2011 outback and have replaced the drivers side low beam headlight 4 times as of today. Seems to be failing way too often. Vehicle has 41,000 miles and always garage kept, original owner.
2011 Subaru Outback lighting problems
moderate 97 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $250 · see lighting across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
97
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$250
When does it fail?
Of the 97 lighting complaints filed for the 2011 Subaru Outback, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 17 model years of Subaru Outback we track for lighting problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 97.
Owners have filed 97 lighting complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
I have replace all exterior lights multiple times over the 6 years I have own this car.
The low beam headlights burn out ever 8-10 months. No matter what type of bulb used, the low beam bulb overheats and burns itself out faster than any other car.
I have to replace the low beam head lights all the time ( 6 times since buying car) driver side 4 times passenger side 2 times. *tr
Had lighting trouble with your 2011 Subaru Outback?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the lighting problem on the 2011 Subaru Outback?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 97 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?
Across the 66 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most lighting failures cluster between 28,000 and 84,000 miles, with the median around 50,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 28,000; a quarter make it past 84,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
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.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/Subaru/Outback.
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.