You lock your Subaru, start walking away, and suddenly—beep, beep, beep, beep, beep. Five short chirps echo in the quiet air. You pause and look back, wondering if your vehicle is trying to tell you something.
Your Subaru beeps 5 times when locking because the keyless access system detects an issue—usually a door not fully closed, door replaced with lower trim, or a failed remote-locking request when the car doesn’t sense the key.
In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what those five beeps mean, what causes them, and how to fix or prevent them.
Understanding the 5-Beep Signal
Every Subaru model comes equipped with an intelligent locking and alert system. The beeps, flashes, and warning tones are all designed to notify you of the vehicle’s security status or potential issues.
When your Subaru beeps five times upon locking, it typically indicates that the vehicle detected something abnormal—most often, that a door, trunk, or rear hatch isn’t fully closed. The system tries to lock, fails to confirm all doors are secure, and notifies you with the distinctive five-beep sequence.
Owners across forums like SubaruOutback.org and EnginePatrol.com have consistently reported this behavior. The pattern is not a malfunction—it’s a built-in warning feature meant to keep your vehicle secure and prevent accidental lockouts or alarm faults.
Common Causes of 5 Beeps When Locking
Let’s break down the main reasons your Subaru gives five beeps instead of the usual single chirp.
1. Door, Hatch, or Trunk Not Fully Closed
The number-one culprit is a door or rear hatch that’s slightly ajar. Even a tiny gap in the latch sensor can trigger the warning.
The keyless entry system checks that every latch reports a “closed” signal before arming the alarm. If one sensor doesn’t confirm closure, the system cancels the lock command and issues five beeps to alert you.
Before you panic, walk around your car and press firmly on each door and the rear gate. Sometimes, items caught in the seal—like a seatbelt or strap—prevent the latch from closing properly.
2. Faulty Door-Ajar Sensor
Each door and hatch is equipped with a small electronic sensor that detects when it’s closed. If this sensor malfunctions, the system might think the door is open even when it’s not.
A faulty sensor can cause:
- Five beeps when trying to lock
- Intermittent warning lights on the dashboard
- Interior lights staying on longer than usual
You can usually confirm this by checking which door light stays illuminated on your dashboard. If it doesn’t match the actual door status, the sensor might need replacement.
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3. Keyless Access System Glitch
Modern Subaru models use a keyless access system that detects the key fob nearby and allows you to lock or unlock without pressing buttons.
Sometimes, when the system senses interference or conflicting signals—such as a key left inside, a dying fob battery, or electronic interference—it may issue a five-beep warning instead of locking normally.
Common triggers include:
- A weak or dead key fob battery
- The key left inside the vehicle
- The vehicle’s sensors detecting a door open while locking
- Aftermarket electronic devices interfering with the signal
If you suspect this, try locking your car using the physical button on the key fob instead of the door handle sensor and see if the issue persists.
4. Aftermarket Alarm or Remote-Start System
If you’ve installed an aftermarket alarm, dashcam, or remote-start device, the vehicle’s electrical signals may conflict with Subaru’s built-in system. This can lead to unexpected chirps, lights, or beep patterns.
Aftermarket installations sometimes tap into the same circuits that control the lock confirmation system. If wiring is loose or the signal timing is off, it may cause the vehicle to register an “incomplete lock” and respond with five beeps.
5. Electrical or Battery Irregularities
Low voltage or battery instability can cause multiple electronic modules in your car to behave unpredictably. A slightly discharged battery, corroded terminal, or unstable ground connection might make the system believe a door sensor isn’t responding.
If the five beeps occur inconsistently or after the vehicle has sat unused for a while, it’s worth checking your battery’s health and terminals.
How to Diagnose the Issue Step by Step
Follow this quick checklist to determine what’s causing your Subaru to beep five times when locking:
- Check that all doors and the rear gate are fully closed. Push each one firmly until you hear the latch click.
- Observe the dashboard door-ajar light. If it stays lit, note which door it indicates.
- Try locking with both the door handle and key fob. If the issue only happens with one method, it may point to a keyless system problem.
- Inspect the latches and sensors. Look for dirt, rust, or debris around the latch area that may prevent full closure.
- Replace your key fob battery. A weak battery can send incomplete lock signals. Replacement takes just a few minutes.
- Disconnect aftermarket devices temporarily. If you recently added a remote start, alarm, or dashcam, test the car after unplugging it.
- If all else fails, have a professional scan the system. A Subaru service technician can run a diagnostic to check for sensor faults or error codes.
Model-Specific Notes
Different Subaru models may vary slightly in how they handle lock confirmations and alerts. For instance:
- Forester: Many owners report the 5-beep warning when the rear hatch is ajar or misaligned.
- Outback: Some cases involve keyless access interference, especially with a low fob battery.
- Impreza & Crosstrek: May show this behavior after aftermarket alarm installation or when a door sensor intermittently fails.
The logic remains the same across all models—the system is warning you that something isn’t ready for a full lock cycle.
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What to Do If It’s Not the Doors
If you’ve checked every latch and sensor and still get five beeps, consider these less common causes:
- Software Glitch or ECU Communication Lag: Occasionally, the car’s control modules may temporarily lose communication with the body control unit (BCU). Resetting by disconnecting the battery for a few minutes can clear the error.
- Moisture or Corrosion in Connectors: Rain or humidity can cause corrosion around door sensor connectors. A gentle cleaning and applying dielectric grease can help prevent false readings.
- Malfunctioning Keyless Control Module: Rare, but possible. The module that receives signals from your key fob might misinterpret the lock command. Professional diagnostics will confirm this.
How to Fix and Prevent Future 5-Beep Warnings
1. Maintain Door Latches and Seals
Clean and lubricate the latch mechanisms every few months, especially if you live in dusty or humid environments. A simple spray of silicone lubricant keeps the sensors responsive.
2. Replace Key Fob Battery Regularly
Change the coin-cell battery in your key fob once a year. Most Subarus use a CR2032 battery. Weak batteries can trigger inconsistent lock responses.
3. Avoid Interference Sources
Keep your key fob away from smartphones, power banks, or metallic objects that can interfere with its signal. Avoid storing it inside the vehicle.
4. Double-Check After Loading Cargo
Before closing the hatch, ensure nothing is obstructing the latch, such as a seatbelt strap, cord, or loose bag handle.
5. Keep Software Updated
During regular servicing, ask the technician to check for firmware or body-control module updates. Manufacturers sometimes release patches to improve system accuracy.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’ve done all the checks and your Subaru still gives five beeps, it’s time to visit a qualified service center. They can:
- Run diagnostic scans for door sensor or keyless system codes
- Check electrical connections and ground points
- Recalibrate or replace faulty latch sensors
- Reprogram the keyless access module if needed
Continuing to ignore the beeps can eventually lead to battery drain (if interior lights stay on) or alarm system malfunctions. Getting it fixed early prevents more complex electrical issues later.
Subaru Beeps 5 Times When Locking Then Stops
When your Subaru beeps 5 times and then stops, it’s usually warning you that something isn’t right. Most often, one of the doors, trunk, or hatch isn’t fully closed, or the keyless system didn’t complete the locking process.
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2019 – Beeping 5 Times On Access From Door Touch?
If your 2019 Subaru beeps 5 times when you touch the door, it means the keyless system failed to lock or unlock. Usually, a door isn’t fully closed, or the key fob battery is weak or out of range.
5 Beeps Inside After Car Is Started. What Is It?
Hearing 5 beeps inside after starting your Subaru usually means the keyless system can’t detect your key or there’s a door or trunk sensor issue. Check that the key is inside and all doors are properly shut.
5 Beeps When Trying Keyless Unlock From Driver’s Side
If you get 5 beeps while unlocking from the driver’s side, the keyless entry didn’t complete properly. The car might not sense your key, or one of the doors isn’t shut tight. Try again or check the sensors.
Stop multiple warning beeps when locking the car
To stop the warning beeps, make sure every door and hatch is fully closed before locking. The car beeps when it can’t lock properly. If it still beeps, replace your key fob battery or check door sensors.
How to turn off the BEEP every time I lock the car?
You can reduce or turn off the lock beep using your vehicle settings menu or infotainment screen. Look for “Keyless Access Beep Volume” or similar. Keep in mind, the beep helps confirm your car is securely locked.
Keyless Entry Beeps Changed From 1 To 5
If your Subaru suddenly gives 5 beeps instead of 1, it’s warning that a door isn’t closed, or the locking failed. Check all doors, the rear hatch, and your key fob battery before assuming something’s broken.
2020 Outback Driver’s Door Not Unlocking Beeping Sound
If your 2020 Outback beeps but doesn’t unlock the driver’s door, the keyless touch sensor might be dirty or malfunctioning. Clean the handle area, check the key fob battery, and make sure the car detects the key nearby.
Driver-Side Keyless Entry Feature Doesn’t Unlock Door And Beeps A Lot
When the driver-side keyless entry doesn’t work and keeps beeping, your Subaru is signaling a failed unlock attempt. Common reasons include a weak key fob battery, interference, or a dirty sensor on the door handle area.
FAQs
Why Is My Car Beeping When Parked And Locked?
Your car beeps when parked and locked to warn that a door isn’t closed or the key is still detected nearby.
Why Is My Subaru Beeping?
Your Subaru beeps to alert you of an issue, like an open door, key fob problem, or sensor warning.
What Does 5 Chirps Mean?
Five chirps usually mean the car didn’t lock properly because a door or trunk isn’t fully closed or sensed open.
Beep When Closing Locked Driver’s Door?
That beep happens when the car tries to lock but senses the door open, or the keyless system isn’t responding.
Idoing Head Unit Install, 5 Beeps When Locking?
After installing a head unit, 5 beeps mean the system detects a wiring or door sensor issue during the lock attempt.
Is It Normal For A Subaru Outback To Beep 10 Times When Using Keyless Access?
Ten beeps mean the car failed to lock or sense the key properly. It’s a warning, not a normal signal.
Conclusion
When your Subaru beeps five times while locking, it’s not just random noise—it’s your car communicating that something isn’t right. Most of the time, this happens because a door, trunk, or hatch isn’t fully closed, the key fob battery is weak, or the keyless system didn’t complete the lock.
By checking your doors, cleaning sensors, replacing the key fob battery, and keeping the latch area clear, you can easily fix and prevent this issue. If the beeping continues, have a professional technician run a quick diagnostic to ensure there’s no deeper electrical or sensor fault.
Think of those five beeps as your Subaru’s friendly reminder to double-check things before walking away—keeping both you and your car safe and worry-free.