Owners have reported 3 crashes to NHTSA for the 2025 Subaru Outback. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints10
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2025 Subaru Outback frequently report issues with the infotainment system, including pop-up ads for SiriusXM that obscure important vehicle controls while driving, leading to potential distractions. Multiple complaints describe connectivity problems with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, where the connection is unstable and can disconnect randomly, affecting navigation use. A few reports also mention sudden windshield cracks and sunroof explosions without apparent external cause, as well as spontaneous emergency braking and lane-keeping assist malfunctions. These issues are often reported in vehicles with low mileage, sometimes as early as 4,000 miles, and have implications for driver safety, including increased distraction and potential for accidents.
Owner complaints4
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners report two primary issues with the 2025 Subaru Outback's electrical system. Firstly, multiple complaints describe the head unit and dashboard going completely dark while driving, resulting in the temporary loss of access to safety features and vehicle controls such as auto braking and turn signals. This issue is noted to occur randomly and without warning. Secondly, owners frequently mention unsolicited SiriusXM promotional pop-ups on the infotainment screen, which appear while the vehicle is in motion and require driver interaction to dismiss, causing distraction. These issues are reported to occur at various times, with no specific mileage mentioned, and have significant safety implications due to the potential for driver distraction and loss of control over vehicle functions.
Owner complaints4
AIR BAGS
Owners report issues with the front passenger airbag system in the 2025 Subaru Outback. Complaints frequently mention that the airbag fails to activate for occupants weighing around 100 pounds, despite dealer information suggesting a lower activation threshold. Symptoms include the airbag status indicator remaining "off" even when an adult passenger is seated, leading to potential safety concerns for lighter passengers. Multiple owners describe being advised by dealerships that the system is functioning as designed, with no repair solutions offered. These reports do not specify mileage, suggesting the issue may arise soon after purchase.
Owner complaints3
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Owners of the 2025 Subaru Outback report issues with the headlights, specifically noting a distracting shadow that appears to cross the road, diverting attention from driving. Multiple complaints describe inadequate low beam illumination, particularly when driving on inclines, necessitating the use of high beams, which some owners find problematic due to the risk of blinding oncoming traffic. These issues appear to occur at low mileages, with one report indicating a failure at approximately 71 miles. The described problems suggest a potential safety concern due to reduced nighttime visibility, particularly in rural areas.
Owner complaints3
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Owners report that the 2025 Subaru Outback frequently experiences issues with windshield cracking. Complaints commonly describe sudden loud noises followed by the appearance of hairline cracks, often without any apparent debris impact. Another pattern noted is the windshield's heightened sensitivity to chips and cracks, with owners comparing it unfavorably to previous vehicles owned. Some reports suggest these issues arise shortly after purchase, although specific mileage is not consistently mentioned. Safety implications include potential driver distraction and impaired visibility, with concerns about the structural integrity of the windshield. This information may be useful for potential buyers considering the durability of the vehicle's windshield.
Owner complaints3
LANE DEPARTURE
Owners report several issues with the lane departure and related safety systems in the 2025 Subaru Outback. Complaints frequently mention intermittent functionality of the EyeSight Assist, where it stops working without clear environmental triggers, and the lane departure warning system, which sometimes issues false alerts even when the vehicle is within the lane. One owner describes the lane departure system as ineffective in recognizing modified lane markers, leading to potentially hazardous situations in construction zones. Additionally, there is a report of abrupt, unprompted braking at various speeds, which the dealership denies as a feature. Safety implications include one crash in a parking lot linked to unexpected acceleration, resulting in vehicle damage. These issues are noted without specific mileage or timeline patterns from the complaints.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints3
BACK OVER PREVENTION
Owners report issues with the 2025 Subaru Outback's back over prevention systems, primarily involving misalignment of the rear camera and EyeSight system, which can be off by about 6 inches, potentially affecting lane departure and automated driving assistance. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle's failure to engage automatic braking when another vehicle is in front, with some owners experiencing recurring problems despite multiple service visits. Additionally, there are reports of infotainment system glitches that intermittently affect the backup camera, causing visibility issues during parking maneuvers. These issues typically emerge shortly after purchase, with one owner noting problems persisting even after three repair attempts. Safety implications include the risk of collisions due to camera misalignment and braking system failures, which potential buyers should consider.
Owner complaints2
STEERING
Owners of the 2025 Subaru Outback report issues related to steering, specifically oversteering occurrences at various speeds. One complaint describes the vehicle's tendency to oversteer, nearly resulting in crashes on multiple occasions. This issue persists even after a dealer performed an alignment adjustment, suggesting that the problem may not be resolved by standard alignment corrections. The reported issue emerges at low mileage, around 44 miles, indicating it can occur early in the vehicle's life. Safety implications are notable, as the oversteering can lead to loss of control, posing a potential risk of accidents.
Owner complaints2
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Owners report issues with the vehicle speed control of the 2025 Subaru Outback, with symptoms including unintended acceleration and inconsistent operation of cruise control and other safety systems. One owner describes a crash occurring due to unintended acceleration while exiting a parking space, resulting in damage to other vehicles, although no injuries were reported. Another owner highlights persistent software problems affecting the cruise control and safety features like the rear collision system and eyesight system, despite multiple dealership visits for repairs. These issues are noted at low mileage, around 500 miles, and over a timeline of several months. Safety implications are evident, particularly in the case involving a crash.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints2
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners of the 2025 Subaru Outback report issues with the vehicle's driver-assist systems, particularly concerning the collision detection and lane-keeping features. Symptoms frequently described include the car unexpectedly slowing down due to perceived obstacles that are distant, and the vehicle attempting to maintain lane position against the driver's intentions, especially during lane changes. These incidents often occur during highway driving or when maneuvering in tight spaces, such as parking. The complaints highlight safety implications such as potential loss of control and the risk of rear-end collisions due to sudden braking. Prospective buyers should be aware that these features may not be fully disableable and can interfere with normal driving operations.
