Subaru Outback

"This is a safety issue to be able to take and make calls, unsafe to have to try and get this to work."

"The Harmon system is glitchy and just doesnt work effectively. It overrides the radio or podcasts for no apparent reason and is just very frustrating."

"The CD player will sometimes not start up where the CD (usually a book on CD) stopped, but will instead start over entirely on that CD. Very frustrating when listening to a book."

"The issue with the head unit is varied, when it first failed we had a black screen. This time it freezes when using navigation, scans radio stations sporadically and if you place an outgoing call it will repeatedly call that person after you hang up. Extremely frustrating."

"This was all part of one problem.The screen would freeze and nothing worked on the screen, phone, stereo, GPS, etc. This is their top model so it came with every option for 2018. Subaru did replace the system after trying to fix it with updates and now it work fine!"

"Display was erratically jumping from one app to another, did not keep the map on top, and after3-4 minutes of driving it would freeze."

"my infotainment screen constantly freezes up. if I can get it to work, it only somewhat works and makes a beeping noise as if I am switching radio stations."

"I could not change radio srations, with any radio controls or steering wheel control. I couldn't use any function path display, ie navigation, phone functions. Car dealer service replaced the radio, thankfully we had purchased the Subaru extended warranty. Saved os over a thousand dollars."

"The infotainment screen is not actually frozen. When starting the car after sitting for 30 minutes or more the station control pads do not respond and an initializing message pops up. This can be a random issue. This problem has never been resolved."

"Display screen will occasionally start scrolling and doesn't respond to screen selections. We had the whole unit replaced by a dealer in Florida but this still happens sporadically. It is occasionally after a heavy rain or very hot weather."

"The info screen locks up preventing access to any of the applications on the screen"

"During the summer, the heat causes the screen to freeze. The only way to control is using the buttons on the steering wheel."

"The infotainment system runs rapidly through all types of functions on its own and won't respond to the touch screen. It changes radio stations and makes phone calls on it's own. It's like a demon in the dashboard."

"Touch screen no longer works"

"Known issue with these screens. They stop reacting to touch. Then trigger things on their own. Too expensive to replace and should have had a recall. More problematic in hot weather. Can notice lines and marks on screen. Should be replaced under recall, but there isn't one. Highly distracting when it changes things on its own which can lead to driver distraction"

"Six months after purchasing (new) the screen froze up. Subaru replaced it about 6 months later. Last year, the replacement unit froze up. Subaru would not replace it at their expense and wanted over $2,000 for a new unit. I went to a local audio repair shop and replaced with a different brand option for $1,100. My new Alpine unit works fine."

"The screen outer seal failed, resulting in the upper screen area being splotchy and causing taps to not be detected, or causing mistaps when none were performed. This mostly made the infotainment screen unusable."

"Touch screen does not work and I get an error message. The radio channels change themselves while driving. I had a diagnostic done and they say I need a new head unit. I am trying to work with Subaru to see if they can help cover the cost but the dealer is not responsive. I heard other models have had a class action for this problem but the 2018 is not covered. It has been a frustrating process."

"All the identified problems are interrelated. We are often unable to make a selection on the display screen, it often changes stations on its own, and it will not pair with any bluetooth device."

"No matter if Im using Bluetooth or wire connected, the display will start up correctly. Im not sure if its happening more while I use the AC or not. But sometimes the screen will do things on its own. At first I thought I was pushing a button on the steering wheel, I wasnt. If I then go to touch the screen to go back to where I was, it wont move. It is not possible for me to turn the radio off, while driving. So I ride along where it is until it stops or I turn off the car. Not cool! I have read that others have had this issue and that there seem to be bubbles under the display screen causing this but"

"The same as everyone else. The head unit touchscreen is defective."

"Known issue with the stock infotainment unit. Unit would randomly dial telephone numbers, or stop working entirely. Display appears to have oil spots inside the system, making visibility of the unit almost useless. Reported to Subaru before the cars warranty expired, so unit was replaced under warranty, but it took nearly 5 months for the replacement unit to become available."

"Screen was ghosting and became unresponsive to touch. I understand this is a known issue with this model of Subaru Outback, but has never been on recall. However, Subarus customer advocacy group were great to work with and and after speaking to them about my difficulties in paying for a new head unit and the accessibility/safety issues that it caused me because of my adhd, they were able to pay for about $1,000 of the $1,200 replacement cost."

"Starts activating itself and makes operation unpredictable."

"display has been intermittently freezing since purchase. entire unit was replace by dealer after it went blank and did not turn back on."

"Started yesterday. Infotainment system is unusable."

"Known issue with the radio-gps apparatus. Replaced by Subaru"

"Infotainment stops working...dangerous distraction that outback acknowledges but refuses to fix. I had to pull over to restart navigation in dangerous area."

"It started in May 2024. It happens all the time"

"Same as other problem. Fixed by Subaru by replacing the radio apparatus"

"See previous response regarding the vehicles infotainment system"

"there was a recall on the display panel as it will not hold a specific location, the radio will go into scan mode all on its own, the gps doesn't change as the car moves, there was a recall but my problem didn't start until 1 month after the recall ended. so i'm stuck paying around 3K on my own."

"Screen suddenly became unresponsive. Needed dealer replacement"

"The 5 year warranty had gone out on the electronic radio, navigation system, screen not functioning flashing in and out. Could not afford new system cost over two thousand dollars. Subaru dealership referred me to the Subarus customer national assistance department. They reviewed everthing and replaced the system charging me only my one hundred dollar deductible."

"display screen has been intermittently "blanking out" since purchase. Usually comes back on after restarting car. Latest time it did not. Subaru dealing replaced the entire unit which was covered under extended warrenty."

"I AM TOLD THAT THE SCREEN OF THE DISPLAY HAS DELAMINATED FROM THE SUN AND A NEW RADIO HAS BEEN ORDERED. I DO NOT TOTALLY UNDERSTAND BUT IF I PRESS ON THE SCREEN THE NOISE STOPS."

"Display was totally blank. No music, phone, nav, etc. had to have the dealer fix the problem. Later developed problems with the display freezing up. Again had to have a repair done."

"The bluetooth interface will automatically call the phone number I previously dialed, until I can disconnect the bluetooth."

"I wasn't I wasn't able to pair my smartphone to my infotainment system"

"Again barely drive the car (years of Covid and remote work) and the AC or the humidity mildewed the screen. They replaced it for free. I think they may have had to replace the whole radio to replace screen. The speakers dont seem to work since. Only sound out of the dashboard speaker."

"The main entertain/navigation console failed twice. Too many functions in one unit, all the eggs in one basket. Had to replace the whole assembly twice. Luckily under warranty, but had to wait many months for replacement unit to come in each time."

"The dealer had to replace the entire head unit (whatever the main screen is called) a year after purchasing the vehicle."

"Apparently it was a hard rive failure. The unit was replaced at a $500 cost."

"And over the air software update caused the entire system to fail. The dealer was unable to repair that system, and we had to wait five months for a replacement infotainment system."

"entire console unit was replaced at Subaru expense."

"Touchscreen experience phantom touch problem, due to delamination."

"The screen of the head unit/infotainment system developed blemishes with routine use. No harsh chemicals were used on the screen. This has resulted in 'ghosting' where buttons are randomly pressed on the screen, essentially making the infotainment system unusable. This is in addition to chronic issues with dropping Apple Carplay while in use. Bluetooth connectivity also experienced issues where the connection/playback seemed to stutter. This is already the second head unit in the car. Working on getting replaced."

"Dealer said unit was delaminating causing it to change radio stations, the map to continually change and not function properly, and disconnect phone calls."

"This was a common issue and part of a recall. The touchscreen delaminated so it would either not register touches or would have "ghost touches". It started for me just outside of the warranty period, early this summer, but I had purchased Subaru's extended warranty and it fully covered the replacement."

"The touch screen developed bubbles in the screen and stoped functioning. It was replaced free by Subaru."

"Head unit failed when vehicle was one year old. Failed again five years later. Dealer replacement cost was $800. There was a class action lawsuit about the issue which extended the warranty to five years from date of purchase. This occurred in the sixth year, the dealer advised me to contact Subaru customer support. Tried via email, boilerplate response not acknowledging any of my complaints. I tried the phone number a few says later and received a much different outcome. Speaking with them and having them acknowledge the issue was satisfying They needed to do research on the issue and contact the dealer where I brought it, the selling dealer had changed owners. They reached out a couple of days later to tell me they would cover the repair. I'm very satisfied with the service. My issue with the vehicle is that from Google searches the issue continues. I really don't want to repeat this scenario in two years when I replace it."

"The touch sensing of the screen would intermittently fail; the screen would intermittently get "scrambled""

"We've been through 5 batteries in 92,000 miles and 6 years. They've all been covered by Subaru, but it's a strange problem!"

"Display was erratically jumping from one app to another, did not keep the map on top, and after3-4 minutes of driving it would freeze. Back up camera, radio, Bluetooth phone, car play, gps became unusable."

"all related to entire unit needing replacement"

"Unable to access the gps due to the screen lockup problem"

"This is related to my head unit being defective."

"Location sometimes many miles off. I have been instructed to travel down dead nd, nonexistent, or poor roads. The dealer had been unable to fix the problems since 2029. Last attempt was in March 2024."

"The car blew fuses in the electrcal system continually. Tire pressure gauge did not work, interior lights di not work in dash board warning systems would not work, All because when using the sun visor the wiring broke thus causing the blown fuse and other electrical problems, This Subaru outback wasnot put together well!!"

"During the hottest part of the summer of 2023, the upper section of the display screen got very cloudy, making it hard to see the display. At times, I could not make out the image from the back-up camera. The dealer replaced the whole unit under my extended warranty."

"the buttons wouldn't depress or wouldn't release if I was able to push them in (on)"

"I can't tell if the problem is with my phone or with the car's electronics. But it is a hit or miss problem. If I have restarted my phone prior to entering car, it will sync. But sometimes it's synched when I turn off the car for a short stop but when I restart the car, the synching fails."

"See comments under display screen freezes; they're all interrelated."

"I connected the phone initially and it will even say its connected on my phone and in the cats settings. But I dont receive texts or calls when Im paired Bluetooth. I also cannot use my Waze or music apps."

"Phone cuts off when turning steering wheel"

"Phone calls do not work anymore Should not have to spend money to fix when car costed 36000 dollars When this car is done will use common transportation, bicycle and uber to get around."

"it is difficult to set your favorite stations permanently. one minute they're all there, then they disappear. the FM antenna is weak in certain areas."

"SUBARU OUTBACK Harmon-Cardon 12-speaker radio factory installed: 1. About two months ago, my radio started jumping from SIRIUS to AM or FM or nonsense numerals and letters. I could manually control what station I wanted using a button at the top right of the screen. Even so, it would not remain there, but for a few seconds, it would start jumping around again. I took it to the dealer for repair, and the tech said they would have to order me a NEW radio. Because I have some expensive EXTENDED warranty, I will not have to pay the total price--I STILL have a $100 deductible. Couldn't someone have replaced the software? I have not had previous car radios to wear out so quickly. It is only five years old. I am also annoyed by the cheap fidelity. It sounds as if it has only two mediocre, tinny-sounding speakers instead of TWELVE."

"Radio screen won't turn off, just have to put volume at 0 to not hear."

"I couldnt change stations, including the steering wheel controls would operate. Lost all function of the radio and gps. Dealer replaced the radio under extended warranty"

"The radio malfunctions by continually scanning for stations"

"No signal in cold weather. Didn't repair"

"Every few seconds it was an ongoing problem where the radio station would change channels consistently and the screen look like it had thousands of water spots."

"Radio decides to start scanning on its own and will not lock onto any station. Display screen locks up."

"periodically SIRIUS CHANGES CHANNELS TO WHAT IT WANTS TO PLAY"

"Rattle sound from speakers"

"Subwoofer had wiring connection issues and had to be replaced."

"Voice recognition and commands have never worked on this car. I'm not sure which language it is programmed for but it is not english."

"Vehicle had a continuous battery drain when not in use. Car battery would be dead within 2-3 days if the car was not started. Replacing the battery did not solve the problem. In February 2024 I received a notification that the problem is the DCM unit because the system was seeking a 3G network to connect with thereby draining the battery. Subaru offered a warranty extension for this model to cover the cost of a battery and DCM update. It is unfortunate that Subaru took so long to acknowledge this problem and offer a fix. This appears to be an ongoing trend with Subaru (vis-a-vis, radio head unit bubbling and failing). After owning four Outbacks, maybe it is time to dump Subaru and find a more responsible car company."

"12 V BATTERY: On several occasions, I have left on a tiny ceiling light, and the following morning, my battery would be completely dead. I'd buy a new battery only to have the same thing happen. Then I asked the dealer techs about it, and they grumbled something and never answered my question. Something about the car must be amiss, or this will not happen. I have had three bread-and-butter models of VOLVO before, and none ever had this battery problem--even when I left on a light for several days! What is it about SUBARU that could be causing this problem? This is my first Subaru, and I love it--except for this battery problem and the cheap radio/speaker they put in."

"Battery would discharge in 24 hours. Was something that was not shutting down and continued to drain the battery."

"The electrical system has a KNOWN battery draining issue... Subaru refuses to fix it. Online work-around requires removing fuse that serves On-Star system. Guess I'll not continue my OnStar subscription! Also, when hatchback remains open for an hour or two (can you say 'camping'?), it drains the battery... now you're screwed if out in woods away from assistance!"

"It does not hold charge well. It is an ongoing problem since purchase. I manage it with an external charger every week or so."

"Vehicle has a known issue where the DCM drains the battery while car is off. This leads to complete 12V battery drain if the car sits more than 48 hours. A service bulletin does exist for this issue, but it requires up to 2 weeks of diagnosis at the dealership - not reasonable. No recalls have been posted."

"The battery drains completely so that you cant start the car. It has mostly occurred at home but I did get stranded one time. I have taken to the dealership for repair but the problem continues."

"Battery drains very quickly when car is left sitting for a week or so. There seem to a problem with a infotainment module which Subaru replaced but the problem still exists. AAA replace the original battery but problem still exists. I will be returning vehicle to dealership soon to look into this ongoing problem"

"Because of repeated electrical problems, the car alarm cannot be turned on. If the car is locked from the outside, you can only enter using the physical key, but that triggers the alarm that cannot be turned off from the key fob. So, the car can never be locked. The dealer has been unable to fix it sustainably. now its under a formal recall."

"The auto-dimming feature is overly sensative. When driving dark country highways at night with no other vehicles around... coming around a curve or down a hill, when the lights hit traffic signs (like a curve ahead warning sign), the headlights aut0matically dim... JUST WHEN YOU NEED THEM ON BRITES the most!"

"Water leaked in interior cab through rear cab 3rd brake light. Dealer fixed under warranty. Heard this was a prevalant problem."

"The driver's side running lights stopped working. Replacement of entire unit will be necessary at a cost between $700-1,000."

"Keyless entry sometimes does not respond, as if the battery to the fob or car is dead, but neither of which is the case. Must manually open the door with the physical key, which then causes the car alarm to sound."

"The problem is related to both issues. A bad computer module of some kind caused both to fail."

"it is sometimes difficult to lock vehicle by touching the driver's seat or passenger seat door handle."

"The rear tailgate will not open and then needs to be open manually. Then has to be forced closed and sometimes leaves the service lights such as those on the rearview mirrors and within the cabin on the draining the battery. If we leave the car for any extended period of time it dies. This is a major problem."

"As explained earlier, software glitch draining the battery. I'm on my third battery and had to initiate the fix myself at my cost until prepaid by Subaru under pressure from me. These are phenomenal cars as I live in ski country and nothing beats them, but reliability is absolutely 100% essential."

"Just that the rear tailgates wont open"

"Power windows sometimes dont work."

"Had 5 batteries in the car due to battery drain problem. Subaru paid for 4 of them. Finally replaced a module to drop Internet link to G3 from G4 to solve the problem 6 months ago. Don't know if that solved the battery yet or not."

"Door window on rear passenger side, front & rear fail to work from driver controls."

"I have been trying to resolve the electrical issue I am having. My infotainment screen will freeze up, and sometimes the car will shut off. Sometimes the touch feature stops working and the infotainment systems keeps beeping."

"See comment on tpms failure. Same cause."

"Because the electrical system malfunctions, the tire pressure monitor is always reporting that a warning despite the tires being at proper inflation. This requires routine checking since you can tell. I bought a CAT tire pressure and battery charger to deal with this issue and the repeated draining of the battery."

"The TPMS gives a warning that its not working after 5 minutes of driving"

"Tire Pressure Monitoring System alarmed high erroneously. Subaru dragged their feet on replacing Tire Pressure Monitoring System sensors for 4 months to avoid paying for the sensors under extended warranty. Subaru kept saying it was a calibration problem, but calibration never fixed it, wasting our time with numerous trips to the dealership."

"Battery drainage when not driven for several days. Had to buy a trickle charger to keep the battery from dying."

"Recall. Battery not holding charge"

"The rear hatch door wouldnt open all the way and was difficult to close."

"Front windows pop back down when being raised unless you carefully nudge them upward."

"Battery drainage. Several times overnight"

"Electronics on when car parked depletes battery."

"Unable to start the car. Got it towed to the garage and they found a nest in the engine and some chewed wires. The wires that were chewed had something to do with starting the car."

"The batteries kept dying completely. It turned out you have to put it to sleep when not in use."

"Persistent oil leak."

"Rear hatch intermittently doesnt open without turning the car on and off, unlocking/locking all doors from the master switch on the door. Has been a persistent issue for the entire time the car has been owned. Dealer unable to pinpoint cause."

"Rear suspension ball joints were replaced. Satisfied with the service received for this at my Subaru dealer. Average wear & tear on the vehicle. Was not covered by warranty & didn't expect it to be since the Outback is 6 years old."

"We received a letter from Subaru corporate saying a sensor could malfunction and cause battery to fail so have it checked. I did but they charged $79 to check it and while they had it did a free inspection and said the tires were cupped so it needed a wheel alignment and the rear brakes needed replacement. We brought it to a place we trusted and neither the tires nor brakes were bad. I called Subaru corporation to complain and the service department at Miller Hill Subaru but neither had anything to say. I feel it was a scam by Subaru Corporation to get customers in so they could charge for unnecessary service."

"Dead battery"

"Cooling fan failed because the fan/radiator housing cracked"