Rab system not working, no foward or reverse cameras work. No climate control access, no radio, no GPS, can't access any touch screen controls
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
YearTopic reportsRecallsInvestigations
20265
00202512
00202416
00202317
20202251
40202175
402020258
602019363
302018265
302017391
412016309
412015127
51201432
100201323
120201237
161201167
160201033
180200923
130200834
80200720
80200642
70200528
9220048
10220037
14220024
4020013
3020008
1019998
1019986
2019974
4019961
20Recall 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
4830–25K
23925–50K
14350–75K
8275–100K
83100–150K
41150K+
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 reportsNHTSA report We purchased this vehicle used on 9/11/2019 from Subaru of Spokane in Spokane Washington. The car has failed to start and required towing to the servicing Subaru dealership Carter Subaru of Ballard, WA where they have replaced the battery, (twice) and fuses. In three years, this car is on its third battery and has…
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NHTSA report We purchased this vehicle used on 9/11/2019 from Subaru of Spokane in Spokane Washington. The car has failed to start and required towing to the servicing Subaru dealership Carter Subaru of Ballard, WA where they have replaced the battery, (twice) and fuses. In three years, this car is on its third battery and has failed to provide reliable use, required towing, and two weeks of lost use. This is apparently a well-established issue--Subaru of America has lost at least one class action suit in NJ, as well as a Lemon Law case in California. However, these two dealers in Washington State are behaving as if they have never heard of the issue and are not forthcoming in fixing the problem so it does not reoccur.
Battery goes dead without notice. First time took care to dealer of purchase, Stamford Subaru and battery was replaced. Battery went dead on 9/16/22. Kind stranger gave me a boost. I purchased a portable booster as I no longer trust this car that has 35k miles. Every time I go to start the car, I am left wondering if it will sta…
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Battery goes dead without notice. First time took care to dealer of purchase, Stamford Subaru and battery was replaced. Battery went dead on 9/16/22. Kind stranger gave me a boost. I purchased a portable booster as I no longer trust this car that has 35k miles. Every time I go to start the car, I am left wondering if it will start.
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked in the garage, she was unable to open the door with the key fob. The contact stated that she was able to open the front driver’s side door with the key manually. The contact stated she was unable to start the vehicle. The contact's boyfriend …
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The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked in the garage, she was unable to open the door with the key fob. The contact stated that she was able to open the front driver’s side door with the key manually. The contact stated she was unable to start the vehicle. The contact's boyfriend attempted to jump start the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 27,097.
This Subaru Outback Limited has had multiple instances of dead battery. This has occurred on 4 batteries. We are senior citizens at risk of being stranded. There is a record of Subaru Roadside Service having to tow and jump start the vehicle many times The dealer finds no trouble after charging the battery nor are they aware of…
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This Subaru Outback Limited has had multiple instances of dead battery. This has occurred on 4 batteries. We are senior citizens at risk of being stranded. There is a record of Subaru Roadside Service having to tow and jump start the vehicle many times The dealer finds no trouble after charging the battery nor are they aware of fixes. The symptoms are failure to start.
Vehicle infotainment system refused to start up without long delay (20 seconds or so) preventing various safety systems from initializing. This has been a recurring problem with this vehicle for two years.
I had a battery that was about 1 year old that died suddenly. I called Triple AAA and they replaced it, and 1 week later, the new battery died and the car wouldn't start, so AAA came and replaced it again. 3 days after that the 3rd battery died. AAA confirmed both times that there was nothing wrong with the alternator and eve…
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I had a battery that was about 1 year old that died suddenly. I called Triple AAA and they replaced it, and 1 week later, the new battery died and the car wouldn't start, so AAA came and replaced it again. 3 days after that the 3rd battery died. AAA confirmed both times that there was nothing wrong with the alternator and everything looked fine. Looking online it seems that this has been a common issue with Subaru Outbacks.
Started car and all warning lights on dash were flashing. Turned car off and car would not start and there was a loud ticking noise coming from the engine bay.Contacted AAA and technician checked battery and verified that it was dead and he was not able to start the car and this time there was a different loud ticking noise with…
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Started car and all warning lights on dash were flashing. Turned car off and car would not start and there was a loud ticking noise coming from the engine bay.Contacted AAA and technician checked battery and verified that it was dead and he was not able to start the car and this time there was a different loud ticking noise with all dash warning lights flashing. Installed higher quality battery and the car would not start with the same result. Had car towed by AAA (9/12/2022) to our local Subaru dealer for diagnosis. After 5 days the Joint Box or BIU part #82201AL20A was defective. These are the Subaru code defects from the dealer are B1578, B1401 and B1411. Cost to repair including diagnosis is $956.02. Previous battery/electrical issue in 2018. Battery drained by electronic brake fixed under warranty.
Battery repeatedly drains with short drives or if car is parked for 72 hours such that the vehicle will not start.
Battery failed in first 6 months of owning the car. Battery was replaced at Gilman Subaru Selma Texas. Battery and relay at North Park Body shop during the repair for hail damage. The car was at this shop from April 20th 2022 until the middle of July 2022. The day the car was picked up the electronic door locks did not work. …
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Battery failed in first 6 months of owning the car. Battery was replaced at Gilman Subaru Selma Texas. Battery and relay at North Park Body shop during the repair for hail damage. The car was at this shop from April 20th 2022 until the middle of July 2022. The day the car was picked up the electronic door locks did not work. The car was taken to North Park Subaru to diagnosis and repair a faulty body control module. They have had the car since August 8th. After it was taken back to North Star Collision to try to remedy the issue. North Star Subaru would not honor a warranty claiming outsider influence. On August 15th I was informed that the battery malfunctioned for 3rd time. With exception of about a week and a half since April 20th. I have not had use of my vehicle.
Related Official recalls
522V473000 · 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
0No component-matched exact-year investigations in this snapshot.