NHTSA Complaint #11614696 — 2024 SUBARU FORESTER

When the daytime running lights are on in normal conditions, the instrument panel little green headlight indicator does not illuminate. But in low light conditions such as the thunderstorms we get here in Florida very often, or at dusk as the ambient light starts to lessen, the instrument panel headlight indicator will illuminate if the daytime running lights are on and only they are on. So, I have witnessed drivers many times past dusk, in nighttime conditions driving with no taillights, no side running lights, and no headlights, just low intensity daytime running lights apparently thinking their headlights were turned on. I dismissed it as forgetful drivers or "old age" until it happened to me! The scenario was my headlights were not on automatic setting, it was late in the afternoon but decent light so I did not turn on my headlights on manually. Then on the 20-30 minute drive home clouds rolled in and it darkened substantially. The headlight indicator illuminated because the daytime running lights were on, leading me to think I had turned my headlights on as well. I had not, and I had driven almost 20 minutes with no tail lights or running lights in full darkness. I have witnessed this happen to at least three other vehicles on my route home from my work and they were a variety of SUV newer models likely with the same headlight control system. The solution is easy, I think. The instrument panel headlight indicator should never illuminate based on daytime running lights regardless of conditions. I have not taken this to the dealer yet to check it out but I plan to, although I fear it will be difficult to reproduce for them.