2009 Subaru Outback: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Aug 17, 2026 · Lights · 51,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2009 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front headlights became inoperative. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the daytime running light module needed to be replaced. The dealer stated that the part needed to do the repair was discontinued. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.

Filed Dec 29, 2016 · Electrical, Lights · 182,000 miles · WI

After fuses blown repeatedly and replaced, rear wiper, washer pump and lock ceased to operate for perhaps a year. Recently the headlights got real funky - would not operate in normal "on" position. But then some strange behavior when shifted into reverse (ignition on without starting to allow shifting). Headlights still not lit in either off or on position, but then came on as switch moved back from headlights on to running lights position! I happened upon the video mentioned in an earlier post about rear wiring harness issue which easily could have been related to wiper/lock issue, so took a look. Inspection revealed 11 severed wires with a clump of 5 or so melted together and another 3 wires nearly severed (see photos). Dealer says he'll replace wiring harness for $350 -500, and had a same generation outback in the shop for same work. Service mgr suggested a call to subaru customer care line. If you have goofy electrical issues, especially in rear, check the wiring inside boot from body to door on upper right side. It's not easy to get at as wires are short, which may have LED to quite a serious, um, short. Call subaru before your headliner ignites...

Filed Nov 8, 2015 · Lights · MN

The headlights on our outback burn out frequently. We have had multiple different headlights burn out (at least 5) over the years that we've had the car. On each occurance the light burned out when the vehicle was started and not while driving. One time both headlights burned out simultaneously when starting the car and we had to drive back home from out of town with our brights on the entire time so we could see.

Filed Oct 26, 2015 · Electrical · 99,500 miles · MO

The brake lights, hatch lock, wiper and other electrical components on the rear part of my subaru 2009 outback stopped working or working erratically. I checked the rubber boot containing the rear wiring harness for damage and discovered 13 out of 14 wires were either completely broken, or the insulation was worn, exposing bare conductor. In addition to the rear electrical issues, I replaced the bulbs for the headlights at least four times in a two year period. The am channel on my radio no longer receives signals. The rear electrical problems are causing a safety hazard due to the brake/tail lights not functioning, or the rear windshield wiper not working. Subaru is not responsive to this design flaw.

Filed Mar 5, 2014 · Electrical, Lights · MI

The headlights on this vehicle are grossly inadequate when using lower beams. I have contacted subaru and was told that there is no problem. I contacted the local dealer and was informed that they are aware of the problem, but nothing can be done - it is a subaru engineering decision to have that 'quality' of headlight.

Filed Jun 18, 2013 · Electrical, Lights · 48,000 miles · CA

Started my car at night to find out my headlights would not turn on, but the safely lights were still on. Upon further inspection, the brake lights and reverse lights would not work either. The lights above my rear license plate had been out for a couple of weeks also so I am not sure if that is related as well. Looked on-line to find out many other subaru outback owners had a similar problem and suggested looking at the harness that housed many electrical wires on the upper corners of the hatchback. Many of the wires were either broken or loose. I have read that because of its location, the wires become brittle and break because they are constantly being bent when you open and close the rear hatchback door. Took my car into the dealership and they had to resolder the wires and charged me $225 for the labor and parts needed. If I had to replace this, it would have cost me over $600 so the dealership discouraged me from doing this. I feel this should be covered by subaru since it is due to bad design and performance and the service I had done does not guarantee that this will not happen again.

Filed Dec 20, 2011 · Lights · 20,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 subaru outback. The contact stated that he had difficulty seeing the road while driving at night with the low beam headlights on. The headlights failed to illuminate brightly enough to provide proper visibility of the roadway. An authorized dealer and the manufacturer were made aware of the failure and offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 20,000.