2017 Subaru Legacy electrical system problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 5, 2026PAElectrical System

   Since the battery replacement settlement I've had 3 batteries die from my car being off, the latest battery replacement was 3/2026. I can't tell what my milage is since the battery is so dead that none of the displays turn on when I hit the start button

   NHTSA complaint #11762314 · source
2. Filed Jan 28, 2026LAElectrical System

   The battery has died several times and had to be replaced over the years due to a likely slow drain issue that Subaru is well aware of and was part of a class action suit against them.

   NHTSA complaint #11713928 · source
3. Filed Oct 6, 2024NCElectrical System

   The key frequently gets stuck in the ignition. It takes several attempts to release the key. Turning the wheel to ensure the wheel isn’t locked and turning the ignition/car on does not help release the key from ignition.

   NHTSA complaint #11618356 · source
4. Filed Aug 27, 2023UTElectrical System

   the key gets stuck in the ignition and you have to slide the shifter back in forth till it unlocks. I'm showing recall on other Subaru but not on mine ? or at least my year of car. why is that ? everyday its takes longer and longer to get the key to release.

   NHTSA complaint #11540990 · source
5. Filed Jun 18, 2023NCBrakesElectrical SystemLighting

   The car had been going on several local stops. Car was in the middle of a main thoroughfare ready to turn on to interstate ramp when the car completely stopped functioning. Battery light came on briefly before the vehicle became completely non-responsive. Among other things non-functioning, Emergency lights would not work, electric park brake would not engage. Could not get out of car to flee danger as car would freely roll and no way to stop except to hold brake with foot…

   NHTSA complaint #11527627 · source
6. Filed Feb 1, 2023NMElectrical System

   Vehicle's batter discharges to the point where the vehicle has to be jumped or battery charged up. The vehilce had two batteries replaced in a span of 6 months and after the last repalcement I checked the batter about one month later and found the battery dead, 11.7 volts, I recharged the battery and made an appointment with the Subaru dealer in Santa Fe, NM. They checked the battery, which I could have done, said I needed to drive the vehicle once or twice a week for an…

   NHTSA complaint #11504971 · source
7. Filed Jan 10, 2023AZElectrical System

   I have a problem of the car not starting several times now. If I do not drive it for several days the battery has to be jumped. I have purchased a jump starter to have in my car to make sure I am not stranded. If I do not have this I would be stuck. I noticed this after I bought the car and the dealer replaced the battery since it was under warranty in 2020. Now I have no warranty and the issue continues. I got a oil service last month at my dealership and my paperwork said…

   NHTSA complaint #11500994 · source
8. Filed Jan 9, 2023CAElectrical System

   The car's battery does not recharge the battery adequately, or retain a charge for a reasonable amount of time. I have a jumpstarting device that I keep in the car because the battery dies so frequently. There are no after market parts in the car, or modifications apart from maintenance performed by Subaru.

   NHTSA complaint #11500912 · source
9. Filed Nov 9, 2022CAElectrical System

   Complete Battery drainage started when the car had about 30k miles. Batery was replaced around December 2020 at owners expense. Within a year the baterry drainage started happening again, randomly, after parking. Subaru dealer suggested to keep replacing baterry. Issue has not been reproduced by service department; it randomly happens. It has not been inspected by others.

   NHTSA complaint #11492906 · source
10. Filed Nov 4, 2022PAElectrical System

    Left town for 3 weeks and upon return the battery was dead. This happened the last time the car was not driven for several weeks, in Spring of 2020. A new battery was purchased at that time, even though the original battery was only ~3.5 years old. The current battery is only 2.5 years old and should be able to hold a charge for 3 weeks. Every time the car goes for an extended time without being driven, something in the electrical system drains the battery. Its very…

    NHTSA complaint #11492239 · source
11. Filed Oct 19, 2022NJElectrical System

    Battery went dead had it charged - went dead shortly after. Replaced battery and within a year of replacing with a brand new battery it is dead again. Car was on side of the road where I parked it. There is a Class action suit on the battery life but if we need to keep doing this every year or so that is a problem. Called the dealer to see if there is anything they can do to alleviate the problem and they really have no answer. First battery lasted about 2-3 years Second…

    NHTSA complaint #11489989 · source
12. Filed Sep 27, 2022SCElectrical System

    Unexplained battery drain on my 2017 Subaru Legacy. Had to jump the vehicle on two different occasions. Brought the vehicle to the dealer and was told I needed a new battery. Cost to me was $235.78. I now hear that there has been an issue with Subaru batteries and a class action lawsuit has been filed. How do I join the lawsuit or file for a reimbursement for the battery I had to buy?

    NHTSA complaint #11486686 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology