Gen 6 – Unable to start – 2023 Outback Touring

Hi – I’ve had three occurrences of this issue. The most recent happened after driving for approximately 30 minutes on a dry summer day – relatively low humidity, probably 75 F. In stop and go traffic, I came to a stop and the engine shutoff. When I took my foot off the brake, the car would not start. It is hard for me to believe this is a battery or charging issue due to the symptoms. Everything powers up as if it should start – the fan on the AC continues to operate, the radio plays, etc. But all the lights on the dash flash on and off rapidly – about twice a second and continues until you shut down. When you try to restart the car, it exhibits the same behavior. See photo of the dash when in this mode. I realize now that I should have taken a video.

What clears the condition is getting the car jumped. I know that would seem to point to a battery issue, but I’m not convinced. Why would the fan and all the accessories continue to run and the engine not crank? This happened two other times – not while the engine was running though. But after it had been sitting for approximately 30 minutes or so. Same issue – same resolution. And in each case I drove it only a very short distance/time before shutting it off. It always restarted right away. I took it to the dealer after the second instance and they said they checked everything including the battery and it all checked out fine.

After I reached a safe place to call, I contacted the dealer and spoke with the service manager. I informed him that I consider the car unsafe and I wanted a free rental car until they proved to me the problem was resolved. The provided me with a 2024 Outback Limited without cost.

Thoughts. I‘m sorry if this is a duplicate – I spent a fair amount of time searching to see if anyone else has had this issue.

Thanks!
geneo