That trusty Subaru Outback is built for adventure, not endless garage time. But even the most reliable vehicles can flash that dreaded check engine light. When it happens, you’ve got a choice: spend time and money at the dealership, or take control and diagnose the issue yourself. An OBD2 scanner is your key to unlocking your Subaru’s onboard computer and understanding exactly what’s causing that warning light.
Since 1996, every car in the U.S., including your Subaru, has used the On-Board Diagnostic II (OBD2) system. This system constantly monitors your vehicle’s performance, from the engine’s air intake temperature to the function of the water pump, feeding data to the Engine Control Unit (ECU). An OBD2 scanner plugs into your Subaru’s diagnostic port and accesses this wealth of information, including standardized Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) that trigger the check engine light. For even deeper insights, the best OBD2 scanners can also read manufacturer-specific codes, giving you a comprehensive picture of your Subaru’s health. But with so many options on the market, which OBD2 scanner is the right choice for your Subaru?
We’ve listened to the SubaruOutback.org community and compiled a list of highly recommended OBD2 scanners to help you make an informed decision and get back on the road with confidence.
Top OBD2 Scanners for Subaru Vehicles
Here are some of the best OBD2 scanners favoured by Subaru owners, offering a range of features and capabilities to suit different needs and budgets.
OBDLink MX+ – SubaruOutback.org Favorite
OBDLink is a well-respected brand in the OBD2 scanner world, and the MX+ model came highly recommended by the Subaru community. This scanner stands out thanks to its rapid Bluetooth connectivity, providing fast, real-time data directly from your Subaru’s engine computer to your smartphone or tablet. The OBDLink MX+ requires a mobile device to operate, but the company provides a free app compatible with iOS, Android, and Windows. This is a significant advantage, as many budget Bluetooth scanners are limited to Android devices and won’t work with iPhones or iPads.
The OBDLink MX+ is compatible with all OBD2 compliant vehicles, including every Subaru model. It reads both basic and manufacturer-specific codes, giving you a detailed understanding of any issues. For added peace of mind, it comes with a three-year warranty and is designed to be safely left plugged into your Subaru’s OBD2 port without draining the battery.
ScanGauge II – The Multi-Function Tool
The ScanGauge II offers more than just diagnostic capabilities; it doubles as a customizable digital gauge display for your Subaru. Working with all OBD2 vehicles (1996 and newer), it performs standard diagnostic functions like reading and clearing both current and pending trouble codes. However, the ScanGauge II sets itself apart by providing real-time monitoring of various vehicle parameters on its integrated screen.
This compact device can display essential data such as RPM, speed, intake air temperature, fuel pressure, ignition timing, and coolant temperature. For Subaru owners focused on fuel efficiency, it also shows instantaneous and average fuel consumption, and even calculates cost per mile. Furthermore, ScanGauge II supports vehicle-specific gauges, including a boost gauge for turbocharged Subaru models, allowing you to monitor performance data directly from your dashboard.
Innova 5610 – Advanced Diagnostics for DIYers
The Innova 5610 OBD2 scanner is designed for users who want more in-depth diagnostic capabilities. Like the other scanners listed, it handles basic and manufacturer-specific trouble codes. The Innova 5610 features a large, user-friendly color screen for easy viewing of data and trouble codes, and it can also display live data streams in graph format, allowing you to visualize your Subaru’s sensor readings. Beyond engine codes, it can also scan other modules in your Subaru, including the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
What truly elevates the Innova 5610 is its bidirectional control functionality. This advanced feature, typically found in professional-grade scanners, allows you to send commands to your Subaru’s modules and sensors. For example, you can temporarily disable a module for testing purposes or command an EGR valve to open and close to verify its operation. This level of control makes the Innova 5610 a powerful tool for experienced DIY mechanics working on their Subarus.
BlueDriver Pro – Comprehensive and User-Friendly
The BlueDriver Pro is another highly recommended OBD2 scanner known for its user-friendliness and comprehensive features. Like all scanners on this list, it reads and clears standard OBD2 trouble codes, but it goes further by providing freeze frame data, capturing the vehicle’s parameters at the moment a code was triggered. It also displays live data streams, allowing you to monitor sensor readings in real-time.
A particularly useful feature for Subaru owners is the BlueDriver Pro’s smog check readiness test. Resetting trouble codes can make your Subaru fail an emissions test initially, and BlueDriver Pro can confirm when your vehicle has completed all necessary internal tests and is ready for inspection. Furthermore, BlueDriver Pro generates repair reports for each trouble code, offering likely causes, owner-reported fixes, and other helpful information to guide your diagnostic process.
Autel AutoLink AL329 – Professional Features for Home Mechanics
Autel is a leading name in professional automotive diagnostic equipment, often seen in workshops and garages. While they produce high-end, comprehensive diagnostic systems, Autel also offers more affordable, user-friendly tools like the AutoLink AL329, perfect for the DIY Subaru owner. This standalone scanner is ideal if you prefer a direct, plug-and-play device without the need for smartphones or apps.
While Autel’s professional MaxiSys series offers advanced capabilities like reprogramming ADAS systems, the AutoLink AL329 focuses on essential diagnostic functions. It features a color screen for clear display of information and retrieves generic and manufacturer-specific codes, checks emissions readiness, and views freeze frame data. The Autel AutoLink AL329 provides the core diagnostic features needed to troubleshoot your Subaru effectively at a budget-friendly price point.
Investing in the best OBD2 scanner for your Subaru empowers you to understand your vehicle’s health and address issues promptly. Whether you choose a basic code reader or a more advanced tool with bidirectional controls and live data, having a scanner on hand can save you time and money, and keep your Subaru ready for its next adventure.
