My Experience with MySubaru
I downloaded the MySubaru app about a month ago, mostly because I kept forgetting to lock my car. I park on the street near my apartment, and I’d get halfway through a study session at the library before a wave of panic hit me—did I lock it? Again? My 2019 Impreza is my lifeline to campus and my part-time job, and the last thing I need is a broken window or a tow. The app was free, so I figured I had nothing to lose. After using it for a few weeks, it’s become a quiet part of my routine. It’s not flashy, but it solves those little, nagging problems that eat up mental energy I should be using for my econ midterm. I even contacted support once when the remote start wasn’t responding; they got back to me after a few days (I was hoping for faster) but their fix actually worked, which is more than I can say for some other apps.
Features Worth Noting
The lock/unlock feature is my most-used one, hands down. I can check from my phone in seconds and tap to lock it if I forgot. The peace of mind is huge for a student on a budget. The remote start is a close second. Last Thursday morning, it was pouring rain and about 40 degrees. From my kitchen, I started the car and turned on the defroster and seat heater. By the time I ran out with my backpack, the windshield was clear and the cabin wasn’t an icebox. That’s a game-changer for my commute. I also really dig the maintenance section. It shows my next recommended service and keeps a log of everything done at the dealership. When my “Check Engine” light came on, I could see my last service details right there before I even called the shop. It makes me feel less like a clueless kid when talking to mechanics.
What Needs Work
The app’s biggest flaw is that it needs a strong cell signal, both for my phone and the car. My Impreza sits in a bit of a dead zone on my street. Sometimes, the app just spins for 30 seconds before telling me it can’t connect. It’s frustrating when I just want a quick lock confirmation. Also, while the basic features are free, I got a pop-up about my Starlink trial ending soon. Features like remote start might cost money after that, which is a major bummer. As a student, another subscription is the last thing I need. The interface, while simple, can feel a bit slow on my iPhone 15 Pro. Tapping buttons doesn’t always feel instant, and I wish the status page updated a bit faster.
Pricing
The app itself is free, which is the main reason I got it. You don’t need a subscription to do the basic stuff like checking your service history, seeing your car’s location, or even locking/unlocking the doors. That’s honestly great. The catch is that some of the cooler features, like the remote start I’ve come to rely on, are part of Subaru’s Starlink service. New cars come with a free trial, but mine is about to run out. I got a notification about renewal prices, and let’s just say they’re not in a student’s budget. It feels a bit like a bait-and-switch—you get used to these great tools, and then they want a monthly fee to keep them.
Developer Notes
The app is made by Subaru of America, so it’s the official one. That gives me some confidence that it’s secure and will actually work with my car. They do push notifications about recalls or service campaigns, which feels responsible. I appreciate that they added the maintenance log feature; it shows they understand owners want to keep track of their car’s history. I just wish they’d be more upfront about what costs money after the trial. A clearer breakdown in the app itself, not just in an email, would help a lot.
Security & Privacy
Knowing the app shows my car’s real-time location is a double-edged sword. It’s awesome for finding it in a packed mall parking lot, but it also means Subaru has that data. Their privacy policy is long and legal, like all of them. I had to trust that they’re not doing anything shady with my location history. The app uses a PIN for remote commands, which is good. I did feel a little weird the first time I used it, thinking about my car being “online.” But after a month, the convenience has mostly outweighed the creep factor. I just make sure my phone itself is locked tight.
Can I lock and unlock my Subaru remotely with the MySubaru app?
Yes, the lock and unlock feature is the most popular one. You can check your car's status from your phone and tap to lock it if you forgot, giving you peace of mind without running back to the car.
Does the MySubaru app let me start my car and set the temperature from my phone?
Absolutely. You can remotely start your car and turn on features like the defroster and seat heaters. This is especially handy on cold or rainy mornings, so your windshield is clear and the cabin is warm before you get in.
Why does the MySubaru app sometimes take a long time to connect or say it can't connect?
The app requires a strong cellular signal on both your phone and your car. If you park in a cell dead zone, the app may spin for 30 seconds or fail to connect. Moving your car to a spot with better reception usually fixes this.
What should I do if the remote start feature stops working in the MySubaru app?
First, try restarting the app or your phone. If that doesn't help, contact Subaru support through the app or website. One user reported that support took a few days to respond but provided a fix that worked, so be patient and follow their instructions.
How does the MySubaru app compare to other car control apps like FordPass or myChevrolet?
MySubaru focuses on reliability for core tasks like lock/unlock and remote start, and its maintenance log is very easy to use. While competitors may offer faster support or more flashy features, MySubaru is a solid, no-fuss choice for everyday peace of mind, especially if you own a newer Subaru.
