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. SUBURU WILL NOT SHARE THE RESULTS OF THE TEST SO ASSUME A COVERUP AT THIS POINT AS MY WIFE SWEARS SHE DID NOT PUSH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. MANY COMPUTER COMPONENTS ARE ATTACHED TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, LIKE AUTOMATED PARKING AND CRUISE CONTROL. THIS CAR DID INDEED ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11654993 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

On December 15, 2025, driving on a highway in low temperatures, my 2024 Subaru Solterra (VIN: [XXX] ) experienced a progressive loss of power. At 9:20 a.m., I departed NYC for Amenia, NY (91 miles). The range showed ~130 miles (no AC). For the first ~70 miles, the range indicator consistently remained higher than miles-to-destination, confirming sufficient charge to arrive safely. Around mile 70, the range buffer diminished rapidly. By 10:52 a.m. (approx. 85 miles in), the vehicle stopped responding normally to the accelerator. Speed became limited to 36–40 mph. The panel displayed: “Traction battery empty, Output power reduced.” However, immediately next to this warning, the dashboard displayed "7 mi" range and 4% battery. Relying on this data—which indicated sufficient range to reach a safe location—I continued. This contradictory information prevented an informed safety decision. Vehicle behavior became unstable. At 11:01 a.m., I pulled to the shoulder and called roadside assistance. After this stop, the vehicle appeared to recover traction, so I attempted to reach destination (6 miles away). However, unreliable power delivery persisted and the vehicle eventually failed completely at 11:25 a.m., leaving me stranded. Towing arrived at 2:00 p.m. This incident involves a critical range estimation failure. The vehicle promised 130 miles but failed after ~85 miles of conservative driving—a ~35% discrepancy. Furthermore, erratic behavior and conflicting data (showing available range while warning "Empty",) misled me into believing the vehicle was safe to operate, leaving me stranded in winter conditions on an active roadway. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11705320 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

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. Rear automated breaking did not work causing damage to the car. Car was not drivable. Luckily no one was injured. There were no warning signs.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11751460 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

The contact owns a 2024 Subaru Solterra. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V577000 (VISIBILITY) and 25V744000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repairs. However, the contact was informed that the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11710362 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov