The Most Common Subaru Problems

Subaru vehicles are known for their reliability and performance, but like any other car brand, they can experience certain issues. By analyzing complaint, recall, and investigation data, as well as owner submissions and service bulletin repair information, we can provide you with valuable insights into these problems and potential solutions.

1. Denso Fuel Pump Failure

One of the most prevalent issues reported by Subaru owners is the failure of Denso branded fuel pumps. These fuel pumps have been found to have cracked impellers, which are responsible for sending fuel to the engine. This cracking occurs due to excessive exposure to a drying agent during the manufacturing process. As a result, the impellers absorb fuel and deform, leading to a complete failure in fuel delivery. Subaru owners experiencing this problem may notice engine misfires, stalling, or difficulty starting the vehicle.

To address this issue, Subaru has initiated a recall and is offering free replacement of the faulty fuel pumps. If you suspect that your Subaru may be affected by this problem, it is crucial to contact your local Subaru dealership for further assistance.

"The impellers inside of Denso branded fuel pumps may have been excessively exposed to a drying agent during manufacturing. This leads to them cracking, absorbing fuel, and deforming so badly that they stop sending fuel to the engine."

2. CAN System Parasitic Drain on the Battery

Many Subaru owners have reported instances of their vehicles failing to start due to dead batteries. This issue is not caused by defective batteries but rather by a parasitic drain on the battery caused by the Controller Area Network (CAN) system. The electrical system draw, particularly when the vehicle is turned off, exceeds the battery's capacity, resulting in a drained battery.

Subaru has acknowledged this problem and has released a technical service bulletin to address it. The recommended solution involves reprogramming the vehicle's software to optimize the electrical system's power management. If you are experiencing battery drain issues, contact your local Subaru dealership to have the necessary software update performed.

"Too many owners of newer Subaru vehicles are waking up to cars that won't start due to dead batteries. The batteries aren't defective, but just lack the capacity to handle the electrical system draw particularly while the vehicle is turned off. "

3. Unintended Acceleration

An increasing number of Subaru owners have reported incidents of unintended acceleration. In these cases, the vehicle will unexpectedly surge forward even when the driver's foot is on the brake. This issue can occur when shifting the transmission or when the vehicle is stationary, posing a significant safety concern.

Subaru is aware of this problem and has investigated the root cause. While some incidents may be attributed to driver error, there have been instances where mechanical or electrical issues have contributed to the unintended acceleration. If you experience this problem, it is essential to report it to your local Subaru dealership for further investigation and potential Subaru repairs.

"An increasing number of Subaru owners say their vehicles will inexplicably surge forward when the vehicle is stopped and their foot is on the brake. The unintended acceleration incidents often happen as the driver tries to shift the transmission." 

4. Brake Light Switch Defect

Millions of Subaru vehicles have been affected by a defect in the brake light switch. This defect is caused by a build-up of chemicals from scented cleaning products containing silicone. Over time, these chemicals can disable the brake light switch, preventing the brake lights from turning on when the brake pedal is pressed. In addition, this defect can impact other aspects of the vehicle's braking system, compromising overall safety.

Subaru has acknowledged this issue and has offered free repairs and replacements for affected vehicles. If you notice that your brake lights are not functioning correctly, it is crucial to contact your local Subaru dealership to have the brake light switch inspected and replaced if necessary.

"A build-up of chemicals from scented cleaning products containing silicone can disable the brake light switch in millions of Subaru vehicles. This can prevent the brake lights from turning on when pressing the pedal, among other things."