2020 Subaru Outback: No Audio After Software Update 

I took the update over wifi before they sent the halt email. The only issues that I've experienced with my 2020 Outback Onyx XT was no album artwork on the full screen Apple CarPlay. Also CarPlay doesn't want to stay connected. Possibly a bad connector between the USB port and my phone but I don't think so. I love the vehicle however. Also Subaru, just like any other manufacturer has their issues. Just look at the new Toyota RAV4 gas tank issue on their hybrid models. Last thing I will say is you are performing an absolute essential service for us viewers and thank you.

Thanks Ryan, Today my ‘20 Outback Limited is 6 months old. I’ve actually scheduled an apt this Tuesday for the oil change n tire rotation. But I went through 3 people at my dealership asking about the #504 update and no one knew anything about it. I think I will now tell them to NOT do that update. Last Saturday I took a friend to my dealership, she picked out a ‘18 Forester, but when I got back in my Outback (now it was just parked out front) there are some slight differences in my Info screen. Almost like it connected with their WiFi and updated things. This thing happened a couple of years ago with my ‘18 Outback Limited too but I never asked them about it. I really enjoy all your postings and instructions. Thanks again, Cathy

I self updated using the 504 update and my own flash drive and followed the instructions posted in the Subaru Outback forums. I have had zero issues and been using it for 2 months now. I own an Onyx Edition.

Thanks for this video. I had no audio after a software update in my 2020 Outback. What you importantly showed me was where to find what software package was in the car. Turns out the service department at the dealership I took it to never completed the update, but told me they did, including on the invoice they gave me. System information, which you showed how to bring up on the CCM screen, ratted them out, showing I still had 502, the old software they told me they'd updated. I should have gotten 380. This was a visit for a recall! They got to charge Subaru for this non-service. I am not a super cyber jockey. Why would service departments try to slip something like this past consumer? I have spoken to the service manager, and my car is at a different Subaru service department.

Ryan - your videos continue to be the best! I hope that you were able to resolve the sound issue on the console. I had my 1year Servicing a few weeks ago, and received the 504 Update. Thankfully, no complete loss of sound. (The dealership was also able to resolve my New York City Nav Map issue - the tech had to do a ‘hard reset’). The only sound issue that I briefly had was loss of sound/ tuning of channels, but only for Sirius. The very helpful tech was able to resolve it within about 5 mins, by changing a fuse to a different port (in the fuse box, under the hood). After 1 yr., I have no regrets at all with my 2020 Subaru. Great gas mileage , especially on the highway, and most important to me, incredible traction & handling during the record-setting winter of last year. It plowed through everything without breaking a sweat. Looking forward to your CarPlay video. Thank you for the time & effort you take to make & share your very informative/ well-done videos. Have a safe winter!

I really appreciate you making these videos. I just bought a new outback premium back in June. These videos have made my transition into the new vehicle very smooth. It is a great car and I really enjoy driving it. I was going to get the new update and now I think I am going to wait. Thanks again for taking the time to make these informative videos.

Good to see you back on here! Love my Onyx XT too so far despite the minor inconveniences. Your videos have certainly helped me realize a lot of its perks :)

Ryan, good to have you back! Looks like I'm one of the lucky ones. I had the dealer install the 504 update on Sept 1, and all works well. Moving the auto start/stop makes it more convenient to turn on/ off. I just wish there was a way to keep it off (and AVH on as well). Hope you get your's fixed soon as I always look forward to your videos. Stay safe and healthy.

Great to have you back! I've put off having the 504 update done. My nearest dealer, that is 90 minutes away, said that the update would take 3 hours! So that's 6 hours out of a day gone for a software update. (I would have to wait for it.) It was just not worth it. Now I'm glad I didn't go through with it, thanks to this critical information video. I'm looking forward to your follow-up and other future videos!

Glad your back Ryan and thanks for the info.

I had the same problem(2 weeks ago). I have 2020 Outback Touring XT ver -503. I was told it was the amp under the passenger seat. Dealer said it would be a few days. Day before I was scheduled for the repair they said part was on back order told them needed a rentail for 5 days at their expense for a business trip (This issue also affected alerts for the safety systems) and magicly they had the part next day. I am still on software 503. Good luck on your repair hope they can fix it soon. I still love my Subaru and understand re-design issues happen.

I own two 2015 Outbacks, great vehicles. I had a 2010 Outback with the dreaded wheel shimmy/shake. Despite multiple dealer trips, never adequately fixed. I’ll be looking at a 2020/2021 soon, hope they get this fixed. Thanks for posting!

Ryan: First, thank you for these videos. I can’t begin to tell you how much they help. I own a 2020 Outback Touring XT. Like you, I love the car. I bought it in January. This audio problem happened to us too when the dealer tried to install the 504 update last month. It took them three days to get the car back to us. The dealer worked with Subaru and wound up doing a complete clean reinstall of the entire software system. Subaru had the dealer run a lot of tests on the car to try to figure out where the bug was which added a day to the whole process. After those three days, I got my car back. The good news is the audio now worked. The bad news is, of course, that I lost all of my settings. It wasn’t a big deal. It only took me about an hour to remember what I had done. Having said all that, the update is fantastic. Apple CarPlay is much better on the full screen. I like that the album artwork doesn’t disappear when the car is in motion. The responsiveness of the screen is vastly improved. And of course, your point about the auto start stop was immediately noticeable. I recommend you have your dealer call Subaru’s technical support and see if they can do the same thing for you. You shouldn’t go without audio on a car this new. My advice would be to write down what your settings are if you choose to go this route. It won’t take very long to get them back.

I got the 504 update and no problems with the audio. I must be one of the lucky ones. Whew! Looking forward to the videos you’ve planned soon!

I just bought a 2020 Legacy limited. I have learned a lot from the videos. I will wait to get the software update, I like the new full screen Apple CarPlay.

You give way more info than the manufacturer does. Thank you. 🙏

I have a 2020 Outback; I have an appointment this Friday at Subaru re: the system, I will mention the 504, thank you. My wi-fi will not connect for some reason and I can't even set it to do updates automatically as they are available. Thanks also for the info on the CCU behind the screen. did not know that.

Thanks for the info. I almost downloaded it but then I got the email not to. The auto start/stop is nice update

I enjoy your videos. I just got a 2020 Premium, so while not as full-featured as your model, your videos have been helpful (I got option package 15, which gave me several of the niceties you've covered). I hope you were able to get the CCU issue sorted. I've read that the update also causes album artwork not to show up in CarPlay, though it shows up fine in the regular Media app when the phone is connected via cable, a problem I've noticed on my end as well. That's the only problem I know of so far with mine, and hopefully Subaru will fix that soon, too.

Ryan, I am TOTALLY indebted to you for your Outback series! I am old enough to be your father and while computer saavy and mechanically inclined, these electronics are not really user friendly! I have turned my service writer to your channel which helps him! My radio too, is on the Fritz! Bill

Ryan, I would definitely do or have your retailer do a hard reset for you in the mean time to see if you can get it working. Generally, as a SA at a Subaru dealer here in GA, I have seen the 504 solve 98% of problems in the head unit. If you’re having problems with your radio unit, please do take it to your dealer and get the 504 update installed! It usually takes about an hour and half to 2 hours to install that update properly. 🙂

Thanks for your videos. I look forward to new ones always. I commented below about my 504 update. I HATE so much the Auto Start/Stop. Did you say that their is a way to turn off permanently? I am on a hwy rarely, my start / stops are often but very short in duration in my city of 124k. Therefore, Auto start/stop is constantly happening. I know this sounds dramatic .... but, I hate it so much. How do you turn off permanently?

Seems like we're all experiencing different problems! I took my car in and got the 504 software update but it still has same problem, no change. My 2020 Outback drops the Blue Tooth connection with my Android Phone (Music App) and the StarLink app goes dark. When this happens phones are not recognized and pairing with another phones is impossible. Last time this happened I found my Blue Tooth on my phone was off which I thought was strange since I didn't recall turning it off, but once I turned it back on everything was back to normal, again that may have been my fault, I'll need to keep an eye on that. Going to see my dealer soon and going to mention your video to them and see what they say.

Ryan, your tips are the best I've found and thank you for them. Don't know any other way to ask this question - is there any way to edit phone contacts in the head unit? Try as I might, only deleting the phone and re-uploading is all I could find. Thank you!

Conclusion : Walk slowly for a software update. Thank for the warning.

My wife updated her Touring XT via wifi and there's no issue so far. Not sure why it's the case and kind of nervous that the we might have to face the problems you have here at any point in the near future.

PS.. The 504 Update made a lot of little tweaks to improve the user interface experience, some of which you mentioned in this video. By far my favorite is what seems to be a software upgrade to the rear camera. It seems to me to be a higher resolution than before (though it might just be my remembrance). But what is definitely upgraded is that my rear camera is now showing a much more useful, wider, fish-eye view. Not only more area visibility from side to side, but also up & down. I can now see the rear bumper area - whereas before, the camera was only a squared view, straight back. I'm assuming these were accomplished via software, as I don't think the physical rear camera, itself, was replaced/upgraded. My only consumer gripe about the 504 is that, like the previous version, the Auto Start-Stop still remains as needing to be manually turned off, each time you start the vehicle. But, now, (with the exception of the Lane Departure Assist), all of the other Eye Sight Assists which I chose to manually turn Off, no longer stay in their manually Off positions; whereas before, those controls stayed Off, once I turned them Off, and remained that way. This is no longer the case after the 504 Update. (The only Eye Sight Driving Assist item that I keep on for my vehicle, is the rear collision warning - which I love!). From a user interface experience standpoint, once I turn a setting Off, it should stay Off, until such time that I choose to enable it, again. Otherwise, the other 95% of the 504 seems to have been a well done enhancement.

Hi Ryan, Thanks for your videos on the TSBs. I put a deposit down on a 2020 XT Touring which will be here on Sept 11th. I have a Legacy 3.6R now and I'm wanting to upgrade to the Outback for the ride comfort and room. Your TSB videos have me feeling more comfortable with the infotainment system however I'm seeing a lot of feedback on RU-vid regarding the roughness of the auto start/stop system. Any thoughts here?

OMG so stoked for full screen apple car play! That was one of my biggest negatives for going to the 2020. Hopefully it is fixed soon. And for the 504 software update, do you need an appointment usually if you are just bringing in your car to be updated? Or can you just do a walk-in type thing? Thanks for the info! I'll definitely wait until they have figured out the sound thing though... I can't imagine not having sounds for three moths possibly.

Ryan, did you ever get the audio fixed? Looking forward to your tip and how to permanently turn off auto start/stop.

Ryan, We picked up our red 2020 Outback Limited about three months ago. On Tuesday we took it in to the dealer to have the Eyesight calibrated after having the cracked windshield replaced. I also had 504 installed. So far, three days later, it is still working fine. Really like the full screen Car Play and some of the other minor updates. Like the others, I really appreciate your videos. They certainly reduced the time the dealer spent telling my wife and me how the features on the car worked. Question - did the new window covering, especially on the sunroof, noticeably keep the car cooler during August? Thanks

Thank you for your videos. They are helpful. I am reading a Subaru Owners Forum via Subaru.... there are many who are having an erratic take over of the steering while using Lane Centering (cruise). They are describing a powerful, not able to combat it, takeover of the steering wheel. What do you know about this? There was one story of a Lane Keeping take over. There is a growing list of features that I won't use... Sigh. First time Subaru owner.... maybe a short time owning.

Hi Ryan. Enjoy the channel. One question and one problem. First, the dealer just installed a new update. Soon after the gps began to have problems figuring out where it was. Back to the dealer. They allegedly did something and it seemed ok. We left for a long trip (we are in the middle of it now) and yesterday the screen suddenly went black. Within 15 seconds it automatically rebooted but . . . no audio!. Anyway, after restarting the car every thing worked for several hours until I noticed distances to waypoints were too long (i.e., one mile when it should have been 1/4 mile) and then it would shut down, reboot and begin working again. Sound like a CCU needs replacement? Secondly, the new software has a subheading volume control (I think it says beep volume) to eliminate the lane change/cruise control beeping which annoys me. I reduced it to zero with no effect. Any advice? If you have the time, thanks in advance.

@SubaruOwnerTips I’m trying to replace the windshield wipers. Is it possible to do with off the shelf parts? It seems like the wiper arm is a custom arm

We have a 2021 Subaru Outback Touring XT and the audio system is possessed. First problem was at startup, not necessarily first startup, the left side speakers would come on full volume, no sound out of the right side. Turn off car and restart, it corrected. Second issue was the driver monitor system would give the “ keep eyes on road” message in the cluster and it would not stop unless I waved my hand in front of the camera. It stopped for a few seconds then restarted. I had to turn off the car and restart for that to go away. The next problem was that the navigation would freeze. After it froze a couple times on a road trip, we decided to use apple CarPlay and phone navigation. The system would shut completely off then restart. It would also disconnect Apple CarPlay. It did this with 2 different iPhone 12s with latest software. The touch screen locked up and would not respond to any commands. There was also stretches of the drive where there was no audio at all. The system was on and the information center in the cluster said “ audio loading”, the screen showed “ no audio playing” at the top. For the full volume issue, the sound amplifier was replaced. It was a few months before the head unit messed up again. The presets would start switching stations on their own. We would put it back where we had it and it would start switching again. The head unit was replaced at that time. The following Monday, we had no sound at all out of the audio system. Power off, power on fixed it again. A couple of days ago, the full volume thing happened again. This time, I drove it to the dealership in the failed state and left the vehicle running in the service drive so they could see it was happening again. All of this on a vehicle that we too purchased outright new and have owned 10 months.

All this makes me glad i am holding out for a 2021. Still have yet to see a 2020 with the options i want on it from the factory. I am glad not to need a new car till May of 2021.

I have no audio as well but it goes away after letting the car sit overnight. The dealer was not able to replicate. Also, just found out the CVT transmission is having issues and working with the dealer to get it replaced. 2020 Outback with less than 10K miles.

I have a question about another part of my infotainment system. Across the top you know how you can tab across 5 options. Four of the tab options have information in them, but one is blank. Is there a way to put something in the blank spot, or is it meant to be blank? Thanks

I bought my 2020 last October. Had the car only a few weeks and the cockpit control system went out. Could not adjust anything from the screen. They had to replace it. It took a week or so to come in. Maybe that part has some design flaws.

Incase you guys havent got the letter, there is now a recall so to speak. Take it in to Subaru and they will reinstall with completely new updated software. Check you Subaru app,.it should you the info on there as well

I have an Outback XT, 2020, bought in July. I too have had the screen go bonkers. Couldn't get the buttons to work on the screen. (Touch pads) radio and other functions not responsive. Next day all is well. Have you done the follow up to this video? I'm wondering what success I will have if I go to the dealer in Mid November. Please cover your temp indicator (90) It's Freezing in Connecticut.

I have a 2020 Outback and I have the 501 software version. Does the Subaru recall WRH-20 have anything to do with the 504 version? Should I get the recall since my backup camera works fine?

Sounds like they are blaming hardware for something a software update broke? They should at least be able to roll back to a previous version of the software until they resolve the issue.

Hi I'm wondering how you leave avh on and don't have to turn it on everytime?

Im getting my 2021 in 2 days. Are these issues resolved? And will it come with stock new update or i have to tell my dealership?

Any update on this software update? I just got outback updated and I am having the same issue.

So.... That video on permanently disabling Auto Stop/Start??? I'm quite savvy I can understand directions via email too. Just let me know. Thank you for your work

Just took my 2020 Outback to my dealer for it's first service and was told I should update the software. I told the service writer that I had heard there were bugs in that upgrade, but she told me all bugs were traced to having it done over wi-fi and not to worry because the would hard wire the upgrade. I got 2 miles away and discovered no audio. Took it back to dealer and am now told it will take a week or more before they get the new computer parts. I absolutely hate the electronics and display on this car. I've had to "dumb down" all the warnings and driver assist programs, as the car wants to drive itself. Just changing a lane the thing sends out visual and audible warnings. It's as if these engineers don't think we know how to drive. What a pain. Mechanically, the Outback is great, but Subaru shot itself in the foot with having this display control so much.

I’m having that issue now, how did you fix it?

I hate ours. 3 yr warranty, arrogant engineering assumes I don't know shit about driving. I will operate the vehicle, thank you. Leased it for 3 yrs. I don't have anymore faith than Subaru in this car. Earlier Outbacks? loved them. They jumped the shark here. More apps and gadgets doesn't make a better car.

We have just received the notice from Subaru to come in and get the software update. Have they fixed the audio issue? We have Android phones, have they updated Android Auto to full screen? This update may not be worth it, imho

Good video I noticed on your screen the STARLINK icon was greyed out this happened to me 2 days ago I am current on my subscription by the way. I was going take in to my dealer. To see what’s up. I have not updated my software yet and if the wants to maybe I should wait. I lost my phone paring at the same time along with loosing the STARLINK icon

I just got my 2021 subaru outback, my Bluetooth audio keeps cutting out and it's pretty consistent. I have to unpair the phone and turn it back on to get it working but it happens every time I drive my car. So I don't know what I should do, wait for it to work or what.

Hi SOT guy! I don't know if you will ever see this, and perhaps my answers are embedded in one of your vids, but here goes. First, on my 2020 Outback LMTD,I thought the i lever (of the three levers on the lower left of the steering wheel) was supposed to offer a pull and hold feature to get into sub menus. I never see that. I get all the other stuff, tire pressure, compass etc. I am asking because I wanted to adjust the sensitivity of the assisted high beam feature and I can't seem to find it. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

Have you been able to get the software working properly yet?

Well I guess I just joined the fun of having this issue....

No audio in your new car for seven straight months? Crazy. Did the CCU ever come in?

My 2018 legacies radio is still not fixed, still waiting for another update!

Took my 2020 Outback to the dealer and they updated it to 504, no problems, every thing works fine. Dealer said do not use the home wifi to update, needs to be hard wired at the dealer.

2020 Outback. Main problem! Listen to music using my mobile phone and it drops out. I think Star Link is also related to mobile connection. Took to Subaru and they replaced the radio, so far so good, it's been four days.

How can I remove this dashboard? I need to install a Line out converter from my subwoofer?

I am waiting on the update, but the most annoying thing is CarPlay starting and stopping while I am using waze or google maps for directions. This update was suppose to improve this. I replaced cables, have rebooted my iPhone, nothing seems to improve the situation.

Any updates yet?

Any news on this situation??? Thank you

I found this video because my audio cut out.I muted the radio as I pulled into a NYC parking lot; when I picked up the car there was no audio whatsoever. I have never updated my firmware. So there must be another issue. No Bluetooth for the phone is a bigger deal than the radio.

This a Pain in the butt for sure. And we just got this Update 😳😔

My subaru just lost all radio sound on my 2024 outback wilderness after I updated the software....

I had the same issue but that was about a month ago. I managed to fix this after disconnecting the battery, leave it for 10 minutes, and reconnect the battery.

I do not own an outback yet, but I am about to purchase, where is the software located? Do I need to download stark link? If i link my car to wifi will it update on its own? Do i need to bring it to a dealer? My thinking is it is like a phone, just click on the Screen, and it downloads. Is the wifi version still available

Did you start your car with the garage door closed?

I've almost put my fist through the screen several times, this is a huge pain in the ass - Onyx XT over here... I love the car this is the only thing about it, driving me nuts!!

704 has given me full screen Apple Car Play

Any new updates?

This just happened to my new 2022 outback ,, is there a fix i can do , or do i need to take to dealer

Subaru really dropped the ball on the 2020 Outback's infortainment system. I've read if the head unit gets bricked. You can't even control the HVAC controls anymore.

Any updates?

I installed F11GHM020-704 (had 502) no issues... what is the 022? I have a Outback 2020.

Great video! :) Question: Being in computer since the 80's, why would any dealer replace the CCU if the problems started after the firmware was updated? It seems that a newer fixed firmware would simply resolve the issues by 704? Also, I understand that 504 is installed by the daaler and 704 by the end user/customer and that there are a few extras features with 504, but are they both having the same issues such as missing audio? Lastly i wonder why Subaru includes different feature sets based on how the update was applied (over wifi or direct plug in by the dealer). My only guess is that they wanted the over wifi firmware to be smaller for faster install and less chance of corruption. But they need to let the customer know that there is a differance and what those differances are. Again great video! Thanks! :)

I did a wifi update on a 2020 Touring with no problems.

Just happened to me today. Wtf. Super annoying.

Your luck it’s only audio my whole screen is blank! Waiting for part

6:00 sitting in his garage with the engine running... ummm shut it off?!