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.
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.