What is Subaru factory battery warranty?

In brief, Subaru’s factory warranty typically covers the standard 12-volt starting battery under the bumper-to-bumper terms, while the high-voltage battery found in hybrids and certain electrified models has its own extended coverage. The exact terms vary by model, year, and state, so always check your warranty booklet or with a Subaru dealer for your specific vehicle.

How Subaru’s warranty is structured for batteries

Understanding the overall warranty framework helps put battery coverage in context. Subaru’s basic and powertrain warranties apply to most components, with separate terms sometimes applying to specialized systems like hybrid drivetrains.

• Basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty generally covers defects in materials and workmanship for a defined period, commonly 3 years/36,000 miles for US-market vehicles. This is the window during which the 12-volt battery is typically covered if it fails due to a manufacturing defect.


• Powertrain warranty covers defects in major powertrain components (engine, transmission, driveshaft, etc.) for a longer period (commonly 5 years/60,000 miles). Battery issues that are part of the broader powertrain fault may fall under this if applicable.


• Emissions-related coverage and rust perforation coverage are separate from battery coverage and have their own terms. Always verify which category your issue falls into.

Notes: Terms can vary by model year and state due to regulatory differences. Always confirm with your dealer or the official Subaru warranty documentation for your exact vehicle.

Battery-specific coverage details

Below is a focused look at the two battery scenarios you’re likely to encounter on Subaru vehicles. The details can differ by model and year, so use these as a general guide and verify for your specific car.

12-volt starting battery

The 12-volt battery used to start the vehicle and power accessories is typically covered under the basic bumper-to-bumper warranty for defects during the standard term (commonly 3 years/36,000 miles). Replacement due to normal wear, routine maintenance, or improper use is not covered.

• Coverage purpose: defect-related failures during the bumper-to-bumper period.


• Typical term: around 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first.


• Limitations: wear and aging outside of manufacturing defect generally excluded; improper maintenance or installation can void coverage.

Conclusion: If your 12-volt battery fails due to a manufacturing defect within the standard term, Subaru will generally cover replacement under the basic warranty. If the failure is due to wear or improper maintenance, coverage may not apply.

High-voltage battery (hybrid/plug-in/electric models)

Vehicles equipped with a hybrid or high-voltage battery typically have a separate warranty for the high-voltage system and battery. This extended coverage is longer than the basic bumper-to-bumper term and is designed to protect the costly battery system and related components.

• Coverage purpose: defects in the high-voltage battery and related high-voltage system components.


• Typical term: commonly up to 8 years or 100,000 miles (terms can vary by model/year and state).


• Limitations: coverage is for manufacturing defects; failures due to wear, abuse, or improper charging/maintenance may be excluded; state-specific terms may apply.

Conclusion: If you own a Subaru hybrid or electrified model, expect a longer warranty on the high-voltage battery, but always verify the exact terms for your vehicle and location.

How to verify your specific warranty terms

Because warranty terms can differ by model year, trim, and state regulations, checking your exact coverage is essential. Here are practical steps to confirm your battery warranty details:

1. Locate your warranty booklet or owner's manual for the exact terms and any state-specific disclosures.


2. Log in to Subaru’s official owner portal or My Subaru account to view vehicle-specific warranty information tied to your VIN.


3. Contact your local authorized Subaru dealer’s service department and provide your VIN to get the precise warranty coverage for your model and year.


4. Keep documentation of purchase date, mileage, and any service visits in case you need to file a claim.

If you encounter a potential battery issue, begin with the dealer or authorized service center, which can confirm whether the problem is covered and arrange a warranty repair or replacement if eligible.

Summary

Subaru’s factory battery warranty generally covers the 12-volt starting battery under the standard bumper-to-bumper term (typical 3 years/36,000 miles), while hybrid and electric models carry a longer warranty for the high-voltage battery and related components (commonly up to 8 years/100,000 miles, though terms vary by model/year and state). Always consult your vehicle’s warranty booklet or your Subaru dealer to confirm the exact terms for your car and location.

In short, if you’re dealing with a battery issue, your best move is to review the official warranty documentation for your specific vehicle and speak with a Subaru service advisor to determine eligibility and next steps.

How do I tell if my battery is still under warranty?

To check a battery warranty, find your receipt or look for a date code on the battery itself, which is often a sticker with a month and year or a stamped code. Then, check with the retailer or manufacturer online using the purchase date or the date code to see if it's still under the warranty period. 
1. Find the purchase date

• Check your receipt: Your purchase receipt is the most reliable source for the original purchase date. 
• Contact the retailer: If you bought it from a store like AutoZone, they may have your purchase history on file and can look it up with your phone number and car information. 
• Locate a date code on the battery: If you don't have the receipt, look for a sticker or a stamp on the battery itself that indicates the manufacturing or purchase date. 
  • Stickers: Some batteries have a sticker with a month and year (e.g., 04/22 for April 2022). 
  • Date codes: Other batteries use a specific date code format that dealers may punch or stamp to show the purchase date. 

This video explains how to look up your battery warranty using the receipt or date code: 1mInterstate BatteriesYouTube · Apr 26, 2022
2. Determine the warranty period

• Check the receipt or warranty information: Your receipt should list the warranty period, which usually begins on the purchase date. 
• Understand standard warranty lengths: Many car batteries have a limited warranty of 24 to 36 months or a similar mileage limit, though some can be longer (e.g., 5 years). 
• Note that your battery's age starts from the purchase date: A date code on the battery may show the manufacture date, not the purchase date, so it's best to use the purchase date from your receipt to determine if the warranty is still valid. 

This video explains how to decipher ACDelco battery date codes: 39sFix Car YourselfYouTube · May 7, 2023
3. Claim the warranty

• If the battery is covered: Bring the battery and proof of purchase (like the receipt) to the retailer for a replacement. 
• Be prepared for a test: The retailer will likely test the battery to confirm it is defective and not just discharged. Some warranties do not cover batteries that are simply discharged. 

How many years should a Subaru battery last?

around 4-5 years
Generally, Subaru car batteries last around 4-5 years, but factors like usage and environmental conditions can impact their lifespan.

Why do Subaru batteries keep dying?

If your Subaru's battery keeps dying, the problem might not be the battery at all. A faulty alternator could be preventing the battery from charging properly. The alternator is responsible for supplying power to your vehicle and recharging the battery as you drive.

How long is the Subaru battery warranty?

A standard Subaru battery is covered by the 3-year/36,000-mile Basic New Vehicle Limited Warranty. A new Genuine Subaru Replacement Battery comes with its own warranty of 30 months or unlimited mileage, which is the balance of the basic warranty, whichever is longer. 
Standard and replacement batteries

• New vehicle battery: The original battery in a new Subaru is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. 
• Genuine Subaru Replacement Battery: If you purchase a new Genuine Subaru Replacement Battery from a retailer, it is covered by a separate warranty of 30 months or unlimited mileage, or the remainder of your vehicle's basic warranty, if that is longer. 
• Prorated coverage: After the 30-month warranty period or the Basic New Vehicle Limited Warranty expires, Genuine Subaru Replacement Batteries that fail are eligible for a prorated warranty for up to 85 months from the original installation date. This prorated coverage only covers the battery itself, not the labor or towing costs associated with replacing it. 

Electric vehicle (EV) battery

• EV battery: The battery and electric drive unit for a Subaru electric vehicle have a much longer warranty of 8 years or 160,000 km (96 months or 100,000 miles). 

Important notes

• This information applies to the standard 12-volt car battery. High-voltage electric vehicle (EV) batteries have a separate, longer warranty.
• For replacement batteries, labor costs for testing and replacement are covered by the warranty only if the battery was installed by an authorized Subaru retailer.
• Towing is covered only if the vehicle cannot be driven due to a defect covered by the battery warranty.