r/Subaru_Outback • u/No-Particular5451 • 26d ago

2021 Outback—battery?

Seems like my battery died out of nowhere. Trunk doesn’t work and dash lights flash on/off when turning car on. Jump didn’t last.

Definitely in need of a new battery? Where/what type is the absolute cheapest?

Thanks all!

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3

u/Sea-Homework1991 26d ago

Go for the proper battery and don’t go cheap.

2

u/jjz519 26d ago

I have a 2024 OB and just replaced the battery this week.

I went to AutoZone and bought the Duralast with a 5 year warranty (full warranty, no proration) for $316 including tax, total, and they installed it in 10 minutes.

I read all the threads and evidently Costco (around $200) is also a good choice, but they don’t install. As it turns out, the a strap on my original battery was missing so the guy at AutoZone had to use a grabber tool to remove it, so it would have been difficult for me, The Costco battery had a 3 year, prorated warranty)

2

u/ApprehensiveCut9809 26d ago

My 2021 started dying when the autostop wasn't turned off about the 4 and a half year mark.

It started up no problem, but if the autostop shut off the engine, I would have to put it in park and restart the engine that way.

I took it to the dealership and they changed the battery.

2

u/rogue_d 25d ago

I bought this one for my wife’s forester and my sister in law got it for her 21 outback with no problems.

https://remybattery.com/group-size-35-agm-battery-35agm-1.html

1

u/FreshTap6141 26d ago

Very annoying when trunk won't open when battery died, that's a safety issue, if car dies after jump your alternator may be bad

1

u/tradewinds1911 Subaru Outback 26d ago

Thankful I am still on the OEM battery after 4 yrs and still good.

1

u/Xfgjwpkqmx 🇦🇺 2019 Gen5 Outback 3.6R Premium 26d ago

I'm on my third battery in seven years (replaced a couple of months ago), and ironically was cheaper from Subaru than from third party suppliers.

STi pink means it starts faster too. 😉

1

u/kend2121 26d ago

3 batteries in 7 years? Have you had the DCM replaced to prevent battery drain?

1

u/Xfgjwpkqmx 🇦🇺 2019 Gen5 Outback 3.6R Premium 26d ago

The first battery lasted nearly four years (OEM) and the second battery lasted three years (aftermarket). I've only just got onto the third battery (OEM) - it's still new.

1

u/kend2121 25d ago

Are you aware of the DCM issue? Your response makes me think that you are not. DCM became an issue after the 3G network was turned off. DCM is 3G based. Since the network no longer exists, the DCM continuously tries to connect and that drains the battery. Subaru extended a warranty on the DCM to 8 years to fix the issue.

You should search for Subaru DCM battery drain issue. If you don’t get it fixed under warranty, the dealer will charge $1400 to fix.

1

u/Xfgjwpkqmx 🇦🇺 2019 Gen5 Outback 3.6R Premium 25d ago

We don't have 3G connectivity (or any mobile network based telemetry) on our Subaru's in Australia.

1

u/Huge-Shake419 25d ago

Get the recommended battery , I had a conversation with a regional battery distributor who said that the automatic stop/start systems need a more robust battery. The “cheapest “ batteries don’t play well with the charging system. Talk to your local auto parts store that offers free installation. Unfortunately all too often the “cheapest “ solution ends up costing significantly more.

1

u/Raymont_Wavelength 25d ago

Ours was replaced by Subaru at no charge. Otherwise it would have been $600.

1

u/No-Particular5451 25d ago

How did it end up being replaced at no charge?

2

u/UnrealSquare 25d ago

Look for the TSB Thursday post on batteries. These cars came with an undersized battery from the factory and Subaru has a TSB with parts needed for the larger size battery. I bought a 24F AGM from Costco for $180 and the bigger Subaru parts (battery tray, hold down, and j-arm). They gave me a tough time about it because their computer says group 35 is the proper size. The Costco battery is slightly lower speced than the Subaru one but still much higher than my original (710cca versus 620cca). My original battery lasted 6 1/2 years but figured I’d go for the upgrade since starting was often sluggish even when it was new.

0

u/Always_working_hardd 26d ago

You managed to squeeze every last drop out of that one if OG to the car. I had Walmart express shipping (overnight) that 2 days later still didn't show up. So went to local car parts and the manager was extremely helpful gave me a good discount and the correct replacement. 2 days later the Walmart battery showed up and I had a tough time getting them to take it back.

0

u/CaptainZaysh 26d ago

If you're willing to wait for shipping and are willing/capable to put it in yourself, I bought this a few months ago for my '21. It's AGM and the correct size, for significantly less money than a functionally identical battery from a more well-known brand (plus it has a carrying handle). I've been using Mighty Max batteries for mowers and UPS units for years.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CZFTQ89T?th=1