Subaru GPS Customer Service: A Complete Guide
By Sadie Sink on May 16, 2025
BeginnerFor Contact Subaru GPS Customer Service
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Subaru is a brand well-known for reliability, performance, and innovation. From its symmetrical all-wheel-drive system to its commitment to safety with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, Subaru vehicles continue to attract a loyal customer base around the world. Among its suite of features, the in-car GPS navigation system is a key tool for many drivers, offering route planning, traffic updates, and points of interest that enhance driving experiences. However, like all technology, the GPS system can sometimes experience issues. That’s where Subaru GPS customer service becomes a vital resource.
In this article, we’ll explore what Subaru GPS customer service offers, how to access support, common GPS-related issues, and what to expect when you reach out for help. We’ll also provide tips for troubleshooting basic problems on your own and discuss how Subaru ensures that its GPS systems remain accurate and up-to-date.
Understanding Subaru GPS Systems
Subaru vehicles typically use GPS navigation systems provided by third-party companies such as TomTom or SiriusXM. These systems are integrated into the vehicle’s infotainment unit and offer real-time traffic updates, turn-by-turn navigation, speed limit notifications, and more. Subaru GPS systems are featured prominently in models such as the Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, Ascent, and Legacy, depending on the trim level and optional packages.
The navigation systems vary slightly depending on the year and model, with newer vehicles using more advanced interfaces and offering features like voice-activated navigation, larger touchscreens, and smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Why GPS Customer Service Matters
No matter how advanced your vehicle's navigation system is, problems can still occur. These may include:
- GPS signal loss
- Outdated maps
- Incorrect routing
- Frozen or laggy display
- Missing points of interest
- Inability to update the software
In such situations, Subaru GPS customer service plays a critical role in diagnosing the issue, offering troubleshooting steps, and guiding you toward a solution. Whether it’s a simple system reset or a more complex update process, having access to knowledgeable support ensures your GPS system works smoothly.
How to Access Subaru GPS Customer Service
Subaru offers several ways to get GPS support, depending on your location and the nature of the issue:
1. Subaru Customer Service Line
Subaru has a dedicated customer service line where representatives can direct you to technical support for your vehicle’s navigation system. While the primary number covers general inquiries, you can request specific help with your GPS or infotainment system.
2. Infotainment System Support
In some regions, Subaru has a dedicated infotainment support team. These representatives specialize in technical support for all multimedia and navigation-related issues. If your GPS is acting up, these are the experts who can walk you through software updates, signal calibration, or even assist with a factory reset if needed.
3. Dealership Assistance
Your local Subaru dealership is often the first point of contact for in-person support. The service department can run diagnostics on your navigation system, check for firmware updates, and ensure all components are functioning correctly. Dealerships are also useful for more hardware-related issues such as malfunctioning touchscreens or system reboots.
4. Online Resources and Owner Portals
Subaru provides access to digital manuals, FAQs, and step-by-step update guides through the official Subaru website and the Subaru Starlink owner portal. These online resources are ideal for DIY-savvy drivers who want to troubleshoot or update their GPS system independently.
5. Third-Party Navigation Provider Support
Since Subaru partners with companies like TomTom and SiriusXM, support for map updates and certain features may also be handled directly by those providers. Subaru customer service can guide you to the appropriate contact if your issue is related to map data rather than the infotainment hardware itself.
Common Issues and Support Solutions
Here are some of the most commonly reported Subaru GPS problems and how customer service typically helps resolve them:
1. Outdated Maps
Over time, roads change, new neighborhoods are developed, and traffic patterns evolve. Subaru recommends updating your maps regularly—typically once or twice a year.
Customer Service Tip: They can guide you through downloading updates via USB or assist you in using Wi-Fi-enabled updates if your vehicle supports them. They may also help you create an account on the appropriate map provider’s platform for downloads.
2. GPS Signal Loss
Sometimes the GPS may lose signal, especially in mountainous or urban canyon environments. However, persistent signal loss might indicate an antenna or hardware issue.
Customer Service Tip: Representatives may suggest a reset, recalibration, or direct you to a service center for inspection. They’ll also ensure your software isn’t outdated, which can cause reception issues.
3. System Freezes or Lags
Slow or unresponsive screens can be frustrating, especially when driving.
Customer Service Tip: Subaru may recommend clearing the system cache, performing a factory reset, or checking for software updates to improve performance.
4. Routing Errors
Incorrect turn-by-turn directions or nonsensical routing often indicate outdated software or map data.
Customer Service Tip: In such cases, support staff will confirm the software version you’re using and walk you through updating the system.
5. Voice Recognition Issues
Voice control is a convenient feature, but it can become unreliable over time or due to environmental factors.
Customer Service Tip: Subaru support may help you retrain the voice recognition system, ensure the microphone is functioning, or check your system’s regional language settings.
Tips for Getting the Most from Subaru GPS Support
Here are a few suggestions to ensure a smoother experience when contacting customer service:
- Have your VIN ready. This helps representatives identify your exact model and configuration.
- Note the issue clearly. Be ready to describe when the problem started, how often it occurs, and any steps you’ve already taken.
- Check the manual. Sometimes, the user manual contains troubleshooting steps that solve the issue without needing additional support.
- Be patient. Some issues take time to diagnose, especially if software updates or diagnostics are involved.
Keeping Your Subaru GPS Up to Date
Subaru encourages drivers to keep their GPS and infotainment systems updated to get the best experience. Newer models often feature automatic or over-the-air (OTA) updates via Wi-Fi, but older models may require manual updates via USB or SD card.
To keep your system current:
- Check your vehicle's infotainment menu for the current software version.
- Visit the Subaru map update website or the partner provider (such as TomTom).
- Follow the on-screen instructions to download the update onto a USB stick or SD card.
- Insert the media into your vehicle and begin the update.
If you encounter any difficulties, Subaru GPS customer service is there to help with each step.
Final Thoughts
Subaru’s commitment to quality doesn’t stop with the vehicle itself—it extends to how they support you as an owner. GPS navigation is an essential feature in modern driving, and Subaru’s customer service ensures that your system remains accurate, reliable, and easy to use. Whether you're navigating a long road trip or simply heading across town, the peace of mind that comes with responsive and helpful GPS support makes all the difference.
Whether you're troubleshooting an issue, updating your maps, or learning how to use new features, Subaru GPS customer service is a valuable companion on your journey. Just like the vehicles they support, the goal is to keep you moving forward—safely, confidently, and with as little detour as possible.
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