The Subaru remote start hardware is exceptional, but the vehicle's software ladder logic is a tragic fail.  These are the problems:

1. The engine shuts off when the door is opened.
2. The door cannot be locked when the engine is running. It would be useful when temporarily leaving the vehicle on a cold day.
3. It's only value is to destroy expensive parts due to the engineered overuse of the starting system..

I want to buy my 4th Subaru, but the Remote Start is a deal breaker.  My wife always uses the remote to start her 2018 Legacy, and gets angry every time she cannot lock the door when running into the store.

If the FOB is present, then the door should unlock and open without shutting the engine off. Is there 3rd party software that can be used to correct this manufacturers defect?

Thank you,

Tim

Are there any work arounds to the poor OEM Remote Start Software, or do we need to start shopping Honda and Toyota?

 

Welcome to the state of modern consumer products. Too many computers and too much intellectual property. You don't own your car and it's software. Subaru owns the rights to it and will dictate what you can and cannot do with it. Forever.

And no, there is not, nor is there going to be, any "software" to change any of that behavior.

GD