2005 Subaru Outback electrical problems

Filed Oct 7, 2021 · Electrical · CO

Parasitic Battery Drain: When the vehicle is in use, the CAN system in the car relies on an electrical current to be operated as intended. When the vehicle is not being driven, the CAN system should enter a sleep mode in which it stops drawing significant electrical current. However, vehicle does not enter sleep mode when the car turns off, resulting in a "parasitic battery drain." Local Subaru dealer maintenance department has not been able to determine any way to fix. Battery drains completely after approx 1 week of nonoperation (and sometimes sooner) leaving me (owner) stranded and unable to start vehicle without obtaining a jump start. Has also required recurring battery replacement at a cumulative significant cost. Not sure what to do and do not want to sell to another person that would inherit this ongoing issue.

Filed Mar 15, 2019 · Electrical · 119,000 miles · WA

The wiring of the rear hatch door electrical components is faulty and the wires between the car roof and the hatch break over time, due to normal hatch functions (e.g. Opening/closing). Depending on which wires break, rear-windshield wipers, license plate lights, back-up lights fail, causing a safety concern.

Filed Jan 9, 2017 · Electrical · 112,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 subaru outback. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving 25 MPH on numerous occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 112,000. ..updated 05/05/17 *bf the consumer stated the failure was caused by the pedal assembly. The consumer repaired the vehicle. Updated 8/25/2017

Filed Jul 10, 2016 · Electrical, Lights · 87,000 miles · CO

Rear hatch harness wires are broken/ frayed. Backup lights do not work, and the rear wiper works intermittently. Every now and them rear defroster doesn't work. Hazard a lot of 2005-2009 outbacks have.

Filed Apr 13, 2015 · Electrical · NY

The wires that pass through the body to the liftgate that operate brake lights, tail lights, rear wiper, defroster, lock break and make a short or open circuit. Many subarus have this issue.

Filed Mar 22, 2015 · Electrical · 130,000 miles · AL

Rear wiring harness that passes from cabin to hatch door has several wires broken causing rear door lock and lights failures.

Filed Feb 28, 2015 · Electrical · 160,000 miles · CO

Rear hatch wires on wagon liftgate that go thru rubber boots have defective insulation causing wires to break in multiple places. Systems include : back up lights, license plate, wiper.

Filed Feb 14, 2015 · Electrical, Lights · 178,000 miles · VA

The wiring for the license plate lights failed in the upper right hatch hinge boot causing the license plate lights to not operate. The purple wire had broken inside the boot area. The purple wire is extremely small gauge for a location that is opened and closed often.

Filed Feb 10, 2015 · Electrical, Lights · 93,781 miles · FL

Wiring located on the rear passenger side between the hatch door and body (in the protective boot) was severed as a result of poor quality wiring and design. Wires were stress-severed and nearly severed by normal operation of opening/closing the wagon rear door. Apparently this is a common issue as discovered by visiting online forums.

Filed Dec 6, 2014 · Acceleration, Electrical · 130,000 miles · CA

While driving on the highway at 65 MPH, the car would not accelerate. The check engine light came on and the cruise control light flashed. Once the car was turned off and restarted, the accelerator again engaged. This is an extremely dangerous (and common in subarus) malfunction. I was fortunate enough to be able to pull over on the side of the highway without incident.