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 contact owns a 2017 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Auto Cruise Control feature failed to function properly. The contact stated that the Auto Cruise Control feature only operated as needed 35% of the time. Additionally, the contact stated that the Lane Keep Assist message was displayed while attempting to use the Cruise Control feature. There was no warning light illuminated. The was taken to the dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact stated that a software update was completed; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.
On multiple occasions, the battery has gone dead after car was garaged for over a week and car would not start. No lights were left on or doors left ajar. There is some hidden drain on the battery. Also, the battery is not charged sufficiently while idling such as when traffic is stopped for an accident or construction and the battery will die leaving the vehicle stranded. The battery has been replaced, same events continue to occur.
Throttle fails to respond for a brief but serious amount of time. When pulling into traffic, instead of accelerating the engine remains at an idle and the car moves forward slowly. I push on the throttle trying to make it go. Then it takes hold and the car leaps forward. Safety: Normal power is delayed as the car moves into traffic. Oncoming traffic must slow to prevent an accident. The dealer where I purchased the car, Santa Monica, CA, tried to find error codes. Also removed the throttle valve to check that it wasn't somehow stuck. They drove the car briefly. They say they've done all they can. No warning lamps, messages, codes stored in the computer. Note that the throttle pedal signals the computer to work the engine throttle valve (so I'm told). Problem occurs about once a month. First time was when I took posession at the dealer's. I requested to recind my purchase but, because I didn't by the cancellation option ($250), they refused.
The back lift gate is closed according to the dash display, but the computer detects that the lift gate is NOT closed resulting in a battery drain. The indication that I get is when I start driving I get a beeping noise. I reset the hatch by pressing the hatch button manually. It opens and closes but when you restart the car you get a hesitation as if the battery is dead. This is the 2nd time this has happened to me in the last month and the 3rd time in the past 5 months this year. April 19th I had to jump my car because the battery was dead. I took it to a mechanic and they checked the battery and they advised the battery is fine. It happened again on May 11th, where I put something in the trunk, I closed the trunk it was closed no indication that it was not. The car drove fine. I started the car and again the battery hesitation, when I started driving I received the same beeping, I had to get out the car and manually open the hatch to reset it. The computer needs to be adjusted to detect when the lift gate is actually closed. Having the lift gate not closed but no indication for the drive is a safety problem.
- Bronx, NY, USA
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My car consistently is dead. Probably 25% of time I go to start it, it's dead. Battery tests fine, have spent thousands in repairs with Subaru to no avail. Have replaced battery a number of times. I know this is a huge problem among other owners. No warning lights. This has been ongoing since I bought the car new in 2017 until today. I do have most of my work receipts and I know the dealership has all the records.
Vehicle is equipped with a Starlink system and this system no longer functions due to the Subaru Data Communication Module (DCM) that only has a 3G connection module system, since 3G was fazed out the Starlink doesn't function. Since the DCM is always on the car try's to connect to a cell tower that doesn't exist, the car continues to try and connect and eventually runs the battery completely dead leaving the owner stranded. I had to have the battery replaced on 9/15/23. I have contacted Subaru of America by email with no response as of this date.
Car regularly has electrical issues. Have replaced battery multiple times over 5 year period. Replaced again last week and already having problems. Power window failure, electrical restarts while driving. Don't feel safe with this car. Bought new from dealer.
11/06/23: During a routine oil change at the dealer a multipoint vehicle inspection was conducted. The inspection revealed an upper oil pan leak. The repair involved removing the engine and replacing various components (gasket, O-Rings and etc.). The vehicle was well maintained and had only 43,492 miles on it. The oil leak potentially could have caused an engine compartment fire (my opinion). Subaru paid $1,500 of the repair. A vehicle with only 43,492 should not have this type of issue. There was also a transmission leak detected that was covered by extended warranty. I was unable to upload any files on your system.
The eyesight system not functioning and at this point has not been repaired and is available for inspection. Warning notices were intermittent with warning sound-??s coming on each time. Eventually the warnings came on nearly all the time. I was alone in the dark and very nervous. no other injury Yes the vehicle was taken to dealer, also I took photos as it continued to intermittently occur. Yes there were warning notices that alerted me. Note: dealer states non OEM windshield is cause, however windshield has been in vehicle fo nearly 2.5 years with no issue. Other electrical issue has occurred since eyesight issue.
The battery goes completely dead I have gone thru three battery s I only have 18000 miles on this car and it has left me on the road more than once with dead battery.... the dealer has said nothing wrong OMG....I EVEN bought a $300 battery....and subaru will not fix this known problem I see on the internet that I am not alone with this problem. I am afraid this car will go dead while I am driving and cause a safety issue DO SOMETHING PLEASE..I see there is a class action lawsuit but have not received any notices and now all the time to respond has expired....REALLY.. PLEASE HELP..this car was not cheap it was over $34,000...and subaru just lies and goes around the problem..
failure of battery within 24 months of last replacement, average battery life for this car is 24 months. Dealer claims that there is no maintenance bulletin related to premature battery failure. have found the following Subaru mc-10117535-9999 service bulletin but have no history of dealer utilizing this to resolve problem. Cannot leave car unattended for more than 3 days without having to jump start car in order to use.
My 2017 outback having problem removing the key from the ignition when turned off and in PARK. They changed the key cylinder and this didn't resolve the issue. When I went to pick up the car after the cylinder change the technician tried to show me that the problem was resolved and the KEY WAS STUCK. $648 spent with no resolution. There is a known warranty problem with the park switch BUT they cannot replace the switch unless the technician is able to have the diagnostics connected to the car while the problem occurs. With an intermittent problem, this is very unlikely. Dealer wants me to take car home but I want the problem resolved, cannot just leave the car in ACC when unable to remove key. They will periodically check the car with car jockeys and let me know when they find problem. I have their loaner vehicle.
Vehicle battery needed to be charged over 27 times because it is stone dead. Was told over a year ago vehicle needed a DCM module but there were non a viable..As of 9/5/2023 this module is still unavailable vehicle has only 8,800 miles. Cannot drive vehicle anywhere and be assured it will start and get you back home.Dealership have replaced battery 3 times. This vehicle needs to be recalled.
The automatic back hatch came down with out pushing button or key fob. The fob was in the ignition and nobody was around to push the button to make it go down. It caused damage to my spine and gave me a concussion. Capitol Subaru of Salem Oregon said it was a Glitch that happens sometimes when wires get crossed. After they inspected. Plus changed information on our documents without our knowledge. It did go to Subaru for almost a month the said they found nothing in the EDR report. So they feel I do not need to see it.
Vehicle has a chronic battery drain issue. I have replaced batteries repeatedly. If the vehicle sits undriven for a few days the vehicle will not start due to dead battery. It is unsafe to have a vehicle you cannot rely on to start. There is no warning when this occurs. This is happening every where for the 5th generation Subaru Outbacks, Foresters and was subject to a class action lawsuit. Subaru's response is to install a new battery, charging the customer a 'discounted' price without fixing the cause of the battery drain.
After I turn off the car the key will not come out of the ignition. Usually after I put the car in gear a few times it comes out. This seems like a common issue that gets worse over time based on my internet searches. This is a safety issue because I am stuck staying with my car in unsafe areas late at night. I think Subaru should recall the cars and repair the issue. I have not taken it to a shop yet but there seem to be many people that have and have had to replace the gear shift mechanism.
Battery - Subaru battery failed. Purchased a new aftermarket battery that failed after 5 months. No warning. Completely dead. Taking to dealership for "diagnostic" test on March 20, 2022. This is a known issue with a class action settlement. I was told I did not qualify for reimbursement of any kind. Subaru does not have any "fix" for this problem and numerous owners of these vehicles are having battery drain problems throughout the US and Canada.
I purchased my 2017 outback in 2018. Since owning the vehicle I have had to replace the battery 5 times in 5 years. It is about to be the 6th time as my battery is giving me problems already. I have been stranded twice because of the battery and both time were when I lived in a rural part of NV. I have brought this to the attention of Subaru in Henderson, NV and they said everything is fine. However, online there are a number of blogs and sites all with the same complaint and all say the same thing. Subaru does nothing.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Belleville, IL, USA