2008 Subaru Outback Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 7%of 226 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2008 Subaru Outback, 7% of the 226 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,500 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Purchased this single-owner, well-cared for Outback about 1/9/2015. I was assured all recalls had been addressed. I soon realized the low beam headlights extended the light-field for only a very short distance. (no more than 7 feet in front of car). At next oil change, asked to have them looked at/adjusted. About 2 days after that was done, I had no low-beam headlights. Told the low-beams were not grounding . (high beams and fog lights are fine). Waited for a $300 control module part to come in but that was not the problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10693823, filed 2015-03, 100,000 miles“Wire harness going to rear hatch had multiple wires severed by repeated opening/closing of rear hatch. Lock and tail light wires were broken though. 4 other wires had their insulation cut and the conductor was exposed. In searching the net this appears to be a very common problem. Why hasn't a recall been issued? Failure of brake lights or tail lights are a safety issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10928062, filed 2016-11, 120,000 miles“Having airbag light coming on intermittently along with passenger airbag light. Mechanic said airbags probably are not functioning properly. Cost for repair would be between $350-$400. From reading other complaints, this is an easy and cheap fix but dangerous if it's not repaired. This should be a recall!”
NHTSA complaint #10702116, filed 2015-03, 55,000 miles“2008 Subaru Outback. The dash instrument panel airbag warning light would intermittently come on and stay on for extended periods of time. The red airbag light would occasionally turn off but for the most part it was on continuously. Dealership advised that when the red airbag warning light is illuminated the airbag system is inoperative. The vehicle was taken to our local dealership on 3/30/2015 and the service report indicates a scan noted airbag code 26 -passenger side indicator failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #10706472, filed 2015-04, 50,303 miles“Subaru has an extremely common faulty wiring issue with an LED printed circuit board that is part of the airbag warning light system that resides in the maplight assembly above the rear view mirror. This problem has been reported by countless vehicle owners across a number of models (including Outback and forester) across a number of model years. A simple google search using the keywords: Subaru code 26 airbag reveals a treasure trove of information pertaining to this issue. It is clear that this problem is frequent, persistent and widespread. …”
NHTSA complaint #11020944, filed 2017-08, 110,500 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11012260Dec 13, 2024This bulletin is for information purposes only.The bulletin adresses design changes of the headlamps and rear combination lamps, where moisture and or condensation may develop on…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 4% |
| 2024 | 3 | 3% |
| 2023 | 6 | 7% |
| 2022 | 3 | 1% |
| 2021 | 4 | 1% |
| 2020 | 16 | 2% |
| 2019 | 11 | 1% |
| 2018 | 10 | 1% |
| 2017 | 7 | 1% |
| 2016 | 5 | 1% |
| 2015 | 4 | 1% |
| 2014 | 7 | 3% |
| 2013 | 8 | 3% |
| 2012 | 18 | 6% |
| 2011 | 117 | 18% |
| 2010 | 35 | 10% |
| 2009 | 10 | 9% |
| 2008 | 15 | 7% |
| 2007 | 6 | 5% |
| 2006 | 4 | 1% |
| 2005 | 30 | 11% |
| 2003 | 2 | 2% |
| 2002 | 3 | 2% |
| 2000 | 4 | 2% |
| 1998 | 3 | 2% |
| 1997 | 1 | 1% |
| 1996 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2008 Subaru Outback
104 complaintsElectrical system
34 complaintsBrakes
31 complaintsEngine
14 complaintsSuspension
12 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsSteering
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Subaru Outback
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology