Subaru Outback key fob problems

Filed Sep 20, 2026 · Electrical, Steering · CA

9/20/26 my 2020 Subaru Outback experienced repeated electrical failures followed by loss of power-steering assistance. The underlying failed component is unknown. The vehicle is parked and available for inspection. While driving, the vehicle intermittently lurched/jerked as the center display went completely black and restarted and EyeSight repeatedly became unavailable and returned. After stopping for fuel, I attempted to restart the vehicle. It initially started and then became completely electrically unresponsive: no response from the push-button start and no accessory power. Electrical power unexpectedly returned after I opened the driver's door, and I was able to restart the vehicle. Later, while the engine was continuously running in a parking lot, the display repeatedly blacked out and restarted while EyeSight repeatedly became unavailable and returned. When I shifted into reverse, the vehicle began jerking and power-steering assistance failed. The steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn and jerked in my hands, preventing me from properly completing the reverse maneuver. I shut the vehicle off and restarted it, which temporarily restored steering. This unpredictable steering failure put me, my two children, and other road users at serious risk. After restarting, I had to travel 65 mph on a highway to get home. Had steering assistance failed again at highway speed, I could have lost lane control or been unable to avoid other vehicles or road users, potentially causing a serious or fatal crash. The vehicle has not yet been inspected for this incident. The repair facility has been notified and I intend to have it towed because I consider it unsafe to drive. Six weeks earlier, the facility inspected the battery, terminals and cables and marked them satisfactory. Prior warnings included EyeSight becoming unavailable, the display blacking out/restarting, and vehicle lurching. I observed no separate steering warning before steering assistance failed.

Filed Jul 30, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · 10,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2025 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start while attempting to start it. There were no warning lights illuminated. A tow truck company successfully jump-started the vehicle, and the vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact returned to retrieve the vehicle, and the key fob failed to operate, and the vehicle failed to start. The dealer provided a loaner vehicle. There was no indication that the battery had failed; however, the dealer replaced the battery. The dealer had not yet determined the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.

Filed Apr 18, 2026 · Electrical · NJ

This 021' outback XXX purchased in 023'/ 24k Mi Freehold subaru. freehold NJ 'if purchased new would've been on the desk of a local lemon law attorney by now. Over the few years the lock unlock function of key fobs stubbornly, randomly & repeadedly dont work. Freehold subaru saw no problem. Front passenger window months ago wouldn't go up. Freehold subaru supposed repaired at a cost to me. Recent cold weather with a brand new battery of 6 Mos old rendered the car unable to start or boost. Vehicle towed to Freehold tire center st freehold NJ, replaced a $400 battery. brought the 6 mo. old battery back to auto zone who load tested and advised nothing Wrong w battery? Not to mention the sub standard BS feature of coming to a stop, foot on brake & engine stopping-starting when proceeding? this is something of concern of being rolled over by an approaching truck in the rear of this 021' outback because 3 times when stopping at a red light the engine shut off and when proceeding, foot off the brake the engine wouldn't re-start & all the indicators on instrument cluster lit up, had to restart the car. Recent event where my wife, [XXX] old legally disabled- primary driver comes out of a store, starts the outback, puts in reverse to back out of a spot and the car dies. This vehicle is being brought into Freehold subaru south st. Freehold NJ Tues morning Apr. 21st 026' south st and is not being picked up due to it being unsafe to operate. Until all the issues are corrected. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 17, 2024 · Electrical · CA

DSM drawing too much power from battery when car is parked. DSM drawing 0.151k ohms to 0.017. Have complained to Subaru of Santa Cruz about this 3x. First they said it was the battery under recall and replaced the battery. Second time they thought I was leaving the key fob in the car (The fob is kept with me not in the car ). Third time they said the DSM is pulling too much power from the battery. Subaru has an extended warranty for the DSM for 2016-2018 outbacks but does not include my VIN number. This power draw and dead battery has put me in San Francisco late at night without a functional car. I did not have this independently evaluated before Subaru did a "jump box replacement" for $775.73.

Filed Aug 22, 2023 · Electrical · OR · 1 injury

The automatic back hatch came down with out pushing button or key fob. The fob was in the ignition and nobody was around to push the button to make it go down. It caused damage to my spine and gave me a concussion. Capitol Subaru of Salem Oregon said it was a Glitch that happens sometimes when wires get crossed. After they inspected. Plus changed information on our documents without our knowledge. It did go to Subaru for almost a month the said they found nothing in the EDR report. So they feel I do not need to see it.

Filed Mar 28, 2023 · 60 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the Navigation System failed to operate as needed. The instrument panel failed to illuminate properly. The contact stated that he attempted to turn off the vehicle; however, the push to start failed to operate. Additionally, when the contact attempted to lock the vehicle using the key fob, the vehicle failed to lock, and the alarm failed to engage. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the vehicle was inspected; however, the part to do the repair was on backorder. The failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60.

Filed Dec 13, 2022 · Electrical · TX

This model of vehicle has persistent electrical issues resulting in the vehicle dying or being unable to start. Replacing the battery does not resolve the issues. Placing the keyfob in Faraday cages to prevent drain also does not resolve the issues. Charging the battery to full before using the vehicle temporary delays the issues but 3-10 days later the vehicle will die again. The vehicle has undergone examination by a Subaru certified maintenance dealer and they insist no issue can be found and the vehicle passes all checks. Most recently the vehicle died within a few days of getting a complete check out and passing all tests. This affects safety because a vehicle dying from electrical failure may cause an accident due to an absence of power steering, braking, etc. The vehicle may also strand motorist in compromising environmental conditions such as extreme cold, heat, etc.

Filed Nov 10, 2022 · Electrical, Engine · 3,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The key fobs were inoperable. The battery warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that there was a low charge and the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 3,000.

Filed Sep 22, 2022 · Electrical, Locks · 27,097 miles · CT

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked in the garage, she was unable to open the door with the key fob. The contact stated that she was able to open the front driver’s side door with the key manually. The contact stated she was unable to start the vehicle. The contact's boyfriend attempted to jump start the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 27,097.

Filed Aug 18, 2022 · Electrical · NC

Persistent battery drain. Car was jumped a week ago because it wouldn't start at all. It has been sluggish to start (turns over a couple times before catching) since and had a major error with the rear hatch today despite starting up. Power rear hatch will alarm as open but then cannot be opened with key fob, button in car, or button on hatch. The rear alarm will ring consistently until car has been running for 10 min/reached 60 mph but restarts again at stop lights. It is currently scheduled to be looked at in 4 days, if it is able to be safely driven to the dealership.