AI DamageSubaru Solterra: problems, complaints, bulletins
Summary for the Subaru Solterra across 4 model years: 43 owner complaints and 199 NHTSA service bulletins, plus repair videos. Pick a year for details.
Model years
What fails most often
- 1 Electrical system 33% of all complaints
- 2 Forward collision avoidance 33% of all complaints
- 3 Vehicle speed control 21% of all complaints
- 4 Visibility 16% of all complaints
- 5 Powertrain 9% of all complaints
- 6 Service brakes 9% of all complaints
- 7 Structure 9% of all complaints
- 8 Backover prevention 9% of all complaints
- Electrical system: 14 complaints (33% of all), 2 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 286.
- Forward collision avoidance: 14 complaints (33% of all), 3 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 3.
- Vehicle speed control: 9 complaints (21% of all), 4 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
- Visibility: 7 complaints (16% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 7.
- Powertrain: 4 complaints (9% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 16.
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- electric 2023–2027
- automatic, 1-speed 2023–2027
Drive: AWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 43 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 14 | 2 | 286 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 14 | 3 | 3 |
| Vehicle speed control | 9 | 4 | 0 |
| Visibility | 7 | 0 | 7 |
| Powertrain | 4 | 0 | 16 |
| Service brakes | 4 | 1 | 3 |
| Structure | 4 | 0 | 3 |
| Backover prevention | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Engine | 3 | 1 | 25 |
| Suspension | 3 | 0 | 4 |
| Lane departure | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 1 | 8 |
| Equipment | 0 | 0 | 48 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
Subaru Solterra Car's automated breaking system did not work. We also suspect the changing from reverse to drive did not work as well. My wife while taking reverse and then tried to drive forward, but the drive forward did not work and when the car was accelerated it reversed and hit a tree.
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…
Car inadvertently accelerated when parking. Results $17,000 damages and stage two whiplash. Dealer inspected black box and claimed accelerator was inadvertently pushed full throttle, which is impossible as my wife isn't tall enough to push full throttle.
The car then lurched forward with great force and collided with the corner of the house we had been staying in, causing significant damage. Two concerns arise: 1. Why did the car lurch forward with great force to begin with? 2. Why didn’t the automatic emergency braking system not activate?
The headlights only illuminated its knees, too late for the driver to stop before impact. It could have just as easily been a person, or other heavy road debris. The incident was on a dark highway bypass, with slight left curve, so poor headlights hampered the driver & automatic systems from stopping in time.
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.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Forward collision avoidance. Radar and camera: calibration after bumper or windshield replacement.
- Vehicle speed control. Accelerator pedal, cruise control, throttle codes.
- Visibility. Wipers, mirrors, defrosters, cracked glass.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- This announcement provides information on a new software update for the Midtronics Dss and DCA machines
- This bulletin provides paint code information for 2027 model year vehicles
- This Bulletin was developed to help prevent water intrusion at the rear tail light connector
- This announcement provides an update to all 2027 model year Subaru warranty coverages for wear items and…
- This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a…
- This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during…
- Subaru of America, Inc
- This Service Information Bulletin outlines a systematic procedure for diagnosing parasitic draw…
- This Bulletin provided diagnostic procedure information to be followed when addressing Dark Current /…
- This Service Information Bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but…
- This Bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during…
- This announcement provides updates on the WRG-26 Solterra battery ECU reprogramming safety recall
Repair videos
We do not copy videos: these are YouTube links credited to their authors. Amounts are as stated by the author and not verified by us.
- 2023 Subaru Solterra – What to Expect Servicing Your First EV
- 4 Things I love and 1 Thing I hate about the 2024 Subaru Solterra #subaru #subarusolterra
- The 2026 Subaru Solterra Is Cheaper, Faster, And Has More Range
- Quick fix if your charger adapter gets stuck in a 2026 Subaru Solterra ⚡🚗
- The 2026 SOLTERRA from Subaru!
- 2026 Subaru SolTerra Headlight Washer
Other models of this make
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.