Audio/HVAC controls flash or cut out altogether. Problem started intermittently in Jan. 2010 at about 15,000 miles but has now become consistent as of October 2010 at about 22,000 miles. When controls are acting up, not only does the panel not display properly, but also fails to respond to any adjustments. Not being able to adjust the audio or climate control is an inconvenience. However, not being able to defrost front or rear windows when needed is a safety hazard. Problem has been reported on Subaru forums (for example, legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/loss-off-power-radio-and-climate-control-3459.html?P=2220291&postcount=114 [see #114 and #137, in particular] and www.subaruoutback.org/forums/80-electrical-electronics/23909-08-O-B-radio-HVAC-control-lighting-prob.html). problem seems to stem from a poorly manufactured circuit board. Honda has a similar issue with poorly made circuit boards, but has issued a tsb that now covers these units for 7 year/100,000 miles. It would be nice if something similar would be issued for Subaru as owners experiences with dealerships have ranged from then never hearing of this problem before and not being able to correctly diagnose it to having it be a known issue that they work with soa to promptly address at no expense to the owner.

- Falls Church, VA, USA