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
2016 model year · 66,000 miles · Dec 31, 2020
Electrical System

THE BATTERY HAS GONE DEAD AT LEAST 3 TIMES, EVEN AFTER FRESH REPLACEMENT. THE FIRST TIME WAS DUE TO REAR INSIDE LIGHT BEING SWITCHED ON (ACCORDING TO THE SUBARU SERVICE TECHNICIAN). THE SECOND TIME WAS WHILE OUT RUNNING ERRANDS. THE THIRD TIME WAS AFTER BEING PARKED FOR TWO DAYS. THE BATTERY IS LESS THAN A YEAR OLD AND SHOULD NO…

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THE BATTERY HAS GONE DEAD AT LEAST 3 TIMES, EVEN AFTER FRESH REPLACEMENT. THE FIRST TIME WAS DUE TO REAR INSIDE LIGHT BEING SWITCHED ON (ACCORDING TO THE SUBARU SERVICE TECHNICIAN). THE SECOND TIME WAS WHILE OUT RUNNING ERRANDS. THE THIRD TIME WAS AFTER BEING PARKED FOR TWO DAYS. THE BATTERY IS LESS THAN A YEAR OLD AND SHOULD NOT BE DRAINED FROM POWER LIKE THIS.

NHTSA ODI #11385793

2017 model year · Mileage unknown · Dec 29, 2020
Electrical SystemEngine

TL* THE CONTRACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF HIS FATHER WHO OWNS A 2017 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MILLER HILL SUBARU (4710 MILLER TRUNK HWY, DULUTH, MN 55811) WHERE THE FAILURE WAS DIAGNOSED AS A FAULTY BATTERY, REMOTE STARTER, …

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TL* THE CONTRACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF HIS FATHER WHO OWNS A 2017 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MILLER HILL SUBARU (4710 MILLER TRUNK HWY, DULUTH, MN 55811) WHERE THE FAILURE WAS DIAGNOSED AS A FAULTY BATTERY, REMOTE STARTER, SENSOR AND REAR LIFTGATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND A CASE WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI #11385441

2017 model year · 25,000 miles · Dec 27, 2020
Electrical System

ORIGINAL BATTERY FAILED ABOUT 30 MONTHS AFTER CAR PURCHASED (NEW CAR). THERE WAS NO WARNING-JUST DEAD AFTER PARKED IN GARAGE OVERNIGHT. PURCHASED NEW DURACELL BATTERY FROM SAMS CLUB ON 1-24-20. REPLACEMENT BATTERY WAS DEAD AFTER PARKED OVERNIGHT IN GARAGE ON 12-24-20. BATTERY FAILED IN 11 MONTHS. NO PREVIOUS WARNING, WEATHER …

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ORIGINAL BATTERY FAILED ABOUT 30 MONTHS AFTER CAR PURCHASED (NEW CAR). THERE WAS NO WARNING-JUST DEAD AFTER PARKED IN GARAGE OVERNIGHT. PURCHASED NEW DURACELL BATTERY FROM SAMS CLUB ON 1-24-20. REPLACEMENT BATTERY WAS DEAD AFTER PARKED OVERNIGHT IN GARAGE ON 12-24-20. BATTERY FAILED IN 11 MONTHS. NO PREVIOUS WARNING, WEATHER WAS NORMAL BOTH INSTANCIES.

NHTSA ODI #11385100

2019 model year · Mileage unknown · Dec 27, 2020
Electrical System

THE VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 12000 MILES ON IT. BATTERY KEEPS DYING. WE CARRY A JUMPER CABLE AND A BATTERY CHARGER ALL THE TIME. DEALER REFUSED TO CHANGE THE BATTERY IN JUNE 2020 (IN FORT COLLINS, COLORADO), DEALER SIMPLY CHARGED THE BATTERY. WE DON'T KNOW IF IT IS AN ALTERNATOR PROBLEM, A BATTERY PROBLEM, OR OTHER ELECTRICAL S…

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THE VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 12000 MILES ON IT. BATTERY KEEPS DYING. WE CARRY A JUMPER CABLE AND A BATTERY CHARGER ALL THE TIME. DEALER REFUSED TO CHANGE THE BATTERY IN JUNE 2020 (IN FORT COLLINS, COLORADO), DEALER SIMPLY CHARGED THE BATTERY. WE DON'T KNOW IF IT IS AN ALTERNATOR PROBLEM, A BATTERY PROBLEM, OR OTHER ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS COMPONENTS THAT KEEP DRAINING BATTERY WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED. THIS HAD MADE THE CAR MOST UNRELIABLE. THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM, PERSISTING FOR OVER THE PAST 8 MONTHS.

NHTSA ODI #11385139

2017 model year · Mileage unknown · Dec 26, 2020
Electrical System

I'M ON MY 4TH BATTERY IN 3 YEARS. BATTERY HAS GONE DEAD MULTIPLE TIMES, LEAVING ME STRANDED IN DIFFICULT AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATIONS. CANNOT OPEN LIFT GATE TO ACCESS THE CARGO AREA WHERE I KEEP MY ROAD SAFETY REFLECTORS, FLASHLIGHT, TIRE PUMP, ETC. STRANDED IN DARK PARKING LOT 1 TIME. AS A RESULT OF THE RELIABILIT…

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I'M ON MY 4TH BATTERY IN 3 YEARS. BATTERY HAS GONE DEAD MULTIPLE TIMES, LEAVING ME STRANDED IN DIFFICULT AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATIONS. CANNOT OPEN LIFT GATE TO ACCESS THE CARGO AREA WHERE I KEEP MY ROAD SAFETY REFLECTORS, FLASHLIGHT, TIRE PUMP, ETC. STRANDED IN DARK PARKING LOT 1 TIME. AS A RESULT OF THE RELIABILITY CONCERNS I HAVE HAD TO BUY A PORTABLE CHARGING UNIT TO HAVE IN THE CAR AT ALL TIMES. I HAVE ALSO HAD TO PURCHASE A NEW BATTERY FOR A CAR THAT ONLY HAS 27K MILES ON IT. THERE ARE INSTANCES OF MANY SIMILAR PROBLEMS RESULTING IN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST SUBARU. THIS NOT ONLY IMPACTS THE RELIABILITY AND SAFETY, IT ALSO IMPACTS THE RESALE VALUE.

NHTSA ODI #11385040

2019 model year · Mileage unknown · Dec 26, 2020
Electrical SystemEngine

VEHICLE WILL NOT START ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. WE REPLACED THE BATTERY, BUT PROBLEM CONTINUES. SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO GET PROBLEM CORRECTED BY DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAVE FAILED. PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED FOR MORE THAT 5 MONTHS NOW.

NHTSA ODI #11385048

2020 model year · 4,100 miles · Dec 26, 2020
Electrical System

ON APPROX. 8/22/20 I RECEIVED AN EMAIL OR TEXT FROM SUBARU OR STARLINK, I DON'T REMEMBER, ABOUT A SOFTWARE UPDATE. I TRIED TO UPDATE THE SOFTWARE BUT THE PROCESS WOULDN'T COMPLETE FOR SOME REASON. WITHIN A FEW HOURS I RECEIVED ANOTHER EMAIL SAYING TO DISREGARD THE PREVIOUS ONE AND THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE UPDATE. THE ISS…

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ON APPROX. 8/22/20 I RECEIVED AN EMAIL OR TEXT FROM SUBARU OR STARLINK, I DON'T REMEMBER, ABOUT A SOFTWARE UPDATE. I TRIED TO UPDATE THE SOFTWARE BUT THE PROCESS WOULDN'T COMPLETE FOR SOME REASON. WITHIN A FEW HOURS I RECEIVED ANOTHER EMAIL SAYING TO DISREGARD THE PREVIOUS ONE AND THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE UPDATE. THE ISSUE LEFT ME WITHOUT ANY DISPLAY. I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN AND HAD TO HAVE THE WHOLE RADIO REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY.

NHTSA ODI #11384986

2020 model year · 8,112 miles · Dec 26, 2020
Electrical System

I WENT OUT THIS MORNING 12/26/2020 AND THE CAR WON'T START AGAIN. BECAUSE OF THE PREVIOUS PROBLEM ON 12/22/20 WHICH I HAVE REPORTED. I MADE SURE EVERYTHING WAS CLOSED AND LOCKED SECURELY AND ALL LIGHTS WERE OFF. PRIOR TO THE 12/22/20 INCIDENT, I HAD 2 PREVIOUS INCIDENTS SINCE PURCHASING THE CAR. ONE PREVIOUS INCIDENT INVOLVED A …

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I WENT OUT THIS MORNING 12/26/2020 AND THE CAR WON'T START AGAIN. BECAUSE OF THE PREVIOUS PROBLEM ON 12/22/20 WHICH I HAVE REPORTED. I MADE SURE EVERYTHING WAS CLOSED AND LOCKED SECURELY AND ALL LIGHTS WERE OFF. PRIOR TO THE 12/22/20 INCIDENT, I HAD 2 PREVIOUS INCIDENTS SINCE PURCHASING THE CAR. ONE PREVIOUS INCIDENT INVOLVED A BATTERY DRAIN (I DO NOT REMEMBER THE DATE) BECAUSE THE CABIN LIGHT WAS LEFT ON OVERNIGHT. THE BATTERY DRAINAGE PREVENTION FUNCTION SHOULD HAVE KEPT THAT FROM HAPPENING BUT DID NOT. ALSO, ON APPROX. 9/1/20, I RECEIVED AN EMAIL FROM SUBARU ABOUT A SOFTWARE UPDATE. I TRIED TO UPDATE THE SOFTWARE BUT THE PROCESS WOULDN'T COMPLETE FOR SOME REASON. WITHIN A FEW HOURS I RECEIVED ANOTHER EMAIL SAYING TO DISREGARD THE PREVIOUS ONE AND THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE UPDATE. THE ISSUE LEFT ME WITHOUT ANY DISPLAY. I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN AND HAD TO HAVE THE WHOLE RADIO REPLACED.

NHTSA ODI #11384978

2020 model year · 7,900 miles · Dec 26, 2020
Electrical System

ON TUESDAY 12/22/20 AT APPROX 3 PM I GOT IN MY CAR TO RUN AN ERRAND AND IT WOULDN'T START. I HAD MOVED IT THE EVENING BEFORE FROM THE STREET TO THE DRIVEWAY. I DID NOT OPEN ANYTHING BUT THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR AND LOCKED IT WHEN I EXITED THE VEHICLE. I HAD NOT USED THE LIFT GATE IN THE LAST FEW DAYS AND ALL DOORS WERE CLOSED. I HA…

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ON TUESDAY 12/22/20 AT APPROX 3 PM I GOT IN MY CAR TO RUN AN ERRAND AND IT WOULDN'T START. I HAD MOVED IT THE EVENING BEFORE FROM THE STREET TO THE DRIVEWAY. I DID NOT OPEN ANYTHING BUT THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR AND LOCKED IT WHEN I EXITED THE VEHICLE. I HAD NOT USED THE LIFT GATE IN THE LAST FEW DAYS AND ALL DOORS WERE CLOSED. I HAD NOT TURNED ON ANY INTERIOR LIGHT EITHER OR HEADLIGHTS. I HAD IT JUMPED THE NEXT MORNING AND IT STARTED.

NHTSA ODI #11384977

2012 model year · 125,000 miles · Dec 25, 2020
Electrical System

VEHICLE LIGHTS (ABS, CHECK ENGINE, CRUISE, ETC) REMAIN ON OR BLINKING AT ALL TIMES.

NHTSA ODI #11384916

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.