In the two years i have had this vehicle, i have had to replace the windshield twice. The first time, a pebble hit the windshield and a 6-8 inch crack immediately appeared, the crack increased in size over days and nearly went across the whole windshield. Because this was a few months after purchase, subaru replaced it. Now in march 2024 and another pebble hit the windshield, this one so small i didn't even see it and a 8 inch crack immediately appeared. The crack increased in days as well. Subaru would not cover it and told me to go through my insurance. I waited to get it repaired and during this time another pebble hit the glass. Again, another 6-8 inch crack. Subaru refuses to take responsibility that this is a manufacturer issue. I've had 3 other subaru vehicles and this never occurred.
The two map lights and the part referred to as the front overhead console has a defective design which at the least stops the lights from working properly, but at the worst, can start a fire. Subaru must be aware of the problem because it routinely change them. My vehicle listed above was ready for the installation of the third console when i said to myself, this one is not under warranty so let me call subaru. They agreed to cover part of the cost- now we are sure that subaru knows there is a fire hazard, didn’t report it, do a voluntary recall, or notify you. Am i eligible for money for whistleblowing? So i have pictures of the melted condition, and the repair. I also made a video of the repair. You can search re-engineering subaru ascent map light console if you want to see it. I figured the cause, developed a solution, and re-engineered it. I can, most can’t. I definitely shouldn’t have to get out a solder gun and repair the electrical components because they are defective. The problem is the design. The direction you push the light cover switch pushes the socket away from its contact. This creates a gap that causes heat that both melts the plastic, and also cracking and melting around the plate of metal that makes contact with the socket. I just soldered them together and have a light that works perfect, but i do have degraded cracked plastic around the socket, so i condenser it perhaps temporary, but better than hearing the light sizzle while arcing. Plus the lights work every time. You can search subaru ascent maplight and will find a bunch of people asking about the problem. For some it just stops working which is the best thing. For others you get sizzleing and a dim light. The resulting arcing also causes the light to turn off improperly and results in sizzling also. That’s should not be able to happen. Off is off. Let’s get this taken care of. We dont want injuries, or accident s because the light started smoking and distracted someone.
My complaint is the Outback head unit. This unit has a delaminated surface on the inside of the Outback touch screen. This was explained to me by the service manager, at the local Subaru dealer. The screen looks to have little bubbles inside the touch screen covering 45% of screen. During the daytime the sunlight shining on the screen and the bubbles, blocks the feed from the backup camera when the car is shifted in reverse. The head unit will also bounce the various apps in the unit, in a totally random pattern. From the radio (FM to Am to Sirius), then to the CD player, to car play and the blue tooth app. The head unit has added the navigation into the mix in the last week. The only way to negate this mess is to turn the head unit off while operating the vehicle. After talking with Subaru customer service and the Subaru dealer, my cost to replacement would be $345.90 and Subaru would cover the rest. This was discussed on March 5th. I have tried to get any updates for replacing the head unit and no one from the dealer or Subaru customer service have returned calls or text messages.
I want to add my report of oil loss in the hope a recall is made. I found out after purchase that 2012-2014 or 2015 has a known problem with piston rings. With normal local driving I need to top off the oil every couple of weeks. With longer trips, say a couple hours of driving one way, the oil gets a quarter to half way down on the dipstick. I carry oil for all roadtrips and can't forget to keep checking the level. My understanding from many sources online is that Subaru is aware they put in bad piston rings and just call it good enough or within spec, but dumping so much oil isn't right. This isn't a wear and tear problem, although it can get worse over time and lead to other problems. The problem goes away when the rings and the engine block is replaced. Scotty Kilmer on Youtube tells a story of a customer that complained enough and after being persistent had it fixed for free (piston rings and block), and still has no oil loss issues after 60k miles. He also recommended reporting it here. This engine is used in various Subaru's, not just the Legacy.
Windshields crack easily. I was using the original windshield and it was cracked on the passenger side. Common error of Subaru Outback. My car is only 37000miles.
I experienced a fuel leak while driving my car. It was leaking from the fuel lines in the engine bay. My fuel gauge was showing low and i had just refueled several days before. I didn't know it had a leak in the line. When i tried to put more gas in, the fuel ran out under the car. I had my car taken to the dealer where i had bought it less than two years ago. They called me and said it was a bad fuel line caused by squirrels biting the line. They said the insulation around the line had soy in its making which attracted them. I i got it back after a week. This is most certainly a safety hazard. They also said other makes and models have used these same components since 2010.
I experienced sudden acceleration in downtown and almost hit three cars, caused me to run three red lights and almost hit pedestrians. I had the car, 2017 Outback Subaru towed to the dealer and was told there are no recalls, but saw many problems listed on the NHTSA website. It was terrifying and still shakes me up when I think what could have happened. Subaru told me this was the first they have seen this and that I do not have the extended warranty and I would be held for the cost. I am beyond upset. They tried to have me pick up the car after finding nothing. I told them they are to keep it until they find the issue. I have a loaner from them.
The contact owns a 2024 subaru outback. The contact stated while driving 72 mph with no other vehicles nearby, the forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking system engaged inadvertently, and the vehicle came to a complete stop. The contact stated that he was able to continue driving; however, the vehicle started jerking and was hesitating while driving. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure related to the forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking system. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 100.
Over the course of 5 years, a lot has been mechanically wrong with our vehicle. Each service appointment yielded a 'cannot duplicate' response. Recently, my car has been in the service department a few times. My car had recall work performed on a ground bolt, and my husband advised them that the car had a 'rich fuel' smell when starting with the hood open. I've complained since 2021 of a smell when pulling up the mountain. The smell is what i described as a perm solution smell. Each time, the response was 'cannot duplicate. ' in february, i took the car in to have the exhaust inspected because it was getting louder each passing day. I was advised that the entire exhaust needed to be replaced, and i would be responsible for costs. I brought my car home, unrepaired, and called subaru of america to file a claim through them. I had repeatedly expressed concerns, and nothing was done, yet i'm expected to foot the bill now. Since february 12th, i have been back and forth with subaru and just made the appointment to get the exhaust work completed, with a small contribution from subaru. However, this past saturday, [xxx] my vehicle caught on fire while driving. I am fine, but my vehicle has now been deemed a total loss. As i was descending the mountain, i smelled the same 'perm solution' smell, and shortly after, there was smoke coming from under the hood. The smoke entered the cabin as i pulled off the road. Upon exiting the vehicle, flames and smoke were visible from the hood. I grabbed my purse and ran, called 911, and watched my vehicle engulfed in flames. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6)
Windshield cracked and replaced