What Subaru Starlink is and how it works in your vehicle
Subaru Starlink is a built-in connectivity system that lets you use internet-based services inside your Subaru vehicle. It uses satellite and cellular networks to deliver features like emergency roadside information, vehicle diagnostics, remote climate control, and turn-by-turn navigation. The system is standard equipment on most new Subaru models, though the features you can use depend on which subscription plan you choose.
The hardware is already installed in your vehicle when you buy or lease it. Subaru activates a trial period automatically — usually three years of complimentary service on new vehicles — so you can test the system before deciding whether to pay for a subscription after the trial ends.
Starlink works through a combination of cellular towers and satellite connectivity. This dual approach means the system can reach you even in areas where cell service is weak or unavailable, though some features require a cellular signal to function at all.
Key Takeaways
- New Subaru vehicles come with a three-year trial of Subaru Starlink at no cost, giving you time to decide whether the service is worth paying for after the trial ends.
- The system offers emergency information, vehicle diagnostics, remote features like starting your engine or locking doors, and navigation — but which ones you can use depends on your subscription tier.
- Subaru offers multiple subscription plans at different price points, ranging from basic emergency services to comprehensive packages that include remote vehicle control.
- You can manage your subscription, view your vehicle's location, and control remote features through the Subaru Starlink mobile app or your vehicle's touchscreen.
- If you do not renew your subscription after the trial ends, emergency information features remain available, but most convenience and diagnostic features will stop working.
What features come with each subscription tier
Subaru offers several subscription levels, and the features available to you depend on which one you choose. The entry-level plan typically includes emergency information (roadside help, crash notification, emergency SOS), vehicle diagnostics sent to your phone, and the ability to locate your vehicle on a map. Mid-tier plans add remote features like remote engine start, door lock and unlock, and climate control from your phone. The highest tier bundles all of these together with additional perks like concierge services and navigation updates.
Pricing varies by plan and by region. Subaru typically offers monthly, annual, and multi-year subscription options, with annual and multi-year plans costing less per month than paying month-to-month. You can view the current pricing and plan details through the Subaru Starlink website or by contacting your Subaru dealer.
Even if you do not renew a paid subscription after your trial ends, Subaru keeps emergency information active at no charge. This means roadside information, crash notification, and emergency SOS calling remain available — you straightforward lose the convenience features and diagnostic reports.
How to manage your subscription and trial period
When you take delivery of your new Subaru, the vehicle comes with Starlink already activated. You do not need to do anything to start using it during the trial period. The system will send you a notification as your trial period approaches its end date, typically a few months before expiration.
You can manage your subscription through two routes: the Subaru Starlink mobile app (available on iOS and Android) or the touchscreen inside your vehicle. Both let you view your current plan, see when your trial or subscription expires, and make changes to your service level. If you want to add a paid plan before your trial ends, you can do so through either interface.
Your Subaru dealer can also help you set up or change your subscription. Many dealers offer guidance during the sales process and can walk you through the app setup before you leave the lot.
What happens when your trial period ends
When your three-year trial expires, Subaru will stop providing the features included in your plan unless you purchase a subscription. The system will notify you before this happens, usually with multiple reminders as the end date approaches. If you do nothing, your paid features will straightforward stop working on the expiration date.
Emergency information remains active even after your trial ends and even if you never purchase a paid plan. You can still call for roadside help, and the vehicle can still send crash notifications and emergency SOS signals. What you lose are the convenience features — remote start, door locks, climate control — and the diagnostic reports that show you vehicle health data.
If you decide to purchase a subscription after your trial ends, you can do so at any time through the app, your vehicle's touchscreen, or by contacting Subaru. There is no penalty for waiting, and you can choose any plan tier that Subaru currently offers.
How to use remote features through the app
If your subscription plan includes remote features, you can control certain vehicle functions from your phone using the Subaru Starlink app. Common remote features include starting your engine, unlocking or locking your doors, adjusting your climate control, and locating your vehicle on a map. To use these features, you must have the app installed, be logged into your Subaru account, and have an active subscription that includes remote services.
The app shows your vehicle's current location in real time, which is useful if you forget where you parked or want to check on your vehicle's whereabouts. Some plans also let you set up geofencing alerts, which notify you if your vehicle leaves a specific area — a feature many owners use to monitor teenage drivers or company vehicles.
Remote features work best when your vehicle has a strong cellular signal. In areas with weak or no cell service, the app may not be able to communicate with your vehicle, and remote commands may fail or be delayed.
Costs and payment options for Subaru Starlink
Subaru does not publish a single fixed price for Starlink subscriptions — costs vary by plan tier, subscription length, and your region. Generally, basic plans cost less than comprehensive plans, and paying for a full year or multiple years costs less per month than paying month-to-month. Your Subaru dealer or the Subaru Starlink website can show you current pricing for your area and vehicle model.
You can pay for your subscription through the Subaru Starlink app, your vehicle's touchscreen, or by contacting Subaru directly. Most plans renew automatically on your billing date, though you can cancel or change your plan at any time. If you cancel mid-cycle, Subaru's refund policy varies — check your subscription terms or ask your dealer what applies to your situation.
Some Subaru dealers or dealership packages include discounted or bundled Starlink subscriptions as part of a purchase or lease deal. If you are buying or leasing a new Subaru, ask your dealer whether any subscription discounts are available to you.
Troubleshooting common Starlink issues
If remote features are not working, the first step is to check your cellular signal. Remote commands require a strong cell connection, and weak or no signal will prevent the app from reaching your vehicle. Move to an area with better coverage and try again.
If the app is not showing your vehicle's location or is showing an outdated location, the vehicle may not have connected to the network recently. Vehicles update their location periodically when they are in motion or when you manually refresh the app. If your vehicle has been parked for several days without moving, the location data may be several hours or even a day old.
If you are having trouble logging into the app or accessing your subscription, verify that you are using the correct email address and password for your Subaru account. If you have forgotten your password, use the "Forgot Password" option on the login screen. If problems persist, contact Subaru customer service or visit your dealer for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay for Subaru Starlink, or can I use it for free?
New Subaru vehicles come with three years of complimentary Starlink service, so you do not have to pay during that period. After the trial ends, you can choose to purchase a subscription or let the service expire. Emergency information remains free even after your paid subscription ends.
Can I transfer my Starlink subscription to a new vehicle?
Starlink subscriptions are tied to your vehicle's identification number (VIN), not to your personal account. If you sell or trade in your vehicle, your subscription ends with it. When you buy a new Subaru, you will receive a new trial period on that vehicle.
What if I do not have cell service where I park my vehicle?
Remote features require cellular or satellite connectivity to work, so they will not function in areas with no signal. Emergency information may still work through satellite in remote areas, but convenience features like remote start will be unavailable. Check your vehicle's connectivity status in the app to see what service is available at your location.
Can I cancel my subscription anytime, or am I locked into a contract?
You can cancel your Subaru Starlink subscription at any time through the app, your vehicle's touchscreen, or by contacting Subaru. There are no long-term contracts. If you cancel mid-cycle, Subaru's refund policy depends on your plan — contact your dealer or check your subscription agreement for details on what applies to your situation.
Does Subaru Starlink work outside the United States?
Subaru Starlink is designed primarily for use in the United States. Coverage and feature availability outside the U.S. are limited or unavailable. If you plan to travel internationally with your vehicle, contact Subaru to learn what services, if any, are available in your destination.