Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Subaru Outback owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2008 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to depress the brake pedal, the brakes failed to function. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed the failure and replaced the brakes. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle would not start. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer and the battery was replaced. Soon after the battery replacement, the front headlights began strobing and the taillight wiring caused the lights to fail. Additionally, there was moisture behind the A-pillar applique trim. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and the contact was informed that the alternator needed to be replaced. Additionally, the wiring and bulbs in the taillights needed to be replaced. …
The Rear Gate Harness wires that are in the grommet wear and break from the rear gate going up and down. This issue has many issues. Rear lighting and break light, rear wiper, also rear locking mechanism and other unknown issues.
Four Subaru dealership licensed service centers in Maine and New Hampshire have had for some 8 weeks my Outback to evaluate, diagnose, and -upon my approval- service. Every one of the four Subaru locations was been unable to resolve a single one of these chronic problems of the Outback's erratic 1) start/no-start, 2) triggered security light and activated alarm, 3) dashboard battery and brake icons lighting/pulsing, 4) error code 55 (or SS) and 5) car headlights pulsing. The above problems compound with the issues Subaru's service teams have failed to resolve since early days of new car ownership (despite repeated repair) for 1) brakes regularly making noise, 2) radio randomly changing volume or shutting off, and 3) back tail light not working. …
Unknown why car sparked & ignited. Car was driven to grocery store 5min away then sat for approx. 2hrs before catching fire.
(vehicle has 112K miles) beginning approximately in the March 2015 timeframe, the radio controls/display began to malfunction intermittently. At first, the radio display would blink off/on, and then preset station buttons stopped/started working, then the cd/radio/aux control knob stopped/started working, etc. Controls from the steering wheel appear unaffected. There would be one problem on one day, which would seemingly "go away." then, at random (sometimes days or weeks later), another problem would present itself. It, too, would "go away" in short order and the process would repeat itself. The problem would occur on start-up as well as suddenly while in motion (in May 2015, I had the radio go off about midway on a 150-mile trip.) on sept 16, the radio controls became completely inactive, but the unit functioned and the display was on. …
The wiring harness passing from the vehicle body through to the hatchback is chaffing and has broken wires. I discovered this when my rear windshield wiper stopped working. After replacing the motor the problem persisted. Online search provided many reports of this phenomenon. I called Subaru service and they are aware of the problem and report the fix is around $500-600 and entails replacing the wiring harness. I was told that the wires get brittle with age and it is a tight fit. My issue is on the rubber boot on the passenger side of the car. The vehicle was stationary in my garage as I was troubleshooting the inoperative rear wiper motor. 85,150 miles on the car, never been in an accident, and always parked in garage. I can upload photo documents if requested. As bare wires are present in this area I feel that this is a potential hazard. …
Was driving vehicle in heavy snow, suddenly lost power, the dash light flashed, the instrument cluster needles moved as if the car was starting up. Could not restart engine, would not crank. All other electrical equipment worked. Sat in heavy snow for two hours (no tow trucks available until next day). Suddenly after attempting to restart after many failed attempts, it did. Drove it home fine. Stalled next day on way to repair shop. Had car towed and shop found one code, but nothing else wrong. Drove home fine, ran can for 45 mins, fine. Next day drove for 35 min to work, fine but left work and immediately stalled just like few days before. Towed to Subaru dealer and took a day to figure out was main engine compartment wiring harness. Replaced with minimal charge of $50, even thought three months out of warranty. Vehicle has been fine since then.
Ever since I purchased my car from carmax there have been problems with the ignition switch. There have been about 10+ times since I purchased the vehicle in dec. 2016 that I will put the key in the ignition, (while the car is parked and turned off, in order to turn it on) and the engine won't turn over. I have to toggle the gear shifter in order to get the car to respond and then the car will turn on. (only after I agitate the gear shifter will the ignition then respond). I received an email that there May be a recall for Subaru Outback 2008 for ignition-related issues but when I looked up my specific VIN number, my vehicle does not appear to be a part of the the recall. Please let me know how I can have my car be considered in this recall, I know this is a related problem.
The airbags light is on intermittently. The tech at the Subaru dealership said it was a problem in the connection in the map light console. He indicated the airbags would deploy correctly. It appears to be a common problem with 2008 outbacks and other posters have indicated the airbag system will not work if dashboard airbag light is illuminated. Apparently many folks have found a weak/aged solder point to be the cause of an intermittent connection. Given the large number of owners encountering this problem, Subaru should initiate a recall based on the safety concerns of a an airbag system failure in the event of an accident.
There's seems to be a common issue with the wiring on 2005-2009 Subaru Outback/legacy models that affects both the airbag and the locking mechanism. I have seen multiple threads online where the airbag indicator light comes on specifically indicating that the passenger airbag May be affected and sensors May be faulty? There is also a common error in the electrical system in which when you lock the car - all locks activate with the exception of the rear tailgate which poses a safety risk or total theft of the car. These problems occur upon vehicle ignition and when the car is on or off (for the locking)
Related recalls
Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 10, 2019.
Electrical system
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2008-2014 Impreza vehicles and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, all equipped with turbo-charged engines.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary air injection pump relay, free of charge. The recall began December 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783.
Electrical complaints in other Outback years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2008 Subaru Outback?
NHTSA has 34 complaints about the electrical system of the 2008 Subaru Outback, 15% of the model year's 226 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2008 Subaru Outback electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 19V-297 (switch, Apr 11, 2019); NHTSA recall 16V-738 (electrical system, Oct 13, 2016). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2008 Subaru Outback electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 81,000 miles, and 4% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.