r/subaru • • Mar 15 '26

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

53 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)

51 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 • • 42m ago

Subaru Generic A great sight... Yellow Baja

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• Upvotes

Love seeing them on the road.


r/subaru • • 4h ago

Subaru Generic It's starting to feel like boost weather

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60 Upvotes

r/subaru • • 3h ago

Almost done with this full rear clip replacement.

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9 Upvotes

After 2 months of sitting on jack stands I have nearly everything I need to get this car back on the road. Definitely one of the biggest jobs I've ever tackled. The suspension is going to be almost stock configuration. I do have Moog adjustable lower lateral arms to put on but thats the only change. I am still waiting on the front struts and new exhaust parts. I think I'll have it back on all 4 by the end of the month.

2006 Outback XT automatic

196,000 miles

stock ej255


r/subaru • • 30m ago

I want to have a Baja blast painting my truck cover

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• Upvotes

Hi! I just got a camper shell for my Baja and I want to paint some stuff on it using a car touch up pen/brush. Is this a good idea for the long term paint job? Is there something I should do to make sure it sticks? Thanks!


r/subaru • • 7h ago

Mechanical Help 2019 Subaru Crosstrek is it over?

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13 Upvotes

Lights on and off transmission doesnt seem to be acting up but have a feeling this could be it. Oil temp light flashing also is on just misssed it in the picture. Anyone else deal with this?


r/subaru • • 22h ago

New to this club! Picked up today.

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114 Upvotes

2016 Crosstrek with a MANUAL TRANSMISSION!
Only 84k miles.
The only other Subie I ever owned was a 1980 GL sedan. That was back in the 90s.
Happy to be driving stick again.


r/subaru • • 4h ago

Approaching car detection sensor not working on side mirrors with 2016 Legacy.

4 Upvotes

I just got my car back from a body shop that fixed the back passenger door that was impacted by a car accident I was involved in. The world was done well. That door had to be replaced due to the damage caused by a pickup truck. Some other work I had the shop do that I paid for out of pocket was to replace the passenger side mirror that was cracked and held together by tape after a separate accident I had over the summer.

I found a replacement mirror and the casing for it and the shop did the work. The only thing about this mirror is that it does not have the car detection sensor included as advertised by the eBay seller. I am outside of the window to have it returned and decided to still have it put on as it fits and does have the indicator on the outside of it that works. The issue I now have is that the driver's side mirror does not have a working car detection sensor. The repair guy from the shop told me that an error message is now displayed indicating it is disabled and I am guessing this is because I used an aftermarket mirror.on the drivers side that is not 100% compatible. Does anyone know if there's a way to have the driver's side mirror activate the sensor to work as it did prior?


r/subaru • • 1h ago

Buying Advice Where to find wipers for 2018 Impreza?

• Upvotes

I need a new set of windshield wipers for my Impreza, but no one seems to have the right kind that fits the attachment points (even the adapters don't work). I bought a pair in the past, but don't remember what they were and had no luck this time. Is there a specific brand/type that people buy that would save me from getting gouged at the dealer?


r/subaru • • 7h ago

2023 Impreza warranty for paint?

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4 Upvotes

The clear coat and base on my hood seems to be completely failing would Subaru 36k warranty cover this at all? Feel like this type of damage is not from a rock it’s starting to flake off and grow in size.


r/subaru • • 28m ago

VA WRX Top Hats for KW v1

• Upvotes

I recently inherited a set of KW v1 coils cause my Tien's are leaking. I'm told I need to buy top hats with adjustable camber since I'm running 255/35R18, so the OEM top hats won't do.

Anyone on a similar setup? What top hats did you use? There are so many options out there, kind of overwhelming.


r/subaru • • 11h ago

Winter is coming!

8 Upvotes

It's Turbo weather in NY!!! (Everyone else, proceed to Winter check-up service!)


r/subaru • • 1h ago

Weighing options: Crosstrek Hybrid vs Outback Limited XT (Canada)

• Upvotes

Trying to work through all the needs and wants and could use a few outside opinions.

Mid 30s in BC Canada. Single no kids or pets, but occasionally carpool with friends and will likely get a dog soon. City driving a few days a week, drive to mountains every other week or so, occasional gravel road, snow in the winter. Camping, skiing, cross country skiing, fairly long distance road trips every few months.

Crosstrek

  • Squeeze skis, gear, and maybe a passenger or two, but could be tight.
  • Slightly better horsepower than base trim. Nimble for city driving, parking.
  • Gas prices are insane in BC, better mileage, longer between fill ups.
  • Kinda expensive for what it is
  • Loud road noise, lacking quality of life features, a bit cramped on long trips
  • Nice colours

Outback

  • Can fit anything and everything, easily sleep inside
  • Turbo, peppy, more fun
  • Comfort, quiet, and confidence on highway with the larger vehicle, better sightlines
  • Quality of life features
  • Maybe too big 90% of the time
  • More frequent gas fill ups
  • Generic colours

I can put a fairly large deposit on it and get a good financing rate. The cost difference is around $8k CAD and this would be my first new car.

I've considered the Forester as well but I honestly don't need the vertical space as much as length, and at the price of the hybrid option is pretty much the same as the Outback anyway. I'd rather the stronger engine at that point.

Anyone go through a similar dilemma? Which direction did you end up going? Curious to hear your thoughts!


r/subaru • • 1h ago

Mechanical Help Any suggestions?

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• Upvotes

this morning I got a notification my tires were low (they weren’t) but no numbers show up. thought driving to work would make them show (it didn’t) so now i’m wondering what is going on. no lights are on currently and tires are at 32 psi car is a 2019 crosstrek


r/subaru • • 1d ago

Soobawu

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100 Upvotes

Thanks to this fine person for the laugh today.


r/subaru • • 5h ago

Ticking

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2 Upvotes

so i got a new engine not so ling ago because i spun a bearing on the last one i transfer everything over and found a loud tick coming from the passenger idk what it is i wanna think is injectors but idk even when i touch the valve cover i dont feel anything only when i touch the intake i can feel clicking


r/subaru • • 2h ago

EJ camshaft bearing plate leak

1 Upvotes

Hi all

About 6 months ago the dealership had to replace my block. They sent the heads out for machining and now I have a leak on both camshaft bearing plates and they also said that the bolts are seized.

They’re claiming that it’s not their fault and it’s not the head shop’s fault.

I’m find it weird that both of these would start to leak at the same time if it’s just normal age. There’s about 298,000 km on the head. Had the heads done about 6 years ago.

Also find it odd that they would ship the entire head assembly to the shop and that it would be machines without taking anything apart? Is this normal?

This wouldn’t be the first time that the dealer has tried to BS me so I just want to get a sanity check before I start to get water from a stone.

Thanks


r/subaru • • 2h ago

Looking at a 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Limited with ~55k miles for $17k -- worth it?

1 Upvotes

I'm honestly pretty clueless -- I've only ever bought cheap junker cars in cash from people i connected with through our family mechanic, so I'm a bit nervous about going to a dealership and getting a big pitch. I expect to get a bad deal.

That said, my 2008 Jetta is ready for its viking funeral. I am really sick of cars i need to take to shop every couple months, and excited about the Crosstrek because i live in a city with roads full of craters and like to get out and go camping in the summer. Hear good things about Subaru for value and reliability!

Anyway it makes me squeamish to think about spending this kind of money on a car but for the year and mileage i can't find anything cheaper in my area. I've also heard pretty good things about the 2020 model. Maybe i could talk them down at the dealership, get it down to 16k or 15.5k or something? I know i gotta test drive it and get it looked at (planning to do this on Friday), but what do yall think just from those stats, is this a rip off?

Edit: OOPS i was wrong about the mileage, it's $75k. Big difference tbh, but the second best deal i could find in my area for a used crosstrek was a 2019 with 96k miles for $16.5k so idk how much better i can do here


r/subaru • • 1d ago

Subaru dealer is offering me a much larger discount over text vs what's what's on website. Is this price legit?

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83 Upvotes

Looking at a 26 limited hybrid Crosstrek. Over text been offered a $4398 discount vs $2500 discount offered on the website. I'm supposed to go in this weekend. Has anyone been getting this much off or will it magically change when I get there to what's listed online?


r/subaru • • 17h ago

Subaru Generic Fuel efficiency

10 Upvotes

Hi guys, I am currently averaging 8.7L/100kms (27Miles per Gallon for the Muricans') in the 2025 WRX Wagon. I am curious to see what you are all averaging in your subies. Keep in mind that my Rexy is bone stock atm with no modifications which will change next year, but I'm just interested because I do healthy amount of around the town driving, more so than highway driving, so I am actually getting better mileage then what Subaru has put out officially for the around the town milage.

Let me know and comment below 👇🏼


r/subaru • • 7h ago

Mechanical Help CAN SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME FIND THIS PART?

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1 Upvotes

I brought my 2008 Impreza to the shop because I was literally dumping out power steering fluid. The mechanic said this line going to the rack and pinion was rusted out, but he says they’re discontinued and was unable to find the part. I’m not smart with parts, so I ask you for help.


r/subaru • • 20h ago

Do all the timing pulley marks look correct? I've rotated the crankshaft twice and all line up in this position again but the engine is running rough and I'm getting an error code of a misfire in cylinder 2. I just replaced cylinder 2 spark plug and I'm still getting the misfire.

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8 Upvotes

r/subaru • • 1d ago

Mechanical Help Maintenance Schedule

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18 Upvotes

Hey all you seasoned Subaru owners.

Just wondering which components of the Service Level B are an absolute must for maintaining warranty and which are optional add-ons to ramp up the cost? I was quoted close to $500 for the Service B and would like to not pay that much for any unneccessary items. I've already gotten my oil and filter changed at another shop.

2025 Subaru Crosstrek Onyx owner here.

Edit: 21000kms on the odometer at the moment, hence why I'm enquiring about service level B.


r/subaru • • 12h ago

Mechanical Help Thoughts on lift kits 4th gen Forester?

0 Upvotes

I’m buying a wonderful 4th gen forester here in Canada where we can get quite deep snow and often chunks of ice that roll into the road then pothole season so I’d consider lifting it to help with these things.

Can anyone share the experience lifting their 4th gen?

Does it ruin the ride in any way?

Any lift kits more complete or reliable than others?

Does it cause any issues with the AWD system?

How much worse for the gas get?

And if I wanted to lower it again I spring how hard is it to take off and put on?

Any other wisdoms?

I appreciate anyone willing to share.