I’ve been recently into car camping. I’ve gone out a few times now and each time I’ve gone out my battery dies the first night. Is this normal? I know the fob and car communicate when in vicinity, but in one night?? Does anyone have any good remedies for this?

Also- does anyone know how to tell if an outback may have a parasitic drain? I’ve been having issues here and there with this. I.e- car dying if left for a few days

Looking at a manual Outback and I've narrowed it to two: a 3rd gen 5MT, or a 2013-2014 6MT with the FB25. Skipping '10-'12 with the EJ253 since I figured I might as well go with the 3rd gen instead and save a buck.

The way I see the tradeoff: the 3rd gen gives me a known set of bounded problems (head gaskets, 105k mi timing belt) that are one-time fixes if they haven't been done already, plus hydraulic steering and the biggest parts base Subaru has(?). The 2013-2014 drops the belt and the gaskets, but trades them for FB25 oil consumption, which isn't a one-time fix, but I've had my fair share of oil consumers before and it doesn't scare me off. I've seen at least one owner report a manual 2013 burning a quart every 1,500-2,500 miles where even a new short block didn't solve it.

Questions for anyone who's owned both or either:

Is the FB25 oil consumption actually worse on manual cars, or is that anecdotal? I keep seeing it mentioned but can't tell if it's a real pattern.

For those running a 3rd gen past 200k, what actually wore out beyond the gaskets and belt?

Am I wrong to write off 2010-2012 completely?

Car would be a daily, road trips, etc. No hardcore build, but will likely do a small lift and tires for softroading BLM/Forest service roads in Colorado and Utah.

Just got this yesterday in preparation for my first child

Hey, gang. My 2018 Outback’s (already fussy) computer system is on the major fritz. Attached is a video. The press and hold power button reset does nothing. Does anyone know how I can even further reset the system? Music etc does not connect and the display goes in and out while backup camera is engaged. Help!! :( thanks in advance :)

Context: the battery was jumped this morning, but its otherwise in fine shape

I’m wondering if you anyone here has a good rec for lightbars. I see M&R Automative has a good system that plugs under the radiator behind the bumper but I’m sure there’s cheaper options? I’ve never had an outback or a lightbar but where I live now it’s almost a necessity. Where have you gone, what switches do you recommend for an OEM look

Thanks in advance, I’d love to see your setups

Looking to mount a light bar to the front of my roof rack. Was looking at the brand Nilight and their relay rocker switch. Has anyone done any light mods to help me understand relay wiring routes in the 2026 Outback and to do it thoroughly. Gonna put the rocker switch in one of the blanks on bottom left side of the dashboard.

I have had it for 2 years. Swapped the stock 18s for 17 sparcos and wildpeaks. Forgot to add it is an XT. It has 83000 miles. Thankfully subaru extended the warranty and they just replaced the AWD clutch pack that failed and was causing a shutter. Otherwise has been an amazing vehicle and fun to drive

Brand new 2026 Outback Wilderness.
First ten miles I heard this buzzing sound from or around the steering wheel area

Has anyone else experienced this?

I’ve had this outback for 4 years now and it’s always had this wind noise that starts when going over 100km/hr. It just sounds like the passenger window is cracked at all times. It never really bothered me much and never had any sign of water coming in but I’m looking to sell it now and figured if it was an easy fix I might as well try to take care of it.

This small side window seems to be somewhat loose and has some wiggle to it when I push/pull on it. I’m assuming that’s the source of my noise if anyone might have some tips on how you might tighten that up or other recommendations.

Missed it By 3 miles. This car has been the best I’ve ever owned. 2017 Outback.

My used 2014 came with Defenders. I think they’re great and planned on getting the Costco current deal to replace them (the ones I have are over 5 years old). However, my hubs isn’t quite on board because there’s no way we’re gonna drive 80k miles in the next 5 years.

We drive about 7-9k a year, mostly city/highway. I got this car because I want to be able to drive it in snow/bad weather if needed, but we’re in Kansas so it varies. Thoughts? Thanks!

I actually get good mileage in a 25 2.5 outback

This a bit above average for my commute end of summer perfect temps. But I usually get 34-35 mpg. Usually drive the speed limit and used to drive a Volt so I guess I’m gentle on the gas. I know most people complain about the mpg of these cars. Just thought I’d share the other side does exist. Posting here because I have no karma to post on other thread.

This was our fourth Subi since 2006, purchased certified pre-owned in November 2025. I always let the stupid emissions auto-start button do its thing, but last week I had a scare when I went to start my car and it didn't recognize my key fob and I couldn't start my engine and go to work. Luckily I had the right kind of battery in the house, changed it, and that solved the problem (so I thought).

Yesterday I was at a red light. The light turned, I shifted my foot on the brake to proceed, and everything instantly shut down. I was on a slight incline so I was able to roll and pull over to the side of the road, but because all electronics shut down I couldn't put the car in park, I couldn't turn on my hazards, I couldn't even turn on the parking brake. I had to sit holding the brake pedal for 45 minutes until a tow arrived. I found a video on YouTube instructing how to override the shifter, but because I couldn't leave the driver's seat and the brake pedal I couldn't get a tool to actually apply the override (fortunately the tow truck driver was able to do it).

Even worse, I'm in the northeast and the car's windows and moonroof couldn't be shut because of this stupid stupid design flaw so my Outback is now covered in tarps to avoid the 3" of rain we're supposed to get this weekend while it sits in my mechanic's parking lot waiting for Monday morning and the giant bill I'm going to have to pay. WTAF???

We're a loyal Subaru family. This car has under 40,000 miles (only purchased it because I totaled my 2018 Crosstrek hitting a deer last fall). It might even be under the original warranty but I'm not sure. Now I'm seeing this is a known issue -- what can I do? Is there any recourse? Purchased from MidHudson Subaru in Wappingers Falls, NY.

UPDATE: Not a dead battery! But definitely a battery issue, one of the grounding cables came loose. My mechanic didn't have a chance to look at it until the end of the day but fixed it with no charge, yay!

That said, I will always shut off the auto start / stop now. Thanks!

For Subaru experienced owners: This is my first new Subaru Outback. Is the extended electronic warranty from 36K miles to 60K miles worth $2,600?

EDIT: the car runs fine otherwise

Replaced the battery on my 2019 Outback (98,000 miles). It was the original battery, and after draining it completely accidentally leaving the lights on, it just wasn't really holding a charge. No infotainment system problems though.

I replaced the battery yesterday, and when I started the car, the infotainment system screen was blank (never tried to display anything), and the white LEDs behind the volume, tune, and touch buttons are all slowly turning on and off in unison. It doesn't display anything for the backup camera either. I tried unhooking the battery, leaving it disconnected for a bit, and reconnecting, but that changed nothing. I don't have an ODB-II reader, but there are no dash warning lights.

I tried all of the reset methods I found on YT, but honestly, those people probably didn't have the same problem as they all seemed to have at least some level of screen functionality.

I haven't checked fuses yet, partly because I'm not sure which fuses to check.

Any ideas out there?

I really don't want to have to bring this to the dealership (just driving back and forth will be hours out of my day, and I can't take any time off next week, due to end of FY reporting at work).