2024 Subaru Outback

Routine

Owners filed 106 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the wipers. No safety recall has been issued.

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Most common 2024 Subaru Outback problems

21 of the 106 complaints (20%) are about the wipers.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Visibility/Wiper · wipers21
000
Unknown or Other19
000
Electrical System16
010
Air Bags · airbags6
202
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking · automatic emergency braking5
000
Suspension3
100
Service Brakes · brakes3
000
Power Train · transmission3
000
Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings · automatic emergency braking3
000
Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control · automatic emergency braking3
000

What owners reported

Newest filings
Engine
Filed Oct 28, 2026MD

The auto start/stop function on my vehicle malfunctioned while I was in heavy traffic. The auto start/stop function shut off while stopped in beltway traffic but did not start again when it was time to begin moving again. The dashboard lights flashed and I attempted to turn the car off and restart it, but the vehicle would not start. This was a serious safety issue because I was stranded in a busy highway lane with cars passing at high speed on both sides, unable to safely exit the car or move the car out of the 4-5 lanes of traffic. Fortunately, a police vehicle was stopped behind me and he was able to put on his emergency lights and secure a safe exit from the vehicle and clear the lanes closest to the side of the highway. He assisted me to push the car to the side of the beltway. I called AAA and the technician charged the battery. The car did start but I had it towed to the Subaru dealership in case the same issue happened again. The dealership took a week to replicate the problem and eventually came to the conclusion that it was the battery. They did not mention that this issue has been documented in some Subaru models. A Google search advised me that this has been a recurring issue and advised that I submit this report to NHTSA. The dealership replaced the battery and the issue has not happened since, however I have mostly been turning the auto start/stop feature off manually for fear that the same thing might happen again. Unfortunately I did not learn about this issue

Electrical System
Filed Oct 26, 2026FL

I purchased this 2024 Subaru Outback three months ago with 19,000 miles. It currently has 26,000 miles and is still under its factory powertrain warranty. On October 25, 2026, after completing a short trip, I was stopped at a red light on State Road 524 in Cocoa, Florida. When the light turned green, the vehicle began to accelerate forward, but the Auto Start-Stop system failed to successfully restart the engine, causing the vehicle to completely stall in the middle of active traffic. I shifted the vehicle into Park, depressed the brake, and pushed the ignition button to restart it. Instead of cranking, the vehicle experienced total electrical chaos—the dashboard, infotainment screen, and interior electronics began flashing erratically, and the engine refused to start. The vehicle had to be pushed out of the path of traffic by hand and subsequently towed to a Subaru dealership. The dealership confirmed that the Auto Start-Stop system had critically drained the battery below operating thresholds. There were absolutely no prior warning signs, dashboard battery lights, or slow engine cranks leading up to this event. The vehicle simply died without warning in live traffic. This creates a severe safety hazard; had this stall occurred while merging onto a highway like I-95 during stop-and-go traffic, it easily could have resulted in a high-speed rear-end collision. Because Subaru does not provide a permanent override switch for the Auto Start-Stop feature, drivers are forced into a

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Oct 7, 2026AR

This complaint is regarding a 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness with approximately 68,000 miles. The vehicle's low windshield-washer-fluid warning remains illuminated even when the washer-fluid reservoir is full. As a result, the warning system no longer provides reliable information regarding the actual washer-fluid level. Subaru has documented this condition in Technical Service Bulletin 12-266-25, NHTSA ID 11018906, which applies to 2020–2024 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles. The bulletin states that the low washer-fluid warning may illuminate despite an adequate fluid level and announces a design change to the washer tank incorporating an enhanced level sensor. Subaru states that the updated sensor float was designed to resist fluid immersion and provide more accurate readings. My concern is not simply that a warning light is illuminated. Because the warning remains on continuously when the reservoir is full, the driver can no longer rely on the vehicle to provide an accurate warning when the washer-fluid reservoir actually becomes empty. Windshield-washer fluid is important for maintaining visibility when the windshield becomes contaminated by road spray, dirt, salt, insects, mud, or other debris. A warning system that continuously provides a false low-fluid indication may prevent the driver from receiving meaningful notice when washer fluid is genuinely depleted. This could result in unexpectedly losing the ability to adequately clean the windshield while driving and cou

Suspension
Filed Oct 5, 202626,966 milesCA

The contact owns a 2024 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that during an alignment, it was discovered that the rear suspension geometry caused an excessive negative camber, resulting in premature inner treadwear on the rear tires. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle could not be repaired without manufacturer approval. Additionally, the contact was informed that the vehicle was within specifications. The contact stated that the manufacturer had no specified camber adjustment. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 26,966.

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 10, 2026AL

My 2024 Subaru Outback rapidly deaccelerated/tried to stop in the middle of the highway twice! This is a safety issue and an accident waiting to happen. This car has been to the Subaru dealer 4 times for this issue and the dealer says they can’t figure it out. The last time the car slowed drastically and in the middle of the highway, we had three of our little grandkids (all under 6) in the backseat. It was very scary and it almost caused a very serious accident. I am now too afraid to ride in that car especially with my babies.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control
Filed Sep 10, 2026AL

I own a 2024 Subaru Outback Limited XT, VIN [XXX]. While traveling approximately 45–50 mph on a four-lane road with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) engaged, my vehicle suddenly and rapidly decelerated and automatically applied the brakes as I approached a police vehicle traveling in the lane immediately to my right. There was NOTHING in my lane for at least one mile ahead of me. The police vehicle was not in my lane. It was traveling in the adjacent lane to my right. As I approached the police vehicle, my Subaru unexpectedly began rapidly decelerating and automatically braking. I did not apply the brakes. There was no warning beep before the automatic braking occurred. The vehicle behaved as though it had detected an imminent collision or obstacle directly in its path, even though there was no vehicle, pedestrian, or other obstacle in my lane for at least a mile. The event occurred while Adaptive Cruise Control was engaged. I am concerned that the EyeSight/Adaptive Cruise Control and/or Pre-Collision Braking system incorrectly detected the police vehicle traveling in the adjacent lane as an obstacle or as being in my vehicle’s path. The sudden automatic braking at approximately 45–50 mph is a serious safety concern. A vehicle traveling behind me could have struck my vehicle because the deceleration was unexpected and there was no warning beep. This type of false or inappropriate automatic braking could cause a rear-end collision or other crash. I am requesting that NHTSA invest

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 9, 2026TN

Automatic braking applied without warning . It activated with no imminent threat and cause my car to stop on the road . It would not go forward pushing the gas pedal and I had to stop in the road completely and put it in park and then put it in drive before I could proceed down the road .

Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings
Filed Sep 9, 2026MA

On at approximately XXX 5:30am, while driving my 2024 Subaru Outback Premium Northbound on [XXX] right in front of the [XXX], the EyeSight Driver Assist / Pre-Collision Braking system engaged with hard/sudden braking despite no vehicle, pedestrian, or object present in or near the roadway. There was a vehicle following behind me, and the sudden braking created a near rear-end collision. Road conditions were dry, weather was dark but clear, and traffic was light to moderate. I am concerned this represents a false-positive activation of the automatic emergency braking system that poses a collision risk. I am requesting this be logged as a safety complaint against the vehicle's Collision Avoidance/EyeSight system. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control
Filed Sep 8, 2026AL

I own a 2024 Subaru Outback Limited XT, VIN [XXX]. While traveling approximately 45–50 mph on a four-lane road with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) engaged, my vehicle suddenly and rapidly decelerated and automatically applied the brakes as I approached a police vehicle traveling in the lane immediately to my right. There was NOTHING in my lane for at least one mile ahead of me. The police vehicle was not in my lane. It was traveling in the adjacent lane to my right. As I approached the police vehicle, my Subaru unexpectedly began rapidly decelerating and automatically braking. I did not apply the brakes. There was no warning beep before the automatic braking occurred. The vehicle behaved as though it had detected an imminent collision or obstacle directly in its path, even though there was no vehicle, pedestrian, or other obstacle in my lane for at least a mile. The event occurred while Adaptive Cruise Control was engaged. I am concerned that the EyeSight/Adaptive Cruise Control and/or Pre-Collision Braking system incorrectly detected the police vehicle traveling in the adjacent lane as an obstacle or as being in my vehicle’s path. The sudden automatic braking at approximately 45–50 mph is a serious safety concern. A vehicle traveling behind me could have struck my vehicle because the deceleration was unexpected and there was no warning beep. This type of false or inappropriate automatic braking could cause a rear-end collision or other crash. I am requesting that NHTSA invest

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 7, 2026MA

On our long driveway, the car strongly accelerated with no gas pressure. I firmly pushed the brake and brought it to a stop. Upon lifting the brake again, it immediately accelerated entirely on its own with no use of the gas pedal. Heavy braking stopped it again. The same exact thing happened a few more times, the only way to prevent runaway acceleration was to forcefully apply the brakes. We safely parked the car. This experience was extremely alarming. Had we not been in our driveway and on the street, we could have been in a serious accident. The SUV was totally out of our control.

Tires
Filed Aug 14, 2026NH

I am filing this complaint regarding the premature wear and replacement of all 4 tires on my 2024 Subaru Outback at approximately 30,000 miles. I believe the tire wear was excessive for a new vehicle and raises concerns about tire durability and vehicle safety. I am requesting that NHTSA document this complaint and review whether similar complaints have been reported. I have documentation service records and associated costs and can provide additional information. I also requested reimbursement from Subaru America (case #260709-1500515) which was denied. Subaru's response was to file a complaint with the tire manufacturer - Yokohama.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Aug 14, 2026VA

Primary Symptom: Spontaneous thermal stress fracture propagating across the front windshield. Origin Point: Extreme bottom-right outer edge, directly beneath the passenger-side windshield wiper blade. Inspection History: Initial warranty coverage denied by Sheehy Subaru. A second opinion at Farrish Subaru on August 14, 2026, also resulted in a denial, with the service advisor claiming a chip was found under the wiper blade. Safety Hazard: The crack continues to expand rapidly during normal driving conditions, directly impacting visibility and creating an ongoing structural safety I am filing a safety complaint regarding a spontaneous windshield failure on my 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness. While parked overnight, a clean, continuous crack developed starting at the extreme bottom edge of the glass on the passenger side, directly underneath the windshield wiper blade. The crack exhibits no radiating starburst or spiderweb patterns typical of a high-velocity stone or road debris impact. Two authorized Subaru retailers (Sheehy Subaru and Farrish Subaru) have denied warranty coverage under the 3-year/36,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The dealerships claim an almost microscopic chip point of impact exists under the wiper blade. However, this point sits completely shielded behind the mechanical arm of the wiper blade where external road impact is physically impossible. The superficial pit is a structural stress fracture point caused by excessive residual tension in the acous

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Aug 12, 2026KS

Large crack spontaneously formed in window whiled parked overnight. No visible indications of impact. Suspect related to it being very hot out.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 2, 2026AZ

My battery prematurely drained and it caused my car to not start at all. It's a new car and was checked at the dealership and was confirmed to be in perfect working order when I bought it. Not even six months of owning it and then battery died, I had to pay out of pocket for a replacement battery. I can't imagine what could've happened, had I been actively driving it. It has not been taking to a dealership to officially confirm the issue but I've seen the recent lawsuits and know my vehicle falls within the affected vehicles. There was absolutely NO warnings. My car just would not turn on. All the dash lights would just quickly flash at me and then go dark, I'd get an "Ignition on" message but couldn't do anything at all. Car would even try turning on.

EngineFire
Filed Jul 27, 2026CO

Vehicle was not accelerating properly, so took to the dealership (Mike Shaw Subaru) to have work completed. Technicians indicated that the engine valves (shim valves) all had to be replaced and other work needed to be performed such as: Intake manifold, shim valves, gasket throt chamber. After dealership assured me that all work was performed and car was okay to take home, the next time it was driven it burst into flames. After filling the tank with gas the vehicle was at a red light. Once accelerator was pushed the vehicle engine burst into flames. Unsure if it is a faulty part or incompetent technician

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch
Filed Jul 22, 202632,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2024 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer for routine service. After retrieving the vehicle, approximately two days later, while driving 30 MPH on a windy day, the hood opened unexpectedly and crashed onto the front windshield. The driver was able to close the hood. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer. The dealer determined that the hood was bent. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer provided a loaner vehicle. The manufacturer declined liability for the damages. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.

Air BagsCrash
Filed Jul 11, 2026MO

Accident! Deer walked out in front of car resulting in front end collision then semi truck smashed into rear of vehicle car then spun around resulting in side impact. No air bag deployed in the vehicle. Vehicle was considered a total loss! Both individuals in the vehicle were transported to hospital and subsequently released. Vehicle was inspected by insurance adjuster and the Ohio highway patrol.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 21, 2026VA

This is a follow-up to NHTSA Complaint #11744977 regarding the Occupant Detection System on a 2024 Subaru Outback. The passenger airbag indicator showed "off" twice, on separate drives, with two different adult passengers seated normally during regular highway driving. Shifting the seat made the light come back on both times. Since filing the original complaint, the dealer kept the vehicle for multiple weeks, opened a national technical case with Subaru, and performed a "zero-point calibration" of the ODS sensor. Subaru of America opened Case #260618-1500443. A Subaru of America specialist then told us a technician took one test drive, could not reproduce the issue, found no mechanical problem, and concluded the vehicle is "operating as designed." They suggested the original incidents may have been related to "passenger positioning," but did not identify or test any specific position. Subaru has closed the case on this basis. We do not believe a single test drive that failed to reproduce an intermittent fault proves there is no defect. The known failure mechanism in related Subaru ODS recalls — degraded sensor connections and moisture-related circuit damage — is intermittent by nature and would not reliably show up on demand. This vehicle has an unresolved passenger airbag issue that was recalibrated, not diagnosed. The case was closed without identifying a root cause. We are filing this update so the pattern is part of the record.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 18, 2026VA

Driver and adult passenger were traveling at highway speed on the NJ Turnpike. The passenger noticed that the airbag light on the display showed "Passenger Airbag OFF" We stopped at the next rest area and found guidance online that the Occupant Detection System sometimes doesn't properly register the weight in the seat so shifting the seat could turn the airbag back on. We did this and the light did come back on. We continued our trip. Shortly after the same issue occurred again. We shifted the seat again and the light came on again. We are not satisfied that the ODS is working properly and the risk is too great to have the burden of readjusting the seat to make a sensor work properly so that airbags, which are consequential safety features, will deploy in the event of a crash. Airbags must function to protect passengers and this is not functioning correctly. The dealer said there is nothing wrong, yet we are aware of an ODS recall for prior year Subaru Outbacks that were displaying similar issues. We want this fixed so we don't have to worry. It is not safe to be traveling in a car and to have to worry about whether your air bag is turned on or adjusting a seat to hope it turns back on.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 3, 2026ND

While driving, a SiriusXM advertisement popped up in the center infotainment screen that controls not only the radio, but several of the driver assistance and climate control features of the car. They created it in a way that makes calling the advertiser very easy, with a big centrally-located button, and clearing the advertisement out with a tiny x over by the passenger side of the screen. I had to pull over in order to safely regain control of the screen.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 3, 2026WA

Sirius XM ads keep popping up at random times removing the ability to use or see the media display unless you press the small X on the far side away from the driver. Usually happens when starting the car, sometimes happens when you are driving regardless of speed. Has happened multiple times and causes distraction and is more than potentially dangerous. Can not opt out of it on the car, have talked to Sirius on the phone and told them I do not want their service. They don't care.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 3, 2026CT

The entertainment system is dangerous and actively so. The system pushes pop up advertisements for sirius xm among other distracting features that require taking attention away from the roadway to dismiss

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 2, 2026IL

On multiple occasions, the car's onboard, factory-installed user interface system (the computer screen that operates climate control, navigation, entertainment, etc.) has pushed pop-up ads for Sirius FM. These pop-ups persist and interfere with operating of the system. This presents a driving distraction and hazard due to (1) operator attention is drawn from the road, (2) normal function of the screen is not possible, and (3) the operator is required to interact with the screen to close the pop-up. Nor does the screen expire and simply go away - it persists until the operator takes action. The marketing cannot be turned off and there is no opt. Also, it is not limited to SiriusFM customers - I have never been a user or subscriber. Sirius FM stated that the pop-up marketing is built into the software the Subaru installed in the vehicle.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 2, 2026MO

Many controls are integrated within the main infotainment screen on the 2024 Outback. Every month or so, a SiriusXM advertisement will randomly pop-up on the screen, taking up the entire screen, rendering all screen controls/buttons useless. This is a safety concern, as not only screen controls are blocked when this ad appears, but air and comfort controls are blocked until the ad pop-up is closed.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 2, 2026MO

Before I begin my commute, I’m greeted by a persistent message within the center infotainment display from the satellite radio service provider SirusXM. The message will not go away until manually closed out, as the exit button is farther away from the drivers reach (more accessible from the passenger side). This can lead to distracted driving, especially if you’ve already expressed no interest in the service, prior to its other attempts. It also doesn’t help that the center console is frustratingly non responsive for the first few minutes during every vehicle startup. There’s also a number displayed on the screen to call SirusXM to opt out of the messages but the attempt is useless as they will corner you into purchasing subscription. I shouldn’t have to do this for a vehicle I own and the monopoly that service presents as the only satellite provider is anti competition.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 2, 2026CO

More than 3 times, I have had a SiriusXM pop-up completely covering my Subaru Outback's headunit screen while I was actively driving. It completely disables all functions on the screen until you are able to click the small red X in the far right corner, away from the driver. Even though the message says you can call to opt out, if you call Sirius, they will tell you there is no way to opt out of the messages in the car. This is crazy unsafe, and Sirius needs to be forbidden from doing this and punished for its current actions.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 2, 2026LA

Sirius XM advertisement popped up twice today while I was driving, effectively preventing me from following navigation guidance on the screen. I had to take my eyes off the road and find the “x” on the screen to close the advertisement, so I could continue following the navigated route. An accident could have happened during this time. This advertisement is unnecessary and UNWANTED. I never approved of receiving Sirius XM ads, nor can I option out of receiving them and they take up the whole screen at random times.

Power Train
Filed May 25, 2026NC

On deceleration the cars CVT has an intermittent shudder. Sometimes minor sometime severe making it feel like the wheels will slow too quickly and lose contact with the road. The dealer verified the problem changed the transmission control module and re programmed it. That did not correct the problem. I can’t force it to recreate the problem it happens when one least expects it.i take the car on only long trips to visit family in NY 600 miles away and during the trip it happens multiple times times. Brought it back to the dealer and although they previously confirmed the problem it did not do it for them this time and corporate would not allow further diagnosis other than a test drive and scan for codes. The problem doesn’t cause a code to be created. In my opinion as a person who worked on cars for 55 years, the next logical step would be to drop the CVT pan and inspect the fluid for metallic particles or contamination. When doing a deep dive into potential causes of the problem 1 make sure the programming is up to date , confirmed. Second the torque converter is not fully disengaging. This causes tires to nearly lock up and a potential loss of control. The dealer can only do what corporate allows. Corporate is willing to pay to have them drive the car around, at my liability if they have an accident . But not pay for 5 quarts of CVT fluid and the time to drop the pan and inspect it potentially putting my life and my passengers lives in danger.

Structure › Body
Filed May 7, 2026CO

Windshield moulding disconnected from body. It is the same part and the same issue that you have flagged in this TSB [XXX] but for some reason this doesn't cover 2024 even though the 2024s are subject to the same issue. Dealer refuses to fix as this TSB does not include 2024. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Electrical System
Filed May 4, 2026NC

Sunroof exploded outwards while driving.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 6, 2026CA

My 2024 Subaru Outback has twice become inoperable while stopped at a traffic signal. In both incidents, the engine was off while stopped, but the vehicle remained powered on and would not restart. The vehicle also would not properly power down. The car could not be safely driven or moved and required towing both times. This created a serious safety hazard because the vehicle became disabled in active traffic and could not be restarted or properly shut down. After the first incident (on [XXX]), the Subaru dealership replaced the battery. Approximately 4 weeks ([XXX]) later, the exact same failure occurred again. The dealership has now had the vehicle for approximately three weeks and states they cannot replicate the issue. No cause has been identified and no repair has been made. During one of these incidents, my [XXX] child was in the vehicle while we were stranded in traffic. This appears to be a repeat electrical / ignition / operability failure affecting the vehicle’s ability to restart or properly shut down after stopping in traffic. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Suspension
Filed Apr 1, 2026NJ

My vehicle currently has only 27,500 miles, yet it has been producing a loud and disturbing thud or clunk whenever the vehicle encounters bumps in the road. This problem began earlier this year and the ride quality has progressively deteriorated. I brought the vehicle to Subaru dealer for diagnosis and was informed that the rear stabilizer bushings required replacement and was provided with part number 20464AN000. I was told they are back-ordered. It's been almost two months with no part in sight. This is the same part being allocated to new 2026 Outback production while existing customers are left driving defective vehicles. That priority is indefensible and unacceptable. Aside from being unpleasant, the noise raises legitimate concerns about the safety and durability of a relatively new vehicle.

Power Train
Filed Mar 26, 20261,000 milesNC

The contact owns a 2024 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving and coming to a stop, the vehicle shuddered and jerked unexpectedly. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was test-driven, and the failure was duplicated. The dealer replaced the transmission control module and reprogrammed the transmission; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was test-driven, but the failure could not be duplicated, and no diagnostic trouble codes were found. The contact requested a more thorough diagnostic test of the vehicle; however, the dealer declined. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The contact stated that the manufacturer had not approved the request for a thorough diagnostic test due to the cost. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 17, 2026TX

The windshield on the 2024 Subaru Outback obtains cracks easier and more often than my 2017 outback. Is there a possibility that Subaru did not fix the issue with 2020-2022 outback windshield?

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Mar 16, 2026VA

Was doing 55-60 mph in left lane of highway. Suddenly and without warning the car is decelerating, cannot accelerate any more, all warning lights suddenly flashing on dashboard. I was able to get over to the far right emergency lane, turn car off and put on hazards and started calling Subaru roadside assistance. While doing so I suddenly saw smoke coming out from under the hood. I got out of the car and continued my talk when the smoke suddenly turned to flames from under the hood and I called 911. Within 3 minutes of dialing for assistance, my car was completely engulfed in flames and it was burned to a crisp by the time the fire trucks put it out. My insurance company retrieved the car from wherever it was towed and has assigned it to someone to investigate.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking
Filed Mar 6, 2026TX

All of my safety systems malfunctioned. On a Subaru vehicle it is called “eyesight.” in order to make all of them work again, the dealership had to perform an ECM update. They did not have to replace anything or repair anything. They had to update software. This is on a two-year-old car with 38,000 miles. Because it was 2000 miles out of the base warranty I was charged $400 for them to do an update on my vehicle to make all of the safety features function again.

Visibility › Windshield
Filed Jan 1, 2026NM

The windshield of vehicle has become completely covered with small dots, making the view from inside at certain times ( early morning & late afternoon - due to angle of sun) difficult to the point of the vehicle being a hazard to drive. These dots, or pinpoints, cover the windshield from top to bottom and from side to side - literally thousands of glaring defects. This 'pixelation' is NOT caused by damage to the glass; it is perfectly smooth to the touch inside & out. The Subaru dealer will not admit this is a defect, and claims I have damaged the windshield somehow. My attempts with Subaru corporate have been unsuccessful, and they have thus far declined to inspect this. I feel my car is a danger to myself and others.

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 4, 2025CA

12/4/2025 Over the past two weeks, two uncommanded pop-up ads from SiriusXM have appeared in the middle of my infotainment screen. The ads pop up in front of anything else that might be on the screen. The ad blocks are bright white and eye-catching (distracting), particularly at night. SiriusXM has never been active in this car, nor do I even have a SiriusXM account.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 4, 2025CA

Sirus XM advertisements, whilst driving, taking over display, despite opting out of all possible options, disablement and NEVER purchasing the satellite radio service or wanting it in vehicle. I paid for the car, now I have to be subject to distracting advertising that requires user input even though I already have carplay open with driving directions. Advertising should be optional and there MUST be a way to opt out and it should not be forced or require interaction while car is operational (assuming it is opt in, which it most certainly was not in my case). Everywhere else in the world you can buy a car free of in-vehicle advertising, without being pushed to get satellite radio from a monopoly.. why is USA different?

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 3, 2025VA

The infotainment screen pushes ads for Sirius XM even while the car is in motion. This is where the GPS is located and it gets blocked from the ads. It causes me to drive distracted in order to clear away the ad to allow the GPS to work again making me more likely to get into an accident. There is no way to disable the ad feature either.

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 3, 2025WA

Sirius XM Ad popping up on my Infotainment Screen while vehicle is in motion causing a distraction.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 24, 2025CO

Sirius XM Ads are popping up on infotainment screen caused me to become distracted while operating my vehicle. I had to remove my eyes from the road to find the button to close the ad, then click on the ad to remove it from my screen. It has popped up twice in the last two weeks.

Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 24, 2025CO

While driving, a pop-up advertisement for SiriusXM appeared on my vehicle’s head-unit screen. The ad covered important display areas and required visual attention to dismiss, creating an unnecessary distraction. This unexpected interruption diverted my focus from the road and posed a potential safety hazard by encouraging interaction with the screen while the vehicle was in motion.

Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection1 injured
Filed Nov 7, 2025PA

Continued issue with phantom reverse automatic emergency braking occurring while backing up from my driveway causing the car to fully brake without me touching the brake pedal at all once the vehicle is into the street. The only time it doesn’t occur is when continuous brake pressure is applied while backing out. This has caused the car to come to complete harsh jerking stop, whipping my head and neck forward and back several times. Each time, there are NO people, cars, or anything around that could be seen as a potential hazard.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Oct 15, 2025SC

In November 2024, our 2024 Subaru Outback began leaking a gooey substance from the upper portion of the windshield down the interior windshield. We would wipe it off and it would eventually come back. In September 2025, this gooey substance began leaking in additional spots down the interior windshield. It began to impair driving visibility as it ran further down the windshield. We brought the car in for inspection at our Subaru service center, and they acknowledged that this has been an issue with 2024 Subaru models. They said it is an improper windshield seal that occurred during manufacturing, and they will be replacing the windshield.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Sep 25, 2025ID

I own a 2024 Subaru Outback Wildnerness with approximately 3,000 miles. After about four months of ownership, the windshield suddenly developed a long crack starting from the edge on the passenger side. There was no major rock strike or outside impact - the crack appeared while the vehicle was parked and quickly spread across the glass. This is a major safety concern because the crack extends into the drivers field of vision, reducing visibility. It may also compromise the structural integrity of the windshield in the event of a collision and interfere with the proper function of the Subaru EyeSight safety system, which relies on the windshield mounted cameras. I contacted the dealership, but they claimed the issue was not covered under warranty. After researching, I found that many other Subaru owners have reported similar windshield failures. This appears to be a recurring defect that could pose a significant safety risk.

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 1, 2025NH

The Map application in my car has very inaccurate speed limit information. In one case the Map App showed the speed limit to be 55 MPH for a residential street. That street is [XXX] . I have reported that and several others to TomTom. Since the App data is loaded not live nothing will change until the next update. This is definitely a Safety Hazard. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Electrical System
Filed Aug 12, 2025CA

The malfunction I am concerned with is the battery and the battery charging system (alternator, engine control module). I purchased this car new in July of 2024. However, last month the battery drained to a point where I had to jump it to start it. I drove with the hope that the alternator would charge the battery. Yet, it did not. Within the last four weeks, I proceeded to have to jump the car almost every time I started the car, including every stop when running errands around town. This is a safety concern for me because if I didn't have a jump box for the car I would have been stuck or stranded. This could have been in 110 degree weather with my niece in the back seat. Or if the auto start/stop system was engaged, I could have been stuck with a dead car on the freeway in stop/start traffic in Los Angeles. I have seen multiple Outbacks on the freeway with dead batteries. When I took it to the dealer last week they confirmed the battery had gone bad, but were unable to find a parasitic drain or another reason why a year old battery would go bad. They acknowledged that older model Outbacks have the same battery drain issue and there is a current class action lawsuit for older model Outbacks (2015-2020) with this issue. They did not acknowledge that newer Outbacks had the same issue. No warnings appeared before this issue. There has been electronic issues with the vehicle since I took possession of it last year. After the battery issue presented itself, I did receive warning

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Jul 15, 2025IL

On Sunday, July 13, 2025, I received a warning that my EyeSight was disabled in the middle of driving. This meant that I was unable to utilize cruise control or any driver assistance functions. The weather was clear, sunny, and there was nothing obstructing the EyeSight cameras, nor were there any cracks in the windshield. The following day, Monday, July 14, EyeSight worked normally in the morning, but was disabled in the afternoon. Again, the cameras were clear of any obstructions and no cracks were visible on the windshield. Cruise control and driver assistance features were unavailable. On the morning of Tuesday, July 15, I came out to a 7-8 inch crack in the windshield, on the passenger side. No impact had occurred to cause this crack and it was not present the previous days. EyeSight is still disabled due to this and the windshield needs a full replacement. All driver assistance/collision prevention features are not available until the windshield is replaced and a recalibration is completed. Advantage Auto Glass of Rockford, IL will be inspecting the glass and can make it available for NHTSA evaluation. However, given that I have owned two Subaru Outbacks now, windshield weakness has been an issue with this vehicle, especially in warmer weather.

Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection
Filed May 28, 2025IL

Blind spot warning system fails on occasion to detect/warn of vehicle (most notably, semi truck and trailers) in blind spot on the right side of car when traveling on interstate highways. Also when I'm completing my passing of the said trucks, the left side blind spot monitor will activate to indicate a vehicle to my left when there is no lane for a vehicle to pass by me from the left. (Video evidence is available). The dealer has on two occasions been informed of these incidents, on 12Nov24 @15890 miles and 27May25 @22217 miles. The dealer mechanic/technician has stated that they could not duplicate this phenomenon while test driving, nor could they find any error codes or malfunctions in the system. Dealer has stated the car is operating properly and is "safe" to drive. Dealer has not and refuses to escalate this problem to the Manufacturer. These incidents have occurred since new as of Nov2023 to present May2025

Complaints 1-50 of 106, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2019
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202621000Routine
202583020Routine
2024 — this page106020Routine
202389210Routine
2022465440Above average
2021299420Above average
2020904670Above average
20191,036320Above average
2018816340Above average
2017921430Do not drive
2016643430Do not drive
2015510550Do not drive
20142081020Above average
20132971261Fatalities reported
20122951660Above average
20116531660Above average
20103601830Above average
20091061330Routine
2008226830Above average
2007130820Routine
2006277730Above average
2005273930Above average
2004901140Routine
2003931510Routine
2002143500Routine
2001171450Routine
2000207253Fatalities reported
1999111110Routine
1998127221Fatalities reported
199779420Routine
199646210Routine
19952100Routine

Compare every Outback year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Most recent recall on file: none. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.