2019 Subaru Outback

Purchased a low mileage, 2019 Subaru Outback Limited, had 16,407 miles on vehicle, had accident damage reported by CARFAX. At 27,383 miles an oil leak in valve cover gasket was discovered, Subaru fixed leak under warranty, engine removed. Upon driving the vehicle home following repairs, the car lunged forward through the garage door, into the garage, and damaged vehicle and garage interior as I approached the garage. Sudden acceleration occurred. Vehicle taken on flag bed to Subaru shop for repairs and investigation of incident by Subaru of America. Insurance company provided damage/repair estimate.

I'm writing to document an issue regarding a potential windshield malfunction. I know there have been previous lawsuits about the fragility of Subaru windshields, including with the Outback model. Additionally, there are posts about this issue on several auto forums. I've had this car since August 2019 and in three short years I've had to complete the following three repairs: chip to the windshield -- repair (April 2021), crack on windshield -- total replacement (February 2022), and chip to the windshield -- repair (December 2022). Beyond what seems like a statistical anomaly, this high number of windshield repairs also seems very unreasonable for two more reasons: 1) I only have a 15-mile commute two days per week, and 2) I was working at home for months at a time during two COVID shutdowns within this same three-year time period. Each chip/crack has happened while driving, from a point of impact on the windshield; however, this is a new problem since owning this car -- I've had the same commute since 2013 without this issue (previous car was a Mitsubishi Lancer). A windshield that is prone to easy chips and cracking is a clear safety risk, both to myself and to others. My windshield has not been inspected by the dealer, but I know that other windshields of my make/model have been inspected by other dealers and manufacturers. Additionally, the glass repair service that has handled each repair noted that they've also heard of issues with Subarus and that they've seen my car far more often than vehicles of other brands.

This model of vehicle has persistent electrical issues resulting in the vehicle dying or being unable to start. Replacing the battery does not resolve the issues. Placing the keyfob in Faraday cages to prevent drain also does not resolve the issues. Charging the battery to full before using the vehicle temporary delays the issues but 3-10 days later the vehicle will die again. The vehicle has undergone examination by a Subaru certified maintenance dealer and they insist no issue can be found and the vehicle passes all checks. Most recently the vehicle died within a few days of getting a complete check out and passing all tests. This affects safety because a vehicle dying from electrical failure may cause an accident due to an absence of power steering, braking, etc. The vehicle may also strand motorist in compromising environmental conditions such as extreme cold, heat, etc.

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that on three separate occasions, a crack had formed on various parts of the windshield due to minor rocks hitting the windshield. The contact stated that each crack obstructed her vision while driving. The contact had the windshield replaced by the dealer after each failure. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 29,000.

Bought car end of August off lease with 40K on it from local Subaru dealer. Dealer made point of telling me car had new tires and battery which was appreciated. Have added 900 miles since then mostly local. After not driving for a week in September car would not start. Charged battery all seemed fine been driving frequently after that no issues. Now with colder weather car does not start if not driven for 2 days or more. Using multimeter was able to find circuit for DCM (what Subaru refers to as the Data Control Module) was drawing power when car should be in sleep mode. Brought to Subaru dealer today and was advised the DCM needs to be replaced. I am aware of many other people with this particular car having similar issues with no identified culprit, recommend this be looked at as possible issue specifically the StarLink system.

I would have experienced the same battery issues for the last 14 months. 12 months ago I purchased a back up charged starting battery that I use on a monthly basis. Subaru did advise of the battery warranty extension of which I took advantage of today I’ve seen the other complaints in the nature site and being from the automotive industry myself, I believe that when you look back to the DCM issues from 2016 to 2018 and the latest issues on the 2023 you’ll find a common thread it’s not just a button. One key thing is that units of measure for the tire pressure monitoring system Arbitrarily change while you were in operation from psi to kilopascals. It indicates to me that there is still some Telematic related event and the vehicle isn’t sure where it is at a given time so it sets the units and the time to what amount to mountain time Canada. Just thought I’d give you a hint. I do believe you’ll find that and that poses a big challenge for the SOS button. If you can’t locate the vehicle or it isn’t where they think it should be , may not be the button.

I was in a parking lot pulling into a parking spot. My car sped with full power over a curb barrier and hit a parked car in front of me. The force was strong enough to push the car I hit back several inches. My airbag did not deploy. The forward obstacle collision detection did not work. My safety could have been at risk if this happened while on the road or freeway. There were no warnings that day, however a week or so earlier when I tried to drive the car it would not start (new battery installed approx 3 months ago) and all lights on the dash came on. I tried to start it a few times but after smelling gas I left it. Later that day it started with no problems. The car is up to date on services/recalls. It is scheduled for inspection with my insurance company on 11/30/22.