2022 Outback Premium Dash/Screen Blackout

[jsadove]

So I finally have an update to share. In short, they found and replaced a fault front relay module control assembly. It couldn’t pass a wiggle test - dropped voltage. This explains why bumpy roads always enhanced the problem.

I can already see a huge improvement. In complete transparency, to pay out of pocket with the dealer for replacement would’ve cost $600. I was still under warranty and had the extended electronics coverage (which comes with a $100 deductible). I paid $0.

Editing to say they could never duplicate my concerns. I tried convincing them to drive it on a bumpy or mountain road to no avail. It also never threw codes.

Just checking. I had this problem starting back in 2018 with my Outback 3.6R sold by Subaru of Glendale, CA. It began 6 months after leasing (and later purchasing) the car. I then had 6 subsequent and worsening recurrences until (thru a circuitous process I learned of here) contacted Subaru USA and and initiated the process to have the entire headunit/infotainment replaced. This was apparently done 28-Feb-24 (I should say apparently, since I can't say for sure what they did). 3 days later my car wouldn't turn over because battery was drained. I replaced 2 new batteries and the problem persisted. I brought the car in the SoG and they claimed not to observe the problem. Took the car home and next morning the battery was dead. And it was 100% consistent, but the exact time lapse is somewhere between 3 and 8 hours. Took the car back to SoG and again they said they couldn't observe the problem. I believe they lied. 3 weeks later they called and said they found the problem and they would have the part in ~2 weeks. I called after 2 weeks and they said they did not have the "part". When I asked what the part was they simply said the whole head-unit. The manufacturer (bizarrely) is in Syracuse, NY and they only send a repaired unit to SoG once they get a returned defective one. No ETA. My experience suggests that their behavior and the whole problem is being covered up. I have filed a complaint with the Attorney General here and am waiting for that to be reviewed and action taken against Subaru of Glendale.

 

[jsadove]

Two years later and this is still happening in my 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness. It happens roughly twice a month. No one seems interested enough to assist, so I've just learned to deal with it.

Just checking. I had this problem starting back in 2018 with my Outback 3.6R sold by Subaru of Glendale, CA. It began 6 months after leasing (and later purchasing) the car. I then had 6 subsequent and worsening recurrences until (thru a circuitous process I learned of here) contacted Subaru USA and and initiated the process to have the entire headunit/infotainment replaced. This was apparently done 28-Feb-24 (I should say apparently, since I can't say for sure what they did). 3 days later my car wouldn't turn over because battery was drained. I replaced 2 new batteries and the problem persisted. I brought the car in the SoG and they claimed not to observe the problem. Took the car home and next morning the battery was dead. And it was 100% consistent, but the exact time lapse is somewhere between 3 and 8 hours. Took the car back to SoG and again they said they couldn't observe the problem. I believe they lied. 3 weeks later they called and said they found the problem and they would have the part in ~2 weeks. I called after 2 weeks and they said they did not have the "part". When I asked what the part was they simply said the whole head-unit. The manufacturer (bizarrely) is in Syracuse, NY and they only send a repaired unit to SoG once they get a returned defective one. No ETA. My experience suggests that their behavior and the whole problem is being covered up. I have filed a complaint with the Attorney General here and am waiting for that to be reviewed and action taken against Subaru of Glendale.

 

[jsadove]

I have a 2021 Subaru Outback touring model, over the last three years I’ve had to take it to the dealer as the info screen would either stay off for the first 10 minutes or so after starting the car. Two days ago. Oct 4th I went to start the car and the info system was completely black, nothing and it did not come back on at all, no controls, no radio and AC. Completely blank and non functioning. Took it to the dealer this morning first thing as this dealer has been very accommodating as we planned on a 12 day road trip. 45 minutes later he came to me with the BAD. News. The radio went out it being a part of the info system just shuts down everything. Has anybody had to have there radio part of the info system replaced, the next BAD news they will not have the replacement for 2-3 weeks. Come on Subaru let’s have a better backup supply line. Now I have 60MPH air conditioning like I had 45 years ago. Any input regarding similar type of situation would be helpful. ,

Just checking. I had this problem starting back in 2018 with my Outback 3.6R sold by Subaru of Glendale, CA. It began 6 months after leasing (and later purchasing) the car. I then had 6 subsequent and worsening recurrences until (thru a circuitous process I learned of here) contacted Subaru USA and and initiated the process to have the entire headunit/infotainment replaced. This was apparently done 28-Feb-24 (I should say apparently, since I can't say for sure what they did). 3 days later my car wouldn't turn over because battery was drained. I replaced 2 new batteries and the problem persisted. I brought the car in the SoG and they claimed not to observe the problem. Took the car home and next morning the battery was dead. And it was 100% consistent, but the exact time lapse is somewhere between 3 and 8 hours. Took the car back to SoG and again they said they couldn't observe the problem. I believe they lied. 3 weeks later they called and said they found the problem and they would have the part in ~2 weeks. I called after 2 weeks and they said they did not have the "part". When I asked what the part was they simply said the whole head-unit. The manufacturer (bizarrely) is in Syracuse, NY and they only send a repaired unit to SoG once they get a returned defective one. No ETA. My experience suggests that their behavior and the whole problem is being covered up. I have filed a complaint with the Attorney General here and am waiting for that to be reviewed and action taken against Subaru of Glendale.

 

[pacupatch]

Software should be updated frequently. I have the same problem, but it doesn't appear after the software upgrade

mine continues to occur after update. Last update took 2 hours. Then I was told if this continues I am out of pocket to replace it.

 

[pacupatch]

So I got a '22 Outback Premium new about two or three months ago. Last month I took a trip to Texas and while I was there the car did something really weird. When I started it up and put it in drive the dash and radio screen went black, and the windows stopped rolling up, almost like the car was losing power. Long story short, took it to a TX dealer and they updated the radio, but it didn't fix the problem. I drove it all the way back to Georgia with no more occurrences.

However, I took another 2-hour trip and the dash and screen flickered on and off multiple times. When it happens, it also resets the local weather settings from my area to Washington DC, and Sirius has issues reconnecting. Last week I took it to my local dealer for an oil change and had them look into the problem. Again, I'm told they can't duplicate the problem, no one has heard of this issue, and they even escalated it further up the line to Subaru.

My friend works at the assembly plant in Indiana and he thinks it's a loose plug - but the dealerships say that's impossible. However, Subaru's solution is to write it down and take a video whenever it happens, but I don't see how I can do that as the driver. Has anyone else had this problem, or have a clue as to what could possibly serve as a real solution?

Same thing with 2021 Outback. It has been documented since I first got the subaru. The keep telling me it needs to be updated. The last time this occurred and I took it to the dealership they told me I would be responsible for the cost of a replacement. Just back from Mexico so I will call Subaru.