Subaru Solterra Common Problems

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners report several issues with the 2023 Subaru Solterra's electrical system, notably sudden unintended acceleration and charging difficulties. Two complaints involve crashes where the vehicle accelerated unexpectedly, resulting in loss of control and collisions with obstacles, though no injuries were reported. Other complaints frequently mention problems with charging efficiency, particularly in cold weather, where charging rates slow significantly, posing inconvenience and potential safety risks for passengers in low temperatures. Additional issues include exposure of high-voltage electrical components to water due to compromised fender liners and non-functional Bluetooth connectivity affecting remote climate control and vehicle security. These issues typically arise in varied conditions and usage scenarios, suggesting potential concerns for prospective buyers regarding reliability and safety.

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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners report several issues with the 2024 Subaru Solterra's electrical system. Common complaints include problems with the facial recognition system failing to recognize faces consistently, particularly when drivers are looking forward or using mirrors, which could potentially lead to unintended stops. Additionally, the lane departure feature is described as overly sensitive, causing unintended swerving. Some owners also experience "EV System Malfunction" and "Drive Start Control Malfunction" alerts, which may indicate high-voltage system faults and have been linked to concerns about sudden power loss. Battery failures are another recurring issue, with reports of unexpected battery depletion and incorrect charging time estimates. These issues have left owners stranded and raise potential safety concerns.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners of the 2023 Subaru Solterra frequently report issues with the air conditioning system, specifically citing failures of the air compressor and condenser. These failures typically result in a lack of heat or cold air, with some owners mentioning repair costs around $3000. Complaints indicate these problems can arise as early as within two years of vehicle age, with one owner experiencing condenser failure within a year of leasing the vehicle. Safety concerns are noted in hot climates, as one owner describes the inability to safely transport a child due to high interior temperatures. Additionally, there is a report of driver visibility being impaired by the reflection from black piano plastic when driving in sunny conditions.

SERVICE BRAKES

Owners of the 2023 Subaru Solterra report issues with the braking system, particularly related to the regenerative braking feature. Complaints frequently mention unintended acceleration and a lack of braking power, with one owner describing a situation where the vehicle accelerated unexpectedly while the brake pedal was pressed, leading to a collision with trees and a near miss with a busy road. Another owner reports that the vehicle stopped abruptly in snowy conditions, with sensor malfunctions indicated, suggesting potential auto-braking overcorrection. Additionally, multiple owners describe the regenerative braking system shutting off randomly, requiring immediate use of the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. These issues have been noted at various times, including shortly after purchase and after several months, indicating potential safety implications such as loss of control.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Owners of the 2023 Subaru Solterra report issues related to the vehicle's speed control systems, particularly during adverse weather conditions. Multiple complaints describe the adaptive cruise control failing to detect vehicles ahead during rain or mist, leading to situations where the Solterra accelerates unexpectedly and requires manual braking to avoid potential collisions. One incident involved the vehicle unexpectedly lurching forward from a stationary position, resulting in a crash with a stationary object. These reports highlight potential safety implications, including the risk of collisions, as the automatic emergency braking system did not activate in one case. These issues are reported at various mileages and primarily occur during inclement weather, suggesting a potential pattern related to environmental factors.

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

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

Owners report issues with the 2024 Subaru Solterra's forward collision avoidance system, specifically related to the facial recognition camera and adaptive cruise control. One complaint describes the facial recognition camera failing to detect the driver in bright sunlight, leading to the vehicle stopping unexpectedly in traffic. Additionally, the forward collision warning system occasionally brakes unnecessarily, mistakenly identifying a vehicle ahead, or fails to detect an actual vehicle, posing potential safety risks. Another owner links the failure of adaptive cruise control to an air conditioning compressor malfunction. These issues appear to occur intermittently, with one owner noting a frequency of 2 to 3 incidents every 100 miles.

LANE DEPARTURE

Owners report issues with the lane departure system in the 2024 Subaru Solterra, describing instances where the vehicle unexpectedly pulls to the right, particularly when attempting to avoid obstacles like pedestrians. The complaints highlight situations where the vehicle attempts to follow right-hand lane markings even when it may not be safe. Another owner describes broader electronic malfunctions, including the vehicle unexpectedly slowing down, activating facial recognition without consent, and displaying erroneous warnings. These issues reportedly begin shortly after purchase, around late June 2024, and continue despite efforts to resolve them. Safety implications include potential loss of control, with one owner noting the vehicle shut off while driving and lights turning off unexpectedly.

SUSPENSION

Owners report issues with the 2023 Subaru Solterra's suspension, citing poor ride quality and excessive road impact as common symptoms. One owner details a suspension problem alongside a failing rear motor, requiring replacement within six months of ownership and under the 36,000-mile warranty. Although safety implications such as crashes or loss of control are not explicitly mentioned in these complaints, the described ride quality issues may affect driving comfort and handling. Used car buyers should be aware of these potential suspension concerns and consider inspecting the vehicle's suspension system before purchase.