Ignition Switch Problems of Subaru Outback

This car has had repeated electrical issues. The car is on it's third battery in 4 years. Suubaru paid for the last "aftermarket" battery based on my request and numerous complaints from others. The safety issue came up from the last problem: the key was stuck in the ignition. This too is a common problem. The dealer replaced the sensor in the gear shift mechanism to fix this problem. The safety issue is owners are posting workarounds on line to get around this problem. The workarounds get around the issue. However, by disconnecting wires the key can be removed in any position, including while the car is in gear and moving. That is clearly a potential problem. This repair was made approximately three weeks ago. Two days ago the battery was completely depleted and the tailgate would not function. I brought this to Subaru's attention. This time they said I was out of warranty and they would not assist (I was out of warranty on the ignition switch and battery issues). I believe there is a fundamental problem in this generation of Subaru's that needs to be investigated. A simple search of the Subaru Outback forum for key release problems will verify my assertion. Subaru needs to come clean on the electrical engineering deficiencies impacting safety and reliability.

See all problems of the 2017 Subaru Outback 🔎.

Key gets stuck on ignition switch when I turn car off and put it in park. Key will not release from the steering column. It takes several minutes, some times up to 20 minutes for the key to release from the column. Vehicle needs to be started and turned off several times before key releases. This has been happening for a few weeks now, very frustrating and dangerous as having to start and stop the vehicle has drained the battery twice now and I have had to get the vehicle jump started. Hopefully this does not happen in the middle of no where. . . . .

See all problems of the 2016 Subaru Outback 🔎.

Key will not release from ignition switch when parked after driving. Requires multiple shifting from park to drive and back to park before key will release. Frequency of occurrence is now every other day. Vehicle has 48,500 miles on it currently.

I am not able to remove the key from the ignition switch when the vehicle is in park. The vehicle is stationary yet when traveling I need to leave the key in the ignition, restart the car stressing my ignition system, or move slightly in reverse and back to park to remove the key. Each time is different, sometimes I can remove the key, sometimes I cannot.

Subaru service department bertera Subaru of hartford stating ignition switch plate needs replacement $650 job multiple occurrences with other vehicles of same model year.

Key has begun to get stuck in ignition each time I shift into park and shut off the engine. One has to repeatedly slam the gear shift into park for the ignition switch to recognize the car is indeed in "park" and release the key. Could create an issue for anyone without the physical strength to "slam" the gear shift into "park" or someone who needs to quickly exit their vehicle and get into their locked house or building. House keys are always attached to car keys, which are inevitably stuck in the ignition. A search of online forums shows this is a known issue that Subaru has not made good on and dealers are charging owners upwards of $600 to repair.

Tl-the contact owns a 2017 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the key did not come out of the ignition switch. Also mentioned that she was able to turn the vehicle off, but it did not come out the contact also stated that the failure occurred for approximately two weeks. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic for a diagnostic. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 39,700. Bp.

I was unable to remove the key from the ignition switch with the car stopped and the car was in "park" position. The car remained in the "accessory" ignition position (electrical accessories remained on) because the key would not go to the ignition lock position. I was therefore unable to lock the car steering or leave the vehicle unattended unless I had a separate set of keys with me. Even with another set of keys, the car's electrical system remained on and the car would easily be stolen or driven by an unauthorized user. I took the car to a Subaru dealer and they repaired the car under warranty after a few days waiting for replacement parts. The dealer told me this is a known defect with Subaru of America.

On street, from park with engine idling, car in drive, accelerator pedal dead at first, then high rpm 3000+ with pedal released. No control of engine rpm. Cel and cc illuminated on instrument panel. Put transmission in neutral. Killed ignition switch. Engine shut down. Restarted engine and rpm was normal. Very frightening! found dtc p2138 acc pedal sensor failure. Called Subaru support, no such record of failure. Called dealer from which car was purchased, answer was bring car in and will try to repair. This is a serious failure and danger. Please see this failure on google. Many people are reporting the same issue. I am apprehensive to put this car on the road especially with other people in it. An investigation should be pursued in these drive by wire vehicles as this car is. Please take this seriously. . Thank you.

See all problems of the 2006 Subaru Outback 🔎.

Ever since I purchased my car from carmax there have been problems with the ignition switch. There have been about 10+ times since I purchased the vehicle in Dec. 2016 that I will put the key in the ignition, (while the car is parked and turned off, in order to turn it on) and the engine won't turn over. I have to toggle the gear shifter in order to get the car to respond and then the car will turn on. (only after I agitate the gear shifter will the ignition then respond). I received an email that there may be a recall for Subaru Outback 2008 for ignition-related issues but when I looked up my specific VIN number, my vehicle does not appear to be a part of the the recall. Please let me know how I can have my car be considered in this recall, I know this is a related problem.

See all problems of the 2008 Subaru Outback 🔎.

On or about Nov 24, 2015, an ignition problem developed. When turning the ignition switch there was no power. With each turn, more and more power turned until it finally started. According to sheehy Subaru, springfield, va, there was nothing wrong with the vehicle and stated "I needed to start the car ever couple of days. " about 2 weeks later, reynolds GMC Subaru came and picked up the car and said there was technical bulletin out for this problem (I was not able to locate) and they have fixed twenty other cars with this same problem. The car was fine until January 11, 2016, the car started exhibiting the same ignition issues. I contacted reynolds who contacted Subaru engineers who said not to have my foot on the gas pedal when I turn the ignition key. The vehicle starts with a foot on the gas pedal or not. They stated the car was designed not to start with a foot on the pedal. I was called back and then told the Subaru engineers said the problem is intermittent, some vehicles have this problem and others don't. Deal with it. The car has 15k miles and is almost brand new and has major electrical problems. On Tuesday, January 12th, 2015, dash instructions began flashing on and off. That is not normal. Prior to having nitrogen put in the tires, the car constantly pulled to the right and lost air pressure weekly. But now I am very concerned about the electrical problems. Subaru has been notified.

See all problems of the 2014 Subaru Outback 🔎.

Key stuck in the ignition switch compartment. Also, had a problem with the shift gear position indicator. Dealer urged consumer to put a towel at the wheel to hide the keys holder.

See all problems of the 2002 Subaru Outback 🔎.