NHTSA Complaint #11492745 — 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issue reported to NHTSA

Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report

Complaint Details

ODI Number 11492745
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 MD

Consumer Description

Summary of Electrical system issues: 1.pertaining to battery draining and 2. eyesight randomly goes out and other dash board lights flash and later goes away. As well as, 3. Windows that can not completely close at times. Details: I purchased 2016 Subaru outback - 4 cylinder in 2019 with 64,000 miles. By 2020, the car experienced random dashboard lights indicator flashing that would resolve itself (*the flashing light) in a few days. One issue was the eye sight would randomly inactivate while driving and resolve after turning off car for a half day or a day. However it happens often. Dealer Car repair shop said it could not duplicate. Besides the dash board lights issues; the passenger front window and moonroof would not go up to completely close at random times. Rendering the windows useless to use. These issues continued on and off from purchase thru to-date. The biggest issue came in 2021 & 2022, when the battery would drain. A jump of the battery seem to resolve the problem. Auto store would jump battery and show CCA and CA and Alternator output proficient for the battery. On random times the battery would have the same draining issue. I am not convinced it is a battery issue for these incidents. I believe it is related to an electrical issue for all of these issues. Risk: The components installed and advertised by the Subaru brand influenced me to purchase the vehicle over other vehicles because of its safety records and longevity of the vehicle. This is clearly a false and fraudulent marketing. The Subaru has failed to provide my confidence as a consumer of its safety record. I am extremely uncomfortable driving the vehicle more than 30 miles locally because of fear it will breakdown or I will be stranded. Even locally, I have had to purchase a AAA membership at an extra expense to ensure some means of assistance. Recently, within 2 days I have had ti use my membership for a drained battery. I am now seeing many Subaru owners make similar complaints.

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