2022 Subaru Outback: won't start

Filed Nov 5, 2026 · Airbags, Electrical · MI

Is available for inspection. Car would not start and lots of dash indicator lights turned on. Car seemed to have power as headlights worked fine and computer held power. Lots of clicking indicated starter was engaging and included an srs airbag system notice. A quick google search indicated a recall for this make and model but not my VIN. It described problema from humidity in cracked electrical systems and it did rain heavy throughout the night.

Filed Sep 15, 2026 · Electrical · NY

In September 2026, after a jump start, my vehicle's battery emitted a strong sulfur/rotten-egg odor, indicating overheating and overcharging. I was advised to shut it off immediately. The vehicle is now undrivable and parked, and I am concerned it presents a fire risk. This is the latest failure of a chronic electrical defect documented in the dealer's own repair orders since early ownership: •⁠⁠March 16, 2023 (4,985 mi): vehicle needed a jump start. Dealer tested the battery, said it passed, and blamed my driving habits. •⁠⁠May 16, 2023 (5,503 mi): vehicle again needed a boost. Battery failed the dealer's test and was replaced under warranty; dealer cited Subaru bulletin 07-213-22R. •⁠⁠August 4-8, 2025 (15,188 mi): vehicle again needed a boost. Battery failed the dealer's DCA8000 test (low CCA) and was replaced a second time. A dark-current draw test found the Telematics Data Communication Module (DCM) causing a parasitic draw (code B2A0C); the DCM was replaced. When I arrived to collect the vehicle after being told it was repaired, it would not start in the dealer's own shop. Subaru paid for the DCM repair as one-time goodwill while stating it was not covered by warranty. These repair orders understate the frequency: throughout ownership the vehicle needed a jump start roughly 80-90% of the times I used it, even the day after being driven, and I used roadside assistance several times. I believe this matches the known parasitic battery drain defect on 2021-2022 Subaru vehicles (control modules, including the DCM, failing to enter low-power sleep mode), the subject of pending class action litigation (Taylor v. Subaru of America, No. 2:26-cv-4935) and Subaru technical service bulletins. My dealer replaced the implicated module, the problem recurred, and the vehicle has now had an overcharging event that left it undrivable.

Filed Aug 18, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · TX

My 2022 Subaru Outback Premium has had repeated intermittent stall/no-start events. The exact failed component is UNKNOWN, but the issue appears related to the fuel system, engine control, electrical system, or heat-related sensor/relay failure. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The first event occurred while parked: the engine shut off/would not start, while the dashboard and screen remained powered. After about 30 minutes, it started again. A later event occurred while driving: the engine suddenly shut off, but the dashboard and infotainment screen stayed on. I could not restart the engine for about 10 minutes. When it restarted, the vehicle would not accelerate past about 30 mph, suggesting reduced-power/limp mode. This created a serious safety risk because the vehicle lost motive power while in traffic. The vehicle was taken to a Subaru dealership. The dealer diagnosed the high-pressure fuel pump as failing and replaced it under the powertrain warranty. About one month later, the same issue occurred again while parked: the vehicle shut off, all dashboard warning lights illuminated, and it took several minutes before it would restart. The dealer then stated the battery was weak and replaced the battery. The new battery tested good after replacement. One week later, the issue returned again. A consistent pattern is that the problem occurs when it is hot outside and the vehicle has been running for more than one hour. The vehicle has been inspected by a Subaru dealership multiple times. The problem has not been reliably reproduced by the dealer, but the dealer previously confirmed a failing high-pressure fuel pump and later a weak battery. Warning lamps appeared at the time of failure, including multiple dashboard lights/check engine-type warnings after the engine shut off. There were no consistent warning messages before the stall/no-start events.

Filed May 20, 2026 · Engine · AL

After highway driving for 50 miles, stopped for a red light. Engine died but all lights stayed on. Sat 5 minutes with dead engine and when I tried again, the car started. Drove 1 mile to next light and it happened again. Went to Auto Zone (it was a Sunday and dealerships were closed) and they tested the battery which was 100%. Two days later, drove car for 10 minutes then parked for errand; 15 minutes later, car wouldn't start. Let it sit for a minute and it started right up. This happened 8 months ago (engine died at stop light after having been driven 30+ miles) but Subaru dealership could find nothing wrong. Also, radio speakers randomly will blast so loud it startles and distracts everyone in the car.

Filed Dec 3, 2025 · Electrical · CA

I experienced two serious electrical failures within a few days that caused the vehicle to stall without warning. At Nov 29, 2025, after parking for about 20 minutes, the car would not start. Symptoms included: • Very weak clicking from the starter • Dashboard flickering and dimming • Unable to shift out of Park without manual override • Jump-start did not work even though power was delivered The vehicle was towed to the Subaru dealer. The dealer reported: • Battery “low but fine after charging” • Alternator “normal” • Starter “normal” • No warning codes On Dec 2, 2025 the vehicle had been released without repairs. Only a few minutes after leaving the dealer, the car stalled in live traffic during an Auto Stop/Start event. Symptoms: • Immediate loss of all electrical power • All warning lights flashing erratically • Hazard lights did NOT illuminate externally • Gear shifter locked again • Vehicle would not restart on battery • Subaru roadside assistance jump-started the vehicle With Auto Stop/Start disabled, it was barely drivable and returned to the dealer. This appears to be a serious electrical or charging-system failure, possibly involving: • intermittent alternator failure • voltage collapse during Auto Stop/Start • BCM or power distribution fault The vehicle can stall unpredictably in traffic without warning, creating a significant risk of collision.This is not normal battery discharge — the battery was fully charged at the dealer minutes before the second failure. I am filing this complaint because this issue is dangerous and the dealer cannot reproduce or diagnose it. A formal investigation or recall may be necessary.

Filed Jul 21, 2025 · Driver assistance, Electrical · CT

Last year, my car would not start up again after the start stop feature activated in an intersection. This is after leaving the dealer who told me the car was fine. I’ve since replaced the battery. It still is sluggish to start at times. It is especially bad starting when start stop is activated. I turn the feature off every time I start the car. I’m worried every time I take a long trip I will get stranded. The dealer cannot find anything wrong with it they say. The automatic braking system is also horrible. It goes on prematurely and I’m sure damages the car.

Filed Feb 2, 2025 · Electrical · TX

2ND time car won't start. First time was 6m ago, pulled battery, tested, bad, replaced battery. Getting ready to charge battery, if bad, will tow to subaru dealership. Last time, subaru tested, said nothing wrong. if your car won't start, how do you function. Went on line and you can't believe how many people suffer with this. Seems like the same drain on the system, from starlink, lights, not shutting down like there supposed too.

Filed Dec 4, 2024 · Driver assistance, Electrical · KY

The car has been to the dealership five times for electrical/computer issues. First the main dash UI computer screen would occassionally lock up and freeze shutting all safety systems off. (cruise control, lane holding, blind spot warning, etc.) Then the battery failure issues started - basically four times the car when parked and sitting overnight for approximately one week - will not start and the battery is completely dead. This is a know Subaru issue with earlier models and even involved a class action lawsuit. Subaru has not fixed the issue in newer model cars and continues to deny it is an issue. This is gross negligence by continuing to make unsafe cars with the same flaw and nof fixing the issue.

Filed Oct 15, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · PA

Automatic auto off-on began to fail and car didn't start well. I began to disable the automatic auto on off while driving because it began to sound like it would stall out while stopped at a traffic light . Then I forgot to disable the automatic auto off on and car stalled out while stopped at a traffic light. I took it to dealer, Rafferty Subaru, they couldn't find anything wrong with it. Then a few days later check engine light and other icons started flashing on dashboard. I took it to dealer, they said the gas cap was off. For the next week the automatic auto off on sounded like it would fail so I disabled it, the car didn't start normally every morning, and it began to feel like it didn't shift correctly as I accelerated or slowed down. About one day later it suddenly lurched to almost a stop while driving, check engine light was flashing, other icons on dashboard were flashing, the Park Brake icon started flashing. The engine continued to run but I couldn't go more than 2 mph. I put it in park and it started to smell like something was burning so I turned it off. I had to have it towed to the dealer, Rafferty Subaru.

Filed Mar 3, 2024 · Electrical · TX

The vehicle has a power drain that occurs randomly. I purchased the vehicle used in Jan 2023. The car is driven daily at least 40-50 miles. The first occurrence it would not start in 11/23, jump started and it was fine for 3 months. The second time it would not start I checked the battery and it was completely drained. Jump started and I have had no problems yet. No accessories or lights were left on. I have a monitor on the OCB port and it shows the battery voltage on a 24 hour scale. I can see it drops down to a low level for a short time every 4-5 hours and then returns to normal. I don’t want to lose the battery in the middle of nowhere.

Filed Aug 4, 2022 · Electrical · NJ

Battery drained, car would not start. First occurrence with new car at 831 miles, battery diagnosed as defective and replaced by manufacturer. Second occurrence at 4620 miles after sitting unused 8 days at airport parking, battery drained and most "check engine" lights on after jump-starting. EyeSight and most safety features disabled until checked and reset by manufacturer. Manufacturer quote "CAUSE: Problem due to vehicle sitting for more than a week low battery voltage concern. Recharged battery and it passes test. 100009 No problem found." Maintenance rep said car is working to specs. However a periodic dead battery to seniors who do not drive daily but desperately need a reliable car in case of sudden emergencies is cause for a safety concern.