2023 SUBARU SOLTERRA Electrical System Problems

11 complaints about Electrical System

11
Complaints
2
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Deaths

High Severity Issue

This component has been associated with crashes, fires, or deaths.

This Problem Across All Years

All Electrical System Complaints (11)

Nov 16, 2025

Recently received a recall notice on the software and HVAC compressor. Took vehicle into dealership, and they told me my vehicle failed the recall. They said that there were only 7 replacement parts in the entire nation and they were all taken. When asked what impacts the failed recall will have, they told me I would have no heat due to HVAC compressor being fried. My family and I feel unsafe driving this vehicle without heat in the Wyoming/Colorado winters where windchills repeated get below 0F. Not having heat is extremely dangerous. Halladay motors of Cheyenne, WY refuse to provide us a loaner. This vehicle is truly a lemon and we can’t wait until the lease is up next year.

Aug 12, 2025

Component/System that failed: Battery range performance and charging system on 2025 Subaru Solterra. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Safety risk: The vehicle loses significant range after charging, creating a real risk of being stranded in traffic, on the freeway, or in remote locations — even during short in-town trips. This could leave me without power in unsafe conditions. Problem details: On one occasion, after charging for 48 minutes at a Level 3 DC fast charger, I gained only 53 miles of range, then lost 17 of those miles in just 2 miles of driving. On other occasions, I have lost 21 miles in 1 mile of driving and 27 miles in 6 miles. No climate control was in use during some of these tests. Reproduction/confirmation: The problem occurs repeatedly and has been documented with photographic evidence. Gresham Subaru has claimed this is “normal,” but it is not consistent with expected EV performance. Inspection history: The vehicle has been looked at by Gresham Subaru but no thorough diagnostic or battery inspection has been completed. Subaru of America is aware of the issue. Warning signs: No warning lamps, error messages, or other dashboard indicators appear before or during the loss of range. The issue began shortly after purchase and has continued despite software updates.

May 7, 2025

I am writing to express my concern regarding a series of significant issues I’ve experienced with my vehicle, all occurring within a span of less than six months and well within the 3-year/36,000-mile warranty period. 1.Battery Failure in Cold Weather: After the first exposure to below-freezing temperatures, the vehicle would not start on multiple occasions. This ultimately led to a full battery replacement. 2.Suspension and Rear Motor Issue: I recently brought the vehicle in due to an increasingly poor ride quality and excessive road impact. The inspection revealed a suspension issue and, more seriously, a failing rear motor that now requires replacement. 3.Electrical Malfunction – Blinker Failure: The vehicle is currently in the shop due to the failure of the left turn signal, which was traced to erosion in the casing housing the electrical wiring. These repeated failures are deeply concerning, particularly for a relatively new vehicle. I am requesting a thorough review of the situation and a clear resolution path, as this level of reliability is unacceptable for a vehicle still under warranty

Apr 21, 2025 Crash

Sudden unintended acceleration while maneuvering to park. The acceleration was instantaneous and forceful, that in less than 20 feet of rapid movement the car forced itself over some utility poles laying behind the intended parking spot, and jumped from the utility poles, fast enough so that the first ground contact was nearly 10 feet beyond the poles (as evidenced by disturbed grass in the photos). Stopped stuck on hard debris, irregular terrain, and dead tree logs. In other circumstances, this could have had grave consequences to others or the driver. We're not sure we can trust this vehicle not to do this again. Not checked with a dealer. (All manufacturers blame drivers for sudden unintended acceleration.) The vehicle is being repaired at a body shop. Damage was to front and underside. There were no prior warnings or symptoms.

Jan 31, 2025

Driving vehicle during rain storm at 10mph through standing water approximately 1 foot depth while exiting freeway in San Francisco caused front bumper components to loosen/crack, front fender liners to tear off, thereby exposing the electrical components of the battery drive unit and electricals under the front hood, including high voltage cables to be exposed to water intrusion. We can see the bright orange high voltage cables through the wheel well, along with electrical wires that appear to be grounds! Safety concern of exposing electrical high voltage system to water if driver was not aware that fender liners detached while driving. We are concerned this may pose potential risk of electrical malfunction as car is driven on wet roads due to water intrusion, reaching sensitive parts, potentially causing sudden electrical or mechanical issues and affecting vehicle safety, causing sudden malfunction given electric vehicle. Other similar reports in bz4x and Solterra - similar models badged by Toyota/Subaru partnership: Google search of "bz4x fender liners damage" [XXX] [XXX] We stopped driving due to front bumper damage, concerns with the electrical system exposed, fender liner hanging off and in contact with tire, filed insurance claim and completed repairs. The fender liner appears to be made of a very soft pliable composition with questionable integrity which may contribute to liner ripping off attachment points. The charging port door also opened AFTER driving through the standing water causing warning light to come on. Video of damage morning after incident: [XXX] Toyota specifications on wading depth: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Dec 17, 2024

I must express my disappointment and concern regarding the actual range performance of the ELECTRIC vehicle 2023 Subaru Solterra. Subaru claims that the Solterra has a range of 228 miles, but I am consistently getting only around 160 miles. This significant discrepancy suggests that Subaru may have falsified the range information, misleading customers about the vehicle's capabilities. Moreover, it is highly frustrating that customers like myself are left at the mercy of retailers who lack the necessary knowledge to properly service Subaru EVs. This situation is unacceptable, and I urge you to address these issues promptly. If you have any further questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Jul 16, 2024

Subaru states that the vehicle will dc fast charge at 100KWh. My Solterra and others(complaints on Subaru Solterra Forum) takes on average 1 hour and 40 minutes to charge 80%, with an additional 40 minutes to get to 100%. This is a major EV safety concern whern travelling---especially at night. In addition the milage range of the vehicle falls way short of wht SUBARU ADVERTISES TO CONSUMERS. They say 220---but I max out at 208 on a d2 charge. When the weathewr drops below 65F my range has fallen to 169(verified by dealer service records---154 miles. Bottom line from Subaru after having the vehicle in shop for over 30 days was: "performing as designed" Please help.......I am not alone---this issue is pervasive among 2023 Subaru Solterra owners

Feb 15, 2024

Slow DC charging of Subaru Solterra 2023 at low temperatures is unsafe for toddlers and babies. The battery pack of Subaru Solterra 2023 has a slow charging rate at DC, and with low temperature( 32 F), it becomes even slower; what makes the matter worse is that if you use air conditioning, the charging rate becomes ten times slower. We were with our toddler driving on the i80 and we had to charge the car to get us to our destination, We have stopped at 50 kw DC charger. The vehicle only pulled 35 kw, the temperature outside was 34 F, and we wanted to keep the air conditioning because our toddler was on board, but the car was taking an insane amount of time to charge, 1000 minutes from 40% to 100%. Toddlers can't stay that long in a car, you can't turn off the AC at the risk of hypothermia, and you can't wait in the nearby building because the DC charger, like most DC chargers, is in the middle of nowhere. We turned off the AC for 10 minutes while sitting in the back with our toddler's body, warming him to get enough charge to reach our next destination. I would expect if the weather was worse, the DC charger would have been slower, and even 10 minutes without AC could have had severe adverse health consequences on the car passengers, kids, and adults. Other EVs have battery conditioning that makes DC chargers faster at low temperatures, thus decreasing the risk of toddler discomfort and hypothermia.

Feb 15, 2024

problem with milage range and charging rate . The vehicle will not charge above 24Kw--no fast charing possible "the vehicle has been found to be operating as designed and no repairs are being recommended" Leased vehicle in October 2023

Aug 14, 2023 Crash

Subaru Solterra - Sudden unexpected acceleration with no ability to brake or steer. Message appeared "System Malfunction" Crashed into woods; small trees slowed and stopped car; airbags did not deploy. no injuries but great risk if car had headed to nearby highway instead of trees. car now at dealer undergoing inspection by Subaru.Police report made; copy not yet available. Michigan State Police report 75-2169-23

Jul 20, 2023

Subject: Safety Concerns with Subaru Solterra - Urgent Attention Required I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my serious concerns regarding the safety issues I am experiencing with my newly purchased Subaru Solterra 2023 Touring. Despite my enthusiasm for the vehicle, the problems outlined below have caused me considerable distress and are posing significant risks to both myself and my beloved pet. Safety Issue 1: Bluetooth Connectivity and Remote Climate Control The Bluetooth connectivity features in the vehicle, including driver detection, load profile, locking/unlocking, and remote climate control, are currently non-functional. The dealership has acknowledged this issue but has been unable to provide an estimated timeframe for a fix. This problem alone presents multiple safety concerns: 1.1. Risk to My Pet's Safety: I frequently leave my pet in the car during extreme weather conditions to ensure their safety. The inability to operate the remote climate control due to the connectivity issue can lead to a life-threatening situation for my pet, as the car automatically shuts off after 20 minutes. 1.2. Inability to Lock the Car: Additionally, the inability to lock the car from the app exacerbates the safety risks, as it compromises the security of both my pet and the vehicle's contents when I am away. Safety Issue 2: Discrepancy in Mileage Reporting The mileage displayed on the Subaru Connect App and the car itself shows a significant discrepancy. While the app indicates a range of 240 miles on a full charge, the car's display only shows 179 miles. This disparity is not only disconcerting but also raises serious safety concerns: 2.1. Uncertain Range Reliability: As an electric vehicle owner, knowing the accurate range is crucial for planning my journeys. The discrepancy between the app and the car's display leaves me unsure of the actual remaining range, potentially leading to battery depletion and a complete shutdown while operating.