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Is Subaru Covering Up Outback Lighting Failures?

A lawsuit filed against Subaru says 2010-2011 Outback models are experiencing failures of exterior lighting. Is Subaru covering it up?

A California woman has filed a lawsuit against Subaru of America for an ongoing headlight issue on her 2011 Subaru Outback. Kathleen O’Neill who filed the lawsuit, says she experienced numerous failures of exterior lighting, especially the headlights. Shortly after purchasing the vehicle, a headlight failed and a Subaru dealer replaced the headlight, but the problem continued. After nine more headlight and other exterior lighting failures, she had enough.

What is the problem?

The lawsuit filed by Capstone Law APC, names the 2010-2011 Outback wagons as the Subaru vehicles with the lighting problems. The lawsuit says exterior lighting on the multi-purpose vehicle often fails because the lighting systems cause interference with other parts within the lighting assemblies. Too much voltage surges through the system and the lights fail. The problem seems to be made worse when the lights are put in automatic mode.

Is Subaru sweeping it under the rug?

Kathleen O’Neill claims Subaru has known about the lighting problems since 2008, when they changed the headlights on the popular vehicle because of lighting issues. The lawsuit says, Subaru made additional modifications to the switch assembly, fog lights and rear lights in 2010, but the problems continue. She says Subaru of America “refuses to inform consumers and continues to conceal the alleged defects.”

The lawsuit alleges the headlight and other lighting failures have existed from the time she bought the Outback and the same problems continue to occur because Subaru refuses to permanently address the real issue. O’Neill says the Japanese automaker puts a bandaid on the problem by replacing headlights and other exterior lights knowing they will continue to fail.

The Subaru Outback headlight lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, Western Division - Kathleen O'Neill, et al v. Subaru of America, Inc. Do you own a 2010 or 2011 Subaru Outback with this problem? Let us know.

Source: CarComplaints.com

Image source: Subaru

Comments

the other guy (not verified)    July 9, 2019 - 4:35PM

This goes back way farther than the dates you have listed, I have a 2005 L.L. Bean Outback and the coating on the reflectors in the headlight assembly flakes off, it is paint, paint flakes hits the bulb, I have had several bulbs explode sometimes the fuses blow. Others are getting the same as the person with really dim lights and when the light dims out they replace fuse, relay and bulb to make the car safe to drive again. I went to LED's and have been told by my mechanic to replace the headlight assembly to resolve dimness.

William Schloendorn (not verified)    September 27, 2019 - 10:43AM

I have replaced the headlights on my 2010 Subaru Outback approximately 5 times. Rear light have been replaced 3 times. I had a complete light failure several years ago where I lost both headlights and both fog lamps. Presently, the lights are very dim to the extent that I am hesitant to use the car at nights. I own two Subarus, a 2010 Outback and a 2015 Legacy. Due to the light issue, I will not purchase another as I feel unsafe.

Mark Thomas (not verified)    October 5, 2019 - 1:30PM

After replacing my headlights several times on my 2013 Forester, I went with High-Output LEDs. They work across a large voltage range so that takes care of that worry plus there is no filament. They also are very bright! As the rest of the lights burn out I'll replace each one.

Nancy A (not verified)    December 17, 2019 - 10:10PM

I have a 2011 Outback. Started with problems in 2017. One lowbeam headlight failed. 2018 other lowbeam failed.
The current problem is the highbeams flicker on/off when in on position. Also one running light is out.
I've read that Subaru, having designed the front end exterior light system in line instead of separately and no failsafe in the bulb itself caused issues. An issue made more difficult due to the inaccessibility of the lighting units.
I also have hear of a Subaru aftermarket kit that is s'pos'd to repair the issue. Have yet to look into this.

larry shulman (not verified)    January 3, 2020 - 10:12AM

same issues, did not look at Subaru on last car purchase, they are not the company I want to deal with anymore.

Jeremy S Hersom (not verified)    January 23, 2020 - 7:36PM

I own a 2011 Subaru Impreza Sport and I have had to replace low/high/parking and even the small ones on the side MULTIPLE times; in fact, my local mechanic has tried to keep track and can't - what a shame that Subaru hasn't figured out WHAT is going wrong and recalled it - extremely frustrating.

Lisa (not verified)    February 4, 2020 - 2:24PM

Same problem here! 2011 Outback, bought new, seems to always have at least one headlight out. Even when the lights work, they are so dim it is dangerous. Can't switch the stupid things myself without disassembling the car. Requires a trip to the dealer each time.

Charlie (not verified)    December 10, 2020 - 1:54PM

Just making yet another appointment to replace a burnt out low beam headlight on our 2013 Legacy. We have lost track of how many times this has been done since we bought the car new. Interestingly enough, our other car is literally an antique, a 1989 Volvo 240, used every day. On the extremely rare occasions when a bulb has burned out it takes about a minute and a half to replace. It is impossible for me to replace the Subaru bulbs, an absolutely criminal design.

Jacob Lovell (not verified)    January 17, 2021 - 5:28PM

This problem has occurred at least annually with my 2011 Outback since we purchased it. It’s an extremely poor design. I’ve now replaced them with LED globes to see if this helps. They also swept premature clutch failure under the carpet in the boxer Diesel engines.

Alan Wilson (not verified)    October 4, 2021 - 2:58PM

I have a 2011 Outback and have changed low and high beams at least 12 times since owning it. What makes it even worse is what horrible job they did engineering the location and how you have to replace the bulbs.
Will NEVER buy Subaru again!

Bill (not verified)    February 12, 2022 - 12:58PM

Bought a 2011 Outback in September of 2019. I am on the 6 set of front low beams.
My sister in law bought the vehicle new in 2010. She had replaced the bulbs so often she couldn't get the dealer to repair it anymore so that is why she sold it to me. The is a `design flaw somewhere.

Joshua Siddle (not verified)    May 2, 2022 - 10:57PM

Hello, I have a 2012 Subaru Outback and I drive a lot for work. Great car except the front running lights and low beam. I can't even see at night to drive. The bulbs keep going out. Literally 3 times in less than 2 months. I went and bought upgraded light bulbs. Low beam, high beam and all the marker lights over 300.00. Just had a low beam go out and some of the marker lights are not working. I am going to try projector headlights. 400.00. If that don't work then I'm getting rid of the car.

Louisbjz (not verified)    May 22, 2022 - 9:27PM

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Beverly Miller (not verified)    November 22, 2022 - 9:08AM

Last night my fog light caught fire and ruined my bumper. The fog light was just replaced!! If I could add a photo I would. The bumper has to be completely replaced. I burned the hell out of my fingers.

Beverly Miller (not verified)    December 1, 2022 - 2:00AM

I own a 2011 outback. The headlamps are brand new. I just bought the vehicle 4 months ago and both headlamps (low beams) have already burned out as well as the drivers side fog light. The fog light was replaced as well as the head lights but the fog light caught fire and ruined my bumper. I called and left a message at the Subaru dealership but never got a return call. This is a dangerous situation