On my 2021 new Subaru Outback I installed a standard Thule bike rack and loaded 2 bikes on it. After driving 300 kms to a remote cottage, I backed up to park and the ABS sensor kept coming on thinking there was something behind the car. So I left the car as it was parked and returned a few hours later. I was surprised to see several red warning lights on on the console screen, with a light flashing in the headlights and a strange beep emanating from the back of the car. However, The car would not start, it was completely immobilized, I left it a few more hours and then came back to call MySubaru/360 Care - what a waste of an hours time.

I wanted to know what the beeps and red warning lights were caused by but all they wanted to do was tow my Outback a hundred kilometres to a Subaru dealer. They were completely ill equipped to help me.

I googled the problem, saw a few people describe how to turn off the immobilizer but by now there was no power left to try these YouTube recommendations.

I returned the next morning very frustrated my 4 month old car would not start or turn over. We boosted the batter and the car started immediately, only then did I realize my Ouback had beeped itself to death causing a dead battery.

I hope anyone else using a bike rack on a 2021 Subaru Outback will be aware of this type of issue and that the My Subaru people learn learn how to help someone vs just trying to tow their car.