'05 Outback Headlights

[fBrilliant]

I have an '05 OB that keeps burning out headlights. I use the H7 Sylvania bulbs at about $20 a bulb. I have replaced 5 in the last 13 months. It has been both sides with 3 on the right and 2 on the left. Any one else have this problem? What can I do to fix it? I leave my headlights on all the time, because I forget to turn them on after pulling out of the garage. There isn't any visible damage to the wires. The car has 46k miles, I bought it a year ago January with 19,500 miles on it.

[bheinen74]

First off, this is a problem that has occurred with many people for that year, across the line of Subaru car models

You can search complaints, and file your own complaint with NHTSA here

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/

 

Also, you might be able to get warranty replacement of the whole headlight housing from Subaru, at your local dealer. You may have to go to several dealers before one is willing to help you. Print the NHTSA complaints on this to help you persuade them it is a common issue

Still, it is best you file a complaint on the link, and talk to your dealer.

sorry, first year models, are prone to bugs.

You are not alone. Please get your vin handy, and use it when you file your complaint. Enough complaints, and there will be a recall. That goes for others with the same issue.

-another approach is to unplug the DRL (daytime running light module) but this is a safety issue, but will maintain a little longer headlight life. Do this as the LAST RESORT only if your dealer, or dealers cannot help you get new lense for free.

And for the last plug, you could sell yours, and by a newer one. But, you may get the ghostwalk issue, if you dont already have it.

Edited March 15, 2010 by bheinen74

[fBrilliant]

I'll contact the local dealer, they aren't too far from my house. Good place to start. They are never very busy, not much in Subaru sales for this part of Texas. Thanks for the heads up on the issues.

[fBrilliant]

Swung by the dealer (West Houston Subaru) on the way home last night. Talked to the service manager. He said he had noticed this problem alot and had mentioned it to corprate with no response. He also mentioned it was more prevalent on Tribecas. WOW. More often than 5 bulbs in 15 months?! There have been no service bulletins or recalls to his knowledge. Hmm.

[bheinen74]

Swung by the dealer (West Houston Subaru) on the way home last night. Talked to the service manager. He said he had noticed this problem alot and had mentioned it to corprate with no response. He also mentioned it was more prevalent on Tribecas. WOW. More often than 5 bulbs in 15 months?! There have been no service bulletins or recalls to his knowledge. Hmm.

 

Subaru's answer is not acceptable in my book. Glad you filed your complaint to nhtsa, maybe they can make something happen

[fBrilliant]

Yeah, I don't really have the Ghost walk problem with the car. I noticed when I bought it that it seemed twitchy. It still had the original tires with good tread. The car only averaged 5k miles a year. I replaced with Dunlops and messed with the pressures in each tire. I do a lot of highway driving, everything from Houston commute (5 - 85 mph), Gulf Coast highway (65 - 75 mph) and West Texas Superhighway (80 - 90 mph). When I rotate the tires, it starts out all over. I fill up twice a day on long trips and never leave Texas, so I have time to adjust pressures and feel the effects. I was looking for an older Outback when I ran across this one. I think it has everything except annoying speakers under the seat and annoying navigation package