2008 Subaru Outback Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 4%of 226 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 83,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the visibility of the 2008 Subaru Outback, 4% of the 226 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 83,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My 2008 Subaru Outback is on its second automatic climate control unit/cd player (it is an integrated system). A few weeks ago, the second factory replacement unit started flashing again while driving (see attached images). When this occurs, the climate control buttons (including the front and rear defroster buttons) are completely inoperable. The unit flashes while driving and when stationary. I do have a short video showing the problem, but am unable to attach it to this web form. Happy to share if there is a way to do so.”
NHTSA complaint #11388236, filed 2021-01, 130,000 miles“Air bag: the ovhd console pass on off indicator had to be replaced. Seat belts: the front driver side seat belt does not retract reliably. It has broken the left front door switch twice. Windshield wipers: the wiper blade transmission unit had to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10938852, filed 2016-12, 99,000 miles“Hvac / radio (cd 6 disc changer model) fast flashing, all functions stay enabled but can not be controlled from the panel. Can not turn on defrost unit or adjust temperature or radio controls while flashing occurs. This happens intermittently for a year and has gotten significantly worse where controls are unavailable for 20 minutes or more at a time. Dangerous situation in winter when you can not use the defrost buttons to deice windows or control window fogging.”
NHTSA complaint #10659053, filed 2014-11, 67,000 miles“Hvac fails to operate. Defroster will not operate. Symptoms accompanied by flashing control panel for HVAC and radio. Widespread reports of this problem shared on car owner internet forums.”
NHTSA complaint #10775953, filed 2015-09, 115,234 miles“Dashboard has suddenly become very sticky/tacky, and extremely shiny. Attempts to clean or remove apparent residue have had no effect on stickiness, and lint from rags or paper towels tends to stick to dash. In sunlight, moonlight or streetlight, dashboard surface reflects onto windshield and poses a safety hazard. Dashboard plastic appears to be chemically breaking down or melting. A similar issue affected several million toyota vehicles from the same manufacture date (2007-8), particularly in sunnier states with more uv exposure (fl, az, ca) and toyota issued a recall. …”
NHTSA complaint #10681213, filed 2015-02, 53,000 milesVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 6 | 7% |
| 2024 | 23 | 22% |
| 2023 | 19 | 21% |
| 2022 | 280 | 60% |
| 2021 | 107 | 36% |
| 2020 | 383 | 43% |
| 2019 | 387 | 37% |
| 2018 | 273 | 33% |
| 2017 | 233 | 25% |
| 2016 | 91 | 14% |
| 2015 | 143 | 28% |
| 2014 | 10 | 5% |
| 2013 | 14 | 5% |
| 2012 | 9 | 3% |
| 2011 | 23 | 4% |
| 2010 | 8 | 2% |
| 2009 | 9 | 8% |
| 2008 | 8 | 4% |
| 2007 | 2 | 2% |
| 2006 | 5 | 2% |
| 2005 | 8 | 3% |
| 2004 | 5 | 6% |
| 2003 | 3 | 3% |
| 2002 | 6 | 4% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
| 2000 | 6 | 3% |
| 1999 | 4 | 4% |
| 1998 | 7 | 6% |
| 1997 | 7 | 9% |
| 1996 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2008 Subaru Outback
104 complaintsElectrical system
34 complaintsBrakes
31 complaintsExterior lighting
15 complaintsEngine
14 complaintsSuspension
12 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 complaintsOther or unknown
10 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 27, 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