If you’re looking at a used 2024 Subaru Solterra, you’ve probably heard whispers about problems, from dead 12‑volt batteries to recalls and underwhelming range. The truth is more nuanced: the Solterra isn’t a disaster, but you do need to understand its trouble spots before you sign anything, especially in today’s used‑EV market.
Solterra = Subaru + Toyota DNA
Overview: Should 2024 Solterra problems scare you?
On paper, the 2024 Solterra nails Subaru’s formula: standard all‑wheel drive, decent ground clearance, and a practical cabin. Where it stumbles is in the areas EV shoppers care most about, range, fast‑charging performance, and software polish. Reliability data so far suggests it’s below average for its model year, with particular dings for in‑car electronics, EV charging glitches, and body hardware.
2024 Subaru Solterra at a glance
The good news: most issues aren’t catastrophic drivetrain or high‑voltage battery failures. They’re the kind of annoyances that can sour ownership if you’re not prepared, but that you can often screen for when shopping used. That’s where buying from an EV‑focused marketplace like Recharged, with verified battery health and problem‑area checks, becomes particularly valuable.
Quick look: Biggest 2024 Subaru Solterra problems
Top 6 problem areas owners report
These are the issues you’ll see come up again and again in road tests and owner forums.
12V battery draining
HVAC & defroster recall
Charging quirks
Short real‑world range
Buggy infotainment
Build & noise issues
Remember: most Solterras are still young
Recalls: HVAC defroster and early steering issues
Every new platform has teething problems, and the Solterra is no exception. The most serious issues so far have been handled via recalls. If you’re buying used, you want to confirm these have been completed.
Key Solterra recall issues affecting 2023–2025 models
Exact coverage can vary by build date and VIN, but these are the big ones you should ask about on a 2024 Solterra.
| Issue | Model years | What happens | Risk if ignored | Fix |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HVAC/defroster failure | 2023–2025 | HVAC control software can shut down heat and defrost in certain compressor faults. | Poor windshield defrosting and visibility in cold or wet weather. | Dealers update HVAC software and, in some cases, replace the compressor, no cost to the owner. |
| Early steering/bolt issues (mainly 2023) | Primarily 2023 | On early builds, wheel hub bolts could loosen, risking wheel detachment. | Loss of control if the issue went undetected. | Cars were inspected and bolts replaced/retorqued; 2024s are generally not affected but check service history. |
Your Subaru dealer can run a VIN check to confirm all recall repairs are done.
How to confirm recall status
12V battery and electrical gremlins
One of the louder complaint threads around the Solterra centers on the auxiliary 12‑volt battery. Unlike the big traction battery that moves the car, this smaller battery runs accessories and control modules. When it goes flat, the vehicle can appear completely dead, even if the main pack is full.
- Owners describe cars that won’t wake up after sitting for 24–48 hours.
- Dealers often replace the 12V battery, only for the problem to return weeks later.
- Some reports link the drain to the connected‑services app pinging the car constantly, or to background telematics and over‑the‑air communication.
Why a weak 12V matters on an EV
As of late 2025 there’s no broad recall specifically for the Solterra’s 12V system, and no universally acknowledged permanent fix. Some owners report success after software updates or by tweaking data‑sharing settings in the app, others continue to battle intermittent failures.
12V battery: what to ask and what you can do
Ask how many times the 12V has been replaced
Multiple replacements in the first 10,000–15,000 miles are a red flag. One warranty replacement with a clean record since is less concerning.
Review any software update records
Have the prior owner or dealer confirm the car is current on body‑control, telematics, and charging‑system software updates, which can reduce parasitic drain.
Test overnight behavior before you buy
If possible, keep the car overnight during a pre‑purchase evaluation and see if it wakes up normally in the morning without being plugged in.
Check the connected‑services settings
Many owners choose to reduce always‑on connectivity in the Subaru/Toyota app. If you rely heavily on remote features, factor in the risk of extra 12V load.
Range and charging complaints
Range and charging performance are where the Solterra feels most “first‑generation.” For a compact crossover at its price point, the EPA numbers and real‑world results lag the best in class.
Real‑world range
- EPA ratings for 2024 Solterra trims sit around 222–228 miles.
- Highway testing at 70–75 mph often returns closer to 190–205 miles on a full charge.
- Cold‑weather use and aggressive driving can push usable range closer to the mid‑100s.
If you regularly drive long highway stretches, the Solterra feels more like a 180–200‑mile EV than a 220‑mile one.
Charging behavior
- On paper, 10–80% DC fast charge is possible in about 35 minutes on a strong 100–150 kW charger.
- Independent tests see average DC rates in the 60–70 kW range, with sessions closer to 45–50 minutes.
- Some owners report the car refusing to start sessions with certain public DC fast chargers or dropping to low power unexpectedly.
At home on Level 2, expect roughly 9–10 hours to go from empty to full at typical residential amperages.
Match the Solterra to your driving pattern
Infotainment and driver-assist annoyances
Electronics are a sore spot in many modern vehicles, and the Solterra is no exception. Professional reviewers and owners alike complain about the infotainment system’s laggy responses, unintuitive menus, and an over‑eager stream of beeps and warnings.
- Slow startup of profiles and user settings when you first get in.
- Occasional Bluetooth audio stutters or dropped connections, especially with multiple phones paired.
- Clunky interaction between the vehicle and the connected‑services app, including delayed remote commands or error messages.
- Frequent driver‑monitoring or lane‑keeping alerts that some drivers ultimately tune out.
"There were so many driver warnings and advisories popping up that I eventually tuned them out, which is probably not the intended effect."
Software can improve, but set expectations
Build quality, noises, and hardware issues
Mechanically, the Solterra’s dual‑motor all‑wheel‑drive system has not generated widespread horror stories so far. Instead, owners are more likely to talk about secondary quality issues that affect perceived refinement.
Common build‑quality complaints on the Solterra
Annoyances you can usually spot, or hear, on a thorough test drive.
Wind & road noise
Rattles & squeaks
Vibrating mirrors
Door & hatch alignment
Charge‑port door quirks
Interior material feel
Use your ears and eyes on the test drive
High-voltage battery longevity and warranty
So far, the Solterra’s high‑voltage battery pack has not generated a wave of failure reports. Range complaints tend to be about modest capacity and charging speed, not cells dying en masse. That said, long‑term data is limited because these vehicles are only a few years old.
Subaru backs the traction battery with an 8‑year/100,000‑mile warranty in the U.S., generally promising that capacity won’t fall below about 70% during that period. Most 2024 Solterras on the used market in 2026 will still have the majority of that coverage left.
How Recharged verifies Solterra battery health
What this means if you’re shopping a used Solterra
Taken together, 2024 Subaru Solterra problems don’t make it an automatic “do not buy,” but they do narrow its ideal buyer profile. If you want maximum range and road‑trip capability, there are stronger choices. If you value Subaru’s all‑weather feel, don’t mind charging mostly at home, and can live with some software quirkiness, a carefully vetted Solterra can make sense, especially as depreciation brings prices down.
Who the Solterra fits well
- Drivers with a short‑to‑moderate daily commute who can charge at home.
- Subaru loyalists who want familiar all‑wheel‑drive security in an EV package.
- Buyers who prioritize ride comfort and light off‑pavement ability over outright efficiency.
- Shoppers who appreciate a thorough used‑EV inspection and transparent battery data.
Who might want to look elsewhere
- Frequent highway road‑trippers who rely on DC fast charging for big mileage days.
- Drivers sensitive to interior noise, rattles, or fussy infotainment systems.
- Shoppers who want class‑leading range for the money from day one.
- Those unwilling to live with first‑generation software and occasional bugs.
Pre‑purchase checklist for a used 2024 Solterra
Before you commit to a 2024 Solterra, whether through a dealer, private party, or online marketplace, run through this list. It’s the same kind of playbook we use when evaluating Solterras for Recharged’s inventory.
Used 2024 Solterra buyer’s checklist
1. Confirm all recalls are completed
Ask for a Subaru dealer service printout showing all HVAC and other recall campaigns closed. If anything is open, insist it be completed before delivery.
2. Inspect 12V battery history
Look for service records showing how many times the 12V battery has been replaced and whether any electrical or telematics updates were applied afterward.
3. Test range on your typical route
If possible, log a day or two of your normal driving. Compare actual miles driven to the percentage of battery used to see how the car fits your pattern.
4. Try multiple charging scenarios
Plug into a known‑good Level 2 charger and, if you can, a reputable DC fast charger. Watch for error messages, unusually slow speeds, or aborted sessions.
5. Stress‑test infotainment and apps
Pair your phone, run navigation, stream audio, and use CarPlay or Android Auto. Note any lag, freezes, or failed connections, and make sure updates are current.
6. Listen for noises on varied roads
Drive at 35, 55, and 70 mph on smooth and rough pavement. Listen for rattles, whistles around the mirrors, and any clunks from the suspension.
7. Check every door, mirror, and hatch
Open and close all doors, the liftgate, and the charge‑port door. Adjust mirrors through their full range and look for vibration or looseness.
8. Review battery warranty status
Verify the in‑service date so you know exactly how much of the 8‑year/100,000‑mile battery warranty is left, and get it in writing.
Why shop a Solterra through Recharged?
FAQ: 2024 Subaru Solterra problems
Common questions about 2024 Subaru Solterra problems
Bottom line: Is the 2024 Solterra a bad bet?
The 2024 Subaru Solterra is a classic first‑generation EV: competent in some areas, compromised in others, and still finding its footing in the real world. Its biggest problems, 12V battery quirks, HVAC recalls, modest range, and so‑so software, are worth taking seriously, but they don’t automatically put it on the do‑not‑buy list. If you understand these weaknesses, verify recall and service history, and lean on EV‑specific inspection and battery health data, you can make the Solterra’s strengths, standard all‑wheel drive, Subaru character, and growing discounts, work in your favor.
If you’re considering a used 2024 Solterra, take the time to drive it in your real‑world conditions, test its charging behavior, and look beyond the glossy photos to the diagnostic data. And if you’d like a shortcut, Recharged can help you find, finance, and have a vetted Solterra delivered, complete with a Recharged Score Report so you know exactly what you’re getting into before it’s in your driveway.
