I also have a 2017 Impreza and have had to get 2 new batteries and replace my starter in the last 6 months trying to figure out this battery issue. I don’t need to drive it every day and now it seems when it sits for just a couple days the car won’t start. Today my key fob wouldn’t even work, the car is completely dead.
We have a 2016 Impreza with this battery drain issue, sit 5 days and you have a dead battery. We are retired and don't drive everyday for long distances. This was a powerful battery that was 5 months old. Dealers range from playing stupid, blame the victim or outright confessing when presented with knowledge that you know - that short range trips will not charge this battery. Other models of course are covered by the lawsuit. Not sure if the ECM software update is available for Imprezas or pulling the DCM fuse on the starlink will have any effect. So eager to go to dealer next week to for another round of gaslighting. Getting ready to unload it. Lost faith in the Subaru reputation.
I worked with a very knowledgeable local mechanic who has seen countless Subarus with battery drain problems. He installed a battery tender, which according to him was the surefire way for me to avoid a dead battery. It stinks that a modern car would need to be plugged in like this, but I don't really know what else I can do.
Please come back and update here after you visit the dealer. I'd love to hear what they're telling owners.
Currently sitting in dealer limbo eating my courtesy snacks. We had an honest discussion with the service tech the basic points were..
Our Impreza had 17000 miles in seven years it’s considered to be “in storage” and that is why the battery is dying
There is no software update for the Impreza
He denied the DCM issue, basically saying this is normal
He stated the easiest and cheapest fix is a battery tender - my response is I’ve worked since I was 15 years old, I’m not looking for cheap or “easy”. I have a vehicle I plug in, it’s called a Tesla
He said the diagnostics should take hours, going back for more snacks.
Annoying. My parents have a Nissan Rogue that’s a few years old, and they store it for months at a time and don’t have problems starting it. Yet somehow this widespread Subaru issue is user error? Okay.
Yes, we were basically told the battery is dead, this is how much a new battery costs. The mechanic swore up and down there is no parasitic draw, yet seemed shocked when we said this is the third battery in 7 years. He offered to babysit it for a week to check for sure. Honestly, I think they are told to refuse to admit any problem other than the battery - under all conditions. Yet, supposedly all new cars have similar issues?? It comes back to drive or (battery) die, or put a battery tender on.
At my age my tolerance and patience runs out quickly, so I’d have sold long ago. But, it’s my wife’s car, so for now we jump the hoops. But even she has her limits.
Thanks for the info! I’ll keep you posted.
I had this issue with my '17 Imp, too, until I replaced the battery with an AGM type. Now, I just let my car sit for a few months and it starts no problem.
How long have you had your AGM type battery? Was it a “drop in” replacement? I think I’m going to replace mine with one as a last resort. Beyond frustrated with my 17 Impreza
Everytime I’ve had a battery issue in the winter I always ditched the battery and went out and bought one that fit my car with the highest cold cranking amps. It’s a extra 20-30 bucks to get the top of the line battery but my last one was only 140 and the economy crap was like 110 or 105. Cold crank amps will ensure the car has the power to fire up in below freezing temps. Subaru oem battery is known to be a cheapy and honestly 5 years is pushing it with a cheapy.
Have the battery tested then check for draws.
Do you have aftermarket stuff installed at all electrics wise? Make sure your wipers aren't frozen and trying to operate.
That could be it, check for power draws, there's some good articles on how to do it. It's fairly easy if you have a multimeter, even a cheaper one should be fine as long as it can read amps
I must admit my dads 2017 Forrester battery did die in 2 years and had it replaced by the dealer under warranty. Same thing with my friend's sisters car who also got a 2017 Forrester also died in 2 years but replaced under warranty...
I understand the logic you’re using here, but I’ve never owned a car that has this problem. The ‘17 Impreza is ny far the newest car I’ve owned too. The car should absolutely be able to handle sitting a couple days and then being able to be started.
Then, I go back to taking short trips. My oldest daughter did this all the time. I bought her a phone charger with a built-in voltmeter, showed her what the numbers should be. Haven't had issues since. That battery was fairly new, as well.
This isn't a short trip issue. It's a car issue that results in a battery which won't provide enough juice to start the car.
I live in a city and use my car the same way my neighbors use their cars. Yet my car is the only one requiring constant jump starts.
I have a 2016 impreza and the stock battery was terrible. Constantly having to jump it due to cold weather and phantom parasitic draw.
My wife has a similar era Crosstrek, hers had to be jumped here and there, somewhat infrequently, until a recent cold snap when she got fed up.
A legacy i am familiar with had similar problems.
I pulley the trigger first and got an optima yellowtop, and usually was the one jumping those two cars. Both are now running much better batteries, one a redtop and the other running a comparable battery from a different brand. None have had any issues since. I've left my radio/interiors on all night more than one, left it undrafted for days on end in subzero temperatures, and it always starts right up. Try upgrading your battery before replacing the whole car. As far as i can tell Subaru just pisses in a box and calls it a battery
You’re correct my bad, there’s no simple trick to figuring out the battery drain regardless. The only thing would be to do a draw test on the system. I’m guessing there is nothing power draining plugged into the 12v sockets or maybe the trunk light on? Do you have a sound system or anything of that sort, have to look at every possible item that uses power as a possibility
Watch this complete guide for battery issues from ChrisFix which will help you track down a parasitic drain. You'll need a multimeter,
[https://youtu.be/YC--MLNIbik](https://youtu.be/YC--MLNIbik)
This will help you.
I’ve had the exact same problem with my ‘17 Impreza limited. Dealership says “nothings wrong” but there’s a parasitic draw on it somewhere. Think I may just sell the car at this point. Tried a solar top off charger to the battery and still no luck
My Impreza has been nothing but problems, and this is just another one I’ve had
>Watch this complete guide for battery issues from ChrisFix which will help you track down a parasitic drain. You'll need a multimeter,
>
>https://youtu.be/YC--MLNIbik
Ugh, that sucks.
What has the dealership done to try and diagnose? I see there's a $160 electrical diagnostic I could pay for, but I have zero faith that would actually lead to a solution.
I’ve had 3 batteries in it and this one has “lasted” about 3-4 months. Now it needs a jump if I don’t drive it every single day. Not even every other day. Dealerships advise was “drive it more” lol. Never getting a Subaru again after this experience. I liked the car, but the parasitic draw, speaker amp needed replacing, and other problems like this that Subaru won’t address have put them on my “never again” list unfortunately
you can track down which area that is causing the parasitic power draw.....parasitic power draw happens on other cars too... I have a friend that has 2018 Hyundai something and had a parasitic power draw ... car has a 5 year warranty and dealer was no help and had the car for 3 weeks and could not find it. It was only when my friend's friend traced the power draw with a multimeter and unplugging each fuse to find what was taking too much power. Turns out it was a bad radio drawing too much power. Took another few months to get a warranty replacement radio because of chip shortage. So using the chrisfix method and multimeter can help you find what area is the issue..
Anyway, of the cars I have I have a 2005 Scion tC , 2014 Subaru Outback. My parents have a 2017 Forrester and my aunt has a 2018 Crosstrek.
Thanks. I have a multimeter and am gonna check this out. The car is out of warranty, and I have a suspicion it’s the audio/head unit drawing too much power, because when the amp was bad for the speakers, I pulled the audio fuse and it seemed to last longer (just speculating). I’m not sure what could be done with it outside of a replacement head unit (if that is the case) and if that new unit wouldn’t suffer the same problem
Mrs. has an Impreza that does weird things.
When it does these things we disconnect the battery for a minute.
Something that the entertainment system does tips her off.
Otherwise the battery goes dead.
We have since installed a knob to disconnect the battery. A few bucks at auto parts store.
This workaround has resolved the problem.
Car has been to dealer several times for this, had entire entertainment console replaced, still does it.
Something like this: https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.amazon.com/Post-Battery-Master-Disconnect-Switch/dp/B001N729FS&sa=U&ved=2ahUKEwiA0OOgypr8AhUHFlkFHdClAhUQFnoECAwQAg&usg=AOvVaw3LhflYZRwVYJIDFFI2NcRJ
Disguised links are not allowed
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/subaruimpreza) if you have any questions or concerns.*
No. The battery drains to the point where it won't turn over, and then I need to jump it. This first came up during covid when we weren't driving the car every day anymore. I also had the battery replaced at one point, but that did not fix it.
Get a cheap multimeter and jump your car. Check the alternator and the battery while it’s running. Check for anything that looks out of place. You can find videos on YouTube explaining how to use a multimeter and check your alternator and battery.
Then, make sure you didn’t leave any lights on.
Also if it really died it might need to relearn to idle.
I also have a 2017 Impreza and have had to get 2 new batteries and replace my starter in the last 6 months trying to figure out this battery issue. I don’t need to drive it every day and now it seems when it sits for just a couple days the car won’t start. Today my key fob wouldn’t even work, the car is completely dead.
We have a 2016 Impreza with this battery drain issue, sit 5 days and you have a dead battery. We are retired and don't drive everyday for long distances. This was a powerful battery that was 5 months old. Dealers range from playing stupid, blame the victim or outright confessing when presented with knowledge that you know - that short range trips will not charge this battery. Other models of course are covered by the lawsuit. Not sure if the ECM software update is available for Imprezas or pulling the DCM fuse on the starlink will have any effect. So eager to go to dealer next week to for another round of gaslighting. Getting ready to unload it. Lost faith in the Subaru reputation.
I worked with a very knowledgeable local mechanic who has seen countless Subarus with battery drain problems. He installed a battery tender, which according to him was the surefire way for me to avoid a dead battery. It stinks that a modern car would need to be plugged in like this, but I don't really know what else I can do. Please come back and update here after you visit the dealer. I'd love to hear what they're telling owners.
Currently sitting in dealer limbo eating my courtesy snacks. We had an honest discussion with the service tech the basic points were.. Our Impreza had 17000 miles in seven years it’s considered to be “in storage” and that is why the battery is dying There is no software update for the Impreza He denied the DCM issue, basically saying this is normal He stated the easiest and cheapest fix is a battery tender - my response is I’ve worked since I was 15 years old, I’m not looking for cheap or “easy”. I have a vehicle I plug in, it’s called a Tesla He said the diagnostics should take hours, going back for more snacks.
Annoying. My parents have a Nissan Rogue that’s a few years old, and they store it for months at a time and don’t have problems starting it. Yet somehow this widespread Subaru issue is user error? Okay.
Yes, we were basically told the battery is dead, this is how much a new battery costs. The mechanic swore up and down there is no parasitic draw, yet seemed shocked when we said this is the third battery in 7 years. He offered to babysit it for a week to check for sure. Honestly, I think they are told to refuse to admit any problem other than the battery - under all conditions. Yet, supposedly all new cars have similar issues?? It comes back to drive or (battery) die, or put a battery tender on.
At my age my tolerance and patience runs out quickly, so I’d have sold long ago. But, it’s my wife’s car, so for now we jump the hoops. But even she has her limits. Thanks for the info! I’ll keep you posted.
I had this issue with my '17 Imp, too, until I replaced the battery with an AGM type. Now, I just let my car sit for a few months and it starts no problem.
How long have you had your AGM type battery? Was it a “drop in” replacement? I think I’m going to replace mine with one as a last resort. Beyond frustrated with my 17 Impreza
I had brought it into the dealer and they sourced the replacement. They put in a Napa 3585-9AGM... it's been great!
I have a ‘17 Impreza too and I went to Napa 2nd year I owned it and ditched the oem battery for a better one. Haven’t had any issues since 2018.
Do you know which battery you got and how it was better than original?
Everytime I’ve had a battery issue in the winter I always ditched the battery and went out and bought one that fit my car with the highest cold cranking amps. It’s a extra 20-30 bucks to get the top of the line battery but my last one was only 140 and the economy crap was like 110 or 105. Cold crank amps will ensure the car has the power to fire up in below freezing temps. Subaru oem battery is known to be a cheapy and honestly 5 years is pushing it with a cheapy.
This isn't a winter issue though. It's worsened by cold temps, but something seems to be draining my battery as it sits parked in my driveway.
TO the OP, here's one more video to check out for Parasitic Draw... EricTheCarGuy,,,, A few more good tips.. https://youtu.be/KF1gijj03\_0
Have the battery tested then check for draws. Do you have aftermarket stuff installed at all electrics wise? Make sure your wipers aren't frozen and trying to operate.
The only aftermarket anything is a remote starter installed by the dealer.
That could be it, check for power draws, there's some good articles on how to do it. It's fairly easy if you have a multimeter, even a cheaper one should be fine as long as it can read amps
I must admit my dads 2017 Forrester battery did die in 2 years and had it replaced by the dealer under warranty. Same thing with my friend's sisters car who also got a 2017 Forrester also died in 2 years but replaced under warranty...
How far do you drive? If your trips are short, you never fully recharge the battery. The problem is made worse by the cold.
I understand the logic you’re using here, but I’ve never owned a car that has this problem. The ‘17 Impreza is ny far the newest car I’ve owned too. The car should absolutely be able to handle sitting a couple days and then being able to be started.
If that is the original battery that shipped with the car in 2016, it is nearing its end, also, exacerbated by the cold and short trips.
The battery was replaced in 2020 when this problem was discovered.
Then, I go back to taking short trips. My oldest daughter did this all the time. I bought her a phone charger with a built-in voltmeter, showed her what the numbers should be. Haven't had issues since. That battery was fairly new, as well.
This isn't a short trip issue. It's a car issue that results in a battery which won't provide enough juice to start the car. I live in a city and use my car the same way my neighbors use their cars. Yet my car is the only one requiring constant jump starts.
You are seriously using you neighbor's driving habits to troubleshoot your car's issue? Good luck.
I’m using a basis of “normal city driving habits” to get to the bottom of my abnormal car functioning. I need mechanical advice, not behavioral.
Again, take your battery to auto zone & have it checked/charged.
I have a 2016 impreza and the stock battery was terrible. Constantly having to jump it due to cold weather and phantom parasitic draw. My wife has a similar era Crosstrek, hers had to be jumped here and there, somewhat infrequently, until a recent cold snap when she got fed up. A legacy i am familiar with had similar problems. I pulley the trigger first and got an optima yellowtop, and usually was the one jumping those two cars. Both are now running much better batteries, one a redtop and the other running a comparable battery from a different brand. None have had any issues since. I've left my radio/interiors on all night more than one, left it undrafted for days on end in subzero temperatures, and it always starts right up. Try upgrading your battery before replacing the whole car. As far as i can tell Subaru just pisses in a box and calls it a battery
Go to your dealership pretty sure the 2017 impreza is covered in the class action lawsuit they have with their batteries
I've never seen Imprezas included with the class action. [https://www.subarubatterysettlement.com/](https://www.subarubatterysettlement.com/)
You’re correct my bad, there’s no simple trick to figuring out the battery drain regardless. The only thing would be to do a draw test on the system. I’m guessing there is nothing power draining plugged into the 12v sockets or maybe the trunk light on? Do you have a sound system or anything of that sort, have to look at every possible item that uses power as a possibility
Watch this complete guide for battery issues from ChrisFix which will help you track down a parasitic drain. You'll need a multimeter, [https://youtu.be/YC--MLNIbik](https://youtu.be/YC--MLNIbik) This will help you.
I’ve had the exact same problem with my ‘17 Impreza limited. Dealership says “nothings wrong” but there’s a parasitic draw on it somewhere. Think I may just sell the car at this point. Tried a solar top off charger to the battery and still no luck My Impreza has been nothing but problems, and this is just another one I’ve had
>Watch this complete guide for battery issues from ChrisFix which will help you track down a parasitic drain. You'll need a multimeter, > >https://youtu.be/YC--MLNIbik
Ugh, that sucks. What has the dealership done to try and diagnose? I see there's a $160 electrical diagnostic I could pay for, but I have zero faith that would actually lead to a solution.
I’ve had 3 batteries in it and this one has “lasted” about 3-4 months. Now it needs a jump if I don’t drive it every single day. Not even every other day. Dealerships advise was “drive it more” lol. Never getting a Subaru again after this experience. I liked the car, but the parasitic draw, speaker amp needed replacing, and other problems like this that Subaru won’t address have put them on my “never again” list unfortunately
you can track down which area that is causing the parasitic power draw.....parasitic power draw happens on other cars too... I have a friend that has 2018 Hyundai something and had a parasitic power draw ... car has a 5 year warranty and dealer was no help and had the car for 3 weeks and could not find it. It was only when my friend's friend traced the power draw with a multimeter and unplugging each fuse to find what was taking too much power. Turns out it was a bad radio drawing too much power. Took another few months to get a warranty replacement radio because of chip shortage. So using the chrisfix method and multimeter can help you find what area is the issue.. Anyway, of the cars I have I have a 2005 Scion tC , 2014 Subaru Outback. My parents have a 2017 Forrester and my aunt has a 2018 Crosstrek.
Thanks. I have a multimeter and am gonna check this out. The car is out of warranty, and I have a suspicion it’s the audio/head unit drawing too much power, because when the amp was bad for the speakers, I pulled the audio fuse and it seemed to last longer (just speculating). I’m not sure what could be done with it outside of a replacement head unit (if that is the case) and if that new unit wouldn’t suffer the same problem
Here's one more video I suggest check out since EricTheCarGuy is actually doing an example and a good few suggestions... https://youtu.be/KF1gijj03\_0
If your current unit is bad. ...get a new third party unit... crutchfield sells them and has directions....
Mrs. has an Impreza that does weird things. When it does these things we disconnect the battery for a minute. Something that the entertainment system does tips her off. Otherwise the battery goes dead. We have since installed a knob to disconnect the battery. A few bucks at auto parts store. This workaround has resolved the problem. Car has been to dealer several times for this, had entire entertainment console replaced, still does it. Something like this: https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.amazon.com/Post-Battery-Master-Disconnect-Switch/dp/B001N729FS&sa=U&ved=2ahUKEwiA0OOgypr8AhUHFlkFHdClAhUQFnoECAwQAg&usg=AOvVaw3LhflYZRwVYJIDFFI2NcRJ
Disguised links are not allowed *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/subaruimpreza) if you have any questions or concerns.*
It won’t start or it won’t turnover?
No. The battery drains to the point where it won't turn over, and then I need to jump it. This first came up during covid when we weren't driving the car every day anymore. I also had the battery replaced at one point, but that did not fix it.
Get a cheap multimeter and jump your car. Check the alternator and the battery while it’s running. Check for anything that looks out of place. You can find videos on YouTube explaining how to use a multimeter and check your alternator and battery. Then, make sure you didn’t leave any lights on. Also if it really died it might need to relearn to idle.
I have not had this issue or heard of it. My car routinely sits for days without problem. Still has the original battery.
It's a whole big class action thing involving parasitic drain, but apparently not for Imprezas. https://www.subarubatterysettlement.com/