Subaru Outback overheating problems

Filed Sep 25, 2026 · VA

2010-2018 TR580 Outback Torque Converter Lock-up failure symptoms in TSB 16-90-13R fits my 2011 Subaru Outback. 2.5I Premium, (TSB) Originally issued on 1/6/2014 + later revised on 5/7/2014, Early yrs of the TR580 suffer from TCLUF, which causes stalls + bogs down during stops or idling at traffic lights, premature wear, valve-body/solenoid failure, overheating, breakdown of transmission fluid/coolant + Catastrophic Chain Failure. These issues were exacerbated by Subaru specifying these transmissions have a "lifetime fluid" that never has 2 be replaced. Most Subaru failures were related 2 fluid breakdowns. The Subaru lineartronic CVT, designed in house by Subarun2 integrate w the company's longitudinal boxer engines + AWD system, built by Subaru in Ōizumi, Town in Ora District, Gunma Prefecture, Japan. lineartronic launched about 7 yrs after Nissan's 2003 X-Tronic CVT arrived here. Nissan had lots of trouble w early CVT's which led 2 transmission failures. As is the case w most new tech in a specific market sector, especially CVT's, the most Subaru CVT problems occurred in the 1st few model yrs. Each time my family or myself drive we are putting our lives in dire jeopardy, risk + danger of wrecking + even lost of life, too many close calls by peeps that almost rear ended us at a light, because of bogging down or almost stalling. The engine shudders + RPM drops very low as the vehicle stops, feeling as though a man trans car is stopping w/o a clutch being pressed. The problem was never fixed or looked into by 2 different dealerships + even though Subaru issued TSB 16-90-13R, identified wear of internal torque converter thrust washer as that wear can prevent lock up clutch from releasing properly, effectively keeping engine mechanically connected 2 transmission as vehicle stops. Subaru's corrective part used a needle bearing design instead of the earlier solid bushing. [XXX] on test drive about issue + was told nothings wrong, Car got inspected every yr since 16 w INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF

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 May 7, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · NJ

Thermo Control Valve Failure- Contact Subaru of Cherry Hill, NJ for Inspection 177,4XX Miles P26A5 code Check engine Light on, Disabled Safety Systems (Eyesight System), Car may have overheated if not pulled over and turned off. Part of warranty extension but did not qualify due to mileage.

Filed Jan 9, 2026 · 2,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2025 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while using the original wireless charger and the cellular device would overheat. The contact was concerned that the wireless charger overheating could potentially cause a fire. The contact researched on Google and retrieved information about the dangers of using a wireless charger. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to have the wireless charger, and the contact was informed that the charger was working as intended. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the wireless charger was working as designed. The approximate failure mileage was 2,000.

Filed Oct 30, 2025 · Driver assistance, Engine · NC

CRITICAL ELECTRICAL FAILURE - HIGHWAY SAFETY HAZARD 10/23/2025: While driving 2025 Outback (11K miles) at highway speed on I-485 Charlotte, complete electrical system failure occurred without warning. ALL dashboard lights illuminated, COMPLETE LOSS of power steering (steering extremely heavy/difficult to control), all safety systems failed (ABS, brake sensors, traction control). SAFETY DANGER: Sudden power steering loss at 65mph made vehicle nearly uncontrollable. Required extreme force to steer to shoulder. Could have caused fatal crash during emergency maneuver or in traffic. IMPROPER WARRANTY DENIAL: Dealer claimed "cut wire" was "outside influence" but provided NO evidence how wire became accessible on properly designed vehicle. No photos, forensics, or proof. Vehicle never modified/damaged, only normal highway use. PATTERN DEFECT - SUBARU OUTBACK ELECTRICAL FAILURES: - 2020 Outback: 873 the federal safety agency complaints, electrical failures, battery drain, module failures - 2017 Outback: 893 complaints, "Do Not Drive" warning, steering control loss - the federal safety agency 23V‑551: 35,357 Subarus recalled for wiring harness "insufficient clearance" causing wire damage, short circuits, power loss - 2019-22 Ascent: 271,694 recalled for electrical overheating from improper wiring COMMON DEFECT: Improper wire routing, inadequate protection, vulnerable placement - DESIGN/MANUFACTURING DEFECTS not owner damage. CONCERN: If critical wire accessible to damage after only 11K miles normal driving, this is design deficiency. Properly engineered vehicles protect wiring from road debris, vibration, weather. REQUEST: Investigate 2025 Outback electrical/wiring design. Review for pattern failures. Determine if recall warranted. Complete power steering loss on highway is life-threatening defect. Vehicle: New 2025, maintained per schedule, no modifications/accidents. Subaru denying valid warranty claims by falsely claiming "outside influence" without proof.

Filed Apr 18, 2025 · Electrical · VA

Subaru accessory QI Wireless phone charger (H671SAN202) consistently overheats phone causing it to shut down. Dealer acknowledged the part can be specific in the way it operates. I followed guidance to remove case and try reorienting which still produced the same results.

Filed Jan 21, 2025 · Transmission, Wheels · WV

Vehicle had 45,000 miles on it when right rear wheel bearing failed. It was covered under 5 year/60,000 mile warranty and was repaired today by a certified Subaru dealer and I no longer have the bad part for inspection. Safety risks would be anything that occurs from a bad wheel bearing like wobble, seizing, overheating, and more damage to other drivetrain components. You could hear the wheel bearing noise at 20 mph constant while driving, only getting louder with increased speed. No warning lights were present on the dash. I feel like at 45,000 miles, a wheel bearing should not be failing.

Filed Jan 13, 2025 · Engine, Steering · 201,206 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH or above, the front end and the steering wheel were shaking abnormally. While driving at various speeds, there was a metallic grinding sound coming from the passenger side of the vehicle. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal went to the floorboard and the braking distance became extended. The contact stated that the brakes were squeaking while the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated that the brakes, check engine, power steering, and engine overheating warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer seven times; however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failures. The contact stated that the dealer replaced the passenger’s side rear wheel bearing. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 201,206.

Filed Dec 31, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · CO · 1 injury

Coolant leak, steering power fluid leak, break pad leak, gasoline line leak, seat heater, clicking noise after turning off car, leaking seats and rear view mirror also leaking, steering wheel expanding due to possible air bag, heater and ac vents lose and also chemical smell/gas/coolant coming from front and back of car, sunroof not secured. Every wiring wet, charger port in middle compartment wet when plugging something in. Everything auto does not work. Car sounds like something is constantly leaking air or gas somewhere, even when off. My safety was at risk by having severe chemical burns on my skin everywhere, hair falling out due to exposure, almost passing out while driving due to inhaling components, low visibility due to auto dimming in rear view and side mirrors. The problem has not been confirmed due to me being in a financial bind at the moment. The car has not been inspected. due to financial problems I am not able to get the vehicle looked at. There were no warnings except for the blue temp light came on but immediately will shut back off. Car also severely vibrates when turning on. They started appearing around against of 2024

Filed Oct 28, 2024 · Driver assistance · CA

This complain is specific to the wireless charging pad featured in the Touring 2023 model I leased. The wireless charging pad overheats very quickly, thus overheating the phone it's charging. Even if the device is just plugged into a charging cord, located right next to the charging pad, it will overheat the phone, sometimes to the degree that the phone and the screen console will go blank. This has been incredibly dangerous when using the screen for navigation on the highway and the whole thing goes black/malfunctions, and this has happened quite a few times. The other frustrating issue is that the battery of my phone has overheated many times so it doesn't hold much of a charge anymore. The other issue is that the Eyesight function, which is necessary for cruise control, goes out often and completely malfunctions in head-on strong sunlight, which is often in Southern California.