Electrical System Problems of Subaru Outback - part 1

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.

See all problems of the 2018 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 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.

See all problems of the 2024 Subaru Outback 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2023 Subaru Outback 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2019 Subaru Outback 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2020 Subaru Outback 🔎.

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

See all problems of the 2015 Subaru Outback 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2017 Subaru Outback 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2016 Subaru Outback 🔎.

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.

Car will lane correct when it's not needed. And all warning lights will come on in car when it's very hot. Cannot access touchscreen - because it constantly glitches as if it's being touched passenger side window continues to roll up and down when you click auto control on window and will not stop. I am afraid to drive because of these electrical issues.

Thermo control valve. Check engine light on. Eyesight adaptive cruise control automatic emergency braking blind spot warning forward collision warning lane departure warning lane keeping assistance x mode dealership would not honor repair even though there is recall it does not cover VIN 63400 miles vehicle inspected by manufacturer code p2682 check engine light is on and eyesight warning.

Car screen is malfunctioning. Starts doing own things and can cause huge distraction to the driver. Beeping noise, blinking, calling and dialing phone numbers, raising volume. Becomes unresponsive and impossible to operate.

Repeatedly dead battery caused by a parasitic drain from a faulty dcm fuse, and an alternator programmed from the factory to not fully charge the battery.

Subaru settled a class action lawsuit regarding faulty battery and dmc component that drains the battery continuously. My dealer just replaced my battery and dcm under warranty (I'm assuming the warranty is a result of the lawsuit). However, this does not ultimately remedy the problem. The new dmc will continue to draw on the battery causing future reoccurring issues. Subaru needs to make good on this problem in a permanent way.

The navigation screen that controls apps, radio, navigation and phone has delamanated and now has a mind of its own. If my phone is connected it will actually start making random calls while driving, radio sound changes, screens will switch on tjeir own while driving. It started a a year ago. I just thought it was a periodic glitch. It has progressly gotten worse. I saw there was a class action suit and didn't inform?.

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact attempted to start the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start as intended. The contact inspected the battery and determined that the battery needed to be charged. The contact stated that the battery needed to be recharged every three days due to the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. Additionally, the contact stated the failure was persistent. The contact stated that the dealer had replaced the battery with a genuine Subaru battery three months prior to the failure. However, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,879.

The contact's husband owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to start intermittently, but was able to be jump-started. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to advance auto, where the contact was informed that the battery and the alternator were in good condition. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.

Parasitic battery drain when vehicle is turned off. The dcm module in these vehicles will not shut off properly and continue to drain the battery. Subaru has firmware on the vehicle that will not fully charge the battery when driving to save fuel. The vehicle has had 6 or more instances over the past two weeks where the car was undriveable unless jumped from another vehicle or a boost device is used.

For our 2020 Subaru Outback, we are on our 3rd battery at only 49k miles. The car died again today. Thankfully aaa was able to jump it after a friend tried unsuccessfully. We suspect all of this battery drain, failure and replacement has been due to the known data communications module (dcm) issue on recent Subaru’s. I have an appt w the dealer in santa monica tomorrow morning to have it diagnosed.

Yesterday, my car would not start due to a dead battery. This happened last week, as well. Both times, my husband used a battery charger to enable me to start my car. I have had this issue multiple times in the past, as well, and previously replaced the battery in 2022. I am also aware of a previous class action lawsuit, and several customer complaints about parasitic drain and poor battery performance in the 2015 Subaru Outbacks. Continuing to replace the battery is not only costly and bad for the environment, it doesn't solve the problem. There is some flaw in the electrical design of this car and Subaru needs to address the root cause. I am very concerned that I am going to be stranded somewhere in unsafe conditions, or not have my car available to me when I need to get to a critical appointment or respond to an emergency. This is unacceptable.

Parasitic battery draw - when left completely unattended for about 10 days, the battery is drained, leaving driver stranded and in need of a car jump. Has occurred twice on a new battery installed in late Nov.

2nd time car won't start. First time was 6m ago, pulled battery, tested, bad, replaced battery. Getting ready to charge battery, if bad, will tow to Subaru dealership. Last time, Subaru tested, said nothing wrong. If your car won't start, how do you function. Went on line and you can't believe how many people suffer with this. Seems like the same drain on the system, from starlink, lights, not shutting down like there supposed too.

See all problems of the 2022 Subaru Outback 🔎.

Screen is delaminating. Becoming unresponsive at times. Making ghost touches, phone calls, opening apps, messing with gps. Seems unsafe when it could be going haywire and especially using gps trying to navigate traffic.

The steering warning light came on and my steering wheel stiffened. Luckily I was able to make it home, but when I went back to crank it. The light was still on and it would only move forward of backwards; because I wasn't able at all to turn the steering wheel.

I purchased this vehicle in may 2024 within 2 months of purchase the eyesight function malfunctioned. I took it back to the dealership where I purchased it and they attempted to diagnose it at cost of parts and I ended up paying a few hundred dollars for that repair. That didn’t work and they offered to attempt something else but this was just guessing. Then a few months down the line I receive a post card in the mail for a ‘warranty extension’ on the exact issue I am having. I take it to the Subaru dealership once and they had me return a second time saying they couldn’t diagnose it at that time because the lights that appear on and off weren’t appearing for them. Returning a second time they said they were able to diagnose the issue but the warranty only covers 75%. The remaining 25% that’s left to me comes to $1098. 34. The issue I have with this is being it is a safety concern. The features eyesight provides are to be additional safety features. The biggest one being the cruise control that has gone out on me while using it. Going high velocity down the freeway using it and it shuts off completely, luckily I it hasn’t caused an accident and there hasn’t been anyone behind me when it happens and no one to close in front of me but this has happened on multiple occasions to myself, my boyfriend and most recently a friend when we went out of town when I didnt think to inform her of it. We no longer use the cruise control being it is scary and a risk to our safety. I have escalated to Subaru of America who says that it is a warranty extension to care for their customers but the representative I spoke with denied it being a known issue. He says the warranty expired in 2016 for my vehicle but Subaru extended it as to care for the customers. With that in mind I do not think I’m the only one with this issue and concern or else why would they put this extension out if they’re no just trying to be compensated and avoid a recall for the issue.

See all problems of the 2014 Subaru Outback 🔎.