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
2020 model year · 8,900 miles · Sep 21, 2020
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED OUT OF PARK INTO GEAR, THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR DOORS LOCKED WHILE THE REAR HATCH UNLOCKED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WITH THE REAR HATCH UNLOCKED THE DOME LIGHT MADE IT VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. W&L S…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED OUT OF PARK INTO GEAR, THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR DOORS LOCKED WHILE THE REAR HATCH UNLOCKED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WITH THE REAR HATCH UNLOCKED THE DOME LIGHT MADE IT VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. W&L SUBARU (535 POINT TOWNSHIP DR, NORTHUMBERLAND, PA 17857 (570) 473-3432) WAS UNABLE TO FIX THE VEHICLE. THE REAR HATCH MECHANISM WAS REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,900. Consumer stated Subaru would purchase the vehicle because of all the electrical problems.

NHTSA ODI #11360268

2016 model year · 75,000 miles · Sep 21, 2020
Electrical System

SUBARU SERVICE DEPARTMENT BERTERA SUBARU OF HARTFORD STATING IGNITION SWITCH PLATE NEEDS REPLACEMENT $650 JOB MULTIPLE OCCURRENCES WITH OTHER VEHICLES OF SAME MODEL YEAR

NHTSA ODI #11360281

2010 model year · 168,775 miles · Sep 21, 2020
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

CRUISE CONTROL, BRAKE, CHECK ENGINE AND VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL LIGHTS ALL COME ON WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI #11360358

2018 model year · 2,000 miles · Sep 18, 2020
Electrical System

THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM OF THE CAR DRAINS THE BATTERY AFTER A FEW DAYS OF NOT USING THE CAR. THE CAR WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW IN JULY, 2018. THE CAR HAS A BATTERY PROBLEM FROM THE BEGINNING. FIRST TIME WHEN THE BATTERY DIED I CHARGED IT MYSELF AND I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION. AT THE DEALERSHIP THEY COULDT FIND …

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THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM OF THE CAR DRAINS THE BATTERY AFTER A FEW DAYS OF NOT USING THE CAR. THE CAR WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW IN JULY, 2018. THE CAR HAS A BATTERY PROBLEM FROM THE BEGINNING. FIRST TIME WHEN THE BATTERY DIED I CHARGED IT MYSELF AND I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION. AT THE DEALERSHIP THEY COULDT FIND ANY ISSUE. SINCE THAT TIME THE CAR'S BATTERY DRAINED COMPLETELY SIX TIMES PREVENTING THE CAR FROM STARTING. IF THE BATTERY WAS NOT CONNECTED TO A BATTERY TENDER IT WENT COMPLETELY DEAD AFTER A FEW DAYS. LAST TIME WHEN THE BATTERY DRAINED IT COULDN'T BE CHARGED WITH A CHARGER AND ALSO THE CAR COULDN'T BE JUMPED. AFTER INVESTING IN A NEW BATTERY AND INSTALLING IT ON THE CAR THE BATTERY DRAINED AGAIN COMPLETELY AFTER A FEW DAYS WHEN THE CAR WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE AND NOT USED.

NHTSA ODI #11355702

2015 model year · 45,000 miles · Sep 16, 2020
Back Over PreventionElectrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BACK-UP CAMERA VIEW WAS BLOCKED BY THE SUNLIGHT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GLARE WAS EVIDENT WHETHER THE SUN ROOF WAS OPENED OR CLOSED. THE GLARE PREVENTED THE DRIVER TO SEE CLEARLY WHAT WAS BEHIND THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER SUBARU OF SAN BERNARDINO (645 AUTO…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BACK-UP CAMERA VIEW WAS BLOCKED BY THE SUNLIGHT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GLARE WAS EVIDENT WHETHER THE SUN ROOF WAS OPENED OR CLOSED. THE GLARE PREVENTED THE DRIVER TO SEE CLEARLY WHAT WAS BEHIND THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER SUBARU OF SAN BERNARDINO (645 AUTO CENTER DR, SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92408 (877) 501-8065) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE BUT OFFERED NO SOLUTION TO THE ISSUE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.

NHTSA ODI #11355345

2017 model year · Mileage unknown · Sep 15, 2020
Electrical System

IN NOVEMBER 2019 I HAD TO REPLACE MY BATTERY WHICH WAS REPLACED FOR FREE BY SUBARU IN CHANDLER, AZ AND WAS GUARANTEED FOR 30 MONTHS, IN SEPTEMBER 2020, I HAD TO REPLACE MY BATTERY AGAIN WHICH WAS INSTALLED BY SUBARU IN CHANDLER, AZ FOR FREE AND GUARANTEED FOR 30 MONTHS. I DID A SEARCH ON FAULTY BATTERIES ON SUBARU AND FOUND THE …

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IN NOVEMBER 2019 I HAD TO REPLACE MY BATTERY WHICH WAS REPLACED FOR FREE BY SUBARU IN CHANDLER, AZ AND WAS GUARANTEED FOR 30 MONTHS, IN SEPTEMBER 2020, I HAD TO REPLACE MY BATTERY AGAIN WHICH WAS INSTALLED BY SUBARU IN CHANDLER, AZ FOR FREE AND GUARANTEED FOR 30 MONTHS. I DID A SEARCH ON FAULTY BATTERIES ON SUBARU AND FOUND THE BELOWS INFORMATION.. SO I DECIDED TO FILE A REPORT. " SUBARU IS HIT WITH A NEW LAWSUIT ALLEGING THE 2016-2020 SUBARU OUTBACK AND 2019-2020 ASCENT HAVE DEFECTIVE ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS CAUSING PREMATURE BATTERY FAILURE. WHAT SHOULD OWNERS DO IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUES?"

NHTSA ODI #11355247

2016 model year · 55,000 miles · Sep 15, 2020
Electrical System

I HAVE HAD 3 BATTERIES REPLACED IN THE PAST FOUR YEARS. PERIODICALLY THE BATTERY JUST DRAINS UNEXPECTEDLY AND I AM STUCK WHEREVER THE VEHICLE HAPPENS TO BE PARKED. THIS IS NOT A RESULT OF LIGHTS BEING LEFT ON, DOORS OPEN, RADIO ON, ETC. SUBARU REPLACES THE BATTERIES UNDER WARRANTY, BUT WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THERE IS AN EL…

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I HAVE HAD 3 BATTERIES REPLACED IN THE PAST FOUR YEARS. PERIODICALLY THE BATTERY JUST DRAINS UNEXPECTEDLY AND I AM STUCK WHEREVER THE VEHICLE HAPPENS TO BE PARKED. THIS IS NOT A RESULT OF LIGHTS BEING LEFT ON, DOORS OPEN, RADIO ON, ETC. SUBARU REPLACES THE BATTERIES UNDER WARRANTY, BUT WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM AND I NEVER KNOW WHEN THE CAR WILL GET STUCK BECAUSE OF A DRAINED BATTERY.

NHTSA ODI #11355190

2017 model year · 17,000 miles · Sep 14, 2020
Electrical System

BATTERY GOES DEAD OVERNIGHT. IN 2019 I EXPERIENCED A DEAD BATTERY ON MY OUTBACK. IT HAPPENED IN EARLY 2020. I REPLACED THE BATTERY AROUND MAY OF THIS YEAR. I TOOK IT TO LOCAL DEALER AND LEFT FOR 2 DAYS. DEALER UPDATED ECO AND SAID THAT SHOULD FIX IT, FAIL INAGAIN IN JULY 2020 AND AGAIN TODAY 9-15-2020

NHTSA ODI #11354872

2020 model year · 3,000 miles · Sep 14, 2020
Electrical System

VEHICLE DIES AND HAS TO BE JUMPED EVERY TIME WE START IT. HAS BEEN ONGOING ISSUE SINCE 3/2020, AND HAS BEEN GETTING PROGRESSIVELY WORSE.

NHTSA ODI #11355000

2017 model year · 38,000 miles · Sep 11, 2020
Electrical System

MULTIPLE BATTERY FAILURES- BATTERY DIES REPEATEDLY. HAVE REPLACED 4 TIMES ALREADY. LAST DEAD BATTERY IS TODAY WITH IT HAVING DIED LAST WEEK AS WELL. THIS WILL BE 3RD BATTERY IN LESS THAN A YEAR.SOMETIMES HEADLIGHT WILL DIMLY FLASH OR THERE WILL BE A THUMPING NOISE THAT COMES FROM THE BACK, POSSIBLY THE TAILGATE. OTHER TIMES IT I…

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MULTIPLE BATTERY FAILURES- BATTERY DIES REPEATEDLY. HAVE REPLACED 4 TIMES ALREADY. LAST DEAD BATTERY IS TODAY WITH IT HAVING DIED LAST WEEK AS WELL. THIS WILL BE 3RD BATTERY IN LESS THAN A YEAR.SOMETIMES HEADLIGHT WILL DIMLY FLASH OR THERE WILL BE A THUMPING NOISE THAT COMES FROM THE BACK, POSSIBLY THE TAILGATE. OTHER TIMES IT IS DEAD NEXT DAY WHEN GOING TO START IT AFTER HAVING BEEN DRIVEN THE PREVIOUS DAY. KEYS ARE NOT KEPT IN CAR.

NHTSA ODI #11354501

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.