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

Recall 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

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 reports
2017 model year · 49,686 miles · Feb 17, 2021
Electrical SystemVisibility/wiper

1) WINDSHIELD CRACKED OVERNIGHT WHILE PARKED IN AN ENCLOSED GARAGE. THIS OCCURRED WITHIN THE FIRST FEW MONTHS OF OWNERSHIP. 2) THE ADVANCED COLLISION DETECTION/ LANE TRACKING SYSTEM CALLED EYESIGHT FAILED WITHIN THE FIRST FEW MONTHS OF OWNERSHIP. 3) BATTERY HAS REPEATEDLY FAILED AND REQUIRED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. CAR WAS P…

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1) WINDSHIELD CRACKED OVERNIGHT WHILE PARKED IN AN ENCLOSED GARAGE. THIS OCCURRED WITHIN THE FIRST FEW MONTHS OF OWNERSHIP. 2) THE ADVANCED COLLISION DETECTION/ LANE TRACKING SYSTEM CALLED EYESIGHT FAILED WITHIN THE FIRST FEW MONTHS OF OWNERSHIP. 3) BATTERY HAS REPEATEDLY FAILED AND REQUIRED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. CAR WAS PARKED IN AB ENCLOSED GARAGE MOST OF THE TIMES WHEN THIS FAILURE OCCURRED. 3) CURRENTLY, A FLAT TIRE INDICATOR IS ON EVEN THOUGH ALL TIRES ARE PROPERLY INFLATED. NOTE: EXCEPT FOR THE WINDSHIELD CASE, THE DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND THE ONLY REMEDY PROVIDED WAS A BATTERY REPLACEMENT.

NHTSA ODI #11396722

2020 model year · 23,000 miles · Feb 17, 2021
Electrical System

BATTERY DRAIN, SEEMS TO BE UNDIAGNOSABLE. QUICK GOOGLE SEARCH SHOW LAWSUITS REGARDING THIS ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI #11396616

2016 model year · 53,000 miles · Feb 17, 2021
Electrical System

OUR SUBARU OUTBACK ORIGINALLY DIED AFTER MY WIFE WAS SITTING IN THE CAR LISTENING TO THE RADIO FOR 10 MINUTES. THE DEALER STATED THAT LISTENING TO THE RADIO WAS THE CAUSE AND CHARGED UP THE BATTERY. COUPLE WEEKS LATER AND THE CAR DIES AGAIN THIS TIME JUST SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY. WE INSTALLED A NEW BATTERY IN HOPES THE PROBLEM W…

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OUR SUBARU OUTBACK ORIGINALLY DIED AFTER MY WIFE WAS SITTING IN THE CAR LISTENING TO THE RADIO FOR 10 MINUTES. THE DEALER STATED THAT LISTENING TO THE RADIO WAS THE CAUSE AND CHARGED UP THE BATTERY. COUPLE WEEKS LATER AND THE CAR DIES AGAIN THIS TIME JUST SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY. WE INSTALLED A NEW BATTERY IN HOPES THE PROBLEM WOULD BE FIXED. THE CAR HAS DIED MULTIPLE TIMES SINCE THE NEW BATTERY FROM SIMPLY SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY. NO INTERIOR LIGHTS LEFT ON AND POWER LIGHT GATE CLOSED. AGAIN THE DEALER CHARGED THE BATTERY AND SENT US ON OUR WAY. WE CANNOT LEAVE THIS CAR SITTING ONE DAY WITHOUT THE BATTERY DRAINING. WE ARE NOW ON BATTERY NUMBER TWO.

NHTSA ODI #11396713

2016 model year · Mileage unknown · Feb 17, 2021
Electrical System

BATTERY DRAINS CONSTANTLY. CAR CANNOT SIT FOR MORE THAN A FEW DAYS WITHOUT BATTERY BEING DEAD. SUBARU DEALER SAYS THERE IS NO PROBLEM. CAR NEEDS TO BE DRIVEN 20 TO 30 MILES EVERY DAY AS A SOLUTION? PROBLEM HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR MONTHS AND BATTERY IS ONLY 1 YEAR OLD.

NHTSA ODI #11396600

2014 model year · 94,456 miles · Feb 16, 2021
Electrical SystemEngine

1. REAR LIFTGATE WILL NOT OPEN WHEN USING REMOTE OR SENSOR ON VEHICLE. ONLY WAY TO OPEN IS TO CRAWL FROM INSIDE TO THE BACK, POP A LID AND THEN MANEUVER LATCH RELEASE. NO WAY TO OPEN LIFTGATE FROM OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. I'M 66 AND DISABLED. 2. EXCESSIVE OIL USE REPORTED BY TECHNICIANS DURING OIL CHANGE.

NHTSA ODI #11396469

2017 model year · Mileage unknown · Feb 15, 2021
Electrical System

BATTERY DRAIN, ON 2ND BATTERY AND IT KEEPS DRAINING.

NHTSA ODI #11396332

2019 model year · 5,000 miles · Feb 15, 2021
Electrical System

THE CAR FREQUENTLY DOES NOT START WHEN FOLLOWING CONDITIONS OCCUR: 1) FEW DAYS OF NON-USE, 2) AFTER SEVERAL SHORT DRIVES, AND, 3) HATCH IS KEPT OPEN FOR 2-3 HOURS. THE ISSUE WAS FIRST NOTICED 8 MONTHS AFTER THE START OF THE LEASE. SINCE THEN, IT HAS OCCURRED MORE FREQUENTLY. THE CAR NEEDS TO BE JUMP STARTED SUGGESTING THE BATTER…

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THE CAR FREQUENTLY DOES NOT START WHEN FOLLOWING CONDITIONS OCCUR: 1) FEW DAYS OF NON-USE, 2) AFTER SEVERAL SHORT DRIVES, AND, 3) HATCH IS KEPT OPEN FOR 2-3 HOURS. THE ISSUE WAS FIRST NOTICED 8 MONTHS AFTER THE START OF THE LEASE. SINCE THEN, IT HAS OCCURRED MORE FREQUENTLY. THE CAR NEEDS TO BE JUMP STARTED SUGGESTING THE BATTERY IS DRAINED. I HAVE MENTIONED THIS ISSUE TO THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES AND FEW MONTHS BACK THE DEALER REPLACED THE BATTERY UNDER WARRANTY. THE ISSUE HAS STARTED AGAIN.

NHTSA ODI #11396335

2018 model year · 12,000 miles · Feb 15, 2021
Electrical System

CAR WAS PURCHASED IN JUNE 2018. PERIDICALLY OVER THE FIRST TWO YEARS OF OWNERSHIP THE BATTERY WOULD DIE AND THE CAR WOULD REQUIRE A JUMP TO START. SINCE THE ONSET OF THE COVID PANDEMIC - WITH THE CAR LEFT UNUSED (IN A GARAGE) FOR MORE EXTENDED PERIODS - THE BATTERY DIES FREQUENTLY, EACH TIME REQUIRING A JUMP TO START. NOW, IF TH…

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CAR WAS PURCHASED IN JUNE 2018. PERIDICALLY OVER THE FIRST TWO YEARS OF OWNERSHIP THE BATTERY WOULD DIE AND THE CAR WOULD REQUIRE A JUMP TO START. SINCE THE ONSET OF THE COVID PANDEMIC - WITH THE CAR LEFT UNUSED (IN A GARAGE) FOR MORE EXTENDED PERIODS - THE BATTERY DIES FREQUENTLY, EACH TIME REQUIRING A JUMP TO START. NOW, IF THE CAR IS NOT STARTED AT LEAST ONCE EVERY 1-2 DAYS THE BATTERY WILL BE DEAD.

NHTSA ODI #11396343

2016 model year · 40,475 miles · Feb 15, 2021
Electrical System

2/15/21 DEAD BATTERY VEHICLE PARKED IN HOME GARAGE STATIONARY. BATTERY ONE MONTH OLD REPLACED ON 1/21/21 PLUS UPGRADED SOFTWARE. PREVIOUS BATTERY WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY LESS THAN 3 YEARS OLD. 2/15/21 HAD TO GET CAR TOWED FROM HOME GARAGE. OUTBACK STILL UNDER WARRANTY AND WE PURCHASED EXTENDED WARRANTY FROM SUBARU. REMOVED BULB…

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2/15/21 DEAD BATTERY VEHICLE PARKED IN HOME GARAGE STATIONARY. BATTERY ONE MONTH OLD REPLACED ON 1/21/21 PLUS UPGRADED SOFTWARE. PREVIOUS BATTERY WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY LESS THAN 3 YEARS OLD. 2/15/21 HAD TO GET CAR TOWED FROM HOME GARAGE. OUTBACK STILL UNDER WARRANTY AND WE PURCHASED EXTENDED WARRANTY FROM SUBARU. REMOVED BULB FROM HATCH BACK PER SERVICE MGR. AUTOMATIC STARTER ALSO UNRELIABLE AND WORKS INTERMITTENTLY. FACTORY INSTALLED. VEHICLE UNRELIABLE. SERVICE UNABLE TO FIX PROBLEM. NEED TO PURCHASE A LARGER STRONGER BATTERY FOR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ON OWN TO SEE IF IT HELPS BATTERY PROBLEM. DEALER WILL ONLY GIVE 550 BATTERY.

NHTSA ODI #11396243

2017 model year · Mileage unknown · Feb 14, 2021
Electrical System

BATTERY KEEPS DYING WITH NO APPARENT REASON. HAS BEEN REPLACED 5 TIMES WITH ONLY 52,000 MILES. NOW BATTERY IS DEAD AGAIN AFTER ONLY 68 DAYS AFTER LAST REPLACEMENT.

NHTSA ODI #11396174

Related Official recalls

5

22V473000 · 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

0

No component-matched exact-year investigations in this snapshot.