The radio dashboard as well as volume/radio controls on the steering wheel completely freeze up while driving. I've documented it and taken it to two dealerships, so far I get the same answer "If we can't replicate it then we can't look into it" regardless of how many videos I show them of it happening. There have been lawsuits against the Subaru Starlink for this issue within the newer models. But it happens with older models as well.
Freezing, radio stuck on. Nav stuck. Still no satellite radio. Problems worse after dealer "updated" software - dealer confused and unhelpful despite abundant documentation of issues with this system and class action lawsuit.
- Erik N.,
Exeter, US
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I have already had the entertainment system replaced once during the first year warranty period, so the repair only cost me time (had to bring the car back twice before the issue was resolved). That was about 15 months ago. The replacement system worked fine, but now it's demonstrating the exact same issues that I had with the original system. I understand that this has been a common issue with Subaru's Starlink system. I sure hope that Subaru plans to take care of the issue without charge to me.
Downtown Chicago trying to get out of traffic jam had GPS all set, when all of a sudden screen went blank and began spinning. The GPS installed in this vehicle is prehistoric to say the least.Another example set for Nashville TN & GPS came up with Nashville, IL, even after I put Tennessee in search box. Glad I have cheap android phone. Touch screen is terrible on this car period.
2) rapidly connecting & disconnecting w/my smartphone. I made sure it wasn't the phone or cord; cleaned the phone port & verified it worked fine on multiple charging cords, used a new cord in the car.
3) each time it disconnected & reconnected, any audio I was listening to was halted, wifi & bluetooth were reconnected even though I had just disabled them so I could use just iPod & cellular data while driving, causing a long lag as the phone reconnected, automatically started up Pandora (which it always did, not sure why, very annoying!)
4) freezing touchscreen is dangerous when driving & attempting to use the map directions as audio would crash, then I'm trying to navigate...have had to pull over
5) simple enjoyment of listening to chosen audio - music, ipod, pandora, etc., is lost as screen freezes! Can't even turn the system OFF!
Am contacting my dealership today to request they take care of this, as I purchased the most extensive warranty possible.
Head unit and steering wheel controls for the unit, phone, etc lock up and do not work until the car is turned off and back on. Issue occurred three times. Starlink buttons worked because I called them for assistance to report only to find they don't cover that. Dealer looked at the issue and said that a plastic phone holder that is 3 inches from head unit was causing the lock up. I said it happened with and without that holder. With and without a phone in it and they failed to fix it. They are beginning to get complaints on head units locking up but still treat me like I'm an idiot. They sent my data to Japan, whatever that means. This car is Engineering Genius meets Failed Engineering for standard needs.
Took the car in for service on the issue and dealer said they could not replicate so nothing they could do. They said bring the car back while the issues are happening - really!!!!!!!!!!
This has now happened multiple times on long trips.
The touchscreen for the radio and navigation controls freezes up for no reason. It has something to do with syncing with a smartphone, and seems to be a software issue. The stereo in general is difficult to operate, but this operation issue makes it unbearable. You have to stop the car, turn it off, and then let the system reboot before it will function. I've always heard good things about Subaru. Shame on them for producing something this undependable.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
The radio dashboard as well as volume/radio controls on the steering wheel completely freeze up while driving. I've documented it and taken it to two dealerships, so far I get the same answer "If we can't replicate it then we can't look into it" regardless of how many videos I show them of it happening. There have been lawsuits against the Subaru Starlink for this issue within the newer models. But it happens with older models as well.
- sfioriglio, Barrington, US