How do I know if my Subaru Legacy has remote start?

Remote start is common on many Subaru Legacy models, and you can confirm it by looking for a dedicated remote-start button on the key fob or by checking whether you can start the car from the Subaru Starlink app.

If you don’t see a remote-start button on the fob, your Legacy may still have remote start via the Starlink app or be limited to certain trims or model years. The most reliable sources are your trim level documentation, the window sticker, the owner's manual, or a VIN check with your dealer.

Ways to tell if your Legacy has Remote Start

Key fob indicators

Visual clues on the key fob can reveal remote start without powering up the car.

• Dedicated remote-start button on the key fob, typically depicted as a circular arrow icon.


• In some generations, a specific button sequence on the fob is required; if your fob lacks a dedicated button, remote start may not be present, or access may differ by year/trime.

A physical remote-start button on the fob is the most reliable quick indicator.

Smartphone app and built-in systems

Remote start can also be controlled from a smartphone if your Legacy is equipped with Starlink and the feature is activated.

• Subaru Starlink app shows a Remote Start control after you pair and enable the feature for your vehicle.


• Some trims require an active Starlink Remote Services or Safety & Security subscription.


• Remote start via the app typically works within a defined radius and may require the vehicle to be in park with doors closed.

Check your subscription status and the car’s compatibility in the Starlink app or with your dealer.

Documentation and VIN verification

Official documents and dealer confirmation provide definitive proof for your specific car.

• Window sticker (Monroney label) lists included features; look for Remote Engine Start or Remote Start.


• Owner’s manual section on Remote Start or Keyless Access explains usage and limitations.


• VIN-based confirmation from Subaru support or your dealer can verify whether your trim includes Remote Start.

If the documents or VIN check show Remote Start, your Legacy has it; otherwise ask the dealer about availability or upgrade options.

What to do if you want remote start

If your current Legacy lacks remote start, you have options: upgrade to a trim that includes the feature, add it via an official dealer upgrade, or consider a reputable aftermarket solution with attention to warranty implications.

Always consult with your dealer before making changes to avoid warranty or electrical issues.

Summary

Remote start on a Subaru Legacy can be identified by a remote-start button on the key fob, the ability to control start from the Starlink app, or confirmation in the vehicle’s documentation. If you’re unsure, your dealer can confirm availability for your exact VIN and advise on upgrade or activation options.

Does the Subaru Legacy have remote start?

Yes, the Subaru Legacy can have remote start, but it depends on the model year and trim. Models with push-button start, particularly those from 2020 and newer, typically come with or can have the STARLINK remote engine start system, which allows starting through the MySubaru app. Older or base models without push-button start require an installed accessory, which can be a dealer-installed kit or a separate key fob for remote start. 
Options for remote start

• MySubaru app: Available on most 2020 and newer models with push-button start. This requires a subscription, but often comes with a discount when purchased with a new car. 
• Dealer-installed accessory: A physical remote start kit can be installed on most new Subarus with an automatic transmission, including models that don't have push-button start. 
• Aftermarket system: If your Legacy does not have a factory or dealer-installed option, an aftermarket system can be installed, though it may not have the same level of integration with the car's climate controls. 

Key requirements and considerations

• Transmission: For the key fob method and some dealer-installed kits, the vehicle must have an automatic transmission. 
• Push-button start: This is a key feature for models that have the remote start option either standard or via the MySubaru app. 
• Climate control: Some remote start systems, particularly those with the MySubaru app and automatic climate control, can preset the heating or air conditioning. 
• Installation: For models that don't come standard with remote start, a dealer-installed option is recommended to ensure compatibility and performance. 

What year does Subaru have remote start?

Generally speaking, every Subaru Outback model produced in 2015 and beyond provides remote start capability. Further, if your Outback is equipped with a keyfob–most newer models are–you can use that to remote start your Subaru, as well.

How do I know if my vehicle is equipped with remote start?

You can tell if your car has remote start by checking the key fob for a circular arrow button, looking for a sticker under the hood, or consulting the owner's manual. If your fob has the button, press the lock button first, then press and hold the remote start button. Some manufacturers, like Toyota, may require pressing the lock button three times and holding on the third press to activate the feature, even without a dedicated button on the fob. 
Check your key fob

• Look for a specific button: Most key fobs with remote start have a button with a circular arrow symbol (⟳). 
• Test the button: If you find the button, try pressing the car's lock button once, then immediately press and hold the remote start button for a few seconds. 
• Note: If your fob doesn't have this button, your car likely doesn't have factory remote start, though it could have an aftermarket system with a separate key fob. 

This video shows how to check for a remote start button on a key fob: 55sSteven WelchYouTube · Jun 19, 2021
Use other methods to check

• Consult the owner's manual: This is the most definitive way to confirm if your car is equipped with remote start and to learn how to use it. A PDF version of the manual is often available online if you don't have the physical copy. 
• Check the vehicle's dashboard: Some cars show a message or indicator on the dashboard when the remote start is successful. 
• Look for a sticker: Check under the hood, often on the radiator core support, for a label indicating the vehicle has auto-start. 
• Check the driver information menu: Navigate through your car's infotainment or driver information display for an option to enable or disable "auto-start" or "remote start". 

This video shows how to check if your car has remote start by looking at the dashboard and other parts: 1mBabbling BooleanYouTube · Sep 7, 2021
If you still can't tell

• Ask the dealership: They can look up your vehicle's VIN to confirm if remote start was an original factory option. 
• Contact the manufacturer: Check the manufacturer's website or support pages for information on your model's features. Some brands may have a vehicle-specific app that confirms remote start capabilities. 

How to tell if a Subaru has a remote start?

Whether your Subaru has remote start depends on the model, trim level, and year, but most Subarus with push-button start and a key fob (especially those from 2015 and newer) have the capability, either standard or as an accessory. To check, look for push-button start and keyless entry, and then try the remote start sequence: press the lock button on your key fob, then press and hold the "lock" icon for a few seconds to start the engine. 
How to check if your Subaru has remote start

• Look for a push-button start: Many models with remote start feature a push-button start ignition and keyless entry. If your car has a traditional key ignition, it likely won't have the built-in remote start functionality. 
• Check your key fob: Look for a button on your key fob. Some key fobs have a remote start button, while others require you to press the "lock" button multiple times to activate the feature. 
• Try the remote start sequence: 
  1. Press the lock button on your key fob to lock the doors. 
  2. Within 5 seconds, press and hold the "lock" button for a few seconds to start the engine. 
  3. The turn signals will flash to confirm that the car has started. The engine will run for about 10 minutes before automatically shutting off. 
• Look for the MySubaru app: Many modern Subarus are equipped with the MySubaru app, which allows you to start the car remotely from your smartphone. You will need to have a subscription to use the app's remote services. 
• Check your model's specifications: Some Subaru models include remote start as a standard feature, while on others, it may be an optional upgrade. Consult your owner's manual or the Sport Subaru South website to see if your model and trim level come with the feature.