2010 Subaru Outback Electrical System Problems
NHTSA has logged 62 electrical system complaints for the 2010 Subaru Outback, 17% of all complaints filed for the year, with a median failure mileage of 70,000. Two related recalls exist: an ignition switch recall and a fused-harness recall for wiring issues.
- Electrical System complaints
- 62
- 17% of 360 complaints
- All complaints this year
- 360
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 70,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical electrical symptoms owners report
- Low-beam headlights repeatedly burn out, with some owners replacing bulbs multiple times within months.
- Headlights fail or dim unexpectedly while driving, reducing visibility of signs, pedestrians, and other vehicles.
- Dashboard warning lights and gauges flash or stop registering, sometimes accompanied by the engine stalling.
- Interior electrical functions such as lights, climate control blower, and radio activate or malfunction on their own at random times.
- Cruise control and other steering-wheel controls (paddle shifters, horn, volume) intermittently stop responding.
- One owner reported a fire originating in the driver's door area on a vehicle that had already received the related recall repair.
When 2010 Subaru Outback electrical complaints were filed
First complaint Dec 28, 2009, latest Jul 28, 2026.
Electrical System recalls for the 2010 Subaru Outback
- NHTSA 19V297000Apr 11, 2019Electrical System511 vehicles
Electrical system:ignition:switch
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part. The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on the key ring and certain road conditions could cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.
Risk: 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.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 10, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUF-91.
- NHTSA 12V602000Dec 26, 2012Electrical System633,842 vehicles
Exterior lighting
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. Up to 78,650 of these vehicles may have been equipped with accessory puddle lights that, when illuminated, brighten the area under the doors of the vehicle. A short circuit can develop when either the puddle light or connector are exposed to an electrolytic moisture source (such as road spray that has road salt in it) and it penetrates the circuit board of the puddle light or the pins of the puddle light connector(s).
Risk: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Electrical System complaints by Outback model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are electrical problems on the 2010 Subaru Outback?
- NHTSA lists 62 electrical system complaints for the 2010 Outback, making up 17% of the 360 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2010 Outback's electrical system?
- Yes. Campaign 12V602000 covers 2010-2011 Legacy and Outback vehicles for an additional fused-harness installation, and campaign 19V297000 covers an ignition switch inspection/replacement across several Subaru models including the 2005-2014 Outback.
- At what mileage do electrical issues typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area on the 2010 Outback is 70,000 miles.
- What specific electrical failures do owners report most?
- Owners most often describe headlight bulb burnout, dashboard warning lights flashing with stalling, and random malfunctions of interior lights, blower, and radio.
- Did the electrical recalls fix the problems?
- Not always according to complaints; one owner reported a fire in the driver's door area on a vehicle NHTSA lists as having completed the recall repair.