About this problem
The infotainment system runs the touchscreen, radio, phone pairing, navigation and often the backup camera. Software bugs and failing hardware can make it freeze, go black, reboot by itself or drain the battery. Beyond being annoying, a dead screen can take out the backup camera and climate controls on cars where those run through it. Software updates fix some cases.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Subaru Outback since 2012, 98 (1.5%) describe infotainment screen freezing or rebooting, the third most reported problem we track on the Outback. The reports cluster on the 2018, 2020 and 2021 model years, and the 2018 drew the most, with 27. It tends to show up early in the car's life: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 6,000 and 35,000 miles. One recall is related to it, and recall repairs are free at any dealer.
What owners report
Owners report the Outback's touch screen freezing, going black, rebooting while driving, or not responding. When it happens the backup camera, audio and phone connection can drop out too. The 2018, 2020 and 2021 model years drew the most reports.
How it gets fixed
A software update from the dealer fixes many cases. When the unit itself fails, the screen or head unit is replaced.
Typical cost: Updates are usually free. A replacement head unit costs $800 to $2,500 depending on the model.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"Starlink radio in touring model with 8"screen unreliable. Had issues with touchscreen freezing and cd loading error from purchase date in august to dec. 18, 2017. Dealer tried to perform software update and fried radio. Radio was replaced."
2018 Subaru Outback, 5,040 miles
"When apple carplay is being used, the multimedia display has frozen several times and when it freezes, the resets itself to a black screen. Once it resets to a black screen, the eyesight is disabled and rab (reverse automatic braking) is disabled."
2020 Subaru Outback, 6,000 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Related recalls
Subaru of America, Inc.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. Check a specific car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Service bulletins
Subaru has sent dealers 6 bulletins that mention this problem on the Outback. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
This bulletin provides troubleshooting steps to follow when diagnosing a customer concern of the display screen being either frozen (unresponsive) or black (blank).
This bulletin announces the reprogramming file availability and installation procedure to address the following customer concerns when operating the clarion 6.2 display audio unit: concern: slow start-up time (approximately 18 ...
Before you buy a Outback
- Spend a few minutes using the screen on the test drive: pair a phone, use navigation and the backup camera.
- Ask whether the system software has been updated.
- Make sure the backup camera comes on every time you shift into reverse.
Questions
Which Subaru Outback years have infotainment screen freezing or rebooting?
Complaints are highest for the 2018, 2020, 2021 model years. The 2018 drew the most, with 27 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 11,000 miles, and half reported it between 6,000 and 35,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
Updates are usually free. A replacement head unit costs $800 to $2,500 depending on the model.