At the shop, Subaru electrical-system issues have a recognizable signature. 3,758 documented complaints across 100 year-model entries from 2005 to 2025 is consistent with what we see come in. Complaint volume is spread across the lineup rather than parked on one bad year. That's the signature of a platform or supplier issue, not a single-year flub. 1 fatality report on file with NHTSA tied to this category on Subaru vehicles. That elevates this from nuisance to safety-critical. Across the 1,496 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 39,360 miles. Average shop fix runs about $850 — not catastrophic, but it adds up over time. Read the specific complaints before assuming the worst — the category covers everything from a forty-dollar switch to a twenty-five-hundred-dollar module.
Subaru electrical problems
3,758 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Subaru vehicles for electrical issues. 9 active recall campaigns. See electrical across all makes →
Worst-affected Subaru model-years for electrical Top 25 by complaint volume
Active recalls — Subaru electrical 9 on file
Subaru of America, Inc
If a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Subaru of America, Inc
A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Subaru of America, Inc
If the air injection pump overheats, it may melt and increase the risk of a fire.
Subaru of America, Inc
The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash. If a crash occurs under this condition, the air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
Subaru of America, Inc
A melting ground terminal increases the risk of a fire.
Subaru of America, Inc
An electrical short may damage the subwoofer amplifier, and may result in the subwoofer overheating, increasing the risk of a fire.
Subaru of America, Inc
A short circuit may cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Subaru of America, Inc
The inaccurate fuel display may cause a driver to unexpectedly run out of fuel and the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, certain model year 2012-2013 Impreza vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, and certain model year 2013 XV Crosstrek vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory
The engine may inadvertently start and run for up to fifteen minutes. The engine may continue to start and stop until the fob battery is depleted, or until the vehicle runs out of fuel. If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area, there is a risk of carbon monoxide build-up which may cause headaches, dizziness or, in extreme cases, unconsciousness and/or asphyxiation.
Common questions
How many Subaru electrical complaints are on file with NHTSA?
3,758 complaints across 100 model-year entries from 2005 to 2025. 9 active recall campaigns cover electrical issues across the Subaru lineup.
Which Subaru model has the most electrical complaints?
The 2017 Subaru Outback leads with 381 complaints in this category. Next: 2019 Outback (357) and 2016 Outback (292).
What does it cost to fix Subaru electrical problems?
Independent shops average $850 for electrical repairs across the Subaru lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Subaru electrical recalls?
Yes — 9 active recall campaigns cover electrical on Subaru vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.