subaru won't start battery fine

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Does your car still have warranty coverage?

Yes. Warranty.

There you go.

Car under warranty has already been in the shop for the same problem. Family replaced battery. This event the car would not start, we charged the new battery to learn if car would start. Answer. Yes, it started. Today the car will not start. Ignition problem? What's the problem?

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Possible excessive parasitic battery drain.

The standard battery that comes in the Outback is very marginal. I bought a used certified 2017 Outback, less than 36K miles. After about 4 days I stopped at a fast food joint, ran in for 5 minutes, came out and the car would not start. To make a long story short, I leaned on the dealer, they put a heavier battery in, no problem since then. It is a great car, but upgrade the battery.

I have the same problem. My car was towed 3 times to the dealer. First time they changed the battery. Second time they kept it for a few days and said they was a leak in the fuel pump and put a new one in. Third time they changed the battery again. Yesterday after a 3 day weekend I had trouble starting my car. Eventually it started but this should not happen. Every time they say they can’t find a problem. I called Subaru headquarters to report the problem last year. I spoke with them again today. They said they automatically put in a stronger batter each time. I have a 2016 outback 3.7. I have had problems from the beginning and my warranty is expired. Headquarters wants me to bring it back to the dealer for diagnostics again. I don’t have hope they will find an answer.

GuruBPRVD - did you get a final diagnosis? My car is the same make/model/year and I'm having the same problem. It runs fine, then all of the sudden it won't start. Took it to Autozone and they said the battery was fine. When I hit the start button everything flashes on and dials on the dash all register but nothing turns over, no sound of the engine even trying to cut on. At the same time to park break light comes on and stays on for about a minute. The break pedal also won't depress. Appreciate any info you have.

The battery that comes in the Outback is marginal. When it would not start, sometimes it would roll over a little, other times would not do anything at all. Usually this occurred when the car was warm. The dealer did a battery test and said it was up to specification. After I complained enough, the dealer replaced the battery with a heavier duty higher amperage one. I have never had a problem since then. The dealer fessed up the original batteries in them were marginal and Subaru was going to be using a heavier battery in the future. My daughter had a similar issue with her outback. I am not sure on the break pedal issue.

I have a 2003 outback, and I have been having the same problem for about two years. I have replaced the battery and the alternator, and the car will still run fine and then randomly not start. After a jump / charge the car will run fine for a while and then the cycle will repeat. I am going to run a parasitic drain test on it tonight and I will update with my findings. A lot of people seem to have this problem but there are not many answers.

I had a very similar problem with 3 separate incidents this year. Horrible service from one dealer (Riverhead, New York). Not sure how it was solved at second dealer but ok now for 4 months. Did get a nice gift package from HDQ though.....

My car didn't start today. I tried it later it started without a problem. I now have to go to work and it won't start again. I put the key in the ignition and it's just not starting. The battery is fine.

If it is original Subaru battery, replace it immediately with a heavier duty battery and the problem should go away forever. I am not sure why the issue is intermittent, but the newer cars have a different wiring system, called a "bus" system, and if the battery is not at a certain voltage level, it will not trigger the starter, even though there might be enough juice to actually crank the engine.

I'm having the same exact problem with a 2017 Outback 3.6 engine Touring model that Notacarguru1 describes: It runs(starts) fine, then all of the sudden it won't start. (NO battery light displays, dash lights and AC kick in very bright as usual) When I hit the start button everything flashes on and dials on the dash all register but nothing turns over, no sound of the engine even trying to cut on. (EXACTLY, engine is doa, all else looks fine) At the same time to park break light comes on and stays on for about a minute. The break pedal also won't depress. (YES!)" I found that I can get it started by monkeying with the little black button "temote start" thingly on the keychain. I started toggling between (press button 3 seconds followed by a double click) and then the opposite, (double click then press button down 3 seconds) Every time it snaps out of it after this little button press ritual with remote start in the keychain. I also repeatedly press the start button without holding down the brake. Test the brake for softness when the button turns RED. You know its back to normal when the brake pedal goes soft again...it restarts easily. It has to be some kind of electronic issue, not battery related at all. VERY annoying, though. Taking it into Team McGill Subaru in Houston as soon as I can get an appointment.

How do you know it is not a battery issue?

It definitely was the battery. We had the same exact experience. When we started the car, everything lit up but the car wouldnt turn over. Even though we took the battery in and it tested fine, it didn't have enough power. We changed out the battery to a higher amp and havent had a problem since. The OEM battery isnt strong enough.

When the problem first occurred, I called AAA and they jumped the car, started immediately. I took it to the Subaru dealer, they ran the battery through some "extensive" test and supposedly it was fine. But when I replaced the battery with a new heavier amperage battery, the problem went away, and I have not had any issue since then, and it has been almost a year. My point is, the battery may test fine, but if it is an original battery that came with the car, or an exact replacement, the test may not be valid. Replacing the battery is only about $ 200.00 and then you can eliminate that issue. My daughter had the problem with her Outback, replaced the battery with a stronger one, issue went away.

My vehicle is doing the same thing, I do not drive it everyday. What battery do you all recommend?

I don't have a specific recommendation, but AAA sells batteries now, or go to a battery store like a Interstate Battery Store, or good auto parts store, and tell them you want a heavy duty battery for that car, and they will fix you up. The standard battery that comes in the Outback is extremely light duty.

I just had same problem. Car would not start dash lights worked. Red battery indicator lit up jumped car drove to dealer. Car under warranty they claimed battery tested fine, did not replace.I am not happy

That is exactly what happened to me. My car was two years old, but certified and still under warranty. They dealer ran an "extensive" test on the battery and said it checked out fine. I really leaned on the dealer, I told them I wanted my old trade in back, so they finally put in a new heavier duty battery-problem solved. Maybe the battery test does show the battery meets OEM specifications, but the OEM specifications and battery are very marginal.

I just watched a fix it video and the guy to replace the fourth Fuse down from the top on the right fuse box. Anybody do this!?

Having this same issue. Two months ago my 2015 Outback wouldn’t start despite having JUST been driven to work. Then on my lunch break it wouldn’t start. At end of work day co-worker helped me try to jump start it. It wouldn’t start. So I removed battery and took to Autozone and they said the charge was a little low. I took home and put on trickle charger overnight. Took battery back to car and re installed it and car started right up. Now two months later, car has sat for 10 days and won’t start again. Based on what I’m reading here I’m going to get a heavier duty battery and hopefully that will get this problem solved, and get me through this Cleveland winter. Don’t like reading about parasitic drainage though!:( how can you test for parasitic drainage?

I agree with KHOutback74, 100%.

There are lots of tutorials on the web regarding parasitic battery drains.

My sons GF parked her car at the airport for a week in Minnesota, wouldn't start when we got back from vacation. Had it jumped and checked out at Subaru the next day, they said abandonment issues haha (they actually laughed), everything checked out??? A year later exact same situation, brought the car back to Subaru, after checking it over said it was the engine cleaning feature that drained the battery. No way to shut it off, not acceptable answer. When you have to sit in an airport parking lot in the freezing weather for 2 hours waiting for Subaru's service to jump your car at 1am. This is a 2017 Legacy. They told her she would have to wait until the middle of March to get the car in to be checked over, since it was a lease they got her in right away. The best part they started asking her to buy the car since the lease was over soon. No answers, No service, No purchase!

I'm having the same problem with my 2018 Outback. What I can contribute is that there is a law firm researching a class action on this issue. I think the firm was CSK&D. You can sign up on their site.

I just encountered this problem with my 2017 Subaru Forester. No lights, nothing when you push start. The husband took the battery to O'Reilly Auto Parts who tested it and said it was fully charged. The AAA guy told us it was not sending the charge to the engine.. I think I will look into the class action suit.

I have a 2017 Subaru Outback. A year ago, I purchased it used (certified) from a Subaru dealer. I ran into many of the same problems mentioned above, where periodically it would not start. I got the dealer to replace the battery with a heavier one (Subaru SOA821B400) and have not had a single issue since then. The dealer finally admitted (verbally) the standard factory battery they come with is marginal.

How about my brand new 2020 Outback with 250 miles? This is the ultimate in what should not happen. I have had the vehicle for about 2 months and with Covid 19 have had almost nowhere to go. Sounds like what most of you have said about the battery. I'm calling Subaru Roadside service tomorrow. Interested in what they will say. It's 9 pm and not worth waiting for tonight. As I said before, no place to go tonight fortunately. The only postive Covid thing that I have ever heard of. I had nowhere to go so did not get stranded. I'll let you know what the driver does.

All modern cars have a battery drain with their computer and emission systems. If you are not going to drive it for a period of time, like two weeks, it is a good idea to put a trickle charger on the vehicle to keep the battery up to 100%. The trickle chargers are inexpensive and easy to connect. If you were using the vehicle regularly, it would probably not be an issue.

I happened upon this thread looking for a solution to my problem, which is that my car will not start, although it tries and battery is fine. As car was beeping...door open, I had a thought...try my other car key. I had charged battery 10-20 times and jump started it. Turns out the key works at unlocking the cars, but something about the key when it is in the ignition it acts like a dead battery and the car will not start. I hope I didn't do damage by jump starting it multiple times...this is an Original Subaru key that came with my car.

2017 Outback and I have the same exact problem as DMooreTX and its not the battery, its been replaced to a Optima. The problem went from happening occasionally, to more frequent, and now it wont start at all. I watched that video on the fuses but every 15 amp is good. I noticed that the dash says briefly to put in park but its already in park and of course the pedal won't depress either. I also read about the brake switch problem with the other models but the Outback is not listed. When I get it fixed I will report back but If you know a fix that's not battery let me know. Their battery's are separate issue, I had my original battery warranty within the first year because it was swollen.

Same issues with my 2016 Outback. Started happening approx 6 months ago, no rhyme or reason to when it won't start. At the dealership now, had the battery tested about a month ago and it checked out fine! Very frustrating as I use it for work (homecare RN) , do not want to be stranded somewhere. Bought the outback (my first Subaru and my first brand new car) based on reliability and safety. This is the opposite of reliable!! If I find out anything other than getting a new, stronger battery I will definitely post results!

Have a 2018 outback and having the same issue. It won’t start, check fuses, tested originally battery it test fine, replaced battery and it still won’t start. When attempting to start dash lights up but that’s it. Dealership has had my car for 9 days with no updates.

Just got an update from the dealer they tested yams the only thing that has come up is a bad Keyless entry/Computer control unit. They have ordered that, I’ll find out next week if that’s the fix.

I just bought a '13 Forester 2.5x and it's had the hard start issue. The dealer is looking into it...he said it was probably carbon build up from having sat for a month but now i'm not so sure based on what everyone else is saying here. Found this online: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2014/SB-10052498-5734.pdf and more discussion here: https://www.cars.com/articles/2011-13-subaru-forester-engines-slow-to-start- 1420681694635/

I am having the same issue with 2016 Legacy. Lights turn on and it says put it in park. But it is in park. Happens frequently. Dealership keeps telling me nothing is wrong. They replaced the shift sensor or something like that. Still having problem. It never happens first thing in the morning. It's always after I have made several trips like running errands. Did not have a problem for two months but I also barely driving for two months due to Covid-19. Now it's back to not starting. Supposedly no codes triggered. Crazy frustrating. At least I know it's not just my car. But I still need a car I can rely on.

Just reporting back after taking my 2017 Outback to the dealership. After 2 days of the car not starting I was going to have it towed to the dealership and that morning it started. The dealership quoted me around $150 to diagnose it, although in the end did not to charge me. Here's what they said: "Unable to duplicate concern of vehicle not starting and gauge cluster saying put into park at this time. Vehicles brake control module was scanned for any DTC, and tech found DTC C1921 parking position switch circuit. Per Subaru diag tree chart for DTC C1921 step 1) check operation of electronic parking brake, does the electronic parking brake operate properly, Yes. Per diag Chart A temporary poor contact or noise interference is a possible cause. No repairs made at this time. Tech set vehicle outside and thru out the day tech went to start vehicle multiple times and was able to start up with no abnormalities, or error message. DTC has not returned after clearing codes." Here's a separate issue that they found: "Upon inspection tech found cracking in exhaust manifold, covered under warranty." They kept my car overnight to do the extra repairs and I could report that the car has been starting every time since 6/18/2020.

Bikemuscle, my dealership also said not duplicating issue. But my problem is never just guest in the morning. I told them to drive the car. Take it home. Try to duplicate it like a normal person would drive the car. This is the 6th time it's been in to be fixed since February. Not taking it back until it's fixed. Told them to look at this thread or call corporate because it's not just my car.

Sounds similar to what myself and my daughter experienced. I took it to the dealer, they checked the charging system, checked the battery, said everything is OK, but still it would not start sporadically. I replaced the battery with a much heavier duty model than comes with the car. It has been about 14 months now, not a single issue. I think the equipment the Subaru dealers have doesn't replicate what the battery encounters in the actual car. Regardless of what the dealer does, I would buy a new heavy duty battery for the car and see if the issue goes away. Several sources have told me you can only expect 2-3 years from the newer batteries, whereas the older ones I always got at least 7 years easily.

I have a 2017 Subaru Legacy and I've had the same problem. Brand new Optima battery with full charge. It has happened 3-4 times and I always get the car started after messing around with the transmission lever and the key for 10-15 minutes. It always happens when running errands when it is cold (below 0F (-18C))

I'm glad I found this thread. My '18 OB 3.6 Limited is doing the same thing. I thought it might have something to do with the key fob battery being low and the car not registering it, but, it lets me turn the car "ON" the car just won't even try to crank/turn over. It seems to only happen when the vehicle is warm. For example, it just happened for the 4th time after fueling at the gas station. Got in, wouldn't start. Just held the brake pedal so I didn't compress it and kept pressing the button until about 2 minutes later, it started finally. I'll try the battery fix I guess this weekend.

So glad to see this thread. And thank you for the link to the lawfirm / class action suit.https://chimicles.com/cskd-files-class-action-complaint-against-subaru-related-to- alleged-battery-drainage-problems/ My car = a 2015 Outback that I bought new to drive back and forth 700 miles TN to NY. It did fine for the first 2.5 years. Then at 100K it started having the same issues that you all have described. Randomly will not start. Battery checked out by dealer, by mechanic, by AAA, by Oreillys. Always checked out fine. had to have the car jumped each time. In VT, the dealer there recommended a HD battery so I had one installed. The first HD battery had only been installed for 3 months when again my OB would randomly not start. When I had my elderly mom in the car on a blazing hot day it was a moment of panic...so lucky to have a mechanic on speed dial. Eventually I bought a powerpack to jump the car myself. Yesterday I had to use the power pack twice to jump the car. Today the power pack would not jump the car (even though it started fine and took me on all my errands until I had load the car with groceries). A stranger happened by and jumped my poor car so that I could get home. I will say that sometimes my car 'feels' /'sounds' like it doesn't have oomph (like when I am going from 0 - 15mph at a stoplight). I have a key for starting the car and no keyless start button. Is anyone suggesting that my spare key might be worth trying? BTW - I have not received any feedback (other than scratching heads and replacing the battery) from the mechancs. I hope the true root cause can be identified and soon.

Have them check the wiring. I was having these same issues but then the dealership could not duplicate the problem after it was towed in. Got an Optima battery and that did not solve the problem. Subaru dealership and corporate was not helpful. Finally one of the mechanics from non Subaru dealership where I bought it had an idea and it was a loose wire with the starter. I'm sorry that I don't know the exact area or wire. All I know was it was internal and not under the hood. He came to my house to fix it because he wanted the car to not be starting when he looked it over. It has been starting every time for at least four months.

This is happening and has happened multiple times with my 2011 Subaru Outback. I JUST put in a brand new battery 2.5 weeks ago when I was stuck at the airport after flying back from a trip (I was gone 4 days, that's it) and returned to a dead car at the airport. Dead as in even the power locks won't work. Turn the key, nothing, zero, nada. And now, same thing today. 2.5 weeks after paying $150 for a new battery. I used to love my Outback. I will never buy another Subaru again. Here's hoping my dealership will listen to what I have read here (so grateful for everyone's posts here) and be able to fix it.

We have a 2017 Subaru Outback 3.6R and have this happen 3 times, the most recent was today, Dec 4, 2022. The previous two times happened over a year ago and required us to exit the car, lock it, and open again, at which point it started. Today, all the lights came on and I think the parking brake as well. The only thing that worked was to exit the car, lock it with the FOB, open with the FOB and then it would start. We had the battery replaced soon after purchase and it has been fine for the last year with no starting issues. There are some great comments on the board but I think this is a software/control module issue of some kind. The rest of the day was fine.