7.8

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
34,600 miles
Total Complaints:
8 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (5 reports)
  2. radio needs replacement (2 reports)
  3. part on back order for one year (1 reports)
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problem #8

Feb 012024

Outback T5 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 23,122 miles

The starlink and radio systems is faulty and is unoperable unless I stop and turn the radio and car off. Then, usually it will work for only a short while. This is very aggravating.

- Robert G., Nags Head, NC, US

problem #7

Jun 052023

Outback Limited 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 69,000 miles

This is the exact same issue as reported with the Class Action Lawsuit that covered up through the 2018 Outback's. The radio will just start switching stations, sources, etc without anyone or anything touching the display. The display LOOKS like there is something on it, but it is BEHIND the glass. I've never used a cleaner or anything on it, just a dry rag and an electronic screen cleaner rag. I am now at the dealership to get it replaced. I have the extended warranty too, but they have to "call and verify" that the extra-warranty that I was TOLD and SOLD on the fact that it would cover ALL electronic issues will cover, otherwise they plan on charging me $195.

- Jacob B., Muncie, IN, US

problem #6

Jan 012023

Outback 2.5I 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 53,000 miles

Extended warranty applies but radio head unit been on back order for long long time with no feedback on when it will be repaired.

- Randy H., Prosperity, SC, US

problem #5

Nov 162022

Outback Limited 2.5i

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,063 miles

After battery replacement the radio system malfunctioned. My Husband and I purchased a Brand New 2019 Subaru Outback in 2018, The Dealer will tell you anything to make that big sale. But, when things go wrong, Subaru act like they don't want to cover it. We had a defective rear window that shattered on it's own (we only had it 2 months) Everything was fine until the radio malfunctioned. I went a while without the radio until I could get it to the dealer. They checked it, updated the firmware and it still malfunctioned. They told me it was a bad radio and they wanted $1055 to replace it due to being 20,000 miles over the radio coverage. We didn't get it fixed. I found out on the web about how corners were cut on the radio software. That sucks!!! 2019-2023 Subaru's.

I will never buy a new Subaru ever again. You have better luck with used vehicles and a little research. Good News We found a work around the radio. You can play cd's, music from thumb drive, and the Radio by locking radio in map mode which prevents the radio from switching through menu options. WORKS FOR ME. Not paying $1055 for another radio that may malfunction again with the same software that had put Subaru in the hot seat in the first place. Don't get us wrong, we love the car. That the name of the game is to cut corners and make major profits. SHAME SHAME

- Lisa B., Rocky Mount, US

problem #4

Sep 012022

Outback Limited 2.5L

  • Manual transmission
  • 45,000 miles

I had the dealership look at the radio and they said that because I did not have an extended warranty it is not something they can fix. It would cost about $3K to replace. I took the issue to Subaru USA corporate and they offered to cover half. I have been waiting for months as the head unit is on "back order" and am waiting for this to come in, in the meantime my radio malfunctions and changes stations. If I plug in my phone it will randomly call people.

My complaint is that this is a defect and not something I did anything to cause. I have addressed this with mechanics who all claim they have NEVER seen anything like it.

Condensation bubbles started forming on the inside of the screen out of the blue and have gotten worse over time. I do not feel this is something i should have to pay a dime to have fixed. This is 100% on Subaru. I hope others come forward with this.

- backstrom, Phoenix, US

problem #3

Dec 012021

Outback Limited 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 16,500 miles

Infotainment System Fails, freezes, randomly changes system. Same problem the class action suit was filed against Subaru on 2018 Subaru Starlink System. Five months out of warranty. Subaru suggests I pay the diagnostic fee for possible update fix which has basically failed on previous complaints. I will, knowing it's the start of a lot of phone calls and headaches.

- Thomas S., Lady Lake, US

problem #2

Sep 012019

Outback Premium 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 0 miles

I hated the radio coming on every time I turned the car on. It was so awful that I sold it after 4 visits to the dealer. The dealer said it was functioning properly 3 times, and on the 4th visit they said that we should get a software update to fix the problem, but they never received it and my car was never repaired. It was terrible and I won’t buy another subaru until they fix the problem with the infotainment system.🤬

- Gail H., Palmer, US

problem #1

Sep 012019

Outback Premium 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 0 miles

The radio came on every time I started my car and sometimes really loud. The dealer said it was working properly. I complained at the dealer a minimum of 4 times.

- Gail H., Palmer, US