2011 Subaru Outback Lighting Problems
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
How common are lighting problems on the 2011 Subaru Outback?
117 owners have reported lighting problems on the 2011 Subaru Outback, 18% of all complaints for this year and the 2nd most reported problem area. Most reported problems happened at about 29,000–85,000 miles. 1 recall covers this area.
117 complaints 18% of all 2011 complaints 55,000 miles typical
Which parts fail
The specific part named in each complaint.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (83 of 117). The amber line is the middle value.
When problems were reported
Lights complaints by the year the problem happened.
Lights complaints by Outback year
Related recalls
Lights
Fire riskUp to 78,650 of these vehicles may have been equipped with accessory puddle lights that, when illuminated, brighten the area under the doors of the vehicle. A short circuit can develop when either the puddle light or connector are exposed to an electrolytic moisture source (such as road spray that has road salt in it) and it penetrates the circuit board of the puddle light or the pins of the puddle light connector(s). Over time, migration of the moisture into the circuit board and/or into the connector cavity, may result in a short circuit of the puddle light system. This may generate heat which may melt the plastic resulting in smoke or fire.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional fused-harness, free of charge.
Recall 12V602000 · Dec 2012Get an email when your 2011 Subaru Outback gets a new recall
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Other 2011 Subaru Outback problems
Common questions
What are common 2011 Subaru Outback lighting problems?
Complaints most often name the headlights.
At what mileage do 2011 Subaru Outback lighting problems happen?
Most complaints that gave a mileage fell between about 29,000–85,000 miles. The middle value is about 55,000 miles.
Is there a recall for 2011 Subaru Outback lighting problems?
Yes: 12V602000. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Which Outback year has the most lighting complaints?
The 2011 Outback, with 117 complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports.