STARLINK® Safety & Security – 3G Network Retirement

STARLINK Safety and Security connected services rely on a wireless connection, and in some older model year Subaru vehicles, these services use a 3G network. In February 2022, the current wireless provider has elected to retire this 3G network, which will affect services such as Automatic Collision Notification, SOS Emergency Assistance, and remote vehicle features in those affected vehicles.

Subaru retailers are offering a complimentary update for affected vehicles that have an active STARLINK Safety and Security subscription. This update will allow continued access to these important STARLINK Safety and Security services. If an affected vehicle is not updated before the 3G network retirement date, the subscription will be canceled.

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F.A.Q.

What is 3G network retirement?

Wireless data network providers will be phasing out their 3G cellular networks to make room for newer technologies. As a result of this decision by the network providers, devices that require 3G wireless networks, such as the STARLINK system inside some Subaru vehicles, will no longer operate unless they are upgraded.

When will the 3G wireless network retirement take place?

Subaru of America, Inc. has been notified that 3G wireless network retirement will take place in February of 2022.

Which services are affected?

Affected vehicles include model year 2016-2018 Subaru vehicles with an active Subaru STARLINK Safety & Security subscription. Affected services include Automatic Collision Notification, SOS Emergency Assistance, Stolen Vehicle Recovery and Remote Features such as locking and unlocking your Subaru vehicle. If the STARLINK system in these vehicles is not updated, then the STARLINK services will be cancelled upon the retirement of the 3G network, currently expected in February 2022.

How can I continue using STARLINK Safety & Security services?

Affected STARLINK Safety & Security service subscribers who wish to continue using their services will need to update their vehicle's STARLINK system by visiting an authorized Subaru Retailer before February 2022. The STARLINK system update will be provided to all affected active STARLINK Safety Plus and STARLINK Safety Plus & Security Plus subscribers. An ACTIVE subscription is required to qualify for the complimentary update. As of February 2022, STARLINK Safety & Security services are available on a limited basis based upon vehicle equipment and parts availability. Please contact your local authorized Subaru retailer for more information.

Which Subaru models are impacted by the 3G Retirement?

2016-2018 Forester 2.5i Premium
2016-2018 Forester 2.5i Limited
2016-2018 Forester 2.5i Touring
2016-2018 Forester 2.0XT Premium
2016-2018 Forester 2.0XT Touring
2016-2018 Legacy 2.5i Premium
2016-2018 Legacy 2.5i Limited
2016-2018 Legacy 3.6R Limited
2017-2018 Legacy 2.5i Sport
2016-2018 Outback 2.5i Premium
2016-2018 Outback 2.5i Limited
2016-2018 Outback 3.6R Limited
2017-2018 Outback 2.5i Sport
2016-2018 Impreza 2.0i Limited
2016 Impreza 2.0i Sport Premium with Eyesight
2016 Impreza 2.0i Sport Limited
2017-2018 Impreza 2.0i Premium
2017-2018 Impreza 2.0i Sport
2016-2017 Crosstrek 2.0i Premium with Eyesight
2016-2018 Crosstrek 2.0i Limited
2018 Crosstrek 2.0i Premium
2017 WRX 2.0T Premium with Harman Kardon
2017-2018 WRX 2.0T Limited
2017-2018 WRX 2.5T STi

What happens if I don’t have my STARLINK system updated before February 2022?

If you are an active STARLINK Safety & Security service subscriber and you do not update your STARLINK system prior to February 2022, your services will automatically be cancelled, and you will be issued a pro-rated refund for the unused portion of your subscription. You will lose access to services such as Automatic Collision Notification, SOS Emergency Assistance, Stolen Vehicle Recovery and Remote Features such as locking and unlocking your Subaru vehicle. If you are not currently subscribed to STARLINK Safety & Security, then the operation of your Subaru vehicle will not be affected.

How do I get my vehicle’s STARLINK system updated?

The vehicle update must be completed by an authorized Subaru Retailer. Customers with an active STARLINK Safety & Security subscription will be able to start scheduling service appointments for the complementary upgrade starting on March 18, 2021.Please contact your Subaru Retailer for further details or refer to your MySubaru account for scheduling assistance.

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