Subaru Complaints

2020 Subaru Outback
  • Date of Incident: Apr-21, 2024
  • Date complaint filed: Apr-22, 2024
  • Failed components: VISIBILITY/WIPER

Have had to replace front windshield 4 times in less than two (2) years due to windshield being cracked by small debris from other vehicles passing by. These have been very minor rocks that have hit the windshield with three of the times it occurred at less than 40 mph. One occurred when i was driving in a residential area at 20 mph. One event occurred spontaneously overnight with the car sitting inside an enclosed garage. Took a picture of the latest event. Concerned that if the window cracks that easy, what would happen if i am in an accident. Subaru is aware of the problem. Windshields have not been inspected by others. No warning lamps, messages, et cetera are related to these events. Review of web comments reveal that it is not an isolated event. Seems to be a design issue and how their eyesight system affects the windshield design.

2022 Subaru Outback
  • Date of Incident: Apr-20, 2024
  • Date complaint filed: Apr-22, 2024
  • Failed components: VISIBILITY/WIPER

Windshield suffered a large stress crack while parked overnight. Came out to an 18” stress crack in the morning. A long, single, curved crack with no point of impact. Later in the day, still while parked, the stress crack extended half the width of the windshield. Took the car to the dealership and was informed that the windshield is not covered under warranty.

2016 Subaru CROSSTREK
  • Date of Incident: Sep-19, 2023
  • Date complaint filed: Apr-22, 2024
  • Failed components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

The contact owns a 2016 subaru crosstrek. The contact stated that while coming to a stop at a traffic signal, the vehicle was idling roughly. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but had become a recurring failure. The contact stated that the failure occurred frequently whenever the a/c was running. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the throttle body needed to be cleaned. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure returned, and the vehicle was taken back to the same dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the alternator and belt tensioner needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.

2018 Subaru Outback
  • Date of Incident: Mar-01, 2024
  • Date complaint filed: Apr-22, 2024
  • Failed components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Audio system does not work which does not allow - hands-free use of phone - sound alert when nearing railroad crossing - voiced directions when using waze

2018 Subaru Outback
  • Date of Incident: Apr-19, 2024
  • Date complaint filed: Apr-19, 2024
  • Failed components: VISIBILITY

The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle, she observed that the front windshield had a crack from the bottom leading upwards. The contact stated that the windshield had been replaced the week before. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the windshield needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 44,000.

2019 Subaru Forester
  • Date of Incident: Apr-19, 2024
  • Date complaint filed: Apr-19, 2024
  • Failed components: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while entering the vehicle, she noticed that the new windshield that was installed 11 days prior, was cracked. The contact stated that the windshield was previously replaced due to the same failure. The contact was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

2019 Subaru Outback
  • Date of Incident: Apr-13, 2024
  • Date complaint filed: Apr-19, 2024
  • Failed components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The contact's wife owned a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked for approximately 4 to 5 hours in the car port unattended, the contact noticed that the vehicle had caught fire near the rear driver's side and burned up a portion of the garage and house, The fence, a Datsun truck, two golf carts, and trees were burned. The contact was previously at the local dealer for routine service. The fire department was able to aid in extinguishing the fire. There were no reported injuries, crash or air bag deployment. The vehicle was towed to the junk yard. A police report was filed. The local dealer was not contacted after the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000.  The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company.

2024 Subaru CROSSTREK
  • Date of Incident: Jun-15, 2023
  • Date complaint filed: Apr-19, 2024
  • Failed components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Bullet 1: headlights defect bullet 2: i am blinded at night because when i have low beams on there are 4 distinct shadows projected on the road. I can’t drive at night because it not only is very distracting but blocks my vision of the left side of the road. Bullet 3: yes, the problem has been reproduced by the dealer at least twice bullet 4: it has not been checked by anyone except service and sales reps bullet 5: there are no warnings, this has been an issue since i started my lease.

2022 Subaru Outback
  • Date of Incident: Apr-15, 2024
  • Date complaint filed: Apr-18, 2024
  • Failed components: VISIBILITY/WIPER

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.

2019 Subaru ASCENT
  • Date of Incident: Apr-04, 2023
  • Date complaint filed: Apr-18, 2024
  • Failed components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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.

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