How to Use Your Subaru Vehicle’s Auto Start-Stop and Auto Vehicle Hold Features

Newer Subaru Legacy® and Outback® vehicles feature Auto Start-Stop technology, which can help gas mileage by managing the engine to save fuel. Some vehicles also feature Auto Vehicle Hold, which works with Auto Start-Stop and keeps your vehicle in place during long stops without needing to constantly depress the brake pedal. This overview will explain how both systems work, what the different dashboard icons mean, and how to enable and disable both features.

For Select Models and Trims:
• 2020 and newer Outback models
• 2020 and newer Legacy models

2020 Subaru Outback Touring model shown.
Features may vary by models and trims.
Check your owner’s manual for details.

[Sams]

I get what the "Start Stop" resets to on after every start cycle, as I'm sure EPA and other agencies are on you for this.. and my Porsche 911 does the same., .. But why on earth do I have to re-set the ACH every time I get in my car? That should be a set and forget! Please fix this and make it work on my 2022!

[paleghost]

Good news - after the dealer updated the software on our Outback there is now an icon on the lower left of the screen to disable start/stop. I think it is now on all screens. You no longer have to drill thru 3 screens to turn it off.

[butchvarchetto]

This is the Worst feature ever placed on any automobile. Every time the engine stops, it then restarts and the entire car shudders and rattles your teeth, definitely don't buy any of these subarus if you have any loose fillings in your teeth or wear dentures, you will lose them when your car restarts, it is a horrible feature and saves almost no gasoline, I hate it on my 21 Forester. I will never buy another Subaru unless you can go into the menu and permanently turn this idiot feature off permanently, my other vehicle is a volvo xc 40 and you can go into the menu and turn off this feature permanently or until you want to turn it ON. Which I never will, it is so much more pleasant to never have to turn this feature off every single time you start the car. The option to use this feature should be left up to the owner. I would recommend to subaru that this feature should have to be turned ON if you want to use it, not have to be turned off every time you start your vehicle. Just call me a very unhappy owner due totally to this feature, it is a great vehicle otherwise. Subaru, please correct this horrible irritating feature.

[p]

Have a 2023 Subaru and I hate the Auto Start Stop. Had it on old Hybrids such as Civic and Escape and with the bigger electric motor and dual spark plugs per cylinder it seemed seamless, but on Subaru it is a jerky slow affair.

[frankm]

Lol, I thought I was the only one that hated auto stop. I see I'm just a late member to the club.

[clou]

Hopefully I can disable this on my Crosstrek 2021. I really don’t like it.

[DavGreg]

I would like to be able to turn off Auto-Start/Stop permanently. The selection in the center stack does not work on my Outback XT and has to be turned off every time the car is started.

[Madman]

Mine doesn't work on my brand new 21 Outback. Good for me, I don't want it. My brother just bought a 21 Forrester and his is broke too. Seems like this is poorly implemented technology that nobody wants.

[codr]

Auto Start-Stop, give the option to turn it off permanently for the Forester 2021.

[clou]

I find the icons in the display are confusing are first for the auto stop start. On and Off would have been perfect. :D

[dzenanahasic]

I think the most funniest thing I read was someone leaves their hood of car, unhinged, as it stops it from doing it 😂😂😂😂

[roadqueen]

Has anyone found a way to eliminate the irritating seat belt warning?

[sbukosky]

Well Shazam! I thought that was the same as hill hold. Seems like it is, but better.

[honorsoul]

"Auto Start Stop" is a Terrible idea to sell more starters and is a Terrible idea to add with such great vehicles by Subaru.
Its more dangerous at jumping onto high speed highways because your vehicle takes around 1sec to start up again to initiate acceleration, therefor having around a 1sec lag to jump into traffic.
You cant pre turn your steering wheel at a stop because "Auto Start Stop" turned off your power steering.
Your air conditioner also turns off due to "Auto Start Stop", youll just have the fan blowing.
The vehicle settings doesnt let you permanently turn off "Auto Start Stop", it turns back on automatically after you start up your car again. Therefor you have to turn if off every time you start your car if you want it to be off.
Gas usage at idol barely uses any gas, so whats the real reason why they added this Auto Start Stop feature? You be the judge.

[oakspines]

The most annoying and dumbest "feature" ever happens to a vehicle. That is when government dictates waht you need to do and companies just do and care less about customers. Thinking about buying a Subaru SUV but since I have luckily seen this on my friend 's Subaru SUV, it is NO to buy a Subaru. Have to look for a different brand now.

[Isayso]

Shame on Subaru for trying to squeeze a bigger MPG rating on the backs of its consumers. It only makes sense this option should be....AN OPTION.

[Isayso]

Texas....it's the heat. Minnesota, the cold. Where I live folks leave their pets in idling vehicles. NOBODY likes this feature. If Subaru won't provide for permanent disengagement I'll buy the bypass harness for $99 and install it myself.
What ever the cost for a new battery or starter (including installation) can NEVER be compensated by the scant few pennies saved over the lifetime of the vehicle.

[terryh]

Just got my 2022 outback. ABSOLUTILY HATE this feature. I drive in Dallas TX USA and traffic is above average. The fact it kills your power steering so you can't turn and jump into the needed lane is a HAZARD. It ads a full second of delay. This is asinine in real driving scenarios. The vibration of the start stop is also amazingly bad on the boxer engine. The 30 ish second loss of AC in TX heat just makes for sweaty arse and seats! Horrible Idea in 90+ degree humid TX days. Not gonna push the same disable butten repeatedly for eternity. I just ordered the disabler harness. $100 well spent. Sure I'll lose the the $1 a month in fuel loss ($2 now with Biden). How much extra did I pay for this built in annoyance?

[andrejunior]

This is a horrible feature. I will be researching cars without it and possibly switching brands just because of it. It’s a terrible choice on your part to put this in your vehicles.