2026 Subaru CrossTrek

The 2024 Crosstrek's infotainment system receives firmware updates, but Subaru dealers refuse to install them unless the owner reports a specific problem with the screen. This leaves owners unable to ...

Subaru's privacy documentation for connected services is confusing and contradictory about owners' rights to delete their personal data, with policies varying by location. This opacity makes it hard f...

The auto start-stop system automatically shuts off the engine at stops to save fuel but defaults to 'on' every time the vehicle starts. Owners must manually disable it each drive cycle as there is no ...

The EyeSight driver monitoring system nags drivers to 'keep your hands on the wheel' even when they are firmly gripping it.

The right-side blind spot detection sensor fails to work 98% of the time, performing worse than the prior model.

A warning-welcome screen displays every time the car starts and cannot be permanently disabled.

The EyeSight system generates alerts if the driver does not accelerate from a stop quickly enough.

The seatbelt chime continues sounding when the driver exits a running vehicle with a belted passenger seated.

Remote start ends when a door is opened, causing extra wear on the starter and battery.

The EyeSight safety system in recent Crosstreks triggered false emergency braking incidents, though reliability has improved.

The infotainment screen in the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek takes a long time to turn on or boot up after starting the car, often 30 seconds or more. This delay prevents quick access to controls like disabli...

The touchscreen infotainment system is generally slow and laggy, with delayed responses to button presses. Reviewers call it one of the worst implementations, borderline unacceptable.

HVAC controls like temperature and fan speed are accessed via small buttons on the touchscreen, which are hard to use accurately while driving.

Many vehicle functions previously controlled by physical buttons are now buried in touchscreen menus, reducing quick access.

The rear backup camera displays only on the top portion of the infotainment screen instead of full screen.

After remote start, the AC turns on automatically regardless of the preset warm temperature setting.

The infotainment screen displays coolant and CVT fluid temperatures as 'Normal' instead of actual numerical values, providing no useful information.

The auto start-stop disable button often requires multiple presses or fails due to infotainment screen delays on startup.

The Auto Vehicle Hold (AVH) button is not on the persistent toolbar, requiring users to exit navigation, media, or camera screens to access it.

Owners cannot perform infotainment software updates themselves as the option was removed; a proprietary dealer SSM5 tool is required, with updates taking 4-5 hours.

The infotainment system displays intrusive pop-up ads for SiriusXM while driving, distracting drivers and risking accidents.

Subaru infotainment automatically reverts SiriusXM to a preview channel on every key cycle if tuned to mature content, with no user option to disable.

The complex infotainment system in the Crosstrek causes high levels of driver distraction, contributing to safety risks and crashes per AAA study.

Starlink is Subaru's connected telematics system that tracks vehicle location and collects data via GPS. Owners report no easy way to disable it through settings, and it continues sending signals even...

Owners seek a simple switch or fuse pull to completely stop Starlink data collection and EMF signals, but disabling risks breaking radio, Bluetooth, reverse camera, or other functions. No straightforw...

Subaru's Starlink connected services have been hacked, allowing access to a car's location history. Additional concerns include remote hacking risks to control radio, ignition, and electrical systems.

DriverFocus is a driver monitoring system using a cabin-facing camera to scan facial features for user profiles and detect distraction or drowsiness. It collects biometric-like data on the driver.

EyeSight driver assistance records still images from outside the vehicle during automatic emergency braking events. These may capture persons nearby, raising privacy concerns.

Starlink is Subaru's connected car system that enables remote control features like locking/unlocking doors and disabling the ignition for convenience and security. Owners complain this allows excessi...

MySubaru app provides remote vehicle commands such as start, lock/unlock doors, climate control, and location tracking. Complaints highlight that Subaru collects data on all remote commands initiated ...

The infotainment touchscreen occasionally freezes or becomes unresponsive for seconds, making it unusable. This issue is more common in cold weather or after software updates.

The infotainment system shows noticeable lag or latency when starting up the vehicle. Some users report partial improvement after over-the-air (OTA) updates, but the startup delay persists.

The USB media player fails to remember the current track and always restarts from the first song after vehicle restart or power cycle.

The Data Communications Module (DCM), branded as Starlink (now MySubaru), supports over-the-air software updates. Head units without built-in navigation may lack WiFi OTA capability, potentially requi...