COMPONENT SPOTLIGHT

Subaru Outback electrical problems

2,277 distinct owner reports with an electrical-system component in this snapshot.

Includes the electrical-system component and its detailed subcategories. Related recalls and investigations must also name this component; they are not linked by narrative keyword alone.

26 crash reports35 fire reports7 injury reports

Reports by model year

Recall and investigation columns show each year’s full history. A report naming several years can appear in more than one row.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

1,071 reports with mileage · 1,206 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What owners actually said

2,277 reports
2019 model year · Mileage unknown · Apr 11, 2024
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

Having dead battery issues due to DCM drain when vehicle parked in garage. I replaced 2 batteries since November 2023 and last dead battery issue March 2024. Took it to dealer Brilliance Subaru and they said they found no problem. Went to another mechanic and they said draining 150 or more milliamps from DCM fuse #9 when they ta…

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Having dead battery issues due to DCM drain when vehicle parked in garage. I replaced 2 batteries since November 2023 and last dead battery issue March 2024. Took it to dealer Brilliance Subaru and they said they found no problem. Went to another mechanic and they said draining 150 or more milliamps from DCM fuse #9 when they take out milliamps returned to normal draw i think 20 or less but then i lose front speakers and bluetooth or more stuff. So thats not the fix.

NHTSA ODI #11582452

2019 model year · Mileage unknown · Apr 8, 2024
Electrical System

Touchscreen has delaminated and bubbled, and it begins to operate on its own, and is unresponsive to correction. This affects the Settings, Navigation, and Infotainment systems. At worst, it causes Navigation and Maps to be inoperative at critical times. At best, it is distracting to the driver while trying to get it responsive,…

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Touchscreen has delaminated and bubbled, and it begins to operate on its own, and is unresponsive to correction. This affects the Settings, Navigation, and Infotainment systems. At worst, it causes Navigation and Maps to be inoperative at critical times. At best, it is distracting to the driver while trying to get it responsive, back in control. Dealership wants $3K TO REPLACE ENTIRE SCREEN SYSTEM, which is excessive for a new vehicle.

NHTSA ODI #11581781

2019 model year · Mileage unknown · Apr 7, 2024
Electrical System

Starlink system not have service. SOS button doesn't work. My safety and life after an accident may be at risk because the SOS system will not call for help

NHTSA ODI #11581585

2015 model year · Mileage unknown · Apr 5, 2024
Electrical System

Ignition inhibitor switch causing car to stay in neutral, fried the starter and battery 8 months after getting a brand new transmission under subaru warrenty

NHTSA ODI #11581331

2016 model year · Mileage unknown · Mar 27, 2024
Electrical System

Front Passenger Side window will not roll down. The electrical button on the driver's side is not functioning to allow it to roll down. This was a similar problem with the back passenger side window which was taken care within the first year of purchase.

NHTSA ODI #11579826

2009 model year · Mileage unknown · Mar 27, 2024
Electrical System

The rear hatch on this Outback won't lock. As a woman on her own, my safety is at risk. I have read of other people who have this issue and has been able to fix this on their own. This is a safety issue if your vehicle won't lock completely because the wires in the hatch are compromised.

NHTSA ODI #11579804

2019 model year · Mileage unknown · Mar 24, 2024
Electrical SystemEngine

3rd battery in 2019 Outback. Park car and next day battery is dead. And fully dead. Does not even want to take a charge at times…. 39000 on vehicle. Dealer could not find anything. Coincidently the passenger front window quits working also. There is no warning to this just next day vehicle will not start. All work is don…

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3rd battery in 2019 Outback. Park car and next day battery is dead. And fully dead. Does not even want to take a charge at times…. 39000 on vehicle. Dealer could not find anything. Coincidently the passenger front window quits working also. There is no warning to this just next day vehicle will not start. All work is done at the Mandan nd Subaru dealership.

NHTSA ODI #11579197

2019 model year · Mileage unknown · Mar 22, 2024
Electrical System

I am writing to bring to your attention a concerning matter regarding a 2019 Subaru Outback. This vehicle has a known factory defect that results in excessive electrical draw from one of the factory-installed systems (DCM), leading to drained car batteries. This issue poses a significant risk, especially in situations where the …

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I am writing to bring to your attention a concerning matter regarding a 2019 Subaru Outback. This vehicle has a known factory defect that results in excessive electrical draw from one of the factory-installed systems (DCM), leading to drained car batteries. This issue poses a significant risk, especially in situations where the vehicle may fail in dangerous environments. Subaru has previously issued a recall for the same issue on earlier model years, indicating awareness of the problem. However, they have failed to extend this recall to the 2019 model, despite it being part of the same manufacturing series. This inconsistency in addressing the issue is deeply concerning and potentially puts consumers at risk. Given the potential safety implications and the manufacturer's failure to take adequate action, I urge your office to investigate this matter thoroughly. Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I look forward to your prompt action in resolving this issue and ensuring the safety of consumers.

NHTSA ODI #11578958

2019 model year · Mileage unknown · Mar 14, 2024
Electrical System

My battery continually dies leaving me stranded. I have to carry a jumper box to be sure I can start my car and safely get home . From doing research, Subaru is aware of this problem from the tech bulletins they have posted . They should replace the DCM for their customers and update the program as well.

NHTSA ODI #11577402

2019 model year · Mileage unknown · Mar 14, 2024
Electrical SystemSuspensionUnknown Or Other

Broken axle, ECM or engine control module, Replaced with third battery with only 77,000 miles. This car is a lemon and a total,piece of junk My wife’s 2020 Subaru Forrester has a console which is a complete hazard on the road. If you put anything on the console it doesn’t stay and slides off Talk about a complete distract…

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Broken axle, ECM or engine control module, Replaced with third battery with only 77,000 miles. This car is a lemon and a total,piece of junk My wife’s 2020 Subaru Forrester has a console which is a complete hazard on the road. If you put anything on the console it doesn’t stay and slides off Talk about a complete distraction and safety danger just because of lazy manufacturing and stupid engineers who can’t think their way out of a wet paperbag

NHTSA ODI #11577289

Related Official recalls

5

22V473000 · Electrical System:wiring; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:engine Control Module (ecu/ecm)

Jul 1, 2022

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2022 Outback vehicles. The engine wiring harness may have been damaged, resulting in a loose electrical connection to the engine control unit (ECU).

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A loose electrical connection to the ECU may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine wiring harness and ECU, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 30, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRC-22.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:engine Control Module (ecu/ecm)

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2022 Outback vehicles. The engine wiring harness may have been damaged, resulting in a loose electrical connection to the engine control unit (ECU).

Consequence: A loose electrical connection to the ECU may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine wiring harness and ECU, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 30, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRC-22.

Electrical System:wiring

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2022 Outback vehicles. The engine wiring harness may have been damaged, resulting in a loose electrical connection to the engine control unit (ECU).

Consequence: A loose electrical connection to the ECU may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine wiring harness and ECU, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 30, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRC-22.

19V297000 · Electrical System:ignition:switch

Apr 11, 2019

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part. The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on the key ring and certain road conditions could cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash. If a crash occurs under this condition, the air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 10, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUF-91.

18V773000 · Electrical System:software; Fuel System, Gasoline

Nov 1, 2018

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles. Due to a software error, the low fuel warning light may not illuminate at the intended remaining fuel level and the miles-to-empty display may incorrectly indicate a positive number despite the tank being empty.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: The inaccurate fuel display may cause a driver to unexpectedly run out of fuel and the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the combination meter software, free of charge. The recall began February 20, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTW-82.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System:software

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles. Due to a software error, the low fuel warning light may not illuminate at the intended remaining fuel level and the miles-to-empty display may incorrectly indicate a positive number despite the tank being empty.

Consequence: The inaccurate fuel display may cause a driver to unexpectedly run out of fuel and the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the combination meter software, free of charge. The recall began February 20, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTW-82.

Fuel System, Gasoline

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles. Due to a software error, the low fuel warning light may not illuminate at the intended remaining fuel level and the miles-to-empty display may incorrectly indicate a positive number despite the tank being empty.

Consequence: The inaccurate fuel display may cause a driver to unexpectedly run out of fuel and the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the combination meter software, free of charge. The recall began February 20, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTW-82.

16V738000 · Electrical System

Oct 13, 2016

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2008-2014 Impreza vehicles and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, all equipped with turbo-charged engines. The relay that controls the secondary air injection pump may fail, causing the pump to continuously operate and overheat.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the air injection pump overheats, it may melt and increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary air injection pump relay, free of charge. The recall began December 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTM-73.

13V061000 · Electrical System; Equipment

Feb 25, 2013

Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, certain model year 2012-2013 Impreza vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, and certain model year 2013 XV Crosstrek vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory. Additionally included are certain model year 2013 Legacy and Outback vehicles that may have received replacement RES fobs. If the RES fob is dropped, the fob may malfunction and randomly transmit an engine start request without pressing the button.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: The engine may inadvertently start and run for up to fifteen minutes. The engine may continue to start and stop until the fob battery is depleted, or until the vehicle runs out of fuel. If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area, there is a risk of carbon monoxide build-up which may cause headaches, dizziness or, in extreme cases, unconsciousness and/or asphyxiation.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RES key fobs, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Equipment

Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, certain model year 2012-2013 Impreza vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, and certain model year 2013 XV Crosstrek vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory. Additionally included are certain model year 2013 Legacy and Outback vehicles that may have received replacement RES fobs. If the RES fob is dropped, the fob may malfunction and randomly transmit an engine start request without pressing the button.

Consequence: The engine may inadvertently start and run for up to fifteen minutes. The engine may continue to start and stop until the fob battery is depleted, or until the vehicle runs out of fuel. If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area, there is a risk of carbon monoxide build-up which may cause headaches, dizziness or, in extreme cases, unconsciousness and/or asphyxiation.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RES key fobs, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.

Electrical System

Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, certain model year 2012-2013 Impreza vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, and certain model year 2013 XV Crosstrek vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory. Additionally included are certain model year 2013 Legacy and Outback vehicles that may have received replacement RES fobs. If the RES fob is dropped, the fob may malfunction and randomly transmit an engine start request without pressing the button.

Consequence: The engine may inadvertently start and run for up to fifteen minutes. The engine may continue to start and stop until the fob battery is depleted, or until the vehicle runs out of fuel. If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area, there is a risk of carbon monoxide build-up which may cause headaches, dizziness or, in extreme cases, unconsciousness and/or asphyxiation.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RES key fobs, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

Related NHTSA investigations

0

No component-matched exact-year investigations in this snapshot.