2025 SUBARU OUTBACK

STRUCTURE:BODY

2025 Subaru Outback was parked in the garage. The high temperature for the day was in the upper 80's. The temperature on the thermometer in the garage was 85. The car had been parked in the garage after the drive home from work for over 3 hours. I heard a noise in the garage and the sunroof had exploded outward. I had not been hit by any debris and it was not damaged. The glass was still crackling as I walked up and took a video. It looked like a miniature volcano with the upward, circular ridge of glass. It was towed to the dealership and their initial response was they did not think the factory warranty or extended warranty will cover it. I have 35,000 miles on the vehicle. Began to investigate known issues with the Subaru and discovered this has been happening to other Subaru's and manufacturer's.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The wireless CarPlay continuously disconnects and reconnects on its own. It is possible to inspect it upon request. This issue has been persistent since I purchased the car however it’s random in the times it disconnects, and sometimes it doesn’t reconnect at all. The dealership has informed me that this is an issue with Subaru cars with wireless CarPlay. It has been recalled and supposedly the issue was resolved when I had it repaired at the dealership, however it has continued to have the same issue. It is a safety concern to me because I no longer am able to connect and see my map on the screen while driving, which in turn will force me to have to use the maps on my phone. I have to hold my phone and continuously look down to follow the navigation information which is dangerous to myself and other cars driving around me.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

Unforced acceleration occurred in a parking lot. I had my foot off the gas pedal, and had the car easing to a stop, when the car sped up rapidly and scraped the side of a large van. The car eventually came to a stop as i was applying the brake as much as i could. The passenger side of subaru was damaged extensively. I reported this to our insurance agent and lithia.

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

Unforced acceleration occurred in a parking lot. I had my foot off the gas pedal, and had the car easing to a stop, when the car sped up rapidly and scraped the side of a large van. The car eventually came to a stop as i was applying the brake as much as i could. The passenger side of subaru was damaged extensively. I reported this to our insurance agent and lithia.

LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING

Unforced acceleration occurred in a parking lot. I had my foot off the gas pedal, and had the car easing to a stop, when the car sped up rapidly and scraped the side of a large van. The car eventually came to a stop as i was applying the brake as much as i could. The passenger side of subaru was damaged extensively. I reported this to our insurance agent and lithia.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

The EyeSight Assist appears to be working intermittently since the car was purchased. It stops working without any apparent reason, regardless of whether it is a sunny day, cloudy, or rainy. The assist stops working without any proper reason. The lane departure warning also appears to be either not working or malfunctioning at times. Even if I am within the lane, it still makes warning sounds at times and shows yellow lines on the screen.

LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING

The EyeSight Assist appears to be working intermittently since the car was purchased. It stops working without any apparent reason, regardless of whether it is a sunny day, cloudy, or rainy. The assist stops working without any proper reason. The lane departure warning also appears to be either not working or malfunctioning at times. Even if I am within the lane, it still makes warning sounds at times and shows yellow lines on the screen.

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

The EyeSight Assist appears to be working intermittently since the car was purchased. It stops working without any apparent reason, regardless of whether it is a sunny day, cloudy, or rainy. The assist stops working without any proper reason. The lane departure warning also appears to be either not working or malfunctioning at times. Even if I am within the lane, it still makes warning sounds at times and shows yellow lines on the screen.

AIR BAGS

Front passenger airbag does not turn on and/stay on when my adult wife is seated (5'7" 100lbs). Moving the seat up/down and/or back/forth sometimes allows the system to activate but it then turns off later on while driving. The Subaru owner's manual instructs the owner that when this occurs the passenger should sit in the back and Subaru Service should be obtained. Subaru Service has inspected the car and indicated the system is functioning properly, and there is nothing to repair. Afterwards, calling the Subaru Customer Advocate they indicated that they expect the system to turn on for my wife, and that there is no weight minimum for the air bag. They said that I should return to the service center with her so that they could witness the issue. A return appointment was made and completed today. Subaru Service center staff witnessed the passenger air back system ignoring my wife in the seat. Their response was comprised of confusion as to why we were there followed by the judgement that the system was working as designed (based on the previous visit) so there is no problem to be fixed. It appears that the Subaru air bag system does not protect all adult passengers. Also, the owner's manual instructing the driver to tell the passenger to sit in the back when this occurs, seems to indicate that this is not a normal situation and needs to be repaired.

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

Several incidents: 1) I was on a 3 lane road and gained some speed to get around a car, when I got into the other lane the car collision warning came on and slowed the car down significantly b/c it detected a car that was at least 300 feet in front of me. That is too far for a car accident. I was told by the dealership that the alogorithum between speed and object detection is what made the car react that way. Essentially it calculated that at the speed I was at I would have overtaken the car in front of me despite the fact that it was hundreds of feet away. This is dangerous and in no way would I have kept that speed and overran that car, besides I was getting back in the other lane to get on the interstate ramp in less than 100 feet. 2) I have small kids, in the morning I unlock the car and load them up into the car while I go back and forth to the house to get the rest of my things. I then started the car heading to my destination. While on the interstate my car kept trying to drag me back into a lane despite me wanting to change lanes. Turns out while I was loading my kids in the car they were searching for their "Kids Bop" radio station and hit all sorts of buttons, changing my button selection. I did not know how to change it back without reading the book. I had to pull over to the side of the interstate to google how to change the features. I was late to work and completely stressed out. The buttons shouldn't be that easy to change. And frankly shouldn't exist, they are dangerous. 3) Today I pull into my parking space at work and the bush in front of me is overgrown, the collision detection system detects the leggy limbs of the bush and slams on breaks flashing the collision notice. My head jerked forward and all of my belongings in the front seat of the car fly forward. This car has a mind of its own. I'm not driving the car, its driving me. These features are dangerous and I want them removed. This car is going to kill me!!!!!!!!!!!

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

Several incidents: 1) I was on a 3 lane road and gained some speed to get around a car, when I got into the other lane the car collision warning came on and slowed the car down significantly b/c it detected a car that was at least 300 feet in front of me. That is too far for a car accident. I was told by the dealership that the alogorithum between speed and object detection is what made the car react that way. Essentially it calculated that at the speed I was at I would have overtaken the car in front of me despite the fact that it was hundreds of feet away. This is dangerous and in no way would I have kept that speed and overran that car, besides I was getting back in the other lane to get on the interstate ramp in less than 100 feet. 2) I have small kids, in the morning I unlock the car and load them up into the car while I go back and forth to the house to get the rest of my things. I then started the car heading to my destination. While on the interstate my car kept trying to drag me back into a lane despite me wanting to change lanes. Turns out while I was loading my kids in the car they were searching for their "Kids Bop" radio station and hit all sorts of buttons, changing my button selection. I did not know how to change it back without reading the book. I had to pull over to the side of the interstate to google how to change the features. I was late to work and completely stressed out. The buttons shouldn't be that easy to change. And frankly shouldn't exist, they are dangerous. 3) Today I pull into my parking space at work and the bush in front of me is overgrown, the collision detection system detects the leggy limbs of the bush and slams on breaks flashing the collision notice. My head jerked forward and all of my belongings in the front seat of the car fly forward. This car has a mind of its own. I'm not driving the car, its driving me. These features are dangerous and I want them removed. This car is going to kill me!!!!!!!!!!!

SERVICE BRAKES

Several incidents: 1) I was on a 3 lane road and gained some speed to get around a car, when I got into the other lane the car collision warning came on and slowed the car down significantly b/c it detected a car that was at least 300 feet in front of me. That is too far for a car accident. I was told by the dealership that the alogorithum between speed and object detection is what made the car react that way. Essentially it calculated that at the speed I was at I would have overtaken the car in front of me despite the fact that it was hundreds of feet away. This is dangerous and in no way would I have kept that speed and overran that car, besides I was getting back in the other lane to get on the interstate ramp in less than 100 feet. 2) I have small kids, in the morning I unlock the car and load them up into the car while I go back and forth to the house to get the rest of my things. I then started the car heading to my destination. While on the interstate my car kept trying to drag me back into a lane despite me wanting to change lanes. Turns out while I was loading my kids in the car they were searching for their "Kids Bop" radio station and hit all sorts of buttons, changing my button selection. I did not know how to change it back without reading the book. I had to pull over to the side of the interstate to google how to change the features. I was late to work and completely stressed out. The buttons shouldn't be that easy to change. And frankly shouldn't exist, they are dangerous. 3) Today I pull into my parking space at work and the bush in front of me is overgrown, the collision detection system detects the leggy limbs of the bush and slams on breaks flashing the collision notice. My head jerked forward and all of my belongings in the front seat of the car fly forward. This car has a mind of its own. I'm not driving the car, its driving me. These features are dangerous and I want them removed. This car is going to kill me!!!!!!!!!!!

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Driving on the freeway at 65 mph, my sunroof spontaneously exploded. The car is less than one month old and no debris whatsoever hit the car prior to the sunroof exploding. It was a sunny day, about 85 degrees and the freeway traffic was light. There were no cars or trucks directly in front of me at the time. There was a loud boom and then glass rained down on the roof of the car. Glass also flew off the top of the car and into the road behind me, endangering other drivers. I had to hold the fabric sunroof cover closed with one hand while driving with the other hand. As I was driving on the freeway, I had to drive a few miles to get to a safe spot, while trying to keep the sunroof cover closed so that the rest of the glass did not hit my child and I. When we pulled over, the remaining glass appeared to be pushed upward as if the force came from inside the car. I am absolutely certain that nothing hit the car at any point prior to the glass exploding. This seems to have happend out of the blue and there were no warning sounds or signals at all. I have never opened the sunroof, as this is a brand new car. I called Subaru America and they told me this would be covered under warranty and the local dealership has ordered a new sunroof. Thank you.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

2025 Subaru Outback has been to the dealership three times for software issues. Cruise control, back-up camera, rear collision system, eyesight system all operate some of the time and other times they do not work at all. Software recall in March 2025 and fix was not successful. In May of 2025, dealership reinstalled entire software system. Same safety functions are again not working all the time. Vehicle returning to dealership on July 15, 2025 to try and rectify safety issues associated with the software. No accidents. Safety functions just turn on an off over the past three months.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

2025 Subaru Outback has been to the dealership three times for software issues. Cruise control, back-up camera, rear collision system, eyesight system all operate some of the time and other times they do not work at all. Software recall in March 2025 and fix was not successful. In May of 2025, dealership reinstalled entire software system. Same safety functions are again not working all the time. Vehicle returning to dealership on July 15, 2025 to try and rectify safety issues associated with the software. No accidents. Safety functions just turn on an off over the past three months.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2025 Subaru Outback has been to the dealership three times for software issues. Cruise control, back-up camera, rear collision system, eyesight system all operate some of the time and other times they do not work at all. Software recall in March 2025 and fix was not successful. In May of 2025, dealership reinstalled entire software system. Same safety functions are again not working all the time. Vehicle returning to dealership on July 15, 2025 to try and rectify safety issues associated with the software. No accidents. Safety functions just turn on an off over the past three months.

AIR BAGS

Front Passenger side icon shows airbag off when passenger is in passenger seat

STEERING

The contact owns a 2025 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle oversteered, almost causing the contact to crash several times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the alignment was out of spec, and an alignment was needed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 44.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Vehicles eye sight and rear camera is not aligned correctly with car. it is off in direction )right to left) by about 6+ inches which could easily result in a collision if driver is using lane departure and/or automated driving assistance.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING

The Car will not stop if another vehicle is in front of it and I don't hit on the brakes. I have taken it in for this problem more than three times and they put it on the computer and it can not find anything wrong with it. And once they reset it works until I turn it off and start it back up the system goes back to the default setting I have reached out to the dealership to let them know that It is still not working properly and the thing that has happen is that they have call me once tell me that they will look in to but as now June 12, 2025 I have heard nothing. The car is new and when I received it the car had a big squirrel nest in it which I had to take it back the next day for that and yes the car is new. I purchased it from Classic Subaru Atlanta Corp.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

The Car will not stop if another vehicle is in front of it and I don't hit on the brakes. I have taken it in for this problem more than three times and they put it on the computer and it can not find anything wrong with it. And once they reset it works until I turn it off and start it back up the system goes back to the default setting I have reached out to the dealership to let them know that It is still not working properly and the thing that has happen is that they have call me once tell me that they will look in to but as now June 12, 2025 I have heard nothing. The car is new and when I received it the car had a big squirrel nest in it which I had to take it back the next day for that and yes the car is new. I purchased it from Classic Subaru Atlanta Corp.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2025 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while attempting to refuel the vehicle, gasoline started to spill from the fuel filler neck. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to provide a diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 300.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

The driver’s side door opened while on the highway going 60-65. All doors were properly closed upon departure, and the door randomly opened. The doors were locked, so it stayed partially latched but ajar with the open door light suddenly coming on. It was a safety issue because it terrified me and I had to quickly pull over to close it/ assess what just happened. I will take the car to the dealership ASAP to report and have the latches inspected.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

My 2025 Subaru Outback has two persistent defects after three repair attempts, posing safety risks and meeting Tennessee lemon law standards: 1.Fuel Economy Defect: Advertised 32 MPG highway (EPA estimate), but I average 22-27 MPG at every fill up, regardless of city or highway driving. This car has been in the shop and the dealership offered no fix. Dealer staff admitted MPG is below spec, yet claim it’s ‘normal.’ This suggests a potential engine or emissions fault, risking unexpected fuel loss on highways—a safety hazard for long drives. Not to mention false advertising to sell a car. 2.Infotainment Glitches: System updated twice since December 2024, still crashes/freezes (e.g., March 26, 2025, screen blacked out for over 5 minutes and restarted 3 times, this glitch effected my back up camera when trying to back into my driveway. intermittent failure obscures visibility . Drops phone connection while trying to map to a destination. This directly effects safety as you have to try and get the phone reconnected to resume mapping. Three repair attempts failed. This impairs safe operation, risking collisions in traffic or parking. These unresolved issues—three failed fixes per Tennessee lemon law—substantially impair safety and use. NHTSA intervention needed for potential recall.”

VISIBILITY/WIPER

On my second windshield repair, windshield is highly sensitive and prone to cracks and chips, unbelievable / unacceptable for a new car. I’ve drove a Acura MDX 2006 previous to driving a Subaru Outback 2025 and not once have I ever had a windshield be so prone to cracks / chips.

AIR BAGS

The front seat passenger airbag has an amber colored lighted alert indicator on the dashboard that is supposed to change from “off” to “on” when an occupant of sufficient weight is seated in that position. The dealer who recently sold me my new 2025 Subaru Outback advised me that this indicator is calibrated to trigger when a passenger weighing over 85 pounds occupies that seat. However, while I have found that it works for example when an occupant sits in the front passenger seat at a weight of 190 pounds it does not switch from off to on when a passenger weighing 97 pounds has occupied this seating position. This problem occurs only with the front passenger seat airbag alert indicator and works properly when a passenger of either exampled weight class occupies the driver’s seat.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

We bought the car in January . When going through our regular car wash, we heard a boom on the roof. We looked and saw no damage. Went through again last week and heard it again. We expressed our concern to the manager who sat in the back as we went through again. She held her hand on the roof as it went through the drying cycle and felt it cave in and pop out. She said this has happened before with certain Chevy models and a recall was put in. (GM Has A Fix For Colorado And Canyon Roofs Dented By Car Washes). We contacted the Subaru customer service ( as told by our dealership). They said it is under warranty, if something happens. Even after I said it could be a safety concern if the car flipped or something fell on the roof, they said there is nothing they could do. The dealership said we could contact NHTSA. I am hoping that you could determine if this is a safety concern , Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Headlights produce a distracting shadow. It looks like something is crossing the road in front of you. In addition, as a driver, it focuses your attention on the shadow instead of the road. It's a common complaint online and definitely a real safety concern for motorists.

AIR BAGS

Shortly after purchasing my vehicle I noticed that the passenger airbag illuminated “off” indicator did not switch from “off” to “on” when an individual weighing under 100 pounds occupies the front passenger set in the vehicle. I could find nothing in the owner’s literature accompanying my car’s purchase addressing the threshold weight set by the manufacturer or dealer for passenger airbag activation/deactivation but was told informally by a dealer representative that the weight threshold for the vehicle is set at 100 pounds and cannot be adjusted to activate for front passenger seat occupants weighing any less—a potential safety issue for my wife who weighs less than 100 pounds and often occupies the front passenger seat position.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

There are a couple of issues. 1. The car keeps applying the brakes at lower and higher speeds even though there is literally nothing in front. This is both annoying and risky, especially at higher speeds happening at the interstates. When I asked at the dealership, they said the car is not equipped to do something like this. But that does not mean this is not happening. At lower speeds, it feels like massive pressure forced on the stomach. 2. The lane departure warning system is subpar at best. It cannot comprehend the real-world lane markers- if modified, and is constantly forcing to go through the work areas and seemingly trying to make a collision. If I were not aware and attentive, I would have crashed to the barriers on the highway. 3. The Rear Cross Traffic Warning system does not seem to capture the presence of cross traffic unless it is directly behind in most cases, specifically if the vehicle is coming from the right side of the vehicle. It is not helpful at all.

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

There are a couple of issues. 1. The car keeps applying the brakes at lower and higher speeds even though there is literally nothing in front. This is both annoying and risky, especially at higher speeds happening at the interstates. When I asked at the dealership, they said the car is not equipped to do something like this. But that does not mean this is not happening. At lower speeds, it feels like massive pressure forced on the stomach. 2. The lane departure warning system is subpar at best. It cannot comprehend the real-world lane markers- if modified, and is constantly forcing to go through the work areas and seemingly trying to make a collision. If I were not aware and attentive, I would have crashed to the barriers on the highway. 3. The Rear Cross Traffic Warning system does not seem to capture the presence of cross traffic unless it is directly behind in most cases, specifically if the vehicle is coming from the right side of the vehicle. It is not helpful at all.