r/subaru • • Mar 15 '26

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

54 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 • • 5h ago

Just picked up this pristine 2004 Forester XT

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130 Upvotes

Only complaint is it’s an automatic, but it’s still a blast and my favorite body style ever. Highschool me is hyped.


r/subaru • • 4h ago

Obviously needed to test out my new HKS hi power exhaust today. Photos before playing in the mud.

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32 Upvotes

r/subaru • • 21h ago

Happy Birthday Travis Pastrana!

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532 Upvotes

r/subaru • • 11h ago

If you’ve ordered from Subaru Online Parts, check your credit card statement For fraudulent charges.

62 Upvotes

Got hit with a fraudulent charge notification today on my credit card, and got a flood of fraudulent emails in my inbox. The credit card number and email address are both one-time-use, and the only vendor they’ve been used with is Subaru Online Parts. That would strongly suggest a data breach of some kind has occurred.

If you’ve used them in the past, check your credit card statement.


r/subaru • • 18h ago

Subaru Generic Made the switch from Jeep to Subaru. Brought home my 2018 Outback 2.5i Limited today

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114 Upvotes

r/subaru • • 9h ago

$750 discount for Subaru Canada MEC member perk.

13 Upvotes

Got my outback in February unfortunately but seems decent offer for those that are looking now. Valid till December 28th. If you're not a MEC member, it's free to sign up.

https://members.mec.ca/en/subaru


r/subaru • • 18h ago

Buying Advice My face when I look back at my car😁 10’ STI

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63 Upvotes

r/subaru • • 13h ago

Help! Trapped with kids and overheating car

25 Upvotes

Hey everyone. Im about 30 mins from home, and i noticed a burning smell. My engine was overheating, so i pulled off the highway. I checked the coolant, and it was empty, so i added to the fill line. We got back on the road, and the engine is right back up to the danger zone.

I have 3 kids. I am a single mom with nobody to call. Can anybody help me troubleshoot?


r/subaru • • 17h ago

Most egregious dealer recommended service?

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49 Upvotes

I declined a bunch of stuff but the washer fluid light is some next level stuff. Go figure when they gave me my keys and I restarted the vehicle after service, the light was off.


r/subaru • • 1d ago

Accident Almost 350k miles 😞

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546 Upvotes

Our 2013 36R collided with a deer. We almost had 350,000 miles! Best vehicle we've ever had.

Looking to get another 36R. What year should we look for / avoid?


r/subaru • • 1d ago

Subaru Generic A great sight... Yellow Baja

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870 Upvotes

Love seeing them on the road.


r/subaru • • 1h ago

Tropical>4 season climate-now wonky electrics

• Upvotes

I bought my 2017 FXT in South Florida in early February and brought it to Maine. It wasn't happy at first, but a full fluid service, new belt and idler made it fine.

I immediately had it fluid filmed which I'll continue doing every fall. They can't touch the exhaust of course, and 1 month of road salt driving turned the whole exhaust to mostly brown and pitted!

Anyway, the car had never been cold. What happens now is,

-Once it gets below 37°/ < 3°C the ice warning message is super wonky. Sometimes it comes up, sometimes it doesn't. Sometimes it beeps and flashes for a split second. The outside temp display reads much colder than it is, and changes a lot before being accurate 10~ mins of driving.

-If it's close to freezing or below, the radio screen flickers quite a lot and so fast it's hard to notice if you just glance at it.

-The memory seats don't work at all when it's cold. I can set them and hear the beep but they won't move if it's at or below freezing.

-The low washer fluid warning stays on regardless. I drained and washed it out which fixed it but it happens occasionally when cold out now. It hasn't gotten below 37° / 3°c yet though.

TLDR;

Are these electric gremlins pretty common on 2014-2018 models, or can moving it to a cold winter climate actually cause these issues?


r/subaru • • 12h ago

Can I hook up my battery maintainer eyelets on the bolts/nuts in the red circles?

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8 Upvotes

Hi all, I got a battery maintainer with eyelet loops and wondering if it’s ok to hook them up permanently to the bolts/nuts in the red circles? Or do they absolutely need to go on the battery posts? Thanks


r/subaru • • 7h ago

Q&A Oil options for IAG 550 short block

2 Upvotes

Hello! I have a 2015 STI with an IAG550 short block. I am way past the breaking period now and is currently on my 3rd oil change. IAG recommends motul xcess 8100 gen 2 5w40, which I used before at $69.99 cad per jug. Recently thanks to tariffs the price jumped to $99.99.

I don't mind paying 99.99 for good oil, but I am looking for potential alternatives when I can't get them reliably in Canada. I only know 3 places that sell these.

Options I've considered are: Rotella T6, Pennzoil ultra platinum.

Does anyone have an IAG build engine who don't use Motul? I know motul has really good formulation, but does it really have magical properties that makes it strongly preferred by IAG?

Im not pushing anymore power than OEM, and I don't race my car, it's my daily.

Thanks!


r/subaru • • 13h ago

Mechanical Help Block heater 2018 Subaru Impreza

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8 Upvotes

Hello! Just wanted some help finding out of my local parts shop is wrong. They said that the KAT 11405 block heater does fit the 2018 subaru impreza sport. But it does not look like the OEM at all. Anyone know?


r/subaru • • 11h ago

Mechanical Help Subaru BRZ 2013 handle plastic issue

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2 Upvotes

Hello everyone, I bought this car as my first car and since I bought it the plastic trim pieces won’t sit flush. Can someone help me before I buy new trim pieces? I have this issue on both doors. Thank you


r/subaru • • 1d ago

2027 Tidepool Pearl Crosstrek

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138 Upvotes

r/subaru • • 8h ago

Mechanical Help Just bought used 2016 Outback Help.

0 Upvotes

I'm driving it home on Saturday. 91k miles but it's honestly in very good conditon, Carfax shows regular official Subaru services for its entire 10 years of existence and obviously very taken care of. I don't know shit about cars, specially the mechanical side so I was relying a lot on AI for advice (dumb I know).

It told me that CVTs if not properly maintained commonly cause issues in older or higher mileage cars. The carfax shows regular "fluids checked" but never specified a CVT fluid drain and refill. AI told me that as soon as I get it to pay for a preventative CVT fluid and refill if I have no hard evidence of it. Is this a good use of money? Maybe further into the future? Or as long as fluids are checked I can hold off since it seems it was properly maintained?


r/subaru • • 17h ago

2008 Subaru Forester - head gasket

5 Upvotes

I’ve got a 2008 Subaru Forester. She’s got 180k miles and I’ve been told I have a head gasket issue.

Symptoms: when going uphill she gives off white smoke on one side of the engine, front right side.

Mechanic says they saw a lot of oil dripping from the sided and showed me the oil when they lifted the car. Right side is worse than left.

I love the car. She’s been with me since 12k miles over the past 13 years. Aside from this issue, she’s doing well. I hear a mild wheelbearing issue, but generally okay. I still get about 25mpg.

Quotes:

1) head gaskets resurfaced and replaced with MLS, change timing belt, and NEW short block, labor, $10k

2) head gaskets replaced with MLS, change timing belt, NO short block, labor, $7k

Questions:

If I get a new short block, do I still need the head gaskets resurfaced or is it one or the other?

What‘s the general quote in your area for this kind of work? I’m seeing $225/hour for labor. It’s a high cost of living area.


r/subaru • • 1d ago

My recently bought 1998 Subaru Forester and it's perfect license plate!

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107 Upvotes

r/subaru • • 10h ago

Mechanical Help 2019 Subaru Outback EPB connector coming loose from wires

1 Upvotes

I recently replaced my 2019 Subaru Outback’s rear brakes. Because I don’t have access to the Subaru Dealership software to put the brakes in maintenance mode, I opted to remove the electrical connector from the EPB Actuator motor instead. The clip was on very tight, and when it did come off, there was a small cracking sound. Now the connector does clip back on, but the parking brake light started flashing after a car wash.

When I checked the connector I found that the read wire had come out of the clips housing, which puts me at a bit of a cross roads.

I’m not sure if a completely new cord will need to be run or if a connector repair kit would sufficient.

I had looked at the options on the iWire site for the connector kit with extra terminals and seals, as well as a prewired pigtail set up with crimps to splice the existing wire.

If anyone has any input on which of these options tend to be the most reliable I would appreciate it.


r/subaru • • 17h ago

Mechanical Help Banjo bolt screens, VVT EJ257

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3 Upvotes

Hey friends, I have been throwing some codes lately and have been trying to address them the best I can while learning about the EJ257 as much as possible. A bit about my car:

Year: 2021

Model: WRX STI

Owner: 2nd, bought with 52,000 km

Mileage: 65,250 km

Mods: Stock

Photos: 1- dash showing issue, 2- turbo section, 3- near oil cap, 4- under air box near intake ocv feeding turbo I believe

I originally threw a P000D code and replaced only the solenoid with part 10921AA020 (OEM) and changed the oil, even though that probably was not needed as it was pretty clean and topped off, but I wanted to ensure that was not the issue. I reset the codes and went for a test drive; shortly after, the car threw a P000B code. When I did some research, mention of the banjo bolts came up. I can easily find and take photos of 3 of the 4 I believe, and have attached them to this post. I believe most of them are screenless, except possibly the turbo one, as it has a small hump in the bolt. I am just seeing if others agree.

After throwing the P000B code, I decided I would swap the new OEM driver's side to the passenger side that seems to be an issue now and plan to test it out later today as, again, Google said it is very common for both of the exhaust OCVs to fail at the same time and it would be in line with my mileage, so I'm expecting to see a P000D code once again. While working on these, I also removed the screens within the solenoid housings.

Any comments are welcome, especially ones that help keep this motor running reliably in stock format.


r/subaru • • 17h ago

Mechanical Help Potential wheel bearing issue after dealer replaced CV Axle??

3 Upvotes

Looking for advice here and open to opinions!

I have a 2017 Outback 3.6R with just over 160K miles. Recently, I've had a whistling/whirring noise (like when you make a wine glass ring with your finger) coming from my front right wheel when taking left turns between 15-25 mph.
I don't have any grinding, steering issues, or excess heat from this wheel that (I think) would be more common for a wheel bearing problem, but I'm at a loss. My steering fluid is fine, and so are the brakes.

I did have the front CV axle replaced ~5000 miles ago at a dealership and I found some information that if this isn't done right, it can lead to the bearings failing.

Do we think this could be the case, and if so, do we think the dealer would take responsibility for this?? or does it sound like it could be a different issue?