What Subaru Remote Start Does and How to Use It

Subaru remote start lets you start your engine from outside the vehicle using a key fob or smartphone app, warming or cooling the cabin before you get in. The feature runs the engine for a set time — typically 10 to 15 minutes — then shuts off automatically. You control it by pressing and holding a button on your key fob, or by opening an app on your phone if your model supports it.

The system works only when your vehicle is locked and you are outside it. Once you press the remote start button, the engine cranks and runs at idle. The climate control system activates at whatever temperature you last set, so the car can reach a comfortable temperature before you arrive. When the timer expires, the engine stops unless you physically get in the vehicle and press the brake pedal, which keeps it running.

Not every Subaru model includes remote start as standard equipment. It is available on many newer models — particularly Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, and Legacy — but availability and set up method vary by year, trim level, and whether the vehicle came with the Subaru Starlink connected services package.

Key Takeaways

  • Remote start activates through your key fob by holding a dedicated button, or through the Subaru Starlink mobile app if your vehicle supports connected services.
  • The engine runs for 10 to 15 minutes on a timer, then shuts off automatically unless you get in and press the brake pedal.
  • Remote start only works when the vehicle is locked and you are outside, as a safety measure to prevent unintended operation.
  • Some Subaru models require a dealer set up step to enable remote start even if the hardware is installed, particularly for Starlink app-based remote start.
  • Certain conditions — like low fuel, extreme temperatures, or an open door — can prevent remote start from functioning.

Key Fob Remote Start vs. Smartphone App Remote Start

Subaru offers two separate remote start methods depending on your vehicle and what services you have. The key fob method is the simpler of the two: you hold down a button labeled "Remote Start" or marked with an engine symbol on your physical key fob for several seconds until the lights flash or you hear a confirmation sound. This method requires no subscription and works as long as your key fob battery is charged and you are within range of the vehicle — typically 80 to 100 feet.

The Subaru Starlink app method lets you start your vehicle from anywhere using your smartphone, as long as your vehicle has a cellular connection. This requires a Starlink subscription, which may be included free for a limited period when you purchase a new Subaru, then requires a paid subscription to continue. You open the Subaru Starlink app, select your vehicle, and tap the remote start button. The app sends a signal through Subaru's servers to your vehicle, which then starts the engine.

Not all Subaru models support app-based remote start. Vehicles must have the Starlink hardware installed and active, which is standard on most 2019 and newer models but may not be present on older vehicles or lower trim levels. If your vehicle has the hardware but remote start is not working in the app, you may need to contact a Subaru dealer to set up the feature.

How to set up Remote Start on Your Subaru

If your Subaru came with remote start hardware but the feature is not working, set up depends on which method you are using. For key fob remote start, the feature is usually active by default once the vehicle leaves the dealership. If it is not working, check that your key fob battery is not dead — replace the battery and try again. If the fob still does not work, visit a Subaru dealer to reprogram the fob or diagnose a hardware issue.

For Starlink app-based remote start, you must first set up a Subaru Starlink account through the mobile app or the Subaru website. read the Subaru Starlink app, create an account, and register your vehicle using your VIN and vehicle PIN (found in your owner's manual or on paperwork from the dealership). Once your vehicle is registered, remote start should appear as an option in the app. If it does not, contact Subaru customer service or visit a dealer — some vehicles require a dealer to enable the feature on their end, even after you have registered the vehicle.

Starlink subscriptions typically include a trial period of three months to one year depending on your vehicle's model year and when you purchased it. After the trial ends, you must pay for a subscription to continue using app-based remote start and other connected features. Check your Starlink account settings to see when your trial expires and what subscription options are available.

Conditions That Prevent Remote Start From Working

Remote start will not function if certain safety or mechanical conditions are not met. The most common reason is that the vehicle is not locked — remote start only works when all doors are closed and locked. If you left a door or trunk slightly open, remote start will fail silently. Check all doors and the trunk, lock the vehicle, and try again.

Your vehicle will also refuse to start remotely if the fuel tank is too low, usually below a quarter tank. This is a safety feature to prevent the engine from running out of fuel while idling. Fill your tank and try again. Similarly, if the battery voltage is low, the vehicle may not have enough power to crank the engine remotely, even if the battery seems fine for normal driving.

Extreme weather can also block remote start. In very cold climates, the engine may fail to turn over if the oil is too thick or the battery is sluggish. In very hot climates, some Subarus disable remote start if the interior temperature exceeds a certain threshold as a safety measure. Additionally, if your vehicle has an automatic transmission and the gear shift is not in Park, remote start will not work — the transmission must be in Park for the engine to crank.

If you are using the Starlink app and remote start is not working, check that your vehicle has a cellular signal and that your Starlink subscription is active and not expired. A weak or no signal will prevent the app from communicating with your vehicle.

Range and Limitations of Remote Start

Key fob remote start has a limited range, typically 80 to 100 feet depending on obstacles and interference. Walls, metal structures, and other vehicles can reduce this range. If you are too far away or there is too much interference, the fob will not send the signal successfully. You will not receive an error message — the vehicle straightforward will not start. Move closer to the vehicle and try again.

Starlink app-based remote start has no distance limit because it uses cellular networks rather than radio signals. You can start your vehicle from across town or across the country as long as your vehicle has a cellular connection and your subscription is active. However, the vehicle must be in an area with Subaru's cellular coverage, which is typically the same as major U.S. cellular networks.

Remote start will run the engine for a fixed duration — usually 10 to 15 minutes depending on your model year — then shut it off automatically. You cannot extend this timer remotely. If you need the engine to run longer, you must physically get in the vehicle and press the brake pedal, which keeps the engine running as long as you want.

Troubleshooting Remote Start Problems

If your key fob remote start is not working, start by replacing the fob battery. Most Subaru key fobs use a CR2032 or similar coin-cell battery available at any pharmacy or electronics store. Open the fob carefully — there is usually a small slot or button to separate the halves — remove the old battery, and insert a new one with the correct side facing up. Close the fob and test remote start again.

If a new battery does not fix the problem, try locking and unlocking the vehicle with the fob to confirm the fob is communicating with the car. If the lock and unlock buttons work but remote start does not, the issue may be with the remote start hardware or a safety interlock. Visit a Subaru dealer for diagnosis.

For Starlink app-based remote start, first confirm that your subscription is active by checking your account in the app or on the Subaru website. If the subscription is active but remote start is grayed out or unavailable, try logging out of the app, closing it completely, and logging back in. If that does not work, restart your phone and try again. If remote start is still unavailable, contact Subaru customer service — the feature may need to be enabled by a dealer on your vehicle's account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does remote start drain my battery?

Remote start runs the engine at idle, which charges the battery rather than draining it. The engine produces more power than the idle systems consume, so a 10 to 15 minute remote start session will leave your battery in the same or better condition than before. However, if you use remote start repeatedly without driving the vehicle, the battery may eventually run low because the alternator is not charging at full capacity during idle.

Can I use remote start if my car is in the garage?

You should not use remote start in a closed garage or enclosed space. Running the engine in an enclosed area produces carbon monoxide, which is toxic and can accumulate quickly. Remote start is designed for outdoor use only. Always make sure your vehicle is parked outside with good ventilation before using remote start.

What happens if I press the brake pedal while remote start is running?

Pressing the brake pedal while the engine is running from remote start disables the remote start timer and keeps the engine running normally. The vehicle is now in standard driving mode. You can shift into Drive and operate the vehicle as usual. The remote start feature has done its job — warming or cooling the cabin — and is no longer active.

Will remote start work if my doors are unlocked?

No. Remote start only works when all doors are locked and the vehicle is secured. This is a safety feature to prevent the engine from starting if someone is inside the vehicle or if a door is open. Lock all doors and the trunk, then try remote start again.

Do I need to pay for remote start after my Starlink trial ends?

Yes, if you want to continue using app-based remote start after your Starlink trial subscription expires, you must purchase a paid subscription. Key fob remote start does not require a subscription and will continue to work as long as your key fob battery is charged. Check your Starlink account to see subscription pricing and renewal options.