Subaru’s Worst Feature, Auto Stop-Start Truths Revealed

It's Subaru's worst feature. 

You aren't alone if you are not a fan of Subaru's Auto Stop-Start system on the Outback, Crosstrek, Forester, and other vehicles. Most drivers dislike the auto/stop/start system that shuts the engine off.

I've covered this topic before here, but here is new information for Subaru owners that you'll find helpful. Thanks to Alex Prestigiacomo from Bachman Subaru for some of the information in my report. 

What is auto start-stop technology? 

Auto start-stop, or stop-start technology, is a vehicle feature that automatically shuts off and restarts the engine when the car stops and starts moving again. This innovative system not only reduces fuel consumption and emissions, but also contributes to a cleaner environment, especially in congested cities where vehicles often stop at traffic lights or in traffic jams.

The Auto start-stop feature reduces greenhouse gas emissions. 

The feature not only saves fuel but, more importantly, significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions. According to the Battery Council International in the U.S. alone, it is estimated to save as much as 10 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually, substantially contributing to our environment.

In 2022, 65% of the cars sold had the auto start-stop technology, so it's here to stay. And more cars are coming with the new technology. 

Does the auto stop-start save fuel?

It saves fuel, especially if you live in an area with heavy traffic. 

According to a study conducted by the Society of American Engineers (SAE), turning your car's engine off is beneficial if it is going to be idling for at least seven seconds.

Within that range of time, enough fuel is saved to restart the car. So, fuel will be saved whenever the engine is shut off for over seven seconds. I know of one stoplight on my commute where I can sit for as long as two minutes. After a period of time, the fuel savings add up. Subaru has a unique dash feature that shows how much fuel you are saving. 

Are there situations where the auto stop-start does not shut off?

The auto start-stop has a sensor to determine if the ambient temperature outside the vehicle exceeds the temperature inside. If it is, the car engine will not shut off. The same is true in the winter. The car will stay running if the outside temperature is colder than the cabin.

Or suppose your engine is only partially up to its normal operating temperature. In that case, the auto start-stop will not shut off the engine until it does reach the correct operating temperature. 

Will I lose the use of my car's cabin features with the engine shut off?

You still have full access and use of all your cabin features when the engine shuts down, such as radio, navigation, and other electronic technology.  

Does the auto stop-start system cause excessive wear on the starter and battery, which could cause reliability issues?

As with any technology, the components of the Auto Stop-Start system are continually being improved, ensuring its reliability and performance. Subaru is committed to providing a dependable driving experience. 

Subaru has one of the largest OEM batteries on the new Outback, Crosstrek, Forester, and other models. It can handle the extra load when the engine is shut off to power your lights and electronics inside the vehicle. 

Subaru vehicles have improved starter motor capacity compared to models without the auto stop-start technology. The starter shouldn't wear out sooner. 

I recently reported that Subaru has significantly improved the Auto Stop/Start feature on the next-generation 2025 Forester, which will surely please potential buyers and current owners.

The 2025 Forester is powered by an updated version of Subaru's 2.5-liter, four-cylinder Boxer engine. It now produces 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. 

Subaru says the engine produces more power at lower rpm, making it quicker off the line. Essential engine parts have been updated to make the engine more efficient, reliable, and lighter—the auto-stop/start is one of them.

While Subaru has not publicly announced the improvement of Forester's new auto stop/start system, a report from Automotive News reassures us, stating that "The stop-start system is barely detectable." This news will surely bring relief to current owners. 

Can you shut off the auto stop-start on a Subaru?

Yes, you can temporarily shut off the auto stop-start system. On your touchscreen, there is an A icon with an arrow circling it at the bottom of the screen with a green light. If you tap the icon, it turns the auto stop-start system off. It's important to note that the system has a default and automatically resets when you turn off the car.  

Which Subaru models do not have the auto stop-start?

As of the 2024 model year, the Subaru Ascent, Subaru WRX, and Subaru BRZ do not have the technology. All 2025 Outback, Forester, 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, Legacy, and Solterra models have the technology. 

Look for Subaru to improve the next-generation Outback's auto stop start system, which will be in 2026. Stay tuned. 

Let us know your opinion on Subaru's auto stop/start feature. Do you dislike it or live with it? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Writer since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Competition Subaru