Owners have reported 4 crashes and 4 injuries to NHTSA for the 2024 Subaru Outback. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints17
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Owners of the 2024 Subaru Outback frequently report windshield issues, with many experiencing spontaneous cracks and fractures often without any significant impact or external force. Complaints describe cracks originating from the edges or from near the EyeSight camera, sometimes extending into the driver's field of vision, which could potentially affect visibility and safety systems. These issues are reported across various mileage ranges, from as early as a few days to several months of ownership. Additionally, some owners mention a gooey substance leaking from the windshield seal, impairing visibility. Safety implications include reduced visibility and potential interference with the EyeSight safety system, though no crashes or loss of control are reported in the complaints.
Owner complaints12
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2024 Subaru Outback frequently report issues with the infotainment system, particularly with uncommanded pop-up ads for SiriusXM that obstruct the screen while driving, causing distractions. Another common problem involves windshield cracking, where multiple owners describe unexplained cracks forming without visible impact, often at low mileage, sometimes below 2,000 miles. There are also reports of phantom reverse automatic emergency braking incidents, which have caused at least one injury due to unexpected vehicle stops. These complaints suggest potential safety implications, including driver distraction and sudden braking.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints9
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners report several issues related to the electrical system of the 2024 Subaru Outback. A recurring problem involves Sirius XM advertisements unexpectedly appearing on the infotainment screen, causing distractions while driving. Another common issue is the battery draining unexpectedly, with some owners needing frequent jump starts, though dealers have not identified a specific cause. Additionally, the Subaru accessory QI wireless phone charger is frequently mentioned for overheating phones. Safety concerns arise from these issues, particularly the distraction from advertisements and the potential for being stranded due to battery failure. Complaints do not specify mileage but indicate these issues arise within the first year of ownership.
Owner complaints7
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Owners report that the 2024 Subaru Outback's forward collision avoidance systems exhibit several issues. Complaints frequently mention the pre-collision braking system engaging unexpectedly during normal driving conditions, such as in traffic or near construction zones, which can lead to abrupt stops and potential safety risks. Additionally, the adaptive cruise control is described as overly sensitive, slowing down unnecessarily for objects like sound walls or cones. Some owners note that the system fails to provide collision warnings when approaching vehicles at higher speeds, despite all settings being enabled. These issues are reported across various driving conditions, with no specific mileage range highlighted. Safety implications include the risk of accidents due to sudden braking or lack of collision warnings.
Owner complaints5
STEERING
Owners report issues with the steering system of the 2024 Subaru Outback, primarily involving the steering wheel becoming firm and difficult to maneuver, often accompanied by numerous warning lights such as ABS, All-Wheel Drive, and Traction Control. One complaint describes the steering wheel locking and the engine failing to start, which required jiggling the transmission to resolve. These issues are noted at low mileages, with one case occurring at approximately 2,800 miles. Safety implications include potential loss of steering control, which can be hazardous while driving. Buyers should be aware that some owners have experienced unresolved steering concerns, which could affect vehicle handling and safety.
Owner complaints3
AIR BAGS
Owners of the 2024 Subaru Outback report issues with the passenger airbag sensor, particularly when the occupant weighs between 100 and 105 pounds, leading to inconsistent activation of the airbag system. Complaints highlight that the sensor often fails to recognize lighter passengers, with Subaru stating this is within the design parameters. Additionally, there is a report of a head-on collision where the airbags did not deploy, resulting in two injuries and the vehicle being declared a total loss at approximately 6,000 miles. These issues suggest potential safety implications, especially in situations involving lighter passengers or crash scenarios.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports
Owner complaints3
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Owners report issues with the 2024 Subaru Outback's vehicle speed control, including unintended acceleration and unexpected braking. Complaints frequently mention that the vehicle may brake on its own at highway speeds or accelerate without driver input, leading to a crash in one instance where a pedestrian was injured. Symptoms often include loss of cruise control and malfunctioning of related systems like EyeSight, lane deviation, and forward collision warnings. These issues are reported at low mileages, around 1,000 miles, and pose significant safety implications, particularly with the occurrence of a crash and injury. Prospective buyers should be aware of these potential problems and the reported lack of immediate resolution from dealers.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints2
BACK OVER PREVENTION
Owners of the 2024 Subaru Outback report issues with the reverse automatic emergency braking system. Complaints frequently mention the system engaging unexpectedly, causing the vehicle to come to a full stop when backing up, which can obstruct traffic. In one instance, this unexpected braking resulted in a crash when the vehicle accelerated forward into a cement wall after the reverse braking engaged. These issues are described in scenarios such as backing out of driveways and parking lots, but no specific mileage or timeline patterns are noted. Safety implications include potential crashes and unexpected stops, which are critical for prospective buyers to consider.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints2
POWER TRAIN
Owners report issues with the power train of the 2024 Subaru Outback, particularly involving throttle response and transmission failure. Common symptoms include the engine not responding to gas pedal input, even though the engine continues to run and the vehicle can move at idle speed. These issues appear at low mileage, with one instance occurring at just 1,300 miles and another at 5,300 miles. Safety implications are noted, as one owner experienced a lack of throttle response when attempting to enter a busy roadway, and another reported the vehicle hesitating and jerking after an automatic emergency braking system activation. These complaints may be relevant for potential buyers considering the vehicle's early-stage reliability.
