Sirius XM radio in 2018 Forester loses Siruis subscription when car is shut off

Asked by Subaru_Forester_owne... Jan 20, 2019 at 11:44 PM about the 2018 Subaru Forester

Question type: General

I bought a 2018 Forester in June 2018 and had my existing Sirius XM service transferred to the Forester.  My Sirius subscription is active through March 19, 2019.  Until 5 days ago, all has worked great with the Sirius service in my Forester.  Now, when I turn off the car and then start the car, the radio loses my Sirius subscription.  When I go to a Sirius XM station, the radio displays "Channel unsubscribed." This happens even after doing a refresh of the Sirius service, which has been done multiple times.  I've verified that the correct radio ID is associated with my Sirius account. Took the car to the Subaru dealership yesterday to have Technical Service Bulletin 15-205-16R firmware update applied to the radio as I was told that TSB should fix the issue, but that did not correct the issue.  Dealer said next step will probably be to replace the radio. I've been on the phone with Sirius customer support multiple times to ensure all is ok my account, which they say it is, and they say  this is a problem with the radio and not with my Sirius account / service .  Any ideas, suggestions would be greatly appreciated as I'm at my wits end on this one.  

6 Answers

I am having this very same problem. It just started around the time yours did. I am taking mine in tomorrow but it doesn't sound like it will be helpful.

The dealership replaced the radio and the issue isn't occurring anymore; however, when I try to use the Info part of the radio, I still receive a message that a Sirius XM subscription is needed. I've verified that the new radio ID is associated with my Sirius XM account. At least I'm able to listen to my Sirius XM stations again.

80

You will not like this answer. It CANNOT be fixed. It is because SIRIUS added more channels than your radio can handle. I am having the exact same issue with my 2017 Forester XT. I have had my radio replaced and the unit has been "updated" 6 times. Still not fixed. SUBARU blames SIRIUS, SIRIUS blames Subaru. Quite the vicious circle. No one can fix it or is willing to take responsibility. They both are more than happy to take their money, but sure don not want to do anything about a problem they are both well aware of.

5 people found this helpful.

I have just experienced the same problem with my 2018 forester but haven't called subaru yet. Doesn't sound hopeful. Hope it is covered under warranty!

It is 11/22/2020 and I have them same problem. When I press list I do not get a list of all the SiriusXM stations. There is a workaround but i would have expected a fix that would allow me to use this radio as the manual states. Get to work Sirius and fix this.

Would you mind sharing the workaround as my Sirius is 100% dead to me. I was driving with Sirius on then it switched to an FM preset and when I go to home and press Audio it shows symbols for all the options, but when I press Sirius it just goes to the preset FM station, like Sirius isn't available on my radio. I'm 4 months past end of warranty.

Your Answer:

Forester

Looking for a Used Forester in your area?

CarGurus has 22,186 nationwide Forester listings starting at $2,500.

ZIP:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

2018 Subaru Forester

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Chris W
    Reputation
    11,420
  • #2
    TheSubaruGuruBoston
    Reputation
    9,790
  • #3
    Nick Eidemiller
    Reputation
    6,220
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Subaru Outback
1,269 Great Deals out of 39,399 listings starting at $1,895
Used Toyota RAV4
1,938 Great Deals out of 28,939 listings starting at $2,395
Used Subaru Crosstrek
684 Great Deals out of 27,885 listings starting at $4,900
Used Honda CR-V
2,034 Great Deals out of 39,744 listings starting at $2,495
Used Subaru Impreza
340 Great Deals out of 7,605 listings starting at $2,500
Used Subaru Ascent
314 Great Deals out of 9,641 listings starting at $13,750
Used Mazda CX-5
1,226 Great Deals out of 38,197 listings starting at $4,495
Used Toyota 4Runner
1,225 Great Deals out of 16,878 listings starting at $1,750
Used Toyota Highlander
1,367 Great Deals out of 19,303 listings starting at $2,490
Used Subaru Legacy
314 Great Deals out of 6,912 listings starting at $499
Used Toyota Camry
1,901 Great Deals out of 32,052 listings starting at $1,299
Used Honda Pilot
1,036 Great Deals out of 28,726 listings starting at $1,350
Used Toyota Tacoma
2,033 Great Deals out of 35,601 listings starting at $3,500
Used Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
359 Great Deals out of 12,141 listings starting at $12,000
Used Nissan Rogue
2,133 Great Deals out of 57,248 listings starting at $1,500

Used Cars for Sale

2024 Subaru Forester For Sale
55 Great Deals out of 7,477 listings starting at $25,401
2023 Subaru Forester For Sale
56 Great Deals out of 1,127 listings starting at $23,400
2022 Subaru Forester For Sale
78 Great Deals out of 797 listings starting at $16,495
2021 Subaru Forester For Sale
208 Great Deals out of 2,729 listings starting at $14,399
2020 Subaru Forester For Sale
125 Great Deals out of 1,219 listings starting at $10,550

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.