2006 Subaru Outback Exterior lighting Problems

“I have a 2006 Subaru Outback wagon. The low-beam headlights do not project more than about 40' in front of the vehicle. I was driving at night on highway 108 between sonora and jamestown, california. There was a pedestrian walking on the side of the road and I was not able to see him until I was less than 40' away. There was great potential for hitting the pedestrian, luckily he was off the road. This is just one incident where I felt my headlights fail. Any time I drive at night, I have limited visibility to the front of me, which means I cannot see potholes or animals in the road. …”

“Rear wiper ceased functioning. The problem was due to broken wire(s) in a wiring harness that passes through a rubber accordion boot between the car body and the tail-gate (near the right-hand tailgate hinge). Many of the other wires, affecting upper brake light, license plate lights, backup lights, and tailgate latch/lock, were frayed and were replaced due to imminent failure of the above listed components. Research at an online forum for Subaru owners showed that many other owners (of 2005 and 2006 Subaru outbacks) have experienced similar failures due to broken wires in this wiring harness. …”

“This is not something specific to just my car but is what I consider a fault for the whole car model. My complaint is that the headlight is hard-wired on. That's ok, but poses a problem at night as one can see that the headlight is on, not realizing that the taillights are not on. You start the car and drive off not realizing that the back of the car is not visible. There is no alert (such as no or dimmed dashboard lights) to let you know that the back of the car cannot be seen in the dark. …”

“Dt: 2006 Subaru Outback. The contact states the low beam headlights are not focused properly. He states it is like driving in a tunnel. Subaru states there is nothing wrong with the vehicle and there is nothing they can do.”