Subaru Outback Common Problems

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners report persistent battery drain issues in the 2019 Subaru Outback, often attributed to the Data Communications Module (DCM). Complaints frequently mention the need for frequent battery replacements, with some owners experiencing battery failure within days or weeks of replacement, causing the vehicle to become undriveable without a jump start. The battery drain issue is noted across various mileage ranges, with some reports indicating failures as early as 40,000 miles. Additionally, several owners describe malfunctioning infotainment systems, including unresponsive touchscreens and random changes in radio settings, which are both distracting and potentially hazardous while driving. While no crashes are noted in the provided excerpts, the inability to start the vehicle reliably poses safety concerns, particularly in emergency situations.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Owners of the 2020 Subaru Outback frequently report issues with the windshield cracking unexpectedly, often while the vehicle is parked and without any apparent impact. Complaints describe cracks initiating from various points on the windshield, with some forming curved or U-shaped patterns, and others extending horizontally or vertically. Many owners experience multiple windshield replacements within a short period, with some reporting up to four replacements in less than two years. These issues often occur without any preceding rock chip or debris impact, though some mention minor debris leading to significant cracks. Safety implications include impaired visibility and potential interference with the vehicle's automated systems, though no crashes or injuries are reported. The pattern of complaints suggests that these issues can arise at any time, regardless of driving conditions or mileage.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Owners of the 2019 Subaru Outback frequently report spontaneous windshield cracking without any apparent impact or external cause. These cracks often originate from the edges or the center of the windshield and can expand rapidly, sometimes obstructing visibility. Complaints commonly note that these incidents occur even when the vehicle is parked or driving under normal conditions, with some owners experiencing multiple cracks over a few years, often at low mileages like 10,000 miles or within the first 39,000 miles of ownership. Several reports mention potential safety concerns, such as impaired visibility and compromised structural integrity, which could affect the vehicle's safety systems like lane assist. This pattern of windshield issues might be of interest to potential buyers considering a used 2019 Subaru Outback.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners of the 2018 Subaru Outback frequently report issues with the infotainment system, particularly screen delamination, which leads to ghost touches and erratic behavior such as random calls and changes in audio settings. These malfunctions typically occur around 20,000 to 68,000 miles and can distract drivers, affecting safety features like the backup camera. Some complaints also involve battery-related problems, including failure to hold a charge and unexpected power loss while driving. Notably, three complaints involve fires, one of which started from a battery wire, highlighting potential safety risks. Used car buyers should be aware of these recurring electrical issues and their implications for vehicle safety and functionality.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 3 fire, 0 injury reports

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners of the 2020 Subaru Outback frequently report issues with the vehicle's electrical system, primarily involving recurrent battery failures. Complaints often describe the car not starting, batteries needing frequent replacement, and significant battery drainage, sometimes attributed to the Data Communications Module (DCM) or Starlink system. These issues are reported at various mileage ranges, often beginning as early as 25,000 miles and continuing beyond 60,000 miles. Safety implications include reports of vehicles stalling in traffic or failing to restart, with two incidents involving crashes. Used car buyers should be aware of these potential electrical system problems and the associated safety risks.

Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Owners of the 2022 Subaru Outback frequently report issues with the windshield spontaneously cracking, often without any apparent impact or external damage. These cracks commonly originate while the vehicle is parked, sometimes overnight, and can quickly expand across the windshield. Complaints often mention that these issues occur at mileage as low as 7,800 and up to 30,000 miles. Some owners also describe the windshield as being particularly vulnerable to small rock impacts, resulting in large cracks. Safety implications are noted, as some owners report that cracks can interfere with lane sensing and brake stopping programs, although no crashes or loss of control incidents are mentioned. This pattern of windshield failure could be a consideration for potential buyers evaluating the cost and frequency of windshield replacements.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Owners report frequent issues with the windshields of the 2018 Subaru Outback, often describing spontaneous cracks without any noticeable impact. Complaints frequently mention that these cracks appear while the vehicle is parked or during normal driving conditions, sometimes spreading rapidly across the windshield. Multiple owners describe having to replace their windshields multiple times within a few years of ownership, often citing a lack of visible damage or significant impact. Some reports indicate that the windshields crack due to minor debris, which would not typically cause damage to other vehicles. One complaint notes an incident involving a crash, though specifics are not detailed. This pattern suggests potential concerns for used car buyers regarding the durability of the windshield glass in this model.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners of the 2019 Subaru Outback frequently report issues with the infotainment system and windshield. Complaints often describe the infotainment system experiencing "ghost touches," where the screen malfunctions by autonomously selecting options, making random phone calls, and changing radio stations, with some reports indicating screen delamination and bubbling. Additionally, owners commonly mention windshield cracking, often occurring without impact and sometimes while the vehicle is stationary. These issues typically emerge at various mileage points, with some infotainment problems appearing around the 100,000-mile mark. Safety implications include significant driver distraction due to the infotainment system's erratic behavior and compromised visibility from cracked windshields.

Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 1 injury reports