2005 Subaru Outback: windshield wiper failure

Filed Jan 30, 2021 · Body, Engine · 20,000 miles · CO

This is the first subaru I've ever owned and so far it's been a nightmare. I have had to repair: an oil leak in the engine that required the whole engine to be taken apart. While replacing a seemingly simple part, the hydraulic lifts that keep the back hatch open, the threading that holds the screw in broke off and I had to hire a mechanic yet again to weld that part to be able to screw in the screw to hold the lift in place. And now, the entire interior lighting doesn't work, including the stereo, all the dome lights and the remote control system. In addition to that, the rear wiper doesn't work properly.

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 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 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 Nov 20, 2014 · Electrical, Visibility · 80,000 miles · CO

The rear windshield wiper stopped working due to a bad electrical connection that occurs where the hatchback opens up. The wires fray and break from normal usage of the hatchback, causing loss of power to the rear windshield wiper, defogger and backup lights. I have experienced this problem and there a numerous blogs and videos on the internet showing this problem, this should be recall item for all 3rd generation subaru outbacks (2005-2009).

Filed Dec 4, 2013 · Electrical, Lights · 98,000 miles · MN

Rear wiper failure was first noticed followed by failure of the license plate light, the wiring harness in the rear lift gate has multiple broken wires where the door hinges. Appears that the wiring insulation becomes hardened and brittle, and will break instead of flexing. There are several other wires in the harness that are showing bare wire but have not yet broken. This is what all the harness enables and will eventually fail: rear wiper motor license plate light rear gate latch switch rear gate lock actuator rear defogger back-up light rh rear defogger back-up light lh

Filed Jul 12, 2013 · Body, Electrical · 121,985 miles · AL

Soon after purchasing the car, I realized that the rear wiper was not functioning. After checking an online owners forum I found that there is a common problem with the functions in the rear lift gate such as inoperable brake lights, rear wipers inoperable, and other items. This problem seems to be caused by the degradation of wire insulation and breakage of wire. Upon further investigation I discovered my own vehicle has a severed wire located in the accordion boot on the right (passenger) side near the hinge for the lift gate. This could result is serious safety issues. As with any faulty electrical wiring there is also a risk for fire associated with this issue.