This bulletin is for information purposes only.The bulletin adresses design changes of the headlamps and rear combination lamps, where moisture and or condensation may develop on the inside of the lamp lenses.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Subaru Outback lighting problems
moderate Owners of the 2011 Subaru Outback have filed 97 NHTSA complaints about the lighting, typically surfacing around 50,000 miles at roughly $250 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See lighting across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
97
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$250
| Model year | lighting complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 Outback | 10 |
| 2009 Outback | 3 |
| 2010 Outback | 28 |
| 2011 Outback (this page) | 97 |
| 2012 Outback | 14 |
| 2013 Outback | 6 |
| 2014 Outback | 4 |
| 2015 Outback | 3 |
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.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering lighting on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin provides a measurement and adjustment procedure for the stop lamp switch. An improperly adjusted (or faulty) stop lamp switch can cause any of the DTCs listed above to set and result in the related system?s (e. g. VDC and/or EyeSight) warning lamp to illuminate.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the original warranty on the low-beam ONLY halogen headlamp bulbs to 10 years / unlimited miles from the vehicle?s original warranty start date. This warranty extension will cover low-beam halogen headlamp bulb replacement on 2010, 2011 and a very limited number of early-production 2012MY Legacy and Outback models. Covered vehicles will have a production date prior to those listed in the Production Change Information provided below and meet the guidelines outlined later in this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗As part of Subaru's dedication to customer satisfaction, SOA is announcing a Low-Beam Halogen Headlamp Bulb Warranty Enhancement program. This extends warranty coverage for 2010 - 2012 Legacy (for the 2012 model year, the affected models are vehicles that were manufactured through August 8, 2011) and 2010 - 2012 Outback (for the 2012 model year, the affected models are vehicles that were manufactured through August 22, 2011) vehicles sold or leased in the United States ("Affected Vehicles"). Please note that this is not a recall. If a vehicle is presented in which one or more low-beam halogen headlamp bulb(s) are not "burned out," no repair is necessary.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Subaru Service and Technical Support Line Newsletter
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Low-beam headlights on this model burn out repeatedly at unusually short intervals—most owners cite every 4 to 10 months, with some as frequent as every 6 weeks to 3 months. Owners report replacing the same bulbs 3 to 8 times within the first 1 to 5 years of ownership. Both low beams sometimes fail within days or weeks of each other, leaving drivers with no headlights at night. The problem often starts after 50,000–65,000 miles or after 5 years, but can occur at any mileage.
Access is brutal: you remove the inner fender well, often the wheel, and work by feel from underneath while lying on the ground. The owner manual directs you to the dealer. Bulb changes at a shop run $90–$150, and Subaru voids your warranty if anyone but the dealer installs them.
Subaru acknowledged the issue and issued a 10-year bulb-replacement warranty starting from purchase date—not from when failures begin. Owners say dealers admit it is a known problem but offer no electrical fix, only repeated bulb swaps. A few owners also report inadequate low-beam illumination (only reaching about 10 feet ahead with a harsh cutoff), daytime running lights and tail lights burning out prematurely, and intermittent complete front-light failures tied to gear position. This is plainly a widespread electrical or charging issue that Subaru chose to manage through warranty extension rather than repair.
Same Subaru Outback lighting reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2010 · 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Low-beam headlight premature burnout
Low-beam headlights burn out in 4-10 months on average, sometimes both within days or weeks of each other. Owners report replacing them 3-8+ times within 1-5 years of ownership. The problem often begins after 5 years or 50,000+ miles but can occur early. One owner reported both headlights dying immediately when put into gear with low beams activated.
When: 4-10 months average; some report 6 weeks to 3 months intervals; typically begins at 50,000-65,000 miles or after 5 years; can occur at any mileage or age
Symptoms owners cite: Low-beam bulbs burn out prematurely; Both low beams fail within days or weeks of each other; Low beams flicker and shut off while driving; Lighting suddenly fails at night on interstate or country roads; Sensor light blinks and low beams go out intermittently while in motion
Repairs/costs cited: Bulb replacement only; access requires removal of inner fender well, often removal of wheel, and working by feel from underneath vehicle—difficult or impossible for owner DIY; dealer service costs $90-$150 per replacement; extended warranty covers bulb replacement for 10 years from purchase date (not from failure date); one recall referenced (12V602000) but vehicle owner stated not covered; one service manager stated it was cheaper to replace bulbs than fix the root cause
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Extended warranty (10 years from purchase) for bulb replacement only; dealers claim 'nothing can be done' other than replace bulbs; service bulletins reportedly non-existent per some dealers; manufacturer acknowledged the issue as 'especially in the lower 48' per one Alaska dealer; one service manager stated replacement was cheaper than fixing the underlying problem; dealers deny this is a chronic problem despite widespread complaints; class action suits referenced by one owner
Auto-mode headlight intermittent cutout under overpass shadows
When headlight switch is in AUTO mode, headlights turn off and back on when driving under bridge overpasses or shadows, creating a hazard. Other drivers interpret the flickering as a signal and slow down or become distracted. Adjustment attempts by dealers either turn lights on too soon or too late, with no middle-ground solution.
When: Occurs intermittently while driving in AUTO mode under overpasses; onset timing not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Headlights automatically turn off under bridge overpasses and turn back on when exiting shadow; Causes confusion for other drivers who think they are being signaled; Other drivers slow down or stare, creating hazard
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer attempted adjustment but could not achieve correct balance; no solution provided
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers acknowledge it is a problem but state 'it is normal—all Subarus do this'; other owners work around by disabling auto mode or always leaving lights on manually; no fix or redesign offered
Inadequate low-beam headlight illumination and poor projection
Low-beam headlights illuminate only to approximately 10 feet ahead and have a sharp cutoff line that bounces up and down on uneven roads, making it nearly impossible to see the road or distant obstacles at night. Dealers state this is how the vehicle is manufactured with no adjustment needed; however, high beams work properly and illuminate much better.
When: Present from new or shortly after purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Low beams project light only ~10 feet ahead; Sharp cutoff line in beam that bounces on country roads; Cannot see road or distance at night with low beams; High beams illuminate properly and much better; Two-tone light shade (dark top, bright bottom) in beam pattern
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs attempted or offered; dealer recommends using high beams
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer states headlights are 'manufactured that way' and no adjustment is needed; manufacturer stated headlights meet government standards; no assistance offered; one dealer suggested using high beams to compensate
Multiple front and rear light failures (headlights, daytime running lights, tail lights, brake lights)
In addition to low-beam burnout, owners report failures of daytime running lights (DRL), parking lights, tail lights, and brake lights, often with intermittent on-and-off operation. One owner's tail lights worked when tapped on the lens. Another owner experienced complete front-light failure (park, drive, and low-beam positions) with one low beam working in reverse only; brake/rear lights also failed intermittently and worked intermittently based on gear position (drive, park, reverse).
When: Varies; DRL and tail lights reported within 2-3 weeks of purchase to years later; brake light switch failure occurred after 6+ years
Symptoms owners cite: Daytime running lights burn out or go dim; Tail lights fail intermittently or completely; Brake lights fail intermittently or completely; Parking/marker lights fail; All front lights fail completely in park and drive (but low beam works intermittently in reverse); Rear lights stop working intermittently tied to gear position; Tail lights work intermittently and respond to physical tapping on lens
Repairs/costs cited: Tail light bulbs replaced; brake-light switch replaced; no root cause repair for intermittent failures
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers suggest bulb replacement only; one case (brake light switch) resulted in switch replacement; no redesign or systematic fix offered
Difficult and time-consuming headlight bulb access
Headlight bulb access requires removal of inner fender well and often the wheel, requires working by feel from underneath the vehicle, and is nearly impossible for owner DIY without a lift. Subaru manual recommends taking vehicle to dealer. One small-statured owner (5 feet tall) can do it; larger individuals cannot. Contrast to owner's prior cars where bulb replacement took 2-3 minutes roadside.
When: Ongoing design issue affecting all replacements since ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Must remove inner fender to access bulb; Must remove wheel on some vehicles or for some individuals; Must lie on ground and work by feel—impossible to see what you are doing; Manual recommends dealer service only; Dealer charges $90-$150 for replacement vs. $15 bulb cost; Owner warranty voided if non-dealer replaces bulb
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs offered; design remains unchanged
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owners note Subaru manual directs them to dealership; dealer enforces warranty restriction on non-dealer installation; no redesign offered
Synthesized from 97 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
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.
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.