2015 Subaru Outback: screen or infotainment failure

Filed Aug 19, 2026 · Driver assistance · 73,022 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera was inoperable. The maps and radio were glitching and then seized stuck. The screen was difficult to read. The screen was pixelated due to the brightness outside. The camera was inoperable. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that there was no recall coverage for the head unit. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case, but declined any further assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 73,022.

Filed Sep 13, 2020 · Transmission · 35,000 miles · CA

Continuous variable transmission (CVT). The vehicle stopped while making a left turn suddenly motionless, engine revved up at 3500 RPM but the CVT remained unresponsive. Paced shift gear to park position then to drive gear then the vehicle moved-up very slow then it pulled forward to a normal driveable condition. This issue happened in 2017, 2018, 2019. Took to dealership 2x tested the vehicle but, no problem found and no manufacturer's issue was release. Several subaru owners complaints with the same issue, on 2013 - 2015 outback models.the battery on 2015 outback model like mine, had replaced in 2017 while under warranty up to 3 - years. Lately, the battery died several times, took back to the dealer for test and replacement but, the 3 - years warranty was over from its original purchased. The warranty should be applied on the second battery replacement that runs for the next 36 - months. Another issue is the catalytic converter the vehicle has, took back to the dealer last july 2020, a srvice advisor admitted that there was a problem, the vehicle drove for testing then came back with nothing wrong on the catalytic converter per mechanic assessment. The front exhaust pipe was cracked and it was repaired as part of manufacturer recalls. There are issues on this model referring to the CVT, battery, infotainment got freezed, no data on screen, engine oil consumption to fast. The main issue for me is the "safety issue." which is the transmission. First time it happened was in 2017, 2018, 2019.

Filed Feb 3, 2018 · Electrical · 30,000 miles · MI

The infotainment system freezes up about every other day and this has been happening again for the last month. Rear backup camera stays on at times. Screen freezes and hard knob controls of infotainment system will not work when touch screen is frozen. This is the second module that has been installed due to these issues and problems continue.

Filed Dec 26, 2016 · 100 miles · NJ

Car brought in 4 times to service for radio freezing navigation system and other parts on dash incidents happened from date of purchase but thought it was breaking in. First time brought it in to be checked . Was told there is no problem, then told had to update software, then told had to have radio (head unit) replaced which I had to wait for since so many other subaru owners has same problem. Replacement head unit no good (was a refurbished radio since they had no new ones (subaru has since switched to another vendor because of all the problems) now car is at service center waiting for engineers from subaru to diagnose problem. I bought a new car not a car with refurbished parts. They cannot provide me with a new part since they can't get one.I do not want a part that will constantly fail and eventually leave me with a bill when warranty ends when the navigation fails in the middle of a trip it is disconcerting this happens when driving.

Filed Mar 22, 2015 · 5 miles · CT

After just picking up my new 2015 subaru outback and driving in bright sunlight, I realized there is a hazardous condition related to the car's infotainment center. The area surrounding the display screen is an extremely glossy black mirror-like reflective surface. While driving, the sun reflects off of this surface into the eyes of the driver. This intensity is enough to cause eye pain, as well as distract the driver. Now when driving on a sunny day, rather than keeping both hands on the wheel, I need to use my right hand to shield my eyes from this distracting reflected glare. I attempted to purchase an anti-glare shield, but they only cover the display area (which actually is not reflective). I need to cover the reflective perimeter trim area. Subaru needs to provide an anti-glare shield that covers the entire infotainment center.

Filed Jan 22, 2015 · Electrical · 1,000 miles · WA

In november 2014, I took delivery of a new 2015 subaru outback, 3.6 limited. The vehicle was equipped with the optional premium electronics package, and the eyesight collision avoidance system. After about three weeks of ownership, I started to experience random malfunctions with the key-less ignition, and the key-less entry systems. The ignition problems all involved engine start, and occurred in scenarios where the key-fob wasn't recognized. About the same time, the GPS navigation system started to display erroneous locational data, and the associated 'starlink' touch screen system would freeze-up (become inoperable). As of today, I have posted six different videos to youtube to dramatically illustrate the problem. Https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mf_rumicqm . I have had the car back to the dealer five times for this problem, and it can't be fixed. I have also met with subarus, seattle zone service manager. In emails from subaru's corporate service officials, they refuse to acknowledge the problem exists, despite the videos. Unofficially, the zone service manager acknowledged that some other owners are experiencing the same issue, which he believes is a systemic problem in vehicles with this option combination. He does not know of any solution. My concern is that the eyesight system can override driver commands involving braking, and engine throttle. Will the problems with the GPS and starlink touch-screens potentially create a dangerous malfunction of the eyesight system that creates an accident rather than mitigating it?