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Subaru · Known Issues

2026 Subaru Solterra Problems: 10 Known Issues

2026 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2026 Subaru Solterra has 10 documented known issues. None of the listed issues is rated critical; this is not a complete reliability assessment. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $250 to $1,800. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Solterra Electrical3
  • Solterra Suspension2
  • Solterra Other1
  • Solterra Body/Panels1
  • Solterra HVAC1
  • Solterra Safety/Recalls1
  • Solterra Interior1
  • Recalls5
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Electrical3
  • Suspension2
  • Other1
  • Body/Panels1
  • HVAC1
  • Safety/Recalls1
  • Interior1
  • Recalls5
  • FAQ

All 10 Known Issues

NHTSA Recalls5 recalls

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2025 bZ4X, Lexus RZ, and Subaru Solterra vehicles. During certain HVAC system faults, such as electrical compressor failure, the defroster and defogger system may become inoperative.

Campaign #25V57700004/09/2025

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Campaign #25V74400030/10/2025

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2026 Toyota BZ, Lexus RZ, and Subaru Solterra battery electric vehicles. The electronic control unit (ECU) that controls the high voltage battery may experience a fault, resulting in a loss of drive power.

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Other Subaru Models

Subaru Forester46Subaru Outback40Subaru WRX31Subaru Ascent25Subaru Crosstrek23Subaru Legacy18

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Subaru Solterra problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2026 Subaru Solterra has 10 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Fragile Low-Profile OE Tires With No Spare and a Near-Useless Sealant Mobility Kit, Real-World Highway and Winter Range Falls Far Short of EPA Rating, Wireless Apple CarPlay / Bluetooth Drops Out (Especially After Remote Start). None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.

Is the Subaru Solterra reliable?

The 2026 Subaru Solterra has 10 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. None of the matching records is rated critical; this is not a complete reliability assessment. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Subaru Solterra problems?

Repair costs for known Subaru Solterra issues range from $0 to $1,800, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2023-2026 Subaru Solterra Fragile Low-Profile OE Tires With No Spare and a Near-Useless Sealant Mobility Kit?

The Solterra ships with low-profile original-equipment tires (18-inch on lower trims, 20-inch on Limited/Touring) that owners report are easily damaged by curbs and potholes (sidewall cuts, punctures) and can wear quickly/unevenly. One owner reported a sidewall cut all the way to… Repairs typically run $250-$1,600. Severity: medium.

What is the 2023-2026 Subaru Solterra Real-World Highway and Winter Range Falls Far Short of EPA Rating?

The Solterra (EPA-rated ~222-228 miles depending on trim/year) delivers well below its advertised range in sustained highway and cold-weather use. Owners report ~180-210 miles of real highway range at 70-75 mph in mild weather, dropping to roughly 130-150 usable miles in cold win… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: medium.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, automotive forums, and AI-assisted research. No aggregated owner-report counts available for this vehicle yet.

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On the 2023-2026 Subaru Solterra Dual Motor AWD (electric), owners frequently report wireless Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth failing to connect or dropping out. A common, repeatable pattern is CarPlay refusing to auto-reconnect after a remote start / remote climate session; other owners see spotty Bluetooth that blocks calls and audio with no consistent trigger. This is distinct from the full head-unit reboot/black-screen issue - here the infotainment is running but the phone-projection/Bluetooth link fails. Subaru has issued StarLink head-unit software updates, but many owners report only partial improvement.

Common Symptoms

  • Wireless CarPlay will not auto-connect after remote start
  • Bluetooth drops calls and audio
  • CarPlay disconnects randomly while driving
  • Phone re-pairs repeatedly
  • Have to reboot head unit to restore projection

How to Fix

Common owner fixes: press and hold the multimedia power button ~5 seconds to reset the head unit; after a remote start, turn off phone Wi-Fi and restart the radio to force a reconnect; delete the phone from the car's Bluetooth list and re-pair; keep the head-unit software updated. Persistent cases warrant a dealer StarLink/multimedia software reflash under warranty; a small number required head-unit replacement.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $200

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Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jul 2026

On the 2023-2026 Subaru Solterra Dual Motor AWD (electric), the Solterra Connect / MySubaru app is a persistent pain point: owners report the Remote Climate page failing to open (it flashes then reverts to the previous screen), scheduled preconditioning not firing, charge/state-of-charge status not updating without manual refresh, frequent crashes, constant permission re-prompts, and heavy background battery drain on the phone. Because remote preconditioning is the main mitigation for the car's weak cold-weather heat and range, an app that will not reliably start it is a widely reported, high-search issue.

Common Symptoms

  • Remote Climate page opens then closes immediately
  • Scheduled preconditioning does not start
  • App does not update charge status / SoC
  • App crashes or nags for permissions
  • App drains phone battery

How to Fix

Owner-level fixes: delete and reinstall the app, sign out/in, grant all requested permissions, and confirm the vehicle's data/subscription (Subaru/Solterra Connect) is active. Force-refresh the app for current SoC rather than trusting the cached value. Subaru has pushed app and telematics (DCM) updates over time; persistent remote-climate failures should be logged with Subaru Customer Care and the dealer, who can re-provision the telematics module. No hardware cost in most cases.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $0

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jul 2026

On the 2023-2026 Subaru Solterra Dual Motor AWD (electric), the recessed charge-port door on the Solterra collects rainwater and car-wash water in its cup-shaped pocket; in freezing temperatures the door freezes shut or the internal latch plunger/actuator sticks, preventing charging. Owners also report the opposite failure - a persistent 'charging port lid is open' warning and the flap not locking - as well as the connector failing to release from the port. Because it directly blocks charging in exactly the cold conditions where range is already short, it generates high owner-forum demand.

Common Symptoms

  • Charge port door frozen shut in cold
  • 'Charging port lid is open' false warning
  • Charge door will not lock
  • Connector will not release from the car
  • Latch plunger stuck

How to Fix

In freezing weather, warm the area or pour warm (not hot) water to thaw, then work the small internal plunger (press/rotate 90 degrees) to free the latch. For a stuck connector or 'won't release,' use the manual charge-connector release pull tab located under the hood (top-right corner facing the windshield). If the door will not lock/latch or the actuator is unresponsive, the dealer tests the port actuator motor and wiring harness for continuity and replaces the faulty lock assembly under warranty. Preventive tip owners share: dry the port pocket before parking in the cold.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $350

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jul 2026

On the 2023-2026 Subaru Solterra Electric (dual-motor AWD), the Solterra ships with low-profile original-equipment tires (18-inch on lower trims, 20-inch on Limited/Touring) that owners report are easily damaged by curbs and potholes (sidewall cuts, punctures) and can wear quickly/unevenly. One owner reported a sidewall cut all the way to the steel belt at just ~200 miles, unrepairable and requiring replacement. The vehicle carries no spare tire; instead it has an inflator-and-sealant mobility kit that owners describe as useless for a sidewall failure or any puncture larger than ~4mm or a tire off the rim. Using the sealant can foul the TPMS sensor. With no spare, a damaged tire often means a flatbed tow, and 20-inch EV-rated replacements are pricey and can be hard to source quickly.

Common Symptoms

  • Sidewall cut or blowout from curb/pothole at low mileage
  • Rapid or uneven tread wear
  • No spare tire; only an inflator/sealant mobility kit
  • Flatbed tow required after a flat
  • TPMS sensor damaged after using sealant
  • Expensive/hard-to-find 20-inch replacement tires

How to Fix

Consider proactively buying an aftermarket compact-spare kit (an 18-inch spare fits both 18-inch and 20-inch wheels). Keep a plug kit and a proper 12V inflator. For a sidewall cut, do NOT rely on the sealant kit; get a tow to a tire shop. Replace with quality EV-rated tires and maintain correct (higher) EV pressures to reduce curb-damage risk and premature wear; rotate on schedule.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Modern Spare Compact Spare Tire Kit for Subaru Solterra

    optional model-specific emergency spare; select wheel/tire-only or the correct tool/case configuration Fitment/availability: 2023-2025 Subaru Solterra with either factory wheel size; 18x4 wheel, 5x114.3 bolt pattern and T155/90R18 tire; …

    Modern Spare

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$250 - $1,600

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jul 2026

On the 2023-2026 Subaru Solterra Dual Motor AWD (electric), owners and reviewers describe the Solterra's ride as firm or 'busy' over broken pavement, most pronounced on Limited/Touring trims with the larger 20-inch wheels and lower-profile tires. Because there is no engine noise to mask it, tire roar and road noise are more prominent than owners expect for the class, and it is a common comfort complaint on longer drives. Not a defect, but a frequently searched ownership drawback.

Common Symptoms

  • Firm/jittery ride over bumps
  • Loud tire roar at highway speed
  • Road noise more noticeable than expected
  • Harsher on 20-inch wheels

How to Fix

No repair. Owners reduce harshness/noise by running tire pressures at (not above) the door-jamb spec, fitting quieter touring or all-season tires at replacement, and adding cabin/trunk sound-deadening. Buyers sensitive to ride quality often prefer the 18-inch Premium wheel/tire setup, which rides softer than the 20-inch trims.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $800

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jul 2026

On the 2023-2026 Subaru Solterra Dual Motor AWD (electric), the Solterra (EPA-rated ~222-228 miles depending on trim/year) delivers well below its advertised range in sustained highway and cold-weather use. Owners report ~180-210 miles of real highway range at 70-75 mph in mild weather, dropping to roughly 130-150 usable miles in cold winter conditions (20-30 percent-plus loss). Contributing factors: the guess-o-meter overestimates when the car is new and recalibrates downward, the battery lacks efficient preconditioning, and the cabin heater draws 3-5 kW continuously in the cold. European (Norwegian and Danish) independent tests also measured range well under the WLTP figure. This is the single most common non-charging owner frustration and drives heavy search demand around road-trip planning.

Common Symptoms

  • Range estimate drops sharply on the highway
  • Usable range far below EPA number in winter
  • Guess-o-meter reads high when new then falls
  • Frequent charge stops needed on road trips
  • Efficiency below 3 mi/kWh in cold months

How to Fix

There is no repair; it is a design/efficiency characteristic. Owners mitigate by driving 65 mph or below on highways, using seat/steering-wheel heaters instead of cabin heat, precondition the cabin while plugged in, keep tire pressures at spec, and plan winter road trips assuming ~60 percent of the sticker range with extra charge stops. Later model years (2024+) added a battery-warming heat pump that modestly improves cold-weather charging and efficiency.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $0

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jul 2026

On the 2023-2026 Subaru Solterra Electric (dual-motor AWD), solterra owners report the front windshield chips and cracks readily from routine road debris, with small stone chips spreading into full cracks quickly. Because the forward driver-assist camera is mounted to the glass, any replacement requires a precise front-camera (ADAS) recalibration. Note: unlike other Subarus, the Solterra rides on Toyota's bZ4X platform and uses Toyota Safety Sense with a SINGLE forward camera plus radar (not Subaru's EyeSight stereo-camera pair), so its calibration procedure differs. Owners describe long ordeals: glass on back-order and replacements taking multiple weeks, and Subaru not releasing the recalibration software to third parties for a period, forcing dealer-only calibration (one owner reported a ~6-week wait). When calibration is skipped or done poorly, lane-keep/pre-collision functions can misbehave afterward. This is a glass durability + serviceability problem, distinct from any native driver-assist software tuning.

Common Symptoms

  • Stone chip spreads into a long crack quickly
  • Windshield cracks from minor road debris
  • Driver-assist / lane-keep warning after glass replacement
  • Replacement delayed weeks waiting on glass or dealer-only recalibration
  • Calibration-required message or ADAS warning after windshield work

How to Fix

Repair chips immediately before they spread. Use OEM glass and a shop equipped to recalibrate the Solterra's Toyota Safety Sense forward camera (Safelite offers Solterra ADAS recalibration, or use the dealer). Budget for a mandatory post-install camera calibration and verify driver-assist functions (lane keep, pre-collision) on a road test before accepting the car. If driver-assist warnings persist after a replacement, return for re-calibration. Expect potential multi-week waits on glass and dealer-only calibration.

Typical repair cost:$1,000 - $1,800

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
Low ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jul 2026

On the 2023-2026 Subaru Solterra Dual Motor AWD (electric), solterra owners in cold climates report the cabin heating is slow to warm up and often blows cool air from the vents while driving in freezing temperatures. The 2023 model relies on a high-draw (7 kW-plus) resistance heater that hammers range; 2024+ added a heat pump primarily to warm the battery, but owners still describe the cabin heat pump as undersized or slow. Dealers commonly tell owners the slow heating is 'normal operation.' A subset of cases involve a genuine fault - a stuck heat-pump expansion valve or A/C-compressor problem - producing no heat at all. This heavily impacts winter usability and drives the cold-weather range complaints.

Common Symptoms

  • Cold air from vents in freezing weather
  • Very slow cabin warm-up
  • Heater never gets hot
  • Dealer says slow heat is normal
  • Poor winter efficiency tied to heating load

How to Fix

Precondition the cabin while plugged in so the pack, not the battery, powers initial heat; use seat and steering-wheel heaters as the primary heat source to save range. If the vents blow cold and never warm (as opposed to just slow), have the dealer diagnose the heat-pump/electric compressor circuit - stuck valves or a failed electric A/C compressor are covered under warranty (and a separate recall covers a compressor fault that disables the defroster). Keep HVAC software updated.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $1,500

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jul 2026

On the 2023-2026 Subaru Solterra Dual Motor AWD (electric), separate from the pre-collision phantom-braking complaints, owners report the EyeSight lane-centering/lane-keep assist wandering or 'ping-ponging' back and forth between lane markers, especially on faded or poorly painted roads and in construction zones. The system can hug one line, correct hard toward the other, and repeat, undermining confidence in the highway-assist feature that is a core selling point.

Common Symptoms

  • Car steers side-to-side within the lane
  • Lane centering hunts on faded markings
  • Sudden corrections near lane lines
  • System disengages in construction zones

How to Fix

Keep the windshield/camera area clean and the software updated; recalibration or a camera aim check at the dealer can help if the wander is severe. Owners often disable lane-centering (while keeping lane-departure warning) on poorly marked roads. Report persistent behavior to the dealer so it can be logged against any EyeSight software update.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $200

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jul 2026

On the 2023-2026 Subaru Solterra Dual Motor AWD (electric), new-owner reports of cabin squeaks and rattles are common, most notably from the plastic surround holding the overhead map lights and SOS button, vibrating exterior door mirrors, and trim around the front-passenger and driver rear doors. The silent EV powertrain makes these plastic buzzes far more audible than they would be in a gas car. Severity varies unit-to-unit (some owners report none), pointing to build/assembly consistency.

Common Symptoms

  • Rattle from overhead map light / SOS button surround
  • Buzzing door mirrors at speed
  • Squeaks from door trim panels
  • Dash/console vibration over rough roads

How to Fix

Owner fixes include seating/reclipping the overhead-console trim, adding felt or foam anti-squeak tape between panels, and checking door-mirror mounting. Dealers address persistent rattles under warranty by re-securing or replacing loose trim clips; document the source (video/audio) to speed diagnosis.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $250

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jul 2026
Campaign #26V39300018/06/2026

WHEELS:HUB

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Subaru Solterra and Toyota BZ4X vehicles. The hub bolts on the wheels may loosen, causing a wheel to detach from the vehicle after low-mileage use.

Campaign #22V44400023/06/2022

WHEELS:HUB

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Solterra vehicles. Improperly tightened hub bolts may loosen and cause the wheels to detach from the vehicle.

Campaign #23V06400009/02/2023

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

get a full repair guide

What is the 2023-2026 Subaru Solterra Wireless Apple CarPlay / Bluetooth Drops Out (Especially After Remote Start)?

Owners frequently report wireless Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth failing to connect or dropping out. A common, repeatable pattern is CarPlay refusing to auto-reconnect after a remote start / remote climate session; other owners see spotty Bluetooth that blocks calls and audio with n… Repairs typically run $0-$200. Severity: medium.

What is the 2023-2026 Subaru Solterra Solterra Connect / StarLink App: Remote Climate and Preconditioning Fail, App Crashes?

The Solterra Connect / MySubaru app is a persistent pain point: owners report the Remote Climate page failing to open (it flashes then reverts to the previous screen), scheduled preconditioning not firing, charge/state-of-charge status not updating without manual refresh, frequen… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: medium.

What is the 2023-2026 Subaru Solterra Charge Port Door Freezes, Sticks, or Fails to Lock/Release?

The recessed charge-port door on the Solterra collects rainwater and car-wash water in its cup-shaped pocket; in freezing temperatures the door freezes shut or the internal latch plunger/actuator sticks, preventing charging. Owners also report the opposite failure - a persistent… Repairs typically run $0-$350. Severity: medium.

What is the 2023-2026 Subaru Solterra Windshield Chips/Cracks Easily; Weeks-Long Dealer-Only ADAS Camera Recalibration After Replacement?

Solterra owners report the front windshield chips and cracks readily from routine road debris, with small stone chips spreading into full cracks quickly. Because the forward driver-assist camera is mounted to the glass, any replacement requires a precise front-camera (ADAS) recal… Repairs typically run $1,000-$1,800. Severity: medium.

What is the 2023-2026 Subaru Solterra Weak Cabin Heat and Slow Warm-Up from Undersized Heat Pump?

Solterra owners in cold climates report the cabin heating is slow to warm up and often blows cool air from the vents while driving in freezing temperatures. The 2023 model relies on a high-draw (7 kW-plus) resistance heater that hammers range; 2024+ added a heat pump primarily to… Repairs typically run $0-$1,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2023-2026 Subaru Solterra EyeSight Lane-Centering 'Ping-Pongs' Between Lane Markers?

Separate from the pre-collision phantom-braking complaints, owners report the EyeSight lane-centering/lane-keep assist wandering or 'ping-ponging' back and forth between lane markers, especially on faded or poorly painted roads and in construction zones. The system can hug one li… Repairs typically run $0-$200. Severity: low.

What is the 2023-2026 Subaru Solterra Interior Squeaks and Rattles (Map-Light/SOS Console, Door Mirrors, Door Trim)?

New-owner reports of cabin squeaks and rattles are common, most notably from the plastic surround holding the overhead map lights and SOS button, vibrating exterior door mirrors, and trim around the front-passenger and driver rear doors. The silent EV powertrain makes these plast… Repairs typically run $0-$250. Severity: low.

What is the 2023-2026 Subaru Solterra Firm/Busy Ride and Excessive Road & Tire Noise?

Owners and reviewers describe the Solterra's ride as firm or 'busy' over broken pavement, most pronounced on Limited/Touring trims with the larger 20-inch wheels and lower-profile tires. Because there is no engine noise to mask it, tire roar and road noise are more prominent than… Repairs typically run $0-$800. Severity: low.