Battery dies or the car will not start

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the battery (43 reports).

Recalls and investigations

No recall on the electrical system covers the 2018 model year as of Sep 9, 2026.

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 5,000 and 52,000 miles, from the 11 reports that gave a mileage.

What owners wrote

“My car is a 2018 with only 28100 miles on it. I have now had to replace the battery three times. Subaru tells me I need to drive it every two days in order to keep it from discharging the battery. This is unacceptable. Clearly there is a parasitic drain. My issue is very common, and affects many late model subarus. I have already been stranded several times by this issue.”

Filed Feb 2, 2023 · 28,100 miles

“new battery that is only 14 months since installation (at subaru dealer) and 5,000 miles on the car is flat. I did not use my car for about 1 1/2 weeks in the garage and it is totally flat. This is not normal and my friend with an outback has similar problems so I think my issue is not unique.”

Filed Dec 26, 2022 · 5,000 miles

“We have discovered that our 2019 Forester has a parasitic battery drain of almost 1 amp when the car is off and the hatchback is open. This resulted in full battery drain several times until we did several tests to determine the root cause of the problem (Subaru was of no help). This led to replacement of the OEM battery at about 52,000 miles.”

Filed Sep 26, 2022 · 52,000 miles

“Bought vehicle June 2021. Battery failed multiple times. Sometimes it will start with a jump, but on 12/2/21 it was completely dead and required tow to Michael's Subaru dealer in Bellevue, WA. Battery was replaced twice within 6 week period.”

Filed Dec 14, 2021

Other problems on this car

• Windshield cracks or distorts 153 reports
• Airbag warning light or recall 96 reports
• Seat belt or seat problems 36 reports