10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
8,801 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

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problem #5

Jun 172024

Outback

  • miles
The driver's side daytime running light has failed. This light is an LED designed to last the life of the car and cannot be repaired. Unfortunately, there is no indicator light inside the car to notify the driver of the failure. In hazardous weather conditions, it may appear as though the light is functioning based on the dashboard lights, but it is not. Regrettably, replacing the bulb is not an option and this poses a potential risk to the driver and others during inclement weather or low visibility situations. The dealership has inspected the vehicle and confirmed that it cannot be repaired. To resolve the issue, the entire unit must be replaced, which will cost over $1000. This model has experienced numerous instances of failure with the driver side daytime running lights, indicating a widespread safety concern that the manufacturer has yet to address in this particular year. Previous years have been recalled for the same issue.

- Helotes, TX, USA

problem #4

Jun 142018

Outback

  • 5 miles
Radio and maps went to a black screen several times at 5K miles. It was sent to the dealership for update. Still had issues, but not as many. Then the lighting went out on the radio buttons. Replaced main head which was covered under warranty w/a 100 dollar deductible. Automatic door locks work intermittently when put in gear, drivers window control panel does not work for any windows in the car other than the drivers window. Had transmission issues after 2 months of purchase. It idles high and does not smoothly glide into gear. Windshield was cracked by a small rock. It was replaced and two weeks later it cracked again.

- Paoli, OK, USA

problem #3

May 142019

Outback

  • 32,000 miles
Smoke electrical short issue in driver side mirror. Diagnosed by Subaru mechanic to be a short in the approach light module. Significant smoke was emitted from mirror with burn marks on bottom inside middle of mirror. The car had just came to rest in a hospital parking deck. Car was removed from deck in order to prevent fire hazard. Note - a 10 amp fuse did blow which caused a failure of the TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) and the remote lock/unlock system.

- Canton, OH, USA

problem #2

Aug 282018

Outback

  • 12,000 miles
The auto sensing lights will not turn off on some occasions even when it is 9am and sunny. Pulling the car over and turning off the car and back on will fix the issue until next time.

- Apex, NC, USA

problem #1

Oct 312017

Outback

  • miles
Low beams upper half of view is so dark I can not see the road. Low beams seems to cut view in half horizontally. I can't see through upper half of windshield unless highbeaks are on. Brand new car. Just bought it. Only 950 miles onnit.

- Dripping Springs, TX, USA