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2020 Ascent Starlink System Freezing and Rebooting

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Paul Z. · rep 0 · May 22, 3:21 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2020 Subaru Ascent Limited

My 2020 Subaru Ascent Limited's Starlink infotainment system has been acting up lately. It frequently freezes, becomes unresponsive to touch, and sometimes reboots itself while I'm driving. Apple CarPlay also disconnects randomly, which is super annoying when I'm using navigation.

It's really frustrating, especially when trying to use navigation or make calls. Is this a common issue with the Ascent, and is there a software update or a known fix for this problem? I've tried restarting the car, but it doesn't seem to help long-term.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 3:21 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Infotainment system glitches, including freezing, unresponsiveness, and random reboots, are unfortunately not uncommon across various car manufacturers, and Subaru's Starlink system has had its share of reported issues, especially in earlier model years of the Ascent. The good news is that many of these can often be resolved with software updates or resets.

Here's what you can do:

  1. Check for Software Updates: Subaru frequently releases software updates for their Starlink systems to address bugs and improve performance. Your dealership can check if your system has the latest firmware. This is often the most effective solution for these types of problems.
  2. Perform a Factory Reset: You can try performing a factory reset of the infotainment system. This will erase all personal data and settings, but it can often clear out software glitches. Consult your owner's manual for instructions on how to do this, as the process can vary slightly by model and year.
  3. Disconnect Battery (Last Resort DIY): As a temporary troubleshooting step, you can disconnect the car's negative battery terminal for 15-30 minutes. This can sometimes force a hard reset of all electronic modules, including the infotainment system. Be aware that this might reset other vehicle settings.
  4. Check USB Cables/Devices: For Apple CarPlay issues, ensure you are using a high-quality, original Apple USB cable. Faulty cables are a common cause of disconnections.
  5. When to See a Shop: If software updates and resets don't resolve the issue, or if the problem persists, it's time to visit a Subaru dealership. They can:
    • Diagnose the system using specialized tools.
    • Check for any Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) related to your specific Starlink unit.
    • Determine if a hardware component (like the head unit itself) is faulty and needs replacement under warranty.
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