NHTSA Complaint #11600940 — 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issue reported to NHTSA

Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report

Complaint Details

ODI Number 11600940
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 VA

Consumer Description

My 2016 Subaru Outback has gone through 5 batteries since purchase in 4/2016. The reason for my contact with you is that the Navigation function “eyesight” has been problematic for at least two years and began with the third of five batteries. The function stops working randomly at any hour of the day and in all conditions. This year it went off and on in excess of 300-400 times. Each time it stops, cruise control, lane warnings, etc. are off. This can be harrowing with highway driving. On the three occasions I took it to the dealer the past two years they could not find a cause. After I replaced the battery again recently, they reset a DCM whose warranty had been extended by Subaru and that I brought in myself. There have been a number of parasitic drain tests, some finding a drain, others not on the batteries When the car was returned to me, the navigation system went off only once that same day but I presume it will go off in the future. I do not find the car or system reliable. The problem appears to be exceedingly hard to diagnose. Since these are the types of systems used with automatic and self driving car functions, I thought it important that you be made aware of the hazards these systems present.

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