This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
The outside bulbs constantly burn out, it can be a headlight, (high beam, low beam) license plate light, brake lite, running lights....the inside lights have been ok this bulb issue started at 27,000 miles and has been a constant problem since. Out of 24 service orders, nine of those orders have needed to have one or more bulbs replaced. I live in the foothills of calaveras county, California and the excuse the dealership gives me is that we have rough roads in these hills. Well, I say, what a line of poop, I drive a Subaru, it's made for our area. Either I have an electrical problem that obviously started when the car was under warranty or that the bulbs that are being used are totally of bad quality.
Headlight went out after replacement a year and 3wks ago. This is the 3rd headlight replacement on a 2010 vehicle since purchase 3yrs ago at 29,500mi as a certified used Subaru from the dealer.
Condensation continually gathers inside one of the light fixtures. The car has not been in an accident and the bulb and fixture are installed to factory specifications-the dealer has checked this. I believe this is a safety issue-with the amount of condensation inside the light, the illumination of one headlight is greatly diminished making driving at night very difficult especially in dimly lit situations. I also do not believe that the combination of electric and water inside components is "normal" under any circumstances. I have contacted my dealer and Subaru-the copy of the sent text follows-they do not respond. I believe the manufacturer of this component is making a faulty product that decreases safety. I just want them to replace the component at no cost to me since I've done nothing wrong. Sent to Subaru of America- "this is pertaining to problems with my headlights on my 2010 Outback. I've been told by my dealer-goldstein Subaru-that "condensation in the headlights is normal in the northeast" they also told me I "could drill a small hole in the light to let more air in". question-if it is "normal" why should I drill a hole-the light design should account for proper ventilation of the fixture-secondly how come no other cars on the lot have this, it only happens in one light and there are numerous other similar complaints from other Subaru owners online? this is a safety issue-electricity and water do not mix-this "normal" condensation greatly reduces the illumination of the headlight and visibility during night driving-it's like driving with one headlight. I believe this is a manufacturer problem-my light was checked by the dealer-there is no damage and all the factory seals and bulbs are intact, yet water continually gets inside the fixture. I think Subaru of America should replace this safety item at no cost to me. (my VIN was here).
The contact owns a 2010 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the passenger's side low beam headlight had been replaced four times. The contact was concerned that the defect was a possible electrical problem that could potentially cause a fire. The vehicle was repaired by an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 10,000.
I have had this car since it was new from the dealer and unlike any other vehicle that I've ever owned this one has to have the headlights replaced every 3 to 6 months. The fog lights, and clearance lights have had to be replaced several times during my ownership of the car, but nothing like the headlights. I have spent hundreds of dollars buying the best lights you can get by sylvania at $70 plus for a set and I have gone through about 5 sets of these lights. Lucky for me that after having paid to have them replaced by a mechanic the first few times I was able to then do it myself. This is a problem with this make of car. I'm 60 years old and have owned many cars in my life and I have never seen anything like this problem.. I'm sorry that I have not kept records of the outages. Thank you..
- Running Springs, CA, USA
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I have a 2010 Subaru Outback. Beginning in December 2012 I have had to replace burned out headlights four times in the past year. Besides the cost... it is a major safety issue considering visibility is half of what it should be when they blow out. I never know when I'm going to pull the switch and not have lights.
Headlights burn out in tandem. The first occurrence was in 2012. It happened again almost exactly one year later. Headlights shouldn't burn out after less than one year of regular use. There are few miles on this vehicle and it does not have excessive use (either night driving or leaving the headlights on during regular use). My mechanic feels this is a sign of a larger issue and it looks like it's fairly widespread. My mechanic also verified with a Subaru mechanic there is no difference between bulbs supplied by his shop and a Subaru dealership. They are both phillips bulbs.
My headlights (low beam) burn out at a very frequent rate. I have changed them at least 4 times in 3 years. I use gloves and never touch the bulb. This is a major safety issue!
Approximately 1 year ago a low beam headlight was replaced. Approximately 1 month later the other low beam headlight was burned out and need to be replaced. 1 week ago a low beam headlight was replaced. Today the opposite low beam headlight is burned out. This is abnormal headlights should not burn out this often. The bulbs were not touched on the glass when replaced.
The contact owns a 2010 Subaru Outback. The contact stated when the ignition was started one of the two low beam headlights failed to illuminate upon activating. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer twice where the headlight bulb was replaced each time. The contact had also replaced numerous headlight bulbs himself. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.
Low beam headlamps are burning out ridiculously fast, and with lowest brightness bulbs (longer lasting you'd think) they are so dim, I have great vision and find them incredibly unsafe for vehicle speeds above 25mph which is appalling for highway visibility and down right dangerous!
Without warning, both of the low beam headlights blew out within moments of each other. Replacements don't last more than 3-6 months after being replaced. Dealership will not address issue without charging exorbitant service fees. Researched online and discovered that this is not an isolated incident. Request your assistance in having Subaru address the underlying fault(s) leading to these potentially hazardous events. Thank you
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Murphys, CA, USA