Electrical System Problems of Subaru Outback - part 1

While driving, the head unit, which gives you access to many of the safety features like auto braking etc, blanks out and goes completely dark. It happens without notice and is random in nature. On this particular vehicle it has happened at least four times. It does come back on but it is not immediate and the amount of time that it is out is variable. This can happen regardless of where you are driving and is very concerning because when the head unit is dark and not working you lose control over a lot of the important functions in the vehicle and it makes you doubt whether those systems are working properly.

See all problems of the 2025 Subaru Outback 🔎.

The car repeatedly drains the battery after being left for a short time (a day or 2). This has now happened at least four times and has destroyed multiple batteries. I have taken it to the dealer and complained multiple times. They check for software updates and sell me a new battery and then the same thing happens again. Because of this, the car is essentially unusable because I can't trust it to run. The problem seems to come and go, though that may simply be due to having a new battery for a while. There doesn't seem to be any indication before this problem occurs.

See all problems of the 2019 Subaru Outback 🔎.

Sirus xm advertisements, whilst driving, taking over display, despite opting out of all possible options, disablement and never purchasing the satellite radio service or wanting it in vehicle. I paid for the car, now I have to be subject to distracting advertising that requires user input even though I already have carplay open with driving directions. Advertising should be optional and there must be a way to opt out and it should not be forced or require interaction while car is operational (assuming it is opt in, which it most certainly was not in my case). Everywhere else in the world you can buy a car free of in-vehicle advertising, without being pushed to get satellite radio from a monopoly. . Why is USA different?.

See all problems of the 2024 Subaru Outback 🔎.

Unprompted intermittently while operating the vehicle pop up advertisements will appear on the infotainment system advertising sirius xm radio. This is very distracting as it requires focus to be taken off of the road to bypass the ad to return to normal radio screen functions.

I am submitting a safety complaint regarding my Subaru vehicle’s infotainment system. The system displays unsolicited, full-screen siriusxm promotional pop-ups while the vehicle is in motion. These ads override the current display without warning. Most recently, a siriusxm trial offer appeared and took over my entire screen while I was driving over 60 mph on the highway at night. The sudden change in brightness and the complete obstruction of the display were extremely distracting. It required my attention to dismiss, creating a dangerous situation at high speed. This is not a one-time occurrence. These ads have appeared multiple times, and I have no option to permanently disable them. I did not consent to advertising in my vehicle, much less advertising that interrupts the display while driving. A vehicle’s infotainment system should never display promotional content that interferes with safe operation, especially while in motion. This behavior poses a clear distraction risk and compromises driver safety. I am requesting that the NHTSA investigate this issue, as manufacturers should not be pushing advertisements that override critical vehicle interfaces during active driving. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

I experienced two serious electrical failures within a few days that caused the vehicle to stall without warning. At Nov 29, 2025, after parking for about 20 minutes, the car would not start. Symptoms included: • very weak clicking from the starter • dashboard flickering and dimming • unable to shift out of park without manual override • jump-start did not work even though power was delivered the vehicle was towed to the Subaru dealer. The dealer reported: • battery “low but fine after charging” • alternator “normal” • starter “normal” • no warning codes on Dec 2, 2025 the vehicle had been released without repairs. Only a few minutes after leaving the dealer, the car stalled in live traffic during an auto stop/start event. Symptoms: • immediate loss of all electrical power • all warning lights flashing erratically • hazard lights did not illuminate externally • gear shifter locked again • vehicle would not restart on battery • Subaru roadside assistance jump-started the vehicle with auto stop/start disabled, it was barely drivable and returned to the dealer. This appears to be a serious electrical or charging-system failure, possibly involving: • intermittent alternator failure • voltage collapse during auto stop/start • bcm or power distribution fault the vehicle can stall unpredictably in traffic without warning, creating a significant risk of collision. This is not normal battery discharge — the battery was fully charged at the dealer minutes before the second failure. I am filing this complaint because this issue is dangerous and the dealer cannot reproduce or diagnose it. A formal investigation or recall may be necessary.

See all problems of the 2022 Subaru Outback 🔎.

Recently, in my 2023 Subaru Outback, I have been having pop-up ads for sirusxm take over my infotainment screen. The ad appears in the center, does not allow the user to interact with the screen - including air conditioning control and traction control selection - and will not go away until I acknowledge the ad. It has appeared when I start the vehicle and while I am driving. I contacted Subaru of America; they first told me to contact siriusxm. I asked why I was being told to contact siriusxm for a pop-up ad in my Subaru - of course siriusxm wants to advertise to consumers, but why would Subaru allow them to display ads in my car whenever they chose? I own my car outright; it is neither a lease nor do I owe money on it, so I should control what sort of media is presented to me and when, and I definitely shouldn't have third party ads appearing in my car at random times without my consent. I was persistent with the Subaru of America representative, and then they claimed they would push an over-the-air software update to my car to resolve the issue, but that has not happened. Now I read that other people have been having this same issue, so I am very disappointed that Subaru would first tell me to call siriusxm and second pretend like it was a software fluke, but I later read that hundreds of other consumers are having similar problems.

See all problems of the 2023 Subaru Outback 🔎.

Sirius xm ads are popping up on infotainment screen caused me to become distracted while operating my vehicle. I had to remove my eyes from the road to find the button to close the ad, then click on the ad to remove it from my screen. It has popped up twice in the last two weeks.

The contact owns a 2023 Subaru outlook. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the starlink system failed to function as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact was informed that it was a known failure; however, there was no fix available. In addition, the contact was informed that there were more than 44,000 consumers experiencing the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 24,200.

Since purchasing this Subaru in 2017 there has been multiple incidents where the car battery drains overnight. Causing the car not to start due to a dead battery.

See all problems of the 2017 Subaru Outback 🔎.

Immediately stop every single traffic light.

See all problems of the 2020 Subaru Outback 🔎.

I purchased my car on [xxx]. Since then I have now had two incidents where I was driving on the expressway and the computer completely shuts down. Engine is still active but the dashboard goes black, air conditioning turns off, turn signals don’t work etc. I brought it back to gerald Subaru of naperville and they told me the first time that they had not done the factory reset when they first got the vehicle. They explained to me they fixed the issue and it would never happen to me again. It happened again to me yesterday on the expressway. I was put in a very scary, very unsafe situation that I never thought I would be in because I bought a Subaru, the “safest” car on the market. Come to find out my service paper work states that gerald Subaru did not do a “factory reset” when I brought it in the first time. They claimed I said the engine light turned on and then the dashboard turned off, which is not accurate and I have an email and photo to prove that. I would like answers as to why my brand new 2025 Subaru Outback is failing. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

While the lane keeping assistance is on the car will follow the exit lane beside the lane I’m in and jerk over into it. There has been a car beside me when has happened but I caught the steering wheel before a crash. Also if a car is turning in front of me sometimes, not always, the brakes will jam on when I’m not even close to the car that is turning but I would be going around the car after it has turned almost all the way. There has been no crashes or injuries yet.

See all problems of the 2018 Subaru Outback 🔎.

The clock spring (steering roll connector) component has failed, confirmed by the resulting complete loss of the horn function. Safety hazard: the component failure has resulted in the loss of the electrical connection to the driver's airbag system, rendering the primary airbag inoperable. This creates an unreasonable, life-threatening risk in the event of a collision. The problem has been diagnosed based on common failure patterns for this vehicle platform and confirmed via manufacturer correspondence. The problem first occurred on or about [input approximate date] with the simultaneous failure of the horn and subsequent inoperability of the driver's airbag. The manufacturer, Subaru of America (soa case #251013-1700910), was contacted and acknowledged the concern but refused to cover the repair under a goodwill adjustment, citing an expired warranty, despite the component's direct link to the critical airbag safety system.

See all problems of the 2015 Subaru Outback 🔎.

Head unit / radio has delamination and causing buttons to randomly press and cycle until it freezes. This is a know. Issue and Subaru has extended the warranty for a but , but if issue occurs after this the owner is on their own. It is a safety issue when electrical systems just randomly start going off. Should be covered.

I purchased a replacement battery in 2023. In August of 2025, the battery died, requiring a jump start. A local auto parts store checked the battery and it tested within acceptable limits, showing around 513 amps. A private shop confirmed this, and cleaned the battery terminals and cables. The battery functioned well until around November 2025, when it again died requiring a jump start. The battery again died in December 2025, about one month later, requiring a jump start.

See all problems of the 2016 Subaru Outback 🔎.

While slowly backing out of a parking space, the vehicle suddenly accelerated on it's own - I do not recall pressing on the accelerator but the engine surged and the vehicle rapidly reversed and struck 4 other parked cars. It felt as if the accelerator became stuck and would not respond to braking. No warning light or dashboard alerts appeared. Subaru eyesight and adaptive cruise control were not engaged at the time. There was no known obstruction under the petals. This felt like a serious malfunction and could have caused serious injury. I am reporting this in case it is part of a wider issue affecting this model and because I see that there are multiple complaints to you about sudden unintended acceleration, especially during low speed maneuvers like backing out a parking space.

See all problems of the 2021 Subaru Outback 🔎.

My 2018 Outback experienced a driver side smoking mirror a few days ago. While parked at the gas station, a large amount of smoke suddenly began emanating from the driver side mirror. As a result I no longer see my tpms, the ability to lock/unlock the car with the remote, interior lights no longer work.

The head unit on the vehicle has delaminated. The touchscreen display no longer works, it has false touches. This affects navigational safety of the vehicle, as navigation no longer works. This also affects sounds of the vehicle, not being able to change volume for adas alerts. This also affects the backup camera, which is a big safety concern. The problem has been confirmed and inspected by a dealer, it costs $2300. 00 to replace. Warning symptoms were bubbles on the screen and the screen stopped working/became jittery.

The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the rearview camera became inoperable. The contact stated that the rearview camera image was blank. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the radio system display had failed and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.

The malfunction I am concerned with is the battery and the battery charging system (alternator, engine control module). I purchased this car new in July of 2024. However, last month the battery drained to a point where I had to jump it to start it. I drove with the hope that the alternator would charge the battery. Yet, it did not. Within the last four weeks, I proceeded to have to jump the car almost every time I started the car, including every stop when running errands around town. This is a safety concern for me because if I didn't have a jump box for the car I would have been stuck or stranded. This could have been in 110 degree weather with my niece in the back seat. Or if the auto start/stop system was engaged, I could have been stuck with a dead car on the freeway in stop/start traffic in los angeles. I have seen multiple Outbacks on the freeway with dead batteries. When I took it to the dealer last week they confirmed the battery had gone bad, but were unable to find a parasitic drain or another reason why a year old battery would go bad. They acknowledged that older model Outbacks have the same battery drain issue and there is a current class action lawsuit for older model Outbacks (2015-2020) with this issue. They did not acknowledge that newer Outbacks had the same issue. No warnings appeared before this issue. There has been electronic issues with the vehicle since I took possession of it last year. After the battery issue presented itself, I did receive warning through my car there were issues with the backup breaking system and the collision control system. The dealer found an update for the media center, which they say may have been the cause of the battery drain. The two notifications have been cleared after the update. A simple search online revealed hundreds of complaints about the battery on the Outback, including people stating the manufacturer set the alternator to not charge the battery so they could market better gas mileage for the vehicle.

My 2023 Subaru Outback wilderness experienced multiple complete failures to start over a 2-day period at 51,930 miles, creating significant safety risks and stranding situations. Component failure: battery system (soa821b700, 620 cca) failed to maintain charge when vehicle parked/off. Component replaced and available for inspection if retrieved from disposal. What happened: vehicle experienced repeated failure-to-start episodes over 2 consecutive days at 51,930 miles. While jump-startable, battery would not maintain charge for restart after any parking period. No warning lamps or messages preceded failures. Safety risks: created dangerous stranding situations in potentially unsafe locations. Loss of ability to restart in emergencies, failure of electrical systems (lights/hazards), risk of accidents when unable to restart in traffic situations. Professional confirmation: independent automotive shops tested battery/alternator systems confirming battery not holding charge per Subaru specifications, indicating systemic electrical drain issue. Manufacturer inspection: Subaru dealer testing contradicted independent findings despite multiple documented failures. Customer advocacy denied reimbursement claiming "normal wear" despite documented design deficiency. Known defect: failure directly relates to documented inadequacy in TSB 07-213-22r acknowledging original battery specification insufficient. TSB introduced higher-capacity replacement (soa821b900, 750 cca) requiring new mounting hardware, proving design correction not maintenance. TSB updated March 2024 (NHTSA #10252553) expanding to 2024 models, demonstrating ongoing systematic problem across multiple model years (2020-2024). Warning signs: no warning indicators preceded failures - complete unexpected loss of starting ability creating immediate safety hazard.

Repeated battery drain within 48 hours use of the vehicle, to the point the battery will no longer start the car. I believe this has come to be known as a parasitic battery drain, and has been traced to the data communications module in these Subarus.

Car stalled in traffic. The engine was cranking but it would not start. Had aaa tow off the road and to my home. Car sat for 10 days waiting for a fuel pump (thought this was the problem). After sitting for 10 days the battery was totally dead! new fuel pump installed battery was jumped but could not start the car. After 2 hours on the charger the battery still did not have enough energy to turn over the engine. Car is in a certified service shop (wilhelm). Battery replaced and same starting issues with the new battery and the new battery is discharging at a very high rate even though the car is not starting. Bought the car used in 2023 so I have no knowledge of the history of the car. Service provider running factory diagnostic testing but so far no determination as to cause of the high rate of discharge. Verified that the fuel pump is fully operational. What we know is that with a fresh fully charged battery and a working fuel pump the car will not start and remain running. The engine stops and the battery drain is excessive.

Car unable to restart after sitting for several days. Battery and charging system test good after incident.

Subaru was not willing to cover the cost to replace their faulty gear shifter. My key gets stuck in the ignition. This problem has been confirmed by a dealership. No warnings happen, it gets stuck. This is a safety issue because I have to leave my keys in my car (unlocked) and come back for them when the car decides to recognize that it is in park. This is a know issue and Subaru wiped its hands of me and said deal with it by yourself.

My 2018 Subaru Outback has a defective head unit that poses a serious safety hazard. Subaru has already acknowledged this defect in this exact make/model/year and issued an extended warranty, but my vehicle was denied full coverage because the warranty window expired. The defect causes the head unit -power on/off by itself. -force phone connections even when bluetooth is disabled. -place dozens of calls on its own while I am driving (call random number, hang up, call number, hang up, etc). -randomly connect to nearby devices. -emit loud, unexpected noises. During a recent 4-hour family trip with my [xxx] son, the head unit repeatedly dialed contacts and hung up on them uncontrollably, forcing me to pull over on the highway. This is a clear safety risk, as it distracts the driver and requires emergency stops. At Subaru customer advocacy’s request, I took the vehicle to a Subaru dealership twice and paid nearly $200 for a formal diagnosis, which confirmed the known delamination defect and the need for replacement. Despite this, Subaru refuses full coverage and is offering only partial cost assistance, while other owners with the same defect have received full coverage. This is not normal wear-and-tear. It is an acknowledged manufacturer defect that is creating dangerous driving conditions. I request NHTSA’s investigation into Subaru’s inconsistent response and the safety risks of this defect. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Eye sight goes out shortly after reconfiguration (has happened several times), brand new battery has been drained causing complete shut down, has been in shop for six weeks and dealership cannot find reason for this happening and has replaced battery and driven the car waiting for a replica to happen. My research leans toward dcm/ecm/parasitic battery drain issues but there does not seem to be a recall for these electronic issues.

The radio has cracks or striations on the screen that are causing the panel to make calls, dial a phone, change the radio station. . . Etc. Complete random beeping and it is distracting when driving, the touch screen has become defunct and the comp[uter does all random things, it does what it wants, when it wantys! I am afraid it is a danger! and please lookl into this, there are many Subaru owners complaining of the same thing. They are saying that the screen is :dellaminating" that is what they are calling it. That I why I am making a formal complaint. Thank you! ps. . . By the way, I was not calling mom, it did it on its own!!.

Purchased 2019 Subaru Outback June 2019. Have had multiple batteries replaced. Approximately every year at least the battery fails and I am left stranded. January 2021 the fuel pump was not working properly and they said that was from low drain on the battery but that when the car went to sleep, the draw was normal so they didn’t do anything. February 5, 2025 I was in for an oil change and everything was working well. March 17, 2025 battery going dead again. I got a jump and drove to the dealership. They said that they replaced the dcm and installed the new battery. It is now may 27, 2025 and my car will not start again not even with the jump. Called the dealership and they said I have to pay for a tow which is 45 miles away and I am not under warranty any longer so I will have to pay for it. He also suggested that I call my local tow company and get them to try to jump it.

I'm the original owner, purchased may 2017, and have had to replace the battery five times. Online research indicates that the root cause is phantom draining caused by the dcm apparently searching for a no longer existent 3g signal. Subaru has not addressed the issue directly and has instead issued a technical service bulletin to aaa affiliates to advise their customers to go to dealerships for larger batteries, group 47, with higher cold cranking amps which will also require new battery trays, hold downs and an adjustment to the car's computer. My dealership in carlsbad, CA informed me the cost might exceed $650 and would not be covered by Subaru. I strongly believe this is an issue that Subaru must address on their dime.

Battery draining fast. Installed new battery last month. Car is dead and had to be towed to dealer. Dcm issues. System prematurely drains battery because system is trying to connect to 3g even when car is off. There should be a recall. Not just an extended warranty that Subaru may not accept for rebuilt titled cars.

Every few days of car not being used battery is being completely drained. We replaced 3 new batteries with a span of a 1 year.

I am on my third battery for this car. It apparently has a known software issue of a parasitic battery drain that destroys the battery, leaving me stranded.

The drivers side window frequently will not roll up. Has happened multiple times and dealership says they reset it but still does not work properly. In inclement weather conditions this is a serious safety issue. Most recent information is below.