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Exterior lightingPart report

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 miles

Related service bulletins

Exterior lighting: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202534%
202433%
202367%
202231%
202141%
2020162%
2019111%
2018101%
201771%
201651%
201541%
201473%
201383%
2012186%
201111718%
20103510%
2009109%
2008157%
200765%
200641%
20053011%
200322%
200232%
200042%
199832%
199711%
199612%

Other parts of the 2013 Subaru Outback

Engine
67 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
60 complaints
Air bags
42 complaints
Steering
34 complaints
Brakes
31 complaints
Vehicle speed control
26 complaints
Other or unknown
25 complaints
Electrical system
23 complaints
Fuel system
15 complaints
Suspension
15 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
14 complaints
Body 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