10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
10,781 miles

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problem #243

Aug 302023

Outback

  • miles
the radio malfunctions. it beeps constantly. it randomly changes inputs it won-??t tune. the screen is severely dirty on inside so can-??t clean it; thus making back up camera look smudged.

- Buffalo, NY, USA

problem #242

Jul 252024

Outback

  • miles
The touchscreen is completely malfunctioning and unusable. It started off as a one off incident during a very hot streak in the summer of 2024. I wrote it off and a fluke because of the temperature. 9 months later and the screen is constantly going haywire with ghost touches. Every feature that is controlled through that screen fails. Even using the controls on the steering wheel fail to work when the touchscreen is nonoperational. This system is so integrated into the systems of the vehicle that it is a safety concern. Subaru is aware of this issue and offered an extended warranty. However, if the system didn-??t fail during that extended time, you are out of luck.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

problem #241

Apr 012024

Outback

  • 26,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the cruise control was inoperable. The contact was unable to connect to the radio or Bluetooth. The failure had progressed over time. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that another unknown local dealer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The contact stated that the failure was due to a previous crash. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 26,000.

- Silver Springs, NV, USA

problem #240

Jun 282022

Outback

  • miles
The radio touch screen is defective. It does not respond to touches and does things on its own (ghost touches). Subaru and Harman Kardon are aware of the problem and even extended the warranty but unless your unit failed within the warranty window you're out of luck. The problem is this -- these units are now an integral part of vehicle functionality and a malfunctioning unit is a serious safety issue.

- Orinda, CA, USA

problem #239

Mar 082025

Outback

  • miles
The navigation screen that controls apps, radio, navigation and phone has delamanated and now has a mind of its own. If my phone is connected it will actually start making random calls while driving, radio sound changes, screens will switch on tjeir own while driving. It started a a year ago. I just thought it was a periodic glitch. It has progressly gotten worse. I saw there was a class action suit and didn't inform?

- New Albany, IN, USA

problem #238

Dec 012024

Outback

  • miles
The upper portion of the Information touch screen appears to have delaminated resulting in the Information system to randomly change settings on its own. For example, if an iPhone has been connected to the system, it will randomly initiate a call from the phone-??s contact list. If a hands free call has been initiated, if will randomly disconnect and switch the call back to the iPhone. It will change radio stations, increase / decrease the volume. The issues present a distraction to the driver as the Information System failure mode is erratic resulting in the Driver to take intervention to correct the issue. Researching online Subaru forums, Customers have reported similar failure modes. In some cases, it appears Subaru has covered the repair costs via an extended warranty. In many cases, it appears the Owner bore the full cost of replacing the entire Information system. I have reached out to Subaru-??s Customer Support about the issue on January 12th, 2025. As of today, have not received a response. The attached photo shows the delamination. The bubbles in the upper third are between the overlay and the touchscreen.

- Buffalo, MN, USA

problem #237

Jul 032024

Outback

  • miles
My 2018 Subaru Outback has an infotainment display that has a Delaminating Screen issue, where the screen that controls so many aspects of the car's functionality (to include safety) is now becoming increasingly harder to see.

- Fredericksburg, VA, USA

problem #236

Oct 312024

Outback

  • miles
1. Unable to remove key from ignition switch while vehicle is in park. 2. Infotainment system turns itself on when car is started; playback skips on Pandora app. 3. Circular windshield crack appeared spontaneously.

- Charleston, WV, USA

problem #235

Sep 262024

Outback

  • miles
The head unit on my 2018 Subaru Outback is pressing random buttons all over the screen by itself. It would constantly make the button noise as I drive leading me to lose track of the directions that was being provided from my Apple Maps. It would also disconnect me from CarPlay leaving me with no sense of direction as to where I should be going. I have gotten this fixed before at a Subaru dealership and they ended up replacing the head unit for me, however this is the second time it-??s happening and there is obviously a serious problem with the all the units.

- Union City, CA, USA

problem #234

Aug 192024

Outback

  • miles
DSM drawing too much power from battery when car is parked. DSM drawing 0.151k ohms to 0.017. Have complained to Subaru of Santa Cruz about this 3x. First they said it was the battery under recall and replaced the battery. Second time they thought I was leaving the key fob in the car (The fob is kept with me not in the car ). Third time they said the DSM is pulling too much power from the battery. Subaru has an extended warranty for the DSM for 2016-2018 outbacks but does not include my VIN number. This power draw and dead battery has put me in San Francisco late at night without a functional car. I did not have this independently evaluated before Subaru did a "jump box replacement" for $775.73.

- Watsonville, CA, USA

problem #233

Sep 092022

Outback

  • miles
In past 3 years after not being driven for 3 days the car would not start. We had the battery charged and replaced twice. When I spoke to another Subaru owner I was informed of a lawsuit against Subaru concerning parasitic battery draw by the Starlink system. I contacted Subaru of America and was told there was no recall but I am entitled to extended warranty on the T 16 DCM unit (a fuse for Starlink). They said I would be responsible for any charges to fix the issue. When I called my local Subaru dealer they said I may have to pay for diagnostics even if it was the DCM fuse as the problem. I feel Subaru knew about this problem and should fix it without charge.

- Greenwich, CT, USA

problem #232

Mar 012023

Outback

  • miles
The touchscreen is delaminated. The delamination makes the backup camera useless. This is a possible danger to me and anyone behind me- turning to look reputedly behind and at the sides doesn't help when cars are moving parallel to me. The 'media' switches between radio and CD, FM and AM, and switches into HD mode at random. There's no way to turn it off, so the beeping is a distraction while driving. The Subaru dealership is well aware of this issue. A replacement part was ordered in September 2023 but the part is yet to be replaced.

- Petaluma, CA, USA

problem #231

Aug 042024

Outback

  • miles
When I bought my car I had issues with the Head unit the screen would got out and I would have no backup camera or radio.The dealer had the car for Two months before I called Subaru to see if they could get my me unit.It was taken care of.Now the problem has come back the screen freezes, jumps goes dark (I have video) I can-??t use the bluetooth to call anyone. I call Subaru of America about this and they say make an appointment with the dealership and we will go there when they know what-??s happening-??..

- Seaford, NY, USA

problem #230

Aug 112024

Outback

  • miles
Ghost touches on the radio making radio inoperable. Prevent rear view camera from activating.

- Arnold, MD, USA

problem #229

Jun 012023

Outback

  • miles
2018 Subaru Outback headunit is "delaminated" causing phantom touches on the headunit's touch screen. While driving, the headunit will act as if something is pressing random buttons, changing radio stations, opening/closing maps, going through settings panel and changing car settings, ultimately distracting the driver usually at highway speeds. Many other Subaru owners are reporting the same issue on the forums: [XXX] [XXX] Subaru is reporting the fault as "regular wear and tear" and charging customers $1200+ to replace the headunits. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

problem #228

Jul 192024

Outback

  • miles
Sterio and Navigation screen has formed bubbles and what appears to be a film under the screen and has also started delaminating. The screen is now rarely usable as it appears to have a mind and hands of its own as it makes its own selections on the screen and no longer allows me to control it. This is very dangerous as the Subaru touch screen offers setting adjustments that are being changed while on the road, without my control. It is my understanding that Subaru will not replace this unless you pay $2k+ out of pocket even though SEVERAL incidents are reported. Unfortunately, I am not in good standing to purchase another car right now so I will have to continue driving this car and praying that whatever settings that car adjusts during that drive won't have a negative impact.

- Cadillac, MI, USA

problem #227

Jun 182024

Outback

  • miles
We have replaced the battery 3 times now in less than a year. The battery keeps dying, which is so bad it is ruining the battery such that it has to be replaced. My pregnant wife and child have been stranded several times. Subaru sent a class action lawsuit notice, but when we went to the dealer they claimed they knew nothing about it. They tested the battery and said nothing was wrong. Doing some digging it seems that numerous others have had this same issue. It is an issue with the alternator and the DCM causing parasitic battery drain. Subaru is doing nothing to fix the issue.

- Glenwood, IA, USA

problem #226

May 022024

Outback

  • miles
Driver side mirror was affected. Went to an automatic car wash. Shortly afterwards, we noticed smoke coming out of the mirror. Possible fire hazard. What was affected by this: The remote access (keyless entry) Garage door opener Tire Pressure Monitoring System light showed low pressure Driver window opened but needed continuous pressing to close Component parts not available for inspection because my extended warranty covered the cost. Dealership has the parts, but I did take some pictures. No risk to us in this instance. Mechanic said it's caused by the illuminating light in the upper left side of the mirror. He's seen about 3 instances as this. No warning messages or symptoms prior to this and we've been coming to this car wash on a weekly basis for about 3 years.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #225

Mar 012024

Outback

  • miles
Audio system does not work which does not allow - hands-free use of phone - sound alert when nearing railroad crossing - voiced directions when using Waze

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

problem #224

Jan 312019

Outback

  • miles
Battery drains constantly, going to buy my third battery since 2018.

- Bellingham, WA, USA

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