Subaru Solterra 2023-2026 Owner's Manual: If your vehicle needs to be towed

If your Subaru Solterra requires towing, it is strongly recommended to use an authorized SUBARU dealer or a professional towing service equipped with a wheel-lift or flatbed truck for safe transportation.

Always ensure that a proper safety chain system is used during towing, and strictly follow all applicable local and regional regulations.

Situations when it is not possible to be towed by another vehicle

In certain conditions, the Subaru Solterra cannot be safely towed using cables or chains due to potential locking of the front wheels caused by the parking lock system. In these cases, professional assistance is required.

• Malfunction of the shift control system
• Failure of the immobilizer system
• Issues with the smart key system
• Discharged 12-volt battery

Situations when it is necessary to contact dealers before towing

The following signs may indicate a serious issue with the Subaru Solterra drivetrain or EV system:

Consult a SUBARU dealer or towing specialist before attempting to move the vehicle.

• An EV system warning message appears and the vehicle cannot move
• Unusual or abnormal noises are heard from the vehicle

Towing with a wheel-lift type truck

From the front

When lifting from the front, place a towing dolly under the rear wheels of the Subaru Solterra.

From the rear

When lifting from the rear, use a towing dolly under the front wheels.

WARNING

Always follow these precautions when towing the Subaru Solterra.

Failure to comply may result in severe injury, vehicle damage, or fire.

■ When towing the vehicle

The Subaru Solterra must be transported with all four wheels off the ground whenever possible.

If any wheels remain in contact with the road surface, drivetrain damage may occur, or electrical generation from motor rotation may create a fire hazard depending on system conditions.

NOTICE

■ To prevent damage when towing with a wheel-lift type truck

Ensure sufficient ground clearance at the non-lifted end of the Subaru Solterra. Inadequate clearance may cause underbody damage during transport.

■ Towing with a sling-type truck

Do not tow the Subaru Solterra using sling-type equipment, as it may damage the body or suspension components.

Using a flatbed truck

When transporting the Subaru Solterra on a flatbed truck, secure the vehicle using tire straps according to the truck manufacturer’s instructions.

To minimize movement during transport, engage the parking brake and turn the power switch OFF.

Emergency towing

If a tow truck is not available, the Subaru Solterra may be temporarily towed using cables or chains attached to the emergency towing eyelets.

This method should only be used on paved roads, for short distances, and at speeds below 18 mph (30 km/h).

A driver must remain inside the Subaru Solterra to control steering and braking.

Ensure that the wheels, drivetrain, steering, and braking systems are all in proper working condition before attempting this procedure.

Emergency towing procedure

To tow the Subaru Solterra using another vehicle, install the towing eyelet as follows:

1. Retrieve the towing eyelet and wheel bolt wrench*.

*: The wheel bolt wrench is available from your SUBARU dealer.

2. Remove the eyelet cover using a flathead screwdriver.

Place a protective cloth between the screwdriver and the vehicle body to prevent scratches.

3. Insert the towing eyelet into the mounting hole and tighten it by hand.

4. Securely tighten the towing eyelet using a wheel bolt wrench* or a sturdy metal bar.

5. Attach the towing cable or chain securely to the towing eyelet.

Ensure that no contact is made with painted surfaces to avoid damage to the Subaru Solterra body.

6. Enter the Subaru Solterra and start the EV system.

If the system cannot be started, switch the power mode to ON.

7. Shift to N (Neutral) and release the parking brake.

Deactivate automatic mode if applicable.

■ While towing

If the EV system of the Subaru Solterra is OFF, power assist for steering and braking will be reduced, making vehicle control more difficult.

■ Wheel bolt wrench

The wheel bolt wrench required for this procedure can be obtained from a SUBARU dealer.

WARNING

Follow all safety precautions carefully when towing the Subaru Solterra.

■ While towing

• Avoid sudden acceleration or jerking movements when towing, as excessive force may damage the towing eyelet, cables, or chains and cause injury.
• Do not perform the following actions during towing, as they may activate the parking lock and lock the front wheels:
  • Unfastening the driver’s seat belt and opening the door
  • Turning the power switch OFF

■ Installing towing eyelets to the vehicle

Ensure that the towing eyelet is firmly tightened before towing the Subaru Solterra. Improper installation may cause it to detach during towing.

NOTICE

■ To prevent damage during emergency towing

Never attach cables or chains to suspension components of the Subaru Solterra, as this may cause severe structural damage.