Problems · NHTSA complaints

2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness problems

Owners filed 98 complaints about the 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness with NHTSA between Aug 2023 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is visibility/wiper (19).

Complaints
98
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
5
Reported by owners
Fires
2
Reported by owners
Injuries
4
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Visibility/wiper19
  2. Forward collision avoidance18
  3. Electrical system16
  4. Engine7
  5. Air bags6
  6. Power train6
  7. Lane departure6
  8. Service brakes4
  9. Steering4
  10. Suspension3
  11. Latches/locks/linkages3
  12. Vehicle speed control3
  13. Exterior lighting3
  14. Back over prevention3

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 29, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20232
202435
202525
202636

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Visibility/wiper

19 reports
“This complaint is regarding a 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness with approximately 68,000 miles. The vehicle's low windshield-washer-fluid warning remains illuminated even when the washer-fluid reservoir is full. As a result, the warning system no longer provides reliable information regarding the actual washer-fluid level. Subaru has documented this condition in Technical Service Bulletin 12-266-25, NHTSA ID 11018906, which applies to 2020–2024 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles. The bulletin states that the low washer-fluid warning may illuminate despite an adequate fluid level and announces a design change to the washer tank incorporating an enhanced level sensor. Subaru states that the updated sensor float was designed to resist fluid immersion and provide more accurate readings. My concern is not simply that a warning light is illuminated. Because the warning remains on continuously when the reservoir is full, the driver can no longer rely on the vehicle to provide an accurate warning when the washer-fluid reservoir actually becomes empty. Windshield-washer fluid is important for maintaining visibility when the windshield becomes contaminated by road spray,…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 7, 2026Visibility/wiperODI 11769527

Forward collision avoidance

18 reports1 crash
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 10, 2026Unknown or other, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11763288

Electrical system

16 reports1 fire
“I purchased this 2024 Subaru Outback three months ago with 19,000 miles. It currently has 26,000 miles and is still under its factory powertrain warranty. On October 25, 2026, after completing a short trip, I was stopped at a red light on State Road 524 in Cocoa, Florida. When the light turned green, the vehicle began to accelerate forward, but the Auto Start-Stop system failed to successfully restart the engine, causing the vehicle to completely stall in the middle of active traffic. I shifted the vehicle into Park, depressed the brake, and pushed the ignition button to restart it. Instead of cranking, the vehicle experienced total electrical chaos—the dashboard, infotainment screen, and interior electronics began flashing erratically, and the engine refused to start. The vehicle had to be pushed out of the path of traffic by hand and subsequently towed to a Subaru dealership. The dealership confirmed that the Auto Start-Stop system had critically drained the battery below operating thresholds. There were absolutely no prior warning signs, dashboard battery lights, or slow engine cranks leading up to this event. The vehicle simply died without warning in live…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 26, 2026Electrical system, EngineODI 11773633

Engine

7 reports2 fires
“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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 27, 2026Unknown or other, EngineFire reportedODI 11753053

Air bags

6 reports2 crashes
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 11, 2026Air bagsCrash reportedODI 11749698

Power train

6 reports
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 25, 2026Power trainODI 11739936
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 29, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.