NHTSA Complaint #11475670 — 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issue reported to NHTSA

Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report

Complaint Details

ODI Number 11475670
Vehicle 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK
Component ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Date of Incident
Date Filed
Mileage N/A miles
Crash No
Fire No
Injuries 0
Deaths 0
Vehicle Towed No
State ID

Consumer Description

Hello, Since February, we have replaced our battery 3 times. Eventually we discovered from a mechanic that the car had a parasitic draw that will drain the battery if the car is not driven every day. We put the battery on a trickle charger every night just in case. Two days ago, the car would not start after sitting in a parking lot for two hours. The AAA guy's first question was "is that a 2015 or 16?". When asked why, he responded "This happens all the time because the computer keeps self-checking and it drains the battery." So now we have a car that could leave us stranded at any time, and based on the number of lawsuits against Subaru for electrical drainage of batteries of their vehicles from 2015-2020, we have a terminal issue that Subaru is well aware of but refuses to acknowledge. This is unacceptable. Doesn't this qualify as gross negligence under some consumer law? Maybe instead of producing commercials with dogs driving their cars, they stand by their customers and fix their mistakes.

Related Complaints for the 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK

Other ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Complaints

#11707968 I purchased a replacement battery in 2023. In August of 2025, the battery died, requiring a jump start. A local auto ...
#11674467 EYE SIGHT GOES OUT SHORTLY AFTER RECONFIGURATION (HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES), BRAND NEW BATTERY HAS BEEN DRAINED CA...
#11662943 Known battery drain likely from DCM and also they designed the alternator not to completely charge battery causing fr...
#11637733 The steering warning light came on and my steering wheel stiffened. Luckily I was able to make it home, but when I we...
#11619069 The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the passenger’s side wheel window trim was slightly p...

Recent Complaints for the 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK

#11717808 ENGINE My 2016 Outback 2.5L model experienced an exhaust noise and/or odor coming from cracks at the bellows section of the ...
#11715920 STEERING Brake light comes on while driving and power steering also locks up..
#11708698 AIR BAGS Almost after I took ownership of my vehicle in August 2024 from Lexus of Pembroke Pines, I noticed a light on the das...
#11706372 VISIBILITY/WIPER 1.Windshield crack in the deicing area. Driving on a highway heard a loud boom as if a very big rock hit the car. 30-...
#11702493 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the horn was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the...
Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report