The Worst New Subaru Outback Option You’ll Regret Buying

There is one 2024 Subaru Outback option that you should avoid buying. Many owners report it's the worst feature and wouldn't buy it again.

I've discussed the worst Subaru feature on the Outback and other Subaru models. The Subaru Auto Stop/Start feature. But here is the worst Subaru option you will regret buying on the 2024, 2025 Outback, or any other Subaru model.

So Many Options On The Outback 

You may not know, but you can order 115 accessories for the 2024 Subaru Outback. If you bought them all, the additional price of an Outback would be well over $5,000.

• The Most Popular: (32) 
• Audio/Media (2)
• Comfort and Convenience (12) 
• STI Brand (2) 
• Style (15)
• Lifestyle (17)
• Pet Friendly (16) 

Recently, I wrote this related story: The New Subaru Outback - A Fully-Loaded Touring XT Will Empty Your Wallet

However, one new 2024 Outback accessory is available on the midsize SUV and many other new Subaru models that you should avoid buying. Owners of the Outback say it's the worst new feature, and they regret buying it. 

Here's One Option You Should Avoid 

The wireless phone charger is the least liked option, and owners say they would not buy it again if they were purchasing the car. This information comes from a current Outback XT owner and many other Subaru owners who say it's the worst available feature.   

Here are some Outback owners' comments on Reddit and why it's the worst option you can buy.  

DankVectorz says, "I hate mine and consider it pretty much a scam from Subaru. At best, it charges 1-2% in 30 minutes before overheating my iPhone til it shuts down. At worst, it doesn't charge before overheating my phone until it shuts down. The cubby space it replaces would have been far more useful to me."

Acceptable_Ad1685 says, "If it makes you feel better, that cubby space is almost useless without it as well, lol."

Hopeful-Sun-1073 says, "Absolutely correct. What a waste. The phone charger turns blue while charging and then turns orange when the phone overheats. Waste of money."

Subaru of America says, "Conveniently charge your phone without the hassle of tangled wires. The Wireless Charger is a Qi-certified device with Intelligent Charging Profiles, cell phone battery protection, temperature control technology, and short circuit safeguards. It is compatible with all Qi-enabled devices."

The Wireless Phone Charger Is Not Money Well Spent 

The Subaru wireless phone charger at $347 as a factory option seems like a good value. But owners say there are three reasons why they don't like it. 

The Subaru charger does not charge quickly. The charger is slow to charge, so you won't get a fast charge if your battery is drained. 

The space needs to be bigger for your cell phone. The charger is located just above the gearshift lever. With the gearshift in Park, there is very little space to fit the phone into the charging area. I see that Subaru engineers didn't have another place to put the charger, so it was more of an afterthought. 

Heat Can Damage Your Phone

Your phone will get hot. Because of the tight space for the cell phone charger, your cell phone will get exceptionally hot. It does not have air circulating around it, and it can overheat. 

"It can cause major performance issues and reduce speeds," said Kelly Arger with BatteriesPlus. "Your phone could even unexpectedly shut down, and, in some cases, it will not turn back on." Exposure to heat can cause permanent damage to the lithium battery."

With your charging cable, you can charge your cell phone in your Outback or other Subaru model. Save the money and don't buy a phone charger option. Owners say they regret buying it. 

IT'S YOUR TURN

Do you regret purchasing the wireless phone charger for your Subaru? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed this new Subaru Outback phone charger story. See you tomorrow for my latest Subaru Report.

I am Denis Flierl, a top Torque News and Subaru reporter since 2012. I’ve invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

I’ve got you covered! - I cover all Subaru all the time. 

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Photo credit: Subaru