Complaints & Recalls
Official Safety Recalls - Important!
6 RecallsThese are official manufacturer recalls ordered by NHTSA for safety defects. If you own this vehicle, contact your dealer immediately for free repairs.
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Safety Issue:
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Outback vehicles. A replacement air bag control module may have been installed that is not compatible with the passenger air bag module, possibly affecting air bag deployment.
Potential Risk:
FREE Recall Solution:
Additional Details:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Mfg Campaign: WUX-09
Recall Date: Dec 19, 2019
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Safety Issue:
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured September 21, 2016, to September 23, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the knee guard bracket may not be properly attached to the steering beam assembly.
Potential Risk:
FREE Recall Solution:
Additional Details:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Mfg Campaign: WTL-72
Recall Date: Oct 6, 2016
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Safety Issue:
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2017 Outback vehicles manufactured June 20, 2016, to June 23, 2016. The affected vehicles may have improperly tightened attaching bolts for the front left and right brake calipers, wheel hubs, and the right stabilizer clamp.
Potential Risk:
FREE Recall Solution:
Additional Details:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Mfg Campaign: WTE-66
Recall Date: Aug 3, 2016
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Safety Issue:
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured February 29, 2016, to May 6, 2016. The steering column on the affected vehicles may have been improperly machined, and as a result, turning the steering wheel may have no effect on the direction of the wheels.
Potential Risk:
FREE Recall Solution:
Additional Details:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Mfg Campaign: WTD-65
Recall Date: May 11, 2016
Consumer Complaints
1.1K ComplaintsSubaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
The battery on this vehicle needs to be charged weekly, the battery tests fine, but something is drawing the charge.I have been charging the battery weekly for almost a year now.
Corrective Action:
The battery on this vehicle needs to be charged weekly, the battery tests fine, but something is drawing the charge.I have been charging the battery weekly for almost a year now.
Additional Notes:
The battery on this vehicle needs to be charged weekly, the battery tests fine, but something is drawing the charge.I have been charging the battery weekly for almost a year now.
Mfg Campaign: 11424564
Recall Date: Jul 13, 2021
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Potential Consequences:
The original battery completely died a year or two ago and the replacement battery completely died four months ago.
Corrective Action:
The original battery completely died a year or two ago and the replacement battery completely died four months ago.
Additional Notes:
The original battery completely died a year or two ago and the replacement battery completely died four months ago.
Mfg Campaign: 11424651
Recall Date: Jul 13, 2021
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
Purchased 05/2017. Within 2 weeks battery dead. Towed to dealer. Told okay. July 2017 , dead battery. Charged, dead next day. New battery. 10/2018 new battery. 04/2021, new battery. Condenser for a/c was replaced 05/2021
Corrective Action:
Purchased 05/2017. Within 2 weeks battery dead. Towed to dealer. Told okay. July 2017 , dead battery. Charged, dead next day. New battery. 10/2018 new battery. 04/2021, new battery. Condenser for a/c was replaced 05/2021
Additional Notes:
Purchased 05/2017. Within 2 weeks battery dead. Towed to dealer. Told okay. July 2017 , dead battery. Charged, dead next day. New battery. 10/2018 new battery. 04/2021, new battery. Condenser for a/c was replaced 05/2021
Mfg Campaign: 11424654
Recall Date: Jul 13, 2021
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Potential Consequences:
Battery issues, continued changing when the battery isnt drained
Corrective Action:
Battery issues, continued changing when the battery isnt drained
Additional Notes:
Battery issues, continued changing when the battery isnt drained
Mfg Campaign: 11424656
Recall Date: Jul 13, 2021
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
Random dead battery. Battery replaced. Random dead battery. Got a boost start battery for emergency. Random dead battery, etc. Car will not start you do not know when. No warning. Will contact dealer, again but they were dismissive of the issue last year.
Corrective Action:
Random dead battery. Battery replaced. Random dead battery. Got a boost start battery for emergency. Random dead battery, etc. Car will not start you do not know when. No warning. Will contact dealer, again but they were dismissive of the issue last year.
Additional Notes:
Random dead battery. Battery replaced. Random dead battery. Got a boost start battery for emergency. Random dead battery, etc. Car will not start you do not know when. No warning. Will contact dealer, again but they were dismissive of the issue last year.
Mfg Campaign: 11424682
Recall Date: Jul 13, 2021
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
car was left in garage for 8 days, did not start upon return. no lights or devices were left on during that time but battery was completely dead. needed a jump from roadside assistance; incident follows pattern history of battery issues ranging from trouble starting and lack of power to quick drain of power if the car idles too long. Original battery that came with the new vehicle has already been replaced under warranty once. Manufacturer is currently facing a class action lawsuit based on the electrical system's inability to fully power down even when the vehicle is completely turned off, which drains the battery if the car isn't operated frequently. service center told me I just needed to drive it for up to 30-40 miles of constant speed e.g. freeway driving on a regular basis. this is obviously not practical and should not be necessary for normal operation of the vehicle.
Corrective Action:
car was left in garage for 8 days, did not start upon return. no lights or devices were left on during that time but battery was completely dead. needed a jump from roadside assistance; incident follows pattern history of battery issues ranging from trouble starting and lack of power to quick drain of power if the car idles too long. Original battery that came with the new vehicle has already been replaced under warranty once. Manufacturer is currently facing a class action lawsuit based on the electrical system's inability to fully power down even when the vehicle is completely turned off, which drains the battery if the car isn't operated frequently. service center told me I just needed to drive it for up to 30-40 miles of constant speed e.g. freeway driving on a regular basis. this is obviously not practical and should not be necessary for normal operation of the vehicle.
Additional Notes:
car was left in garage for 8 days, did not start upon return. no lights or devices were left on during that time but battery was completely dead. needed a jump from roadside assistance; incident follows pattern history of battery issues ranging from trouble starting and lack of power to quick drain of power if the car idles too long. Original battery that came with the new vehicle has already been replaced under warranty once. Manufacturer is currently facing a class action lawsuit based on the electrical system's inability to fully power down even when the vehicle is completely turned off, which drains the battery if the car isn't operated frequently. service center told me I just needed to drive it for up to 30-40 miles of constant speed e.g. freeway driving on a regular basis. this is obviously not practical and should not be necessary for normal operation of the vehicle.
Mfg Campaign: 11424691
Recall Date: Jul 13, 2021
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
We have had to get a third-party charge to the battery 3 times in the last 2 months. The car had been turned off so there should have been no battery drain.
Corrective Action:
We have had to get a third-party charge to the battery 3 times in the last 2 months. The car had been turned off so there should have been no battery drain.
Additional Notes:
We have had to get a third-party charge to the battery 3 times in the last 2 months. The car had been turned off so there should have been no battery drain.
Mfg Campaign: 11424484
Recall Date: Jul 12, 2021
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
My car wouldn't turn on in April of 2020. When I opened the hood there was corrosion around the top of the battery. The battery was dead and had to be replaced. I bought the car new at the end of 2017 from a dealership.
Corrective Action:
My car wouldn't turn on in April of 2020. When I opened the hood there was corrosion around the top of the battery. The battery was dead and had to be replaced. I bought the car new at the end of 2017 from a dealership.
Additional Notes:
My car wouldn't turn on in April of 2020. When I opened the hood there was corrosion around the top of the battery. The battery was dead and had to be replaced. I bought the car new at the end of 2017 from a dealership.
Mfg Campaign: 11424507
Recall Date: Jul 12, 2021
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
received clean bill of health for battery after 10/24/19 service at dealership. AAA replaced battery on 10/31/19 when car would not start. Car would not start. Had to jump battery on 3/15/21. Car would not start. Had to jump battery on 6/20/21. Car would not start. Had to jump battery on 6/21/21. AAA replaced battery on 6/22/21 when car would not start. Blind spot monitoring turns itself off about 50% of the time. Repaired multiple times at dealership.
Corrective Action:
received clean bill of health for battery after 10/24/19 service at dealership. AAA replaced battery on 10/31/19 when car would not start. Car would not start. Had to jump battery on 3/15/21. Car would not start. Had to jump battery on 6/20/21. Car would not start. Had to jump battery on 6/21/21. AAA replaced battery on 6/22/21 when car would not start. Blind spot monitoring turns itself off about 50% of the time. Repaired multiple times at dealership.
Additional Notes:
received clean bill of health for battery after 10/24/19 service at dealership. AAA replaced battery on 10/31/19 when car would not start. Car would not start. Had to jump battery on 3/15/21. Car would not start. Had to jump battery on 6/20/21. Car would not start. Had to jump battery on 6/21/21. AAA replaced battery on 6/22/21 when car would not start. Blind spot monitoring turns itself off about 50% of the time. Repaired multiple times at dealership.
Mfg Campaign: 11424521
Recall Date: Jul 12, 2021
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Potential Consequences:
received clean bill of health for battery after 10/24/19 service at dealership. AAA replaced battery on 10/31/19 when car would not start. Car would not start. Had to jump battery on 3/15/21. Car would not start. Had to jump battery on 6/20/21. Car would not start. Had to jump battery on 6/21/21. AAA replaced battery on 6/22/21 when car would not start. Blind spot monitoring turns itself off about 50% of the time. Repaired multiple times at dealership.
Corrective Action:
received clean bill of health for battery after 10/24/19 service at dealership. AAA replaced battery on 10/31/19 when car would not start. Car would not start. Had to jump battery on 3/15/21. Car would not start. Had to jump battery on 6/20/21. Car would not start. Had to jump battery on 6/21/21. AAA replaced battery on 6/22/21 when car would not start. Blind spot monitoring turns itself off about 50% of the time. Repaired multiple times at dealership.
Additional Notes:
received clean bill of health for battery after 10/24/19 service at dealership. AAA replaced battery on 10/31/19 when car would not start. Car would not start. Had to jump battery on 3/15/21. Car would not start. Had to jump battery on 6/20/21. Car would not start. Had to jump battery on 6/21/21. AAA replaced battery on 6/22/21 when car would not start. Blind spot monitoring turns itself off about 50% of the time. Repaired multiple times at dealership.
Mfg Campaign: 11424521
Recall Date: Jul 12, 2021
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Potential Consequences:
The key gets stuck in the ACC selection mode when trying to turn the car off. It will not turn all the way back to turn off the electrical or allow the key to be removed. this has been happening often for a few weeks.
Corrective Action:
The key gets stuck in the ACC selection mode when trying to turn the car off. It will not turn all the way back to turn off the electrical or allow the key to be removed. this has been happening often for a few weeks.
Additional Notes:
The key gets stuck in the ACC selection mode when trying to turn the car off. It will not turn all the way back to turn off the electrical or allow the key to be removed. this has been happening often for a few weeks.
Mfg Campaign: 11423892
Recall Date: Jul 8, 2021
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Potential Consequences:
I have noticed a crack on the lower corner of the windshield on the driver side. The crack goes from one side to across the bottom of the window, with no evidence of an impact point.
Corrective Action:
I have noticed a crack on the lower corner of the windshield on the driver side. The crack goes from one side to across the bottom of the window, with no evidence of an impact point.
Additional Notes:
I have noticed a crack on the lower corner of the windshield on the driver side. The crack goes from one side to across the bottom of the window, with no evidence of an impact point.
Mfg Campaign: 11424012
Recall Date: Jul 8, 2021
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
Since I bought the 2017 Subaru Outback new from the dealer, I have experienced at least four instances when the car wouldn't start because of a dead battery. Once, (I assume) it was because the doors were open for a long time (a couple hours) while I cleaned the interior. The other three times were after I had driven it for a short trip, shut the car off, and returned to the car and it wouldn't start. There were no lights or auxiliary items left on. The most recent time (6-29-2021), it was parked for 20 minutes between trips and wouldn't start. I made a video of the engine compartment when I tried to jump start it and there is a loud noise coming from the engine. Something is running in the engine when the battery is too dead to start. It's loud.
Corrective Action:
Since I bought the 2017 Subaru Outback new from the dealer, I have experienced at least four instances when the car wouldn't start because of a dead battery. Once, (I assume) it was because the doors were open for a long time (a couple hours) while I cleaned the interior. The other three times were after I had driven it for a short trip, shut the car off, and returned to the car and it wouldn't start. There were no lights or auxiliary items left on. The most recent time (6-29-2021), it was parked for 20 minutes between trips and wouldn't start. I made a video of the engine compartment when I tried to jump start it and there is a loud noise coming from the engine. Something is running in the engine when the battery is too dead to start. It's loud.
Additional Notes:
Since I bought the 2017 Subaru Outback new from the dealer, I have experienced at least four instances when the car wouldn't start because of a dead battery. Once, (I assume) it was because the doors were open for a long time (a couple hours) while I cleaned the interior. The other three times were after I had driven it for a short trip, shut the car off, and returned to the car and it wouldn't start. There were no lights or auxiliary items left on. The most recent time (6-29-2021), it was parked for 20 minutes between trips and wouldn't start. I made a video of the engine compartment when I tried to jump start it and there is a loud noise coming from the engine. Something is running in the engine when the battery is too dead to start. It's loud.
Mfg Campaign: 11423789
Recall Date: Jul 7, 2021
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
Potential Consequences:
The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, the front windshield cracked without impact at the bottom on the passenger’s side of the windshield. The contact then stated as the day progressed, the crack continued to grow and spread throughout the front windshield. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer nor an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.
Corrective Action:
The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, the front windshield cracked without impact at the bottom on the passenger’s side of the windshield. The contact then stated as the day progressed, the crack continued to grow and spread throughout the front windshield. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer nor an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.
Additional Notes:
The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, the front windshield cracked without impact at the bottom on the passenger’s side of the windshield. The contact then stated as the day progressed, the crack continued to grow and spread throughout the front windshield. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer nor an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.
Mfg Campaign: 11423635
Recall Date: Jul 6, 2021
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
In May 2020 my car battery was replaced. The battery would not hold a charge after a few days of sitting. The dealer found no issues at the time. Today I had a similar issue. The car was parked in my driveway for 5 days, I was unable to start the car, the battery was dead and needed to be jumped. The vehicle is back at the dealership. I was told that if the battery failed, I would be charged for the replacement, as they do not prorate batteries.
Corrective Action:
In May 2020 my car battery was replaced. The battery would not hold a charge after a few days of sitting. The dealer found no issues at the time. Today I had a similar issue. The car was parked in my driveway for 5 days, I was unable to start the car, the battery was dead and needed to be jumped. The vehicle is back at the dealership. I was told that if the battery failed, I would be charged for the replacement, as they do not prorate batteries.
Additional Notes:
In May 2020 my car battery was replaced. The battery would not hold a charge after a few days of sitting. The dealer found no issues at the time. Today I had a similar issue. The car was parked in my driveway for 5 days, I was unable to start the car, the battery was dead and needed to be jumped. The vehicle is back at the dealership. I was told that if the battery failed, I would be charged for the replacement, as they do not prorate batteries.
Mfg Campaign: 11423115
Recall Date: Jul 1, 2021
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
Purchased my 2017 Outback in 2016. I have had FOUR batteries in less than four years. We were stranded in the middle of the night on the freeway hours from home, for a problem that has been ongoing. Each time the dealer has given us a new battery instantaneously. Ironic, that they claim there are no problems, when this issue is well documented online. No warning, but each time different symptoms. Hatch beeping unexpectedly, car won't start after short trips, etc... First time was only 9 months after first purchase of vehicle, 2nd time was a year and a half later, 3rd time dealer downloaded software patch, and battery still didn't last past 22 months. Thankfully battery is warrantied 36 months. How many complaints does the NHTSA need for further action? Isn't two lawsuits enough?
Corrective Action:
Purchased my 2017 Outback in 2016. I have had FOUR batteries in less than four years. We were stranded in the middle of the night on the freeway hours from home, for a problem that has been ongoing. Each time the dealer has given us a new battery instantaneously. Ironic, that they claim there are no problems, when this issue is well documented online. No warning, but each time different symptoms. Hatch beeping unexpectedly, car won't start after short trips, etc... First time was only 9 months after first purchase of vehicle, 2nd time was a year and a half later, 3rd time dealer downloaded software patch, and battery still didn't last past 22 months. Thankfully battery is warrantied 36 months. How many complaints does the NHTSA need for further action? Isn't two lawsuits enough?
Additional Notes:
Purchased my 2017 Outback in 2016. I have had FOUR batteries in less than four years. We were stranded in the middle of the night on the freeway hours from home, for a problem that has been ongoing. Each time the dealer has given us a new battery instantaneously. Ironic, that they claim there are no problems, when this issue is well documented online. No warning, but each time different symptoms. Hatch beeping unexpectedly, car won't start after short trips, etc... First time was only 9 months after first purchase of vehicle, 2nd time was a year and a half later, 3rd time dealer downloaded software patch, and battery still didn't last past 22 months. Thankfully battery is warrantied 36 months. How many complaints does the NHTSA need for further action? Isn't two lawsuits enough?
Mfg Campaign: 11421760
Recall Date: Jun 21, 2021
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
Potential Consequences:
The contact owns a 2017 SUBARU Outback. The contact stated while driving 70 mph, the windshield fractured at the top middle section of the windshield. The contact stated that the fracture was not caused by an impact. The windshield was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 56,500.
Corrective Action:
The contact owns a 2017 SUBARU Outback. The contact stated while driving 70 mph, the windshield fractured at the top middle section of the windshield. The contact stated that the fracture was not caused by an impact. The windshield was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 56,500.
Additional Notes:
The contact owns a 2017 SUBARU Outback. The contact stated while driving 70 mph, the windshield fractured at the top middle section of the windshield. The contact stated that the fracture was not caused by an impact. The windshield was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 56,500.
Mfg Campaign: 11421263
Recall Date: Jun 17, 2021
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
The battery seems to die frequently. I am on the second battery after having purchased this car. I now carry a portable charger in the car just incase the car dies in transit. Just today, I ran a quick errand, got to my destination. Decided to repark my car and it would not start.
Corrective Action:
The battery seems to die frequently. I am on the second battery after having purchased this car. I now carry a portable charger in the car just incase the car dies in transit. Just today, I ran a quick errand, got to my destination. Decided to repark my car and it would not start.
Additional Notes:
The battery seems to die frequently. I am on the second battery after having purchased this car. I now carry a portable charger in the car just incase the car dies in transit. Just today, I ran a quick errand, got to my destination. Decided to repark my car and it would not start.
Mfg Campaign: 11420579
Recall Date: Jun 11, 2021
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
Battery drains all the time when car is off OR in accessory mode: This vehicle was purchased new. The battery has died quickly multiple times throughout the life of the vehicle. My husband and I realize that we have had the car jumped many, many times for things that should have not caused the battery to drain. We also looked on this nhtsa site, realized this is a problem with other similar vehicles and a class action suit is pending. For the past year we have learned to not keep any electrical on when the car is not running. The last two times: within the last month. I was waiting to pick up my child from an event, I turned the car totally off but left the key in the ignition. This, I found out later, caused the battery to drain in 10 minutes and I was stuck. Two weeks ago, I went to the drive in. When pulling in, I remembered that the car battery dies but I needed the radio to hear the movie - thankfully the movie theater had a jumper as my battery died in less than 30 minutes. No one else at the movie had this problem. I had three kids with me and that is the point, the car was specifically purchased because Subaru advertises that they make reliable vehicles, but this car is not as does not hold a charge. There is no warning that the battery will die. My liftgate also once stopped working. We googled it and had to jump the car to reset the computer to make the liftgate work again. I went to the dealership on 6/9/21, and asked them to do a diagnostic on the battery and alternator during the annual inspection. They said everything is fine and that they researched the problem. They explained that this a known fault and there is nothing that can be done and Subaru has no current plans to fix. They also said cars with FOBs drain too with just the FOB being nearby (I have a normal key). So I called Subrau national customer service and they told me there is nothing they can do and that I need to go through the dealership.
Corrective Action:
Battery drains all the time when car is off OR in accessory mode: This vehicle was purchased new. The battery has died quickly multiple times throughout the life of the vehicle. My husband and I realize that we have had the car jumped many, many times for things that should have not caused the battery to drain. We also looked on this nhtsa site, realized this is a problem with other similar vehicles and a class action suit is pending. For the past year we have learned to not keep any electrical on when the car is not running. The last two times: within the last month. I was waiting to pick up my child from an event, I turned the car totally off but left the key in the ignition. This, I found out later, caused the battery to drain in 10 minutes and I was stuck. Two weeks ago, I went to the drive in. When pulling in, I remembered that the car battery dies but I needed the radio to hear the movie - thankfully the movie theater had a jumper as my battery died in less than 30 minutes. No one else at the movie had this problem. I had three kids with me and that is the point, the car was specifically purchased because Subaru advertises that they make reliable vehicles, but this car is not as does not hold a charge. There is no warning that the battery will die. My liftgate also once stopped working. We googled it and had to jump the car to reset the computer to make the liftgate work again. I went to the dealership on 6/9/21, and asked them to do a diagnostic on the battery and alternator during the annual inspection. They said everything is fine and that they researched the problem. They explained that this a known fault and there is nothing that can be done and Subaru has no current plans to fix. They also said cars with FOBs drain too with just the FOB being nearby (I have a normal key). So I called Subrau national customer service and they told me there is nothing they can do and that I need to go through the dealership.
Additional Notes:
Battery drains all the time when car is off OR in accessory mode: This vehicle was purchased new. The battery has died quickly multiple times throughout the life of the vehicle. My husband and I realize that we have had the car jumped many, many times for things that should have not caused the battery to drain. We also looked on this nhtsa site, realized this is a problem with other similar vehicles and a class action suit is pending. For the past year we have learned to not keep any electrical on when the car is not running. The last two times: within the last month. I was waiting to pick up my child from an event, I turned the car totally off but left the key in the ignition. This, I found out later, caused the battery to drain in 10 minutes and I was stuck. Two weeks ago, I went to the drive in. When pulling in, I remembered that the car battery dies but I needed the radio to hear the movie - thankfully the movie theater had a jumper as my battery died in less than 30 minutes. No one else at the movie had this problem. I had three kids with me and that is the point, the car was specifically purchased because Subaru advertises that they make reliable vehicles, but this car is not as does not hold a charge. There is no warning that the battery will die. My liftgate also once stopped working. We googled it and had to jump the car to reset the computer to make the liftgate work again. I went to the dealership on 6/9/21, and asked them to do a diagnostic on the battery and alternator during the annual inspection. They said everything is fine and that they researched the problem. They explained that this a known fault and there is nothing that can be done and Subaru has no current plans to fix. They also said cars with FOBs drain too with just the FOB being nearby (I have a normal key). So I called Subrau national customer service and they told me there is nothing they can do and that I need to go through the dealership.
Mfg Campaign: 11420397
Recall Date: Jun 10, 2021
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
I am the original owner of a 2017 Subaru Outback Limited. There is an undiagnosed drain on the electrical system that causes the car not to start. The first time I replaced the battery, but two months later the car wouldn't start after being left in the garage over the weekend. I had to call AAA to jump the car. The Subaru dealership couldn't find any issues with the electrical system or the battery. A month later, I drove it to work and the car wouldn't start when I got in it to go home and had to be jumped to start. About three weeks later we made a six-hour road trip, parked the car at the hotel and not only would it not start in the morning, it was so dead that the back hatch wouldn't open so I could get the jumper cables out of the spare tire compartment. Fortunately a good samaritan in the parking lot had cables and jump started the car. If I park the car Friday night and don't drive it Saturday it won't start Sunday. I had to buy a battery charger for the garage so that I can jump it if it won't start. When I know I am not going to drive for more than a day, I now disconnect the battery cables so it will start when I drive it next. Ridiculous for a four year-old car with 63,000 miles.
Corrective Action:
I am the original owner of a 2017 Subaru Outback Limited. There is an undiagnosed drain on the electrical system that causes the car not to start. The first time I replaced the battery, but two months later the car wouldn't start after being left in the garage over the weekend. I had to call AAA to jump the car. The Subaru dealership couldn't find any issues with the electrical system or the battery. A month later, I drove it to work and the car wouldn't start when I got in it to go home and had to be jumped to start. About three weeks later we made a six-hour road trip, parked the car at the hotel and not only would it not start in the morning, it was so dead that the back hatch wouldn't open so I could get the jumper cables out of the spare tire compartment. Fortunately a good samaritan in the parking lot had cables and jump started the car. If I park the car Friday night and don't drive it Saturday it won't start Sunday. I had to buy a battery charger for the garage so that I can jump it if it won't start. When I know I am not going to drive for more than a day, I now disconnect the battery cables so it will start when I drive it next. Ridiculous for a four year-old car with 63,000 miles.
Additional Notes:
I am the original owner of a 2017 Subaru Outback Limited. There is an undiagnosed drain on the electrical system that causes the car not to start. The first time I replaced the battery, but two months later the car wouldn't start after being left in the garage over the weekend. I had to call AAA to jump the car. The Subaru dealership couldn't find any issues with the electrical system or the battery. A month later, I drove it to work and the car wouldn't start when I got in it to go home and had to be jumped to start. About three weeks later we made a six-hour road trip, parked the car at the hotel and not only would it not start in the morning, it was so dead that the back hatch wouldn't open so I could get the jumper cables out of the spare tire compartment. Fortunately a good samaritan in the parking lot had cables and jump started the car. If I park the car Friday night and don't drive it Saturday it won't start Sunday. I had to buy a battery charger for the garage so that I can jump it if it won't start. When I know I am not going to drive for more than a day, I now disconnect the battery cables so it will start when I drive it next. Ridiculous for a four year-old car with 63,000 miles.
Mfg Campaign: 11420219
Recall Date: Jun 8, 2021
Need Legal Help?
Featured Attorneys
Barry Edzant
Edzant Price LLC
Valencia, CA • 36 yrs
Focus: Lemon Law, Personal Injury