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 · Mileage unknown · Aug 17, 2020
Electrical System

WHEN THE LIFTGATE IS CLOSING A "CLICKING" NOISE IS MADE DUE TO STRESS ON THE LIFTGATE MOTOR. THIS IS CAUSED BECAUSE OF THE SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF STRAIN ON THE MOTOR TO OPEN THE LIFTGATE. THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE MOTOR WAS DESIGNED TO BE UNDER SIGNIFICANT STRESS AND WHEN IT FAILS, WILL CAUSE THE LIFTGATE TO …

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WHEN THE LIFTGATE IS CLOSING A "CLICKING" NOISE IS MADE DUE TO STRESS ON THE LIFTGATE MOTOR. THIS IS CAUSED BECAUSE OF THE SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF STRAIN ON THE MOTOR TO OPEN THE LIFTGATE. THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE MOTOR WAS DESIGNED TO BE UNDER SIGNIFICANT STRESS AND WHEN IT FAILS, WILL CAUSE THE LIFTGATE TO FALL POTENTIALLY INJURING MY CHILDREN UNLOADING THE TRUNK. THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP AGREED THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE RESOLVED BUT DOES NOT COVER THE COST OF REPAIRING THIS SAFETY ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI #11349964

2017 model year · 28,500 miles · Aug 16, 2020
Electrical SystemEngine

BATTERY DRAINED

NHTSA ODI #11349694

2018 model year · 31,000 miles · Aug 16, 2020
Electrical System

DEAD BATTERY OVERNIGHT AND LIFTGATE RANDOM OPENING WHEN VEHICLE IS PARKED IN THE GARAGE.

NHTSA ODI #11349638

2020 model year · 4,133 miles · Aug 16, 2020
Electrical System

08/02/2020 SUNDAY MORNING AT 4133 MILES OUR BRAND NEW 2020 SUBARU OUTBACK THAT WE HAD FOR 1 MONTH, WOULD NOT START FROM THE CHURCH PARKING LOT. WE HAD A COMPANY JUMP START US, DROVE AROUND FOR AN HOUR AND THEN WENT HOME. WE PARKED IT AT HOME SUNDAY AFTERNOON WHERE IT STAYED UNTIL 2 DAYS LATER. 8/04/2020 TUESDAY MORNING AT 8AM I…

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08/02/2020 SUNDAY MORNING AT 4133 MILES OUR BRAND NEW 2020 SUBARU OUTBACK THAT WE HAD FOR 1 MONTH, WOULD NOT START FROM THE CHURCH PARKING LOT. WE HAD A COMPANY JUMP START US, DROVE AROUND FOR AN HOUR AND THEN WENT HOME. WE PARKED IT AT HOME SUNDAY AFTERNOON WHERE IT STAYED UNTIL 2 DAYS LATER. 8/04/2020 TUESDAY MORNING AT 8AM I WENT TO START IT TO TAKE MY CAT TO THE VET AND IT WOULD NOT START. WE HAD TO USE A A RIDE SERVICE BECAUSE OF TIME CONSTRAINTS. 8/5/2020 WEDNESDAY WE HAD THE SAME COMPANY COME BACK OUT AND JUMP START US AGAIN. WE DROVE STRAIGHT TO THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE. WE REFUSED TO LEAVE WITH THE CAR UNTIL THEY DID SOMETHING. THEY FOUND A PARASITIC DRAW REPLACED THE BATTERY. I DOUBT THE UNDERLINING ISSUE HAS BEEN RESOLVED. THEY REPLACED A BRAND NEW BATTERY AT JUST 4,155 MILES ON A BRAND NEW 2020 SUBARU OUTBACK.

NHTSA ODI #11349715

2017 model year · 93,700 miles · Aug 14, 2020
Electrical SystemPower Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR BOX FAILED TO RECOGNIZE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK WHICH CAUSED THE KEY TO NOT BE ABLE TO BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. THERE WAS NO WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SUBARU OF KENNESAW DEALER LOCATED AT 905 ERNEST W. BARRETT PKWY NW, KENNESAW, GA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR BOX FAILED TO RECOGNIZE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK WHICH CAUSED THE KEY TO NOT BE ABLE TO BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. THERE WAS NO WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SUBARU OF KENNESAW DEALER LOCATED AT 905 ERNEST W. BARRETT PKWY NW, KENNESAW, GA 30144, WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS A KNOWN ISSUE AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE CONTACT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WERE MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE FAILURE AND THAT THE DEALER WOULD BE CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 93,700.*DT*DT CONSUMER WAS REIMBURSED FOR THE REPAIR.*JB

NHTSA ODI #11349271

2017 model year · 30,000 miles · Aug 13, 2020
Electrical System

THE CAR DIES VERY QUICKLY. WE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE BRAND NEW, AND IT ONLY TOOK ABOUT A YEAR BEFORE THE CAR STARTED DYING FOR NO REASON. WE REPLACED THE BATTERY, BUT THE CAR WOULD STILL DRAIN THE BATTERY OVERNIGHT. WE TOOK TO OUR MECHANIC AND HE CANNOT FIND WHAT IS DRAWING THE ENERGY. NOW, IF WE LEAVE THE DOORS OPEN FOR MORE TH…

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THE CAR DIES VERY QUICKLY. WE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE BRAND NEW, AND IT ONLY TOOK ABOUT A YEAR BEFORE THE CAR STARTED DYING FOR NO REASON. WE REPLACED THE BATTERY, BUT THE CAR WOULD STILL DRAIN THE BATTERY OVERNIGHT. WE TOOK TO OUR MECHANIC AND HE CANNOT FIND WHAT IS DRAWING THE ENERGY. NOW, IF WE LEAVE THE DOORS OPEN FOR MORE THAN 10 MINUTES THE CAR WILL DIE. IT IS COMPLETELY UNRELIABLE AT THIS POINT, AND I HAVE HAD TO PURCHASE A TRAVEL "JUMPER" KIT IN ORDER TO NOT GET STRANDED. IT SEEMS VERY RANDOM HOW IT WILL DIE. IT CAN JUST BE SITTING IN THE GARAGE OVERNIGHT (FROM 5 PM TO 8 AM), WITH NOTHING RUNNING, NO DOORS OPEN, NO LIGHTS ON, BUT WILL BE FULLY DRAINED.

NHTSA ODI #11349029

2018 model year · 65,000 miles · Aug 13, 2020
Electrical System

MY SUBARU OUTBACK 2018 TO DATE IS ON ITS THIRD BATTERY, THIRD BATTERY REPLACED 8-7-2020 IS DEAD TODAY (8-13-2020). VEHICLE PARKED IN DRIVEWAY.

NHTSA ODI #11349055

2020 model year · 7,500 miles · Aug 13, 2020
Electrical System

MY RADAR DETECTOR REREADS BATTERY VOLTAGE AND WHEN U WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, I NOTICED THE BATTERY VOLTAGE DROPPED FROM 14.4V TO 12V WHEN EVER THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. TURNING ON THE HEADLIGHTS, WIPERS OR HEATER WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR WILL CAUSE TO VOLTAGE TO GO BACK TO 14.4V. I DO HAVE VIDEOS SHOWING…

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MY RADAR DETECTOR REREADS BATTERY VOLTAGE AND WHEN U WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, I NOTICED THE BATTERY VOLTAGE DROPPED FROM 14.4V TO 12V WHEN EVER THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. TURNING ON THE HEADLIGHTS, WIPERS OR HEATER WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR WILL CAUSE TO VOLTAGE TO GO BACK TO 14.4V. I DO HAVE VIDEOS SHOWING THIS ISSUE. I NOTICED A LOT OF PEOPLE ON LINE THAT DO A LOT OF CITY DRIVING ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT DEAD BATTERIES. MY RESULTS SHOWS THAT THE CHARGING SYSTEM HAS AN ISSUE, SINCE THE BATTERY VOLTAGE SHOULD NEVER GO TO 12V WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING. THE VIDEO WAS TAKEN WITH MY CELLL PHONE WITH THE EXTENSION OF .MOV AND THEREFORE I CAN'T UPLOAD IT USING THIS APP.

NHTSA ODI #11348957

2016 model year · 34,000 miles · Aug 11, 2020
Electrical System

UNABLE TO REMOVE KEY FROM IGNITION WHEN TURNED OFF. INTERMITTENT ISSUE, APPEARS MANY PEOPLE HAVE THE PROBLEM. APPEARS THAT DEALERS WANT TO CHARGE BIG $$ TO FIX, SUBARU NEEDS TO STEP UP, THERE IS A TSP ON THIS ISSUE

NHTSA ODI #11348708

2018 model year · 17,000 miles · Aug 10, 2020
Electrical System

VEHICLE HAS 17,000 MILES, BATTERY HAS DIED AT LEAST 6 TIMES. BATTERY HAS BEEN FOUND DRAINED IN THE AM AFTER BEING PARKED IN GARAGE. DEALER REPLACED BATTERY AT 16,000 MILES. BATTERY PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. SUBARU TRIES TO EXPLAIN PROBLEM BY STATING INTERIOR LIGHTS ARE LEFT ON OR KEY WAS LEFT TO CLOSE TO CAR. TESTS SHOW THERE W…

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VEHICLE HAS 17,000 MILES, BATTERY HAS DIED AT LEAST 6 TIMES. BATTERY HAS BEEN FOUND DRAINED IN THE AM AFTER BEING PARKED IN GARAGE. DEALER REPLACED BATTERY AT 16,000 MILES. BATTERY PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. SUBARU TRIES TO EXPLAIN PROBLEM BY STATING INTERIOR LIGHTS ARE LEFT ON OR KEY WAS LEFT TO CLOSE TO CAR. TESTS SHOW THERE WAS NO PARASITIC DRAIN ON BATTERY. SUBARU DOES NOT WANT TO FIX OR ADMIT THE PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI #11344267

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.