Many modern Subaru vehicles experience premature battery drain due to electrical system behavior, module wake cycles, and parasitic draw. Owners report dead batteries after short periods of sitting, frequent jump-starts, and general electrical instability. Battery drain is one of the most common complaints across late-model Subarus.
| Year(s) | Make | Model | Should Purchase? | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 | Subaru | Outback | Caution |
Component: Electrical System / Parasitic Draw Issues: dead battery after sitting, frequent jump-starts, unstable electrical behavior Notes: BCM and infotainment modules known to wake intermittently; widespread owner complaints |
|
| 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 | Subaru | Forester | Caution |
Component: Electrical System / Parasitic Draw Issues: battery drain after short parking periods, repeated no-starts Notes: common across FB-powered Foresters; often linked to module wake cycles and charging logic |
|
| 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 | Subaru | Crosstrek | Caution |
Component: Electrical System / Parasitic Draw Issues: dead battery after sitting overnight, frequent jump-starts Notes: BCM and keyless entry modules frequently cited in owner reports |
|
| 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 | Subaru | Impreza | Caution |
Component: Electrical System / Parasitic Draw Issues: battery drain, unstable voltage, intermittent no-start Notes: infotainment and telematics modules known to remain awake unexpectedly |
|
| 2019 2020 2021 | Subaru | Ascent | Caution |
Component: Electrical System / Parasitic Draw Issues: dead battery after sitting, repeated jump-starts, electrical instability Notes: large electrical load + module wake cycles contribute to drain; widely reported by owners |
While no major nationwide class action has been certified specifically for Subaru battery drain, the issue is one of the most frequently reported electrical complaints across modern Subaru models. Numerous TSBs address parasitic draw, module wake behavior, and charging system logic.