2013 Subaru Outback Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 3%of 297 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2013 Subaru Outback, 3% of the 297 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 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.
“The warning lights- brakes, tire pressure, cruise control, engine lights and traction control all come on and won't go off. Had them reset by the mechanics but a day later they came back on while I was driving down the highway for no reason. Cruise no longer works as the lights are on. A lot of people on line seem to have this problem and I think you should make Subaru issue some kind of recall to fix this problem. Thank you.”
NHTSA complaint #11327068, filed 2020-06, 83,000 miles“Since owning this vehicle, I have replaced the low beam headlights five times, high beams three times, front running lights four times, rear brake lights twice, and rear running lights five times. Subaru has offered to reimburse me for the lights, by sending them the receipts. Although this is admirable, I'm worried about electrical failures and small fires from short circuits.”
NHTSA complaint #10958851, filed 2017-03, 60,000 miles“Have replaced the low beam h7 bulb 5 times this year and has even blow less than 1 hour after fixed by a Subaru dealership. Tail lights have been replaced 3 times in 8 month. High beam lights 3 times in the past 12 months. Fixtures twice. Charred from extreme amp spikes in wires. Now to top it all off entire wiring harness for passenger side is out.”
NHTSA complaint #11011731, filed 2017-07, 90,000 miles“Water pours into vehicle from center rear brake light every time it rains. Bloomington Subaru confirmed issue is water leak via center rear brake light. Soa contacted, no response received. Original owner since new, current mileage is 30,000. Still leaks.”
NHTSA complaint #11291661, filed 2019-12, 29,000 miles“Repeated lighting failures on exterior lights all around car. Have replaced headlights, tail and side lights repeatedly at my cost. Some completed at dealership, some completed at home after cost too much.”
NHTSA complaint #11063292, filed 2018-01, 75,000 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…
- 10130273Jan 26, 2018This bulletin provides a measurement and adjustment procedure for the stop lamp switch. An improperly adjusted (or faulty) stop lamp switch can cause any of the DTCs listed above…
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 2013 Subaru Outback
67 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
60 complaintsAir bags
42 complaintsSteering
34 complaintsBrakes
31 complaintsVehicle speed control
26 complaintsOther or unknown
25 complaintsElectrical system
23 complaintsFuel system
15 complaintsSuspension
15 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
14 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 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