Can a stolen Subaru be tracked?
Yes. If your Subaru is equipped with Subaru Starlink Safety Plus and the service is active, the vehicle can be located and shared with law enforcement to aid in recovery.
Subaru’s Starlink telematics provide stolen vehicle recovery features that can offer live location data, speed, and movement history to authorities when a theft is reported. Availability varies by model year and market, and tracking depends on the car being connected to Starlink’s cellular network and the owner maintaining an active subscription. If these conditions aren’t met, Subaru’s tracking options may not be available, though aftermarket trackers or insurance programs could offer alternatives.
What tracking services Subaru offers
Here are the core features typically associated with Subaru’s built‑in telematics that help in theft recovery:
- Stolen Vehicle Recovery via Starlink Safety Plus: Location data can be provided to law enforcement to assist with recovery when the theft is reported.
- Real-time location sharing with authorities: Police can request current coordinates and movement history through the Starlink system.
- Activation and subscription requirements: The service generally requires an active Starlink Safety Plus subscription and a vehicle connected to cellular data.
- Remote assist and emergency features: In addition to tracking, Safety Plus may offer SOS and roadside assistance as part of the package.
- Data privacy and control: Location data is accessible to law enforcement under the terms of service, typically after a police report is filed for a stolen vehicle.
Availability and exact feature sets can vary by country, model year, and trim. If your vehicle isn’t enrolled in Safety Plus or lacks Starlink connectivity, these tracking options won’t be available.
How tracking works in practice
Understand the typical process when a Starlink-enabled Subaru is stolen:
- The owner reports the theft to local police and to Subaru/Starlink, providing the vehicle’s VIN and identifying details.
- Starlink receives the report and, with police approval, activates location tracking for the affected vehicle.
- GPS and cellular data are used to determine the vehicle’s current location and movement history, which is shared with the responding law enforcement agency.
- Recovery efforts proceed under the guidance of authorities, and the vehicle can be tracked until it is recovered or the case is closed. The owner can receive updates where permitted.
This process depends on the vehicle having an active Starlink connection, a valid subscription, and cellular service. It also requires coordination with law enforcement and adherence to privacy and legal guidelines.
Limitations and considerations
There are several important caveats to keep in mind:
- Connectivity dependence: Tracking relies on the car’s cellular connection and GPS; in areas with poor signal, location data may be delayed or unavailable.
- Power and hardware constraints: If the battery is dead or the vehicle’s electronics are compromised, tracking may be limited.
- Market and model variation: Not all Subaru models or regions offer Stolen Vehicle Recovery through Starlink, and features may differ by year.
- Privacy and legal process: Location data is shared with law enforcement under the terms of service and applicable laws, typically after a theft report is filed.
- Not a guaranteed, instantaneous fix: Recovery still depends on law enforcement actions and cannot replace physical security measures.
Owners should verify eligibility with their local Subaru dealer and ensure their Starlink Safety Plus subscription is active to maximize the chances of recovery.
What to do if your Subaru is stolen
Follow these steps to initiate tracking and improve recovery odds:
- Call the police immediately and report the theft, providing the vehicle’s VIN, license plate, and distinguishing features.
- Contact Subaru/Starlink to report the theft and request assistance with Stolen Vehicle Recovery, if eligible.
- Do not attempt to pursue or chase the vehicle yourself; rely on law enforcement and authorized recovery services.
- Provide any updates to authorities and Starlink as they become available, and keep your insurance company informed.
The coordinated effort of law enforcement and Starlink is designed to maximize the likelihood of locating and recovering a stolen Subaru, but success depends on several factors including connectivity and regulatory processes.
Summary
Subaru can be trackable after theft if the car is equipped with Starlink Safety Plus and is actively subscribed, connected, and reported to the police. The system provides location data to authorities to aid recovery, but availability varies by model, year, and market. If your Subaru lacks Starlink or an active subscription, tracking through Subaru’s system isn’t available, though other security options may exist. The best course of action is to act quickly: contact the police, engage Starlink’s recovery services, and avoid pursuing the vehicle yourself.
Does Subaru have a tracking device?
With SUBARU STARLINK Safety and Security, you can locate your Subaru in an emergency, manage your vehicle's maintenance and alarms and keep track of your vehicle's overall health.
Do stolen cars normally get found?
The car may have been used for a joyride, as a means of transport, or for someone to commit another crime. In such cases, the motor vehicle is usually found afterwards. If the car has been stolen by professional thieves and broken down for parts it will likely never be recovered.
Are subarus theft proof?
Subaru's are very low risk of theft. Even if someone tries newer models are outfitted with immobolizers. Of course if someone wants to steal a car they're going to... but their first pick probably isn't a subie.
Can Subaru track my stolen car?
Get extra peace of mind knowing that a STARLINK Customer Care Advisor will work with police to help recover your vehicle if it is ever stolen. STARLINK will automatically notify you by email when your security alarm is activated, so you can contact police for assistance.
