2024 Subaru Outback Owner Complaints

I own a 2024 Subaru Outback Limited XT, VIN [XXX]. While traveling approximately 45–50 mph on a four-lane road with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) engaged, my vehicle suddenly and rapidly decelerated and automatically applied the brakes as I approached a police vehicle traveling in the lane immediately to my right. There was NOTHING in my lane for at least one mile ahead of me. The police vehicle was not in my lane. It was traveling in the adjacent lane to my right. As I approached the police vehicle, my Subaru unexpectedly began rapidly decelerating and automatically braking. I did not apply the brakes. There was no warning beep before the automatic braking occurred. The vehicle behaved as though it had detected an imminent collision or obstacle directly in its path, even though there was no vehicle, pedestrian, or other obstacle in my lane for at least a mile. The event occurred while Adaptive Cruise Control was engaged. I am concerned that the EyeSight/Adaptive Cruise Control and/or Pre-Collision Braking system incorrectly detected the police vehicle traveling in the adjacent lane as an obstacle or as being in my vehicle’s path. The sudden automatic braking at approximately 45–50 mph is a serious safety concern. A vehicle traveling behind me could have struck my vehicle because the deceleration was unexpected and there was no warning beep. This type of false or inappropriate automatic braking could cause a rear-end collision or other crash. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether 2024 Subaru Outback vehicles equipped with EyeSight and Adaptive Cruise Control are experiencing unintended or inappropriate automatic braking, phantom braking, or rapid deceleration when vehicles are traveling in an adjacent lane. I would like this complaint associated with other reports involving sudden braking, rapid deceleration, Adaptive Cruise Control, EyeSight, and Pre-Collision Braking in 2024 Subaru Outback vehicles. I am willing to provide additional informati INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION

NHTSA ID

11763292

Incident

Sep 4, 2026

My 2024 Subaru Outback rapidly deaccelerated/tried to stop in the middle of the highway twice! This is a safety issue and an accident waiting to happen. This car has been to the Subaru dealer 4 times for this issue and the dealer says they can’t figure it out. The last time the car slowed drastically and in the middle of the highway, we had three of our little grandkids (all under 6) in the backseat. It was very scary and it almost caused a very serious accident. I am now too afraid to ride in that car especially with my babies.

NHTSA ID

11763288

Incident

Sep 3, 2026

On at approximately XXX 5:30am, while driving my 2024 Subaru Outback Premium Northbound on [XXX] right in front of the [XXX], the EyeSight Driver Assist / Pre-Collision Braking system engaged with hard/sudden braking despite no vehicle, pedestrian, or object present in or near the roadway. There was a vehicle following behind me, and the sudden braking created a near rear-end collision. Road conditions were dry, weather was dark but clear, and traffic was light to moderate. I am concerned this represents a false-positive activation of the automatic emergency braking system that poses a collision risk. I am requesting this be logged as a safety complaint against the vehicle's Collision Avoidance/EyeSight system. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11762971

Incident

Sep 9, 2026

Automatic braking applied without warning . It activated with no imminent threat and cause my car to stop on the road . It would not go forward pushing the gas pedal and I had to stop in the road completely and put it in park and then put it in drive before I could proceed down the road .

NHTSA ID

11762961

Incident

Sep 8, 2026

I own a 2024 Subaru Outback Limited XT, VIN [XXX]. While traveling approximately 45–50 mph on a four-lane road with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) engaged, my vehicle suddenly and rapidly decelerated and automatically applied the brakes as I approached a police vehicle traveling in the lane immediately to my right. There was NOTHING in my lane for at least one mile ahead of me. The police vehicle was not in my lane. It was traveling in the adjacent lane to my right. As I approached the police vehicle, my Subaru unexpectedly began rapidly decelerating and automatically braking. I did not apply the brakes. There was no warning beep before the automatic braking occurred. The vehicle behaved as though it had detected an imminent collision or obstacle directly in its path, even though there was no vehicle, pedestrian, or other obstacle in my lane for at least a mile. The event occurred while Adaptive Cruise Control was engaged. I am concerned that the EyeSight/Adaptive Cruise Control and/or Pre-Collision Braking system incorrectly detected the police vehicle traveling in the adjacent lane as an obstacle or as being in my vehicle’s path. The sudden automatic braking at approximately 45–50 mph is a serious safety concern. A vehicle traveling behind me could have struck my vehicle because the deceleration was unexpected and there was no warning beep. This type of false or inappropriate automatic braking could cause a rear-end collision or other crash. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether 2024 Subaru Outback vehicles equipped with EyeSight and Adaptive Cruise Control are experiencing unintended or inappropriate automatic braking, phantom braking, or rapid deceleration when vehicles are traveling in an adjacent lane. I would like this complaint associated with other reports involving sudden braking, rapid deceleration, Adaptive Cruise Control, EyeSight, and Pre-Collision Braking in 2024 Subaru Outback vehicles. I am willing to provide additional INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION

NHTSA ID

11762881

Incident

Sep 4, 2026

On our long driveway, the car strongly accelerated with no gas pressure. I firmly pushed the brake and brought it to a stop. Upon lifting the brake again, it immediately accelerated entirely on its own with no use of the gas pedal. Heavy braking stopped it again. The same exact thing happened a few more times, the only way to prevent runaway acceleration was to forcefully apply the brakes. We safely parked the car. This experience was extremely alarming. Had we not been in our driveway and on the street, we could have been in a serious accident. The SUV was totally out of our control.

NHTSA ID

11762582

Incident

Sep 6, 2026

Primary Symptom: Spontaneous thermal stress fracture propagating across the front windshield. Origin Point: Extreme bottom-right outer edge, directly beneath the passenger-side windshield wiper blade. Inspection History: Initial warranty coverage denied by Sheehy Subaru. A second opinion at Farrish Subaru on August 14, 2026, also resulted in a denial, with the service advisor claiming a chip was found under the wiper blade. Safety Hazard: The crack continues to expand rapidly during normal driving conditions, directly impacting visibility and creating an ongoing structural safety I am filing a safety complaint regarding a spontaneous windshield failure on my 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness. While parked overnight, a clean, continuous crack developed starting at the extreme bottom edge of the glass on the passenger side, directly underneath the windshield wiper blade. The crack exhibits no radiating starburst or spiderweb patterns typical of a high-velocity stone or road debris impact. Two authorized Subaru retailers (Sheehy Subaru and Farrish Subaru) have denied warranty coverage under the 3-year/36,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The dealerships claim an almost microscopic chip point of impact exists under the wiper blade. However, this point sits completely shielded behind the mechanical arm of the wiper blade where external road impact is physically impossible. The superficial pit is a structural stress fracture point caused by excessive residual tension in the acoustic glass, a well-documented manufacturing defect in recent Subaru model years. This constitutes a critical safety hazard as the structural integrity of the acoustic windshield is compromised, and the crack continues to expand rapidly across the field of vision while driving. Subaru of America refuses to acknowledge this systemic glass fragility defect. I request that NHTSA investigate continuing acoustic glass tension failures in 2024 models to force a safety recall.

NHTSA ID

11757040

Incident

Aug 2, 2026

I am filing this complaint regarding the premature wear and replacement of all 4 tires on my 2024 Subaru Outback at approximately 30,000 miles. I believe the tire wear was excessive for a new vehicle and raises concerns about tire durability and vehicle safety. I am requesting that NHTSA document this complaint and review whether similar complaints have been reported. I have documentation service records and associated costs and can provide additional information. I also requested reimbursement from Subaru America (case #260709-1500515) which was denied. Subaru's response was to file a complaint with the tire manufacturer - Yokohama.

NHTSA ID

11756969

Incident

Jul 10, 2026

Large crack spontaneously formed in window whiled parked overnight. No visible indications of impact. Suspect related to it being very hot out.

NHTSA ID

11756608

Incident

Aug 12, 2026

My battery prematurely drained and it caused my car to not start at all. It's a new car and was checked at the dealership and was confirmed to be in perfect working order when I bought it. Not even six months of owning it and then battery died, I had to pay out of pocket for a replacement battery. I can't imagine what could've happened, had I been actively driving it. It has not been taking to a dealership to officially confirm the issue but I've seen the recent lawsuits and know my vehicle falls within the affected vehicles. There was absolutely NO warnings. My car just would not turn on. All the dash lights would just quickly flash at me and then go dark, I'd get an "Ignition on" message but couldn't do anything at all. Car would even try turning on.

NHTSA ID

11754295

Incident

Jul 14, 2026

Vehicle was not accelerating properly, so took to the dealership (Mike Shaw Subaru) to have work completed. Technicians indicated that the engine valves (shim valves) all had to be replaced and other work needed to be performed such as: Intake manifold, shim valves, gasket throt chamber. After dealership assured me that all work was performed and car was okay to take home, the next time it was driven it burst into flames. After filling the tank with gas the vehicle was at a red light. Once accelerator was pushed the vehicle engine burst into flames. Unsure if it is a faulty part or incompetent technician

NHTSA ID

11753053

Incident

Dec 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2024 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer for routine service. After retrieving the vehicle, approximately two days later, while driving 30 MPH on a windy day, the hood opened unexpectedly and crashed onto the front windshield. The driver was able to close the hood. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer. The dealer determined that the hood was bent. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer provided a loaner vehicle. The manufacturer declined liability for the damages. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.

NHTSA ID

11752150

Incident

Jun 17, 2026

Mileage

32,000 mi

Accident! Deer walked out in front of car resulting in front end collision then semi truck smashed into rear of vehicle car then spun around resulting in side impact. No air bag deployed in the vehicle. Vehicle was considered a total loss! Both individuals in the vehicle were transported to hospital and subsequently released. Vehicle was inspected by insurance adjuster and the Ohio highway patrol.

NHTSA ID

11749698

Incident

May 8, 2026

This is a follow-up to NHTSA Complaint #11744977 regarding the Occupant Detection System on a 2024 Subaru Outback. The passenger airbag indicator showed "off" twice, on separate drives, with two different adult passengers seated normally during regular highway driving. Shifting the seat made the light come back on both times. Since filing the original complaint, the dealer kept the vehicle for multiple weeks, opened a national technical case with Subaru, and performed a "zero-point calibration" of the ODS sensor. Subaru of America opened Case #260618-1500443. A Subaru of America specialist then told us a technician took one test drive, could not reproduce the issue, found no mechanical problem, and concluded the vehicle is "operating as designed." They suggested the original incidents may have been related to "passenger positioning," but did not identify or test any specific position. Subaru has closed the case on this basis. We do not believe a single test drive that failed to reproduce an intermittent fault proves there is no defect. The known failure mechanism in related Subaru ODS recalls — degraded sensor connections and moisture-related circuit damage — is intermittent by nature and would not reliably show up on demand. This vehicle has an unresolved passenger airbag issue that was recalibrated, not diagnosed. The case was closed without identifying a root cause. We are filing this update so the pattern is part of the record.

NHTSA ID

11745452

Incident

May 7, 2026

Driver and adult passenger were traveling at highway speed on the NJ Turnpike. The passenger noticed that the airbag light on the display showed "Passenger Airbag OFF" We stopped at the next rest area and found guidance online that the Occupant Detection System sometimes doesn't properly register the weight in the seat so shifting the seat could turn the airbag back on. We did this and the light did come back on. We continued our trip. Shortly after the same issue occurred again. We shifted the seat again and the light came on again. We are not satisfied that the ODS is working properly and the risk is too great to have the burden of readjusting the seat to make a sensor work properly so that airbags, which are consequential safety features, will deploy in the event of a crash. Airbags must function to protect passengers and this is not functioning correctly. The dealer said there is nothing wrong, yet we are aware of an ODS recall for prior year Subaru Outbacks that were displaying similar issues. We want this fixed so we don't have to worry. It is not safe to be traveling in a car and to have to worry about whether your air bag is turned on or adjusting a seat to hope it turns back on.

NHTSA ID

11744977

Incident

May 7, 2026

The entertainment system is dangerous and actively so. The system pushes pop up advertisements for sirius xm among other distracting features that require taking attention away from the roadway to dismiss

NHTSA ID

11741760

Incident

May 16, 2026

Sirius XM ads keep popping up at random times removing the ability to use or see the media display unless you press the small X on the far side away from the driver. Usually happens when starting the car, sometimes happens when you are driving regardless of speed. Has happened multiple times and causes distraction and is more than potentially dangerous. Can not opt out of it on the car, have talked to Sirius on the phone and told them I do not want their service. They don't care.

NHTSA ID

11741713

Incident

Jun 2, 2026

While driving, a SiriusXM advertisement popped up in the center infotainment screen that controls not only the radio, but several of the driver assistance and climate control features of the car. They created it in a way that makes calling the advertiser very easy, with a big centrally-located button, and clearing the advertisement out with a tiny x over by the passenger side of the screen. I had to pull over in order to safely regain control of the screen.

NHTSA ID

11741707

Incident

Jun 2, 2026

Sirius XM advertisement popped up twice today while I was driving, effectively preventing me from following navigation guidance on the screen. I had to take my eyes off the road and find the “x” on the screen to close the advertisement, so I could continue following the navigated route. An accident could have happened during this time. This advertisement is unnecessary and UNWANTED. I never approved of receiving Sirius XM ads, nor can I option out of receiving them and they take up the whole screen at random times.

NHTSA ID

11741699

Incident

Jun 2, 2026

More than 3 times, I have had a SiriusXM pop-up completely covering my Subaru Outback's headunit screen while I was actively driving. It completely disables all functions on the screen until you are able to click the small red X in the far right corner, away from the driver. Even though the message says you can call to opt out, if you call Sirius, they will tell you there is no way to opt out of the messages in the car. This is crazy unsafe, and Sirius needs to be forbidden from doing this and punished for its current actions.

NHTSA ID

11741690

Incident

May 29, 2026

Before I begin my commute, I’m greeted by a persistent message within the center infotainment display from the satellite radio service provider SirusXM. The message will not go away until manually closed out, as the exit button is farther away from the drivers reach (more accessible from the passenger side). This can lead to distracted driving, especially if you’ve already expressed no interest in the service, prior to its other attempts. It also doesn’t help that the center console is frustratingly non responsive for the first few minutes during every vehicle startup. There’s also a number displayed on the screen to call SirusXM to opt out of the messages but the attempt is useless as they will corner you into purchasing subscription. I shouldn’t have to do this for a vehicle I own and the monopoly that service presents as the only satellite provider is anti competition.

NHTSA ID

11741653

Incident

Jun 2, 2026

Many controls are integrated within the main infotainment screen on the 2024 Outback. Every month or so, a SiriusXM advertisement will randomly pop-up on the screen, taking up the entire screen, rendering all screen controls/buttons useless. This is a safety concern, as not only screen controls are blocked when this ad appears, but air and comfort controls are blocked until the ad pop-up is closed.

NHTSA ID

11741644

Incident

Jun 1, 2026

On multiple occasions, the car's onboard, factory-installed user interface system (the computer screen that operates climate control, navigation, entertainment, etc.) has pushed pop-up ads for Sirius FM. These pop-ups persist and interfere with operating of the system. This presents a driving distraction and hazard due to (1) operator attention is drawn from the road, (2) normal function of the screen is not possible, and (3) the operator is required to interact with the screen to close the pop-up. Nor does the screen expire and simply go away - it persists until the operator takes action. The marketing cannot be turned off and there is no opt. Also, it is not limited to SiriusFM customers - I have never been a user or subscriber. Sirius FM stated that the pop-up marketing is built into the software the Subaru installed in the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11741584

Incident

Jun 2, 2026

On deceleration the cars CVT has an intermittent shudder. Sometimes minor sometime severe making it feel like the wheels will slow too quickly and lose contact with the road. The dealer verified the problem changed the transmission control module and re programmed it. That did not correct the problem. I can’t force it to recreate the problem it happens when one least expects it.i take the car on only long trips to visit family in NY 600 miles away and during the trip it happens multiple times times. Brought it back to the dealer and although they previously confirmed the problem it did not do it for them this time and corporate would not allow further diagnosis other than a test drive and scan for codes. The problem doesn’t cause a code to be created. In my opinion as a person who worked on cars for 55 years, the next logical step would be to drop the CVT pan and inspect the fluid for metallic particles or contamination. When doing a deep dive into potential causes of the problem 1 make sure the programming is up to date , confirmed. Second the torque converter is not fully disengaging. This causes tires to nearly lock up and a potential loss of control. The dealer can only do what corporate allows. Corporate is willing to pay to have them drive the car around, at my liability if they have an accident . But not pay for 5 quarts of CVT fluid and the time to drop the pan and inspect it potentially putting my life and my passengers lives in danger.

NHTSA ID

11739936

Incident

Oct 1, 2024

Windshield moulding disconnected from body. It is the same part and the same issue that you have flagged in this TSB [XXX] but for some reason this doesn't cover 2024 even though the 2024s are subject to the same issue. Dealer refuses to fix as this TSB does not include 2024. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11736327

Incident

May 3, 2026