2025 Subaru Outback Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

Incident: October 16, 2026 · Filed: October 18, 2026

Rear Automatic Braking (RAB) system conducted an emergency , neck snapping stop while backing out of a sloped driveway at 9PM local time, zip 94596, walnut creek, California. There was no vehicle traffic, pedestrian traffic or other movements nearby to trigger the RAB system. There was a local rescue ambulance parked on another intersecting street, well over 300 feet away, with emergency flashing lights. As the driver, I immediately checked for traffic, pedestrians, etc, found nothing; rolled down windows to check again, found nothing. The vehicle was still held by the RAB system, I applied pressure to the throttle and the car slowly started to backup and the brakes then released. I believe the RAB system responded to the flashing lights, categorizing it as a moving vehicle rather than as a stationary rotating beacon over 300 feet away. Subaru needs to adjust/modify/include in the software a better way to handle this type of warning lights into the RAB system.

Incident: October 1, 2026 · Filed: October 7, 2026

The contact owns a 2025 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving on the freeway in stop-and-go traffic with the automatic braking system activated, the vehicle erroneously reversed and failed to immediately stop while depressing the brake pedal. The contact shifted out of drive(D) and then back to drive(D), and the vehicle stopped. The contact stated that the failure had occurred a second time during a trip before returning to normal operation, and the vehicle was driven to the residence and parked. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 14,500.

Incident: July 4, 2025 · Filed: September 21, 2026

July 4, 2025 car had about 4100 miles Severe dangerous phantom braking on highway CA 280 N just prior to foothill expressway exit at about 7:30 pm. Suddenly while traveling 60+ MPH on mid lanes of freeway car auto braking caused car to brake/slow to 1/2 speed with no visible obstacle seen by any of 4 adults in car. Multi[ple Dash lights up with eyesite failure and all red , green and yellow lights. Gas pedal ws unresponsive no power. Eminent crash danger. Driver responded trying to hit gas then brake to steer off freeway. After several seconds the car gas pedal eventually responded and I was able to exit freeway at next exit. Taken to dealer July 23, 2025 Reported to Subaru of Santa Cruz . Tech could not duplicate state"The cameras will pickup objects and may brake if the freeway or road turns sharply". Manager of Service also indicated that this can happen if sun is setting. Since that time had P1894 cv transmission code at 12,567 at regular maintenance, techs local and Subaru engineer unable to identify problem erased codes to see if it repeats. 16,034 miles Aug14,2026 Hi pitched engine noise. Dealer diagnosed head gaskets leaking, engine idler pulley failure, pct value and hose leaking. repaired. Lemon claim denied by Subaru 2x cases filed with manufacturer no repair of automatic braking forward or rear collision system or transmission. Engine repair at this mileage indicates defective vehicle. I was hoping to resolve this with the manufacturer . but the safety issues with phantom braking and power trains early failures are unacceptable.

Incident: July 1, 2026 · Filed: September 16, 2026

See attached document for complaint.

Incident: September 8, 2026 · Filed: September 16, 2026

The brakes failed and could be inspected upon request. My safety and the safety of two other passengers was put at risk because my vehicle rear ended an another vehicle at a red light. The problem has not yet been confirmed or reproduced by the dealership or inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representative of others. There were no warning messages, or symptoms of the problem prior to the failure.

Incident: September 10, 2026 · Filed: September 14, 2026

While traveling along I-94E outside of Macomb County on September 10th at around 8:30AM, forward collision warning triggered twice while facing the direct sun. It triggered for around 6 seconds. Shortly after getting off the Shook Rd exit at around 8:45M and turning right, I had a full AEB activation while again facing the sun, almost causing the vehicle behind me to rear end me.

Incident: September 5, 2026 · Filed: September 5, 2026

The large LCD screen infront the shifter just goes blank. Been to the dealer the reload the operating system to no avail.

Incident: August 1, 2026 · Filed: September 3, 2026

Lane-keeping/lane-centering: The system repeatedly pulls the vehicle too far to the right. More seriously, while driving on the freeway, it has randomly and suddenly jerked the vehicle to the right with a rapid steering input. This is not simply a matter of the system being imperfect—it creates a serious safety concern because the vehicle can move abruptly toward the edge of the lane or toward an adjacent lane.

Incident: August 22, 2026 · Filed: August 22, 2026

Car battery has been failing since June it will not stay charged it started out losing power over weekends now it is every day. It is so bad I purchased a portable battery charger from auto zone to jump my car.

Incident: July 14, 2026 · Filed: August 17, 2026

Needed to move quickly out of way of oncoming traffic, but delay/hesitation in CVT made it almost impossible to avoid traffic.