2009 Subaru Outback
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 112 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 21st highest complaint count among 26 Outback model years with reports.
Of the 2009 reports, 1 involved a crash and 5 involved a fire. 2 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 2, 2020
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-20.
Campaign 20V003000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 2, 2020
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-20.
Campaign 20V002000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 2, 2020
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-20.
Campaign 20V001000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, ignition, switchApr 11, 2019
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part. The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on the key ring and certain road conditions could cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.
The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash. If a crash occurs under this condition, the air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 10, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUF-91.
Campaign 19V297000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 9, 2018
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009 Tribeca, Impreza, Forester, WRX, Legacy, and Outback vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-18.
Campaign 18V014000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 9, 2018
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2010 Tribeca, Impreza, Forester, WRX, Legacy, and Outback vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-18.
Campaign 18V013000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 9, 2018
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Legacy, Forester, Tribeca, WRX and Outback vehicles, and 2009-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-18.
Campaign 18V012000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 11, 2017
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Baja, 2009 Forester, Legacy and Outback and 2006-2009 Impreza (including WRX and STI models) and Tribeca vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-17.
Campaign 17V026000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 10, 2017
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Subaru Baja, 2006-2011 Impreza (including WRX and STI models), 2006-2012 Tribeca, 2009-2012 Forester, Legacy, Outback, and 2012 WRX vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-17.
Campaign 17V014000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical systemOct 13, 2016
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2008-2014 Impreza vehicles and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, all equipped with turbo-charged engines. The relay that controls the secondary air injection pump may fail, causing the pump to continuously operate and overheat.
If the air injection pump overheats, it may melt and increase the risk of a fire.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary air injection pump relay, free of charge. The recall began December 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTM-73.
Campaign 16V738000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleMay 25, 2016
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, 2009-2011 Legacy, Outback, Forester, 2006-2011 Impreza, Tribeca, 2003-2006 Baja, and 2006 Saab 9-2x vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." These vehicles may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 26, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Saab owners may contact GM at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-16.
Campaign 16V358000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsJun 10, 2014
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Outback and Legacy, 2008-2011 Impreza and 2008-2014 Impreza WRX/STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Salt water could splash on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector, resulting in excessive corrosion of the brake lines. Note that affected vehicles not currently, or formerly registered, in the salt belt states identified above are eligible for repair, at no cost to the customer, upon request.
Brake line corrosion may result in brake fluid leakage. Fluid leakage may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will test the brake system by depressing the brake pedal and inspecting for brake fluid leaks. If no brake fluid seepage is observed, the affected areas will be rustproofed with anti-corrosion wax. If brake fluid seepage is observed, the brake lines will be replaced followed by rustproofing with anti-corrosion wax. These services will be performed free of charge. The recall began July 2014 and second notifications will run through November 2014. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall campaign number is WQK-47. Note: This recall supersedes recall 13V-110 which applied to certain 2005-2009 Legacy/Outback vehicles. Vehicles that were remedied under the previous campaign still need additional areas rust-proofed.
Campaign 14V311000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsMar 27, 2013
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Outback and Legacy vehicles manufactured from December 2003, through April 2009 and currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Salt water could splash on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector, resulting in excessive corrosion of the brake lines.
Brake line corrosion may result in brake fluid leakage. Fluid leakage may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles. If no brake fluid seepage is observed, the affected area will be rustproofed with anti-corrosion wax. If brake fluid seepage is observed, the brake lines will be replaced followed by rustproofing with anti-corrosion wax. These services will be performed free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall campaign number is WQG-43.
Campaign 13V110000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
23 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Mar 27, 2024
The rear hatch on this Outback won't lock. As a woman on her own, my safety is at risk. I have read of other people who have this issue and has been able to fix this on their own. This is a safety issue if your vehicle won't lock completely because the wires in the hatch are compromised.
Electrical system, Apr 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2009 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart after being parked. The contact stated that several attempts were needed to start the vehicle. The contact stated that the battery was charged to start the vehicle. The contact was informed by a tow truck mechanic, who assisted with jumping starting the vehicle, that the end switch needed to be replaced. The information was confirmed by another certified mechanic. The contact stated that a certified mechanic was contacted to schedule a repair however, the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Aug 3, 2021
The contact owns a 2009 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shut-off with the check engine, traction control and cruise control warning lights illuminated. On several occasions the vehicle would not immediately restart. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for service. No further information was available. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 81,000. The VIN was not available.
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 30, 2021
PREVIOUSLY SUBMITTED COMPLAINT REGARDING MY SUBARU OUTBACK STALLING. I WAS ASSIGNED COMPLAINT NUMBER 11414502 (ATTACHED) BUT WHEN I DIDN'T RECEIVE THE EMAIL, I CHECKED AND IT DIDN'T PULL UP SO I'M RESUBMITTING.
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 29, 2021
THE CAR INTERMITTENTLY BUCKS/CHUGS WHILE DRIVING AND THEN STALLS. ALL THE LIGHTS FLASH ON. IT IS DIFFICULT TO RESTART. IT HAS HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY AND LOCAL STREETS. IT ALSO IDLES VERY ROUGH WHEN AT STOPS OR IN PARK AND SHUDDERS LIKE IT WANTS TO STALL - SOMETIMES IT DOES. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR 2 MONTHS NOW. THE FIRST TIME, I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AND IT STALLED CREATING A HAZARDOUS SITUATION. MY MECHANIC HAS ATTEMPTED TO FIX IT AND THEN HE HAS TAKEN IT TO THE LOCAL SUBARU DEALERSHIP WHERE IT HAS SPENT ALMOST 2 MONTHS OFF & ON WHILE THEY "FIXED" IT. THEY GIVE IT BACK AND IT IS BACK TO THEM WITHIN A WEEK WITH THE SAME ISSUE. THE LAST TIME THEY REPLACED A MAP SENSOR AND SOME WIRING. THIS IS HAZARDOUS AND THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE. IT FEELS LIKE THEY JUST KEEP CLEARING OUT THE ERROR AND GIVING IT BACK TO ME.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 15, 2020
CAR INTERMITTENTLY STALLS AND IS HARD TO RESTART. HAPPENS RANDOMLY WITH NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OR CODE IN THE ECU. HAS HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY AT INTERSTATE SPEED AND WHILE STOPPED. WILL NOT RESTART IMMEDIATELY. ROUGH IDLE AT RESTART THEN BACK TO NORMAL. MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO RECREATE THE PROBLEM AND THUS UNABLE TO REPAIR. CREATES POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION WHEN STALLING ON THE HIGHWAY, INTERSECTION, ETC. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Jan 20, 2020
2009 SUBARU OUTBACK STALLING WHILE DRIVING. THE ENGINE TURNED OFF WHILE DRIVING WITH LIGHT ACCELERATION AT LOW SPEEDS (5-20 MPH) WITHOUT WARNING. WARNING LIGHTS FLICKERED ON AND OFF. I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE CAR. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE TO HAVE THE CAR STALL OUT WITHOUT WARNING. SUBARA SOUTH BLVD DEALERSHIP SAY THEY DO NOT KNOW THE ROOT CAUSE. PRIOR TO THE ABOVE INCIDENCE THE CAR, WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, WOULD OCCASIONALLY SHUDDER AND THE WARNING LIGHTS WOULD FLICKER ON THEN GO OFF. IT FELT LIKE THE CAR WAS GOING TO SHUT OFF BUT IT DIDN'T. NOW IT IS SHUTTING OFF. IT'S COMPLETELY UNSAFE.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Visibility/wiper, Dec 7, 2018
THERE IS A WELL DOCUMENTED FAULTY DESIGN ISSUE THAT LEADS TO FAILURE OF THE WIRING HARNESS (REAR GATE CORD) TO THE REAR WAGON DOOR/GATE OF THIS MODEL SUBARU OUBACK WAGONS. FAILURE OF THE WIRING HARNESS HAS AFFECTED ME WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. AS THIS ISSUE HAS PROGRESSED, MORE AND MORE WIRES BREAK, COMPLETELY SEVERED, AND LEAD TO THE REAR LOCK NOT WORKING, THEN BACKUP LIGHTS NOT WORKING, REAR DEFROSTER NOT WORKING, WIPER NOT WORKING, AND LICENSE PLATE LIGHT NOT WORKING. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, ESPECIALLY THE BACKUP LIGHTS, REAR DEFROSTER, REAR WIPER, AND LOCKING MECHANISM NOT WORKING AT ALL! THESE COMPROMISE VISIBILITY AND CAR SAFETY. THIS FAULTY DESIGN, OR FAULTY MATERIAL CHOICE IS CLEARLY SUBARU'S FAULT: SEVERED ELECTRICAL WIRES, AS A RESULT OF NORMAL USE, SHOULD NOT BE ACCEPTABLE, ESPECIALLY WHEN THEY COMPROMISE SAFETY BY DISABLING BACKUP LIGHTS AND THE REAR LOCK. WHILE THE REPLACEMENT CABLE ITSELF IS ONLY $63, THE SUBARU DEALERSHIPS WANT TO CHARGE OVER $500 IN LABOR. I AM REALLY DISAPPOINTED THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL, OR SUPPORT ON THIS ISSUE FROM SUBARU OF AMERICA. I CANNOT FIND ANY OFFICIAL RESPONSE FROM SUBARU ON THIS ISSUE. I DON'T THINK IT'S FAIR TO HAVE LOYAL CUSTOMERS LIKE MYSELF, PAY EXCESSIVE LABOR CHARGES TO FIX A SAFETY PROBLEM THAT IS A DESIGN FLAW FROM SUBARU.
Electrical system, Jan 13, 2018
THE WIRING IN REAR HATCH IN REALLY BAD SHAPE SOME SHOWING THE COPPER AND TWO COMPLETELY BROKE APART. CAUSING THE LATCH NOT TO WORK AND ALARM GOING OFF. REAR WIPER NOT WORKING.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Visibility/wiper, Jul 29, 2017
INDIVIDUAL WIRES IN THE HARNESS POWERING AND CONTROLLING THE BRAKE, TURN, BACKUP, AND LICENSE PLATE LIGHTS, AND THE REAR WIPER MOTOR AND WASHER PUMP, MAY FAIL WITHOUT WARNING. THIS FAILURE COULD RESULT IN AN REAR END COLLISION OR IMPAIRING VISION OUT THE REAR WINDOW IN INCLEMENT WEATHER. THE POINT OF FAILURE IS INSIDE THE FLEXIBLE RUBBER BOOT PROTECTING THE HARNESS WHERE IT PASSES FROM THE REAR FRAME OF THE MAIN BODY TO THE TOP OF THE REAR LIFT GATE. IT APPEARS THAT REPEATED FLEXING OF THE WIRES INSIDE THE PROTECTIVE BOOT, AS THE REAR LIFT GATE IS OPENED AND CLOSED, WORK HARDENS THE INSULATION AND COPPER WIRES CAUSING THEM TO EVENTUALLY BREAK. SYMPTOMS MAY APPEAR AS STATIC ON THE RADIO, FAILING REAR LIGHTS, AND/OR FAILING REAR WIPER/WASHER MOTORS. IN MY CASE, I EXPERIENCED RADIO STATIC AND A FAILURE OF THE REAR WIPER/WASHER MOTORS. TROUBLE SHOOTING LED ME TO CUT OPEN THE PROTECTIVE BOOT REVEALING THE BROKEN WIRES. FURTHER INSPECTION REVEALED THAT THE WIRE INSULATION WAS BRITTLE IN THE AREA OF THE BREAKS. A SEARCH ONLINE REVEALED THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Visibility/wiper, Dec 29, 2016
AFTER FUSES BLOWN REPEATEDLY AND REPLACED, REAR WIPER, WASHER PUMP AND LOCK CEASED TO OPERATE FOR PERHAPS A YEAR. RECENTLY THE HEADLIGHTS GOT REAL FUNKY - WOULD NOT OPERATE IN NORMAL "ON" POSITION. BUT THEN SOME STRANGE BEHAVIOR WHEN SHIFTED INTO REVERSE (IGNITION ON WITHOUT STARTING TO ALLOW SHIFTING). HEADLIGHTS STILL NOT LIT IN EITHER OFF OR ON POSITION, BUT THEN CAME ON AS SWITCH MOVED BACK FROM HEADLIGHTS ON TO RUNNING LIGHTS POSITION! I HAPPENED UPON THE VIDEO MENTIONED IN AN EARLIER POST ABOUT REAR WIRING HARNESS ISSUE WHICH EASILY COULD HAVE BEEN RELATED TO WIPER/LOCK ISSUE, SO TOOK A LOOK. INSPECTION REVEALED 11 SEVERED WIRES WITH A CLUMP OF 5 OR SO MELTED TOGETHER AND ANOTHER 3 WIRES NEARLY SEVERED (SEE PHOTOS). DEALER SAYS HE'LL REPLACE WIRING HARNESS FOR $350 -500, AND HAD A SAME GENERATION OUTBACK IN THE SHOP FOR SAME WORK. SERVICE MGR SUGGESTED A CALL TO SUBARU CUSTOMER CARE LINE. IF YOU HAVE GOOFY ELECTRICAL ISSUES, ESPECIALLY IN REAR, CHECK THE WIRING INSIDE BOOT FROM BODY TO DOOR ON UPPER RIGHT SIDE. IT'S NOT EASY TO GET AT AS WIRES ARE SHORT, WHICH MAY HAVE LED TO QUITE A SERIOUS, UM, SHORT. CALL SUBARU BEFORE YOUR HEADLINER IGNITES...
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Feb 21, 2016
REAR HATCH WIRING HAS WORN TO THE POINT OF FULLY BREAKING FOUR AND DAMAGING FIVE OTHER WIRES OUT OF APPROXIMATELY 14 TOTAL GOING THROUGH THE FLEXIBLE BOOT BETWEEN THE BODY AND THE HATCH ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. SYSTEMS AFFECTED: REAR WIPER, REAR LOCK, POSSIBLY THE BRAKE LIGHT AND LICENSE PLATE LIGHTS. THIS WAS DAMAGE INCURRED OVER TIME OF NORMAL USE, OPENING THE HATCH NO MORE THAN ONCE PER DAY.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Visibility/wiper, Nov 24, 2015
THE REAR GATE WIRING HARNESS FAILED, CAUSING REAR BRAKE LIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS TO STOP WORKING. WITHOUT REPLACING THE REAR GATE WIRING HARNESS ($88.80 PARTS + $448.80 LABOR + 51.07 TAX) SOON THE REAR WIPER AND DEFROST WOULD NOT WORK AND THE BACK HATCH WOULD LOCK. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, I WANT TO SEE A RECALL AND REIMBURSEMENT OF $588.67 FROM SUBARU OF AMERICA.
Electrical system, Nov 19, 2015
REAR GATE ELECTRICAL CORD PREMATURE FAILURE AT RUBBER ACCORDION BEND
Electrical system, Oct 26, 2015
THE BRAKE LIGHTS, HATCH LOCK, WIPER AND OTHER ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS ON THE REAR PART OF MY SUBARU 2009 OUTBACK STOPPED WORKING OR WORKING ERRATICALLY. I CHECKED THE RUBBER BOOT CONTAINING THE REAR WIRING HARNESS FOR DAMAGE AND DISCOVERED 13 OUT OF 14 WIRES WERE EITHER COMPLETELY BROKEN, OR THE INSULATION WAS WORN, EXPOSING BARE CONDUCTOR. IN ADDITION TO THE REAR ELECTRICAL ISSUES, I REPLACED THE BULBS FOR THE HEADLIGHTS AT LEAST FOUR TIMES IN A TWO YEAR PERIOD. THE AM CHANNEL ON MY RADIO NO LONGER RECEIVES SIGNALS. THE REAR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS ARE CAUSING A SAFETY HAZARD DUE TO THE BRAKE/TAIL LIGHTS NOT FUNCTIONING, OR THE REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER NOT WORKING. SUBARU IS NOT RESPONSIVE TO THIS DESIGN FLAW.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 9, 2015, fire
WHEN IT RAINED DASH LIGHTS COME ON WOULD NOT GO OUT WHEN TURNED CAR ON FOR A FEW DAYS NEXT RAIN WENT TO CHECK CAR WHEN STARTED LIGHTS CAME ON THEN ALL WENT OUT AND A LOUD NOISE AND FIRE UNDER HOOD
Electrical system, Jul 1, 2015
WHEN LOCKING THE VEHICLE, THE REAR LIFT GATE WILL NOT LOCK. SUBARU DEALERSHIP FOUND A BROKEN WIRE LEADING TO THE REAR LIFT GATE ACTUATOR, AND FIXED. JUNE 2015, PROBLEM OCCURRING AGAIN. JUST LOOKED, AND WIRE WAS BROKEN AGAIN (FOUND BY REMOVING PASSENGER SIDE RUBBER BOOT COVERING WIRES BETWEEN LIFT GATE AND BODY). WILL TRY TO FIX MYSELF, THIS TIME.
Electrical system, Air bags, Jan 29, 2015
PROBLEM 1: EXPERIENCED REAR WIPER (STATION WAGON) NOT WORKING. CAR STILL UNDER WARRANTY, TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THE WIRING HARNESS THAT GOES THROUGH THE HINGE AREA WAS BROKEN. IT WAS REPAIRED. NOW THE CAR HAS 72,000 MILES AND I AM HAVING REAR WIPER PROBLEMS AGAIN AS WELL AS THE REAR DOOR NOT LOCKING. WIRES FRAYED AND BROKEN AGAIN. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE BOTH WITH SUBARU AND ON THE FORUMS ON THE WEB. THIS IS A POOR DESIGN AND POSSIBLY DANGEROUS AS IT CAN CAUSE THE REAR LIGHTS TO FAIL. FAILURE TIME FRAME WAS ALMOST DOUBLE MILEAGE FROM THE PREVIOUS FAILURE. (35,251 - 72,000). PROBLEM 2: AIR BAG LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON. HAVE HAD IT TO THE MECHANIC SEVERAL TIMES TO BE CHECKED OUT AND RESET. THIS IS ALSO A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH SUBARU AND ON THE WEB FORUMS. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AS THE AIR BAGS COULD FAIL TO DEPLOY. SUBARU MAY SAY THE AIRBAGS ARE A "SECONDARY" SAFETY FEATURE, BUT TO ME THEY ARE EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT CAN BE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH IN AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE INVESTIGATE! *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Nov 1, 2014
"AIR BAG" WARNING LIGHT IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL (COMBINATION METER) IS ON. THE AIRBAG LIGHT HAS COME ON SINCE IT HAS BEEN COLD OUT. IT KEEPS ON EVERY COLD DAY. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND IF POSSIBLY NOT DEPLOYING THE SRS TO PROTECT DRIVER AND PASSENGER IN A COLLISION. THIS PROBLEM WAS REPORTED BY MANY DRIVERS OF SUBARU, BUT SUBARU COMPANY IS STILL NO RESPONSE. *TR
Electrical system, Visibility/wiper, Sep 20, 2014
09 OUTBACK WAS BLOWING FUSES ON THE DOOR LOCK CIRCUIT. PUT IN A NEW FUSE AND IT WOULD BLOW IN A FEW DAYS, OFTEN WHEN CAR WASHED OR DRIVEN IN RAIN (OR PERHAPS WHEN REAR HATCH OPERATED). LAST REPLACEMENT FUSE HAS HELD FOR A FEW WEEKS NOW, THROUGH SUMMER. THEN THE REAR WIPER STOPPED WORKING. SAW THIS VIDEO AND THEN PULLED THE WIRING BOOT CONNECTING HATCH WITH BODY (TO RIGHT OF HATCH HINGES) AND SURE ENOUGH FOUR WIRES ARE SNAPPED RIGHT WHERE VIDEO SHOWS - AT BOTTOM OF RIGHT BOOT: HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=AMEKPTVGMHS. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 7, 2014
2009 SUBARU OUTBACK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN WHILE DRIVING. *SMD THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE VEHICLE SHUTTING DOWN, WAS THE RESULT OF A FAULTY IGNITION. *JB
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Mar 5, 2014
THE HEADLIGHTS ON THIS VEHICLE ARE GROSSLY INADEQUATE WHEN USING LOWER BEAMS. I HAVE CONTACTED SUBARU AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE IS NO PROBLEM. I CONTACTED THE LOCAL DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, BUT NOTHING CAN BE DONE - IT IS A SUBARU ENGINEERING DECISION TO HAVE THAT 'QUALITY' OF HEADLIGHT. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jun 18, 2013
STARTED MY CAR AT NIGHT TO FIND OUT MY HEADLIGHTS WOULD NOT TURN ON, BUT THE SAFELY LIGHTS WERE STILL ON. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND REVERSE LIGHTS WOULD NOT WORK EITHER. THE LIGHTS ABOVE MY REAR LICENSE PLATE HAD BEEN OUT FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS ALSO SO I AM NOT SURE IF THAT IS RELATED AS WELL. LOOKED ON-LINE TO FIND OUT MANY OTHER SUBARU OUTBACK OWNERS HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM AND SUGGESTED LOOKING AT THE HARNESS THAT HOUSED MANY ELECTRICAL WIRES ON THE UPPER CORNERS OF THE HATCHBACK. MANY OF THE WIRES WERE EITHER BROKEN OR LOOSE. I HAVE READ THAT BECAUSE OF ITS LOCATION, THE WIRES BECOME BRITTLE AND BREAK BECAUSE THEY ARE CONSTANTLY BEING BENT WHEN YOU OPEN AND CLOSE THE REAR HATCHBACK DOOR. TOOK MY CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAD TO RESOLDER THE WIRES AND CHARGED ME $225 FOR THE LABOR AND PARTS NEEDED. IF I HAD TO REPLACE THIS, IT WOULD HAVE COST ME OVER $600 SO THE DEALERSHIP DISCOURAGED ME FROM DOING THIS. I FEEL THIS SHOULD BE COVERED BY SUBARU SINCE IT IS DUE TO BAD DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE AND THE SERVICE I HAD DONE DOES NOT GUARANTEE THAT THIS WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN. *TR