Disabling location tracking and telematics on a 2022 BRZ?

I read an article recently about how Subaru tracks location data and how long they store it. It also mentioned security issues that could let someone access this data easily.

After seeing this, I decided to completely disable Starlink, location tracking, and telematics. I wasn’t sure how hard it would be, but I figured there had to be a way. Here’s what I did.


I called three different Subaru dealerships. The first one said they didn’t have anyone who could do it, the second said Subaru wouldn’t allow them to disable telematics, and the third was open to trying it but wasn’t sure how.

Luckily, the service advisor I spoke with had a background in computer science and was interested in the challenge. A Subaru engineer happened to be there that day, and while he doubted it could be done, he was willing to try a few things.

First, they attempted to disable it through the DCM (Data Communication Module), but that also disabled the front speakers. After trying other options, they decided to remove the panel where the STARLINK and SOS buttons are located and disconnect the wiring.

Once the buttons were unplugged, the DCM started throwing error codes. More importantly, the car stopped reporting its location. They reset the DCM, took the car outside, and tried to locate it through Starlink—nothing. It couldn’t be tracked.

I asked if Subaru could fix this remotely with an update, and they said no. The Subaru engineer was surprised by the result and had to report it as a quality issue to Subaru.

Now, my Starlink and SOS buttons don’t work, and my car won’t report location or accident data. But at least I know it can’t be tracked.

EDIT:

Someone on a BRZ forum pointed out that you can also replace the DCM completely with this module:

Another concern—this module also collects driving data, which Subaru may sell to insurers. Both my method and the replacement module prevent that data from being sent.

Depending on your head unit and telematics version, Subaru actually makes a Starlink bypass box for customers who stop paying for Starlink and have battery drain from the telematics module. Not sure if this exists for the BRZ, but worth checking. There are also third-party kits for other models.

@LUCKY
Subaru makes an official module like this? I’ve seen a third-party one, but it’s expensive.

So they pulled the fuse and unplugged the buttons.

I guess that works, but it would’ve been easier to use the bypass box from the ‘19 Outback bulletin. The module in the link works, but it doesn’t provide power to the microphone, so you lose mic functionality for calls and voice commands.

If I never set up Starlink, does the security risk still exist? Just bought a 2024 BRZ.

Also, can Subaru still sell my data if I never signed up for any connected service?

How does it actually send data? There has to be a simple antenna you can block to stop it from transmitting.