2011 Subaru Outback Electrical System Problems
NHTSA lists 165 electrical system complaints for the 2011 Subaru Outback, 25% of all complaints for that year. Two related recalls exist: an ignition switch inspection (19V297000) and a fused-harness installation (12V602000). Median mileage at failure was 54,175.
- Electrical System complaints
- 165
- 25% of 651
- Crashes reported
- 3
- Fires reported
- 4
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 54,175 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical electrical symptoms owners report
- Owners report sudden stalling with loss of power steering and power brakes, sometimes occurring shortly after startup with the air conditioning on.
- Some vehicles reportedly caught fire, with smoke appearing under the hood after a loss of steering power while driving.
- Several owners describe the ignition key coming out while the vehicle was not in park, allowing the car to roll unattended.
- Multiple complaints describe automatic headlights turning off unexpectedly while passing under highway overpasses, confusing other drivers.
- Owners report uneven or dim headlight illumination at night, with one side brighter than the other, making country-road driving difficult.
- A front passenger airbag indicator reportedly changed status inconsistently with a seated occupant of normal weight.
When 2011 Subaru Outback electrical complaints were filed
First complaint Aug 8, 2010, latest Aug 3, 2026.
Electrical System recalls for the 2011 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 many electrical system complaints does the 2011 Subaru Outback have?
- NHTSA lists 165 electrical system complaints for the 2011 Outback, which is 25% of the 651 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for electrical problems on the 2011 Subaru Outback?
- Yes. Recall 19V297000 covers ignition switch inspection and replacement, and recall 12V602000 covers installation of an additional fused wiring harness on 2010-2011 Legacy and Outback vehicles.
- At what mileage do electrical failures typically show up on the 2011 Outback?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for electrical system complaints on the 2011 Outback is 54,175 miles.
- Did the 2011 Outback's electrical problems cause any crashes or fires?
- NHTSA data tied to the electrical system complaints for this year includes 3 crashes, 4 fires, and 1 injury.
- How does the 2011 Outback compare to other years for electrical complaints?
- The 2011 Outback's 25% share of complaints tied to electrical issues is higher than 2012 (17%), 2013 (10%), and 2014 (18%), but lower than 2016 (48%) and 2017 (43%).