Not only do headlights burn out often (both of mine are out now, and I can't turn the cover to get at the bulb) but it is a major PITA to access the headlamps to replace. This time I have to take it to a mechanic (I don't have a Subaru dealer nearby) and have him curse at the process to replace the bulbs.
Consistently burns out headlights and you have to take the fender and wheel off and still barely can fit your hand all the way inside to remove the light and good luck getting a new one back in without having anything touch the bulb on the way back in through the tunnel provided.
August 17, 2019 marked the date of the fourth failure of one of the headlights for my 2012 Subaru Outback in the past 22 months. The low beam headlights on both the driver and passenger side have failed in that time, and the high beam headlight on the driver side has failed twice. The pace of failure of the headlights is unprecedented in the industry and demonstrates a systemic problem for this critical safety feature. But the absolutely crazy design requirement to reach the headlights for bulb replacement only by removing the wheel liners on either the passenger or driver side makes each bulb failure a major DIY repair task and a genuine pain in the ass. One more reason for assessing the reliability of the Subaru as grossly over-rated.
Subaru needs to fix this!! No automobile should have to have the low beam bulbs changed every single year you own it. I have owned several vehicles in my 56 years of life and never had this problem before on any other make. I really like my 2012 Outback in every other way. But this is ridiculous! They go out yearly and are too difficult to change on my own especially when they go out in cold Minnesota winters! Subaru offer a fix or reimburse people for replacement costs!!
- Deborah B.,
Blaine, US
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My 2012 Subaru Outback has headlight problems, this is the 3rd time I had a headlight burn out - took it to a dealer on 12/11/2017 they told me they do not know anything about Outbacks having any light problems.
Very disappointed with the car and the service rep, dealer....very sad place.
Very disappointed : (
Anne, Chicago (Arlington Hts) IL, USA
Update from Dec 11, 2017: .
The first time 6/2014 my passenger light when out my husband said no problem I will change this ... took him half a day to get to the darn light...he was so angry he had to take off the darn tire to get to it.
The second time 2 yrs later the driver side light burnt out, husband out of town, I went to dealer had paid $50 not happy with that, the service guy said he had no idea out these cars having problems....I did not believe him off course but paid for the service and went on my way.
4 weeks go by I notice that my passenger headlight is not on, go to the dealer they tell me they don't know anything about problems with lights with outbacks! Ya right. While I'm in waiting room, I Google Outback light problems....I can't believe all these problems and lawsuits and Subaru does nothing to fix it. I am getting rid of this car, I will live it thru this winter, come spring/summer its gone. I was happy until these problem and the dealer made me feel like it was my fualt, what a looser! Will not recommend this Vehicle to anyone or this dealership!!
My wife and I both have 2012 Outback's 1 month about. Hers is on #4 Front bulb, same one within two months this time! Mine is at well, was able to change once but real pain. Dealer replaced this time because last one only lasted two months!
Subaru needs to get their act together on their lighting problems and design of vehicle so as to allow easy access to failed bulbs. This is the poorest of the poor in front end design, to access failed front end light bulbs. I have mechanical AND body repair skills (schooled with same) and removal of body panels and/or inner fender wells to access a failed bulb (or in this case, bulbs) is absurd.... In order to avoid damage to the vehicle in the removal and replacement of the bulbs, the car goes into the shop. I have owned numerous cars over a period of 40+ years and have NEVER had this type of problem with ANY other vehicles....
Time to go back to domestic brands I suppose.....It's a shame, as the rest of this car is more than satisfactory...The lights are just awful though.....Enough so that my opinion of Subaru's capabilities of building a credible and reliable vehicle is badly tarnished...
I would be willing to bet that the problems remain to be resolved, but, most likely more people are just not reporting their problems....
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Not only do headlights burn out often (both of mine are out now, and I can't turn the cover to get at the bulb) but it is a major PITA to access the headlamps to replace. This time I have to take it to a mechanic (I don't have a Subaru dealer nearby) and have him curse at the process to replace the bulbs.
- K V., Sandpoint, ID, US