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There's A New Subaru Starlink Lawsuit And What You Need To Know Now

Another Starlink lawsuit is filed against Subaru. Here is what customers need to know. The lawsuit includes some Subaru Outback, Forester, WRX, and Legacy vehicles. See if your model and year Subaru are included in the new lawsuit.

Subaru of America is hit with another class action lawsuit involving its Starlink multimedia system. A new report from Top Class Actions says Subaru vehicles equipped with the allegedly defective Starlink infotainment system now include the 2019-2023 Subaru Outback, 2019-2023 Forester, 2019-2023 WRX, and 2019-2023 Legacy vehicles, according to the new Subaru Starlink lawsuit.

Previously in 2020, Subaru of America settled a lawsuit concerning its Starlink multimedia system involving the 2018 Subaru Forester, 2018 Subaru Outback, 2018 Crosstrek, 2018 Legacy, 2017-2018 Impreza, and 2018 BRZ. A New Jersey Judge signed an order valued at $6.25 million benefiting 785,000 Subaru owners and lessees.

2023 Subaru Starlink lawsuit

This month, attorneys Andrew W. Ferich, Robert R. Ahdoot, and Bradley K. King of Ahdoot & Wolfson, PC filed the lawsuit against Subaru, claiming the automaker is guilty of “unjust enrichment, common law fraud, and fraudulent concealment, and of violating the New Hampshire Consumer Protection Act and New York General Business Law, among other things.”

Plaintiffs Marco Cillufo (2021 Subaru WRX), Jeffrey Quarles (2019 Subaru Forester), Pamela Doze (2022 Subaru Outback), and Carl Jean-Louis (2019 Subaru WRX) claim the allegedly defective Subaru Starlink system presents a safety risk for drivers of the 2019-2023 Subaru Outback, Forester, WRX, and Legacy vehicles by disabling safety features and presenting drivers with “distracting and frustrating” effects.

2023 Subaru Starlink lawsuit

The Subaru Starlink head units involved in the previous class action were Harman Gen 3 audio and navigation head units. However, Subaru recently switched to Starlink head units built by Denso.

According to the new class action lawsuit, the Subaru multimedia system problems can only be fixed by replacing the display screen. According to the new class action lawsuit, the Subaru multimedia system problems can only be fixed by replacing the display screen. Additionally, the lawsuit alleges replacement Starlink head units fail because they are as defective as the originals.

The new Subaru Starlink lawsuit also says Subaru was aware of the alleged defect based on “related service bulletins” because it conducted pre-release vehicle testing, and the suspected deficiency “manifests so quickly.”

In addition to the Starlink system issue of rebooting and other malfunctions, the lawsuit alleges the automaker’s EyeSight driver assist safety technology can fail. The new class action further alleges Subaru knew about the multimedia system problems because the automaker settled a previous Starlink class action lawsuit.

The report says plaintiffs Cillufo, Quarles, Doze, and Jean-Louis “are demanding a jury trial and requesting injunctive relief along with an award of punitive damages for themselves and all class members.”

What can Subaru owners do?

If you are experiencing problems with your Subaru Starlink system in your 2019-2023 Subaru Outback, Forester, WRX, or Legacy, take your vehicle to a Subaru retailer. The Starlink equipment is covered under the new vehicle warranty of 3 years/36,000 miles. Stay tuned, and we will bring Subaru customers any further information on the Subaru Starlink lawsuit.

If you have purchased or leased a Subaru vehicle equipped with a Starlink multimedia system and believe it is defective, let us know in the comment section.

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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report, where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Photo credit: Subaru USA

Comments

Tami Cole (not verified)    September 12, 2023 - 9:57PM

In reply to by Kim Hajduk (not verified)

I am having THE EXACT SAME THING with my 2019. They are telling me that because I did not have an extended warranty there's likely nothing they can do except sell me a new one for $2500!!! I'm so pissed because I always thought Subaru was a good company with cars that LAST!!

Shelley (not verified)    September 2, 2023 - 4:59PM

I was just told I'm out of the 3 yr warranty so subaru will not cover my radio replacement in my 2019 outback with only 22k miles. The representative said they're blaming the radio not working on chemicals people used during covid...I don't use chemicals inside my car and it was barely used during covid times...

Michelle (not verified)    September 3, 2023 - 7:39AM

I just purchased a 2019 Legacy sport on 8/28/2023 and the screen on the starlink screen does strange things. It has 50,000 miles though so I do not think it will be covered.

Vincent Belardino (not verified)    September 4, 2023 - 6:12PM

2019 outback. Having all the same issues with the STARLINK and infotainment system. Even my hands free call are starting to drop for no reason

Holly and Vict… (not verified)    September 5, 2023 - 12:59PM

My husband and I bought a 2023 Outback in January and we have been having problems with the Starlink and the eyesight system. When we called the company they told us our I phone 14 phones are not compatible with the system. They also sold us a package which included lifetime coverage for the windshield, which they told us that we needed it because of the camera on the windshield. When we talked to the company, they told us they have no such coverage. We have a case number for these issues but we are very frustrated because it has been months and we still have not received our money back for that package that was cancelled a week after we bought it. We live in NC , is there a lawsuit in our state for the car issues?

F Lewis (not verified)    September 7, 2023 - 4:49PM

Since I bought my 21 Outback in 2021, I have had problems with the radio freezing or screen blacking out, eyesight turning off, A/C unit and fan turning on/off randomly, and more consistently face recognition won't recognize me regardless of cloudy or sunny conditions, or which way I'm facing (east, west, north, south). Have taken in many times without any solution other than "updating system" which hasn't helped. Have a claim into Subaru itself, and have read all the other complaints that are just like mine. Hoping something with the class action lawsuit will help us all. Every time I have to take it in, I have to find someone to take me there and pick me up as Subaru dealership won't help me out on this. And my maps has never worked for me.

Tami Cole (not verified)    September 12, 2023 - 9:55PM

I would like more information on how to get in on this lawsuit. I own a 2019 Subaru Outback and the entire Head Unit (Display Unit) is bubbling and will not hold a station, or setting. It is completely haywire. They are telling me I didn't purchase the extended warranty. Well..in my opinion, this is an issue that many people are having and there should be a recall or they should cover the $2500 to replace it!! CLEARLY THERE IS AN ISSUE!!

Please let me know if there's something I can do to get in on this.

Thank you,
Tami

JV (not verified)    September 16, 2023 - 10:36PM

2023 WRX. Navigation maps icon disappeared from Home Screen after 200 miles. The dealer had an agreement to arbitrate not litigate clause at bottom of contract. They sold the vehicle expecting a problem. I was never aware nor was I made aware of this issue before purchase. Sport Subaru Orlando. Let's see if they make this right.

Shirley McClai… (not verified)    September 17, 2023 - 5:04PM

Purchased a 2019 Subaru Outback in June 2019. After 3 years and approx 20,000 miles the battery was completely dead approximately 4 of 5 times about 2 weeks apart. Roadside service had to come out each time and quick charge battery. Took to Norm Reeves in Rockwall Tx and was I was not driving the car enough. They recharged the battery and on my way out. Happened over and over and was told the same each time. This all started after 3 years and questioned that to them, as why it started after 3 years. They replaced the battery and still happened. Took to the Subaru dealer (where it was purchased) and they knew exactly what the problem and removed a fuse, that was in March 2023. Waiting to hear that it would be fixed at no charge. Of course never heard. Now the extended factory warranty has expired as of June 19 2023. Please advise if possible.
Shirley McClaine 214-236-7961 -cell
1210 Howard Dr. Apt. Mesquite Tx 75150

. Did not realize
Shirley McClaine. 214-236-7961
1210 Howard Dr. Apt C.
Mesquite Tx 75051.
75150

Lisa Neel (not verified)    September 18, 2023 - 5:30PM

Bought a used 2020 Subaru outback. By the time I realized this was actually a problem my warranty had expired due to the mileage. When Starlight goes out the eyesight, the radio the navigation system everything goes out with it. Sometimes it doesn’t come back on.

thomas wintczak (not verified)    September 18, 2023 - 9:15PM

Background
The 2022 Subaru Outback Touring XT is the 5th Outback I have owned since the mid 1990’s. The other four were driven to about 100.000 miles before being replaced. The only time any of the previous Outbacks went to the dealer was to have recall service. The current vehicle has been to the dealership three times and the problems continue to occur.

The following is a copy of the information provided to McCurley Subaru each of the three times I have taken the car in to address the issues. These issues occur randomly which makes them very difficult to diagnose but the majority center around the Infotainment System and more specifically the Radio, Media and Phone.

Date - June 24, 2022

The following are the list of issues I have had with my infotainment system. While it has always been somewhat slow to respond I could deal with that but over the past several months numerous other issues have occurred.

I primarily use the radio (FM and sometimes Sirus) which is the only thing going when I turn off the car. Yet when I restart the car the following things occur:

The radio is not on when I am in reverse about 65% of the time and the remainder of the time it is on. If the radio is not on, about 25% of the time when it comes on about 15 seconds after putting it in drive it is not on a on station. Although it had been on a station when it was turned off. Also, it takes several attempts to get the system to respond to anything.

Also, while in reverse or shortly after putting it in drive most of the time the I Agree page comes up, however occasionally all that comes up is the I Agree green button and no statement. Sometimes the page goes away in a few seconds, other times it just sits there until I push the I Agree. Maybe it would go away but after about 10 seconds I just push the button. After that it sometimes it still take 7 to 10 seconds for the radio to come on.

In the past two weeks I have had the entire system shutdown two times. The screen goes black while I am driving and both times the system did not come back until I stopped and turned the car off and back on.

Yesterday I turned the car off with the radio on at a normal volume. When I turn it back on the radio was at full volume but was high pitched and sounded like it had been electronically modified. It would not respond the to volume control or any other control and did not shutdown until I turned the car off and got out. It was very alarming and was at a volume that hurt. I cannot imagine what would happen had this occurred while driving.

About 20 minutes later I got home turned the car off and the radio continued as it almost always does (but not all the time) until I open the door however when I opened the door it did not go off. I then closed the door and the radio continued to play. I waited about 30 seconds but it did not go off until I reopened and closed the door.

I always carry my keys in my pants pocket and that is where they were when the above occurred.

All of these items are concerning. The general glitches when I start the car are very distracting to deal with. Luckily I live on a cul de sac and there is very little traffic while I am trying to get rid of the I Agree and get a radio station. Relative to the two occurrences on June 23, the first could impact your driving and the second could result in a dead battery.
I have tried several sequences when I start the car.
Get in, put seatbelt on, start car, put in reverse, back out of the garage
Get in, start car, put seatbelt on, put in reverse, back out of the garage
Get in, start car, put in reverse, put on seatbelt, back out of the garage
Get in, start car, put in reverse, back out of the garage, put on seatbelt,
It does not make any difference

Update as of 6 /27/22
For about 5 days in a row the startup process was consistent. Radio came on when I started the car, I Agree Statement popped up, and when I backed up the I Agree Statement disappeared and did not show up again when I put it in drive
Then yesterday when I started the car the radio came on at a high volume, it responded to the volume control but I immediately realize that only the driver side back quarter of the speakers were working.
I checked the fader/balance control and if I moved it forward or to the passenger side the volume would decrease until there was no sound. I stopped the car and restarted it but the speakers were still doing the same thing. I was not going far, shut the car off and about fifteen minutes later when I started the car all of the speakers were working.

Next morning, I started the car and no radio when backing up. I put it in drive and the I Agree Statement came up I clicked it and it was about another 7 seconds before the radio came on.

I have started the car several times in the past couple days and I am back to total lack of consistency in the process.

6/27/22
This afternoon I was at the market, put the car in reverse to back out of the space and there was a gentleman about ten feet behind my car but there was no warning sounded. Then I as I was pulling out of the parking lot the radio mysteriously changed from an FM station to Sirus radio and I did not touch anything.

I stopped at the mailbox, got out of car that was still running, got back in, put the car in drive and screen went blank and radio went off. About ten seconds later the screen and radio started again.

6/28/22
This morning went down the street, turned the car off and as I got out it started beeping, I closed the door and it kept beeping, I checked and the keys were in my pocket. I had to get back in and restarted before it would stop.

I was driving when I received a phone call but the car did not pick it up. After hanging up, I checked the phone setting which showed that the car system was not paired with my phone. It had been paired the previous day. Also, on the main screen the Starlink icon was not lit.

6/29/22
Checked this morning and Starlink icon is back.

Took into McCurley Subaru today and they reloaded the software.
When I started the car after the software update the Starlink icon was dark again. I went back in and told the technician who came out and helped me get my phone recognized by the car. After turning the car off and on again the Starlink icon was back.

Update as of 7/19/22
Since getting the software reload there have been no blank screens or crazy radio issues. However, the startup process is all over the place relative to when the radio is on and the sequence of when and how long the “I Agree” page shows up or goes away. Also, a new glitch has shown up. About 70% of the time the seatbelt alarm starts as soon as I start the car which is what I expect. However, sometimes it does not start when in reverse but will start when I put it in drive. Several times it has not come on at all. I do wear my seatbelt all the time but wait to see what the car decides it is going to do first.

All of these items are somewhat annoying but I am living with them.

7/20/22
This morning I started the car, backed out of the garage and started down my street expecting that the radio would come on shortly. It never did. It was on when I turned the car off yesterday and the screen was showing the radio but it would not respond. I went to the main icon screen and tried going back to the radio. The radio icon would beep when touched but would not go to the radio. This was also the case for the media icon. I tried the map and phone icon and they did respond. After parking the car and returning later the radio was working.

Over the past couple weeks the auto braking has engaged by locking my brakes three times, once when I was pulling into the garage and in a couple of low speed situations where someone was turning in front of me. This is unusual as I have had the car for 11 months and previous to having software reloaded the auto brake warning has beeped several time but never engaged the brakes. However, this morning coming up to a light, the car in front of me did not move immediately and the automatic braking slammed on my brakes bringing the car to an abrupt stop. Luckily there was no one behind me. I was not going more than a few miles a hour and there was no danger of a collision.

8/12/22
The auto braking continues to be very sensitive. As noted above before the software was reloaded at the end of June it had never locked the brakes. Yesterday I was in a parallel parking situation and as I eased back into the yellow brackets on the back up camera it again slammed the brakes on. Again prior to reloading the software I had been in Seattle numerous times where all the parking was parallel and some of it very tight but there had never been any auto braking.

Earlier this week I pulled into the garage put the car in park, turned off the car, got out and closed the door but the radio continued to play. I tried opening and closing the door to no avail and had to get back in, restart the car and then turn it off and get out before it would turn off.

The other issue that I continue to see is the sensor for a car or person being behind me sometimes works and sometimes it does not. I can no longer depend on it as I am never sure if it is working. Two days ago I had my wife drive behind me to see if it was working and it was not. Yesterday I was beginning to back out of a driveway and it was working.

Yesterday I started the car and the radio never came on. I tried changing stations but nothing. I went to the main screen and tried to go back but as noted above the radio nor media icons would respond. I tried stopping turning the car off, getting out and back in and restarting the car, twice. The radio was not working. About two hours later we were going out and when I started the car the radio was back and the Media icon was working. However now the StarLink Icon was dark and my phone was no longer paired with the car. The next day Starlink was back.

8/20/22 Update since making appointment with Subaru dealer.
The radio has been slow to come on at times. While at other times it comes on immediately.
As of yesterday the rear cross sensor seemed to be working.

8/20/22
A car merged in front of me going approximately the same speed and was at least 20 feet in front of me. However, the auto braking system put on the brakes. This is the first time I have had that happen when a car merged and I have had numerous other cars do the same thing some much closer but the auto braking never engaged.
Other than this, the systems have been pretty much normal. This seems to be the pattern which probably started about late March where small glitches come and go but as stated previously after a couple of months it becomes a real issue.

Update March 10, 2023
For about 5 months since you last addressed the Infotainment System issues (by reloading the software for the second time), the system worked reasonably well. However, starting in late January all of the previous issues have returned. There have been at 4 blackouts of the screen, 3 times the screen has frozen and in both cases the problem was only resolved by shutting the car off and restarting. The system on a regular basis disconnects from my phone not allowing me to use bluetooth or the hands free phone. In the past two weeks the radio on one occasion came on full blast and would not respond until I turned the car off and restarted this same thing occurred with media using Bluetooth. On two other occasions only one speaker was working. Again, only way to fix was to stop and restart car. Six separate times I have turned the car off and gotten out but the radio or Bluetooth keeps playing after I close the door. This requires that I get back in restart and stop the car to correct. There has also been several times where the Starlink icon goes gray. During two of the screen blackouts a warning came up on the dash stating that RAB and Driver Monitoring system are not operational.

It should be noted that the issues with the emergency braking system (noted above) have not reoccurred although the service staff stated that there was nothing wrong with the system. I realize that it is hard to diagnose the problem when it occurs randomly, however these are not uncommon issues. They are occurring with numerous other 2022 Outbacks.

April 25, 2023
For about two weeks in late March the electronics seemed to be working as expected. However, since that time the following issues have occurred numerous times.
• The system drops all connection with my phone. Twice it did it while driving and the phone was sitting on the seat next to me. So, I do not believe it is a phone issue.
• The radio or media do not shut off when I turn the car off and get out of the car. I have to get in restart the car and turn it off in order to get the system to shut off.
• The system has frozen and will not respond until I stop the car and restart.
• The backup warning system works and then does not work. Generally, it will warn me of cars, people or bicycles. Yet on at least two occasions in the past month there was a trash truck and a car passing behind me while I was in reverse and it did nothing.
• Another item, I had not experienced until recently, is when I go to open the door and it is not locked, it will beep and lock the door and the only way I have been able to get it unlocked is using the key FOB.
• Another item which has never seemed to get any better is: When backing up the radio is sometimes on, sometimes off and the useless “I agree” page randomly comes on, disappears the then reappears.
• Also, as the system is very slow to respond which is a safety issue as it distracts the user as you never really know if you need to repeat the action or it is just thinking about what you asked it to do.

July 14, 2023

I did not drive the car for the months of May or June as we were out of the country. Over the past two weeks I have experienced the following:
• Two occasions the system has frozen and would not respond at all. Once the screen was blank and the other time the icons were there but would not respond.
• Twice I have gotten out of the car the system continues to operate both with the radio on and with Bluetooth.
o It appears when working correctly, that there is some type of switch associated with opening the driver’s door that turns off the system. If this is the case that switch is faulty and needs to be replaced
• Today I was driving and was going to switch from Bluetooth to the radio. I got to the main screen and touched the radio icon and a very loud noise (I believe it was a voice) came out of the left front speaker. First it scared the crap out of me as I am driving which is not safe as I am now trying to mute it but more importantly it was at a decibel level that it literally hurt my left ear and sitting here 15 minutes later I can still feel my left ear. I also question whether it damaged the speaker.

July 20, 2023

• For the past three days I have not been able to link my phone with the car. Neither through media or the phone icons. During this period the Starlink icon has not been on.

• As noted previously, the backup warning system works and does not work. Yesterday morning I was in a parking lot and it worked as expected when another car came down the aisle behind me. Then about 2 hours later I was slowly backing out of a driveway and a car drove no more than 15 feet directly behind me and it did nothing.

August 15, 2023
• I gave up on trying to reconnect my phone for the past couple weeks as the Starlink Icon remained grayed out. Today I took it in to the Subaru dealer and requested that the March 2023 software updated be installed, hoping it would correct some of the issues. I dropped the car off at 11:00 AM and picked it up the following day as I did not receive a call back until between 5 and 6 PM. The next day I was asked to talk with one of the shop leads. I explained what I had explained and provided detailed write up the previous two times I was in and the previous day when I dropped the car off. While the Lead explained why the Starlink icon was grayed out and was able to reconnect my phone, the discussion provided no solutions and for whatever reason he had decided not to update the software. With no resolution he suggested that a “file” be started on the car and asked that I complete a very detailed checklist. After getting partially through the first page of the checklist I recognized that these are single event/issue forms. If you combine the feedback from multiple different events on the same form the feedback will be useless. As an alternative to the form I have tried to capture some of the conditions for some of the different issues and included it at the end of this write up. I was requested to make another appointment which I did for September 19th but have no idea what they intend to do.

August 24, 2023
• Since being at the dealer on August 15 the following things have occurred:
o Radio and/or bluetooth sometimes comes on when I start the car and sometimes does not come on for 20 to 30 seconds after I have started the car, hit the “I Agree button, put on my seatbelt, backed out of the garage and am driving down the street.
o Three times the radio and/or Bluetooth has not gone off after shutting off the car, getting out and shutting the door. Twice it went off when I opened the door but once I had to get in restart and shut the car off then get out.
o As previously noted the sensor that are supposed to alarm when there is something coming or directly behind me, only work some of the time. I had another incident where I Put the car in reverse, back up several feet and stopped as a van was coming down the street. The van stopped behind me pulled forward toward me and then backed into the driveway opposite to where I was sitting. At no time did the alarm indicate any thing was behind me.
o I have had to reconnect my phone 3 times
o This morning my phone was not connected until I went through the sequence through “manage devices”. Then I went to the gym, came out and again the same thing. I drove about a mile and the music stopped and the entire screen went blank for about 30 seconds, then came back and again I had to reconnect my phone.
• The other Item not related to the Infotainment system that I keep forgetting to note, as I do not drive much at night or use my high beams, the high beam switch works only some of the time. This has been an issue since I bought the car.
• I just finished writing the above and went out started car in garage and began to back out. I checked the camera as the back of the car was out of the garage and continued to slowly back out as the front of my car got 15 feet out of the garage my wife and the person she was with suddenly appeared at the passenger side window. There was no warning from the rear sensor that they were approaching. They had been walking on the side walk then across the driveway as I backed out.
• As noted above I just finished writing when I went to use my car, Bluetooth came on as soon as I started the car, I backed out of garage drove about .5 miles. I turned the car off for about 5 minutes. My iphone was sitting on the passenger seat the entire time. I got back in started the car and it said no device connected. I pushed the manage device Icon it beeped then froze. I tried it again but it did not respond. In about 10 seconds the screen went totally black for about 5 seconds and then the screen with all the devices came up and I pushed my iphone. Up came the message it was searching for the device/connection. After about 6 to ten seconds the massage came up that said device not found. Within a couple seconds that message disappeared and the Bluetooth started working again.

August 25, 2023
• This morning I got in started the car, no Bluetooth, drove couple hundred yards to the mailbox and the message “no device connected” showed up. The Bluetooth was working when I used the car yesterday evening. I went through the sequence of connecting to my phone, including making sure my phone recognize the Subaru in the Bluetooth. Finally after three tries I got it to connect. This has happened with Iphone 6 I had previously and the iphone 11 which I have had for the past year.

September 5, 2023
• Over the past couple weeks my phone has been dropped and will not reconnect 3 times. If I stop turn the car off and restart most of the time it reconnects. Also had screen go black for about 30 seconds but did comeback.
• Had another situation where I had a moving vehicle not more than 10 feet behind me and there was no warning.

• This morning got in to car drove about a mile and everything seemed ok Bluetooth working etc. Turned car off for about ten minutes. Got back in started the car no, music, started to back out of drive way, nothing behind me or on either side and backup warning starts beeping. Checked to make sure nothing there and there was nothing anywhere. Start down the street thinking about what had just happened and suddenly the Bluetooth came on very loud. It did respond to the volume control. I turned it down to “2” on the volume and it was at a normal listening level whereas when operating normally it is at “12” volume level. Also, the sound was only coming out of driverside rear or back seat speaker. I turned it off and back on and still same issue.

(Ten minutes later) I just went out and started car and Bluetooth is working at correct volume and with all speakers.

September 18, 2023
• Over the past two weeks my phone continues to be dropped. It will be working, I will get out of the car go to the store and will get in and it is not paired anymore. My phone was never touched and remained in the car while I was in the store.
• At least twice the phone was not paired when I got in the car in the morning. I pulled over and stopped. I tried to pair my phone using the infotainment system but it would not recognize my phone. I then went into my phone to ensure the Bluetooth was recognizing my Subaru. I then went back to the infotainment system but it still would not pair with the phone. I went to exercise got back into the car and it was working.
• Twice the screen has gone totally black. Once I had to stop, turn the car off and back on before it came back. The other time after about 30 seconds it came back.
• Once I tried to change the radio station, but the screen would not respond. I went back to the main screen and then back to the radio and it began working again.
• Twice the radio has remained on after exiting the vehicle, requiring getting back in and restarting the car and getting back out

Specifics of the issues
1 Infotainment Screen goes blank or freezes
Happens when driving. Has happened when switching between Bluetooth and radio and when changing climate control settings
Several times it has resolved the issue within ten seconds to a minute while driving
Other times it did not resolve until after I had stopped and restarted the car

2 When starting car the radio/Bluetooth comes on at a very high decibel level
This has occurred 3 times when starting the car
Nothing on the screen or volume controls responds
Two times it sounded like all the speakers or at least the front both sides
The third time this occurred it sounded like only the dash driver side speaker was working
The sound is not just a loud radio/Bluetooth but an electronic filter or enhanced noise
The decibel level was such that you have to get out immediately
Another occasion the radio came on loud and the volume control did respond. The sound level was at “12” and when it was turned down to “2” it was at a normal listening level. After turning the car off and back on the volume had to be turned back up to “12” which is the normal setting for the volume.

3 Radio came on but was not coming out of all speakers.
Once it was only the driver side speakers working. Another time it was only the back speakers working. Another time it was front speakers only.

4 After starting the car there is no music for anywhere from 10 to 30 seconds and it does not seem to matter if it is Bluetooth or Radio.

5 The phone fails to pair with the infotainment system.
Past month or so this has been happening a couple times a week. I have been paying attention and there does not appear to be any specifics other than it is always happens after starting the car. If the phone is paired when I start, it stays paired till I turn the car off.
Sometimes although it is not paired when I start the car I can use the infotainment system and/ or my phone to get it paired.
Most times if it is not paired I give up before it will cooperate

6 Infotainment system (Bluetooth or Radio) remains on after exiting the vehicle
This seems to happen randomly. Most of the time it requires getting back in and restarting and stopping the car. A couple times I was able to close and reopen the door and it went off

7 Back up warning system does not work consistently.
This has occurred backing out of driveways and in parking lots.

8 The High beam switch works intermittently
This is not a big deal as I do not do a lot of night driving and rarely use the high beams. However, this has not worked correctly since I first had the car. It is just another indication of the issues that were never experienced with 4 previous Subarus

Subaru needs to recognize that all these issues are very distracting while driving and downright dangerous in the case of the high volume episodes and the backup sensor inconsistency

Theresa Pazdernik (not verified)    September 19, 2023 - 4:27PM

My 2020 Subaru Outback starlink infotainment system frequently gets stuck, buttons for heating and air don’t work, audio doesn’t work, and it will reboot on it’s own. It forces me to pull over sometimes and turn my car off and then wait and restart the vehicle. This is after the 2021 software “fix”. Audio can also be choppy sometimes. The eye sight and other safety features also stop working randomly, and then return to function usually next time I start my car.

Trish McMonagle (not verified)    September 21, 2023 - 11:20AM

Is it possible to join in on the class action lawsuit? I have a 2019 Subaru outback, and the multimedia system is bonkers. It is so disruptive to try to drive with it because I can’t even turn it off. It turns itself on and turns up the volume and changes channels, messes with my Bluetooth. I can’t have peace in my car. I can’t listen to the radio. I can’t talk on my phone.
Subaru Consumer Advocacy said they would pay $800 towards replacement. The dealership is giving me a run around and says that the part is on back order and they have no idea how long it will take to come in but I have to pay for it just to order it. The total price they gave me is $2000 and it only has a one year warranty.

Stacy Rogers (not verified)    September 23, 2023 - 3:59PM

We bought 2020 Outback for my son in April 2023. He is already having problems with the touchscreen system. We were informed by the salelady that the system was so great and safe but so far it will glitch off and on, it shuts down the AC and all navigation. I am interested in lawsuit regarding the starlink system.
thank you
Stacy Rogers

Jim Karas (not verified)    September 24, 2023 - 10:15AM

I own a 2019 Subaru Forrester which is out of warranty, despite low mileage and very good condition. Starlink causing battery drain and cruise control failure. Possible expensive fix per one dealer. My options are?

Sandra Feather (not verified)    September 26, 2023 - 9:58AM

I have had 9 Subarus in my driving life and my 2021 Outback is the worst Outback I have ever had. In the 1st yr, 3 times the windshield cracked on the highway. The dealer reported the glass is cheaper and they would replace for free- however, my time off work and inconvenience was not reimbursed. The navigation changes on and off on its own and the RAB even with it off, slams on the brakes by itself. Which is effecting my brake pads. I am getting rid of this Outback and never want another. Sad that this auto company has gone downhill. I have been driving for 40 yrs and don’t need technology to keep me safe- it doesn’t. Please include me in the lawsuit.

Nate Wiltsie (not verified)    September 29, 2023 - 9:38AM

My 2020 outback’s infotainment system has the same issues as previously stated by others. Screen blanks out, non responsive touch screen. That fact that the system runs the heat, defrost and ac just compounds the issue. So far, dealer just does an “update “ , but doesn’t fix the issues permanently. I’d love to join the Lawsuit!

Karina Browning (not verified)    October 2, 2023 - 3:32PM

My 2019 Subaru Outback is in the shop now with these issues! They are telling me I have to pay $1800 for a new system.??? Oh and it’s back ordered! How can we get on with the lawsuit?

Amber (not verified)    October 2, 2023 - 9:11PM

i have a 2019 legacy and the starlink is causing my car not to start/run by consistently running when my car is off. the battery is perfectly fine and now i’m out of $900 to fix the starlink part that is currently on back order. super frustrating and annoying. very dissatisfied customer over here.

christine matthews (not verified)    October 3, 2023 - 6:45PM

I have a 2019 Subaru outback with 64,000 miles on it. I initially had a couple dots in the top right hand corner that didn’t really do much to interfere with my Starlink infotainment system. All of a sudden it has gotten so much worse, the bubbles spread all the way across the screen to the left hand side and is constantly switching stations on me messing with the Bluetooth when I’m talking with people making weird noises. It is very distracting when you are driving and this happens, you can’t even get out of it. I know my speakers are Harman Kardon I’m thinking the head unit is the same. I went today to find out how much it would cost to get it fixed and they said $1900. I don’t feel like I should have to pay, but my car is not in warranty anymore. I’m a little nervous to put a new one in and have that one be defective as well.

Richard McKenna (not verified)    October 3, 2023 - 10:08PM

Our family owns two 2018 Outbacks and a 2022 Outback and all three have these issues. The Subaru delaerships is stating that they have no knowledge of these issues or the class action that was already settled.

Sarah (not verified)    October 5, 2023 - 6:21PM

I have a 2022 OB. The very first day I had the car, I had issues with the infotainment system. From that day onwards, I’ve had insane issues. Alerts going off all the time for no reason. I have the lane centering actively pulling my car into other lanes of traffic. I have issues with the push start and opening of door handles- possibly due to key fob issues and battery issues.
I had the trunk freezing in place or slamming closed due to leaky trunk struts. I had pieces of the car falling off. I had charger ports falling out of the car.
This car is by far the worst car I’ve ever owned.

Megan (not verified)    October 6, 2023 - 8:33PM

I recently bought a 2019 Subaru Outback Premium and have had multiple issues. The battery died quickly so had to get another and now the display screen has started to bubble underneath causing it to freak out constantly (radio turning on/off and buttons pushing themself) which is very distracting. Took to Subaru service center and will have to pay $1200 to get it fixed. If there’s a class action lawsuit for this please let me know and I will join in on it.

R MacKay (not verified)    October 10, 2023 - 12:10PM

My multimedia screen completely froze on my 2022 Subaru Forester when I recently started up the car. There was no backup camera screen, and I couldn't shut off the radio or use any multimedia features. Pressing the power/volume button and adjusting the tuner/scroll button did not do anything, nor did turning the car off for a few minutes. Leaving the car off for 10-15 minutes did make the multimedia system work again. The service advisor at the Subaru dealer said he had no knowledge of any issues with the Starlink multimedia system. He said I had a "bug" or "glitch," and all I needed was a software update, which was performed. The service advisor said the cost of this update "would be on me" after 3 years of ownership.

Larry (not verified)    October 17, 2023 - 11:59AM

I have a 2020 WRX Sti. I was having issues with the and touch display would not work, I brought it to the dealership while in warranty and they said it needed an update. Now it constantly changes radio channels by itself and the touch screen still does not work. After speaking with the dealership today that said sorry its out of warranty now.

Larry (not verified)    October 17, 2023 - 12:00PM

I have a 2020 WRX Sti, with less than 5k miles. I was having issues with the and touch display would not work, I brought it to the dealership while in warranty and they said it needed an update. Now it constantly changes radio channels by itself and the touch screen still does not work. After speaking with the dealership today that said sorry its out of warranty now.

Vicki (not verified)    October 17, 2023 - 12:59PM

2020 legacy, radio and entire display section POS. I've talked to my salesman and he said 'well, you bought the basic, what do you expect ". No more Subaru for me

Julie Feldman (not verified)    October 17, 2023 - 2:24PM

I notified my local Subaru dealer of head unit problems a year ago on my 2019 Legacy. In April I was put on a list for a replacement unit and was told that it would be about 6 months before I would be able to get it. Somewhere along the way, Subaru dropped me off the list for replacement even though I have a case number. The dealership got me back on the list, but they haven't gotten any units so far in September or October (2023). I want to join the class action suit. This is my 5th Subaru & I love the car BUT I am sick and tired of the run around that Subaru USA is putting us through. Next car just might be a Toyota.

Michelle Milligan (not verified)    October 20, 2023 - 7:57AM

I have a 2020 Subaru Outback Touring. It routinely turns eyesight off when my husband is driving. The entertainment system will randomly reboot. My phone will be connected fine and then when I get back in the car I will not be able to hear a call through the system, even though it is connected via Bluetooth. I have to delete my phone from the system and readd it. This happens at least 2 times a month. I have shared all of this with the Subaru dealer when my car has been serviced.

Rob Ramos (not verified)    October 25, 2023 - 1:23AM

I purchased a 2019 Subaru legacy in May 2021 from Lancaster, CA. I’ve experienced glitches with my infotainment system since I got it. In the past couple of weeks, display bubbles suddenly appeared and the system has been operating by itself. The touch controls are regularly unresponsive making the touch screen useless. When I get a call, I am unable to change my CarPlay display from the call back to navigation making it extremely difficult to navigate. The CarPlay does not allow maps on my phone display, only direction instructions. This display is one of my favorite features of the car and not it’s becoming a hindrance.