Subaru Care Connect is a remote vehicle monitoring system that lets you track your car's location, check its status, and get alerts about maintenance needs
Subaru Care Connect connects to your vehicle through a built-in module and sends information to your phone or computer. The system can show you where your car is parked, let you lock or unlock the doors remotely, start the engine from a distance, and notify you if the vehicle moves without your permission. It also tracks routine maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations, reminding you when service is due.
The service is included with most new Subaru vehicles for a trial period — usually three years — at no extra cost. After that trial ends, you can choose to continue the subscription by paying an annual or monthly fee, or you can let the service stop. The cost and exact features vary depending on your model year and which Subaru dealership you work with, so it's worth asking your dealer what's included with your specific vehicle.
Key Takeaways
- Subaru Care Connect uses a module in your vehicle to send location, status, and maintenance information to an app on your phone.
- New Subaru owners receive a trial subscription at no cost for a set period, after which monthly or annual fees explore if you want to continue.
- The system can remotely lock and unlock doors, start the engine, and send alerts if your vehicle moves or needs service.
- You access the service through the Subaru Care Connect mobile app or through your vehicle's touchscreen, depending on your model.
- Trial periods and pricing differ by model year and region, so confirm the details with your Subaru dealership when you purchase or take delivery.
What features come with Subaru Care Connect
The core features include vehicle location tracking, which shows your car's position on a map in real time. You can use this if you forget where you parked or want to check on your vehicle's whereabouts. The system also sends you notifications if the vehicle is moved, which can alert you to theft or unauthorized use.
Remote access features let you lock and unlock the doors and open the trunk from your phone, as long as the vehicle has power. You can also start the engine remotely, which is useful if you want to warm up the car on a cold morning or cool it down on a hot day before you get in. Some models allow you to set the climate control remotely as well.
Maintenance tracking is another key feature. The system monitors your oil life, tire pressure, and other routine service needs and sends you reminders when maintenance is due. This can help you stay on top of scheduled service and avoid letting maintenance slip.
How to set up Subaru Care Connect on your vehicle
If you own a new Subaru with the system built in, setup usually happens at the dealership when you take delivery. The dealer's staff will walk you through creating an account, downloading the Subaru Care Connect app, and linking your vehicle to your phone. They'll also explain how to use the main features and answer questions about what's included in your trial period.
If you didn't complete setup at the dealership, you can do it yourself by downloading the Subaru Care Connect app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Open the app, create an account with your email address, and follow the prompts to add your vehicle. You'll need your vehicle identification number (VIN), which you can find on your registration or on a sticker inside the driver's side door frame.
Once your vehicle is linked to your account, you can start using the features right away. The app will show your car's current location and status, and you can adjust settings like notification preferences directly in the app.
Understanding trial periods and subscription costs
Most new Subaru vehicles come with a complimentary trial subscription that lasts three years from the date of purchase, though some models or regions may offer different trial lengths. During this period, you have full access to all Subaru Care Connect features at no charge. Your dealership will tell you the exact end date of your trial when you take delivery.
When your trial period is about to end, Subaru will send you a notice letting you know that you can continue the service by paying a subscription fee. The cost varies — some dealers offer monthly plans, others offer annual plans, and pricing can differ by region and model year. You can contact your Subaru dealership or check the app itself for current pricing in your area.
If you choose not to renew after your trial ends, the service will stop and you'll no longer be able to use the remote features or receive maintenance alerts. Your vehicle will continue to operate normally; the system straightforward won't send information to your phone anymore.
Using Subaru Care Connect on your vehicle's touchscreen
In addition to the mobile app, you can access some Subaru Care Connect features directly through your vehicle's built-in touchscreen display. This lets you check vehicle status, view maintenance reminders, and sometimes adjust settings without taking out your phone.
The exact features available on the touchscreen depend on your model year and trim level. Newer Subaru vehicles tend to have more integrated touchscreen functionality than older models. Your owner's manual or the dealership can tell you which features are available in your specific vehicle.
Using the touchscreen can be convenient when you're already in the car, but the mobile app is the primary way to use remote features like locking doors or starting the engine from a distance.
What to do if Subaru Care Connect isn't working
If the app isn't showing your vehicle's location or you're not receiving alerts, start by checking that your vehicle has a strong cellular signal and that the built-in module has power. Make sure your phone's location services are turned on and that you've given the Subaru Care Connect app permission to access your location in your phone's settings.
Try closing the app completely and reopening it, or restart your phone. If the problem persists, log out of your account in the app and log back in. If you're still having trouble, contact your Subaru dealership — they can check whether the module in your vehicle is communicating properly and help troubleshoot from there.
For billing or account issues, you can also reach out to Subaru's customer service line, which you'll find in your owner's manual or on the Subaru website. They can help with subscription questions, billing problems, or account access issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Subaru Care Connect work if my vehicle is parked far away?
Yes, as long as your vehicle has cellular signal and the module has power, you can track its location and use remote features from anywhere. The system works across the country and internationally, though coverage depends on cellular networks in your area.
Can I share Subaru Care Connect access with family members?
This depends on your model year and the current app features. Some versions allow you to add authorized users to your account so family members can see the vehicle's location and status. Check your app settings or ask your dealership whether this option is available for your vehicle.
What happens to my data when I sell the vehicle?
When you sell or transfer your vehicle, you should remove it from your Subaru Care Connect account. The new owner can then set up their own account and link the vehicle to themselves. Your location history and personal data won't transfer to the new owner.
Can I use Subaru Care Connect to find my car if it's stolen?
The system can show you your vehicle's location in real time, which may help you locate it. However, if your car is stolen, contact local law enforcement when ready and provide them with the vehicle's location information. Do not attempt to recover the vehicle yourself.
Is there a way to turn off Subaru Care Connect if I don't want to be tracked?
You can stop using the service by letting your subscription expire or by removing your vehicle from the app. Once you do, the system will no longer send location or status information to your phone. The vehicle itself will continue to operate normally.