This was the most recent of several failures of the car to start because the battery had gone dead. The first time we took it to the dealer, who checked everything out, found nothing wrong, said the battery was good, and sent us home with the advice to always lock the car to make sure all systems were turned off. We have done so consistently. The car had been locked when the battery failed this time. Because we live in a rural area, this is not a minor inconvenience – reliable transportation is critical to our health and security. We have bought a second car so that we can drive when we need to. Over the years, we have recommended Subarus to family and friends, but we will no longer do so. Despite the welcome changes that have improved its safety, it is a great disappointment that it has become so unreliable.

Update from Sep 26, 2023: We now think that the electrical system turns on when you walk by the car with the fob in your pocket. We are experimenting with keeping the fob in the house when we are not using the car to see if that fixes the issue. So far so good.

This is my second Outback, replacing a 2015 model that, ironically never had this problem, despite that one being IN the listed class for this problem, and this 2022 NOT being in it. I have read the DCM drain and improper alternator programming problems for the earlier year models with this as a known issue, but have yet to try removing the DCM fuse or having the dealer see if an alternator update is available, to see if the problem might be fixed in this manner. In a pinch, I did swap the OEM battery for a used Oprima battery I had leftover (from a reno project vehicle refurbishment) to get the car in to be fixed for an unrelated problem. That was this morning as I write this, so I cannot yet say whether this is a long term fix or not.

Problem began--for me--the DAY AFTER I brought brought this 2022 model home from the dealer. No sign of any weak charge or other electrical problems when test driving it, but it died TWICE in the first 5 days of owning it! Thanks a lot, IMPEX (.) ! for not disclosing what would NOT have been a deal breaker, but what WOULD have had a definite impact on the negotiated price. Good to know Impex seems to value a few hundred bucks over their ongoing relationship with customers! I wish them NO good luck reaching their stated goal of being "the next CarMax" like THIS! I will be sure to remember this the next time I need a vehicle for the fleet I manage that provides the transportation needs for 2 Foundations, a farm, 1 (admittedly not large)Corporation and several trusts.

Spoiler Alert: Rant Follows

Who the FLYING, FLIPPETYFART, FOULFOUL-FILTHYER-FOUL mental maladroit, thought it a GOOD idea to program an alternator NOT to fully charge the FORNICATING already weak-ass OEM battery?! WHAT kind of malignant, sadistic, and/or FOOTBALL-BAT STUPID engineers did Subaru pay to make this ignorant-assed decision?! If anyone finds out, let me know--I want a FEW words with them!

OFFICIAL end of rant. Further rant details inside upon request. Requests for remaining rant must be able to prove they are not a lady, minor child, or anyone with tender ears.

Update from Sep 26, 2023: I am happy to report that this issue is solved. In one visit to the dealer, a short in the hatchback latch was drawing voltage constantly and keeping the main computer awake all the time leading to battery drain overnight. They replaced the latch and no problems since. Fixed on the first pass, under warranty with no hassle--cannot complain. In fact that, after reading about everyone else's battery drain problems, I feel downright blessed! I am feeling the "Subaru love" once more!

Dead battery, jumped 11 times in 3 weeks. I suspected parasitic draw problem. I called three dealerships. First said they could not get get in to look at for 2 weeks. 2nd, dealer which is 125 miles away said no loaners were available. 3rd dealership told me to drive my car everyday. I then called Subaru of America. It took them 8 days to call back, after I was told to expect call back within 2 days. They located a 4th dealership more than 100 miles away that had a loaner available. At the end of day one, I received a call and was told my battery failed, they would replace battery and run tests for parasitic draw problem. End of day 2 the dealership called and said I have a definite parasitic draw problem but they have no idea of the cause at this time.

End of story at this time. Will update when I know more.

Very disappointed in Subaru's love promise of taking 8 days to call me back. The dealership my car is currently at seems attentive and professional.

Update from Jun 7, 2023: Negative battery terminal caused parasitic draw. Negative battery terminal was replaced under warranty.

Since the first month of ownership, I've had to recharge my battery about once per week. I had to buy a new battery charger to keep up with the constant weekly charging. It also appears battery is undersized for the amount of electronics it must maintain while the vehicle is parked. A couple of weeks ago I was running a battery voltage test while driving and found out that, unless I have my headlights on, my battery was not being charged. How the heck can Subaru allow a vehicle to leave the factory in that condition?

Doing some online research it appears this a fairly well-documented and discussed issue on several Subaru forums. This is our 3rd Subaru so I like the brand but Subaru needs to figure this out and come up with a permanent solution. I will make an appointment and get the vehicle looked at by the dealership, but from treading inline feedback it's hit or miss.

1. The car just came back from annual service visit to dealer. One week later, I could not start car. Jump start did not work. Had to get it towed in to dealership. Battery replaced. DEALER SAID IT WAS MY FAULT FOR NOT DRIVING CAR ENOUGH!!!!!

   2. Would like to get a trickle charger to maintain battery. Unable to find out what kind of battery (AGM? Straight 12V?, etc.) it is, in the 600 page manual or labeled on the battery itself.

   3. It appears that the battery is being drained by all the background computer draw (most of it useless).

Battery drained, and the car would not start. First occurrence with new car at 831 miles, battery diagnosed as defective and replaced by manufacturer. Second occurrence at 4620 miles after sitting unused 8 days at airport parking, battery drained and most "check engine" lights on after jump-starting. EyeSight and most safety features disabled until checked and reset by manufacturer. Manufacturer quote "CAUSE: Problem due to vehicle sitting for more than a week, low battery voltage concern. Recharged battery and it passes test. 100009 No problem found."

The maintenance rep said car is working to specs. However, a periodic dead battery to seniors who do not drive daily but desperately need a reliable car in case of sudden emergencies is cause for a safety concern.