2018 Subaru Outback Infotainment System Replacement Issues

There are lots of similar complaints on the forums here. Search the Subaru forums to see what other people have experienced.

This is an issue with 2017-19 Impreza 2018-19 crosstrek and 2018-2019 outbacks. Most common i see is 2018 model year with the GEN 3 Harmon Kardon radios in them. Yes unfortunately having the unit black out again is common. Check your software version if it isn’t REL 18.43.20 go to the dealership for a free update ASAP. To check hit home button select settings app. Scroll down to bottom of list on settings screen and select system information. A window will pop up with your software version. If it’s not REL 18.43.20 it’s out of date go to the dealership you shouldn’t need an appointment just go in and ask for a software update. It shouldn’t take more than about an hour if the shop isn’t super busy. Hope this helps.

Because this is so wide spread of an issue the units are backordered taking 3-5 weeks to get shipped to the dealership. I can promise you that they didn’t put a unit from another car in yours because the Audio units are paired with the DCM which is VIN specific and can’t be transferred to another vehicle. The radio units are also VIN assigned for navigation, Starlink services, Remote start find my car function, and SiriusXM Servies.

Yes, my 2018 Outback display unit just failed a second time. First unit was on backorder and I waited 5 days to have it replaced, that was about 6 months ago. That would make the next one the third unit in car.

I am getting my 2018 Subaru Outback radio replaced next week. --Nov 2021-The radio went wacky and wouldn't hold my station, beeped a lot, no button could be pressed to fixed the craziness. They say it is under warranty due to so many problems I guess.