Updating the maps on your Subaru’s navigation system is essential to ensure accurate routing, up-to-date traffic information, and relevant points of interest (POIs). However, sometimes Subaru owners face the frustrating issue of the Subaru map update USB not working, preventing the system from updating correctly. This problem can stem from various causes, including compatibility issues, corrupt files, or even device malfunctions.

If you’re encountering issues while attempting to update your Subaru’s maps via USB, this guide will help you understand the possible causes and provide solutions to resolve the problem. We’ll walk you through the troubleshooting steps, what might be causing the issue, and how to ensure your map updates go smoothly.

What Does “Subaru Map Update USB Not Working” Mean?

When the Subaru map update USB not working issue occurs, it means that the vehicle’s navigation system is unable to read or apply the map update files from the USB drive you are using. This issue can be due to problems with the USB drive itself, the map files, or the vehicle’s infotainment system. In such cases, the update process either doesn’t start, gets stuck, or fails to complete, leading to frustration for the vehicle owner.

Common Reasons Why Subaru Map Update USB Isn’t Working

There are several reasons why your Subaru map update might fail to work with a USB drive. Let’s take a look at the most common causes:

1. Incompatible USB Drive Format

One of the most common causes of a Subaru map update USB not working issue is the format of the USB drive. Subaru systems typically require the USB drive to be formatted in a specific way, usually FAT32. If your USB drive is formatted in another file system, such as NTFS or exFAT, the vehicle’s navigation system might not be able to recognize it.

2. Corrupted or Incomplete Map Files

If the map update files you downloaded are corrupted or incomplete, the update won’t work. This can happen if there was an error during the download or if the file was damaged during the transfer to the USB drive.

3. USB Drive Capacity and Storage Space

Another possible cause is that the USB drive doesn’t have enough space to store the map update files. While most map updates aren’t excessively large, some may require more space than your USB drive can offer. If there’s insufficient space, the update process will fail.

4. USB Port or Connection Issues

Sometimes the problem may not be with the USB drive but with the USB port or connection in your Subaru. A loose or faulty connection could prevent the system from recognizing the USB drive, leading to the map update not working properly.

5. Outdated Navigation System Software

In some cases, the Subaru map update USB not working issue might stem from outdated navigation system software. If your vehicle’s infotainment system software is outdated, it may not be compatible with the latest map update files, causing the update to fail.

6. Incorrect Map Files for Your Vehicle

If you accidentally download map update files that aren’t compatible with your specific Subaru model, the system will not recognize them. Different models may require different map data, so it’s important to ensure you’ve downloaded the correct update files.

How to Fix the “Subaru Map Update USB Not Working” Issue

Now that we know the common reasons behind the Subaru map update USB not working issue, let’s go over some effective troubleshooting steps to help you resolve the problem.

1. Check the USB Drive Format

Ensure that your USB drive is formatted correctly. Most Subaru systems require the USB drive to be formatted in FAT32. If your USB drive is formatted in NTFS or exFAT, follow these steps to reformat the drive:

• Back up any important data on the USB drive, as formatting will erase everything on it.
• Insert the USB drive into your computer.
• Open File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac).
• Right-click on the USB drive and select Format.
• Choose FAT32 as the file system and select Quick Format.
• Click Start to format the USB drive.

Once the format is complete, transfer the map update files back onto the drive and try again.

2. Re-download the Map Update Files

If you suspect the map update files are corrupted or incomplete, the best course of action is to re-download the files. Visit the official Subaru map update website, log into your account, and ensure you are downloading the correct files for your vehicle model. After downloading the files, copy them to your USB drive and try the update again.

3. Ensure Sufficient Space on the USB Drive

Check that your USB drive has enough available storage to accommodate the map update files. If the drive is near full, try freeing up space by deleting unnecessary files or use a different USB drive with greater capacity. Most Subaru map updates require at least 8GB of free space, so make sure the drive has enough room.

4. Try a Different USB Port

If the Subaru map update USB not working issue persists, the problem could be with the USB port in your Subaru. Try using a different USB port in the vehicle to see if the update process will work. In many cases, the USB port near the center console is the one used for map updates, but it’s worth testing other available ports.

5. Update Your Navigation System Software

Outdated software may prevent the map update from being recognized. If you haven’t updated your Subaru’s navigation system software in a while, it might be a good idea to check for available software updates. Follow these steps:

• Go to the Settings menu on your Subaru’s infotainment system.
• Look for a section on Software Updates or System Updates.
• Check if any updates are available for the navigation system.
• If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to install it.

After the software update is installed, try the map update again using the USB drive.

6. Download the Correct Map Files for Your Vehicle

Ensure that you’ve downloaded the correct map update files for your specific Subaru model. Subaru offers region-specific and model-specific updates, so it’s essential to ensure that the files are compatible with your vehicle. Double-check your vehicle’s model and year before starting the download process to avoid compatibility issues.

Frequently Asked Questions About Subaru Map Update USB Not Working

Q1: Why does my Subaru map update USB not work even though it’s formatted correctly?

A1: If your USB drive is formatted correctly, there could still be other issues, such as corrupted map files, insufficient storage space, or a faulty USB port. Re-download the map files, check the available storage on your USB drive, and try a different port to troubleshoot the issue.

Q2: How do I know if I’ve downloaded the correct map files for my Subaru?

A2: When downloading map updates, make sure to enter your vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and select the correct model year and region. This ensures that the map files are compatible with your specific Subaru.

Q3: Can I update my Subaru’s maps using a USB drive with a higher storage capacity?

A3: Yes, you can use a USB drive with a higher storage capacity, such as a 16GB or 32GB drive, as long as it is formatted correctly in FAT32. Just make sure there is enough free space on the drive to accommodate the update files.

Q4: What should I do if my Subaru’s map update USB still doesn’t work after troubleshooting?

A4: If the issue persists after troubleshooting, you can contact Subaru customer support for assistance. They can help you identify the root cause of the problem and guide you through further troubleshooting steps or recommend a professional solution.

Q5: Can I perform a Subaru map update via SD card instead of a USB drive?

A5: Yes, some Subaru models allow you to use an SD card instead of a USB drive for map updates. Ensure the SD card is properly formatted in FAT32, and follow the same steps as you would for a USB drive.

Q6: How often should I update my Subaru’s maps?

A6: It’s recommended to update your Subaru’s maps at least once a year to keep the navigation system accurate. Regular updates will ensure you have the latest road information, points of interest, and real-time traffic data.

Conclusion

The Subaru map update USB not working issue can be frustrating, but it is usually solvable with the right troubleshooting steps. By ensuring your USB drive is formatted correctly, downloading the correct map files, and performing software updates if necessary, you can resolve most issues. If all else fails, contacting Subaru customer support will provide you with the help you need to get your map update process back on track.

Keeping your Subaru’s navigation system updated is crucial for efficient driving, so following these steps will ensure that you enjoy an optimal driving experience with accurate and up-to-date maps.