What You Should Know About the Subaru Outback Battery Draining Problem
Your Subaru Outback battery issues may be caused by a bad battery, a bad alternator, or other issues.
Written by Nick Kunze
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
The Subaru Outback is known for its battery issues, to the point where there have been multiple class-action lawsuits due to battery draining. The Subaru Outback battery issues may be tied to a bad alternator, a dead battery, parasitic drain, and more.
A dead battery can leave you stranded. Before you get stuck on the side of the road—if you’re experiencing battery draining issues, fix them now and get your car back in working order. But what’s causing the problem? And how can you fix it?
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What causes the Subaru Outback battery draining problem?
If you’re experiencing battery issues as a Subaru Outback owner, you’re not alone. In fact, there have been multiple lawsuits against Subaru for consistent battery issues in different Subaru models. This includes a class-action suit against the 2016-2019 Subaru Outback models, the 2019-2020 Subaru Ascent models, and more.
When you’re having battery issues, your car does not function properly. This can lead to issues with the electrical systems or, at worse, your car not starting at all.
What’s the issue with your Subaru Outback? It’s likely one of the following:
- Bad alternator: The alternator charges your battery while the car is running, transforming mechanical energy into electrical energy. If your alternator is not working or is broken, your battery will not recharge, causing it to die
- Bad battery: Batteries die eventually, but bad cells or other problems can cause them to die or lose power more quickly. A bad battery could be the cause of your electrical woes
- Loose battery terminals: If your battery has loose terminals, there may be poor electrical output, which can affect your systems or prevent your car from starting.
- Parasitic drain: If an electrical component keeps running (like if you leave the lights on when not in the car), the battery can drain, making it so there’s no charge left when you need to use your car next
How to fix the Subaru Outback’s battery draining problem
The best way to fix a Subaru Outback’s battery draining problem is to head to a mechanic. Since there are so many possible reasons for battery issues, it's best to leave this one to a trained professional (unless you’re really handy).
The length of time you’ll be without a car and the cost of repair is totally dependent on the issue. A parasitic drain due to a bad relay can be fixed for less than $100. Replacing the alternator could cost up to $1,000.
Before you head to the shop, make sure all electronic components are turning off when you turn off and exit the car. This is a common culprit and can save you a trip to the repair shop.
How to save money on Subaru Outback insurance
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