Care Connect is Subaru's remote vehicle monitoring and emergency response system
Care Connect is a subscription service that lets Subaru monitor your vehicle's location, send you maintenance reminders, and connect you to emergency services if you're in an accident. The system uses your car's built-in cellular connection to track data like fuel level, tire pressure, and service needs, then sends alerts to your phone. If your airbags deploy, Care Connect can automatically notify emergency responders with your vehicle's exact location.
The service is available on most 2018 and newer Subaru models equipped with the Subaru Starlink system. You pay a monthly or annual subscription fee to set up it, and you can cancel at any time. Unlike some competitor systems, Care Connect does not require a separate device — it runs through your car's factory hardware.
Key Takeaways
- Care Connect uses your Subaru's built-in cellular connection to track location, fuel level, tire pressure, and maintenance needs without a separate device.
- The system automatically alerts emergency services with your vehicle's location if your airbags deploy, and you can also request roadside information through the app.
- You control what data Care Connect collects and can view your vehicle's status, lock or unlock doors remotely, and set speed or boundary alerts from your phone.
- Monthly and annual subscription plans are available; pricing and feature availability vary by model year and trim level.
- Care Connect requires a Subaru Starlink-equipped vehicle and an active cellular connection to function.
How Care Connect collects and uses your vehicle data
Care Connect gathers information from your vehicle's onboard systems and transmits it to Subaru's servers over a cellular network. The data includes your car's location, fuel level, tire pressure, battery voltage, odometer reading, and service interval status. You can view this information anytime through the Care Connect mobile app or web portal.
Subaru uses this data to send you maintenance reminders based on your actual driving habits rather than calendar dates. For example, if your oil change interval is approaching, you'll receive a notification with recommended service dates and nearby dealers. The system also tracks your vehicle's health and can alert you to potential problems like low tire pressure or battery issues before they become serious.
You control which features are active and can adjust settings like how often location updates occur. Subaru's privacy policy explains what data is collected, how long it's stored, and who can access it. You can review these terms before subscribing and change your preferences at any time through the app settings.
Emergency response and roadside information features
If your Subaru's airbags deploy, Care Connect automatically sends your vehicle's location to emergency services and attempts to connect you to a live operator. You can speak with the operator to confirm your situation, provide additional details, or request specific help. This automatic notification happens whether or not you're conscious or able to call 911 yourself.
Outside of accidents, you can request roadside information through the app for issues like a dead battery, flat tire, lockout, or fuel delivery. Care Connect connects you to a roadside service provider who can dispatch help to your location. Response times and service coverage depend on your location and the type of information needed.
Care Connect also includes a stolen vehicle recovery feature that allows Subaru to track your car's location if it's reported stolen. You report the theft to police first, then notify Care Connect, and the system provides location data to law enforcement to help recover the vehicle.
Remote vehicle control and monitoring from your phone
The Care Connect app lets you lock or unlock your doors, turn on the headlights, or honk the horn from your phone. This is useful if you've locked your keys inside, want to warm up your car before leaving home, or need to locate your vehicle in a parking lot. All remote commands require you to authenticate through the app, so someone else cannot control your car without your phone.
You can set up alerts for specific events, such as when your vehicle exceeds a speed limit you define, when it leaves a geographic boundary you've drawn on the map, or when the doors are opened. These alerts go to your phone in real time, which many owners use to monitor teenage drivers or track a vehicle used by multiple family members.
The app also displays your vehicle's current fuel level, tire pressure, and battery voltage, so you can check these details without walking to your car. If you're away from home and wonder whether you left the doors locked or the windows closed, you can check the app instead of making a trip back.
Subscription plans and pricing
Care Connect offers both monthly and annual subscription options. Monthly plans renew automatically each month and can be canceled at any time without penalty. Annual plans cost less per month than paying month-to-month, but you commit to a full year of service.
Pricing varies depending on your vehicle's model year and which features you want. Some Subaru models include a trial period of Care Connect at no cost when you purchase the vehicle; after the trial ends, you choose whether to subscribe. You can view the current pricing for your specific vehicle on the Subaru website or by contacting your dealer.
If you decide Care Connect is not for you, canceling is straightforward through the app or by contacting Subaru customer service. You will not be charged after your cancellation takes effect, though any remaining balance on an annual plan is typically not refunded.
What you need to use Care Connect
Your Subaru must be equipped with the Subaru Starlink system, which is standard on most 2018 and newer models. Starlink is Subaru's name for its factory-installed cellular and infotainment platform; it is not the same as Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet. You can check whether your vehicle has Starlink by looking at your owner's manual or asking your dealer.
Care Connect requires an active cellular connection in your vehicle. In areas with no cellular coverage, the system cannot transmit data or respond to commands. Your vehicle's cellular service is separate from your phone's plan; Subaru arranges the cellular connection as part of the Care Connect subscription.
You also need a smartphone or computer to access the Care Connect app or web portal. The app is available for both iPhone and Android devices. Some features, like remote door locking, require a smartphone; you can view vehicle status from either a phone or computer.
How Care Connect compares to other connected car systems
Most major automakers now offer similar remote monitoring and emergency response features. General Motors offers OnStar, which includes automatic crash notification, remote door unlock, and vehicle diagnostics. Ford offers FordPassSafety Connect, which includes emergency information and stolen vehicle recovery.
The main differences between these systems are which features come standard versus paid, how much the subscription costs, and how many years of service are included with a new vehicle purchase. Care Connect is generally positioned as a mid-range option — more features than some competitors' base plans, but not as comprehensive as premium packages offered by luxury brands like BMW or Mercedes-Benz.
One practical difference is that Care Connect's automatic crash notification works only if your airbags deploy; some competitor systems can detect a crash even without airbag set up. If you frequently drive in areas with poor cellular coverage, you should check coverage maps for each system before deciding, since all of them rely on cellular networks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Care Connect work if my phone is off or out of range?
Yes. Care Connect uses your vehicle's cellular connection, not your phone's connection. Your car can send location data and receive commands even if your phone is powered off or you're in a different location. However, you won't receive alerts on your phone unless your phone has an active cellular or data connection.
Can someone else use Care Connect to track my vehicle without my permission?
No. Only people you authorize through the app can access your vehicle's location or send remote commands. You control who has access and can remove access at any time. Subaru employees and emergency responders can access your location only in specific situations, such as after a crash or if you report the vehicle stolen.
What happens to my Care Connect data if I sell my Subaru?
Your subscription ends when you sell the vehicle. The new owner can start their own Care Connect subscription, but they will not have access to your previous location history or settings. You should remove your phone from the app before transferring the vehicle to the dealer or new owner.
Does Care Connect drain my vehicle's battery?
Care Connect uses minimal power because it relies on your vehicle's existing electrical system and cellular module. The system is designed to shut down when your engine is off to preserve battery life. In normal use, Care Connect should not noticeably affect how often you need to charge or replace your battery.
Can I use Care Connect if I don't have a smartphone?
You can view some information through the web portal on a computer, but most features require a smartphone app. If you don't own a smartphone, you can still receive emergency response if your airbags deploy, but you won't be able to use remote locking, speed alerts, or boundary alerts.