The main control module goes completely blank while driving, eventually rebooting itself. Just recently I have documented blanking on April 9th, May 1, May 9, May 30, and June 13. One instance of the voice for navigation going silent on May 14 also occurred. The module was replaced today and on the way home from the dealership, it went blank again.
2020 Subaru Outback electrical complaints
Page 6 of 10: complaints 131 to 160 of 259, newest first, as owners wrote them.
After leaving this car in an airport parking lot for 4 weeks, it would not start. I also noticed that all of the doors except the hatchback were unlocked. I coincidentally had a jumper battery unit in the car and was able to start it with the external battery jumper. When I drove the car the 30 minutes to my home, I found that the battery had not charged at all. This meant that until Subaru fixed this on warranty, I could drive the car but would have to raise the hood, hook up the external jumper unit, start the car, disconnect the jumpers, close the hood and finally drive where I was going. This procedure grows old after doing it repeatedly to shop for supplies after being away for 4 weeks. The Subaru dealer fit me in the following day and confirmed the battery had been destroyed by the car sitting unused for 4 weeks. He recommended that I always leave a small charger on it whenever it will not be used for 2 weeks or more! That would have been impossible at the airport parking lot. I have taken this car on very many severe backcountry drives where failure to start when it's time to leave could be problematic or even fatal. Whatever is the problem should be fixed. If the new battery will fail the same way, it should be replaced with a battery that won't, on warranty. If it's the charging system that's at fault, then the faulty design should be corrected.
Purchased the car Friday 06/18/2021, Battery was dead two days later on 06/18/2021, Flemington subaru replaced the battery on 06/19/2021.
I have had to call Subaru Roadside Assistance at least five occasions. Randomly on occasion, when I go out to use my Car, I find my vehicle locked with the battery drained. Everytime it happens the dealer gives me a loaner vehicle while they try to troubleshoot the problem. Every time they say they cannot not find a power drain. The service department then said that I must have bumped the rear dome light and that drained the battery. I am pretty sure I did not bump the light so this last time I taped that dome switch with clear tape so that could not move. This morning 12/15/21 my started fine. I drove more than 50 miles to the VA Hospital in Tampa. I stopped my car a line for a pre-op COVID check. I turned the car off 5-10 minutes and when the line of cars moved again and I went to crank the car up again, it would not start. I got out and called Subaru Roadside Assistance and got locked out. I used my hidden key in the Fab. Subaru brought a gallon of gas which was not the solution and then he told me to try to start the vehicle. He said the battery was drained (which is strange because had just drove fifty miles to th location and the alternator should be keeping the battery full). He the connected a battery power pack jumper and successfully jumped the car. I have faithfully waited and been patient with Cannon Subaru explanations and reasons to no avail. I explained to a sales representative that my 2020 Subaru Outback Limited is a Lemon and I want to exchange it for a new car (Under the Lemon Law) or get my money refunded (I paid almost $37,000 cash for the vehicle). I was given Subaru of America's phone number 1(800)782-2783, and was told to contact them for a resolution. I was given a case number(1-7056862051) and was told a case manager would call me in an hour or two, which is yet to happen. I purchased my vehicle on June 22, 2020 and I am filing this complaint form to protect my rights under the Lemon Law, and the federal safety agency. This about the fifth Incident.
In the last month, twice within 30 seconds of starting the car, the head unit has done a complete reboot, which meant that I had no rear-view camera as I was backing out of a parking space. Since the car was already in motion, it was very distracting as it took about a minute for the unit to reboot. This seems to indicate that there is an electrical problem with the car as many others have noted. Many of the car's controls (such as climate control) are soft buttons displayed on the head unit and cannot be adjusted otherwise. Therefore, it is essential that this unit operate properly and dependably.
Our 2020 Subaru Outback has less than 14,000 miles. In the last month the battery has failed 4 times. The last time we had Subaru tow come out and give it a charge. It seemed to work but when we took it out upon returning it failed again. We again had Subaru come out and charge it and we drove it to the dealer. The dealer had it Wednesday afternoon through Friday. (6/9/21 - 6/11/21). The notes from the dealer said, "upon inspection of the vehicle technician did not require a jump start to turn vehicle engine on. Tech performed a battery diagnostic test using the Subaru GR8 battery machine. Diagnostic battery results came back as a good battery.Vehicle battery was deeply discharged and required re-charging. Vehicle battery is operating as designed after performing service. No repairs or additional services required." Today, Sunday, won't start again. Yes, it is available for inspection. It hasn't been a risk at this point but certainly could be one.
Battery failed. 12 months, 5000 miles Battery Information: 620 AMPS LN2 20HR 62 AH 82110AN00A
On May 27, 2021, my 2020 Outback would not start after driving approx. 20-25 min. and being shut off approx. 15-20 min. I called my dealer, they sent technician & loaner car. He was able to start the car with a battery booster after trying several other things. My husband & I drove directly to the dealer, approx. 30 min., to have battery checked out. They did a Battery and Electrical System Analysis which came back with a "Good Battery". The next 2 days, no problems. On May 30, 2021, the car would not start 2 different times at our home. My husband used the battery booster both times to start. On June 1, 2021 I sched. an appt. for 6/2 with dealer to find problem. I checked in at 12:53, out at 4:15. It took 3 hrs. 22 min. to decide that the battery had failed and replaced.
Car driven regularly 6 days a week. Battery completely drained overnight and needed replacement.
Our car would not start. Lots of clicking and lights on the dash. It was parked in the garage and was driven the day before. Car has around 900 miles on it. I ordered a 1.5 amp charger/maintainer online. AAA came the following day, diagnosed it as a low charge on the battery and jump started it. I let it sit for 1 hour. Battery charger/maintainer arrived and it has been charging all night and all this morning. I researched online and found out this battery has been an issue with Subaru since 2017 and a service bulletin was put out. See link: https://www.torquenews.com/1084/subaru-hit-new-lawsuit-over-outback-wagon-dead-battery-issue?page=2 We researched more on the internet and now need to make sure we take extra precautions as to how far we drive, where we drive to etc.
Electrical issues started August 15, 2020 when car would not start. Requested jump without positive results and after sitting for 3 hours in a parking lot, it started. Took to dealership and they found nothing wrong. Fast forward to 2021, driving on Interstate at 65mph and again at 70mph when radio turns off by itself, then front driver monitoring system light comes on, the side collision prevention light comes on, the RAB light comes on and another warning light that I was unable to catch. Lasts a few seconds then goes off. The next morning after the car sat for approximately 16 hours, it would not start. Dealership stated it was the battery and replaced battery on May 6, 2021. It sat at dealership 2 days and would not start when went to pick it up. They stated dome light left on, charged battery and gave it back to me. Third time when warning lights came on, took in and they stated they couldn’t find anything thus couldn’t fix something they couldn’t find and gave it back to me (May 19, 2021). Now on May 28, 2021 same issue, dead in driveway. Car has 22,285 miles on it.
Battery dead when parked in garage at home. No lights or other systems were left on. Had to jump start, drove several miles to recharge. Next time tried to start, battery was dead again. This happened 3 or 4 times (eg: 3 or 4 different days), before finally brought to dealership to have battery replaced under warranty. It is at the shop now, so I have no documentation as of yet. Moderate weather in the 50s-80s outside, so weather not a factor. Car has about 8500 miles on it. I hear this is known problem with Subaru outbacks. Glad battery was dead in garage. at home, and I was not stranded somewhere remote, unsafe or in bad weather
Battery problem. There was no risk at this point but having these kinds of battery problems could result in not being able to start your car in unsafe conditions, cold weather, etc. After sitting and listening to SiriusXM Radio and charging my iphone with the engine off for approximately 10 minutes my car would not start. It cranked a bit and then the display lights all started flashing. Other attempts to start resulted in just the lights flickering. I called the service center and was told that leaving the accessories on for more than 5-10 minutes could result in a dead battery. There was no indication of the problem until this happened for the first time. I have a neighbor with an older Forester who also has problems with battery draining even while the car is off.
Problem with a dead battery on a car less than 1 year old
The battery was drained on our new outback 2020 after only 10,000 miles. Had to have it replaced already. I read today that there is a lawsuit against subaru in new jersey where I bought my vehicleand its on my model and year for this exact problem with the battery getting drained. The first time it occurred the vehicle was stationary. When I returned, it would not turn on. Had to give it a jump and when it happened again I called my nearest subaru dealer and took it in, and had it replaced.
Car wouldn't start, dead battery requiring 4 jumps by 9-10 months after purchasing new. Resulted in multiple strandings. No known reason for recurrent dead battery.
My 2020 subaru outback is equipped with the auto-start-stop feature. From the beginning this feature would routinely not function, displaying the icon indicating auto start stop was disengaged. When attempting to utilize this feature I learn two more deliberately hold down firmly on the brake pedal and I could engage this feature at times. Nine times out of 10 the auto start stop feature does not engage when I stop in drive with my foot on the break at a traffic light or at a stop sign. Very often, the feature turns off my engine and immediately restarts with a rumbling of the engine and an abrupt kick to the steering wheel. Even when the feature engages and shuts off the engine as expected, the duration of stop mode is a limited to no more than 20 seconds which defeats the original intended purpose of fuel consumption and emissions reduction. Occasionally at a traffic light, such as when waiting to make a left in front of oncoming traffic, the feature does not engage at first stop and after inching forward and ready to make the turn this feature well abruptly stall the engine and strand me momentarily in front of oncoming traffic.
In the first year of ownership of my 2020 subaru outback, I have experienced many glitches in the operation of the electronica safety devices. The latest has been returning to the car and finding the battery fully discharged despite nothing being left in the on position. Yesterday, after fully charging the battery, four hours later the battery was found to be fully drained. I boosted the car and began to drive it when at the first traffic light the auto-start-stop feature shut the car off and I could not re-start in the middle of an intersection.
Continual battery problems. Had to jump at least 4 times in less than a year after buying the car new. Finally wouldn't take a jump and dropped off the car at the dealer where I bought the 2020 subaru. They said there were known battery problems but I needed to drive the car at least every 2 days to keep the battery operational. The solution was a new battery and an ECM update.
Parked the car at lakeside park and went for a hike. Returned 2 hours later and the car would not start. No lights or doors were left open. Finally called roadside assistance and they were able to jump start the car. There was no reason the battery should have been dead
The 2020 outback has died 3 times in less than 5 weeks (once at the dealership). After the second time (at the dealership) the battery was replaced. Three days later the new battery is dead.
Took car to dealership 4/21/21, they removed battery charged it and tested it, stated battery was good. Today, 4/27/21, tried to take car out and it won't start.
Had the car 18 months battery went dead; understand that this is some kind of national issue with subaru batteries draining prematurely
My 2020 subaru outback is less than one year old and has less than 10,000 miles. The battery has been dead two times in the past month. Both times the car was garaged and nothing was left on to drain the battery
The battery keeps dying. Subaru tested the battery it's fine. Told me to get a battery tender or to drive for an hour or so every couple of days for the alternator to charge up. In less than a week the car battery had to be jumped 5 times. Started 4/15/2021 thru today 4/21/2021.
There has been an ongoing problem with the vehicle electronics the dealer has reprogrammed the electronic controls 4 times in the year since I bought the car. The last reprogramming was due to a the federal safety agency recall. The system was better for a couple of months since the last reprogramming but on monday 4/19/21 at 5:58 pm the same problem reoccurred the electronic screen in the middle of the dash went black as I was driving at 65 MPH southbound on I-95 in baltimore maryland. The screen and all it functions were off for 4 minutes until it restarted with the initial screen that appears when I start the car. It is a warning screen with a green area to press that I agree with the warning. For 4 minutes I was driving with no access to the controls that are under the direction fo the main screen. The dealer had told me I should take a video of the dash if this happened again but it is hard to take a video while driving in the express lanes at 65 MPH. This is a serious problem that after all these reprogramming activities should have been fixed. When the dealer had installed the revised programing I asked what to do if the same thing happened again and he suggested that I take a video then told me that it won't happen again. Well it did happen again. I imagine I am not the only person to find this reoccurring but I can't be sure of that. It is most disconcerting to think that all of the safety controls that I purchased the vehicle to obtain are out of use for 4 minutes as I am driving on the highway. I had the radio on while driving and suddenly it went off I looked down at the screen and it was black completely off. I assume that all of the safety functions the screen controls also were off. It stayed that way for 4 minutes and then restarted as if I had just started the car in my driveway. I don't know what to do but I believe that this is a safety issue that keeps recurring.
Battery died after leaving unused for just 9 days. Occasionally starter button does not work, retry and it starts.
The battery suddenly drained. This happened a few days after I had a trip of over 750 miles. I did a jump start and then drove the car for over 20 minutes. The next day the same thing. Took it to subaru service, they checked the car and could not find a problem just charged it. The next time again the same problem. This time subaru service kept the car overnight and then changed the battery. Its a few months now but I always have this lingering feeling that it might happen again, specially reading the news reports of this happening after some time.
Battery is dead. Car was parked in my garage and not used for several days. When I tried to start it on wed april 14, 2021 the battery was dead. No lights has been left on. All doors were closed when car not in use.
Battery repeatedly dies after very short periods of time, no lights left on or doors left open. Vehicle battery has died a total of 4 times in 7 months when left overnight.
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