What Does AVH Mean on a Subaru? Auto Vehicle Hold Explained (How to Use It)
AVH means Auto Vehicle Hold. It is a Subaru feature that keeps the brakes applied after you come to a complete stop, so you can take your foot off the brake pedal at a red light or in traffic. When you press the accelerator, the brakes release automatically. You turn it on with the AVH button (on some models, a touchscreen setting). A green AVH indicator means the car is holding the brakes. On most Subarus AVH switches off each time you restart the car, so you have to press the button again.
If you have seen an “AVH” button next to the electronic parking brake switch in your Subaru, you are not alone in wondering what it does. It is one of the most useful comfort features in stop-and-go traffic, but it is easy to ignore because it is off by default on most models.
This guide explains what AVH does, how to use it step by step, what the lights mean, and why it sometimes will not turn on.
What Does AVH Do on a Subaru?
Auto Vehicle Hold uses the car’s Vehicle Dynamics Control (stability control) system and the electronic parking brake to hold the car still. Once AVH is on and you stop the car with the brake pedal, the system keeps brake pressure applied for you. You can relax your right foot until you are ready to move. When you press the accelerator, the hold releases smoothly.
If the car stays stopped for a long time, or certain conditions change, the system can hand over to the electronic parking brake to keep the car secure. The exact rules vary by model, so check your owner’s manual.
How to Use Subaru AVH
Start the engine, close the doors and fasten the driver’s seat belt. AVH generally will not switch on if these conditions are not met.
Find the AVH switch, usually near the electronic parking brake switch on the center console, and press it. The AVH ON indicator lights up on the instrument cluster.
Brake to a full stop as normal. When the car is held, the green AVH operation indicator comes on.
The car stays still on its own while the green indicator is on.
The brakes release automatically as you accelerate. To turn AVH off, hold the brake pedal and press the AVH button again.
Subaru AVH Lights Explained
| Indicator | Meaning |
|---|---|
| AVH ON indicator (or light on the button) | AVH is switched on and ready |
| Green AVH operation indicator | The car is stopped and the brakes are being held |
| No AVH light after pressing the button | A condition is not met, such as seat belt off or door open |
| Warning message or brake warning light | Possible fault. Use the brake normally and have it checked |
AVH vs Hill Holder vs Parking Brake
| Feature | What it does | How long |
|---|---|---|
| Auto Vehicle Hold (AVH) | Holds the car at any full stop when switched on | Until you press the gas |
| Hill Holder / Hill Start Assist | Stops the car rolling back on a slope when you move off | A brief moment |
| Electronic parking brake | Secures the car when parked | Until released |
Why Won’t AVH Turn On?
- The driver’s seat belt is not fastened.
- The driver’s door, hood or tailgate is open.
- The engine is not running.
- The car did not come to a complete stop.
- The transmission is in Park or Reverse (AVH is meant for driving stops).
- There is a fault in the brake or stability control system. Look for a warning light.
If none of these apply and AVH still does not work, have a Subaru dealer scan the system.
Which Subarus Have AVH?
AVH appears on many recent Subarus with an electronic parking brake, including versions of the Outback, Legacy, Ascent, Forester, Crosstrek, Impreza and WRX. Availability depends on the model year and trim. If your car has an electronic parking brake switch, look for an AVH button next to it. For model-specific instructions, see our guides on turning off AVH on a Subaru Forester and turning off AVH on a Subaru Ascent.
Is AVH Safe to Use?
Yes. It is designed for normal driving stops. A few habits keep it working well: stop fully before relying on it, keep your foot ready in case you need to brake harder, and do not use it as a substitute for the parking brake when you leave the car. Some drivers switch it off when crawling in very slow traffic or maneuvering into a parking space, where constant holds can feel jerky.
- Press AVH right after starting the car so it becomes a habit.
- Hold the brake firmly at the stop for a moment to make sure the hold engages.
- Accelerate gently to get the smoothest release.
- Turn AVH off before an automatic car wash.
AVH on a Subaru stands for Auto Vehicle Hold. It holds the brakes for you after a full stop and releases them when you press the accelerator. Press the AVH button after starting the car, look for the green indicator when stopped, and remember that on most models it needs to be switched on again every drive.
Subaru AVH FAQs
AVH stands for Auto Vehicle Hold, a feature that holds the brakes after the car stops.
You can use it for most driving. Many drivers turn it on every trip for city traffic and switch it off when parking or in car washes.
On most models AVH resets to off at every restart by design. Press the button again after starting the engine.
No. It holds the car with brake pressure while stopped, which causes no meaningful extra wear.
AVH is designed for normal forward driving stops. Do not rely on it when reversing or parking.
Hill Holder briefly stops the car rolling back when you pull away on a slope. AVH holds the car at any stop until you press the accelerator.
- AVH = Auto Vehicle Hold.
- Holds the brakes after a full stop.
- Press the gas to release.
- Needs seat belt on and doors closed.
- Usually resets to off at each restart.