2017 SUBARU OUTBACK Electrical System Problems

If the car engine does not run for more than 4-5 days, the battery is drained completely dead and the car needs to be jump started to get the engine to run and have the alternator recharge the battery. Ongoing issue.

battery drains consistently after a few days of not driving/

Since purchasing this Subaru in 2017 there has been multiple incidents where the car battery drains overnight. Causing the car not to start due to a dead battery.

Subaru was not willing to cover the cost to replace their faulty gear shifter. My key gets stuck in the ignition. This problem has been confirmed by a dealership. No warnings happen, it gets stuck. This is a safety issue because I have to leave my keys in my car (unlocked) and come back for them when the car decides to recognize that it is in park. This is a know issue and Subaru wiped its hands of me and said deal with it by yourself.

I'm the original owner, purchased May 2017, and have had to replace the battery five times. Online research indicates that the root cause is phantom draining caused by the DCM apparently searching for a no longer existent 3G signal. Subaru has not addressed the issue directly and has instead issued a technical service bulletin to AAA affiliates to advise their customers to go to dealerships for larger batteries, group 47, with higher cold cranking amps which will also require new battery trays, hold downs and an adjustment to the car's computer. My dealership in Carlsbad, CA informed me the cost might exceed $650 and would not be covered by Subaru. I strongly believe this is an issue that Subaru must address on their dime.

Repeatedly DEAD BATTERY Caused by a parasitic drain from a faulty DCM fuse, and an alternator programmed from the factory to NOT fully charge the battery.

I drive 2.5miles to work, Tuesday [XXX], I was turning into the parking lot and my car just cut off. I couldn't use flashers, restart it, put it in park or anything else. I called my husband to come help. I thought maybe the battery cable might have come loose. It was dead. I couldn't get out, if I let my foot off the brake it would roll backwards, going into the road and I didn't want it to hurt anyone. It started smoking from the drivers front side of engine. I called my husband back and said please hurry. It took approximately 7 minutes for him to arrive. I was on the phone about the smoke when he drove up behind me. He told me to get out of the car it's on fire. He tapped my bumper to keep my car from rolling backwards. I jumped out, called...

This has been a constant problem with this car. The battery is dead within 3 days. Has a constant battery drain. Subaru service can’t find it. Big safety problem in cold weather. Car leaves wife stranded. The problem is clearly evident on the web blogs.

My battery continues to die leaving me stranded every winter for the past several years. It is a known issue I believe with the wiring/ fuse for the trunk hatch door. Subaru only offers a new battery - so every year I replace the battery and then end up stranded somewhere again.

Battery drain kept on happening. The nth time after buying 2 batteries and getting battery recharge 2x, Subaru sent me a letter of notice of possible problems with car keeps on finding radio or gps signal thus drains the battery. Brought car to Subaru then they changed the signal unit and gave me a new battery as well.

was at a stop in the middle lane going to turn left, got hit straight head on by a driver driving in the middle lane. his air bags deployed, none of mine deployed. the front end and drivers side of the subaru was impacted

DCM Parasitic Drain Lawsuit for 2016-2019 Subaru Battery consistently drains to where my vehicle will not start. Dealer has replaced the battery twice (2018 & 2019) I replace the battery in 2022 and will need to so it again soon. Vehicle will not start after sitting for more that 7 days. I've been stranded at night on dark roads. I just came across the link below on a Subaru Forum where others have complained about the the same issue. and this seems to be what is going on with my 2017 Subaru Outback. [XXX] ? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Cannot remove the car key when engine is off and transmission is in Park. Safety concern because I cannot leave the car with the key in the ignition.

The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Auto Cruise Control feature failed to function properly. The contact stated that the Auto Cruise Control feature only operated as needed 35% of the time. Additionally, the contact stated that the Lane Keep Assist message was displayed while attempting to use the Cruise Control feature. There was no warning light illuminated. The was taken to the dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact stated that a software update was completed; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.

On multiple occasions, the battery has gone dead after car was garaged for over a week and car would not start. No lights were left on or doors left ajar. There is some hidden drain on the battery. Also, the battery is not charged sufficiently while idling such as when traffic is stopped for an accident or construction and the battery will die leaving the vehicle stranded. The battery has been replaced, same events continue to occur.

After the car is shifted into park and the key is turned it does not shut off. The key remains stuck in the ingition.

Throttle fails to respond for a brief but serious amount of time. When pulling into traffic, instead of accelerating the engine remains at an idle and the car moves forward slowly. I push on the throttle trying to make it go. Then it takes hold and the car leaps forward. Safety: Normal power is delayed as the car moves into traffic. Oncoming traffic must slow to prevent an accident. The dealer where I purchased the car, Santa Monica, CA, tried to find error codes. Also removed the throttle valve to check that it wasn't somehow stuck. They drove the car briefly. They say they've done all they can. No warning lamps, messages, codes stored in the computer. Note that the throttle pedal signals the computer to work the engine throttle valve (so I'm told). Problem occurs about once a month. First time was when I took posession at the dealer's....

The back lift gate is closed according to the dash display, but the computer detects that the lift gate is NOT closed resulting in a battery drain. The indication that I get is when I start driving I get a beeping noise. I reset the hatch by pressing the hatch button manually. It opens and closes but when you restart the car you get a hesitation as if the battery is dead. This is the 2nd time this has happened to me in the last month and the 3rd time in the past 5 months this year. April 19th I had to jump my car because the battery was dead. I took it to a mechanic and they checked the battery and they advised the battery is fine. It happened again on May 11th, where I put something in the trunk, I closed the trunk it was closed no indication...

My car consistently is dead. Probably 25% of time I go to start it, it's dead. Battery tests fine, have spent thousands in repairs with Subaru to no avail. Have replaced battery a number of times. I know this is a huge problem among other owners. No warning lights. This has been ongoing since I bought the car new in 2017 until today. I do have most of my work receipts and I know the dealership has all the records.

Vehicle is equipped with a Starlink system and this system no longer functions due to the Subaru Data Communication Module (DCM) that only has a 3G connection module system, since 3G was fazed out the Starlink doesn't function. Since the DCM is always on the car try's to connect to a cell tower that doesn't exist, the car continues to try and connect and eventually runs the battery completely dead leaving the owner stranded. I had to have the battery replaced on 9/15/23. I have contacted Subaru of America by email with no response as of this date.

Car regularly has electrical issues. Have replaced battery multiple times over 5 year period. Replaced again last week and already having problems. Power window failure, electrical restarts while driving. Don't feel safe with this car. Bought new from dealer.

11/06/23: During a routine oil change at the dealer a multipoint vehicle inspection was conducted. The inspection revealed an upper oil pan leak. The repair involved removing the engine and replacing various components (gasket, O-Rings and etc.). The vehicle was well maintained and had only 43,492 miles on it. The oil leak potentially could have caused an engine compartment fire (my opinion). Subaru paid $1,500 of the repair. A vehicle with only 43,492 should not have this type of issue. There was also a transmission leak detected that was covered by extended warranty. I was unable to upload any files on your system.

The eyesight system not functioning and at this point has not been repaired and is available for inspection. Warning notices were intermittent with warning sound’s coming on each time. Eventually the warnings came on nearly all the time. I was alone in the dark and very nervous. no other injury Yes the vehicle was taken to dealer, also I took photos as it continued to intermittently occur. Yes there were warning notices that alerted me. Note: dealer states non OEM windshield is cause , however windshield has been in vehicle fo nearly 2.5 years with no issue. Other electrical issue has occurred since eyesight issue.

The battery goes completely dead I have gone thru three battery s I only have 18000 miles on this car and it has left me on the road more than once with dead battery.... the dealer has said nothing wrong OMG....I EVEN bought a $300 battery....and subaru will not fix this known problem I see on the internet that I am not alone with this problem. I am afraid this car will go dead while I am driving and cause a safety issue DO SOMETHING PLEASE..I see there is a class action lawsuit but have not received any notices and now all the time to respond has expired ....REALLY.. PLEASE HELP..this car was not cheap it was over $34,000...and subaru just lies and goes around the problem..

failure of battery within 24 months of last replacement, average battery life for this car is 24 months. Dealer claims that there is no maintenance bulletin related to premature battery failure. have found the following Subaru mc-10117535-9999 service bulletin but have no history of dealer utilizing this to resolve problem. Cannot leave car unattended for more than 3 days without having to jump start car in order to use.

My 2017 outback having problem removing the key from the ignition when turned off and in PARK. They changed the key cylinder and this didn't resolve the issue. When I went to pick up the car after the cylinder change the technician tried to show me that the problem was resolved and the KEY WAS STUCK. $648 spent with no resolution. There is a known warranty problem with the park switch BUT they cannot replace the switch unless the technician is able to have the diagnostics connected to the car while the problem occurs. With an intermittent problem, this is very unlikely. Dealer wants me to take car home but I want the problem resolved, cannot just leave the car in ACC when unable to remove key. They will periodically check the car with car jockeys and let me know when they find problem. I have their loaner vehicle.

Vehicle battery needed to be charged over 27 times because it is stone dead. Was told over a year ago vehicle needed a DCM module but there were non a viable..As of 9/5/2023 this module is still unavailable vehicle has only 8,800 miles. Cannot drive vehicle anywhere and be assured it will start and get you back home.Dealership have replaced battery 3 times. This vehicle needs to be recalled.

The automatic back hatch came down with out pushing button or key fob. The fob was in the ignition and nobody was around to push the button to make it go down. It caused damage to my spine and gave me a concussion. Capitol Subaru of Salem Oregon said it was a Glitch that happens sometimes when wires get crossed. After they inspected. Plus changed information on our documents without our knowledge. It did go to Subaru for almost a month the said they found nothing in the EDR report. So they feel I do not need to see it.

Vehicle has a chronic battery drain issue. I have replaced batteries repeatedly. If the vehicle sits undriven for a few days the vehicle will not start due to dead battery. It is unsafe to have a vehicle you cannot rely on to start. There is no warning when this occurs. This is happening every where for the 5th generation Subaru Outbacks, Foresters and was subject to a class action lawsuit. Subaru's response is to install a new battery, charging the customer a 'discounted' price without fixing the cause of the battery drain.

After I turn off the car the key will not come out of the ignition. Usually after I put the car in gear a few times it comes out. This seems like a common issue that gets worse over time based on my internet searches. This is a safety issue because I am stuck staying with my car in unsafe areas late at night. I think Subaru should recall the cars and repair the issue. I have not taken it to a shop yet but there seem to be many people that have and have had to replace the gear shift mechanism.

Battery - Subaru battery failed. Purchased a new aftermarket battery that failed after 5 months. No warning. Completely dead. Taking to dealership for "diagnostic" test on March 20, 2022. This is a known issue with a class action settlement. I was told I did not qualify for reimbursement of any kind. Subaru does not have any "fix" for this problem and numerous owners of these vehicles are having battery drain problems throughout the US and Canada.

Batteries have very short lives. 3 batteries in 18 months years. They drain while vehicle is parked and not being driven for a week.

I purchased my 2017 outback in 2018. Since owning the vehicle I have had to replace the battery 5 times in 5 years. It is about to be the 6th time as my battery is giving me problems already. I have been stranded twice because of the battery and both time were when I lived in a rural part of NV. I have brought this to the attention of Subaru in Henderson, NV and they said everything is fine. However, online there are a number of blogs and sites all with the same complaint and all say the same thing. Subaru does nothing.

We have owned our previously owned Subaru Outback 2017 for 18 months and have replaced the battery 3 times. We are now on our 4th battery. That battery turnover seems rather excessive, doesn't it? My thoughts: 1. Phantom drain 2. Short (harness or wires cut by abrasion) 3. Programming (shut alternator off to increase mpg) 4. Faulty programming - see 3.

My 2017 Subaru Outback has a parasitic battery drain. The battery dies after one day of non-use. It has to be jump started. The battery is less than two years old and is the second battery since we purchased this car in 2019. Took it to a auto repair service to be checked and the technician found a parasitic draw that continually cycles between .05 mil amps to .14 mil amps. This may be the CAN system not going into sleep mode and draining the battery. This is a potentially hazardous situation and can leave me stranded in remote or dangerous locations. Subaru is well aware of this problem and yet has not addressed this problem.

I experienced 2 incidences of sudden unexpected acceleration (SUA), the second one led to an explosive collision. Subaru asked that I sign the EDR release but refused to give me (rightful owner) a copy. With significant effort I obtained a copy of the EDR for myself. It is near impossible for the consumer to obtain their rightful copy, significant because it stinks of poor transparency for Subaru to investigate Subaru (see below). Once I obtained my copy, I released the EDR to Subaru and my vehicle was inspected by SOA at our local dealership. For some untold reason, the vehicle would "not to be released to me" at the end of the day but was held for additional time at the dealership. Later Customer "Advocacy" informed me that the results of the investigation was that the throttle was active 1.5 seconds prior to impact and that it was a case...

ISSUE: Battery dies rather expectantly. Recently died in subzero temps here in Denver CO, on 1/30/2023. AAA was called, no issue with battery, rather there is a parasitic drain (0.46amps) occuring without any lights or visible signs of electrical on when the car is turned off. All signs lead to this being an issue with cars CPU draining the battery in a matter days. Becomes a major safey issue if you are stranded in cold weather as it sometimes the case here in the mountains of colorado after a day of skiing, for instance.

The battery on numerous occasions goes dead. Some thing causes the charge to drain. This has occurred while the car is parked overnight as well as when the car is on a long drive and stops at a rest stop.

Upon turning off my 2017 Subaru Outback Touring, the engine turned off via the push start/stop button. However, when I went to use the vehicle later the same day, the car would not start (starter would not engage). I determined that the steering wheel was NOT locked. The transmission was in Park, and I could not move the shift lever out of Park. I attempted engage the steering wheel lock by moving the steering wheel back and forth, but without success. Vehicle now totally inoperative. Vehicle is available for inspection at my residence upon request. The safety of owner and others is compromised as follows: Because of living in a semi-rural area, I rely on this vehicle to safely transport me and my family members everywhere (grocery store, doctor appointments, emergency room visits, etc.); Failure of the vehicle to operate property could expose operator and/or passengers to extremely cold weather,...

My 2017 Subaru Outback will not start after sitting all night I’ve had diagnostics ran on the battery and it shows 100% charge. After charging the battery it held until the next day it was drained again. It was snowing with winds 50 mph, and I had to jump my car to start it. The faun doesn’t work when the battery is dead and that causes the theft alarm to go off once the battery is charged. Now my check surroundings before backing up sensor stays on well after shifting into Drive and beeps incessantly while driving, the back up camera also stays on while in drive. Now I have to drive 2 hours to a dealer and pay $130 in diagnostics. I feel this is the same situation thousands of Subaru owners are experiencing and why they have filed a class action law suit. Subaru should be liable for...

2 yo 2017 Subaru Outback was left untouched for 2 weeks. When trying to start, it had a dead battery. 2 years later, 2017 Subaru Outback was left untouched for 1 week. When trying to start, it had a dead battery. 2017 Subaru Outback was left untouched for 2 days. When trying to start, it had a dead battery with a 1 - and 8 month old battery. Basically, when this 2017 Subaru Outback hasn't been started every day, it will have a dead battery.

Despite a replacement and multiple visits from AAA, the battery in our 2017 Subaru Outback dies constantly and leaves us stranded. Mechanics insist the batteries (both the original and the replacement) are fine and there must be a greater issue with the car itself. We drive regularly, run the engine in the driveway otherwise, and still continue to wake up and find the car dead.

Battery goes dead, known problem with unusual drain on battery due to electrical issue. If car sits unused for a few days, battery dies.

I have had the battery replaced 4 times in less than 6 years. There seems to be something wrong with the electrical systems ability to keep a battery charged, or something draining the battery constantly.

Battery dead and needing replaced within 2 months

I have had to replace the battery multiple times since purchasing the vehicle in 2017. Each time the battery was determined to be unusable by qualified service staff. Battery replacements occurred on (1) 2019-10-18 at 34,877 miles and on (2) 2022-02-24 at 67,339 miles. The first occurrence left me stranded at a hotel on a sub-freezing day. The second occurrence left me stranded in a parking lot. Both required me to obtain commercial service to get on the road. Both occurrences were subsequently diagnosed by a reputable service shop (Les Schwab) as a battery failure and replacement was recommended. The battery failures occurred without warning from the vehicle (no lamps).

The battery consistently "dies". It doesn't matter how often I drive it. I never know when it won't start. In 5 years, I've had 2 batteries & about 6+ jump starts.

I purchased a used 2017 Subaru Outback in December 2020 from a friend whose mother had owned the car before her death in Nov. 2019. That owner purchased it used from dealer in Sevierville TN in 2019 and had to replace a battery at least once according to records. The battery has failed three times since Dec. 2020, totally drained and would not recharge so a replacement was needed. I replaced the first battery then took it to dealer for other two replacements. The previous owner had a garage under her mountain house. She was found dead in her den chair. After her burial the family later found the 2017 Subaru Outback parked in her garage underneath the house was totally empty of gas. I believe from reading issues other Subaru owners have had that this car did not turn off and this lady died from carbon monoxcide poisoning. This...

When the car is not driven the car battery is drained completely and requires replacement. I have replaced the car battery three (3) times in less than one year. Alternator is functioning properly. This costs $165 each time I replace a car battery. I cannot see mileage as car is dead (approx 12,000).

While driving, advance driver assist systems became disabled, car intermittently stopped and resumed responding to accelerator, power steering became inoperative, car eventually lost all power. Gear would not shift out of drive. Emergency brake would not engage. Fortunately, I was able to coast the car to the shoulder of the road. Had to keep foot on brake until roadside assistance arrived. Car was towed to repair shop where battery was replaced. Similar system failures occurred while my wife was driving a couple of weeks prior. She was able to coast car into a parking lot just off the road. In the past month, the dealer has replaced parts that diagnostics said created parasitic drain. The alternator has been replaced and the battery has been replaced twice in the last couple of months. Car had body work performed last week and the car will not start without being jumped. We are...