NHTSA Complaint #11705320 — 2024 SUBARU SOLTERRA

On December 15, 2025, driving on a highway in low temperatures, my 2024 Subaru Solterra (VIN: [XXX] ) experienced a progressive loss of power. At 9:20 a.m., I departed NYC for Amenia, NY (91 miles). The range showed ~130 miles (no AC). For the first ~70 miles, the range indicator consistently remained higher than miles-to-destination, confirming sufficient charge to arrive safely. Around mile 70, the range buffer diminished rapidly. By 10:52 a.m. (approx. 85 miles in), the vehicle stopped responding normally to the accelerator. Speed became limited to 36–40 mph. The panel displayed: “Traction battery empty, Output power reduced.” However, immediately next to this warning, the dashboard displayed "7 mi" range and 4% battery. Relying on this data—which indicated sufficient range to reach a safe location—I continued. This contradictory information prevented an informed safety decision. Vehicle behavior became unstable. At 11:01 a.m., I pulled to the shoulder and called roadside assistance. After this stop, the vehicle appeared to recover traction, so I attempted to reach destination (6 miles away). However, unreliable power delivery persisted and the vehicle eventually failed completely at 11:25 a.m., leaving me stranded. Towing arrived at 2:00 p.m. This incident involves a critical range estimation failure. The vehicle promised 130 miles but failed after ~85 miles of conservative driving—a ~35% discrepancy. Furthermore, erratic behavior and conflicting data (showing available range while warning "Empty",) misled me into believing the vehicle was safe to operate, leaving me stranded in winter conditions on an active roadway. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)