FaultScore

Subaru Outback equipment problems

53 of the 12,381 complaints filed about the Subaru Outback are about the equipment — 0% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2015.

53

Complaints

0%

Share of all complaints

2

Crashes

1

Fires

Equipment & Accessories complaints by model year

1997 Outback 3 5.7%
1998 Outback 2 3.8%

Median failure at 70,000 miles

1999 Outback 1 1.9%
2000 Outback 3 5.7%

Median failure at 45,000 miles

2001 Outback 2 3.8%

Median failure at 74,000 miles

2002 Outback 2 3.8%
2003 Outback 2 3.8%

Median failure at 15,751 miles

2004 Outback 1 1.9%

Median failure at 22,901 miles

2005 Outback 3 5.7%

Median failure at 2,450 miles

2007 Outback 3 5.7%

Median failure at 81,750 miles

2008 Outback 1 1.9%

Median failure at 17,600 miles

2010 Outback 3 5.7%

Median failure at 625 miles

2011 Outback 3 5.7%

Median failure at 42,954 miles

2013 Outback 3 5.7%

Median failure at 5,312 miles

2015 Outback 7 13.2%

Median failure at 1,115 miles

2016 Outback 1 1.9%

Median failure at 80,000 miles

2017 Outback 1 1.9%

Median failure at 97,000 miles

2018 Outback 2 3.8%

Median failure at 75,500 miles

2019 Outback 7 13.2%

Median failure at 43,000 miles

2020 Outback 1 1.9%
2024 Outback 1 1.9%

Median failure at 3,395 miles

2025 Outback 1 1.9%

Median failure at 2,000 miles

What owners said

2025 Subaru Outback at 2,000 miles Summerfield, FL

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:WIRELESS CHARGER/CRADLE

The contact owns a 2025 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while using the original wireless charger and the cellular device would overheat. The contact was concerned that the wireless charger overheating could potentially cause a fire. The contact researched on Google and retrieved information about the dangers of using a wireless charger. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to have the wireless charger, and the contact was informed that the charger was working as intended. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the wireless charger was working as designed. The approximate failure mileage was 2,000.

NHTSA complaint #11709965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Subaru Outback at 74,000 miles Morgantown, WV

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT

The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while reversing, the display screen image was glaring and cloudy. Additionally, the infotainment screen failed to function properly and made beeping sounds, distracting the contact while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the infotainment screen had delaminated and that the head unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.

NHTSA complaint #11656021 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Subaru Outback at 77,000 miles Coral Gables, FL

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT

The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the infotainment system screen operated independently and an unknown notification alert sounded. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the head unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 77,000.

NHTSA complaint #11622441 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 Subaru Outback at 3,395 miles Norwood, OH

EQUIPMENT

The contact owns a 2024 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that after the purchase of the vehicle, the dealer informed the contact to schedule an appointment to install the trailer hitch harness. The contact was informed by the dealer that the vehicle could tow a capacity of 3,500 lbs. The contact wanted to attach a camper to the trailer hitch. The contact was then informed by the dealer when the dealer attempted to install the hitch harness that the vehicle did not have any trailer brakes to which the tow harness could not be installed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the dealer would not install the trailer brakes and referred the contact to an independent mechanic for further assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 3,395.

NHTSA complaint #11621051 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Subaru Outback Yakima, WA

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:VIDEO (TOUCH)SCREEN/MONITOR/UNIT

The screen does not acknowledge touch and glitches while driving. Puts calls on hold every 10 seconds if connected by blue tooth or apple CarPlay. Screen will have a seizure and change screens while driving without any prompt. Will select navigation without any prompt.

NHTSA complaint #11603044 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Subaru Outback at 63,000 miles Cape May Court House, NJ

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the head unit had delaminated, and the GPS unit was inoperable. The contact stated that the radio volume increased to high independently. Additionally, the GPS made phantom calls. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the GPS unit was delaminated and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the part was on backorder. The manufacturer was contacted and offered to assist with the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.

NHTSA complaint #11558388 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 Subaru Outback at 97,000 miles Farmingdale, NY

EQUIPMENT

The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25 MPH, the front wheel turned at a 45-degree angle. The contact was able to pull over. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact who is an independent mechanic installed Monroe strut and coil system part number 173112 on the driver side front, the top nut fractured after two weeks. The contact repaired the vehicle. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.

NHTSA complaint #11553851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Subaru Outback at 60 miles Moreno Valley, CA

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the Navigation System failed to operate as needed. The instrument panel failed to illuminate properly. The contact stated that he attempted to turn off the vehicle; however, the push to start failed to operate. Additionally, when the contact attempted to lock the vehicle using the key fob, the vehicle failed to lock, and the alarm failed to engage. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the vehicle was inspected; however, the part to do the repair was on backorder. The failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60.

NHTSA complaint #11514141 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Subaru Outback at 43,000 miles Merced, CA

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, or while the vehicle was parked, the Infotainment system and screen made abnormal sounds with the screen flashing. The contact stated that the Navigation and Bluetooth also malfunctioned. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the failure was diagnosed as a malfunctioning audio unit that needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the repairs were not completed because the parts were on backorder. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 34,000. The contact stated that the failure mileage was actually 43,000. The issue with the display causes a distraction while driving. The dealer was contacted several times but with no remedy. The dealer only states that they are waiting for the parts but has no provided an ETA.

NHTSA complaint #11502417 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Subaru Outback at 43,000 miles Merced, CA

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:BLUETOOTH/WIFI

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, or while the vehicle was parked, the Infotainment system and screen made abnormal sounds with the screen flashing. The contact stated that the Navigation and Bluetooth also malfunctioned. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the failure was diagnosed as a malfunctioning audio unit that needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the repairs were not completed because the parts were on backorder. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 34,000. The contact stated that the failure mileage was actually 43,000. The issue with the display causes a distraction while driving. The dealer was contacted several times but with no remedy. The dealer only states that they are waiting for the parts but has no provided an ETA.

NHTSA complaint #11502417 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Subaru Outback at 24,000 miles Newark, CA

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:BLUETOOTH/WIFI

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the display and back-up camera were inoperable. Additionally, the radio was operating intermittently. The contact stated that calls were being made independently without the phone being connected. There were no warning lights illuminated. There was condensation on the display. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the head display needed to be replaced but was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.

NHTSA complaint #11488060 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Subaru Outback new Castle, DE

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT

The touch screen control panel randomly crashes and reboots, disables safety features while being rebooted. Happening every other day.

NHTSA complaint #11443704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Subaru Outback York, PA

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

2019 SUBARU OUTBACK. CONSUMER WRITES WITH CONCERNS FOR FAULTY NAVIGATION SYSTEM THAT DISPLAYS THE WRONG POSTED LEGAL SPEED LIMIT WHILE DRIVING. *AS

NHTSA complaint #11143129 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Subaru Outback Orangevale, CA

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

2015 SUBARU OUTBACK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ROUGH IDLING IN VEHICLE. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE ANNOYINGLY VIBRATED WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS ON.

NHTSA complaint #11032394 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2007 Subaru Outback at 160,000 miles Chiefland, FL

EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:ACCESSORY SCISSOR/SCREW/BOTTLE JACK/LIFT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REPLACE A FLAT FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE, THE JACK COLLAPSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE JACK FAILED TO HOLD THE VEHICLE'S WEIGHT. AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE GARAGE AT THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE ON A FLAT SURFACE AND THE JACK WAS PROPERLY INSERTED INTO THE LIFT AREA SUGGESTED BY THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

NHTSA complaint #11078657 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Subaru Outback at 100 miles Marlboro, NJ

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

CAR BROUGHT IN 4 TIMES TO SERVICE FOR RADIO FREEZING NAVIGATION SYSTEM AND OTHER PARTS ON DASH INCIDENTS HAPPENED FROM DATE OF PURCHASE BUT THOUGHT IT WAS BREAKING IN. FIRST TIME BROUGHT IT IN TO BE CHECKED . WAS TOLD THERE IS NO PROBLEM, THEN TOLD HAD TO UPDATE SOFTWARE, THEN TOLD HAD TO HAVE RADIO (HEAD UNIT) REPLACED WHICH I HAD TO WAIT FOR SINCE SO MANY OTHER SUBARU OWNERS HAS SAME PROBLEM. REPLACEMENT HEAD UNIT NO GOOD (WAS A REFURBISHED RADIO SINCE THEY HAD NO NEW ONES (SUBARU HAS SINCE SWITCHED TO ANOTHER VENDOR BECAUSE OF ALL THE PROBLEMS) NOW CAR IS AT SERVICE CENTER WAITING FOR ENGINEERS FROM SUBARU TO DIAGNOSE PROBLEM. I BOUGHT A NEW CAR NOT A CAR WITH REFURBISHED PARTS. THEY CANNOT PROVIDE ME WITH A NEW PART SINCE THEY CAN'T GET ONE.I DO NOT WANT A PART THAT WILL CONSTANTLY FAIL AND EVENTUALLY LEAVE ME WITH A BILL WHEN WARRANTY ENDS WHEN THE NAVIGATION FAILS IN THE MIDDLE OF A TRIP IT IS DISCONCERTING THIS HAPPENS WHEN DRIVING.

NHTSA complaint #10937437 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2007 Subaru Outback Peoria, AZ

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

2007 SUBARU OUTBACK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SERVICE DEPARTMENT REFUSES TO REPAIR/REPLACE VEHICLE RADIO. *SMD THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED IT WOULD COST $1,00 TO REPLACE THE RADIO.

NHTSA complaint #10914593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Subaru Outback at 80,000 miles Denver, CO

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INFORMATION ON THE TOWING LABEL WAS INCORRECT, STATING THAT THE VEHICLE COULD TOW 3,000 LBS. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO TOW ONLY 2,000 LBS. FOR A HITCH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

NHTSA complaint #10846477 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Subaru Outback at 250 miles Myrtle Beach, SC

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

DOOR LOCKS, BOTH FRONT AND REAR REMAIN UNLOCKED WHILE DRIVING, UNLESS SOMEONE REMEMBERS TO MANUALLY ENGAGE THE LOCKING SYSTEM. THIS IS NOT ONLY A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE WHILE VEHICLE IS MOVING, CHILDREN COULD OPEN DOOR, PEOPLE COULD BE THROWN OUT OF VEHICLE BECAUSE OF UNLOCKED INSECURE DOORS ETC. BUT ALSO AIDS THE CRIMINAL ELEMENT BY ALLOWING THEM EASY ACCESS TO INSIDE THE VEHICLE FROM ANY DOOR WHILE STOPPED (TRAFFIC LIGHT SHOPPING CENTER LOTS ETC.)

NHTSA complaint #10748151 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Subaru Outback at 4,300 miles Mandeville, LA

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

DRIVING IN A HEAVY THUNDERSTORM, EYESIGHT AUTOMATICALLY WENT OFF BUT AUTOMATICALLY CAME BACK ON AS THE RAIN DIMINISHED. SO DID THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL. THIS IS EXPECTED. HOWEVER, THE SRVD (BLIND SPOT MONITOR, ETC.) TOTALLY SHUT DOWN. THE CAR NO LONGER HAS WORKING BLIND SPOT MONITOR OR REAR BACK UP ALERT WARNING. CONTACTED DEALER SAID THAT THE RADAR IN THE REAR BUMPER SHUT DOWN. TWO WEEKS AND THE DEALER NOR SUBARU HAS NOT FOUND THE PART TO REPAIR THIS FEATURE. CAR WAS PURCHASED IN SEPT. 2014 NEW.

NHTSA complaint #10724754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other Subaru Outback problems