Have a 2021 Outback XT here. Bought in June of 2021 and the battery has gone dead twice. Have an 'appointment' to go to the dealership on 2/28/23 for an oil change and battery check. Did not know about these issues until I ran across your video. Thank you for giving me some ammo to take to the fight!

@bentetzner4263

3 ай бұрын

They replaced my battery 2x! Subaru batteries are shit! I got one at Costco and has been fine for 2 years until the drain came back! Have them take a look at the dcm module! I removed the fuse for awhile and the drain vanished! You do however lose your front speakers ! Small item for some possible useful info!

Not a car person at all...but in looking over a lot of info, one Outback owner/ mechanic discovered that the Starlink app was designed to operate on AT&T's 3G network. When AT&T phased out 3G, the car keeps searching for towers to "ping" and because it can't find those towers, it keeps pinging them, even when the car is turned off, and this drains the battery. I have a 2019 Subaru outback and have had AAA here several times in the last few months. I even bought a new battery. The car worked for a while, then wouldn't start. I've had good luck with Subarus my entire driving life, but now time to move on to a different brand.

I’ve taken my 22 Outback into the Subaru service shop 4 times and they’ve run the parasitic draw test twice and changed the battery twice. They told me If I don’t drive the car every single day the battery will get drained. Basically my $30k car has the shelf life of a side of guacamole.

@valgraham8416

6 ай бұрын

Same

@bentetzner4263

3 ай бұрын

Sounds like bs doesn't it! There is too much draw on my battery, but have not found the problem yet! Subaru basically can not fix vehicles anymore! At some point they will get caught and will have to do a big payoff to pissed owners!

@huangfish793

3 ай бұрын

I think it's the problem that the battery won't charge.

@bentetzner4263

2 ай бұрын

They know this is all bs! I have checked mine personally and it draws 156 ma! Supposed to be no more than about 50 ma! Subaru will finally replace the dcm module!

defective DCM module causes amp drain. Module has to be replaced.

@hannahprior

10 ай бұрын

is this always the issue?

@N4HHE

8 ай бұрын

@@hannahprior When the 3G cell network shut down the fool software in the car for StarLink wasn't smart enough not to keep trying to connect. Pull the DCM fuse in the fuse box near the battery. If you pay for StarLink ($150/year I think) Subaru replaced the DCM with a 4LTE unit, else $400 to $600 for something you don't use but doesn't drain the battery. Or, pull the fuse for free.

@BeckVMH

3 ай бұрын

Subaru sent out extended warranty notices in Feb 2024 addressing the issue of faulty Telematics Data Communications Module (DCM) for 2016-2018 Legacy, Outback, Impreza, Crosstrek and Forester, 2017-2018 WRX, stating vehicles "may experience a dead battery as a result the DCM continually trying to access the 3G network which is no longer available and have not received a previous DCM update."

My issue was was found with the DCM fuse... about a 2 amp draw.. if you pull the fuse it will turn off the module .. The module is supposed to turn off when you tur off the car,,,.. So you can pull the fuse out and leave it out, or pull/reinsert every time you park the car... what a pain,, 2019 subaru outback 3.6... jim

Thanks for this. Just started having this EXACT problem after parking at the MIA airport in our outback 2021 for a week (battery died), then subsequently every single time we left the doors and hatch open for cleaning since then. Each requires a jump, then battery test shows that it works. Have taken it in multiple times. Always tests fine. Almost bought a new battery, but, I just don't feel that that should be an issue on a 2-3 year old car. Something has GOT to be fixed to get this taken care of. The dealer has not fixed it.

Thank you for the research you shared it was very helpful.

I just heard from my neighbor that Subaru told him the cause was Starlink constantly drawing power from the battery. He said you had to either get a bypass part ($700.00) or disable Starlink, which is very labor intensive and/or part is expensive. This should be fixed by software regardless. The software tells the unit how to function.

Yes suburu should recognize the battery issue!!!..thanks

I have had an issue with my 2017 Outback for a year now. I first had a dead battery after having the hatch up for 15 minutes dropping off some donated items to a charity. The funny thing though is that the car started fine so we drove to a Sonic for dinner sat in the car while we ate and when I went to start it the battery was dead. We thought it was the battery so we bought another. We have had dead battery issues since. This past week we heard there was an update for the Outback that dealt with the issue. I had them update it at Subaru and paid for a parasitic draw test, they found everything was within specs. The tech said the update raised the voltage up while idling. I purchased a usb charger with a voltage readout plugged it into the console port in the front console compartment, and started monitoring the voltage yesterday. I am getting voltage at start up 14.2 then after a very short time it changes to 12.1- 12.7 fluctuation. This tells me that the charging system is not putting out a constant voltage that keeps a healthy battery at 12.7 volts. I feel it is a problem with the system that controls the alternator output and monitoring the battery charge state and temperature. With the headlights on manually it puts out a constant 14.2 volts. I am aware that too much voltage can also ruin a battery. I feel there is something in the program that is not quite right. I also heard that the original battery was found to be not adequate for the electronic drain. I have a large battery pack carried around to jump start the car. I love the Outback but I am getting tired of the BS charging issue. Side note while sitting in the dealership waiting room in talking to customers two other customers were in for the same reason. Dead battery/parasitic draw!

@N4HHE

8 ай бұрын

2017 comes with a Group 25 battery. A Group 24 has hugely greater capacity and fits perfectly. Not a 24F but a 24 which is harder to get. But same price as 25. Do not buy an AGM battery because the charging system is not designed for the slightly different needs. Also, pull fuse 8, the DCM fuse in fuse box next to battery, because 3G is dead and the fool StarLink radio still tries to connect. I have a 2016.

Optima Red Top 720CCA is $249. I just Replaced mine and the starting sequence is really crazy! Mine died on the second day, car is in the shop for a "Computer Logic Software Update as of 11 July 2023!

@bartman22x1

9 ай бұрын

How is your battery doing ?

Please put how to solve the issue at the beginning of the video. All that other information isn't useful when I'm standing over a dead Subaru.

I just took mine in and it was fixed. Battery was replaced also. If I left the car sit 4-5+ days battery would be dead. Mostly returning from vacations. Problem was Starlink switch from 3G to 5G. Starlink would search for 3g endlessly when none existed. And battery would drain.

Have 2017 outback have replaced battery4x. Dealer couldn't find problem even with parasitic search. A yr ago after the 4th time and i was away, .my son's mechanic spent 2 hrs on it testing fuses and found that the fuse that handles notification if in an accident was totally draining the battery. Located at top of fuse box. Took it out,haven't had a problem since. Dealer never tested fuses or they would have found it.

@tonygonzalez3604

Жыл бұрын

Can you please show the location of the fuse

@skiaddict08

10 ай бұрын

Is this still working as a fix? Thanks!

@N4HHE

8 ай бұрын

@@tonygonzalez3604 DCM fuse is #8 in my 2016. 7.5A.

we have two outbacks- a 2016-3.6 and a 2019-2.5 ltr. 4 batteries replaced in the 3.6, latest dead battery is an Optima, hatch bulbs in both vehicles removed. No changes. the 2.5 ltr is on its 4th new battery as well. We both both vehicles NEW, we are the only owners. Local dealer has kept both vehicles overnight for "testing" and no resolution, but we do pay a "diagnostic fee". No specific cause creating issue, no reason for this. I WOULD NEVER HAVE BOUGHT THE SUBARU OUTBACK IF I HAD KNOWN OF THIS ISSUE. I TRAVEL TO REMOTE AREAS FOR MY WORK AND MOSTIMES I AM BY MYSELF IN A NO CELL SERVICE AREA. I WILL PROBABLY SELL BOTH AND BUY AN OLD MID '80S CHEVY OR FORD GUZZLER AND CALL IT GOOD. THIS IS A TOTAL RIPOFF.

Just good to know it's not just ME!

We have had battery problem when new 2017 new car. When we jumped the car three times within a few months. The Subaru dealer couldn’t help us. We noticed that the dome light in the back cargo department. The next time we jumped it and the dome light was left on I associated it with pulling out boxes before. I glued a foam tape in the switch on the light so it could not be turned on. Not had a problem since. I have complained several times that it’s a design flaw and the switch just need to be on the back side not the front where removing anything form the compartment flips the switch on. Told the dealer that I glued the switch closed and they had a fit. My brother in law had the same problem. Frequented the boundary waters in winter. Bought a separate spare battery. Has used it a couple of times to get home. Subaru has a problem with too much drawing on the battery and little draws drain the battery. It’s not one problem. The battery does not have the reserve to run all the toys connected to the car!

To add to the nightmare, the hatch won’t open on an Outback if the battery is dead. Total safety violation not designing the car without a manual key area to open the hatch. The lack of common sense causes a real hurdle when someone needs the walker/wheel chair in the hatch etc.

@michaeldelrossi4487

Жыл бұрын

On your Control Panel by your Left Leg the Top Wafer Switch is the Rear Hatch Open Toggle Switch. Press once to Open and Press the Button on the Hatch Back to Close!

@lmcq9774

9 ай бұрын

@@michaeldelrossi4487 does it work when battery is dead?

@user-en7us3gs2q

9 ай бұрын

No. It does not work when the battery is dead. It just happened to me. @@lmcq9774

@divyeshkumarbalar7732

6 ай бұрын

NO @@lmcq9774

People are getting their lawsuit claims denied for bogus reasons. It's best to resolve the battery issues on your own if you can.

@wrighma7753

9 ай бұрын

I was told by Subaru to buy my own battery to resolve the issue, and I bought a battery last week, and the problem continues. I thought it's bigger than a battery issue. It's a charging issue for certain

PIN THIS! AUTO MODE HEADLIGHTS keep the charging system at 12v. (That is not enough to charge or maintain the battery- causes super slow drain). If you turn the headlights to the ON POSITION it ramps up the idle and charging voltage to 14.5v.

I have needed dozens of jump charges on my 2017 Outback. Several times it has caused a crisis, requiring costly taxi fares. Today, after an all night midnight flight, my Outback was dead in the airport garage, though I checked very carefully to make certain that all lights were off when I departed. I had to get expensive cab fares back home for my exhausted family while I waited for help in the very hot parking lot. I have had enough. Fix this Subaru! Where are all your so-smart engineers?

@queenie514

Жыл бұрын

ALL HYPE, NEVER EXISTED. THAT'S THEY PUSHED TO BE THE ONLY ONES TO GET IN COLLEGES THRU AFFIRMATIVE ACTION.

I don't see the dome lights drawing that much current to drain the battery. Is it possible the "fuel evaporation leakage check" aka the unexpected buzzing sound that occurs while vehicle is parked/off might be contributing to battery drain issues? On 3rd battery with my 2020 Forester.

@ranger178

Жыл бұрын

my wife regularly kills car battery with just one map reading light on in car it does not auto shut off like the door lights do.

I have a 2019 outback. Just starting to have battery issues now. I charge battery and works for a while and then goes dead. Replaced battery a year ago. Will call dealer in Duluth mn and see what they have to say

Starting to have battery draining problems. Battery seems to be fine for a while once I full charge. Going to contact local Subaru dealer in Duluth MN tomorrow and will give everyone an update. I have a 019 Subaru outback with 40000 miles

@jansilloway325

6 ай бұрын

I also have a 2019 outback. They have taken out the Starlight Satellite fuse, and put in a bigger battery. I don’t trust my car anymore after having to charge the battery about 10 times!!

@GEKENILWORTH

6 ай бұрын

I just read one user/mechanic discovered that it all has to do with the Starlink app. Apparently, when the car was manufactured, the Starlink location app used AT&T's 3G network. When AT&T phased out 3G, the car still wants to ping cell towers, but can no longer find the 3G network, but it keeps searching, and that's what drains the battery. That's why replacing the battery doesn't solve the problem. (I'm not a mechanic, so not sure if this info is all correct, but I'll be asking my Subaru dealer about it when I take my 2019 Outback in. I've had AAA come several times in the last month to give my battery a charge, and even bought a new battery--the car worked for a couple of days and then died again.)

@mikam8801

5 ай бұрын

@@GEKENILWORTHI don’t understand what that has to do with leaving the hatch open and the battery dying. Is there more than one issue? Touch wood, my ‘18 has only died with leaving the hatch open too long - which isn’t long at all!

I have a 2016 and I have replaced the battery every year. The last one I got was in Jan 23 we are in Nov 23 . They say it's because i don't drive it enough . They have to replace it free because it is under the 1 yr war I am going to try your advise and buy a bigger battery and turn off all automatic lights.

What's the point of having a fancy, hi-tech AWD car if the battery keeps dying all the time? Especially if you like to camp out in the boonies where the thing might leave you stranded. Mine died just from forgetting the ignition switch was 'ON' with my phone hooked up and now it's deader than a doornail so my so-called 'smart' charger won't even charge it.

Subaru settled a class action lawsuit and I had my battery replaced a few months ago with new battery covered by the settlement . Subaru also did a reset of the software due to the batter change. Now my brand new battery is dead again and I am traveling away from my home dealership. There is some parasitic drain going on, so not sure if buying a stronger bigger battery will help?

@Modjunkiereacts

Жыл бұрын

Yikes! This is not cool at all…

@milesmantell

Жыл бұрын

Check DCM FUSE issues

We have replaced one battery and new battery drained right away. I read somewhere to turn headlights off auto and out them totally on. We bought a cigarette lighter phone charger which shows battery levels. When lights are in on position, battery is charging. When lights are in auto, not and even draining. Could this be the problem?

@lmcq9774

11 ай бұрын

Follow up-I found on Reddit a thread. They recommended pulling the DCM fuse. It interrupts DCM module which controls the Starlink. We don’t use it so don’t miss it. It did also shut off front speakers but that’s not important to us either. So far no more battery drain issues. Subaru is in denial that’s it’s even an issue!! Tried to sell us another battery (bigger) and a new holder, but refused to pay for it because our car has 69000 miles on it. Mileage should have nothing to do with it. We’ve paid out of pocket for a battery jumper, a charger to keep it topped off the past 4 years and the constant fear of a dead battery. Use to love my Subaru but needless to say, going forward, my money will be in Toyota.

@wrighma7753

9 ай бұрын

My 2021 Outback is doing the same thing, battery not charging unless headlights are turned on. Put a new battery in, and it's the same issues. I've owned 8 Subarus and am disgusted about this problem. Will be moving to either Toyota or Honda

A common story with big companies, they become big and successful and get many loyal happy customers. Then they say "make our stuff cheaper and we can make even more profits" Then the go down they tubes. Subaru has been going down in quality for 10 years.

I have a 2015. This happened like six times with the first 2 years. I refuse to change out the battery or alternator cause it’s a new car! I kept complaining to the dealer, they finally said it was a problem with the computer system. It’s taking more juice than what was needed. I don’t have that issue anymore but the terminals are always corroded now.

What about the Telematics Data Communications Module (DCM) searching for 3G network and causing battery drain???

Lol I decided to just sell mine. Not dealing with a car that won’t reliably start. 2017 premium and just bought a 2011 Honda pilot touring. Saves me money, has more room and is more reliable 🤷🏽‍♂️

My wife has a 2021 Outback and its on battery number 3. Their software update still doesn't work.

They are replacing mine with 750cca but i have to wait a week for them to test it battery has to fail they say they have to change battery hold down and cover this is frustrating its the only car we have

How is your battery doing

I have a 2018 Forrester and it’s doing it

I think it could have something to do with the cheap azz negative terminal connector that will not tighten properly. The terminal hosts the alternator sensor so if it’s losing continuity it will drain the battery 🤷🏼‍♂️. To solve the - Battery terminal issue I had to modify it and secure it with a hose clamp.

I just upgraded the battery cranking size from a Group 24 to a Group 34 with 1000 Cranking Amps from Costco with a 3 year warranty. The battery is the same chassis size as a stock Group 24, with More Power!! Also my 2019 Outback had an older DCM module that the Starlink uses. Subaru replaced it 2/15/23. The old module drains the battery searching for a 3G cell signal for the Starlink. The new module uses 5G. Here’s a link, kzread.info/dash/bejne/nHp20rawd86cZ8Y.htmlsi=ctf8UasDEJwnqpmI

Was the problem issue fixed for 2022 and 2023 ones?

@1956nwarner

11 ай бұрын

I sure hope so i just bought a 2024 crosstrek sport

Do not use an Optima or other AGM battery unless your Subaru came originally with an AGM battery. The charging profile is slightly different. Reputable battery vendors such as Interstate will not cross reference my Outback to an AGM but Optima has nothing but AGM and isn't going to tell you not to use their battery. Meanwhile the 2016 Outback (and many others) come with a Group 25 battery but the battery tray easily holds a Group 24 which has much greater capacity at same price. And finally with the older cars having 3G StarLink (and discontinued subscriptions) pull the DCM fuse in the fuse box under the hood near the battery. Fuse 8 in my car. 7.5A. It sucks 100mA to 200mA every minute or two trying to contact a cell network which no longer exists to provide a service you no longer get.

@krodkrod8132

7 ай бұрын

That's only for cars that have greater than 15v charging systems which is not standard. People that have have custom systems and run bigger or more accessories. The standard car charging voltage is 14.5v. AGM start to get hot over 15v. So if you drive a normal car, and haven't added anything non OEM to the charging system, an AGM battery is fine.

@N4HHE

7 ай бұрын

Who has a 15+V charging system? Nobody. An AGM likes to be massaged differently from a FLA. Simple as that. My 2016 Subaru has the right voltages but not the right care for an AGM. My F-150 can be toggled AGM/FLA by the dealer, with Forscan, or with the better professional scan tools.

@krodkrod8132

7 ай бұрын

@@N4HHE People that have huge stereo systems, compressors, commercial fuel refueling systems, agricultural equipment have greater than 15v charging systems.

@krodkrod8132

7 ай бұрын

@@N4HHE Depending on the load, some chargers will go up to 17 volts especially on older vehicles that have a separate voltage regulator. Newer cars have internal charge controllers that keep it around 14.5v. 90% of the vehicles in the US can use AGM batteries.

@N4HHE

7 ай бұрын

@@krodkrod8132 show me. Please cite a retrofit alternator with regulator putting out more than 15V for a Subaru. Also please provide a reference for a nominal 12V battery that tolerates over 15V during normal operation. A "huge stereo system" will not drive the OE Subaru alternator into operation above 14.7V. Yes, OTR trucks and many agricultural applications use more than 12V, they use 24V with (2) 12V or (4) 6V batteries, not "over 15V" on a 12V battery.

My 2024 is having dead battery issues😢

ABSOLUTELY. THEY MISTAKE, THEY'RE RESPONSIBLE!

@1956nwarner

11 ай бұрын

I just bought a 2024 Crosstek sport so now am worried did i make a mistake, I lease so i hope that will help me if i have a problem, plus i just turned in my old lease of 3yrs with only 10,000 miles on it

I had to pull the starlight link fuse after buying a 560 watt battery 195.00 wouldn't hold a charge. Dumb founded

I have a 3 amp parasitic drain. Trying to locate the source.

@millerbatson8769

Жыл бұрын

Not the DCM that affects many others

yep my brother in law has the same problem.....dead battery dead battery....even when he picked it up from the stealer i mean dealer it had a dead battery....they lie....

My Subaru dash lights stay ON. Clearly a battery drain consequence.

There is an ongoing lawsuit related to this

I was real close to buying a new Outback a couple of months ago. Subaru has a mythical reputation for reliability, and a cult following of loyal customers, for some reason. I don't understand it. I do like the style of the Outback. I've always liked wagons. But between this problem, excessive oil consumption, and spontaneous cracked windshields, I don't know why anyone would ever buy a Subaru. I found a 2012 Kia Soul for $300. The 11-year-old windshield is intact, I don't have to add oil, and it starts every day. I'm going to keep it a long time.

DCM main issue

The Subaru dealer is of no help. Made me replace a rear hatch sensor. Battery died again so I took it back and they just said sorry we don't know... And I'm out $600 and not I need to buy a new battery.