2024 Subaru Outback Problems

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

Sunroof exploded outwards while driving.

All of my safety systems malfunctioned. On a Subaru vehicle it is called “eyesight.” in order to make all of them work again, the dealership had to perform an ECM update. They did not have to replace anything or repair anything. They had to update software. This is on a two-year-old car with 38,000 miles. Because it was 2000 miles out of the base warranty I was charged $400 for them to do an update on my vehicle to make all of the safety features function again.

Continued issue with phantom reverse automatic emergency braking occurring while backing up from my driveway causing the car to fully brake without me touching the brake pedal at all once the vehicle is into the street. The only time it doesn’t occur is when continuous brake pressure is applied while backing out. This has caused the car to come to complete harsh jerking stop, whipping my head and neck forward and back several times. Each time, there are NO people, cars, or anything around that could be seen as a potential hazard.

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.

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.

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

My 2024 Subaru Outback has twice become inoperable while stopped at a traffic signal. In both incidents, the engine was off while stopped, but the vehicle remained powered on and would not restart. The vehicle also would not properly power down. The car could not be safely driven or moved and required towing both times. This created a serious safety hazard because the vehicle became disabled in active traffic and could not be restarted or properly shut down. After the first incident (on [XXX]), the Subaru dealership replaced the battery. Approximately 4 weeks ([XXX]) later, the exact same failure occurred again. The dealership has now had the vehicle for approximately three weeks and states they cannot replicate the issue. No cause has been identified and no repair has been made. During one of these incidents, my [XXX] child was in the vehicle while we were stranded in traffic. This appears to be a repeat electrical / ignition / operability failure affecting the vehicle’s ability to restart or properly shut down after stopping in traffic. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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.

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.

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.

The contact owns a 2024 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving and coming to a stop, the vehicle shuddered and jerked unexpectedly. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was test-driven, and the failure was duplicated. The dealer replaced the transmission control module and reprogrammed the transmission; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was test-driven, but the failure could not be duplicated, and no diagnostic trouble codes were found. The contact requested a more thorough diagnostic test of the vehicle; however, the dealer declined. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The contact stated that the manufacturer had not approved the request for a thorough diagnostic test due to the cost. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.

The contact owns a 2024 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the ABS, All-Wheel Drive, Auto Start/Stop, Auto Vehicle Hold, Brake System, Traction Control, Parking Brake, and CTA warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the steering wheel became firm, making it difficult to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 2,800.

String wheel locked and couldn't start engine. Called dealer, who said to jiggle the transmission while attempting to turn the steering wheel. After three or four tries, everything freed up and everything ran normally. The dealer rep in the service dept said that that had happened to her "a few times"and there wasn't any way to fix it. Dealer doesn't want to see or inspect, no warning lights or anything else associated with this failure. First happened on Friday 13 July 2024. Hasn't happened since. What would prevent the steering wheel from locking up while driving? The dealer service rep said if we couldn't fix it by jiggling things, we would have to have it towed in. This doesn't seem to agree with the prior statement that there wasn't any way to fix the problem.

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.

DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT CONTOUR DO NOT PROVIDE PROPER LUMBAR SUPPORT. ALSO WHILE ANCHORING THE CAR SEAT ON THE REAR SEAT WITH KNOEE DOWN MAKES TO HEAR CRACKING NOISE FROM THE WOODEN BASE BOARD.

Headlights appear to be adjusted too high from the factory, causing considerable distress to other drivers who are blinded by my bright LED headlights shining directly into their cabin. At night, oncoming drivers are flashing their lights at me constantly, thinking my brights are on. In fact, it's difficult to tell when my brights are on because the headlights are aimed so high that the brights make little difference in terms of sight distance. I asked the dealership to check the lights and all they were able to tell me is that "it's a common complaint." Numerous online forums provide instructions for adjusting the headlight angle downward.

This vehicle has severe CVT problems. It shifts back and forth with a clunk on level roads at a steady speed. I have a 2015 Murano with over 80,000 miles that does not display this type of behavior. I am driving a loaner which is a 2023 Subaru with the same engine and transmission as mine and it has none of my safety problems. The additional safety problems are: very poor resolution on backup camera and incorrect guidance lines; we are a hands free state and my voice command will not properly make calls; built in nav is horrible and Android Auto doesn't work; Adaptive headlights don't work; lane centering hugs the left side of the lane to a degree that I have to pull to the right if a vehicle is passing me; Auto rear braking does not work properly. The rest of the items are more of a nuisance than safety oriented. I have owned over a dozen Subarus without having any issues.

Continued issue with phantom reverse automatic emergency braking occurring while backing up from my driveway causing the car to fully brake without me touching the brake pedal at all once the vehicle is into the street. The only time it doesn’t occur is when continuous brake pressure is applied while backing out. This has caused the car to come to complete harsh jerking stop, whipping my head and neck forward and back several times. Each time, there are NO people, cars, or anything around that could be seen as a potential hazard.

While going 65-70 mph on the freeway the car began braking on its own with no cars nearby. It almost came to a complete stop but then started moving, then hesitated once more before releasing. I reported it to the dealership. They said they could try to recalibrate but otherwise I should contact Subaru of America because I no longer felt safe on busy California freeways.

Severe tramilining effect from tires. Risk of personal injury Tramilining effect confirmed by Courtesy Subaru, Rapid City and Heuberger Subaru Colorado Springs, CO. Inspected prior to accident right rear camber out of specification. No warning lights or messages from vehicle

The contact owns a 2024 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that after the purchase of the vehicle, the dealer informed the contact to schedule an appointment to install the trailer hitch harness. The contact was informed by the dealer that the vehicle could tow a capacity of 3,500 lbs. The contact wanted to attach a camper to the trailer hitch. The contact was then informed by the dealer when the dealer attempted to install the hitch harness that the vehicle did not have any trailer brakes to which the tow harness could not be installed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the dealer would not install the trailer brakes and referred the contact to an independent mechanic for further assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 3,395.

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)

Two times already the driver side door of the 2024 Subaru Outback opened while driving. One time it was on the freeway, at freeway speeds. The second time happened today 4/6/2024 while driving on a city street. Both times once the vehicle was in motion, there was no indication, no chime, or anything that suggested that the door latch wasn't closed. To be specific, the door actually opened, free from the latch. This was concerning and a safety issue especially when this happened on the freeway, as I was on the left lane. I was able to safely pull to the right and close the door. No lights, no warnings. Nothing.

The engine, running at idle in and out of gear, did not respond to input from the gas pedal. Pushing the gas pedal did not have any effect on the engine revs. This was dangerous because I was attempting to enter a busy roadway and suddenly was faced with zero throttle response although the engine was still running and was in gear. The car has 5,300 miles. The transmission failed at 1,300 miles and was replaced by the dealer. The present incident began when, for unknown reasons, the car battery did not have enough power to start the car after being parked for 30 minutes. I got a jump start, and after letting car run for several minutes, attempted to leave the parking lot as described above. The car would move in forward and reverse at idle speed, but there was absolutely no response to gas pedal input. The car was towed to the dealer who will look into this.

On 1/12/24, I was backing up my vehicle in the driveway, the vehicle suddenly stopped, thinking I was going to backup into the gate. I was surprised because I didn't think I was that close. I slightly tapped the gas pedal to move slowly forward when the car suddenly accelerated and lunged forward. I couldn't stop the car, by braking, for 56 feet. I was able to avoid hitting another car, parked on the street, by driving into the large bushes along the sidewalk of my home. The only damage that occurred was the destruction of some bushes and the damage to the vehicle is to be determined. No injuries. The Subaru dealership had Eyesight adjustments on 1/08/24.

My vehicle currently has only 27,500 miles, yet it has been producing a loud and disturbing thud or clunk whenever the vehicle encounters bumps in the road. This problem began earlier this year and the ride quality has progressively deteriorated. I brought the vehicle to Subaru dealer for diagnosis and was informed that the rear stabilizer bushings required replacement and was provided with part number 20464AN000. I was told they are back-ordered. It's been almost two months with no part in sight. This is the same part being allocated to new 2026 Outback production while existing customers are left driving defective vehicles. That priority is indefensible and unacceptable. Aside from being unpleasant, the noise raises legitimate concerns about the safety and durability of a relatively new vehicle.

Severe tramilining effect from tires. Risk of personal injury Tramilining effect confirmed by Courtesy Subaru, Rapid City and Heuberger Subaru Colorado Springs, CO. Inspected prior to accident right rear camber out of specification. No warning lights or messages from vehicle