2023 Subaru Outback: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Sep 14, 2023 · Lights · CT

The contact owns a 2023 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the headlights were very dim while driving at night. Additionally, the contact stated that a black square shadow would appear in the illumination of both headlights which also impaired her vision while driving at night. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who found no defect with the vehicle. The contact was then referred to the manufacturer for further assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a complaint was filed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Aug 28, 2023 · Lights · WA

I purchased this Outback and did not test drive at night (assuming I'd never have issues with headlight functionality). Upon driving at night, however, there are safety issues with the low beams. As others have mentioned, there are two shadow artifacts near the top of the field of vision that move from side to side. They are distracting (almost looks like an animal darting across the road) and dangerous. Secondly, the cutoff line with the projector headlights on low-beams severely limits field of vision. I have to slow way down going around curves and down hills, as I can only see about 20 feet in front of the vehicle. I tried adjust the headlights up higher, but that just causes on-coming drivers to constantly flash me. I owned a 2015 Outback before this and had none of these issues. In researching forums, this is a widespread issue: [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 7, 2023 · Lights · CA

When the headlamp selector is in Automatic Mode, automatic high beams are also enabled by default. The issue is that the automatic high beam headlamps do not function well at all. They defeat the high beam selection if any ambient light is detected and are far too sensitive. As a result, if there are streetlights, city lights, or even snow on the ground, the high beam headlamps cannot be turned on while in the automatic mode. It’s got to be pitch dark, and even then it takes some time for the high beams to come on after selecting them with the switch. This presents an Immediate safety concern in the inability to use high beam headlamps. The owner’s manual (p 574) says this feature can be disabled, but Subaru refuses to change this setting citing legal requirements and safety concerns (that one may use the high beams to blind oncoming traffic). Their proposed solution is to temporarily disable the system on every drive by turning the headlamp selector from Auto to ON, however this is only a workaround and does not solve the underlying safety issue. If a driver has not previously thought to change the headlamp selector to ON, their high beams are likely unavailable for use. I’ve attached the response from Subaru North America. I’ve had several conversations with Premier Surbau of Fremont, most recently with Devin in Service, who has said they refuse to modify the setting.

Filed Mar 28, 2023 · Lights · PA

Issue with low beams. I live in a rural area with limited street lighting. Low beam Visibility approx.15 ft. or less. Once or if I would observe an object or person on the roadway my stopping distance would be limited. A hooded shadow from the lighting limits the visibility. E mailed Subaru who suggested I have the dealer could help with my problem. They adjusted the lights. Now I have oncoming traffic flicking their high beams.

Filed Dec 20, 2022 · Lights · NJ

This car is equipped with adaptive headlights. When the headlights are turned on, each projects a rectangular shadow. These shadows move when you drive and look like animals coming across the road. Apparently, Subaru says this is normal operation. The dealer noted that it is an issue but Subaru has no remedy. This is a safety issue as your eyes automatically follow the shadows as it seems like there is something running across the front of the vehicle. An investigation is requested as this is a major safety issue as it distracts your eyes from the road ahead.