2005 Subaru Legacy visibility problems

Filed Feb 10, 2020 · Electrical, Lights · 159,000 miles · CT

I recently noticed that some elements of my rear hatch on my subaru legacy wagon were not working. Specifically, the lights that illuminate the license plate, the rear defroster, center brake light, hatch locking mechanism, and radio antenna were not working. An inspection of the area where the wires enter the hatch door from the body of the vehicle reveals that several of the wires in the harness were broken completely with some wires in various states of deterioration. I believe this is an unusual failure and not a typical wear item. I am concerned as I have lost the ability to properly lock and secure my vehicle, to clear frost and ice from the rear glass for proper visibility, lost the ability to illuminate my license plate which could result in being pulled over by law enforcement. Over time, continued deterioration will result in the inability to use my rear wiper and reverse lights. They're seems to be a defect with the wiring used in this area. It was not capable of withstanding normal use repetitions of opening and closing the hatch door. There are many members of the subaru legacy and outback communities that have had this issue occur. I believe that this will happen to all subaru legacy or outback models 05-09 given enough time.

Filed Oct 16, 2018 · Lights, Visibility · 150,000 miles · OH

Wires that go to the rear hatch for the wiper and third brake light are severed after repeated opening/closing of rear hatch and affect the functionality.

Filed Feb 4, 2015 · Electrical, Visibility · 110,850 miles · CA

In the 2005 wagon, the rear wiring harness that goes through the hatch and is subject to a lot of bending (it connects the rear wiper, backup lights, etc) uses cheap wiring that wears out. This problem has been extensively documented by subaru owners at http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/wagons-beware-tailgate-electricals-161086.html. Today, my rear wiper stopped working, and several other wires are about to break. This could affect rear wipers, backup lights, rear license plate lights, etc. These wires are of very poor quality - I have owned 2 other cars with hatches, and even in harsh canadian winters, had no issues. These wires broke just due to use in very mild california conditions.

Filed Jan 24, 2015 · Electrical, Lights · 81,700 miles · CA

Rear tailgate wire harness found to be broken. Rear wiper did not work. This wire was completely broken. Two other wires found to be cracked and about to fail. This could potentially cause rear hi mount stop light, license plate lights, and back up lights to be non-functional.

Filed Sep 29, 2014 · Electrical, Lights · 125,000 miles · WA

My rear brake lights and tail lights stopped working, my wiper would work intermittently, and license plate lights would not work at all. Took to a mechanic who diagnosed that the wires traveling through the rubber grommet to the rear gate had been broken due to a design in the path they travel where they are bent severely every time the gate is opened and closed, and eventually they snapped. He informed me that this was a common issue on my model and put new wires in place of the broken ones.

Filed Dec 10, 2013 · Electrical, Lights · 103,000 miles · NM

The wiring harness on the rear lift gate (station wagon) keeps breaking and shorting out. This is a dangerous defect, as rear lights can go out without notice, leading to a possible rear-end collision. Dangerous for pedestrians when the backup lights have shorted out and are not visible. Rear visibility also hampered under snowy or rainy conditions when the wiper shorts out. Repairs have been made at least three (3) times (2/22/11, 3/24/13, 9/25/13), yet these electrical issues still persist. A recall from subaru should be ordered to address this electrical defect and safety issue.

Filed Oct 13, 2013 · Electrical, Lights · 89,874 miles · CA

Rear wiper stopped working. The problem was due to a broken wire inside the passenger's side accordion boot for the rear hatch of the wagon. Other wires within the harness (which supplies power to the rear hatch lights, hatch lock, and wiper motor/sprayer) were also cracked. In researching this problem, I have found this this is starting to become a more frequent issue and should be replaced/recalled by subaru.

Filed May 13, 2013 · Brakes, Electrical · 96,002 miles · CA

My car door power door locks stopped working, rear wiper stopped working, rear brake lights and running lights stopped working, also radio stopped working. Upon investigation I found that the wiring harness on both sides of my rear lift gate had torn and shorted out. This is a dangerous shortcoming on this car, the wires are so short and placed under constant tension that they rip themselves apart.

Filed Apr 30, 2013 · Lights, Visibility · 97,850 miles · NY

Rear windshield wiper stopped working causing very limited visibility out of rear window during inclement weather. I discovered the connecting harness on the passenger side rear that controls the rear wiper and brake lights damaged where it passes from the car body to rear tailgate. The grommett does not seem to be serving its purpose and the wiring harness does not seem durable enough. This can create a very dangerous combination.

Filed Apr 22, 2013 · Electrical, Visibility · 76,000 miles · MA

Subaru legacy 2005 wagon; multiple electrical wires routed through a flexible rubber boot leading from the chassis to the rear hatch of the wagon have broken from repeated bending action by opening/closing the rear hatch rendering the rear wiper inoperable.