Wiring problems of the 2008 Subaru Outback

The wiring harness passing from the vehicle body through to the hatchback is chaffing and has broken wires. I discovered this when my rear windshield wiper stopped working. After replacing the motor the problem persisted. Online search provided many reports of this phenomenon. I called Subaru service and they are aware of the problem and report the fix is around $500-600 and entails replacing the wiring harness. I was told that the wires get brittle with age and it is a tight fit. My issue is on the rubber boot on the passenger side of the car. The vehicle was stationary in my garage as I was troubleshooting the inoperative rear wiper motor. 85,150 miles on the car, never been in an accident, and always parked in garage. I can upload photo documents if requested. As bare wires are present in this area I feel that this is a potential hazard. Rear wiper is also inoperative due to broken wire and could result in limited rear visibility. Service manager was very aware of this common problem. Online research showed reports of rear back up lights becoming inoperative as well.

Rear hatch wiring insulation failed after 8 years & 70,0000 miles resulting in (among many other problems) failure of all brake lights. Wires shorted out resulting in blown brake light fuse. There was no indication of failure of brake lights on any dashboard warning light. It is unknown how long this vehicle (known to have unsafe airbags) was also driven without brake lights. This is a known common failure point and should be a safety recall.

There's seems to be a common issue with the wiring on 2005-2009 Subaru Outback/legacy models that affects both the airbag and the locking mechanism. I have seen multiple threads online where the airbag indicator light comes on specifically indicating that the passenger airbag may be affected and sensors may be faulty? there is also a common error in the electrical system in which when you lock the car - all locks activate with the exception of the rear tailgate which poses a safety risk or total theft of the car. These problems occur upon vehicle ignition and when the car is on or off (for the locking).

The wiring for the rear lift gate lock is broken. The same problem occurred in 2013. Definitely faulty design. Subaru says to replace the entire wiring harness to the lift gate for $500+.

Recently replaced headlights did not illuminate on a return trip home. They turned off without warning while driving. According to the dealer, the wiring harness failed.

Wires in the rear hatch break repeatedly. Wiring harness comes from the roof and into the rear hatch; most of the wires worn and mechanic has spliced more than half including the antenna wire.

Passenger side airbag on/off light malfunctioning. Sometimes ceiling console passenger indicator light comes on to indicate bag is off (supposed to happen when less than 25 lbs in passenger seat) and sometimes it doesn't. Sometimes dashboard red airbag warning light comes on to indicate malfunction with bag and sometimes it doesn't. Sometimes the passenger airbag on/off light shows dimly as if it's trying to illuminate. Seems like a wiring problem based on intermittent illumination but dealer said needed new $300 plus indicator switch but they were sure airbag working properly. Have already had serious problem with quality of work done by this dealer so unsure of whether they really know what's happening. Why no recall from Subaru? I see several other complaints here about the exact same problem.

One wire leading to the rear cargo hatch (right side) broke and 3 others had cracked insulation due to a lack of resilience after flexing. These wires are flexed every time the hatch is opened and closed. All electrical parts on the hatch travel though this wiring harness (wipers, lock, etc. ). Had the failure of the lock not been noticed, further wear could have caused a short and a fire. The vehicle is only 4 and a half years old. Many other people have had similar problems going back to at least the 2005 model.