2005 Subaru Outback exterior lighting problems
30 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the exterior lighting on the 2005 Subaru Outback — 11% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“This is the first subaru I've ever owned and so far it's been a nightmare. I have had to repair: an oil leak in the engine that required the whole engine to be taken apart. While replacing a seemingly simple part, the hydraulic lifts that keep the back hatch open, the threading that holds the screw…”
filed Jan 30, 2021
“Rear hatch harness wires are broken/ frayed. Backup lights do not work, and the rear wiper works intermittently. Every now and them rear defroster doesn't work. Hazard a lot of 2005-2009 outbacks have.”
filed Jul 10, 2016
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Exterior Lighting problems in other Outback years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Outback | 3 | 4% |
| 2024 Outback | 3 | 3% |
| 2023 Outback | 6 | 7% |
| 2022 Outback | 3 | 1% |
| 2021 Outback | 4 | 1% |
| 2020 Outback | 16 | 2% |
| 2019 Outback | 11 | 1% |
| 2018 Outback | 9 | 1% |
| 2017 Outback | 7 | 1% |
| 2016 Outback | 5 | 1% |
| 2015 Outback | 4 | 1% |
| 2014 Outback | 7 | 3% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2005 Subaru Outback
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.