2020 Outback Software GigaThread

I recently purchased a 2020 Outback Onyx, to complement my 2018 Legacy. Love it. However, I’ve identified several software bugs, that I would like to see fixed. Are you seeing the same issues? 1. The mapping software does not provide the cross-street names on its route, regardless of how close...

www.subaruoutback.org

 

Check this post - New infotainment class action April 2023

 

Interesting. I've had my 23 about a month, I thought I'd hate the screen but really like it. I came from a 2022 Honda Ridgeline which also has ancient\slow infotainment. While the Subaru is a little slow on startup, after about 10 seconds it's responsive and hasn't given me any issues. I do agree it's not ideal that Subaru has moved a majority of functions into the unit as I like physical buttons better, it's kinda where most manufacturers are headed. Honda had numerous issus and even a warranty extension on the start\stop and start buttons in the Ridgeline. They'd stop working and could leave you stranded so buttons can cause issues as well LOL.

 

Can't stand mine since the day I got it on 3/2022. The most recent update has slowed down the constant glitching of the screen but it came back recently but not as frequent. I really wish mine will just take a dump all together so I can get a warranty replacement but trying to duplicate a screen glitch/lag and convincing service advisor and technician the issue is more pain than worth it for me plus the down time and taking it in and stuff so I am just hoping and praying mine completely takes a dump so my 10y/100k Gold can get me a new one.

 

Most of what I hated about my infotainment system was cured with the April update I got. It could just be me, but I think having a USB stick inserted for music slows my boot down sometimes and causes lag for a minute or so.

 

When my infotainment was lagging upon start up, the memory initialization in the dealer menu helped clear it up.

 

I just got a 23 a few weeks ago and I've attributed the slight lag I get on startup to Android auto making connection. Not sure if that's your issue but maybe try turning off Bluetooth on your phone before you start to see if that's the culprit.

 

I have noted to my Service Rep on each visit the number of times the system has either- been unresponsive or randomly resetting itself. The only common thing when it becomes 'dead' is after taking a call through the Apple Car Play and hanging up. I've had to pull over, turn off the car and let it reboot that way.

It's also 'rebooted' itself several times while driving. Both Screens go black for a few seconds (or up to a minute), then the disclaimer screen comes up before it returns. No safety systems go down- at least not as far as I can tell, there are no warning lights on dash.

 

I have noted to my Service Rep on each visit the number of times the system has either- been unresponsive or randomly resetting itself. The only common thing when it becomes 'dead' is after taking a call through the Apple Car Play and hanging up. I've had to pull over, turn off the car and let it reboot that way.

It's also 'rebooted' itself several times while driving. Both Screens go black for a few seconds (or up to a minute), then the disclaimer screen comes up before it returns. No safety systems go down- at least not as far as I can tell, there are no warning lights on dash.

1. Please update your profile with year and model.
2. Have you or your dealer installed the 3/13/2023 Infotainment software update?

 

I took delivery of a 2023 at the beginning of April.

I have not experienced any appreciable lag. Most infotainment systems take a few ticks to get going once you turn on the car, but mine is functioning by the time I go from reverse to drive after leaving the driveway. Occasionally I have to wait up to 30 seconds for my iPhone to connect.

I've read a lot about a software update this past spring that fixed a lot of these issues. I imagine my car was updated prior to delivery.

 

I took delivery of a 2023 at the beginning of April.

I have not experienced any appreciable lag. Most infotainment systems take a few ticks to get going once you turn on the car, but mine is functioning by the time I go from reverse to drive after leaving the driveway. Occasionally I have to wait up to 30 seconds for my iPhone to connect.

I've read a lot about a software update this past spring that fixed a lot of these issues. I imagine my car was updated prior to delivery.

Same here with my April of 2023. Mine is booted up within about 10-15 seconds. Android Auto connects 10-20 seconds after that as I'm reversing down the driveway. When I pop it from reverse to drive I hit the start/stop off button and I'm set to go. Inputs from there on out for the HVAC or Android Auto etc are smooth.

I will say that my Google Pixel 5A and wireless Android Auto did not get along. It would connect over Bluetooth but AA would never sync up. Switched to a Samsung Galaxy and it's been fine, connects automatically every time now.

I was actually looking at Outbacks back in 2021 but the infotainment complaints scared me off. When I heard they updated the head unit ( supposedly it's rumored a more powerful CPU but I could not confirm) and it was no longer an issue, I made the jump into my 23 OBW. Loving it after a month, not a single issue.

 

I turned off the face scan option on startup and it seemed to help a lot. I think there is so much on startup that it just can’t process it all. In this day and age that is silly but it’s the truth. Hopefully a software upgrade will come soon.

 

I did the same thing after the last update. It made a world of difference.

I can't help but thinking that they just put too many features in and not enough processor/memory. It runs like one of those old computers they used to make with half the RAM it should have had; slow to boot and slow to run as the system swaps out from disk to RAM.

 

We are considering an Ascent , but the lag on the Nav makes it almost unusable . Pinch to zoom and it responds many seconds later ! This is a new car. Also the turbo lag is so noticeable it would almost be useless out of a dangerous situation Are those how Subaru’s are now ?

 

I can't comment on the NAV, I use Android Auto or Carplay in my 23 Outback and it works great. It's a little slow to boot (20 seconds) but once booted it's responsive and fine to use. I would agree the 2.4 turbo paired to the CVT isn't the most responsive pairing. It takes some getting used to but once you learn how the turbo\CVT responds to inputs, it's pretty good for what it is. Not nearly as good as a regular transmission but it's tolerable to me.

 

We are considering an Ascent... Also the turbo lag is so noticeable it would almost be useless out of a dangerous situation Are those how Subaru’s are now ?

Many on this forum have had luck with the Pedal Commander -- it adjusts how the computer responds to your throttle pedal inputs. Pedal Commander | Throttle Response Controller

 

I have a 2018 Subaru Outback 3.2 from Glendale, CA Subaru. Almost 9 months ago, the same thing happened to me. I took it now a total of 4 times to the dealer. The first 2 they said they'd fix it first with some hardware change and then software. No success. Then they told me they would have to replace the unit and said they'd ordered one. I waited another month and no word. Went back and they said they're back-ordered and would be 6-8 weeks. I went back and they said they didn't know how long. I found on the web that in 2018/19 there was a class action lawsuit in Virginia that was settled. Of course, you only got anything if you a) knew about the case and signed on b) did so before it was settled.
I found a Subaru America number on this site for a help line for this problem: 1(800) 782-2783. In my first call, I felt I had at last found the way to get this fixed. They instructed me to go to the dealer and get them to provide an affirmation that my car had this problem and file it with Subaru America. I met in person with the head of service at Subaru Glendale and he actually acknowledged knowing about the problem. And seemed to know what to do... provide documentation that they have seen the car and determined it has the problem. Well, here we are 4 months afterward and I'm going back through same process again it seems. I called the 800 number and they said they had no report from the dealer. I called the dealer and the head of service has been unavailable. And left messages for them to contact me to confirm they had sent the required documentation to Subaru America. No return call. I'm going back again in person today or tomorrow and making noise.
That there is no NTSB recall on this baffles the hell out of me.
Stay in touch and give me any updates you hear.