Subaru Battery Problems: Common Issues, Symptoms, and Expert Fixes

Your Subaru ranks among the greatest luxury cars globally due to its high-tech features, elegant look, and powerful performance. But despite being such a brilliant invention, it often encounters battery issues, which not only degrades the ride quality but also triggers electrical issues, leaving you stuck in the middle of your trip. Moreover, some specific Subaru models, especially those with advanced electronics, may drain their batteries faster than normal. Don’t worry! You are not alone. In this article, you will learn about the frequent battery troubles in your Subaru, along with their warning signs and the effective ways to fix them so that you can achieve peak vehicle performance in your beloved Subaru.

Constant battery discharge

A large number of Subaru drivers find that their car batteries run out of power quicker than expected, and one of the most common reasons that contribute to this nuisance is the constant operation of electronic components like keyless entry, infotainment displays, and safety systems. These features consistently drain the battery, even when your vehicle engine has turned off. If you don’t drive your vehicle frequently or take only quick trips, it might prevent the battery from restoring its full charge. To fix this, take your car for a 20–30-minute drive regularly or plug in a trickle charger during long-term parking.

Reduced battery lifespan

Some Subaru models, such as the Outback and Forester, are equipped with batteries that don’t last as long as they should, and many owners riding those models report requiring a new battery in just two years. The battery issue is usually seen due to a factory-installed low-capacity battery and excessive power needs. So, in this case, you need to opt for a battery with greater capacity that can easily eliminate this trouble. However, if you experience frequent battery failure, verify whether the alternator and charging system are operating perfectly.

Winter season challenges

If you reside in a cold region, your Subaru may encounter starting issues in winter since when the temperature drops, the battery’s chemical reactions slow down, reducing its ability to supply power. Want to protect the battery from this inconvenience? Choose an underground parking lot or an in-door garage to park your car. Plus, install a battery heater to get rid of this. To improve cold starts, you may upgrade to a battery with a higher CCA rating, which provides better efficiency in freezing temperatures.

Excessive power consumption

Your vehicle battery might keep depleting due to an unnoticed power drain, even when the engine has not ignited, and this is called a parasitic drain. Usually, a defective circuit, an active interior light, or a software error might be the culprit behind the draining battery. In this case, you must visit the nearest Subaru service center and seek professional assistance to perform a battery drain test and figure out the exact issue. Moreover, if the battery loses power every night, it could be experiencing this parasitic drain. The only method to resolve this issue is swapping out the faulty part with a new, high-quality piece suitable for your Subaru model to put an end to the power loss. Since these electrical systems are full of critical elements, leaving these problems to a trusted mechanic is suggested.

Alternator problems

The battery usually gets charged from the alternator while you drive your car, but if it fails, the power supply will be insufficient. This may result in warning signs like dim headlights, flickering dashboard lights, and error messages on the instrument cluster. A continuously dying Subaru battery may indicate an alternator problem. Thus, you must consult with a certified technician to replace it to get everything back on track.

The bottom line

With this, you have come to the end of this comprehensive guide. Hopefully, you have acquired a lot of data about your Subaru’s battery troubles as well as its failing symptoms and remedies. As we have learned, tackling battery problems can be annoying, but most have straightforward solutions. Always remember whether it’s switching to a higher-capacity battery or replacing a poor alternator with early detection and prompt actions, you can protect your vehicle from complete battery failure. After all, your Subaru deserves the best care.