2019 Outback Stereo / Nav Bubbles / Replacement

[och5833]

I have a 2019 Outback and have been waiting a year now for the head unit. SOA has been no help and keeps referring me back to the dealer but neither have an ETA on when the radio will be in if ever, they just keep saying it’s on back order. I’ve had to shut the radio to a black screen otherwise it just phantom touches everything and even calls people on my contact list. I filed a complaint with NHTSA. Emailed SOA multiple times. I think waiting a year is completely unacceptable. I’m so disappointed that Subaru is not standing by their product or even offering anything. I paid for the extended warranty, but I am losing faith of ever getting this replaced. I will not purchase another Subaru again in the future.

I'm also same problem happened, no action from dealer too. Let's fight together. Thanks. Charles

 

[billvfitz]

I also have this problem - started about 2 weeks ago. Bought the vehicle new in early 2019. Haven't checked with the dealer yet, nor contacted SOA. Hopefully something will be resoved with SOA andI won;t have to foot the full repair bill.

 

[YUNG]

My 2019 outback started doing the same thing. Very disappointed that SOA has not called back after I was told that I was gonna receive a call from them within 3 business days. So frustrating.

 

[Eric P]

My 2019 Outback has the same issue since 4 months ago. I took it back to Subaru dealership for a replacement and they told me it was on back order. Four months later, I checked last week, it was still on back order and no one knew how long they could get the replacement part, the LCD screen. The radio now jumps from station to station randomly and you can't even shut it down - it will automatically turns on and jump..... Very disappointed.

 

[ramseylove]

My 2019 Outback Premium Trim, just started doing this, It's practically unusable most of the time. Very frustrating. I just brought it in for the 4th windshield replacement, and dealing with battery issues which was replaced 6 months ago.

After seeing all these posts on here and on reddit, i'll be calling SOA.

 

[AMorganinNC]

2018 Subaru Outback and at 60,000 miles, radio has become possessed and doing what all of you mention exactly. Am being told by the dealership will be $1500to replace. Sign me up to the class action lawsuits...this is ridiculous!!

 

[MadJosh]

Same issues as everyone else on my 2019 Outback Premium. This is ridiculous. I miss regular buttons, this touch-screen technology sucks!

 

[Dan L]

I also have the same problem. A couple of months ago I checked this forum and found 50 or so similar concerns. Last week I was at my dealer for service and raised this issue. He said that he had orders in for 9 replacement units on order and they were backordered.

I finally had my radio unit etc. replaced at the end of last August. I had the "long term" insurance so there was little cost but...shortly thereafter my battery crashed. AAA replaced my battery for $200...since then I have had problems with the battery losing charge...twice. The first time the AAA tech said I had left my lights on. I became very cautious about making sure they were off. Then, I checked the manual. When the keys are removed, the lights go off. A month later, I had to call them back to recharge the battery. Next...a visit to the dealer.

 

[Trpsubaru]

Has anyone replaced their screen with an after market screen? I talked with my Subaru dealership and even if I was willing to pay for the new screen (which I am not), they told me it would be replaced with a remanufactured screen. So not only am I getting the same crap screen put in, it’s not even a brand new one. I spoke with Best Buy and they install infotainment screens. I was wondering if anyone has gone this route and if it worked out.

 

[jeff7130]

We have a 2019 Outback but we have 120,000 miles on ours and out of all warranties. I have had this same problem as all above. My radio has the bubbles, and now starting to change channels on its own. My driver's seat is split on the door side seat and back rest. We are waiting on the class action to finalize for we can get the radio repaired. Subaru did settle a class action that included vehicles up to 2018 for the same radio issues. So, I don't know what would hold this one up.

 

[jeff7130]

Has anybody put in an after market radio like this one.

9" Carplay Navi Android 13 Car Stereo Radio For 2015-2019 Subaru Legacy Outback | eBay

Wireless & Wired Carplay: wired or wireless Carplay in-vehicle system can closely integrate the user's iOS device and iOS experience with the dashboard system. It is only available for iPhone （ZLINK APP）.

www.ebay.com

 

[Justadudemate]

Mine has the same bubbling issue. I was recently quoted $4500 to install and replace (dealership told me the top and bottom portion came in a pair and had to be replaced [$1800 for top, $1800 for bottom, $480 for install). I'm looking for an aftermarket replacement; buying the same thing again will likely cause the same problem. You guys have any suggestions on aftermarket parts?

 

[Glc11102]

I have a 2019 Outback. I love it, however the radio began changing channels and basically acting possessed. I can’t use my phone or any Bluetooth device at all. Subaru said it would cost me 2200.00 to replace. I am very disappointed with Subaru over this. Seems like it is a defect in the system. Probably will not buy another Subaru unfortunately.

 

[mat.davis]

Did Subaru ever do anything to replace the stereo at no cost to the owner? My wife’s 2019 Outback just started to randomly change channels, GPS opens and closes and redirects turns off and on by itself. Clearly a distraction and a safety issue.

After reading these post I reached out to Subaru America had a case opened for us, took our car into the dealer so they can verify the issue we have.

At the end of that we were told that the they would give us a $1000 goodwill credit towards a new stereo, problem is the stereo is over $2000. This is a crappy attempt to make this right. Just curious how others made out.

 

[Mentalfloss]

We have an identical issue on our 2019 Outback - “bubbles” behind screen, phantom touch, random people called when phone plugged in, incessant beeping, etc. We are 2+ months in since bringing to dealer and no replacement head unit in sight. SOA engaged but communicates vaguely and intermittently. Other than interest in class action lawsuit, my tangible question is - does anyone know of aftermarket head units compatible with the Outback that maintains things like backup camera? SOA strongly advises against but it is of course in their interest to do so, and I don’t get the sense they have any urgency to fix the issue.

Did you find any options for replacing head unit and keeping the backup camera?

 

[jsadove]

Here is a recounting to the service manager at our local dealer where I purchased and always had the car serviced.
Good Luck!

Yes, I have a 2018 Outback 3.6R. Here goes:
Hello Mr. Atashi,

My name is Joe (Joseph) Sadove. I purchased my 2018 Subaru Outback 3.2R from Subaru Glendale. The car currently has about 20,000 miles.

Since my purchase, I have always had the car serviced by Glendale. I’m sure you are aware of the Headunit/Console/Infotainment problem these cars have. I have that problem and not another apparently as a result of the replacement of the unit.

I believe the first I reported the problem was June 2023. There followed subsequently 2 other times I brought the car in and attempts were made to repair the problem. With no success.

I learned on the https://www.subaruoutback.org/ site that there was a class action lawsuit settled in Maryland more than almost 2 years before. I came in and spoke with the service manager Ross and the Service Director Alvin. They sympathized and said that there might be a fix coming.

I was not told about the route of calling the Subaru Central Customer support or contacted and informed about it from anyone at Glendale. Instead, I found the instructions and the number on https://www.subaruoutback.org/. I then called Glendale services and they confirmed the process was correct. I then followed up through the Subaru Central Customer Support and began a bit of a winding path to finally getting an appointment for replacing the unit. It must be noted that in the run-up to the resolution, there was a back and forth on what the cost would be: First it was going to cost ~$3,000, then one service rep said he could get $1,000 off and I just said whatever, I need a car that has this function, if only to sell it.

When I finally got an appointment to replace the unit, no one asked for money. Great. Maybe there was a change in policy. But the https://www.subaruoutback.org/ blog said from the start there was no cost.

Since I have had the car back, I have brought it in twice to service because something is apparently draining the battery. I have now replaced the first old battery with a brand new one and once again it happened and I replaced the battery again with a new one and the problem persists after 2 new batteries. Mr. Ross Hoststetler has each time said they couldn’t find anything. The only description of the effort was that the car was left to sit first overnight and then over a weekend and each time they said the problem did not occur. I asked if anything was done or looked at and the answer was no.

I would ask you what you think I should do next. Two or three weeks ago I received a mailing from Subaru of America (oddly dated Feb 29, 2024) a “Warranty Extension for the Telematics Data Communication Module for certain 2016-2018MY Legacy, Outback, Impreze….etc. vehicles.”

Would you please give me a call back – ideally today – and provide me with any information regarding what my next steps should be.

 

[Lynne]

Here is a recounting to the service manager at our local dealer where I purchased and always had the car serviced.
Good Luck!

Yes, I have a 2018 Outback 3.6R. Here goes:
Hello Mr. Atashi,

My name is Joe (Joseph) Sadove. I purchased my 2018 Subaru Outback 3.2R from Subaru Glendale. The car currently has about 20,000 miles.

Since my purchase, I have always had the car serviced by Glendale. I’m sure you are aware of the Headunit/Console/Infotainment problem these cars have. I have that problem and not another apparently as a result of the replacement of the unit.

I believe the first I reported the problem was June 2023. There followed subsequently 2 other times I brought the car in and attempts were made to repair the problem. With no success.

I learned on the https://www.subaruoutback.org/ site that there was a class action lawsuit settled in Maryland more than almost 2 years before. I came in and spoke with the service manager Ross and the Service Director Alvin. They sympathized and said that there might be a fix coming.

I was not told about the route of calling the Subaru Central Customer support or contacted and informed about it from anyone at Glendale. Instead, I found the instructions and the number on https://www.subaruoutback.org/. I then called Glendale services and they confirmed the process was correct. I then followed up through the Subaru Central Customer Support and began a bit of a winding path to finally getting an appointment for replacing the unit. It must be noted that in the run-up to the resolution, there was a back and forth on what the cost would be: First it was going to cost ~$3,000, then one service rep said he could get $1,000 off and I just said whatever, I need a car that has this function, if only to sell it.

When I finally got an appointment to replace the unit, no one asked for money. Great. Maybe there was a change in policy. But the https://www.subaruoutback.org/ blog said from the start there was no cost.

Since I have had the car back, I have brought it in twice to service because something is apparently draining the battery. I have now replaced the first old battery with a brand new one and once again it happened and I replaced the battery again with a new one and the problem persists after 2 new batteries. Mr. Ross Hoststetler has each time said they couldn’t find anything. The only description of the effort was that the car was left to sit first overnight and then over a weekend and each time they said the problem did not occur. I asked if anything was done or looked at and the answer was no.

I would ask you what you think I should do next. Two or three weeks ago I received a mailing from Subaru of America (oddly dated Feb 29, 2024) a “Warranty Extension for the Telematics Data Communication Module for certain 2016-2018MY Legacy, Outback, Impreze….etc. vehicles.”

Would you please give me a call back – ideally today – and provide me with any information regarding what my next steps should be.

I have the same issue n my 2018 Outback. Your post is the first I’ve read that references any acknowledgment of the problem by Subaru. Have you gotten any resolution? I’m afraid to have my console replaced for exactly the reason you’re dealing with; another random problem as a side affect of the fix.

 

[Daniel007]

I have the same problem - Navigation is worthless - jumping all around etc. Have the bubbles (signs of humidity condensation?). These units were built by Harmon-Karden according to my Service Rep at my Subaru Dealer. There are thousands of failed units in these units for 2019 and replacement units (many of them) are on backorder (apparently, the head units were not properly sealed and thus allowing humidity to mess up the electronics - made in China??) . The Service Manager seems to think these things will be replaced at not cost to the owner - the operative words here is "seems to think". So, there is no hard commitment thus far. Frankly, using WAZE instead of the Nav system provided by Subaru is MUCH better - though there is no large screen. But WAZE is seems to know what is going on at any given time, and will fit the route to avoid the traffic or other delays (construction). Lets you know where he cops and cameras are, etc.
At this point I am not excited with the quality of Subaru. Front seat split (the plastic like panel on the Drivers side just split). New seat cover even though the warranty was out. Then I took it in for an Oil Change and an Inspection. They found leaking oil from the right rear shock absorber. This is a famous scam to squirt oil on the shock so you can see the leak - so I asked to see it. Sure 'nuf it was legit. They changed out the shock (not like the shocks I replaced on my Chev wagon - these babies are spring over shocks - $680. Again the dealer is covering it.
Now it is in the shop for an unknown reason. The original battery died - and I am thinking that there is a malfunction in the car where after I turn off the car something is not shutting down and drawing the battery down. Lock it at the end of the day = only to come out in the morning and the car is totally dead. Unlocked the car using the key in my FOB. Then called AAA. The AAA guys declared battery was shot - maybe, but he was happy to sell me a new battery. But after installing the new battery, there would be only a few functions that would work. (Overhead cabin lights, the dash board lights and that's about it). Could not lock/unlock the doors except the drivers door using the key from the inside of the FOB.
I am really concerned about what this is going to cost me. I honestly think something is wrong with the Computer(s) $$$$
Like someone here has said. Will unload this thing as soon as it is fixed. And it only has 40,000 miles on it.

The battery drain you have is from the DCM module looking for the 3G network that was deactivated nationally. Subaru is replacing those DCM units. They sent me a letter and I went to my dealership to replace it for free. The battery drain is fixed, but now I am running into the issue with the screen separating in the multimedia display. Dealer says they are looking into doing a complementary replacement. It only has 37,000 miles on it. I think you’re right, with all the issues we have had once it is fixed it’s time to sell.

 

[Daniel007]

Here is a recounting to the service manager at our local dealer where I purchased and always had the car serviced.
Good Luck!

Yes, I have a 2018 Outback 3.6R. Here goes:
Hello Mr. Atashi,

My name is Joe (Joseph) Sadove. I purchased my 2018 Subaru Outback 3.2R from Subaru Glendale. The car currently has about 20,000 miles.

Since my purchase, I have always had the car serviced by Glendale. I’m sure you are aware of the Headunit/Console/Infotainment problem these cars have. I have that problem and not another apparently as a result of the replacement of the unit.

I believe the first I reported the problem was June 2023. There followed subsequently 2 other times I brought the car in and attempts were made to repair the problem. With no success.

I learned on the https://www.subaruoutback.org/ site that there was a class action lawsuit settled in Maryland more than almost 2 years before. I came in and spoke with the service manager Ross and the Service Director Alvin. They sympathized and said that there might be a fix coming.

I was not told about the route of calling the Subaru Central Customer support or contacted and informed about it from anyone at Glendale. Instead, I found the instructions and the number on https://www.subaruoutback.org/. I then called Glendale services and they confirmed the process was correct. I then followed up through the Subaru Central Customer Support and began a bit of a winding path to finally getting an appointment for replacing the unit. It must be noted that in the run-up to the resolution, there was a back and forth on what the cost would be: First it was going to cost ~$3,000, then one service rep said he could get $1,000 off and I just said whatever, I need a car that has this function, if only to sell it.

When I finally got an appointment to replace the unit, no one asked for money. Great. Maybe there was a change in policy. But the https://www.subaruoutback.org/ blog said from the start there was no cost.

Since I have had the car back, I have brought it in twice to service because something is apparently draining the battery. I have now replaced the first old battery with a brand new one and once again it happened and I replaced the battery again with a new one and the problem persists after 2 new batteries. Mr. Ross Hoststetler has each time said they couldn’t find anything. The only description of the effort was that the car was left to sit first overnight and then over a weekend and each time they said the problem did not occur. I asked if anything was done or looked at and the answer was no.

I would ask you what you think I should do next. Two or three weeks ago I received a mailing from Subaru of America (oddly dated Feb 29, 2024) a “Warranty Extension for the Telematics Data Communication Module for certain 2016-2018MY Legacy, Outback, Impreze….etc. vehicles.”

Would you please give me a call back – ideally today – and provide me with any information regarding what my next steps should be.

Here is a recounting to the service manager at our local dealer where I purchased and always had the car serviced.
Good Luck!

Yes, I have a 2018 Outback 3.6R. Here goes:
Hello Mr. Atashi,

My name is Joe (Joseph) Sadove. I purchased my 2018 Subaru Outback 3.2R from Subaru Glendale. The car currently has about 20,000 miles.

Since my purchase, I have always had the car serviced by Glendale. I’m sure you are aware of the Headunit/Console/Infotainment problem these cars have. I have that problem and not another apparently as a result of the replacement of the unit.

I believe the first I reported the problem was June 2023. There followed subsequently 2 other times I brought the car in and attempts were made to repair the problem. With no success.

I learned on the https://www.subaruoutback.org/ site that there was a class action lawsuit settled in Maryland more than almost 2 years before. I came in and spoke with the service manager Ross and the Service Director Alvin. They sympathized and said that there might be a fix coming.

I was not told about the route of calling the Subaru Central Customer support or contacted and informed about it from anyone at Glendale. Instead, I found the instructions and the number on https://www.subaruoutback.org/. I then called Glendale services and they confirmed the process was correct. I then followed up through the Subaru Central Customer Support and began a bit of a winding path to finally getting an appointment for replacing the unit. It must be noted that in the run-up to the resolution, there was a back and forth on what the cost would be: First it was going to cost ~$3,000, then one service rep said he could get $1,000 off and I just said whatever, I need a car that has this function, if only to sell it.

When I finally got an appointment to replace the unit, no one asked for money. Great. Maybe there was a change in policy. But the https://www.subaruoutback.org/ blog said from the start there was no cost.

Since I have had the car back, I have brought it in twice to service because something is apparently draining the battery. I have now replaced the first old battery with a brand new one and once again it happened and I replaced the battery again with a new one and the problem persists after 2 new batteries. Mr. Ross Hoststetler has each time said they couldn’t find anything. The only description of the effort was that the car was left to sit first overnight and then over a weekend and each time they said the problem did not occur. I asked if anything was done or looked at and the answer was no.

I would ask you what you think I should do next. Two or three weeks ago I received a mailing from Subaru of America (oddly dated Feb 29, 2024) a “Warranty Extension for the Telematics Data Communication Module for certain 2016-2018MY Legacy, Outback, Impreze….etc. vehicles.”

Would you please give me a call back – ideally today – and provide me with any information regarding what my next steps should be.

The battery drain you have is from the DCM module looking for the 3G network that was deactivated nationally. Subaru is replacing those DCM units. They sent me a letter also and I went to my dealership. They replaced it for free after confirming the power draw to the DCM Module. The battery drain is now fixed. It seems your dealership doesn’t know if they’re doing. Because the DCM module is looking for a 3G network that doesn’t exist it has a continuous 0.15 amp draw off of the battery when the car is turned off. It is not hard for them to diagnose. All they have to do is pull the 7.5 amp DCM fuse and test it with a multimeter. Until you get it fixed, you have a couple options so your car won’t be dead every morning. 1. you can pull the fuse every time you park the car for the night or 2. you can install a trickle charger and plug your car in every night.

 

[HLippe]

I just did a search for a class action suit for the infotainment screen.
This is what I found. BTW, the dates are in 2019.

Model Years 2018 to 2023 - Head Unit class-action...

www.subaruxvforum.com

Sub site:

You Could Benefit From The New 6.25 Million Dollar Subaru Starlink Lawsuit Settlement

Subaru has settled the recent Starlink class-action lawsuit for an estimated $6.25M. Is your Subaru Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, Impreza, Legacy, or BRZ on the list?

www.torquenews.com