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.
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 reportsElectrical System
I REPLACED THE INITIAL BATTERY ON 10/22/2018 WITH A BATTERY RECOMMENDED FOR THIS VEHICLE. 4/17/20 I REPLACED THE BATTERY AGAIN. ON NOVEMBER 15, 2020 THE CAR BATTERY WAS COMPLETELY DRAINED. I PURCHASED A POWER PACK TO KEEP IN THE CAR FOR EMERGENCIES. ON DECEMBER 2, 2020 THE CAR BATTERY WAS COMPLETED DRAINED AGAIN. LUCKILY, I W…
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I REPLACED THE INITIAL BATTERY ON 10/22/2018 WITH A BATTERY RECOMMENDED FOR THIS VEHICLE. 4/17/20 I REPLACED THE BATTERY AGAIN. ON NOVEMBER 15, 2020 THE CAR BATTERY WAS COMPLETELY DRAINED. I PURCHASED A POWER PACK TO KEEP IN THE CAR FOR EMERGENCIES. ON DECEMBER 2, 2020 THE CAR BATTERY WAS COMPLETED DRAINED AGAIN. LUCKILY, I WAS STATIONARY WHEN THESE INCIDENTS HAPPENED. AFTER THESE TWO INCIDENTS, I AM TAKING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TOMORROW. I TRAVEL FOR WORK TO SOME REMOTE PLACES AND AM NO LONGER CONFIDENT IN THIS CAR'S PERFORMANCE.
NHTSA ODI #11378344
Electrical System
2017 SUBARU OUTBACK, CONSTANTLY DEAD BATTERY. I'VE HAD THE CAR DUE ON ME MULTIPLE TIMES. IT CANNOT HOLD A CHARGE. DEC 5TH IT HAPPENED AGAIN AND HAD TO CALL TOW COMPANY TO JUMP IT SO I COULD TAKE TO THE DEALERSHIP. THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM. THIS CAR HAS JUST 16,000 MILES.
NHTSA ODI #11378183
Electrical System
WE ARE REPORTING THIS TODAY, BUT THIS ISSUE HAS GONE ON FOR 2 YEARS. PURCHASED AN OUTBACK USED FROM THE DEALER. BATTERY CONTINUALLY DIES, LEAVING US STRANDED AT HOME OR AWAY FROM HOME. SUBARU DEALER SAYS THE BATTERY TEST GOOD, AND TELL US WE JUST NEED TO DRIVE THE CAR MORE OFTEN. THIS CAR IS DRIVEN DAILY, SO THAT IS NOT THE …
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WE ARE REPORTING THIS TODAY, BUT THIS ISSUE HAS GONE ON FOR 2 YEARS. PURCHASED AN OUTBACK USED FROM THE DEALER. BATTERY CONTINUALLY DIES, LEAVING US STRANDED AT HOME OR AWAY FROM HOME. SUBARU DEALER SAYS THE BATTERY TEST GOOD, AND TELL US WE JUST NEED TO DRIVE THE CAR MORE OFTEN. THIS CAR IS DRIVEN DAILY, SO THAT IS NOT THE PROBLEM. DEALER SAYS THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT'S WRONG WITH IT. AFTER SEARCHING FOR SIMILAR ISSUES FROM OTHER OWNERS, IT'S EVIDENT SUBARU IS COVERING THIS UP. UNFORTUNATELY WITHOUT SUBARU WILLING TO FIX THE ISSUE AND NOT TELLING US HOW TO FIX IT WE'RE STUCK WITH THE CAR IN ITS CURRENT STATE.
NHTSA ODI #11378112
Electrical System
SINCE PURCHASING CAR NEW IN 08/19, I HAVE BEEN STRANDED WITH A DEAD BATTERY 10 TIMES IN 12,000 MILES. THIS IS DUE TO 4 THINGS: 1. A POORLY DESIGNED KEY FOB WITH A HYPERSENSITIVE BUTTON THAT OPENS THE HATCH UNINTENTIONALLY WHICH KILLS BATTERY; 2. COMPUTER MODULES THAT REMAIN FULLY 'ON', DRAWING AT LEAST 3.6 AMPS (MUCH MORE IF I…
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SINCE PURCHASING CAR NEW IN 08/19, I HAVE BEEN STRANDED WITH A DEAD BATTERY 10 TIMES IN 12,000 MILES. THIS IS DUE TO 4 THINGS: 1. A POORLY DESIGNED KEY FOB WITH A HYPERSENSITIVE BUTTON THAT OPENS THE HATCH UNINTENTIONALLY WHICH KILLS BATTERY; 2. COMPUTER MODULES THAT REMAIN FULLY 'ON', DRAWING AT LEAST 3.6 AMPS (MUCH MORE IF INTERIOR LIGHTS ARE ON) WHEN HATCH IS OPEN AND/OR DOOR IS OPEN OR AJAR WITHOUT MITIGATION FROM A TIMER AS LONG AS KEY FOB IS DETECTED. SO IF I OPEN HATCH FOR DAY USE ACTIVITY, THE THE BATTERY DIES UNLESS I FIND A WAY TO DEACTIVATE THE FOB. IF THE UNINTENTIONALLY BUMP THE HATCH BUTTON WHILE CAR IS IN SECURE GARAGE, HATCH IS OPEN AND BATTERY IS DEAD NEXT MORNING; 3. AFTER AN UNINTENDED HATCH OPENING RESULTING IN A DEAD BATTERY, MANUALLY CLOSING THE HATCH, JUMPING THE BATTERY, AND DRIVING RESULTS IN A LOUD, CONTINUOUS ALARM WITH NO DASH LIGHT IDENTIFICATION IN THE CAR FOR ONE MINUTE OR UNTIL CAR COMES TO A COMPLETE STOP, THEN ALARM RESUMES CAUSING GREAT ANXIETY AND DISTRACTION! ; AND 4. THESE PROBLEMS AND WHAT YOU MUST DO TO COMBAT THEM ARE NOT REVEALED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL NOR IN THE SALES AND PURCHASE PROCESS WHICH I FIND VERY DECEPTIVE! DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT IS EITHER NOT INFORMED OR NOT FORTHCOMING UNTIL BACKED INTO A CORNER BY SPECIFIC QUESTIONS. SUBARU OF AMERICA HAS BEEN CONTACTED BUT WILL NOT RESPOND. THEY CLAIM 'OPERATOR ERROR'. I CLAIM DESIGN DEFECT. I HAVE TO CARRY MY OWN JUMP START BATTERY BEHIND THE DRIVER'S SEAT BECAUSE CARGO AREA IS NOT ACCESSIBLE WITH A DEAD BATTERY, AND I MUST TREAT MY KEY FOB LIKE A HAND GRENADE IN ORDER TO KEEP FROM BEING STRANDED. I CANNOT TRUST THIS CAR, NOR DO I HAVE MY WIFE DRIVE IT ANYMORE.
NHTSA ODI #11377362
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System
DROVE MY CAR A FEW MILES AND THEN STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT ON A 4 LANE ROAD IN THE CITY. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN I STEPPED ON THE THROTTLE AND GOT NO RESPONSE. PUT THE TRANSMISSION IN PARK AND BACK INTO DRIVE AND STILL NOTHING. TURNED THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON AND ENGINE RESPONDED TO THROTTLE.
NHTSA ODI #11377213
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other
BATTERY CONSISTENTLY DRAINS AND CAR WILL NOT START. BATTERY IS NEW, REPLACED IN 2020. CAR HAS BEEN PARKED FOR LESS THAN 12 HOURS WHEN IT WILL NOT START. CAR HAS BEEN JUMPED, TAKEN TO DEALER WHO STATE "NOTHING IS WRONG WITH IT", THEN WITHIN 1-4 DAYS USUALLY HAPPENS AGAIN. HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES SINCE 10/03/2020.
NHTSA ODI #11376788
Electrical System
WHEN ENTERING THE VEHICLE AND ATTEMPTING TO TURN IT ON, THE CAR WOULD NOT START (NOVEMBER 20, 2020) THE CAR REQUIRED A JUMP TO GET THE ENGINE TO START. TOOK IT INTO THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP WHO TESTED THE BATTERY AND SAID THE BATTERY WAS FINE & THEY CHARGED THE BATTERY BACK UP. (NOVEMBER 24, 2020). THE FOLLOWING MORNING (NOVEMBER…
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WHEN ENTERING THE VEHICLE AND ATTEMPTING TO TURN IT ON, THE CAR WOULD NOT START (NOVEMBER 20, 2020) THE CAR REQUIRED A JUMP TO GET THE ENGINE TO START. TOOK IT INTO THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP WHO TESTED THE BATTERY AND SAID THE BATTERY WAS FINE & THEY CHARGED THE BATTERY BACK UP. (NOVEMBER 24, 2020). THE FOLLOWING MORNING (NOVEMBER 25, 2020) THE BATTERY WAS DEAD AGAIN AND HAD TO JUMP THE CAR. OVER THE FOLLOWING 36 HOURS ANYTIME I DROVE SOMEWHERE, TURNED IT OFF, IT REQUIRED A JUMP TO START IT AGAIN. TODAY (NOVEMBER 28, 2020) WE TOOK THE CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN FOR ANALYSIS. THEY JUST PUT ANOTHER OEM BATTERY BACK IN THE CAR AND SAID THEY ARE NOT SURE WHAT THE ISSUE IS.
NHTSA ODI #11376826
Electrical System
I PICKED UP MY CAR , DRIVE IT HOME (227 MILES) ON 11/24/2020. THE NEXT MORNING THE BATTERY WAS DEAD AND I WAS UNABLE TO OPEN THE HATCHBACK. WE CHARGED THE BATTERY, SHOWED FULLY CHARGED BUT WOULD NOT START. JUMP STARTED IT, DROVE IT 10 MILES ( ON OK FROM SUBARU SALESMAN) THE ENTIRE TIME IT SHOWED ENGINE LIGHT ON AND EMERGENCY BR…
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I PICKED UP MY CAR , DRIVE IT HOME (227 MILES) ON 11/24/2020. THE NEXT MORNING THE BATTERY WAS DEAD AND I WAS UNABLE TO OPEN THE HATCHBACK. WE CHARGED THE BATTERY, SHOWED FULLY CHARGED BUT WOULD NOT START. JUMP STARTED IT, DROVE IT 10 MILES ( ON OK FROM SUBARU SALESMAN) THE ENTIRE TIME IT SHOWED ENGINE LIGHT ON AND EMERGENCY BRAKE ON ( THE BRAKE HAS BEEN RELEASED) AND THE SAFETY OPTIONS WERE DISABLED. THIS MORNING THE CAR WOULD NOT START AGAIN. SO FAR, THE INLY RESPONSE FROM THE SALESMAN AND SERVICE DEPT IS THAT THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THE PROBLEM COULD BE. I WAS PROMISED THEY WOULD RESEARCH THE PROBLEM AND CALL US, SO FAR HAVEN'T HEARD FROM THEM.
NHTSA ODI #11376825
Electrical System
INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM REPLACED CONTROLLING COMPUTER ON APRIL 17, 2020 AND ON JULY 16, 2020 AN UPDATE WAS PERFORMED DUE TO SYSTEM GOING BLACK
NHTSA ODI #11376777
Electrical System
CAR WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW FROM DEALER. IT RAINED WITHIN A COUPLE DAYS AND DISCOVERED THE WIPERS DIDN'T WORK. DEALER FIXED. MULTIPLE TIMES THE BATTERY HAS DIED. DEALER NO HELP AT ALL AND BLAMES IT ON BATTERY. REPLACED THE BATTERY IN 2017. STILL OFTEN HAVE BATTERY DIE AND WE ALWAYS TURN OFF THE CAR ENTIRELY AND LOCK IT. ONCE IT …
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CAR WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW FROM DEALER. IT RAINED WITHIN A COUPLE DAYS AND DISCOVERED THE WIPERS DIDN'T WORK. DEALER FIXED. MULTIPLE TIMES THE BATTERY HAS DIED. DEALER NO HELP AT ALL AND BLAMES IT ON BATTERY. REPLACED THE BATTERY IN 2017. STILL OFTEN HAVE BATTERY DIE AND WE ALWAYS TURN OFF THE CAR ENTIRELY AND LOCK IT. ONCE IT EVEN DIED AFTER MY FAMILY SPENT ALL DAY AT THE BEACH AND WE WERE STRANDED.
NHTSA ODI #11376849
Related Official recalls
5Jul 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ↗