Subaru Starlink is a connected-car service bundled with most new Subarus, not a separate subscription you choose
Subaru Starlink is a built-in service that comes standard on most 2023 and newer Subaru models. It includes emergency calling, roadside information, vehicle diagnostics, and remote features like locking or starting your car from a phone app. Unlike some car subscriptions where you pick and choose services, Starlink is a package deal — you get all of it or none of it.
The service is included free for the first three years of ownership on most new Subarus. After that, you pay an annual subscription fee to keep it active. The cost and what happens when your trial period ends depends on which Subaru model you own and when you bought it.
If you already own a Subaru with Starlink, you can check your account status and remaining trial time through the MySubaru mobile app or by calling Subaru customer service at 1-844-794-2882.
Key Takeaways
- Subaru Starlink comes free for three years on most new Subarus purchased after 2022, then requires an annual subscription to continue.
- The service includes emergency SOS calling, roadside information, remote vehicle access, and maintenance alerts — you cannot pick individual features.
- Annual subscription costs vary by model and region, typically ranging from around $100 to $200 per year after the trial ends.
- If you let your subscription lapse, emergency calling still works, but remote features and roadside information stop until you renew.
- You manage your subscription through the MySubaru app or by contacting Subaru customer service directly.
What's included in Subaru Starlink
Starlink bundles several connected services into one subscription. Emergency SOS connects you to a call center with one button press; the service can share your location with emergency responders. Roadside information covers lockouts, towing, fuel delivery, and flat tire service through a network of providers. Remote vehicle access lets you lock, unlock, and start your car from the MySubaru app, and you can set up geofencing alerts if someone drives the car outside a boundary you define.
Vehicle diagnostics sends maintenance reminders to your phone when your Subaru needs an oil change, tire rotation, or other scheduled service. The app also shows your vehicle's location in real time, fuel level, and door lock status. Some models include stolen vehicle recovery, which lets Subaru work with law enforcement to track a stolen car.
You cannot subscribe to individual features — Starlink is an all-or-nothing service. If you want emergency calling but not remote access, you still pay for the full package.
How long the free trial lasts and what it costs after
Most new Subarus come with three years of Starlink included at no charge. A few older promotions offered longer trial periods, and some dealers may have extended trials as part of a purchase incentive, so check your paperwork or the MySubaru app to see your exact end date.
Once the trial ends, annual subscription costs vary by Subaru model and your region. Typical renewal costs fall between $100 and $200 per year, though some sources report higher rates for certain models. Subaru does not publish a single national price list; you will see your renewal cost in the MySubaru app or when you contact Subaru customer service to renew.
You can also purchase multi-year subscriptions upfront, which may offer a small discount compared to renewing year by year. Subaru occasionally runs promotions that extend trial periods or discount renewal rates, particularly around model year changeovers.
What happens if you don't renew your subscription
If your subscription lapses, emergency SOS calling still works — that feature is required by law in all connected vehicles and cannot be disabled. However, roadside information, remote vehicle access, diagnostics, and stolen vehicle recovery all stop working until you renew.
You can renew at any time through the MySubaru app or by calling Subaru customer service. There is no penalty for letting your subscription lapse and then restarting it later. If you decide you do not want Starlink at all, you can straightforward let it expire and not renew — the car will function normally, and you will lose only the connected features.
How to manage your Subaru Starlink subscription
The MySubaru mobile app is the main tool for managing your account. You can view your subscription status, check your trial end date, see your vehicle's location and fuel level, lock or unlock the car, and set up maintenance reminders. The app is free and works on both iOS and Android.
To renew or modify your subscription, you can use the app or call Subaru customer service at 1-844-794-2882. When your trial is about to end, Subaru will send you email reminders, typically starting 30 to 60 days before expiration. You can renew before the trial ends to avoid any gap in service.
If you sell your Subaru, the subscription stays with the vehicle, not the owner. The new owner can set up their own MySubaru account and take over the subscription, or let it lapse. Subaru does not transfer unused trial time to a new owner.
Starlink versus other car subscription services
Subaru Starlink is a connected-car service, not a car subscription in the sense of renting a vehicle. It is built into the car and stays with it for the life of the vehicle. Other automakers offer similar services under different names: Toyota has Safety Connect, Honda has HondaLink, and Hyundai has Bluelink. All of them bundle emergency calling, remote access, and diagnostics into one subscription.
The main difference between them is the trial length, renewal cost, and which features are included. Some automakers offer longer free trials or lower renewal rates. If you are comparing Subarus to other brands, check the trial period and renewal cost for each — they vary significantly.
If you are looking for a traditional car subscription service where you rent a vehicle month-to-month instead of buying, that is a separate category and not what Starlink provides.
Common reasons Starlink stops working and how to fix them
If your Starlink features stop working, the most common cause is that your subscription has expired. Check the MySubaru app to see your subscription status and renewal date. If the trial has ended and you have not renewed, that is why remote features are not available.
The second most common issue is a weak cellular connection. Starlink relies on the car's built-in cellular modem, which needs a strong signal to work. If you are in an area with poor coverage, remote features may be slow or unavailable. Emergency SOS calling usually works even with weak signal because it uses a different network.
If your subscription is active and your signal is strong but features still are not working, restart the MySubaru app, sign out and back in, or restart your car's infotainment system. If the problem persists, contact Subaru customer service — they can reset your account or check whether there is a service outage in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Starlink features if I don't renew after the trial ends?
Emergency SOS calling will still work because it is required by law. All other features — remote access, roadside information, diagnostics, and stolen vehicle recovery — will stop. You can renew at any time to restore them.
Does Starlink work if my phone is not connected to the car?
Yes. Starlink uses the car's built-in cellular modem, not your phone's data connection. You can lock, unlock, or start your car from the MySubaru app even if your phone is on WiFi or has no signal, as long as the car has cellular coverage.
What if I buy a used Subaru with an active Starlink subscription?
The subscription transfers to the new owner. You can create your own MySubaru account and take over the remaining trial or subscription. If the previous owner paid for a multi-year subscription, you inherit the remaining time.
Is Starlink the same as satellite internet?
No. Starlink is Subaru's connected-car service and has nothing to do with Starlink satellite internet. The names are unrelated. Subaru's Starlink uses cellular networks, not satellites.
Can I turn off Starlink features I don't want to use?
You cannot selectively disable features within Starlink, but you can choose not to renew your subscription when the trial ends. Emergency SOS calling cannot be turned off because it is a legal requirement.