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What Subaru models are being draining battery?

Several Subaru models have been reported to have issues with battery drain, leading to dead batteries and inconvenient situations for owners. This article will provide a detailed overview of the affected Subaru models, the potential causes, and what owners can do to address the problem.


Affected Subaru Models


According to reports, the Subaru models most affected by battery drain issues include the Outback, Ascent, Impreza, and Crosstrek. These models, primarily from the 2018 to 2022 model years, have experienced problems with the battery losing charge even when the vehicle is not in use.


Potential Causes


The battery drain issues in these Subaru models appear to have several potential causes:



  • Electrical system malfunctions: Some owners have reported issues with the electrical system, such as the alternator not properly charging the battery or a parasitic drain on the battery even when the vehicle is turned off.

  • Software glitches: There have been reports of software-related problems, such as the infotainment system or other electronic components not properly going into a low-power mode when the vehicle is off, leading to battery drain.

  • Battery quality issues: In some cases, the battery itself may be of poor quality or not suitable for the vehicle, leading to premature failure and battery drain.


Subaru has acknowledged the battery drain issues and has issued technical service bulletins (TSBs) to address the problem in some models. However, the root cause of the problem has not been fully identified, and some owners continue to experience the issue even after attempting the recommended fixes.


What Owners Can Do


If you own one of the affected Subaru models and are experiencing battery drain issues, here are some steps you can take:



  • Contact your local Subaru dealer: Inform them of the problem and see if there are any TSBs or recalls related to the battery drain issue. The dealer may be able to diagnose and address the problem under warranty.li>
  • Monitor the battery: Keep a close eye on your battery's charge level and consider investing in a battery maintainer or charger to keep the battery topped up when the vehicle is not in use.

  • Avoid leaving electronics on: Make sure to turn off all electronic devices, such as the infotainment system, lights, and accessories, when the vehicle is not in use to minimize the drain on the battery.

  • Consider replacing the battery: If the issue persists, you may need to replace the battery with a higher-quality unit that is better suited for your Subaru model.li>

By being proactive and working with your Subaru dealer, you can help address the battery drain issues and ensure your vehicle is running smoothly.

What is the Subaru class action lawsuit 2024?


2024 Subaru Crosstrek, Ascent Driver-Side Mirrors Shake, Vibrate Due to Defect, Lawsuit Claims. September 23, 2024 A class action alleges the driver-side mirror on 2024 Subaru Crosstrek and Ascent vehicles is defective in that it can shake and vibrate during driving.



Which Subaru models are being recalled?


Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles.



Is there a class action lawsuit against Subaru Outback?


Lawsuit alleges Subaru Forester, Legacy and Outback vehicles in California have defects that cause sudden unintended acceleration problems. Included in the California class action lawsuit are the 2015-2019 Subaru Legacy, 2012-2018 Subaru Forester and 2015-2019 Subaru Outback which allegedly have software problems.



How do I figure out what is draining my car battery?


To find the source of the drain, start by removing each fuse one at a time and checking the multimeter for any changes in the reading. When you see a significant change in the reading, you've found the circuit causing the parasitic drain. This will help you identify which component or system is responsible.



Will Subaru replace my battery for free?


All Subaru Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) batteries are covered for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first.



What cars are being recalled by Subaru?


Latest Subaru Recalls

  • 2025 Subaru Forester Recall.
  • 2020-2022 Subaru Outback and Legacy Recall.
  • 2021 Subaru Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-23 Legacy and Outback Recall.
  • 2024 Subaru Crosstrek and Impreza Recall.
  • 2023 Subaru Solterra Recall.
  • 2019-2022 Subaru Ascent Recall.
  • 2017-2019 Subaru Impreza Recall.



What drains a car battery when nothing is left on?


parasitic draw
Unplug Extra Accessories: Known as parasitic draw, your car battery can drain from stereo components and phone chargers that continue to work when the car is turned off. Also, be on the lookout for glove-box lights, trunk lights, and interior lights that remain illuminated.



Why would my car battery be dead if nothing was left on?


Parasitic draws, such as interior lights, door lights, or faulty relays, can drain the battery even when the car is off. Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can weaken battery performance and reduce its lifespan.



Do subarus have battery problems?


Torque News covered the Subaru drained battery lawsuit one year ago when the news first broke. The class-action lawsuit alleges 2016-2020 Subaru Outback and 2019-2020 Subaru Ascent SUVs have electrical problems causing the battery to drain.



What is the Subaru electrical system recall?


In late 2022, Subaru of America, Inc. issued a voluntary recall on certain model-year Subaru Ascent SUVs due to a fire risk involving the vehicle's electrical system.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.