Back Up Lights Problems of Subaru Outback

There is a well documented faulty design issue that leads to failure of the wiring harness (rear gate cord) to the rear wagon door/gate of this model Subaru ouback wagons. Failure of the wiring harness has affected me while driving the vehicle. As this issue has progressed, more and more wires break, completely severed, and lead to the rear lock not working, then backup lights not working, rear defroster not working, wiper not working, and license plate light not working. This is a safety issue, especially the backup lights, rear defroster, rear wiper, and locking mechanism not working at all! these compromise visibility and car safety. This faulty design, or faulty material choice is clearly Subaru's fault: severed electrical wires, as a result of normal use, should not be acceptable, especially when they compromise safety by disabling backup lights and the rear lock. While the replacement cable itself is only $63, the Subaru dealerships want to charge over $500 in labor. I am really disappointed that there has been no recall, or support on this issue from Subaru of America. I cannot find any official response from Subaru on this issue. I don't think it's fair to have loyal customers like myself, pay excessive labor charges to fix a safety problem that is a design flaw from Subaru.

See all problems of the 2009 Subaru Outback 🔎.

Rear hatch harness wires are broken/ frayed. Backup lights do not work, and the rear wiper works intermittently. Every now and them rear defroster doesn't work. Hazard a lot of 2005-2009 Outbacks have.

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Hatch won't lock, and backup lights don't work. Found 2 broken wires on right side wire harness, I have read lots of other postings about the same problem.

See all problems of the 2007 Subaru Outback 🔎.

My back up lights and license plate lights were not working. Found the wires between the light gate and body of car were breaking one by one. Also my antenna wires were broken on other side same location. Was surprised to see this. Wires usually don't wear out like this I wouldn't think.

Rear wiper ceased functioning. The problem was due to broken wire(s) in a wiring harness that passes through a rubber accordion boot between the car body and the tail-gate (near the right-hand tailgate hinge). Many of the other wires, affecting upper brake light, license plate lights, backup lights, and tailgate latch/lock, were frayed and were replaced due to imminent failure of the above listed components. Research at an online forum for Subaru owners showed that many other owners (of 2005 and 2006 Subaru Outbacks) have experienced similar failures due to broken wires in this wiring harness. I suspect that it is an under-reported problem. I believe that Subaru should be asked to issue a safety recall notice.

See all problems of the 2006 Subaru Outback 🔎.