replaced, if there is a scanner around 250 I’d buy it and just do my own brakes since I’ll have to do this almost every year, anyway what’s some good ob2 readers or scan tools that I can use to retract the electronic piston,
I’d rather not spend 500 on a scan tools but I look at it as, an investment, so I’ll do it but are there any good ones for a little cheaper, what do you guys recommend


r/subaru • • 5h ago

Subaru Outback 2024 - Warranty Repairs

3 Upvotes

I recently brought my Subaru Outback 2024 in for regular oil change (this is also my first SUBARU) and was NOT aware that my warranty is ending at 36,000 miles. I was only 160 miles shy from the warranty over.

I mentioned there was a leakage from the eyesight cover and the dealership took good care of me and gave me a new windshield. When I asked if this is a recall, the dealership mentioned this is a known issue. My concern and worry is they will only address it if is being brought up.

Are there any other known issues experienced by SUBARU OUTBACK 2024 drivers that I should have them check before my warranty is over??? PLEASE LET ME KNOW!!! HELP ME OUT!
Thanks!


r/subaru • • 2h ago

Windshield seals are maintenance items at 50k/3 year

Post image
1 Upvotes

I have a windshield and Gold Plus warranty that doesn’t cover a manufacturer defect in the windshield adhesive. Plus, it took 3 business days to fix a chip in the windshield. I’m not happy.


r/subaru • • 2h ago

Wanting to add cruise control to my 1996 legacy wagon L

2 Upvotes

I have a 96 legacy wagon that I want to put cruise control in and found a 1998 legacy wagon with cruise at a junkyard and was wondering if I could use that as a donor car and take the cruise system from it


r/subaru • • 5h ago

Buying Advice 2008 Outback —>?

3 Upvotes

Hey all, need a little advice. I have (had) a 2008 Outback which unfortunately got totaled in an accident a little while ago. I went test driving some (new to me) cars, and all I could do was compare them to my beloved Subie.

With that in mind, I’m likely looking for another Subaru, probably an Outback. Are there any years to specifically avoid in my search? And, when I do find a car that seems right, what should I check to make sure that I can keep it running as long as possible?


r/subaru • • 1d ago

Meme Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

131 Upvotes

r/subaru • • 19m ago

Mechanical Help [Maintenance] Advice on 120k recommendations

Thumbnail
gallery
• Upvotes

2015 Subaru WRX, trying to figure out what to do with my car

Looking for advice on what should be repaired and what should be left for later, I love this car but this is a decent chunk of change on top of already 3k for a couple other repair items recently. I'm really not sure how much of this would be considered urgent/critical and what all is optional/leave for later. Would like to know more about avoiding potential future work, e.g. "radiator breaking is unlikely but could cause major damage" (this is a hypothetical example). I'd love to get perspectives from people who actually know stuff about automotive maintenance and repairs. Difficult for me to trust the opinion of a shop when they are in the position of both advising me and trying to sell me on service at the same time. Happy to provide any other details if I am able.

xpost r/CarTalk as someone recommended folks here may have more spceific insight


r/subaru • • 1d ago

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

Thumbnail
gallery
96 Upvotes

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


r/subaru • • 8h ago

subaru outback 2019 ghost touch

3 Upvotes

Hi All,

My 2019 outback is experiencing the ghost touch issue with the infotainment system. I reached out to SOA and they said the car is still under warranty is will have to go through the diagnostic.

My question is, has anyone done the diagnostic at a dealership and they determine that this specific issue isn't covered under warranty due to whatever the root cause is, then having to end up paying the diagnostic fee?

or is it usually a clear shut case that this issue isn't caused by anything else other than product defect and is in fact covered by warranty?


r/subaru • • 1d ago

Took a drive to Alice's Restaurant

Thumbnail
gallery
99 Upvotes

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


r/subaru • • 1h ago

Mechanical Help 2014 subaru forster

• Upvotes

Dealing with oil temp, stability, and ABS light issues and getting code P0971. Don't waste money at the dealer. I found a guy in Vancouver who fixed it for me for 1000, while dealers and shops quoted me 3500 and 2500. Let me know if you need his info.


r/subaru • • 1d ago

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

Post image
69 Upvotes

r/subaru • • 6h ago

Mechanical Help Series of Problems - WRX 2021

0 Upvotes

Hi, i’ve had a series of problems regarding my vehicle. It started off with my car randomly turning off at all times for a couple of seconds and turning back on (Manual transmission). I had cleaned the MAF sensor because I have a weird throttle response issue that I thought it would fix, but that’s when my car started turning off, after cleaning it.

Then I saw a comment that if you have a F1 brake light, it could cause a short circuit which I disconnected to see if that would work. The car seems to turn off less while driving but the problem hasn’t fully gone away.

Now I recently noticed that whenever I engage my clutch my brake light engages for a couple of seconds, even after disengaging the clutch so I press on the brakes for it to then turn off. I’m not sure if this might be the cause for the car turning off.

I also noticed that whenever I have my hazards on my right hazard light on my tail light will turn off while the hazards are on and will turn back on. I’m thinking this might be a flashing relay problem or I might just have to replace it.


r/subaru • • 6h ago

Langely Federal Credit union credit card- 5% cashback Automotive services- does it work for service/maintenance at a Subaru car location?

1 Upvotes

Anyone tried it? What services at the Subaru place triggered the 5% cashback?


r/subaru • • 1d ago

Parking Buddy Post- gas fill-up find

Thumbnail
gallery
56 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 • • 7h ago

Looking for TCM

1 Upvotes

Looking for a TCM for an 09 Legacy 3.0r Sedan

Can't find one in my area, not at any junkyard, Facebook, or eBay. If someone has the part number matching 30919AA551 I'd be ecstatic.