How many electrical complaints does NHTSA have for the 2013 Subaru Outback?

NHTSA lists 29 Electrical System complaints for the 2013 Outback, which is 10% of the 297 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2013 Subaru Outback electrical system?

Yes. Recall 19V297000 covers the ignition switch on the 2013 Outback and several other Subaru models, reported April 11, 2019. It is not a do-not-drive or park-outside recall.

At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up on the 2013 Outback?

NHTSA data shows a median failure mileage of 50,000 for Electrical System complaints on this model year.

Did the electrical issues cause any crashes or fires?

NHTSA data for this component and year shows 1 crash and 0 fires among the reported complaints.

How does the 2013 Outback compare to other Outback years for electrical complaints?

The 2013 Outback's electrical complaints made up 10% of its total complaints, a smaller share than years like 2016 (48%) and 2017 (43%).

2013 Subaru Outback Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 29 Electrical System complaints for the 2013 Subaru Outback, 10% of its 297 total complaints that year, with a median failure mileage of 50,000. One related recall (19V297000) covers the ignition switch on this and other model years.

Electrical System complaints: 29; 10% of 297
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 50,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

Owners report repeated headlight and tail light bulb failures, sometimes needing replacement five or more times, with scorched or charred bulb sockets and wiring.
Some describe the engine suddenly shutting off at low speed while multiple dashboard warning lights and annunciators activate at once.
Others report door locks unexpectedly opening while braking, in one case with a passenger feeling a shock upon exit.
A duty solenoid circuit failure triggered simultaneous check engine, ABS, and oil warning lights in one case, requiring a part replacement.
One owner reported the navigation system screen overriding and obscuring the backup camera display during reverse.

When 2013 Subaru Outback electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Nov 25, 2012, latest Jan 6, 2026.

29 complaints filed with NHTSA from Nov 2012 to Jan 2026; peak Jan 2015 (2).

Electrical System recalls for the 2013 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.

Electrical System complaints by Outback model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201061 (17%)
2011165 (25%)
201251 (17%)
201329 (10%)
201437 (18%)
2015130 (25%)
2016311 (48%)
2017396 (43%)
2018270 (33%)
2019367 (35%)
2020267 (30%)
202177 (26%)
202254 (12%)
202323 (26%)
202419 (19%)
202516 (20%)

Frequently asked questions

How many electrical complaints does NHTSA have for the 2013 Subaru Outback?: NHTSA lists 29 Electrical System complaints for the 2013 Outback, which is 10% of the 297 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2013 Subaru Outback electrical system?: Yes. Recall 19V297000 covers the ignition switch on the 2013 Outback and several other Subaru models, reported April 11, 2019. It is not a do-not-drive or park-outside recall.
At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up on the 2013 Outback?: NHTSA data shows a median failure mileage of 50,000 for Electrical System complaints on this model year.
Did the electrical issues cause any crashes or fires?: NHTSA data for this component and year shows 1 crash and 0 fires among the reported complaints.
How does the 2013 Outback compare to other Outback years for electrical complaints?: The 2013 Outback's electrical complaints made up 10% of its total complaints, a smaller share than years like 2016 (48%) and 2017 (43%).