Subaru Forester Key Stuck in Ignition? Here’s What to Do

Is your Subaru Forester key refusing to come out of the ignition? That moment of panic when your key won’t budge can ruin your day in seconds. This frustrating issue affects thousands of Forester owners across multiple model years, and you’re facing a documented mechanical problem rather than just operator error.

The good news? You’ve got options. In this guide, we’ll walk through why this happens, what you can try right now, and how to permanently fix the problem without breaking the bank. Let’s get your key—and your day—back on track.

Why Your Subaru Forester Key Gets Stuck: Understanding the Issue

When your Subaru Forester key won’t budge from the ignition, the culprit is usually a faulty park range switch inside the transmission shifter assembly. This switch serves as a safety feature that should only allow key removal when your vehicle is properly in Park. Unfortunately, this component has proven vulnerable to premature failure in many Subaru models.

The problem typically occurs when the vehicle’s computer system can’t detect that the transmission is in Park, even when the shifter shows “P” on your dashboard. This miscommunication between the shifter and ignition system keeps the key locked in place.

Which Subaru Foresters Are Affected?

This isn’t just a random fluke—it’s a widespread issue that Subaru has acknowledged through multiple technical service bulletins. The models most commonly affected include:

• 2014-2018 Subaru Forester (particularly common)
• 2012-2018 Impreza
• 2013-2018 Crosstrek
• 2015-2018 Legacy and Outback
• 2015-2018 WRX

The problem is especially prevalent in vehicles with automatic transmissions and conventional key ignitions. If you have one of these models, you’re more likely to experience the key stuck issue at some point.

Immediate Steps When Your Key Gets Stuck

Before panicking or calling for help, try these quick troubleshooting steps that often resolve the issue:

1. Verify Your Vehicle is Fully in Park

This sounds obvious, but it’s the number one cause of stuck keys. Even when your shifter appears to be in Park, it might not be fully engaged.

• Push the shifter firmly into Park with more force than usual
• Listen for a distinctive click that confirms proper engagement
• Try jiggling the shifter slightly while attempting to turn and remove the key

2. Check Your Steering Wheel

A locked steering wheel is another common culprit. When you park, if your steering wheel turns slightly after the key is off, the steering lock can engage in a way that prevents key removal.

• Gently wiggle the steering wheel left and right
• While wiggling, try turning the key to the full OFF position
• Listen for a click from the lock mechanism releasing
• Once you hear the click, try removing the key again

3. Try the “Slam into Park” Method

This technique has a surprisingly high success rate among Forester owners with this issue:

1. Restart your engine
2. Shift into Reverse
3. Roll back slightly (if safe to do so)
4. Firmly shift back into Park with more force than usual
5. Turn off the engine
6. Try removing the key

4. The Restart and Retry Method

Another effective approach for temporary resolution:

1. Restart your engine
2. Cycle through different gear positions (Park → Drive → Reverse → Park)
3. Turn off the engine
4. Wait 5-10 seconds
5. Try removing the key

This cycling action can reset the communication between the park range switch and your vehicle’s computer system.

DIY Solutions That Actually Work

If the immediate steps don’t solve your problem, these more involved DIY approaches might help:

The Parking Brake First Method

This works especially well for vehicles parked on inclines:

1. Start your engine
2. Apply the parking brake firmly
3. Shift to Neutral
4. Turn off the engine
5. Shift to Park
6. Try removing the key

By engaging the parking brake first, you reduce mechanical stress on the shifter assembly and improve park range switch operation. This technique is particularly effective when combined with the other troubleshooting methods.

The Key Wiggle Technique

Sometimes the simplest approach works best:

1. Turn the key to the ACC position (one click before OFF)
2. Gently wiggle the key up and down while gradually turning to OFF
3. Once in the OFF position, try removing the key

This technique can help if the issue is related to wear in the ignition cylinder itself rather than the park range switch.

Understanding the Technical Root Causes

To fully address the problem, it helps to understand what’s happening mechanically. Three main components can cause your Subaru Forester key to get stuck:

1. Park Range Switch Failure

This is the most common cause, responsible for approximately 70% of stuck key cases in Subaru Foresters. The park range switch:

• Communicates with the Body Control Module
• Signals when the transmission is properly in Park
• Releases the ignition key lock solenoid when functioning correctly

When this switch fails, the vehicle’s computer doesn’t know the car is in Park, so it keeps the key locked in the ignition as a safety measure.

2. Brake-Ignition Switch Problems

A secondary cause relates to the brake-ignition interlock, which has been the subject of separate recall campaigns affecting over 2.26 million Subaru vehicles. This system prevents the key from being removed unless the brake is properly engaged.

3. Steering Wheel Lock Mechanism

The steering lock can contribute to key entrapment when:

• The steering wheel isn’t properly positioned
• Internal lock components become sticky or damaged
• The lock engages at an awkward angle

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When your key gets stuck, these actions will make things worse:

Don’t Force the Key

Pulling hard can break the key off in the ignition, turning a fixable problem into an expensive repair. Metal fatigue in keys makes them vulnerable to snapping under pressure.

Avoid Liquid Lubricants in the Ignition

WD-40 and other oil-based lubricants might seem helpful, but they:

• Attract dust and debris
• Create gummy residue over time
• Can damage electrical components

Don’t Ignore Intermittent Problems

If your key occasionally sticks but usually works fine, don’t wait for complete failure. Intermittent sticking typically progresses to permanent sticking as components continue to wear.

Professional Repair Options: What to Expect

When DIY methods don’t provide a permanent solution, professional repair becomes necessary. Here’s what you should know:

Dealership Repairs

Subaru dealerships will follow the official Technical Service Bulletin 16-112-18R, which outlines the repair procedure for this specific issue:

• Cost: $250-400
• Procedure: Replacement of the park range switch or entire shifter assembly
• Timeframe: Typically 1-3 hours of labor
• Warranty: May be covered under extended warranty in some cases

Independent Mechanic Repairs

Independent shops can often perform the same repairs at lower costs:

• Cost: $100-150
• Procedure: Similar to dealership repairs but may use aftermarket parts
• Timeframe: Usually 1-2 hours
• Benefits: More cost-effective but may not qualify for Subaru warranty coverage

Automotive Locksmith Services

For situations where you need immediate help getting your key out:

• Cost: $75-150 for emergency service
• Procedure: Focuses on key extraction rather than fixing the underlying issue
• Timeframe: Usually available for same-day service
• Best for: Temporary solutions when you’re stranded

Cost Comparison of Repair Options

The following table shows what you can expect to pay for different repair approaches:

Long-Term Prevention Strategies

Once you’ve resolved your current key stuck situation, these practices will help prevent future occurrences:

Lighten Your Keychain

Heavy keychains create constant stress on ignition components:

• Keep car keys separate from your other keys
• Limit keychain weight to prevent premature wear
• Consider using a detachable keychain system

Proper Parking Technique

Develop these habits to reduce stress on your shifter components:

1. Come to a complete stop
2. Apply the parking brake FIRST
3. THEN shift into Park
4. Turn off the engine

This sequence reduces mechanical load on the transmission and shifter assembly, extending component life.

Regular Maintenance

Simple preventive care can avoid more serious problems:

• Spray compressed air into the ignition cylinder monthly to remove dust
• Apply a small amount of graphite lubricant (NOT oil-based) to the key and insert/remove it several times to distribute
• Have intermittent key issues checked promptly by a professional

The Park Range Switch Bypass: An Advanced DIY Option

For technically inclined owners, a park range switch bypass provides a more permanent DIY solution, though it should be considered a temporary fix until proper repairs can be made:

How It Works

This procedure involves disconnecting specific wiring within the shifter console, effectively bypassing the faulty switch. While this achieves a high success rate, it’s important to note that it disables certain safety features.

Required Tools

• Basic screwdriver set
• Trim removal tools
• Electrical tape
• Wire cutters/strippers (optional)

Basic Procedure

1. Disconnect the vehicle battery
2. Remove the shifter console trim
3. Access the park range switch wiring harness
4. Disconnect the appropriate connector
5. Reassemble the console

For a detailed video walkthrough of this procedure, many Subaru owners have found this community-created guide helpful, though I recommend professional repair for the safest, most reliable fix.

Subaru’s Official Response

Subaru has acknowledged this issue through multiple technical service bulletins rather than a full recall. The most recent version, dated May 2022, covers:

• Updated repair procedures
• Redesigned components
• Expanded model coverage

While Subaru hasn’t issued a general recall for this specific issue, they have provided dealerships with the necessary information and parts to address it. Some owners have reported success in getting repairs covered outside of warranty as a “goodwill” gesture, especially when dealing with higher-mileage vehicles that have been regularly serviced at Subaru dealerships.

When Is It Time for a New Ignition Cylinder?

While most key stuck issues relate to the park range switch, sometimes the ignition cylinder itself needs replacement. Consider this option if:

• Your key is difficult to insert or turn (not just remove)
• You notice excessive play or wobble when the key is inserted
• The key sticks in multiple positions, not just when trying to remove it
• You’ve had to replace or repair your key multiple times due to wear

A new ignition cylinder costs between $150-300 for parts alone, plus labor. Since this represents a significant investment, it’s worth trying the simpler solutions first.

Real-World Success Stories

Many Subaru owners have successfully resolved their key stuck issues using these methods. Here are some typical experiences from the Subaru community:

“After weeks of my 2016 Forester key getting stuck, I finally tried the ‘slam into Park’ method. I’ve been doing it for 6 months now without any issues. Takes me an extra 5 seconds when parking, but saves me from a $300 repair bill.”

“My 2015 Forester started having intermittent key stuck problems at around 67,000 miles. The dealership quoted $375 for the repair, but my local mechanic did it for $120. Working perfectly for over a year now.”

“I tried everything but finally had to get the park range switch replaced. The good news is that the dealer covered it under an extended warranty I didn’t even know I had. Worth asking about!”

Wrapping Up

A stuck ignition key in your Subaru Forester is frustrating but fixable through several approaches ranging from simple DIY techniques to professional repairs. The primary culprit—a faulty park range switch—affects thousands of vehicles across multiple model years and represents a well-documented issue within the Subaru community.

For most owners, the “slam into Park” method or “restart and retry” technique will provide immediate relief while they consider more permanent solutions. When those methods stop working, professional repair through an independent shop or dealership offers the most reliable long-term fix.

Remember that forcing the key or using improper lubricants will make your situation worse. With the right approach, you can get your key out safely and implement measures to prevent this frustrating problem from happening again.