2015 Subaru Outback Complaint Log

i will be purchasing my 4th battery, this seems to be an issue people are having with this 2015 outback. I maintain my car and garage store it and I continue to have dead batteries that need to be replaced, I am not leaving any interior or exterior lights on either.

On 8/25/21, during servicing, I was informed by the Subaru dealer who has always serviced my car that the driver's side head gasket was starting to go bad. The car had 54,108 miles on it and was 6 years and 5 months old. It had always been driven under normal conditions, on public roads, and 100% of the servicing had been performed by the Subaru dealer who sold me the car, which I bought new. In addition, I had never used the car for towing. Under the circumstances, it seemed indefensible that the head gasket should be going bad. It's a very expensive repair. The engine in question is the 3.6-liter 6-cylinder.

I have to replace my battery 1-2 x year, possibly due to Parasitic draw. No lights have been left on, nor anything electrical when the car is shut off. Between batteries, I often have to jump my car to start it. I have been stranded places and I am in constant fear my car will not start.

Bought this car used with low miles in 2019 from a Subaru dealership. We have had intermittent issues dating back to late 2019, where returning to the car find that the battery is dead when we went to start it. It usually happens when the vehicle was left for 4 hours or more, although not always. After reading several reports of the same issue, we are going to try a new, larger battery.

We called Subaru Roadside Assistance Sunday, July 25, 2021 because the Subaru lost power, as though it were out of gas, but the gage showed we had over an eighth of a tank. We mentioned this to the roadside assistant Rep. several times. She took our cell and credit card #s and said she ordered us a tow truck. I asked if the driver will have a gas can with. She said, "Well do you need a tow or fuel". Again we repeated we didn't know and explained again what happened. She said it would be 60-90 minutes. It was 94 degrees, we had no water, no shade, it was horrible. After 90 minutes still nobody came. We called again to see how much longer it would be. COME TO FIND OUT, THEY DIDN'T SEND ANYONE!!!. They said they didn't know if we needed a toe or fuel, so they didn't send anyone, didn't call, NOTHING. They said it would be another 90 minutes. We told them to forget it, hung up and went to a nearby house and the guy gave us a bottle of water and from a gas can, provided us enough gas to get to the next gas station 11 miles away. I tried calling subaru headquarters to report the issue and to let them know if our credit card was charged, they need to reimburse it since we did not receive service, but I was on hold for so long, I hung up and emailed them - 3 times and I NEVER heard anything back from them. So here I am reporting to not rely on their gas gage and reporting a safety concern that they would leave people in massive heat, probably would in the terrible cold as well. They do not call to let you know that nobody is coming. Subaru roadside assistance is one big joke. Subaru service is a big joke because obviously they don't care since they never responded to any of my emails. Needless to say, we will never call their roadside assistance again and will NEVER buy a subaru again since they have shown lack of interest. Thank you.

On 4 occasions the car battery has unexpectedly gone so low that it could not be started. On the second occasion (January 2022) the battery was replaced. On the third occasion (July 14, 2021) the battery was again replaced. On the fourth occasion (July 18, 2021) the battery was completely dead. It was necessary to use a mechanical key to enter the vehicle so that the hood could be raised. The battery has been recharged and a report will be made to the dealer for the second time tomorrow.

My vehicle was purchased in September 2014. Approximately the night of March 9, 2017 my daughter apparently turned on a dome light, which remained on the rest of the night. My car had approximately 45k miles on it. The next day I attempted to start the car, nothing happened. The battery was so dead that even connecting to another vehicle for 20 minutes resulted in no change. I purchased a new battery on 3/10/2017. On 7/10/2021 with approximately 100,000 miles I was at an airport for pickup. I turned my car off upon arrival and waited for 30 - 40 minutes with the key in the ignition. I think that resulted in some lights remaining on. When I attempted to start my car to depart the airport it gave an indication of attempting to start but there was not enough power to facilitate the action. I needed to briefly connect my car to another for enough power to start the vehicle, which has run apparently fine since. Now I have to be vigilant to ensure no internal lights are on for more than a few minutes regardless of situation. Recently I read this article, https://www.motorbiscuit.com/dead-batteries-new-subaru-lawsuit-claims-least-five-models-defective-batteries/, which seems to be the situation I am in. It seems that two batteries in a period of 7 years and approximately 102,000 miles seems a bit excessive. A non-technical analysis leads me to think either Subaru is not putting an adequate power supply in at least their Outbacks, maybe other models based on at least the linked article, or something is wrong with the electrical management system resulting in drains on the battery resulting in significantly shorter battery life than found on other vehicles, which results in additional cost to consumers to replace batteries assuming they die at a convenient time and other costs are not incurred.

Car stalled, could not take out of gear; could not restart, could not set emergency brake, couldn’t turn key to restart. Finally a light came on that said hatch was open. Could not operate hatch from inside car. Jumped out hatch was closed. Opened and reclosed. Car started rolling. Ran to jump in and apply manual brake. I’m 85 years old. Very dangerous situation. Consumer stated AAA batteries failed several times. Vehicle was taken to a dealer for electrical failure.

Excessive battery drain from open back hatch while parked and engine off. Having my back liftgate open while my engine was off for a 30 minute period drained my battery so that I could not start my vehicle. Had not my friends been there to jump me I would have been without transportation miles from home. No warning light was given by the vehicle. Others with this vehicle have had similar issues and it is an easy issue to find complaints about. A service center has not been contacted yet but I plan on speaking with my dealership soon. This problem blindsided me completely.

My windshield cracked for no reason on June 12, 2021. Large crack took over the left side of the window. Crack kept spreading for no apparent reason.

When my dashboard lights lit up for no reason, it was determined after visiting the dealership that the steering gearbox needed to be replaced.

I proudly purchased my 2015 Subaru Outback, new, in April 2015. I currently have less than 18,000 miles on it. During the time I have owned my Outback, I have had to replace the battery 5 times, through no fault of my own. Subaru USA and my Subaru dealership say that I do not drive it enough. B/S. I have done some research online and have found many other Subaru owners who are constantly having battery problems and dead batteries. I understand some have filed a Class Action Suit. The problem appears to be that the battery drains down on a regular basis. Now when I put my car in my garage at night, I turn the headlights off completely, the radio off, the A/C off, and I do not set my parking brake for fear all of the above will drain my battery overnight. I am even afraid to set my car alarm. I have had to call AAA each time the battery has gone COMPLETELY DEAD. They are tired of seeing me. Fortunately for me, each time the battery has died, I was at home and my car in the garage. I am a senior citizen who is afraid my battery will die when I am not close to home. I purchased a Subaru because of its so-called reliability. I am tired of Subaru giving me the runaround and trying to make it look as though I am the problem. I, for the life of me, don't understand how this problem has been swept under the rug by Subaru for so LONG. When I chose the Outback, I had done my homework and went first to the LA Auto Show and the Outback, back then, appeared to be my dream car, which has turned into a nightmare for me. I had a Sienna for 15 years and only replaced the battery twice. PLEASE have your staff seriously look into this Subaru battery drainage problem. I am certainly not alone with this problem. Each time I go to start up my Outback, I have to hold my breath and keep my finger and toes crossed. Subaru USA has given me little or no answer to my problem. My dealership again tells me I have to drive more. The other Subaru owners must not drive enough!!!

The windshield spontaneously cracked at the deicer area. The windshield is available for inspection. The crack has grown and is interfering with visibility. The crack in the deicer part of the windshield is easy to see. I have called and left messages about the cracked windshield for the Subaru service manager at the dealership where we bought the car. The service manager has not returned my calls. I drove the car to the Subaru dealer and showed the crack to the substitute service manager (Brian from Kia). Brian took my name and number and said he would contact the Subaru rep for me. To date, I have not heard from the Subaru rep about the spontaneously cracked windshield. There was no warning that the windshield would crack. I was driving the car on Saturday June 5th when I heard a pop. There was no other traffic on the paved road I was driving on. Noticed a crack low on the windshield starting at the deicer area.

Windshield randomly cracked on its own. Similar issue as other have reported in past. Begins on passenger side in wiper park near heated zone and continues up across windshield for 12 inches or so. Car was parked, nothing hit the windshield.

1. My battery failed, so I replaced it. I didn’t keep the failed one. 2. Problem started while driving w/ a handicapped, elderly passenger in remote rural area at night. Help at least 1/2-hr. away. No open garages. Frightening. 3. AAA confirmed. 4. AAA inspected. 5. My Check Engine light came on, Cruise Control stopped working. Pulled over, ck’d manual, nothing noted about battery, no Battery warning light. Car started up, drove home very slowly, stopping occasionally. Next morning, car wouldn’t start, called AAA to take to mechanic (charge $150 to check system). There was no previous warning that battery was losing power. AAA found battery problem. No engine problem. Replaced. No more lights. Very disappointed that much worry could have been avoided.

Cannot remove key after shutting down engine and put in "Park". Found many similar incidents on https://www.subaruoutback.org/threads/key-stuck-in-ignition.495265/

With a relatively new battery, my car would not start. I had the rear lift gate open, but lights turned off, for about an hour while packing for a trip and when I went to start the car it was completely dead and I had to jump it to get it started again. This also happened a few months prior while leaving the tailgate up for about 30 minutes to get some things out of the car. Both times the only lights that were on were the mirror lights when I approached the car

3 years after the vehicle purchase the OEM battery died. Replaced it with a well reviewed local brand. It is almost 3 years since the replacement battery and the Subaru service rep said the battery is dying. I fear there is something wrong with the electrical system which damages the batteries over 3 years. I will be replacing the battery again, but what if 3 years later this one dies too? What if, because of the age of the car, the battery dies earlier? When I am on a road trip with family? I feel it is related to https://www.torquenews.com/1084/subaru-battery-lawsuit-new-information-outback-and-ascent-owners-should-know

The contact owned a 2015 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, he was alerted by another driver that the vehicle was smoking and flames were coming from under the vehicle. The contact stated that warning lights flashed off and on. The contact stated that he pulled over, exited the vehicle, and saw flames coming from underneath the vehicle before it was engulfed in flames and exploded. The contact stated that he sustained minor burns on his hands from the steering wheel however, medical attention was not required. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. A fire department report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a junkyard as it was deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a field technician was sent to retrieve information from the EDR. The contact was not aware of the diagnosis. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact attempted to jump start the battery with a battery charger however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the battery would drain periodically. The contact stated that the battery had been replaced four times in a six-year period. The local dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the next available appointment was on the 29th of May. The contact replaced the battery himself. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 47,784.

THE FOURTH BATTERY HAS DIED SINCE THE CAR WAS PURCHASED IN 2015. IT WILL NOT TAKE A CHARGE. THE DEALER HAS REPLACED WITH THE SAME BATTERY EACH TIME AND SAID NOTHING ABOUT THE CAR HAVING ANY ELECTRICAL ISSUES.

While driving at highway speed and traveling over about 6 hours, the car simply shut off. We were traveling on the highway in the passing lane. Without warning the car began to slow down rapidly, no dash lights on, but the engine was off. We managed to cross two lanes of traffic without power assist and once on the shoulder and slowing down, the engine lights all came on. Once fully stopped, we turned the car off, waited a few seconds and restarted. We were then able to complete our trip without difficulty. This has happened twice. The dealer has done full diagnostics twice but has been unable to find the problem. We have heard that other year Subaru outbacks have been recalled for this problem but our year isn't included.

WE BUILT AND BOUGHT A BRAND NEW 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK AND WE HAVE EXPERIENCED: - A CONSTANT SUDDEN LOSS OF EYESIGHT SYSTEM WHILE CRUISING OR SOMETIMES JUST DRIVING WITH NO CRUISE CONTROL ON. -GAS RELEASE LEVER FREEZES UP AND WE HAVE TO FORCEFULLY USE A FLAT SCREWDRIVER TO UNLOCK THE GAS LID DOOR. -PRE COLLISION WARNING BRAKE SYSTEM DOES NOT RESPOND PROPERLY: WE GOT SO MANY CLOSE CALLS. - ON MARCH, 2020 ; THE STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY ON SNOWY/ICY CONDITIONS : THE CAR SLED OFF AND ALMOST HIT A GUARD RAIL, SOON AFTER THAT ; THE STEERING WHEEL GOT TOO LOOSE /WOBBLY AND HAD A BIG GAP WHILE STEERING( ALMOST NO CONTROL OVER OUR CAR. WE BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP RIGHT AWAY AND THE RECALIBRATED, BALANCED AND ALIGNED THE CAR FOR CORRECTIONS. -LAST WEDNESDAY, ON APRIL,14,2021: MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ONE BLOCK AWAY FROM HOME, AT THE TRAFFIC LIGHT INTERSECTION, WHILE THE TRAFFIC LIGHT WAS GREEN AND SHE WAS TRYING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN TO GO HOME; HER STEERING WHEEL GOT FROZEN ON HER WHEN SHE WAS TURNING AND BY THE TIME SHE TRIED TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO REACT AND CONTROL THE CAR, HER CAR ALREADY CRASHED INTO THE PICK UP TRUCK THAT WAS WAITING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE INTERSECTION WAITING FOR THE LIGHT TO CHANGE INTO GREEN. THE WHOLE FRONT OF OUR SUBARU WAS CRASHED BUT NO PRE COLLISION BRAKES, AIR BAGS WERE DEPLOYED AT ALL.LUCKILY, NOBODY GOT HURT ON BOTH SIDES. THE FIREFIGHTERS, THE SHERIFF , THE TROOPER AND THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER WHO USED TO BE A COP WERE ALL FLABBERGASTED OF WHAT THEY SAW. WE CALLED SUBARU OF AMERICA AND OPENED A CASE, MY CAR IS SCHEDULED FOR INSPECTION AT A SUBARU DEALERSHIP ON MAY 6TH, 2021.WILL SEE WHAT HAPPENS NEXT.THEY SEEM WILLING TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DAMAGES. WE FOUND OUT THAT MOST OF THOSE ISSUES WERE ON RECALL BUT WE NEVER GOT A RECALL NOTIFICATION ABOUT THEM FROM SUBARU OF AMERICA AT ALL.THANK YOU Consumer stated dealer found nothing wrong with the car so consumer filed a complaint with federal trade commission and was given a case number [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).”*JB

2015 SUBARU OUTBACK -AND NOW ON MY 4TH BATTERY. ONE INSTANCE, I GOT STUCK IN A SMALL TOWN IN NH AND HAD TO GET A BATTERY THAT WAS ONLY 2 YEARS OLD AND BATTERY GUARANTEED FOR 5 YEARS. DIDN'T KNOW I HAD TO BRING IT BACK TO THE MECHANIC BACK HOME SO I ENDED UP PAYING FOR ANOTHER BATTERY. 8 MONTHS LATER BATTERY DIED AGAIN. SUBARU SAID TO BRING IT IN AND THEY WILL CHECK IT OUT. IT IS NOT WARRANTED AND IT COULD TAKE 2 HRS TO 10 AND I WOULD PAY FOR LABOR. THEY NEED TO PAY AND FIX A VERY WELL KNOWN PROBLEM. IT HAS HAPPENED TO FRIENDS WHO OWN SUV,S, WAGONS AND SEDANS..

THE CAR IS ON A BATTERY MAINTAINER 24/7 WHEN NOT IN USE AND STILL NEEDS TO BE JUMP STARTED PERIODICALLY. DEALER HAS REPLACED BATTERY ANNUALLY SINCE CAR WAS PURCHASED NEW. EACH TIME CLAIMING A "BIGGER" BATTERY WAS INSTALLED AND THIS WILL SOLVE IT; AND EACH TIME IT NEVER DOES. CAR IS COMPLETELY UNRELIABLE. CONTACTED SUBARU OF AMERICA MULTIPLE TIMES (AFTER THE FIRST TWO BATTERIES WERE REPLACED). THEY CLAIM THAT THE CAR WAS NEVER BUILT OR ADVERTISED TO BE USED ON IN-TOWN TRAVEL AND I MUST WASTE GAS ON HIGHWAY TRAVEL AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK IN ADDITION TO ALWAYS KEEPING BATTERY ON MAINTAINER. SUBARU HAS INSISTED THAT THIS IS NORMAL AND EXPECTED BEHAVIOUR OF A CAR. SUBARU SENT A FACTORY-FIELD TECHNICIAN OUT TO INSPECT THE CAR AND "FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE" AND SIMPLY ADVISED THAT AN EVEN LARGER BATTERY BE USED IN ADDITION TO ALL OF THE OTHER ADDITIONAL STEPS (KEEPING ON CHARGER/MAINTAINER AND WEEKLY HIGHWAY DRIVING).

The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving at 70 MPH, a small rock might have struck the windshield causing a crack on the driver's side of the windshield. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle though the crack was affecting his vision of the roadway. The contact became aware that an unknown manufacturer recall was associated with the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the manufacturer partially covered the windshield replacement; however, the failure reoccurred while driving. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

THE MUFFLER MAKES A RATTLING OR GROWLING NOISE WHEN IDLING OR COASTING. THE NOISE DISAPPEARS WHEN ACCELERATING.

CAR DEVELOPED A 20" CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD ALL BY ITSELF. THE CRACK STARTS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PASSENGER SIDE BY THE WIPER BLADE AND RUNS UP AND OVER TOWARDS THE DRIVERS SIDE. I DROVE THE CAR ONE DAY AND THE CRACK WAS NOT THERE. A WEEK LATER I DROVE IT AGAIN AND THE CRACK WAS THERE WHEN I GOT INTO THE CAR TO START IT UP. FROM WHAT I READ ONLINE IT IS DUE TO SOMETHING WITH THE DEICER MAKING THE WINDSHIELD VERY LIKELY TO CRACK IN THAT AREA. I HAVE NEVER HAD A WINDSHIELD CRACK BY ITSELF AND I'VE OWNED OR TAKEN CARE OF A DOZEN CARS FOR MY FAMILY OVER 40 YEARS. SUBARU SHOULD DO THE RIGHT THING AND ISSUE A RECALL, AS THERE ARE A TON OF REPORTS OF THIS HAPPENING TO PEOPLE.

WITHIN 80K MILES THE CAR HAS STARTED SHOWING HIGH ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION. ENGINE OIL IS TO BE CHANGED EVERY 6000 MILES BUT AT 4000 MILES LOW ENGINE OIL LIGHT WILL SHOW UP AND CHECKING ON OIL LEVEL, IT SHOWS AT THE LOW LEVEL OF DIPDTICK.UPON DIAGNOSIS, IT WAS FIGURED THAT IT HAS STAGE 2 HEAD GASKET REPLACEMENT BY SUBARU DEALERSHIP

I PARKED MY CAR IN A PARKING GARAGE ONE MORNING, AND WHEN I RETURNED TO MY CAR LATER THAT DAY, A CRACK DEVELOPED FROM AN UNKNOWN SOURCE ACROSS THE WINDSHIELD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CRACK BEGINS CLOSE TO THE BASE OF THE WINDSHIELD, CURVES UP AND AROUND TO THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDSHIELD. THE WINDSHIELD WAS NOT HIT BY ANYTHING, NOR WAS THE VEHICLE IN ANY TYPE OF ACCIDENT. THE CRACK ESSENTIALLY DEVELOPED ON ITS OWN.

A CRACK APPEARED STARTING AT THE BOTTOM OF MY PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD AND I WATCHED IT MOVE ACROSS TO THE DRIVERS SIDE. IT WAS FAST MOVING. I WAS DRIVING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY.

TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK

MY BATTERY HAS HAD TO BE REPLACED TWICE BECAUSE IT DRAINS EVEN THOUGH THE CAR IS USED REGULARLY AND NOTHING IS LEFT ON. I HAVE HAD TO BE JUMPED SIX OR SEVEN TIMES SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR AND TOWED ONCE TO THE DEALERSHIP.

I HAVE THIS ISSUE WITH MY MUFFLER. TSB 09-66-16 REAR MUFFLER SHELL RIGIDITY ENHANCEMENT THIS BULLETIN ANNOUNCES A CHANGE IN THE PRODUCTION PROCEDURE FOR THE REAR MUFFLER ASSEMBLY. SPOT-WELD LOCATIONS SECURING THE OUTER SHELL PORTION HAVE BEEN CHANGED TO IMPROVE OVERALL RIGIDITY. A GAP MAY DEVELOP AT THE SPOT WELDED SEAM AS A RESULT OF REPEATED THERMAL SHOCK (HEATING / COOLING) WHICH OCCURS DURING NORMAL USE. THE GAP DOES NOT CREATE AN EXHAUST LEAK. IN SOME CASES, A RATTLING SOUND FROM THE MUFFLER MAY DEVELOP.

POOR BATTERY LIFE HAS ALWAYS BEEN A PROBLEM. WINDSHIELD CRACK SHOWED UP SUDDENLY VERY RECENTLY, RIGHT AFTER WE GOT A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT NOTIFICATION.THE CAR HAS VERY LOW MILAGE.

Oil consumption issues. The oil is burning more then it should. Oil light would come after 2 to 3 more after an oil change. The dealership has been notified and is working on ordering new parts for the engine. Replacing the small block of the engine. Had less the 100k miles when this problem accured. Electrical issues. The battery is being drained after the car is turned off. Car would not start in the morning and need to be jumped. Additionally, battery eventually dies and needs to be replaced. Dealership has been notified.

BATTERY DISCHARGING/NOT PROPERLY CHARGING. REPLACED WITH NEW BATTERY IN 2017 AT DEALER'S RECOMMENDATION. NEW BATTERY CONTINUES TO NOT STORE CHARGE/DISCHARGE, INCLUDING WHEN THE CAR IS PARKED AT A STORE OR A PARKING FOR BRIEF PERIODS OF TIME. THIS POSES SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERNS, AS I HAVE NO IDEA WHEN AND WHERE MY CAR WOULD NOT START. THIS HAS OCCURRED IN EXCESS OF 20 TIMES IN THE LAST 3 YEARS, AND I AM FORCED TO FREQUENTLY REPLACE THE BATTERY AND TO ALWAYS HAVE A JUMP STARTER IN THE CAR.

PARASITIC BATTERY FAILURES: MULTIPLE EVENTS BETWEEN JULY 2018 AND JANUARY 2021. BATTERY & ALTERNATOR WERE CONSISTENTLY FOUND TO BE WORKING CORRECTLY. BATTERY WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES. ONE EVENT HAD EXCESSIVE BATTERY PERCOLATION. THE PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY AN AFTER-MARKET HUM SPEED & LOCATION MONITORING DEVICE PLACED IN JANUARY 2018 AND PARTIALLY REMOVED IN OCTOBER 2020. WE DID NOT KNOW ABOUT THE HUM ATTACHMENT TO THE OBDII PORT. THE PROBLEM WAS FINALLY FIXED WHEN AN ASTUTE MECHANIC RECOGNIZED THAT THE FAILURES WERE LIKELY DUE TO THE REMAINING HUM PART ATTACHED TO THE OBDII PORT. LOGICAL IT WOULD DRAW DOWN THE OUTBACK UNDERSIZED BATTERY, WHICH IS WELL DOCUMENTED. SO: ADVICE TO OWNERS: DO NOT ATTACH AFTER-MARKET DEVICES TO YOUR OUTBACK. REMOVE CONNECTIONS LIKE PHONE JACKS AS NEEDED WHEN THE CAR IS PARKED. AND, IF YOU HAVE AN UNEXPLAINED DEAD BATTERY PROBLEM, CHECK THE OBDII PORT & REMOVE ANY FOREIGN DEVICES OR HAVE YOUR MECHANIC DO SO.

MULTIPLE DEAD BATTERY ISSUES (APPROX 10 OVER 3 YEAR PERIOD); NO PROVOKING EPISODES (NO LEFT IN COLD FOR PROLONGED TIME; NO LIGHTS ON

The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving at 20 mph, the brakes would not engage as the brake pedal was depressed. As a result, the vehicle rear-ended a parked vehicle on the side of the road. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was not filed. Three of the passengers in the vehicle sustained head and neck injuries that required medical treatment. The vehicle was drivable and was taken to a local dealer where it has been for 5 months. The vehicle was diagnosed with nothing needing to be replaced. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer to have the engineers look at the vehicle. The failure mileage was 56,000.

DRIVING DOWN STRAIGHT STRETCH OF FREEWAY ON THE INSIDE LANE AT 65-70MPH IN WET BUT SATISFACTORY CONDITION, MY VEHICLE SUDDENLY VEERED VIOLENTLY TO THE LEFT RESULTING IN COLLISION WITH CENTRAL ISLAND. NO PRIOR WARNING. VEHICLE IS VERY GOOD CONDITION AND MECHANICALLY SOUND. ALTHOUGH THE LEFT FRONT TIRE WAS DAMAGED AND DEFLATED, IT DIDN'T DISINTEGRATE AS I WOULD HAVE EXPECTED IF IT HAD BURST AT HIGH SPEED. I HAVE EXPERIENCED BLOWOUT TIRE PUNCTURES IN THE PAST AND IT DIDN'T FEEL LIKE THAT. THERE WAS A STEERING COLUMN RECALL FOR 2016/17 OUTBACKS WHICH MY VEHICLE WAS NOT A PART OF. COULD THIS BE AN UNDERLYING STEERING ISSUE?

TAPPED THE ACCELERATOR. THE CAR SUDDENLY LURCHED BACKWARD. I PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AND HIT THE BRAKES. NOTHING HAPPENED.I DIDNT WANT TO HIT THERE GARAGE OR MY SON IN LAWS CAR SO I SWERVED TO THE RIGHT. I HIT THE BRAKES AND AGAIN NOTHING HAPPENED. THE CAR HIT THE NEIGHBOR BUSH AND EVENTUALLY CAME TO REST WHEN IT HIT THE NEIGHBORS HONDA RIGHT DOOR. I THEN PUT IT DRIVE AND PULLED BACK ONTO MY DAUGHTERS DRIVEWAYS AND HAD A DIFFICULT TIME STOPPING THE VEHICLE. IT DID APPROX. $2200 DAMAGE TO MY SUBARU OUTBACK SENDING IT TO THE COLLISION SHOP FOR TWO WEEKS.

ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS HAVE CAUSED THE BATTERY TO FAIL SEVERAL TIMES IN FOUR YEARS. THE CAR WAS PURCHASED ON JUNE 5, 2015. CAR FAILED TO START ON 9/30/16 AND THE MAIN RELAY WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES BY THE DEALER: ON 12/5/16, 2/8/17, AND 1/30/19 (INCLUDING A SOFTWARE UPDATE ON 1/30/19 TO "INCREASE BATTERY LIFE.") THE LATEST BATTERY (84 MO. 490CCA) HAS FAILED RECENTLY ON THREE OCCASIONS: 9/29/20 (TWICE) AND 10/21/20, EACH REQUIRING A JUMP START. ON 9/29/20 THE CAR WAS JUMP STARTED, DRIVEN FOR TWENTY MINUTES, SAT WITH THE ENGINE OFF FOR 30 MINUTES AND DRIVEN FIVE MINUTES MORE, WAS GASSED UP (ENGINE OFF), DRIVEN FIVE MINUTES, SAT WITH THE ENGINE OFF FOR TEN MINUTES AND THEN REQUIRED ANOTHER JUMP START. THE DEALER HAS PERFORMED BATTERY PERFORMANCE TESTS (SOME FAILED, SOME PASSED) BUT TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE HAS NOT CHECKED COMPONENTS FOR FAILURE TO SHUT OFF, WHICH COULD LEAD TO BATTERY DRAIN. AS INSTRUCTED, I KEEP THE KEY FOB AWAY FROM THE CAR WHEN NOT IN USE, SO THIS APPEARS TO NOT BE A FACTOR.

THE HORN STOPPED WORKING. IT HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED AS A BAD RELAY SWITCH THAT IS IMBEDDED WITH THE DRIVER AIRBAG IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING TO A WELL MAINTAINED VEHICLE THAT HAS BEEN SERVICED REGULARLY. I WAS ALMOST WAS IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT ON THE FREEWAY WHEN THE HORN FAILURE OCCURED . A VEHICLE MOVED INTO MY LANE AND DID NOT SEE ME AND I WAS NOT ABLE ABLE TO HONK AND ALERT THEM . I WAS LUCKY TO AVOID IT BY AN INCH OR SO.

I TOOK THE CAR INTO PAUL MOAK SUBARU ON 10/14. THE CAR WAS BUCKING UNDER LIGHT ACCELERATION. WHEN PULLING THRU A STOP LIGHT, OR MOVING FROM A STOPPED POSITION, THE CAR KICKS BACK AND FORTH AND I DON'T KNOW IF ITS GOING TO KEEP GOING OR STALL. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. PAUL MOAK SUBARU SAYS " THIS IS DUE TO AN INTERNAL FAILURE OF THE CVT TRANSMISSION AND THE REPAIR ESTIMATE IS $9,319.59." THIS IS ALMOST THE SAME AS WHAT I OWE ON THE CAR. I KNEW OF THE EXTENDED WARRANTY SUBARU PROVIDED FOR THE TRANSMISSION BUT I'M OUTSIDE THE MILEAGE PORTION. I REACHED OUT TO SUBARU NORTH AMERICA ON 10/27/20 BUT THEY SAY THEY CAN NOT HELP ME DUE TO THE MILEAGE. I DRIVE APPROX 750 MILES A WEEK ON A SALES ROUTE THUS THE HIGH MILEAGE. 90 % OF THE MILES ARE HIGHWAY AND ARE DOCUMENTED FOR TAX PURPOSES. I LOVE MY SUBARU BUT CANT BELIEVE I'M GOING TO HAVE TO SPEND SO MUCH MONEY ON A 5 YEAR OLD CAR. I HAVE A FAMILY OF 4 AND AM SCARED TO TAKE THEM IN THE CAR IN THIS CONDITION. I HAVE TO DRIVE IT IN THIS CONDITION UNTIL I CAN SAVE THE MONEY IT'S GOING TO COST TO REPAIR THE TRANSMISSION. SUBARU SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL ON THIS TRANSMISSION.

BATTERY LOSES CHARGE AND WILL NOT START AUTO. BATTERY HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE AND THE PROBLEM CONTINUES, ALTHOUGH NOT ALL THE TIME.

VEHICLE WILL NOT START/CRANK. BATTERY IS BRAND NEW, ALL ELECTRONICS FUNCTION AND LIGHT UP, YET WHEN IGNITION IS TURNED THE ENGINE DOESN'T TURN OVER. VEHICLE IS IN THE SHOP FOR THE THIRD TIME IN 3 WEEKS. A NEW WIRING HARNESS WAS INSTALLED BUT FAILED TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE. VEHICLE HAS BEEN SHOWING CODES FOR THE CAM & CRANK SENSORS, INCLUDING CODE P0340, YET ALL SENSORS HAVE TESTED AS OPERATIONAL. I'LL POST AN UPDATE AS SOON AS I HEAR FROM DEALER.

RAPID ACCELERATION - THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE TO OUR SUBARU. THE FIRST INCIDENT WAS ABOUT A YEAR AGO. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING AND I WAS THE PASSENGER. WE DROVE INTO OUR DRIVEWAY AND SAT THEIR TALKING WHILE THE GARAGE DOOR OPENED FOR A FEW MINUTES. HER FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE THE ENTIRE TIME. SUDDENLY THE OUTBACK SURGED FORWARD AT A RAPID SPEED. THANK GOD FOR SUBARU EMERGENCY ACCIDENT BRAKING SYSTEM THAT STOPPED THE VEHICLE WITHIN INCHES OF OUR BACK GARAGE WALL.I REMEMBER MY WIFE SAYING "WHAT JUST HAPPENED? I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING WE WERE JUST SITTING THEIR MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND IT JUST LUNGED AHEAD RAPIDLY. I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING TO STOP THE VEHICLE OTHER THAN STEP ON THE BRAKE. RAPID ACCELERATION #2 - THIS HAPPENED TWO WEEKS AGO AND I WAS DRIVING WITH NO PASSENGERS. I WAS PULLING INTO OUR GARAGE AND AGAIN THE OUTBACK RAPIDLY SURGED AHEAD. I STOOD ON THE BRAKES TO STOP AND HAD NO RESPONSE. THE EYE SIGHT EMERGENCY BRAKING SYSTEM KICKED IN AND STOPPED THE VEHICLE WITH A PANIC STOP. I AM POSITIVE IN BOTH CASES WE WERE BRAKING THE VEHICLE AND OUR FOOT WAS NOT ON THE ACCELERATOR. I FEEL UNSAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. IF SOMEONE IS STANDING IN FRONT OF THIS VEHICLE WHEN IT RAPIDLY ACCELERATES THEY WILL BE INJURED OR KILLED AND I DON'T WANT TO EVER SEE THIS HAPPEN. I FEEL SUBRAU SHOULD SUPPLY ME WITH A FREE LOANER CAR UNTIL THIS PROBLEM IS FIXED. I KNOW THEIR IS NO SAFETY RECALL ISSUED AND THE DEALER WILL ONLY REPLACE THE CONTROL MODULE AT CUSTOMER EXPENSE.

MY 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK -- HAVE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN AND UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. I'VE MENTIONED THIS TO THE STEVENS CREEK SAN JOSE DEALERSHIP WHEN TAKING MY CAR FOR MAINTENANCE, BUT THEY SAID THE BEHAVIOR IS AS INTENDED.

THE ELECTRIC TAILGATE SOMETIMES MALFUNCTIONS AND GETS STUCK IN AN OPEN POSITION, AND CAN ONLY BE FORCED CLOSED MANUALLY BY A STRONG PERSON. MY GIRLFRIEND HAS TROUBLE CLOSING IT, AND WAS FORCED TO DRIVE HOME WITH THE TAILGATE OPEN. THIS IS UNSAFE - THE TAILGATE STICKS OUT PAST THE BACK OF THE CAR, FOLLOWING TRAFFIC CAN'T SEE HER TAIL LIGHTS, AND EXHAUST GAS CAN BE DRAWN INTO THE CAR. I'VE HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM WITH MY FORESTER. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE, COMPLAINTS ARE ALL OVER THE INTERNET. YOU SHOULD FORCE A SAFETY RECALL AND MAKE SUBARU FIX THEIR DEFECTIVE HARDWARE OR SOFTWARE. I CALLED THE DEALER - THEY SAID GUARANTEED FIX IS TO DISCONNECT BATTERY. HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN DO THIS ON THE ROAD? THANKS