BATTERY GOES DEAD AFTER A COUPLE OF DAYS OF NO USE
COMPONENT SPOTLIGHT
Subaru Outback electrical problems
2,277 distinct owner reports with an electrical-system component in this snapshot.
Includes the electrical-system component and its detailed subcategories. Related recalls and investigations must also name this component; they are not linked by narrative keyword alone.
26 crash reports35 fire reports7 injury reports
Reports by model year
YearTopic reportsRecallsInvestigations
20265
00202512
00202416
00202317
20202251
40202175
402020258
602019363
302018265
302017391
412016309
412015127
51201432
100201323
120201237
161201167
160201033
180200923
130200834
80200720
80200642
70200528
9220048
10220037
14220024
4020013
3020008
1019998
1019986
2019974
4019961
20Recall and investigation columns show each year’s full history. A report naming several years can appear in more than one row.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
4830–25K
23925–50K
14350–75K
8275–100K
83100–150K
41150K+
1,071 reports with mileage · 1,206 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What owners actually said
2,277 reportsEXPERIENCED FREQUENT OCCURRENCES OF DEAD BATTERY (THAT WAS ONLY 8 MONTHS OLD). DEALER REPLACED BATTERY BUT I CONTINUED TO HAVE INTERMITTENT ISSUES OVER THE NEXT YEAR. TOOK IT BACK TO DEALER IN AUG 2020 FOR ANALYSIS, WAS TOLD NO ISSUE, IT JUST ISN'T DRIVEN ENOUGH, AND RECOMMENDED BATTERY MAINTAINER INSTALL OR GEL BATTERY. ISSUE C…
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EXPERIENCED FREQUENT OCCURRENCES OF DEAD BATTERY (THAT WAS ONLY 8 MONTHS OLD). DEALER REPLACED BATTERY BUT I CONTINUED TO HAVE INTERMITTENT ISSUES OVER THE NEXT YEAR. TOOK IT BACK TO DEALER IN AUG 2020 FOR ANALYSIS, WAS TOLD NO ISSUE, IT JUST ISN'T DRIVEN ENOUGH, AND RECOMMENDED BATTERY MAINTAINER INSTALL OR GEL BATTERY. ISSUE CAN OCCUR WHETHER CAR WAS DRIVEN YESTERDAY OR A WEEK AGO. WAS TOLD BY INDEPENDENT MECHANIC THAT BATTERY INSTALLED AT DEALER WAS TOO WEAK SO I PURCHASED A NEW BATTERY IN FEB 2021 AND HAVE BEEN MONITORING VOLTAGE. WHILE I HAVE NOT HAD A COMPLETELY DEAD BATTERY SINCE THEN, THERE HAVE BEEN A FEW SLUGGISH STARTS. VOLT METER SHOWS BATTERY DROPS BELOW 12V WITHIN HOURS AFTER BEING DRIVEN. I ENSURE THAT NO LIGHTS ARE LEFT ON, NOR IS ANYTHING PLUGGED INTO CHARGING PORTS, TO MITIGATE DRAINAGE AND BELIEVE THERE IS PHANTOM DRAIN/ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION SOMEWHERE IN THE SYSTEM.
THE OEM BATTERY WAS FAILING TO HOLD A CHARGE AND DIED ONE DAY AFTER DRIVING A SHORT DISTANCE. HAD TO HAVE A LOCAL TOW SERVICE COME AND JUMPSTART THE CAR. TOOK THE CAR TO THE LOCAL DEALER AND THEY NEEDED TO CHARGE THE BATTERY.
THE BATTERY PREMATURELY DRAINS WHEN DRIVEN FOR MULTIPLE SHORT TRIPS. IT ALSO DRAINS WHILE SITTING IF IT IS NOT FREQUENTLY DRIVEN FOR MEDIUM-LENGTH TRIPS.
FILED A FORMAL COMPLAINT WITH SUBARU AMERICA AFTER MY AUTOMOBILE'S BATTERY DIED FOR THE 4TH TIME.I HAVE APPROX. 21,000 ON THE CAR WHICH WAS BOUGHT NEW IN 2016. THE BATTERY DIES WHEN THE CAR SITS OVERNIGHT (IT IS GARAGED EVERY NIGHT). I KNOW THERE ARE CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS CLAIMING THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM OVERWHELMS THE BATTE…
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FILED A FORMAL COMPLAINT WITH SUBARU AMERICA AFTER MY AUTOMOBILE'S BATTERY DIED FOR THE 4TH TIME.I HAVE APPROX. 21,000 ON THE CAR WHICH WAS BOUGHT NEW IN 2016. THE BATTERY DIES WHEN THE CAR SITS OVERNIGHT (IT IS GARAGED EVERY NIGHT). I KNOW THERE ARE CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS CLAIMING THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM OVERWHELMS THE BATTERY THUS CAUSING IT TO GO DEAD. I BOUGHT THE CAR KNOWING THAT MY PREVIOUS SUBARU'S HAVE BEEN VERY RELIABLE. THIS IS NOT THE CASE WITH THE 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK.
MY BATTERY DRAINS QUICKLY WHEN I HAVE THE CAR OFF AND THE HATCH OPEN FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR IN 2016.
PREVIOUSLY SUBMITTED COMPLAINT REGARDING MY SUBARU OUTBACK STALLING. I WAS ASSIGNED COMPLAINT NUMBER 11414502 (ATTACHED) BUT WHEN I DIDN'T RECEIVE THE EMAIL, I CHECKED AND IT DIDN'T PULL UP SO I'M RESUBMITTING.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BATTERY HAD BEEN REPLACED TWICE WITHIN A YEAR AND A HALF. SUBURBAN IMPORTS OF TROY (1800 MAPLELAWN DR, TROY, MI 48084) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE BATTERY WAS BELOW THE LOAD TEST. THE VEHICLE WAS STILL AT THE DEALER AWAITING THE BATTERY …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BATTERY HAD BEEN REPLACED TWICE WITHIN A YEAR AND A HALF. SUBURBAN IMPORTS OF TROY (1800 MAPLELAWN DR, TROY, MI 48084) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE BATTERY WAS BELOW THE LOAD TEST. THE VEHICLE WAS STILL AT THE DEALER AWAITING THE BATTERY REPLACEMENT. THE CONTACT REFERENCED A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT FOR THE BATTERY FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,900. CONSUMER STATED THE BATTERY HAS BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES.*JB
THE CAR INTERMITTENTLY BUCKS/CHUGS WHILE DRIVING AND THEN STALLS. ALL THE LIGHTS FLASH ON. IT IS DIFFICULT TO RESTART. IT HAS HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY AND LOCAL STREETS. IT ALSO IDLES VERY ROUGH WHEN AT STOPS OR IN PARK AND SHUDDERS LIKE IT WANTS TO STALL - SOMETIMES IT DOES. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR 2 MONTHS NOW. THE FIRST …
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THE CAR INTERMITTENTLY BUCKS/CHUGS WHILE DRIVING AND THEN STALLS. ALL THE LIGHTS FLASH ON. IT IS DIFFICULT TO RESTART. IT HAS HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY AND LOCAL STREETS. IT ALSO IDLES VERY ROUGH WHEN AT STOPS OR IN PARK AND SHUDDERS LIKE IT WANTS TO STALL - SOMETIMES IT DOES. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR 2 MONTHS NOW. THE FIRST TIME, I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AND IT STALLED CREATING A HAZARDOUS SITUATION. MY MECHANIC HAS ATTEMPTED TO FIX IT AND THEN HE HAS TAKEN IT TO THE LOCAL SUBARU DEALERSHIP WHERE IT HAS SPENT ALMOST 2 MONTHS OFF & ON WHILE THEY "FIXED" IT. THEY GIVE IT BACK AND IT IS BACK TO THEM WITHIN A WEEK WITH THE SAME ISSUE. THE LAST TIME THEY REPLACED A MAP SENSOR AND SOME WIRING. THIS IS HAZARDOUS AND THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE. IT FEELS LIKE THEY JUST KEEP CLEARING OUT THE ERROR AND GIVING IT BACK TO ME.
SUBARU DEALER REPLACED DEAD BATTERY 10/2020. CAR PARKED FOR 20 DAYS (NO LIGHTS, ETC WERE ON DURING THAT TIME) AND BATTERY WAS DEAD. DEALER CHECKED BATTERY AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS AND CLAIMED ALL WAS GOOD. HE DID SAY THAT IT IS NOT UNCOMMON FOR THEM TO GO DEAD IN 10 TO 14 DAYS. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS OCCURRED. THE 1ST TIME, …
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SUBARU DEALER REPLACED DEAD BATTERY 10/2020. CAR PARKED FOR 20 DAYS (NO LIGHTS, ETC WERE ON DURING THAT TIME) AND BATTERY WAS DEAD. DEALER CHECKED BATTERY AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS AND CLAIMED ALL WAS GOOD. HE DID SAY THAT IT IS NOT UNCOMMON FOR THEM TO GO DEAD IN 10 TO 14 DAYS. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS OCCURRED. THE 1ST TIME, THE DEALER REPLACED THE BATTERY (10/2020)
Related Official recalls
522V473000 · Electrical System:wiring; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:engine Control Module (ecu/ecm)
Jul 1, 2022
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2022 Outback vehicles. The engine wiring harness may have been damaged, resulting in a loose electrical connection to the engine control unit (ECU).
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A loose electrical connection to the ECU may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine wiring harness and ECU, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 30, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRC-22.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:engine Control Module (ecu/ecm)
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2022 Outback vehicles. The engine wiring harness may have been damaged, resulting in a loose electrical connection to the engine control unit (ECU).
Consequence: A loose electrical connection to the ECU may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine wiring harness and ECU, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 30, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRC-22.
Electrical System:wiring
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2022 Outback vehicles. The engine wiring harness may have been damaged, resulting in a loose electrical connection to the engine control unit (ECU).
Consequence: A loose electrical connection to the ECU may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine wiring harness and ECU, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 30, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRC-22.
19V297000 · Electrical System:ignition:switch
Apr 11, 2019
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part. The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on the key ring and certain road conditions could cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash. If a crash occurs under this condition, the air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 10, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUF-91.
18V773000 · Electrical System:software; Fuel System, Gasoline
Nov 1, 2018
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles. Due to a software error, the low fuel warning light may not illuminate at the intended remaining fuel level and the miles-to-empty display may incorrectly indicate a positive number despite the tank being empty.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The inaccurate fuel display may cause a driver to unexpectedly run out of fuel and the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the combination meter software, free of charge. The recall began February 20, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTW-82.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical System:software
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles. Due to a software error, the low fuel warning light may not illuminate at the intended remaining fuel level and the miles-to-empty display may incorrectly indicate a positive number despite the tank being empty.
Consequence: The inaccurate fuel display may cause a driver to unexpectedly run out of fuel and the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the combination meter software, free of charge. The recall began February 20, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTW-82.
Fuel System, Gasoline
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles. Due to a software error, the low fuel warning light may not illuminate at the intended remaining fuel level and the miles-to-empty display may incorrectly indicate a positive number despite the tank being empty.
Consequence: The inaccurate fuel display may cause a driver to unexpectedly run out of fuel and the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the combination meter software, free of charge. The recall began February 20, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTW-82.
16V738000 · Electrical System
Oct 13, 2016
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2008-2014 Impreza vehicles and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, all equipped with turbo-charged engines. The relay that controls the secondary air injection pump may fail, causing the pump to continuously operate and overheat.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the air injection pump overheats, it may melt and increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary air injection pump relay, free of charge. The recall began December 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTM-73.
13V061000 · Electrical System; Equipment
Feb 25, 2013
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, certain model year 2012-2013 Impreza vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, and certain model year 2013 XV Crosstrek vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory. Additionally included are certain model year 2013 Legacy and Outback vehicles that may have received replacement RES fobs. If the RES fob is dropped, the fob may malfunction and randomly transmit an engine start request without pressing the button.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The engine may inadvertently start and run for up to fifteen minutes. The engine may continue to start and stop until the fob battery is depleted, or until the vehicle runs out of fuel. If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area, there is a risk of carbon monoxide build-up which may cause headaches, dizziness or, in extreme cases, unconsciousness and/or asphyxiation.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RES key fobs, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Equipment
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, certain model year 2012-2013 Impreza vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, and certain model year 2013 XV Crosstrek vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory. Additionally included are certain model year 2013 Legacy and Outback vehicles that may have received replacement RES fobs. If the RES fob is dropped, the fob may malfunction and randomly transmit an engine start request without pressing the button.
Consequence: The engine may inadvertently start and run for up to fifteen minutes. The engine may continue to start and stop until the fob battery is depleted, or until the vehicle runs out of fuel. If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area, there is a risk of carbon monoxide build-up which may cause headaches, dizziness or, in extreme cases, unconsciousness and/or asphyxiation.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RES key fobs, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.
Electrical System
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, certain model year 2012-2013 Impreza vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, and certain model year 2013 XV Crosstrek vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory. Additionally included are certain model year 2013 Legacy and Outback vehicles that may have received replacement RES fobs. If the RES fob is dropped, the fob may malfunction and randomly transmit an engine start request without pressing the button.
Consequence: The engine may inadvertently start and run for up to fifteen minutes. The engine may continue to start and stop until the fob battery is depleted, or until the vehicle runs out of fuel. If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area, there is a risk of carbon monoxide build-up which may cause headaches, dizziness or, in extreme cases, unconsciousness and/or asphyxiation.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RES key fobs, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
Related NHTSA investigations
0No component-matched exact-year investigations in this snapshot.