What is the headlight problem with the 2011 Subaru Outback?
Light outages on the 2011 Outback are typically due to electrical issues or worn components rather than a single, universal defect tied to the model year.
The 2011 Outback sits in Subaru’s fifth generation (2009–2014) and uses separate low- and high-beam headlights. While bulb burnout can occur, many reported problems involve the car’s electrical system—fuses, relays, connectors, and the headlight switch. For motorists, diagnosing the root cause quickly can determine whether the fix is a simple bulb swap or a broader electrical repair.
Common headlight problems
Below are the issues most frequently cited by owners and service technicians for the 2011 Outback. This list focuses on problems that can cause the headlights to fail or perform poorly.
- Burned-out or failing bulbs (low-beam or high-beam) that stop emitting light.
- Blown fuses or faulty headlight relays that cut power to one or both headlights.
- Corrosion, loose connections, or damaged wiring in the headlight harness or at the headlight assemblies.
- Worn or failing headlight switch or stalk controls that fail to send power to the headlights.
- Grounding issues or poor chassis grounding causing dimming or flickering lights.
- Aging lenses or reflectors that reduce brightness due to fogging or yellowing (a visibility issue rather than a power outage).
Diagnosing the problem generally starts with simple checks of the electrical supply and the most common failure points before moving to more involved repairs. If the headlights fail intermittently, note any patterns such as weather, vehicle speed, or driver inputs (like turning the wheel or using the turn signals).
Diagnosing and fixing
This step-by-step guide outlines a practical approach to diagnosing and fixing common headlight issues on the 2011 Subaru Outback.
- Check the relevant fuses and headlight relay(s) in the vehicle’s fuse box; replace any blown fuses and test the headlights again.
- Inspect all headlight bulbs for signs of burn-out, haze, or corrosion; replace burned or cloudy bulbs with good-quality units.
- Inspect the headlight connectors and wiring harness for corrosion, bent pins, or loose connections; reseat or clean contacts as needed and ensure secure routing of wires away from heat and moving parts.
- Test the headlight switch and stalk operation; if the switch feels loose, sticky, or does not consistently send power to the headlights, this component may need replacement.
- Check ground points and chassis ground connections near the headlights; ensure solid grounding to prevent dimming or flickering.
- If the problem persists, consult Subaru Service Bulletins and your VIN to determine whether there are any recalls or published service notices related to the headlights or electrical system.
- Seek professional diagnosis if the issue remains after these steps, especially to diagnose wiring harness faults or control-module related problems.
Addressing headlight problems early can prevent unsafe driving situations and help avoid more extensive electrical repairs. If your Outback is under warranty or covered by a recall, a dealership visit is often the fastest route to a definitive fix.
Safety and recalls: what to check
In addition to routine maintenance, drivers should verify whether their specific vehicle has any active recalls or service campaigns related to headlights or electrical components. Use your VIN to search the official recall databases maintained by NHTSA and Subaru’s recall portal. If a recall applies, have the dealer perform the repair at no cost.
Summary
The 2011 Subaru Outback can experience several headlight issues, with the most common being outages or dimming caused by bulbs, fuses, relays, or connectors rather than a single widespread defect. A practical approach starts with simple checks (bulbs, fuses, relays) and progresses to connectors, switches, and grounding. Always verify recalls and service bulletins through official sources to ensure you receive the correct and up-to-date repair path.
Is there a recall on Subaru headlights?
Subaru has announced the recall of more than 188,000 Impreza sedans and wagons from the 2017 through 2019 model years to fix a problem with some of the reflectors in the headlight assemblies that may not properly reflect light.
Why do Subaru headlights fail?
Outback headlights often fail due to wiring issues and frequent bulb burnout from electrical surges.
What is the Subaru Outback headlight lawsuit?
Plaintiff Kathleen O'Neill filed the lawsuit in federal court this week stating that the exterior lighting bulbs on the 2010 and 2011 Subaru Outback vehicles are “defective due to interference within the lighting assembly and overvoltage in the lighting circuits.”
Is there any recalls on a 2011 Subaru Outback?
The 2011 Subaru Outback has had several recalls, with the most significant ones involving a potential sunroof defect and the Takata airbag inflator recall. Other recalls include potential windshield wiper motor failure that could lead to a fire hazard and a recall for a water pump pulley that could detach and cause engine seizure. It is crucial for owners to check their vehicle's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) with Subaru of America or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to see if their specific vehicle is affected by any of these campaigns.
You can watch this video to learn about common issues with the 2011 Subaru Outback, including transmission problems: 36scar PROblemsYouTube · Jun 24, 2022
Key recalls for the 2011 Subaru Outback:
- Sunroof defect: Vehicles manufactured between August 3, 2010, and July 1, 2011, are recalled because the sunroof glass can come loose or detach due to improper adhesive application.
- Takata airbag inflator: This widespread recall affects certain Subaru models, including some 2011 Outbacks, where the passenger frontal airbag inflator may explode in a crash due to propellant degradation. Owners are advised not to use the front-passenger seat until the repair is performed.
- Windshield wipers: Some models may have a windshield wiper motor that can overheat if the wipers are obstructed by snow or ice, which could cause the motor to fail or the cover to melt, creating a fire risk.
- Water pump pulley: An improperly machined water pump pulley can dislodge from the drive shaft, which could lead to severe engine damage or seizure.
