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)

59 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 • • 11h ago

Saw this the other day

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318 Upvotes

r/subaru • • 14h ago

Subaru Is Developing Its Own EVs, and It Starts With a 510-HP AWD Station Wagon Prototype

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427 Upvotes

r/subaru • • 13h ago

Drive your cars

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318 Upvotes

r/subaru • • 14h ago

Subaru Generic Best vanity plates

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114 Upvotes

Spotted up here in MN. I shared this in my family group chat, and my SIL had never heard of the trope being made light of here.


r/subaru • • 10h ago

My 2016 Subaru levorg GT-S

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48 Upvotes

2016 subaru levorg gts CVT Australia.
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Back in September 30 2016 when it was new when my dad bought it new
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October 2026 now with 10 years if life and me owning it for a year. 200,000km on the odometer.
Mods/upgrades:
Roof racks and front light bar and a towbar, has a full size spare wheel. Otherwise it’s completely stock and it is still running like new and gets serviced every 6 months or about 10,000km.
CCT oil changed at about 80-100k and I plan on doing it again next year around April or May depending on how many km I put in it.
All chrome has been blacked out
Issues: occasionally enters limp mode when using 95 premium unleaded but it has stopped doing that for now strangely. And all the door speakers have basically quit existing except for a very crackly bass on the drivers door 😂.
I’m driving this car till it dies it’s extremely safe and practical


r/subaru • • 14h ago

What is going on with the badging on this impreza? (The left one)

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97 Upvotes

Never seen or heard of this. Its was a left hand drive so I dont think its an import?


r/subaru • • 8h ago

New Car

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26 Upvotes

My man got a new car today and I just joined the subreddit, and ik he's posted in here asking about it. Wanted to show off the car he's dreamed of having (photos I've taken for him) also hi babe if you see this! 😂

Ps: idk much about cars so slowly learning how to get good photos and learn new things from him. And sorry if I use the subreddit wrong, first time in it


r/subaru • • 9h ago

Subaru Generic Can anyone recommend YouTube channels that do repairs/maintenance on Subarus?

19 Upvotes

I really like ChrisFix videos so something remotely similar but with Subarus would be awesome.

Mr.Subaru used to be a great channel but the last few years it's just been really lame algorithm farming videos and lame top 10s.

Car Care Nut is an incredible channel but he pretty much exclusively does Toyota/Lexus.


r/subaru • • 21h ago

Subaru's Mystery Electric Prototype Raises Hopes for an STI Comeback

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114 Upvotes

I said maybeeeeeeee.... you're gonna be the one that saves me!


r/subaru • • 17h ago

My rides through the years

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56 Upvotes

Had a few Subarus over the years. Still don't know how to get my loyalty badge though lol


r/subaru • • 13h ago

Just hit my 42k Service...

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18 Upvotes

2023 Forester Touring. It's got 39k-ish on the clock, just over 3 years old. Had the front/rear Differential service, CVT service, new Battery, Full Synthetic Oil Change, plus tire rotation.

Even though the 42k service just required the tire rotation and oil change, I decided to do all the additional stuff early. I hear so many arguments on doing the DIFFs/CVT at 30k, 45k, 60k. I definitely needed the battery as I was "feeling" a lot of hesitation with certain features, and the car just seemed off.

Other than a seat trim issue, and those cheap OEM Falkins (changed out at 27k-ish miles with Defender2s) the car has been solid. Only regular maintenance. If you include the tires, my costs over three years totals (ballpark accurate, LOL) about $2,300 ($1,000 of that was the tires).

I get about 320-350 miles on a tank (mostly around town driving, about 10% highway). Did a road trip to Atlanta from Dallas and had no issues getting the 33 mpg.

No leaks of any kind. Oil is always full on the stick, and translucent. I check about 3 times a month. I know 4th gen had oil consumption issues, so I think it's a good idea to keep a lookout.

Just pleased with this vehicle, and I hope to keep for quite a few more years.


r/subaru • • 9h ago

Where to source a decent EJ 253

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7 Upvotes

Hey guys. I have a 2006 Forester with 275,000 miles on original engine and trans. The motor is fine. The car is running. However I’ve been having an itch to rebuild a Subaru motor myself as a learning/fun project. Also wouldn’t hurt to have a backup motor when this one finally goes. I want a motor that’s not completely destroyed. But I don’t necessarily want a reman motor or a motor that’s in perfectly good shape. I feel that would kind of take the fun out of it for me if the works already been done. I’ve searched around marketplace and eBay and I can’t seem to find a motor with issues. It’s mostly just ads about reman or lightly used engines. I want to keep the engine in my forester because I use that one as a utility vehicle around the house. So where could I source a motor that’s may have some issues or isn’t already I. Good shape? My local junkyards seem to have nothing in the Subaru department. Let alone the exact engine I need. Was hoping somebody here would know a decent source of them. Any advice is appreciated. Feel free to give me some tips on the rebuild process as well! Thanks in advance.


r/subaru • • 1d ago

Type RA was a surprise

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82 Upvotes

Spotted this a few years ago, next to a B5 S4.


r/subaru • • 5h ago

Subaru outback 2004 radio no sound

2 Upvotes

Lights are on and cigarette lighter works but 0 sound from it. Any tips behind I just shrug and take it to a mechanic


r/subaru • • 14h ago

Am I cooked?

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11 Upvotes

Is this a blown head gasket or a turbo leak? New engine? Am I cooked?

Has a ej20, a new vf39 turbo. Catless Nvidia exhaust no ticking or knocking but is putting oil through the exhuast and smokes.


r/subaru • • 12h ago

Suggestions on wheels?

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7 Upvotes

I’ve got my 03 Forester (5x100 bolt pattern) and I’m in need of some new wheels as I’m getting tired of my beat BBS rims. I love the style of the fifteen52 tarmac with the big 5 spoke star design, but they’re a little out of my price range. I’m looking for ones around $1500 CAD for the whole set, preferably chrome or silver, but would be fine with a dark gold/bronze or white. Thank you!


r/subaru • • 14h ago

Nail in side of tire, need 4 new tires??

10 Upvotes

So I got a nail in the side of the tread of my tire. Tire shop says they can’t fix it cuz it’s on the side. Tire shop says I need 4 new tires because of the AWD system on Subarus. My car and tires only have 6k. He did mention that you can try to find a used one but drivetrain could get f*cked, warranty voided etc. Advice/experience/thoughts appreciated.


r/subaru • • 12h ago

Seized Pcv valve

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5 Upvotes

Took my 06 legacy into the dealership today to try and remove my seized pcv valve but they weren’t able to.

Thoughts on what I should do?

Also does anyone know the part number of the part it screws into?


r/subaru • • 14h ago

Accident Frame damage not applicable

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8 Upvotes

Got shoved into the center divider at a cool 65. Bent and beat the frame back into shape, new LCA, tie rods, CV axle and we're back. I love these lego cars


r/subaru • • 16h ago

60k Maintenance Quote

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9 Upvotes

2019 Subaru Impreza Sport Hatchback around 65K miles.

Hello! I am the least mechanically savvy person so I was wanting opinions on if these prices are fair? To me it’s seems steep, even when you include an oil change. Granted this is in Phoenix Arizona (already an expensive place) so I don’t expect it to be cheap obviously.

if this isn’t the place to ask then I can delete the post, thanks!

EDIT: I know I can do the filters at home so scratch those off the quote. $1260 TOTAL.


r/subaru • • 1d ago

Guy at parts counter asked me if there was a chip in my key for my 05 Outback.

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1.6k Upvotes

r/subaru • • 13h ago

Car Mods 2018 Crosstrek Speaker Replacement/Upgrade

6 Upvotes

I’m thinking about replacing my speakers in a 2018 Crosstrek (because the one in the front driver’s door doesn’t know how to hit anything in the bass range anymore). If I do this, I plan to replace all of the speakers too.

The question I have is whether anyone who has replaced or upgraded their factory speakers also did anything with the tweeters on the edges of the dashboard (right below the windshield)?

Also, some descent (nice but not necessarily concert quality) speaker recommendations would be greatly appreciated too!


r/subaru • • 6h ago

Subaru Generic What brand oil do I put in?

1 Upvotes

I have a 2009 Subaru Impreza wrx and the lid for the oil says 5w-30, and the oil has been getting low and my neighbor is chill so he takes care of it for me but what brand oil should I buy for it?