Yes they could. They would have disconnected your battery when installing these new products. Some Subaru's came from the factory without the option enabled. When the dealer has the tech do PDI (pre-delivery inspection) he can set that. I was a salesman for 3 years and had two request that option to be turned off. I asked the guy that did the PDI's and he told me how to disable it and told me how to enable it also but it's been so long ago.
The 2001 Subaru Forester has a flat 4 engine.
The 2004 Subaru Forester has a flat 4 engine.
The 2013 Subaru Forester has a flat 4 engine.
The 2008 Subaru Forester has a flat 4 engine.
The 2002 Subaru Forester has a flat 4 engine.
The 2005 Subaru Forester has a flat 4 engine.
The 2011 Subaru Forester has a flat 4 engine.
The 2012 Subaru Forester has a flat 4 engine.
The 2007 Subaru Forester has a flat 4 engine.
The 2003 Subaru Forester has a flat 4 engine.
The 2006 Subaru Forester has a flat 4 engine.
The 2009 Subaru Forester has a flat 4 engine.