The 2024 Subaru Outback has major defects with the electrical system, visibility and the engine. Even though the Outback has been on America’s roads since 1994, there seem to be complaints over the integrity of the build. With the Outback in its 6th generation, the problems are mounting faster than expected.
The defective electrical system is sitting on top of the complaints about the 2024 Outback. It also struggles with visibility and engine concerns, both of which affect the safety of this vehicle.
Auto braking engages on its own: Drivers struggle to keep the auto braking from activating when it shouldn’t. One driver wrote about how, while backing into a parking spot, the reverse auto braking system engaged. When it disabled automatically, it led to them crashing into a cement wall when the car unexpectedly accelerated.
Driver monitoring disables: On its own, the driver monitoring system may also disable unexpectedly. Drivers find that while wearing a hat or sunglasses, the system may stop monitoring as it should.
Radio malfunctions: While driving, the radio can malfunction, causing a distraction. The screens may change periodically without input from the driver and the connection may switch back and forth from the cell phone to the stereo.
Defective seat memory: The passenger seat memory system may only work once the passenger is in the vehicle. There have also been struggles with getting the memory to program, leaving occupants frustrated.
Malfunctioning voice recognition: Multiple complaints have come in with having trouble getting the voice recognition to understand regular speech. One driver asked for directions to Costco and it offered to navigate to Pasco. There’s also documentation that asking for the calendar alters the heating and cooling in these defective systems.
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Visibility
Cracked windshield: Even after driving the Outback for only a short distance, the windshield can crack without warning. Some drivers have reported having tiny pebbles and rocks kicked up on the windshield and it cracks as if something significant has hit it. The sad part is that windshields are rarely covered by warranty and owners are replacing them with less than 6,000 miles on the odometer.
Exploding moonroof: There have also been reports of defective glass in the moonroof. Without any impact, there are instances when the moonroof shatters. The glass looks like it was broken from the inside, which is even more mysterious. Either way, the glass shards can pose a safety risk to occupants.
Non-adjusting driver-side mirror: While the driver-side mirror will adjust, there have been complaints about it not picking up every angle. When discussing the concerns with a dealership, technicians instruct drivers to rely on the blind spot monitor when making lane changes instead of looking at how to resolve it..
Engine
Rough idle: The Outback struggles to have a normal idle. The RPMs tend to run high, especially when the engine is cold. Technicians claim that this is a normal occurrence, even though drivers feel unsafe with it happening.
Lack of powertrain communication: The turbocharged engine struggles to communicate with the CVT. It’s difficult to tell what’s going to happen when gas is given to the engine. There are times when the delayed acceleration is so bad that drivers feel they are going to be rear-ended, while other times, it takes off so fast that there’s a concern it will become uncontrollable.
Hesitation after stopping: Because of the engine stop-and-go system, there’s major hesitation whenever the Outback stops at an intersection or light. The engine may also sputter upon take off.
Lemon Law Options
When a vehicle faces recurring issues, owners may fear it’s a lemon. Our data shows this isn’t always the case. While only a small percentage of any model turns out to be problematic, if you find yourself with one, you have options.
Lemberg Law has extensive experience helping lemon owners seek recourse. Each year, manufacturers like Subaru buy back, replace, or settle with thousands of lemon owners, covering legal costs. If you suspect you’ve bought a lemon, contact us for a free assessment. Call our Helpline or fill out our contact form today.
About the Author:
Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
