7.5

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$150
Average Mileage:
36,050 miles
Total Complaints:
61 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. jump start (29 reports)
  2. not sure (13 reports)
  3. replace battery (12 reports)
  4. new battery (4 reports)
  5. installed all led light bulbs and a stronger battery (1 reports)
  6. new alternator (1 reports)
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This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Subaru dealer.

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #41

Aug 222017

Outback Limited 2.5i

  • Automatic transmission
  • 6,000 miles

Battery drained while camping 3 nights in a remote location, even though no lights (including interior dome lights) or other accessories (e.g., radio) were used. We did have the power tailgate open at times, which we now understand is badly designed to drain the battery. Dealer (and Subaru corp) did not provide adequate explanation for why a battery would drain (especially when only 3 months old). Same thing happened while camping a year later, after which we insisted (requiring considerable argument) on a larger battery. But same thing (drained battery, despite no use of aux elect) just happened on another 3-day camping trip this past week. (In all 3 cases, car was parked for 2-3 days with no lights or radio used, but with power tailgate opened at times for access to camping equipment.)

- Jim L., Madison, WI, US

problem #40

Jul 252020

Outback Limited 2.5i

  • Automatic transmission
  • 38,000 miles

Battery drained while camping 3 nights in a remote location, even though no lights (including interior dome lights) or other accessories (e.g., radio) were used. We did have the power tailgate open at times, which we now understand is badly designed to drain the battery.

This is the third (!) time this has happened, and we just learned that the tailgate being open (even when dome light is not on) is likely the problem, because the dealer (and Subaru corp) have not provided adequate explanation for why a battery would drain under the conditions we have experienced. Apparently a class action suit is underway.

- Jim L., Madison, WI, US

problem #39

Jan 082022

Outback

  • CVT transmission
  • 80,000 miles

We are experiencing consistent battery drain if we don't drive our car for 2+ days. We've replaced the battery 3+ times and have jumped it numerous times in-between each battery replacement. It's independent of outside temperature and the only factor is if the car sits for 2 days. We've been experiencing this for about 2 years with increasing frustration, with the latest leaving me stranded in an airport parking lot late at night.

- ryan_suzy, Neenah, US

problem #38

Oct 162021

Outback Touring 2.5L Four cyl

  • CVT transmission
  • 24,000 miles

Bought a 2017 Subaru Outback new in October 2016. I'm currently on the third battery, and had to get the main electrical fuse replaced because something is draining the batteries to uselessness, but the dealer only looks for the simplest of answers. I only have 24,000 miles on the car that I've owned NEW since retirement.

After owning Subarus for the past 25 years I'm done! I had better luck with my 2003 Subaru Outback with the blown head gasket. I've had cars sit idle for months that have started upon demand. Subaru is making garbage, foisting them upon consumers, and then refuses to listen because of arrogance. Hope they go the way of Daewoo! Expensive trash!!

- Dan B., Sequim, WA, US

problem #37

Sep 262021

Outback Stanard 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 67,000 miles

Vehicles failed to start after idling for 30 minutes. Replaced own battery on 9/26/2021 vehicle ran find until 12/9/2021 with the same problem. Turn key and vehicle cranked but will not start.

Update from Dec 24, 2023: Battery has gone dead two in the last year both times a jump start was need. Also with dead battery issue the ignition key will no turn.

John Sheehan

- John S., Leominster, MA, US

problem #36

Oct 202021

Outback Limited 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 42,000 miles

Car was off and tailgate was opened for about 10 minutes and the battery went dead. This is probably the seventh time in one year that the battery has gone dead. We have had the battery replaced. It didn't matter. The same problem recurs and the dealer claims "maybe you had the key close to the car". Yeah, and maybe aliens drained the battery. Or, how about the obvious?

There is a parasitic drain on the Subaru battery due to an electrical system design flaw that will allow the battery to quickly run down when the vehicle is off but electrical systems are in use. We've been stranded multiple times due to this "feature" and the dealer refuses to acknowledge the design issue to avoid massive recalls. Instead they are just slowly destroying their brand reputation due to poor design, but perhaps worse, not having the integrity to own up to the flaws.

- Andy M., Davidson, NC, US

problem #35

May 052017

Outback Limited 2.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 500 miles

Several days after I bought my Outback from a dealer, the battery died for no apparent reason. Then it died if I inadvertently left on an interior light. Then it died if I left the tailgate open too long. I was ready to return the vehicle. I started to carry around a battery jumper which saved me several times, and then had the idea to replace all interior light bulbs with very low wattage LEDs, plus the next time I went in for service the dealer replaced the battery with a more high-power one with many more cranking amps (under warranty). It's been almost 3 years now and thankfully I haven't had a dead battery since.

Update from Jun 20, 2022: Update: It's been 5 years and the more powerful battery that the dealer installed (under warranty) has not failed me. No more dead battery issues. Suggestion: Replace all your interior light bulbs with LED lights. Much less battery drain.

- Frank L., Oak Park, CA, US

problem #34

Jan 062020

Outback LTD 2.4L, 4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

Dead battery after 30 min of listening to the radio, after 30 min of an open rear trunk door, after 3 days sitting on driveway, etc. I thought it's a weak (3 yo) battery, brought it to Advanced Autoparts - they tested and told me that the battery is absolutely OK. For a while I have to have a jump battery with me. Not a good solution for my trips to the mountains, hiking.

- Sergey K., Greensboro, NC, US

problem #33

Feb 012021

Outback 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

Beginning in December 2020, when the car was 4 yrs old, the battery started getting drained. After 2 incidents, we assumed the battery had gone bad and we replaced it. We continued to have issues with the car slow starting, or the battery being dead after a few days of sitting in our garage. We initially assumed there was a light on or the hatch had been left open.

In late Feb and again on March 8 we noticed that when we went into the garage at night the car would have some sort of fan or pump running. I started the car and then shut it down and the noise stopped. Then on March 29, the battery was completely dead again. I took it to Subaru and they told me that it was a command module that needed to be replaced because it was draining the battery. However, the command modules were backordered and we could not get the repair completed. They also wanted to charge me $100 for diagnostics.

- rdlcda, Coeur D'Alene, US

problem #32

Jan 042018

Outback Limited 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 7,500 miles

Just were told we don't drive enough, well tough s***...

- Darlene K., Lewisberry, US

problem #31

Sep 232017

Outback Limited 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 5,100 miles

I went to help my Dad who wass sitting along side busy interstate with a flat tire. Had the lift gate open approx. 1/2 to 3/4 of an hour and got ready to leave and holy s*** the car wouldn't start.... I had to wait for tow truck to come jump start us. Totally pissed.

- Darlene K., Lewisberry, US

problem #30

Jul 072021

Outback Limited 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 22,176 miles

Once again a dead battery... I had recall performed to update computer system and car went crazy... the window wouldn't work properly, lift gate wouldn't open, driver seat lost memory feature, I assume these things lead to battery issues but I'm not convinced. Jump started car, 3 days later battery was dead again. Called dealership to come and get it, they had it from Mon thru the following Tues afternoon.

Returned it saying they checked the battery and could not find any issues during the week they has the vehicle,, So I hope someone performed an exorcism while it was gone.

- Darlene K., Lewisberry, US

problem #29

May 042020

Outback Limited 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 15,100 miles

Totally pissed, made appt with dealer to check out this piece of s** and fix issue as this is happening too often at this point, not buying this crap of not driving often enough. It won't start after 4 days? Bulls**. I have a '96 van that can sit for months and still start, my Baja sits for months and starts. Fix it....... So they replaced battery with one that has cranking amps. We will see........to be continued.....

- Darlene K., Lewisberry, US

problem #28

Apr 292020

Outback Limited 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 15,054 miles

Not again... I can't believe this bitch has set here about a week and won't fricking start. This s*** is getting old... time to always carry a jump starter in the car now.

- Darlene K., Lewisberry, US

problem #27

Apr 172020

Outback Limited 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 15,000 miles

Have always had Subaru Faith but this car is killing it fast... Love my Baja but this Outback Limited is from the outer-limits I think. This thing must be possessed, I've never had battery issues like this before.

- Darlene K., Lewisberry, US

problem #26

Sep 152021

Outback Premium 2.5L V4

  • CVT transmission
  • 84,021 miles

click to see larger images

dead battery dead battery dead battery dead battery

Corrosion as always. This is the 2nd time that I've only left the keys in the ignition but not turned on in any way. Only in the ignition for 10 minutes. Battery was completely dead, and I missed an appointment ($75). Ordered a portable battery jumper for the future ($110). I am sick to death of the battery issues with this car. Will try to get my history of all battery replacements and jump starts to the best of my knowledge.

- Ivy S., Ballston Spa, NY, US

problem #25

Oct 142019

Outback Premium 2.5L V4

  • CVT transmission
  • 59,494 miles

Nasty corrosion on the battery and had repeat issues starting the car. Batteries should last longer than 3 years.

- Ivy S., Ballston Spa, NY, US

problem #24

Oct 192018

Outback LTD 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles

We will have the battery go dead usually after a short drive on a cool morning. Over the next few days it will repeatedly go dead. I carry a portable electrical jumper that usually works though after a few days the battery will no longer take a charge. With a new battery the problem usually stops for a few months.

I have owned this vehicle for 2 years and have replaced the battery 3 times.

We have had 2 visits with the dealer. They are very careful to never substantiate a problem with the vehicle and then do a computer reset. My 25 year history of Subaru ownership will definitely come to an end.

- gmisla@outlook.com, Breckenridge, US

problem #23

Sep 102020

Outback Touring 2.5i

  • Automatic transmission
  • 39,946 miles

I haven't fixed it yet. I'm going to buy a portable jump starter tomorrow. I learned that there is a class action suit against Subaru for this batteries being drained while the vehicle sits.

- Frank Z., Wenatchee, WA, US

problem #22

Sep 022020

Outback Touring 2.5i

  • Automatic transmission
  • 39,875 miles

Second dead battery in less than a week. They had already put a new alternator in but now they said the battery needs to be replaced.

- Frank Z., Wenatchee, WA, US

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