In-car Electronics
CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.
What Owners Say
"It stopped working during the winter and I believe that it is a loose wire but I have not yet had it checked by the dealer"
Anonymous, NS (2013 Subaru Outback 3.6R 3.6-L 6 Cyl)"The camera has been replaced twice and still will work only intermittently"
Anonymous, OH (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"The last two or so years, the camera would not work when it rained a lot and got very fuzzy all the time after a while. The dealer was able to fix it, but it was not under warranty."
Anonymous, MA (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"The backup camera stopped working we took it to the dealer who fixed it by replacing the wireharness under the extended warranty"
Anonymous, NJ (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Just stopped, works once in 6-12 months and stops again"
Anonymous, ON (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Unable to get scheduled for camera repair for almost 2 months"
Anonymous, MN (2013 Subaru Outback Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"The camera stopped working and we cannot see behind us. The repair to extremely expensive and the dealership no on else has the issue. I don't believe them."
Anonymous, IL (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Randomly the Backup camera does not display, we believe that those times it does display and work is when the automatic driver window does not work and vice versa, maybe a short or wires getting crossed?"
Anonymous, CO (2013 Subaru Outback 3.6-L 6 Cyl)"Back up camera stopped working completely so dealer recommended replacement, I felt it should be covered by warranty but it wasn't. It was approximately 1 year ago, so about 112,00 km in. I have an extended warranty which I now regret purchasing. Although dealer is usually good when I attended for appointment the camera they had put aside for me had been used for someone else, so had to make another trip to the dealer for them to replace it. They were apologetic, but did not offer any compensation for the time and energy involved to have a second appointment."
Anonymous, ON (2013 Subaru Outback 3.6-L 6 Cyl)"it would not work some of the time but was fixed"
John T., NY (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Backup Camera failed causing blue screen display, and then shutting off all together. Replaced by dealer at cost $340 for part and labor"
Robert H., NY (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"The image was watery. Then the operation of the camera became intermittent. I tried warming it with a heat gun in the hope it would dry up the moisture inside the camera.Now it does not work at all. Replacement cost is too high, especially since I likely will trade cars this fall"
D S., ON (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Failed to work. Screen became intermittent and fuzzy, couldn't use it"
Anonymous, ON (2013 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited 3.6-L 6 Cyl)"Backup camera started intermittent failure in the past year. Currently unable to use. Dealer confirmed failure. Not covered under Certified Pre-Owned warranty. Dealer cost to repair $433. Camera is available for $145. I am considering doing the labor myself"
Steven C., NY (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"The backup screen keeps going blank or does not show up on the screen"
Anonymous, FL (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Backup camera quit one month after warranty expired. Approx $200 to replace"
Anonymous, NH (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"The camera stopped working and the wire harness developed a short"
Anonymous, NJ (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"black screen with parallel red lines some of the time- seems like a short dealers says the camera is broken and that it happens a lot with this model- not under warranty"
Anonymous, CT (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"My back up camera started turning colors in February and is now black except the line markers. It is not under warranty and is expected to cost $400. Considering I paid to have this option and figure overall I back up twice a day I'm not happy. Should be a recall!"
Anonymous, NY (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Camera doesnt work and nibody wants to look at it except the dealer"
Anonymous, WA (2013 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited 3.6-L 6 Cyl)"Backup camera failed 6 months after warranty period. Local dealer refused to fix this $900 item. I contacted Subaru directly and they authorized repair at no cost. I was very satisfied"
Anonymous, ME (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"the backup camera stopped working over a year ago."
Anonymous, ON (2013 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited 3.6-L 6 Cyl)"Ever since we had body repair work to repair hail damage it works only now and then"
Anonymous, IL (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Camera lense fogged up when it got wet. Still worked but not well enough to see any objects.defineitly unsafe. Required replacemet nd cost nearly $500.00 dollars. Kept old lense and it was rusted. Any electronic device that is exposed directly to the elements should be water proofed and protected to prevent this type of failure."
David J., ON (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"After heavy rain, water got into the camera and heavily distorted the picture. The camera was replaced under warranty."
Anonymous, ON (2013 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited 3.6-L 6 Cyl)"The back up camera stopped working, not sure how long they typically last, it was four years for me, it was replaced, not under warranty. The dealership had a problem the day I took it in to be repaired as someone had used the part that was put aside for me and I had to find another day to put aside 3 hours! Great once was installed much improved from the first one."
Anonymous, ON (2013 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited 3.6-L 6 Cyl)"Cd player cannot berepaired and a new one is part of the expensive overall infotainment system."
Anonymous, VA (2013 Subaru Outback 3.6-L 6 Cyl)"The second CD player failed after about 3 years and I expected it to last much longer"
Barbara B., NC (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"The CD player and the MP3 memory stick inputs no longer function"
Anonymous, VA (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Touch screen & memory were: difficult to use & ram malfunctioning :.random malfunctions. Warranty applied and resolved issues"
Anonymous, WA (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"screen dims so badly when lights are on. and in sunlight, nearly impossible to see"
Linda B., FL (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"display for MPG, time, temperature didn't work for MPG, would flutuate wildly from 10 mpg to 99mpg in seconds, plus time would disappear"
Rick A., AZ (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Screen would restart itself"
Anonymous, CA (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Dealership replaced it last Dec but it went out again recently so obviously not fixed"
Anonymous, ID (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"HAD TO REPLACE AUDIO UNIT!"
Anonymous, DE (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Had to have in dash factory entertainment system display and radio replaced by Subaru dealer under warranty. Prior to going completely blank or freezing, display would flash alternately off and on and then system would restart, initialized and then start the process of flashing over and over. Totally dissatisfied with in dash entertainment, radio system and over the air GPS integration with Sirius Traffic Service. Subaru Dealer was clueless how to fix everything. Had to escalate to Subaru OEM Di"
Anonymous, CA (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Whole navi system/radio shuts completely off. You have to shut the car off and turn it back on to get it to come back on."
Richard A., SC (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"When new did not connect to iPhone via USB with most recent OS. Have to use Bluetooth instead of USB port"
Anonymous, OH (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Bluetooth in 2013 does not directly connect with or interface with the MP3 on smart phone. A cable was needed"
Anonymous, IA (2013 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited 3.6-L 6 Cyl)"USB connection doesn't work with iPhone. Bluetooth connection can freeze. Two radio unit replacements"
Anonymous, PA (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Moon roof - I did not see a category for moonroof"
Craig S., CA (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"iPhone won’t connect via iPod mode. Had to wiggle the cable to work sometimes."
Anonymous, AK (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"I get a device/accessory not supported error on my standalone ipod and iphone. Can't listen to music from either device through the stereo via Bluetooth or directly hooked up to the USB. Phone functions work fine via Bluetooth."
Melinda C., OR (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"I had to replace the amplifier. For years the audio would occasionally cut out. Finally, it went out for good. We waited for three weeks for the dealership to get the replacement amplifier ordered and installed."
Anonymous, HI (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"It has been replaced or upgraded 4 times and it still get itself and me lost on a regular basis. It is awful!"
Anonymous, CA (2013 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited 3.6-L 6 Cyl)"Extremely confusing to use. Have never used it since. Very poor user interface"
Benjamin S., NM (2013 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited 3.6-L 6 Cyl)"Delayed voice navigation. Will pass the turn before it tells you"
Anonymous, PA (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Subaru replaced the console electronics unit. Prior to this we had continuous dashboard restarts of the navigation system, failure of Blue tooth paired devices stored in memory. Subaru has considerable problems with SYNC integration with Sirius Over"
Anonymous, CA (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"For the money, system should be more responsive"
Anonymous, PA (2013 Subaru Outback)"Difficult to use. Lost satellites, resent having to purchase map updates. Free on Garmin and phone"
Michael H., FL (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Navigation system gave erroneous locations and the screen would "freeze""
Anonymous, CA (2013 Subaru Outback)"Failed to accept commands. Dealer performed update to correct"
Wallace J., SC (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"GPS resets its self for no reason. Also, no way to get new map data"
Anonymous, VA (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"IT IS THE WORST, OVERLY COMPLICATED, FAILS WHEN YOU NEED IT. THEY DROPPED THE BALL ON THIS ONE, MAYBE THEY SHOULD ROAD TEST THESE BEFORE INSTALLING"
Douglas M., NY (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Navigation system locks out functions above 5mph, and there is no way for the passenger to modify key settings of the route. Only some functions are disabled, while other functions still work...very frustrating"
Jason C., AZ (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Just stopped working. Shows map but does not know where it is."
Anonymous, GA (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"I tried for several months to update the mapping chip. Extraordinarily time consuming and frustrating. I got the dealership involved and their assistance was very helpful however the company that provided the chip and the map service "Here" was impossible. Abysmal customer service. The dealership was astonished at the lack of concern for customer relations from "Here". The Subaru factory representative told me the mapping system was moving to TomTom due to the incompetence of "Here""
Russell A., CA (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Difficult to use voice commands while vehicle is in motion. Expensive and difficult to obtain map updates. Slow to respond to commands. Not very intuitive to use"
William C., NY (2013 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited 3.6-L 6 Cyl)"The settings and history part of the GPS system do not work, so each time you use it you have to start from the beginning to set it up and then enter the details of the journey, a real pain, I tend to use my phone instead!"
Dorothy E., ON (2013 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited 3.6-L 6 Cyl)"When you set a destination it gives you 5 hours to drive 180 miles. It corrects itself by the time you get to where you are going. It didn't do this when it was new. The car has been a very good car. No other problems."
Samuel M., WI (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 3.6-L 6 Cyl)"Apparently, Androd motorola phones have had trouble holding the pairing with the subaru system; although with the same system we have no trouble in the Toyota"
Anonymous, MN (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"After successful pairing, the connection randomly drops within 30 minutes. And, it needs to be paired on each restart of the car"
Linda B., FL (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Pre defined cellphones stored in memory failed to pair automatically or manually until console system from Harmon Kardon was replaced by the selling dealer under warranty"
Anonymous, CA (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Dealer failed to connect it at delivery and we have been unable to"
William D., NC (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Not consistent to connect. Also takes too much time to connect, if it does connect"
Anonymous, IL (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"The phone wouldn't pair with the car's bluetooth"
Anonymous, CA (2013 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited 3.6-L 6 Cyl)"Disconnected several times. Had to take it to dealer. Makes "hands-free" difficult without it"
Anonymous, CA (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"It refuses to pair, took it back, they said it's normal. The navigation system STINKS"
Douglas M., NY (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Bluetooth pairing was the ONLY electronic feature that I wanted for safety. They have NEVER been able to make it pair with my wife's phone - - - disgruntled to say the least"
Jerry I., OR (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Just terrible interface and software. It takes 5 minutes to connect, if a all. Really a pain and makes the car nearly undrivable."
Anonymous, IL (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"The Hands Free system works very poorly, when it works. Pairing of more than one phone seems to be impossible. Voice commands regarding dialing a number or a name/contact rarely work. The only aspect that is reliable is answering an incoming call. Making outgoing calls currently has to be done via the handset. The connected call then automatically switches to the hands free system."
Anonymous, AZ (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"The bluetooth worked for a while, but then would not pair up to my phone. Then it quit working with my husband's phone. The dealer said it worked fine. After the car was at the dealer's, my huisband got it to pair up. Unfortunately, that was in early March and I have hardly driven the car since, so I don't know if it is still working properly."
Anonymous, MA (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"I have an LG3, I think the phone is "to new" as have trouble pairing at times"
Robert H., NY (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Noise experienced by call recipients when using my Bluetooth with cell phone. Routinely change to cell speaker"
Anonymous, VA (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Phone regularly and randomly disconnects. Car dealership service technician shared that this is a common problem and that the quality of the bluetooth system is poor"
Anonymous, NY (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Inconsistent and slow connection"
Gregory M., IL (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"The phone pairing doesn't work"
C B., OR (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"iphone 4s paired without any problems; Iphone 6s could not get it paired and telephone call & assistance with Subaru didn't solve the issue either. So not paired and no longer hands free"
Anonymous, FL (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"CR has reported problems with the Subaru Bluetooth systems in the past, and ours is no exception. The phone will pair but it must be re-paired every time the vehicle is started. Very annoying, but I have not dealt with it yet."
Donald S., CA (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Bluetooth works intermintely."
David Y., WV (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Hands free phone system is inconsistent. Sometimes it does not recognize phone it is paired with. Sometimes it can't find names in phone directory to dial. Sometimes it dials the wrong number when asked to dial by number. Sometimes it doesn't recognize phone until a number is dialed by hand, then hands free system will start."
Phil R., AZ (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"System indicates it needs to update roaming with a message that covers almost the entire screen (unable to use navigation while this message is up) and you can't ignore the message or read the message. You must un-pair the phone to get the message to stop coming up. PITA"
Richard A., SC (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"first time tried to set up in 2018 and would not work even by dealer. too costly to check out, warranty had expired even though it was never tried."
Anonymous, TX (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"The pairing is frequently lost. It usually takes multiple attempts to pair our one phone (Android OS)."
Philip R., AZ (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"The amplifier needed to be replaced. It took 10 days"
Anonymous, MI (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Bluetooth is terrible, not responsive and delays on pick up. Took car in for total freeze up on display"
Anonymous, IL (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"radio (and GPS) was rebooting by itsellf every 2 min. It has been replaced under warranty"
Louis M., QC (2013 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited 3.6-L 6 Cyl)"Kept restarting itself"
Anonymous, CA (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Radio audio quality is poor. Clarity of sound jumps between fair and poor while on a channel"
Ben M., WI (2013 Subaru Outback 3.6R 3.6-L 6 Cyl)"Radio was changed due to configuration of GPS. New radio sounds terrible and echoey like your in a box and the sounds all mix together. I hate it and the car company says it is okay"
Larry G., IL (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Crackling noise coming from speakers. They replaced the radio, but problem persists"
Anonymous, MI (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"The radio problem was caused by water getting into the system because the drains in the sunroof became clogged. This sunroof drains must be cleaned several times a year or they get blocked by pollen, etc. This is a real problem. The electrical problem cost me over $600 to fix. I love my Subaru, but I would never get one with a sunroof again."
Anonymous, KS (2013 Subaru Outback)"System amplifier went out, replaced under warranty"
Anonymous, NE (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Hard to communicate-difficult to quickly find requested address, i.e., city, state, etc-cumbersome"
Anonymous, PA (2013 Subaru Outback)"Because the bluetooth was faulty the voice commands didn't work"
Anonymous, CA (2013 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited 3.6-L 6 Cyl)"sometimes the command phone does not connect. It will start again after I stop the car and turn the engine off for a bit then restart and try again"
Anonymous, OR (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"When disconnect phone lose all audio on maps Oil AT warning came on. There is a service bulletin on this problem advising flush transmission.. Dealer did not know of it. Said I needed a new transmission and differential. Independent garage did th"
Michael H., FL (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"doesn't understand voice commands well. Sometimes I have to repeat 2-3 times before they get the name or command right. Very frustrating!!"
Larry G., IL (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Microphone is in dashboard right next to A/C air vent in dashboard. If fan speed is up. Voice commands from driver are not understood. Voice Commands are best given with AC Off. System does not understand fast speech. Driver required to repeat voice commands over and over before recognition. Totally unsatisfied with Subaru Product"
Anonymous, CA (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"It doesn't recognize commands well"
Gregory M., IL (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"I cannot use the voice command to make a phone call hands free"
C B., OR (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"voice commands are not usually understood or accepted by system"
Anonymous, ON (2013 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited 3.6-L 6 Cyl)"If my phone is connected through Bluetooth it totally messes up commands. If I take phone off Bluetooth it works with voive"
Linda B., FL (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Voice commands to hands free phone system are often misunderstood--and I speak English clearly with no recognizable accent"
Philip R., AZ (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
"While backing up the camera blanks out completely with messages telling me I've lost SIRUS Radio or Cell Phone Reception. These are unnecessary message and a safety issue!"
Anonymous, VA (2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)