Key gets stuck

It's common problem as I searched and the dealers know about it on the XV's. Some dealers replace the ignition lock, some a wire. But it seems it is related to the shift interlock switch, which can be replaced or disabled. Make sure the shifter is fully locked into park. But here is a quick fix without using any tools. While in park, on the shifter knob press the button four times. Then try to turn the key to remove. do this whenever the key is stuck.

Move the gear to Drive. Now move the gear to parking again. II still the problem. Move to steering wheel all the way I mean to the max. All the way to left and right while you try to remove the key.

Damned JDM production. Never a problem with Indiana Subies.

CALL SUBARU OF AMERICA! 1 (800) 782-2783. My 2016 Subaru Forester had this issue recently (41K miles.) It was diagnosed as a bad park switch (Was told to self test this by somewhat forcefully putting it into park and then turn off the ignition. If this lets you turn the key off, the park switch is possibly your issue.) I had to pay $89 for a diagnostic test, then was given a quote to fix at $400+ as it was not considered under warranty. I looked up another thread on Car Gurus (thank you, Internet!) and found people had success with Subaru of America paying if they contacted them due to the number of issues of this same problem. I called them about noon, and received a call back before the end of the day saying they'd send me a $450 repair credit for this problem. I was able to get in to my local dealer the next day and get it fixed. They refunded my $89 as well. To top it off, a few days later I got a surprise Dyson cordless vacuum (about $300 value) in the mail from Subaru as a thank you. Great service! BUT you have to know to call Subaru of America!

I want to thank Laurel for posting the information above! My key was getting stuck in the ignition of the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek. I followed her advice and called Subaru of America and they covered $600 of the $700 repair bill. I am very happy I found this forum! Kathy

We are starting to have this problem with our 2017 Crosstrek and I am sooo glad I googled it and found this thread! Thanks y'all!

We own a 2016 Crosstrek and we are just starting to have this issue, I wish they would just sell me the parts to put them in, Because the closest dealership to me they are complete A**HOLES in there service dept, They treat people like they are idiots when they ask for help... My next closest dealer is 2 hours away

Thanks to Laurel, Subaru of America did fix and cover the cost for my 2016 crosstreck.

I too thank Laurel and MsRiver above for posting on this because I have been having this issue with my 2017 Crosstrek for months with more frequent occurrences and called Subaru of America. I had to leave a voicemail, email, and call again, but finally they returned the call and right away they contacted my local dealer where I had scheduled an appointment for this. The dealer called me to offer an earlier appointment. I asked my SOA rep whether they would be covering the diagnosis and replacement cost in full, and they said the dealer would cover it. Which when I arrived, clearly was NOT in my record even though someone had called me, and so I had to forward the SOA emails to my local dealer, and they did cover the cost in full. I did not receive a Dyson vacuum Laurel (!) but am satisfied with the experience and it seems to be fixed.

I had the same issue with my 2017 Crosstrek, just started happening in September 2021. At the dealer, the issue was the key getting stuck in the ignition. I mentioned that I had seen similar reports online and that it seemed to be somewhat common. The repair: "shifter guide plate replace due to failed park range switch causing vehicle not to recognize vehicle is in park". I was not charged for the repair.

We had the same issue, key not being released on our 2017 Crosstrek. We also have a 2020 Crosstrek no issues so far with it. Subaru of America stated our 2017 is still under warranty. But that was all she was going to do. No offer to pay the repair bil. And certainly no vacum. We are in the market for a new vehicle, it will not be a Subaru. We are dissapointed in Subaru, especially since Consumers Reports rates the Subarus highly.

Thank you Laurel and others!! I am glad I found this information here. I had a similar situation with my 2016 Crosstrek. Initially, I thought it was due to a bad battery (since I never changed), but new battery did not improve the situation. So, I called Subaru of America, and they told me there is extension of CVT/CVT Park Switch Warranty. I made an appointment with a local Subaru dealer, and was quoted $195 for diagnostic fee. However, I was also told that the diagnostic fee will be covered by warranty if the issue is from bad park switch. That was my case, diagnostic and repair was about 4hr-ish. Although I did not get a Dyson, I enjoyed a loaner car (new Outback) for about 4 hrs.