2019 Subaru Forester: key fob or push-button start problems

Filed Sep 14, 2022 · Electrical · PA

Something drained my battery completely dead (to less than 1V) overnight. The car was locked and the key fob wasn't near the car. In fact I keep it in a Faraday bag. The battery is less than one year old.

Filed Feb 21, 2022 · Electrical · NY

Repeated battery failure issues. Vehicle has had to be jumped anytime the vehicle has sat more than eight hours since approximately 01/18/2022. Vehicle has been taken to an auto shop where battery and alternator test was done. Battery has been determined to be okay, simply in need of a charge. Alternator also okay. No indicator/warning lamp or message was given prior to initial or subsequent failures. Vehicle is driven for extended periods of time each day which allows for the battery to be charged. Battery drain occurs when the vehicle is parked and turned off. Key fob kept away from vehicle, doors securely shut, no lights or accessories left on. Repeated battery failure has resulted in my being stranded until someone is available to jump the vehicle. Safety concerns of being stuck away from my home, in freezing temperatures, and/or alone at night.

Filed Aug 1, 2021 · Electrical · MI

Repeated SUDDEN BATTERY DRAIN when car sits overnight, car is disabled. Note that Key FOB is kept away from the car when not in use, no accessories are left on (i.e. lights, door ajar, etc.) and car is only sitting for one night. There were no warning lights or messages or other symptoms prior. No indication as to cause each time after car battery is jumped by road service. Incidents began on March 11, 2019 (car was purchased Nov. 15, 2018); repeatedly occurs approx. every 4-6 weeks without any noticeable time elapse patterns. Began recording occurances regularly since August of 2020 (more incidents prior), total of 21 times to date; and 12 times in 2021 alone. Problem was reported frequently (and once towed) to Hodges Subaru (Ferndale, MI) dealer service dept. Battery & electrical systems were inspected by them several times since 2020. Dealer service claimed there were no problems with electrical system at each check, however Battery was replaced 2 times: 10/20/20 (as a "courtesy") and 5/24/21 (claimed defective battery). The same sudden battery drain continued to occur 9 times after it was first replaced; and an additional 4 times to date since the latest replacement on 5/24/21. Latest incident on Aug. 1, 2021.

Filed Mar 28, 2020 · Body · 17,500 miles · IL

The back lift gate will randomly stop opening. This has only been tested when the vehicle is stopped, in park with either engine running or shut off. It will sound 3 short beep/tones but will not function appropriately when the lift gate button is pushed in either the interior control, the key fob control, or the actual button on the lift gate. The only thing that fixes the issue is to disconnect the positive battery cable for a few minutes and reconnect it. This fix is temporary and the lift gate will again have the same issue. When discussing with the subaru dealership they could not duplicate the issue.

Filed Mar 9, 2020 · Electrical · 6,000 miles · NJ

On multiple occasions, the rear lift gate has not opened as commanded by the key fob and/or the dashboard control. There is no electronic override or manual latch. This issue leaves you without access to the rear cargo compartment. On each occasion, the car was stationary and in park.

Filed Feb 9, 2020 · Body, Electrical · 16,500 miles · MD

The vehicle was stationary. I pressed the power rear gate open button on the driver side dash, but the rear gate didn't open, and the car just beeped three times. The beeps would happen every time I tried to press the gate button on the car or on the faub. I opened the access panel and manually opened the door, extending the door to full height. When I pressed the buttons on the car, the power gate would go down but would slam shut and the car would issue a long beep. When I pressed the button either on the car or the faub to reopen the rear gate, it wouldn't budge and the three beeps happened again. I then pressed the buttons on the car and held them passed the three beeps until the gate unlocked and I was able to lift it open. The gate closed again when I pressed the lock/gate close buttons, slamming shut as before with the long beep. No matter what I tried, I couldn't get the gate to open on its own ( with power). When I turned the car on, there was no indication that the rear gate was open, but when I put the car in drive and started to drive, the car continuously beeped until I stopped driving and put it in park. I turned it off and let it sit overnight. The next day, I tried to open the hatch as mentioned above and it still did not open, though I could manually open it if I held the buttons down beyond the three beeps. When I tried to turn the car on, though, it would not start. After I tried to start the car with the push button start, all the icons began flashing and clicking on the dash and control panels and the eyesight function was off and the car said to check vehicle function, all while flashing and clicking. When I pressed he button start again it all stopped. The parking pedal seemed very stiff and was difficult to press at all. The car would not start through starlink either, so now it sits in my parking lot until I tow it to a dealer tomorrow.

Filed Dec 20, 2019 · Electrical · 14,000 miles · MD

Automatic rear lift gate will not open (with either key fob or inside auto release). Beeps three times and still will not release. (this started on 12/15/19). Also, locks appear to have an electrical short (I.e. Sometimes they work, sometimes they won't). At times, touching the door handle will not open/lock the doors and unlock must be pressed on fob instead. This has been occurring for past 5-6 months. Vehicle is stationary for all issues.

Filed Sep 24, 2019 · 1,000 miles · AZ

Owned this car for 3 months and 4x the rear gate does not open using the appropriate button on the dashboard. Requires use of key fob rear gate open/close button or flattening back seat to drag groceries out side door. Happens in park when trying to unload items from rear.

Filed Jul 9, 2019 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · 663 miles · NJ

When I start my car via subaru starlink the following technical issues occur voice over bluetooth gets distorted, apple carplay does not connect or affects radio first was noticed jan 23, 2019. Also, power rear gate door would fail and would not open with rear gate button, dash button or via key fob as this on and off problem also noticed after car is started via remote app starlink. Power gate problem reported first on jan 23, 2019 and continues through the present date. Eyesight failed on jul 06, 2019 when car was started via starlink, jul 07, 2019 eyesight back on and failed again on jul 08, 2019 when car was manually started from parking position. When eyesight fails it effect vehicle dynamic control which analyzes steering angle, engine speed and braking conditions. Also, cruise control fails to work ans well subaru reverse automatic breaking. Total miles on the car 7321 as of jul 08, 2019.