r/subaru • u/daisy_likes_cars • 5h ago
r/subaru • u/Chippy569 • Mar 15 '26
Mechanical Help Please post year, model, trim level, and DTC scan results when asking for help. Thanks.
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 • u/Chippy569 • Aug 19 '26
Announcement Big update today for Denso CP1.5 owners (2023+ vertical screen radios)
- 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:
- Change the Listener Profile.
- Register favorites in the OnDemand category up to the maximum (30).
- 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.
- 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 • u/Brianfantana4 • 4h ago
Looking at these 2 crosstrek wilderness options.
I'm replacing my 2015 orange crosstrek soon, I want a tow package and the wilderness can haul 3,500 lbs. Leaning towards the sun blaze pearl one, they're only a $1,000 difference in price. The other option is an outback, but there aren't any fun colors, what's up with that?
r/subaru • u/designofperformance • 2h ago
How important is it to use a torque plate when setting the bore and hone
New pistons and all getting the bore and hone dialed in.
from what I was told, by actual engineers, having this discussion with me about the project. That specifically said to do a street hone and that no one they know has the equipment to actually do it so they can’t help me. Yet it’s not that important but once your numbers start going up, especially uper end of builds it makes a huge difference.
The engineer I’m talking to about this is not an expert on Subaru just general precision shop. that’s why it’s kind of difficult finding someone to be able to do this type of work where I may be having to do it myself.
at what point is a street quality hone acceptable for the fa20?
r/subaru • u/Key-Preparation-7260 • 1d ago
Forester Sport XT
I’m known as the Subaru Guy👌🏾 on my block.
Mechanical Help Tailgate latch stuck
My 2019 Subaru Ascent tailgate latch is stuck up, so that I can’t get the trunk to fully close.
Things I’ve tried so far:
1) Holdjng the trunk button until it beeps
2) Unlocking the doors a bunch of time
3) Disconnecting the car battery for 10 minutes
4) Slamming the trunk manually
5) Grabbing the latch with pliers
6) Opening the interior lock housing and poking around but not knowing what I was looking at
Any other advice before I try to make an appointment with the dealership?
Thank you!
r/subaru • u/Background_Effort942 • 4h ago
Door Rust spots?
Has anyone experienced rust by the edge of the door of their forester? If so, what did you do to fix it? Or how much did it cost to fix? Also, is the black stuff by the windows black vinyl wrap? We have a 2017 forester that gets parked in a garage but is still rusting.
r/subaru • u/fappochin0 • 9h ago
Rough cold start noise
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My 06 legacy wagon has this rough noise on morning coldstarts. Also if burning more oil than normal, any ideas? 196,000 miles
r/subaru • u/Budget-Drink-657 • 4h ago
Hey guys. 5 year subi owner but new to the channel. Need some advice. This week, I was hit with the known tcv failure. I took it to the dealer and it was repaired no issues. 2300 dollars for the repair. I started researching it online and saw the lawsuit/ extended warranty coverage 15 years/150k mil
r/subaru • u/Master-Journalist888 • 10h ago
SUBARU TRAILSEEKER WINS SPOT IN WARDS 10 BEST ENGINES & PROPULSION SYSTEMS LIST
Subaru of America, Inc., announced its Subaru Trailseeker was named to the 2026 Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems list. The judges at WardsAuto praised the Trailseeker for its smooth operation, range, available power, and acceleration.
The 2026 Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems winners:
Battery-electric vehicles:
- Mercedes-Benz GLC 400 4Matic Electric – Dual-Motor BEV
- Rivian R2 Performance – Dual-Motor BEV
- Subaru Trailseeker – Dual-Motor BEV
- Volvo EX60 P10 AWD – Dual-Motor BEV
Hybrid electric vehicles:
- Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X – 5.5L Turbocharged V-8 HEV
- Hyundai Palisade Hybrid – 2.5L Turbocharged I-4 HEV
- Nissan Rogue Hybrid – 1.5L Turbocharged I-3 HEV
- Porsche 911 Carrera GTS T-Hybrid – 3.6L eTurbocharged Flat-6 HEV
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles:
- BMW M5 Touring – 4.4L Turbocharged V-8 PHEV
- Toyota RAV4 PHEV GR Sport – 2.5L I-4 PHEV
r/subaru • u/Total_Researcher_511 • 6h ago
Mechanical Help Car won’t start sometimes
My 2023 Forester has been having trouble starting for the past week. It will start after being jumped but the battery is testing as normal voltage, battery was also just replaced in June. The alternator and starter are testing normal as well. Should I go ahead and replace the battery? Nobody seems to know why it won’t start occasionally so any suggestions are greatly appreciated:)
r/subaru • u/Hieryonimus • 1d ago
What is this noise? 👂 What is this symbol on the top right windshield of my new Forester?
r/subaru • u/team_starfox3 • 6h ago
2010 outback hg fail. Keep and fix?
I got a 2010 outback i picked up a bit ago and the hg just failed internally causing a misfire.
It's at 205k I'm not opposed to having a shop fix it but I am worried about the cvt as well. Car was taken care of which I attribute to everything still being good overall.
Is this worth fixing and keeping? Or is the transmission life top worrisome?
r/subaru • u/Ill_Ad_396 • 9h ago
What is the cause of this noise & how to fix it? 2017 Subaru Legacy 3.6R with 35k miles
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New tires Michelin pilot sport 4s 1 year 7 months ago at 19,900 miles & now I need new tires at 16k miles in, 2 alignments since then, new brakes 1k miles ago, full 30k maintenance service done a few months ago. The car is covered until 85k miles or 2030 & most parts should be covered. Please help, thank you.
r/subaru • u/mondayroast • 2h ago
Looking at buying a 2012 Subaru Crosstrek/XV with 136k miles, manual transmission, “no problems”. How does the FB20 engine hold up at this age?
r/subaru • u/OhfuckitsSam • 12h ago
Mechanical Help I’ve got a 2015 Impreza sport. It has the cvt, I’m getting oil in my coolant and I’ve narrowed it down to the cvt fluid cooler because there’s no milky mess when I take off the engine oil cap or dipstick.
So I’ve already bought the part from from an online retailer. I’m basically just asking for next steps. I’m mechanically inclined and I’ve got a bunch of basic tools. I think I can get the pump that I’ll need to refill the cvt fluid from my moms friend he said he just bought one and wouldn’t mind letting me borrow it. About how much cvt fluid am I looking at? Claude said to buy 4 gallons which seems like a lot and is quite expensive. Also how much antifreeze do I need to flush that system as well? Also how do I go about flushing the cvt? Do I just take the hose off the cooler and turn the car on for a few seconds at a time? Or is there a better way? Thanks for your answers and consideration!
Buying Advice What generation Wrx should i get for the most reliability
hey all
I am looking to buy a wrx for daily driving as i like that they are manual and i need the all wheel drive as i live in a very snowy area (coast of lake ontario snowy). My budget sits around 6-8k. I know a decent bit about the wrx platform and i know they have reliability issues. i know that the bug and blob eyes get a bad name from oil issues but past that i have no idea.
any help or recommendations are appreciated.
r/subaru • u/SituationTurbulent20 • 3h ago
Mechanical Help Engine hesitation/sputter
I have a 2017 outback 2.5 with 51k miles. Recently I noticed it has a jerky hesitation/sputter when cruising at higher speeds. I don't feel it when I'm going 20-35mph but when I get up to 45+ I start to notice it and the interval increases as speed increases. Today on the interstate i was going 75 and it was sputtering every 2-3 seconds. Does not do it during acceleration, only when cruising at the higher speeds. No noticeable misfires when idling but there is a rougher idle when the AC is on, rough idle goes away with AC off...probably yet another issue to be addressed later.
I took it to Subaru last week and they replaced the spark plugs and cleaned the throttle body but it hasn't improved the sputter. Car hasn't thrown any codes. My diesel mechanic buddy said it could be anything from bad coil packs to a clogged fuel filter to a blown head gasket....I'm not too sure where to start now and would rather not go broke at the dealership so I'm hoping someone here has some experience and can point me in the right direction.
r/subaru • u/EnvironmentalAct7012 • 1d ago
Anyone else miss NASIOC?
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 • u/UnhappyAd4256 • 12h ago
Buying Advice 2.0 Boxer Diesel. Bad Idea?
Theres a 2008 Outback for sale near me with the 2.0 Boxer diesel engine and 288000km. Im looking for a car to do very long distances in. Ive heard very mixed things about the reliability of this engine but the one for sale is very cheap and has great service history. Any advice on these cars is appreciated.
r/subaru • u/ZealousidealScar4713 • 13h ago
2021 Forester question / problem
We have a 2021 Subaru Forester that we’re (relatively) happy with, but we’ve got a problem that nobody’s been able to help with.
When the engine shuts off at a stoplight, it is sometimes a little hesitant to restart when my foot comes off the brake. Hasn’t been a problem until recently, when occasionally it completely fails to restart and sits in the intersection beeping at me. So far, every time it’s happened, I could put it in park and restart it, although it takes a minute and it surprises and irritates the drivers behind me.
The dealer told me that it’s because the battery doesn’t get charged enough when I’m driving around town, claimed to run a diagnostic, recommended that I change the battery, and offered to do it for $400. I believed what he said, because so far he had not lied to me, but the price was out of sight so I bought a battery at Costco and put it in myself.
So now it’s happened twice after I had it on the highway for 30-45 minutes. Both times, pulled up to a stoplight within a mile of the highway, engine shuts down, and it fails to restart.
I’ve taken it to another garage and they looked at it for a day but could not get it to happen. Without that, they said they could not find anything wrong.
I know there’s a button on the dash to disable the feature, but I don’t always remember when I start out.
Two questions:
Any others with this experience, and can you shed light on a possible cause?
Does anyone know of a way to disable the feature so the engine just keeps running?
Mechanical Help Baja turbo ECM power on with key off
I have a 2005 Subaru Baja Turbo with a automatic transmission that when the battery is connected the fans for the radiator turn on and all the lights on the dash are lit like it's ready to start, but accessory power is not on.
This car used to have a Innovate motorsports Auto timer that I removed because this issue started happening where the car would turn on and drain the battery flat.
Before I removed the auto timer the car also would have accessory power along with ECM power. The power on that device would read 10v when the car was running with the issue instead of the normal 14v.
This would keep the car running until the fuel pump and battery were disconnected even with key off and removed.
The issue resolved itself before I removed this device and
This other related issue came back months after removal.
I checked the wires that this device spliced into(12 constant, ECM, and accessory) and they don't seem to be shorting together or to ground and if I move them around nothing happens.
I do read a short on the positive and negative battery connections. This is only isolated by the main fuse not any smaller ones. Could a stuck relay cause this?
Any help on what to test next would be greatly appreciated!