MinorAffects 2018-2022

    Crosstrek Starlink Infotainment Random Reboot

    Touchscreen reboots mid-drive, loses CarPlay/Android Auto pairing.

    Reviewed by SubaruReview Editorial Team · Last reviewed 2026-05-15 · Editorial standards

    Repair cost
    $0–$950
    DIY difficulty
    2 / 5
    Severity
    Minor
    Annoying or cosmetic — schedule when convenient
    Affected
    2018-2022
    Starlink head unit, Software

    How this problem ranks against the other documented Crosstrek failures — cost, severity, and DIY difficulty at a glance.

    Crosstrek reliability compared: this problem vs other documented Crosstrek issues.
    ProblemYearsSeverityRepair costDIY
    Crosstrek Starlink Infotainment Random Reboot (this page)2018-2022Minor$0–$9502/5
    Battery Drain / Parasitic Draw2015-2024Major$400–$1,2002/5
    Sourced from our Subaru problems database. Costs are US national averages including parts and labor at an independent Subaru specialist.

    This is one of several documented Crosstrek problems we track, and it fits inside the broader Reliability & Common Problems guide. If you're weighing repair against replacement, cross-check the Subaru repair-cost database and any open NHTSA recalls on your VIN before booking a shop.

    What goes wrong

    Touchscreen reboots mid-drive, loses CarPlay/Android Auto pairing.

    Symptoms to watch for

    • Black screen
    • CarPlay disconnects
    • Map app freezes

    Root cause

    Firmware bug in Harman head unit; memory leak.

    Buy time with these

    • Apply latest software update at dealer (free)

    Permanent fix

    1. TSB 15-261-19R reflash; replacement head unit if reflash fails.

    FAQ

    What causes crosstrek starlink infotainment random reboot?

    Firmware bug in Harman head unit; memory leak.

    How much does it cost to fix?

    National average $0–$950.

    Is this a DIY repair?

    Difficulty 2/5. TSB 15-261-19R reflash; replacement head unit if reflash fails.

    What are the symptoms?

    Black screen; CarPlay disconnects; Map app freezes

    Sources

    • NHTSA
    • Subaru Owner Forums

    Related Crosstrek failures on the same system

    People also ask

    How much does it cost to fix Crosstrek Starlink Infotainment Random Reboot?

    Owners typically pay $0–$950 at an independent Subaru shop, parts and labor included. Compare full itemized quotes in the Subaru repair-cost database.

    What other Crosstrek problems should I watch for?

    The same generation also sees Battery Drain / Parasitic Draw. Both are documented with symptoms, cost, and a permanent-fix walkthrough — see the full list in the Crosstrek hub.

    Can I fix this as a DIY repair?

    We rate it 2/5 on our DIY scale. Confident wrenchers can tackle it in a weekend using the permanent-fix steps above. Cross-reference the reliability & common problems hub for related jobs worth bundling while you're in there.

    Ready to buy or refresh your current build?

    Dig into the Problems Database to plan your next maintenance sprint, or browse every model hub for buyer's guides, generation breakdowns, and known-issue lists.