At the shop, Subaru lighting issues have a recognizable signature. 517 documented complaints across 46 year-model entries from 2005 to 2025 is consistent with what we see come in. 2011 Subaru Outback tops the list, but the pattern repeats across years. Multiple generations are affected. 5 crash reports on file. Not a high count, but the failure mode has put owners in the position to file. Across the 116 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 51,052 miles. Repair cost runs around $250 on average — relatively low for an aggregated category. Check the headlight assemblies in daylight for moisture or hazing. Sealed-beam swaps are cheap; matrix LED replacements run four figures.
ProblemsByVin SUBARU / LIGHTING
46 model-year entries · 2005–2025
Subaru lighting problems
517 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Subaru vehicles for lighting issues. 2 active recall campaigns. See lighting across all makes →
Complaints
517
Recalls
2
Year-models
46
Avg fix
$250
5crashes
1fire
Worst-affected Subaru model-years for lighting Top 25 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
2011 Subaru Outback
97 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2019 Subaru Impreza
62 complaints · 1 recall · ~$250 moderate
2018 Subaru Impreza
62 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2017 Subaru Impreza
30 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2010 Subaru Outback
28 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2005 Subaru Outback
21 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2012 Subaru Outback
14 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2011 Subaru Legacy
14 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2024 Subaru Crosstrek
13 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2015 Subaru Forester
10 complaints · ~$250 severe
2010 Subaru Legacy
10 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2008 Subaru Outback
10 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2020 Subaru Outback
9 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2025 Subaru Forester
8 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2022 Subaru Forester
8 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2014 Subaru Forester
8 complaints · ~$250 severe
2023 Subaru Outback
6 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2013 Subaru Outback
6 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2005 Subaru Legacy
6 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2018 Subaru Outback
5 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2017 Subaru Outback
5 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2013 Subaru Impreza
5 complaints · ~$250 severe
2023 Subaru Forester
4 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2018 Subaru Crosstrek
4 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2016 Subaru Forester
4 complaints · ~$250 moderate
Active recalls — Subaru lighting 5 on file
Subaru of America, Inc
Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010 and 2011 Legacy and Outback vehicles, certain model year 2006 through 2012 Tribeca vehicles sold before January 2012, and certain model year 2009 through 2012 Forester vehicles sold before January 2012
Over time, migration of the moisture into the circuit board and/or into the connector cavity, may result in a short circuit of the puddle light system. This may generate heat which may melt the plastic resulting in smoke or fire.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional fused-harness, free of charge. The recall began February 19, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.
Subaru of America, Inc
An unintentional brake light illumination can fail to alert other motorists of actual brake application. A vehicle that shifts out of the park position unexpectedly can allow the vehicle to rollaway. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the gap between the brake light switch and stopper, adjusting the switch as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 23, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRI-23.
Subaru of America, Inc
Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the backup light switch, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-22.
Subaru of America, Inc
Reflectors that do not provide adequate illumination reduce the driver's ability to see and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the front headlamp assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 15, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-22.
Common questions
How many Subaru lighting complaints are on file with NHTSA?
517 complaints across 46 model-year entries from 2005 to 2025. 2 active recall campaigns cover lighting issues across the Subaru lineup.
Which Subaru model has the most lighting complaints?
The 2011 Subaru Outback leads with 97 complaints in this category. Next: 2019 Impreza (62) and 2018 Impreza (62).
What does it cost to fix Subaru lighting problems?
Independent shops average $250 for lighting 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 lighting recalls?
Yes — 5 active recall campaigns cover lighting on Subaru vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Shop Foreman, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with Subaru.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.