If you own a 2010-2012 Subaru Outback or Legacy you will be pleased to hear that Subaru has just issued extended warranty coverage on the low beam headlight bulb extending to 10 years from the date of purchase.
Many of you may have received a letter from Subaru explaining this but if not you may still be covered. The letter states that the extended coverage applies to 2010-2012 Legacy through Aug 8, 2011 production and Outback through Aug 22,2011 production date. It’s coverage extends for 10 years from the purchase date of the vehicle regardless of mileage. If your headlights are OK there is no action needed. It is not a recall. The letter also stated that if you had to pay to have one of the headlights replaced in the past, that you may qualify for reimbursement if you can provide an invoice and proof of payment. To get reimbursement for any previously installed bulbs, you must submit your information by November 17, 2016 This is a great development considering how often some of the headlights were burning out as well as how hard they are to replace compared to prior Subarus. If you have any questions for Subaru on how to submit a claim call 1-855-384-8926 and have your vehicle VIN # ready.
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Cheers,
Mike Corbin
Smart Service – Your Independent Subaru Expert
j pogers
August 25, 2016I need the form to claim my headlight replacement on my 2011 subaru
Lynn
August 25, 2016I have a 2010 Subaru and both headlights just went out! Thank you for this information. I’ll be making an appointment asap:)
Mike Wagner
August 25, 2016Thank you for this info, was not looking forward to trying a DIY on the left headlamp after struggling with the right one not too long ago. We contacted local dealer & scheduled replacement for Monday under this warranty.
2010-12 OB/Legacy extended warranty for headlights - Page 6 - Subaru Outback - Subaru Outback Forums
August 25, 2016[…] meant by "2010-2012 model year" given we've learned not all 2012 model year vehicles are included: Free Subaru Headlight Replacement! – Smart Service Subaru Blog From the article: Quote: The letter states that the extended coverage applies to 2010-2012 […]
Richard Desparois
August 25, 2016RE : If you own a 2010-2012 Subaru Outback or Legacy you will be pleased to hear that Subaru has just issued extended warranty coverage on the low beam headlight bulb extending to 10 years from the date of purchase.
Do you know the number of this extended warranty notice?
Does this notice also apply to vehicles sold in Canada?
Thanks!
Krasimir
August 25, 2016Hello! Im just wondering is it possible to change or to put the halo on projector headlight on subaru impreza 2006 also how you have to put it on the projector headlights? Thank you
Karen Sheriff
August 25, 2016I bought a 2013 Subaru Legacy brand new no problems with the car except for the headlights they seem to go out every 6 months a year after I bought the car at first I thought it was just using bulbs when I researched it I found out that Subaru has this problem with 2011 and 2012 Subaru Legacies and Outbacks is there a recall on this because every 6 months I have to change light bulbs In my car and the mechanic here charge $80 to do it does add up please call me 970 808 6013 thank you
Gary Paik
August 25, 2016I just discovered the Subaru extended low beam warranty on your site. No letter no nothing! Two years ago we drove Five (5) hours in the dark with only day time running lights and fog lights! I really like the vehicle (2012) outback, but the poor customer service and constantly changing headlight bulbs, where you just about have to strip the vehicle down to the frame is most discouraging! I also changed quite a few of the little 194 bulbs.
Mike Corbin
August 25, 2016Hi Gary, Glad to hear they extended it. I think they listened to their customers because now (on the 2015 Subarus and newer) you can changed them from underhood again.
Take care,
Mike Corbin
Smart Service Your Independent Subaru Expert
https://www.smart-service.com
Alan Sullivan
August 25, 2016We have a 2010 Outback and I have replaced at least 5 of the low beam. the first 3 or 4 was out of pocket and no receipts were kept due to no intentions of selling or trading the car. I received the letter and called and of course there are no provisions if no documents are in hand.
The first 2 went out within a year or so of buying the car and then another one or 2 before the letter was received. I have had 2 replaced at the dealership in the last 8 months. The free replacement is fine and dandy but I do not live close to the dealer and have to take my time and fuel to have the replacement done. I am told the headlights are the problem but it seems to me the problem is with the wiring of the car. With the replacement no going to March of 2020, this tells me no effort is being put into correcting the problem. This being said, what provisions are going to be made for compensation of time and fuel. Subaru has a good rep for long life but this seems ridiculous if you have to replace one or more every 6 months to a year.
I called Subaru twice and twice I have been told there is no one other than the rep who answers the phone to talk to about this. I spoke with the service manger during the last replacement and he said he would pass it on to his boss. So I may or may not get a call from someone. I think this need to be better addressed.
Mike Corbin
August 25, 2016Hi Alan,
I sympathize with your frustration and wish I had an answer but at this point it looks like you’re at the mercy of Subaru. Keep in mind that you can purchase LL H7 Bulbs from Sylvania which the LL stands for Long Life. If you’re paying to have them put in yourself, it may make sense to equip it with a long life bulb since it is the labor that is the majority of the expense in replacing the 2010-2014 headlights.
Kris
August 25, 2016I have a 2013 limited on that I have had a little over a year. I have had to repace headlight bulbs in it 3 times already and now I have another one out. Is there any coverage provided for the 2013 models?
Mike Corbin
August 25, 2016Hi Kris, To my knowledge there is no campaign or recall on the 2013 model year but it’s always worth a call to the dealer, they sometimes have the resources to opt to do it for free anyway within their “goodwill” budget.
Good luck,
Mike Corbin
Smart Service
Your Independent Subaru Expert
https://www.smart-service.com
Mike Myers
August 25, 2016We have a 2012 Outback for which I have had to change headlight, side marker and brake light bulbs numerous times. I read recently that the headlights may be covered under an extended warranty. Since we once again had a low beam light out, I stopped at the dealer only to find out, based in my VIN number, my car wasn’t covered. Typically I would think it wasn’t covered because the problem had been resolved, but this obviously isn’t the case. The same appears to be the case with the leaking high brake light in the Outback hatch. These known, but not addressed, issues are so annoying in a car that we like otherwise.
Maybe if the design engineers were required to undo the fender liners in 10 degree weather to blindly try to replace a headlight bulb that shouldn’t have burnt out anyway, things would change, But I doubt it…
Mike Corbin
August 25, 2016Hi Mike,
I think the engineers must have had to change a couple of bulbs because now from the 2015 model up, they headlights are able to be replaced from underhood again. Finally!
Take care ,
Mike Corbin
Smart Service
Your Independent Subaru Expert
http://www.smart-service.coom
Also parts at http://www.smartqualityparts.com
Machman 57
August 25, 2016Thanks for the info on the extended warranty on the 2011 Outback low beam bulbs.
I have been replacing them myself for the past 5 years at least eight times and it is no fun especially in winter.
My wife’s 2009 ford still has the original bulbs.
Why is this such a problem?
Mike Corbin
August 25, 2016Hello,
At this point, I have no idea why those particular Outback headlight bulbs are burning out as often as they are. I am glad that Subaru has stepped up to take care of them though.
Take care,
Mike Corbin
Smart Service
Your Independent Subaru Expert
https://www.smart-service.com
http://www.smartqualityparts.com
boards
August 25, 2016If you have any recommendations, please let me know.Cheers!the articles is really excellent : D. Good job, cheers
Loring
August 25, 2016Wished I’d known, I replaced both of mine in 2020 just within 10 years and it was a MAJOR MAJOR pain in the neck to replace those bulbs. It was not designed for easy replacement. THe Right one failed first and after some disassembly of the wheel well I was able to blindly feel my way to replacement
On the left side the same path was blocked by something unmovable and I had to drop the whole front fender off which was a two man job and very demanding.