When the USB port is not working in Your Subaru Outback the first thing that You should do is go ahead and reset the head unit. The most likely reason that things will not connect over USB is a software problem and resetting the head unit can usually clear these issues up in most cases. If that does not solve it then the next thing to do is check the actual port and make sure that it is free from damage, debris, or bent pins. If any of these are damaged then You will need to repair or replace it. The last thing to check is the wiring at the back of the port to make sure that it is tight and free from fraying.
Elaine C
July 30, 2020
USB port issues on the Subaru Outback can be caused by a blown USB fuse.
I pressed the two knobs on each end of the radio as well as the CD button at the same time. This cleared the USB so that it would work again. Hopefully will be a permanent fix. Called local Subaru dealer in Mechanicsburg PA with the question. Never bother
December 12, 2021
I pressed the two knobs on each end of the radio as well as the CD button at the same time. This cleared the USB so that it would work again. Hopefully will be a permanent fix.
claire
May 26, 2023
Howo i reset the head?
Robin B
February 16, 2022
I have a 2021 VTech Impreza, searched the Internet and thought the problem was resolved. User manual said to use a FAT32 USB drive, and that USB 2 technology was OK. Sounded somewhat dated, but what the hell. Found a little-used 2GB drive, formatted it under good old Windows XP, got a nice old-fashioned USB as called for in the user manual. Bound to work, I thought. SAME PROBLEM! About 1 time in 10 the USB audio played instantly, but most of the time I got the message “USB device not recognized ”. I cleaned all the surfaces, blew away all the dust, but no difference. Only way I could get the audio would be to remove USB, and then re-insert it, sometimes once or twice. Then suddenly all was well. Tried another 4GB stick, exactly the same problem. Really irritating. So, got a brand new 32GB drive, formatted it Fat 32 under Windows 10 in a USB 3 slot and BINGO, works every time.
RobinB
February 16, 2022
Try using a 32GB USB formatted FAT32 in a 3.0 USB slot
Josiah
April 26, 2023
Great tip! Reset my Subaru Outback head end. Worked like a charm! Thanks!
Carol
February 20, 2024
I had trouble to start with but tried again with a ScanDisk 3.0 128. Put it in first and started the car up. Loaded very quickly and played. 2024 Outback Wilderness. Yay!
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