Just checked the forum traffic on this issue, and found a massive chorus of complaints. To summarize: many issues with newish Outbacks (also Foresters and Legacys). Lots of dealer visits with replacement of starter system relays and software updates, all to no avail. Dealers would suggest frequent charging at home, and taking care to shut off all possible electrical devices including dome and courtesy lights, fobs, dash cams, auto lightswitch, radio, seat warmers, bluetooth (searching for wifi spots?). I now notice that when the key is in the ignition (but not turned), there is a faint glow from various places on the dash and console. This is reminiscent of TVs and other devices that use some tiny amount of power when turned off. A couple of times I have gone out to my car late at night and seen the dome light on - is it not enough to turn the ignition off, get out, shut the door and lock it? Is there some switch or other I should have turned off?
This is all outrageous and unacceptable, given that the dealers must be well aware of this but are not authorized to bring our vehicles up to normal standards in this respect. Those who have (hopefully) fixed their systems have all purchased the largest possible battery at their own expense. I'll be reading the riot act to my dealer next time I'm there, but I expect to be battery shopping.
