DT: WHEN THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT ARE ON THE TAILLIGHT ARE OFF. THE BRAKE LIGHTS ARE NOT CONNECTED TO THE RUNNING LIGHTS AND AS A RESULT THE CONSUEMR DID NOT REMEMBER TO TURN LIGHTS ON WHEN IT WAS DUSK OUTSIDE. THIS ALMOST CAUSED THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE TO BE REAR ENDED ON SEVERAL DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE CONSUEMR FEELS THAT HTIS MAY BE A SAFTEY ISSUE THEREFORE CONTACTED TEH MANUFACTURER.…
2005 Subaru Outback lighting problems
moderate 21 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $250
Complaints
21
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$250
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
CONSUMER FEEL THAT THE HEADLIGHT ARE POINTED TOO LOW TO THE GROUND. THIS CAUSES POOR VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. DEALER WAS CONTACTED, AND INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE HEADLIGHTS COULD NOT BE ADJUSTED AND THAT IT MET THE SPECS.*AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT VISIBILITY WAS CUT IN HALF. ONLY HALF OF THE ROADWAY WAS ILLUMINATED DURING NIGHT DRIVING. THE UPPER HALF OF THE BEAM WAS BLOCKED O…
Common questions
How serious is the lighting problem on the 2005 Subaru Outback?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 21 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $250 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the lighting typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $250 for lighting repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to lighting?
No active recalls currently cover lighting issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
Some links on this page are affiliate links.