Repair Contents: Note: Towing

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2015 Subaru Outback and 2015 Subaru Legacy. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Avoid towing vehicles except when the vehicle cannot be driven. For models with AWD and CVT, use a loader instead of towing. When towing other vehicles, pay attention to the following to prevent hook or vehicle damage resulting from excessive weight.

Do not tow other vehicles with a front tie-down hook.
Make sure the vehicle towing is heavier than the vehicle being towed.
When towing the vehicle equipped with Subaru EyeSight, be sure to hold down the pre-collision brake OFF switch to turn OFF the pre-collision brake function. (Check that the pre-collision brake OFF indicator light in the meter lights up.)
Front

Remove the hook cover, and install the towing hook (eyebolt).

NOTE: For sedan models, the towing hook (eyebolt) is not a standard equipment.

Fig 1: Installing Towing Hook (Eyebolt)

Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

Rear

Remove the hook cover, and install the towing hook.

NOTE: For sedan models, the towing hook (eyebolt) is not a standard equipment.

Fig 2: Installing Towing Hook

Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

Precautions

Towing	Precautions	MT	CVT
Lifting up four wheels (on a trailer) Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.	Towing the vehicle after lifting up all four wheels is a basic rule for AWD model.	◦	◦
Rope Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.	Check if both front and rear wheels are rotated normally. CVT model driving conditions: Driving speed of 30 km/h (19 MPH) or less Allow driving distance 50 km (31 miles) or less ◦	◦	Δ
Raising the front wheels Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.	Prohibited for full-time AWD model.	X	X
Lifting up the front wheels Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.	Prohibited, due to damage on bumper, front grille, etc. Do not raise the vehicle with bumper.	X	X
Marked ◦: OK, Marked X: Prohibited, Marked Δ: Conditionally OK

CAUTION:

Place the shift lever in "N" position during towing.
Do not lift up the rear wheels to avoid unsteady rotation.
Turn the ignition key to "ACC", then check the steering wheel moves freely. (Models without the keyless access with push button start system)
Release the parking brake to avoid tire dragging.
Since the power steering does not work, be careful for the heavy steering effort. (When engine is stopped)
Since the servo brake does not work, be careful that the brake is not applied effectively. (When engine is stopped)
In case of the malfunction of internal transmission or drive system, lift up four wheels (on a trailer) for towing.
Do not use towing hook (eyebolt) except when towing.
Make sure to detach the towing hook (eyebolt) after towing. If it remains attached, airbag may not operate properly when receiving a shock. And it may also affect the crash performance of the vehicle.
While being towed with all four wheels on the ground, turn the engine switch to ON but do not start the engine.