2019 Subaru Outback

Defective Infotainment System. There is a known issue with the touchscreen Starlink system that can experience the dynamic or phantom input, i.e. a “ghost touch” that causes the system to change sources, shut off, reboot, or work intermittently or not at all. Even when the input does not change, the system emits the audible beep sound as if changes are being selecting via the touch screen. The distraction resulted in me taking my eyes off the road. The touch screen has ghost blobs or prints on the underside of the touch screen. Reported the issue to Subaru of America, who was already aware of the issue; they have received complaints for 2019-2023 models. The same issue was resolved via a class action suit for previous models.

THE CAR HAS HAD 4 BATTERIES IN FOUR YEARS. THERE IS A VOLTAGE DRAIN TO THE "CAM" COMPUTER MODULE, AS IT FAILS TO GO INTO FULL SLEEP MODE. i WAS NOT AWARE OF THIS ISSUE THINKING THEY WER BAD BATTERIES. YESTERDAY IT WAS DEAD AGAIN BUT THE BATTERY WAS GOOD JUST NEEDED CHARGING. HOWEVER, THE REAR HATCH WOULD NOT OPEN AND BEEPER ALARM WOULD GO OFF WHILE DRIVING. THE ALARM WOULD GO OFF IN DRIVE OR REVERSE AND STOP WHEN THE CAR STOPPED. IF I CONTINUE DRIVING IT STOPS AFTER ABOUT TWO MINUTES, BUT WILL SOUND OFF ONCE I STOP AND START DRIVING AGAIN FOR ANOTHER 2 MINUTES. THERE ARE NO SUBARU DEALERS WITHIN 100 MILES. THE LOCAL CHEVY DEALER DIAGNOISTED THE PROBLEM STATING IT WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM FOR 2018-21 OUTBACKS.

I previously reported the deteriorating state of my head unit (which controls all features relating to the screen in my vehicle--including the backup camera). The head unit spontaneously "delaminated" in early August and now has a persistent "ghost touch" that has escalated to the point that the car now rapidly cycles through screen movements and features--all while making a persistent beeping noise that cannot be turned off (even if you adjust the volume knob down to zero). This is distracting beyond belief, and renders the car virtually undriveable. This is known issue to Subaru, and a class action lawsuit has been filed, but they appear to want to wait to see if they lawsuit is successful before they rectify the issue with owners. They have told me repairs would run close to 4k and the parts to fix the car are backordered for over a year. In the meantime, the car essentially cannot be driven, as loud and random beeping coupled with a constantly zooming and moving screen is highly distracting. The backup camera is also intermittently affected by the screen's delamination, rendering it unuseable.

Failing and malfunctioning head unit. This is a known problem with Subaru Outbacks. The inside is delaminating causing bubbles inside screen. The touch screen thinks you are touching it so it will skip stations, press all kinds of buttons on the menu screen, and even call contacts on your phone. I had to shut the radio off completely to a black screen as it’s dangerous while driving. I’ve been waiting almost a year for a replacement with no ETA from Subaru, told on “indefinite back order”. I paid the car off intending to keep it many years and purchased an extended warranty that is useless.

The 2019 Subaru Outbacks have a Data Communication Module (DCM) which allows hands-free access to audio features of the car. The DCM (Generation 1) was designed to work on 3G networks and also provides access to Starlink which could be used in an emergency. With the deactivation of the 3G network, the DCM drains the car's main battery. Thus the car will not start if left unattended for any length of time. If the DCM is disabled by pulling the fuse, the hands-free features of the car are also disabled as well as Starlink. There is a class action lawsuit regarding this problem, however, it only covers the batteries that are damaged due to being drained and does NOT address the root cause of the problem.

This is known issue with the electrical system that is associated with the touch screen controls. Without any driver input, the EyeSight driver assist system was shutoff. That system controls adaptive cruise control, collision avoidance, and lane departure features. Rebooting the Starlink touch screen restored those functions. The safety issue is that no audible warning gave indication that the safety features were disabled. Two icons appeared on the dash. There appears to be a class action suit that applies to the Starlink system for my model year. It is important to understand that this more than merely a problem with the entertainment features.

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle failed to start-up. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due the battery not operating as designed. The battery was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the Data Control Module (DCM) had failed and needed to be replaced. The DCM was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 24,941.

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle independently accelerated. The contact stated she avoided crashing into another vehicle however, the vehicle struck the curb before coming to a stop. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side tire was damaged and became flattened. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the tire was replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed. The failure mileage was approximately 47,122. The VIN was unavailable.

My battery died and I replaced it. Suddenly my radio/screen system started to malfunction. It no longer works at all other than interrupting phone calls by switching from car to phone speaker. I have no access to any safety features. Now my brand new battery of one month isn’t working. When I had an oil change at the dealership last month, they were familiar with the issue but stated there was a recall on the exact issue for a different year. They said I’d have to pay $1000 for a new radio interface. My question is why is the radio/screen and the battery failing at the same time? Why is there a recall one year off and my car is costing me a fortune and so much time.