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Moisture in front headlights of 07 Outback

28 messages,  Last post on Mar 15, 2007 at 7:56 AM

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What is this discussion about? Subaru Outback, Sedan, Wagon

Messages Page 2 of 3

#9 of 28 Re: Moisture in headlights of 07 Outback [snowbelter] by xwesx

Jan 12, 2007 (6:35 pm)

Replying to: snowbelter (Jan 12, 2007 6:00 pm)
I noticed the problem two days after I purchased the car
 
You too? I noticed it in mine (quite dramatically in both as the entire assemblies were fogged up other than directly in front of the low beams) on Tuesday night (picked it up Sunday) when I was installing the block heater. It was -36F that night and it was just a large series of ice "droplets". I'll have to look again today, but it might not be there since it warmed up so dramatically over the last 48 hours - we will have to hit the dew point again I suspect.
 
I will follow up with SoA. Hopefully multiple reports will prevent others from experiencing the same problem down the line.

#10 of 28 Re: Moisture in headlights of 07 Outback-update [snowbelter] by snowbelter

Jan 16, 2007 (9:41 am)

Replying to: snowbelter (Jan 07, 2007 1:54 pm)
It is 20 degrees here and the moisture has returned to both front headlights. I brought the car back to the dealer who has told me they have approval from SOA to replace both headlight assemblies.

#11 of 28 Re: Moisture in headlights of 07 Outback-update [snowbelter] by xwesx

Jan 16, 2007 (11:42 am)

Replying to: snowbelter (Jan 16, 2007 9:41 am)
I photographed my headlight assemblies on Saturday - the photos clearly show droplets of water beaded up across the entire lower portion of the assembly, as well as extensive fogging over the marker light section. Of course, I completely spaced the photos this morning so will have to download them to the computer tonight.
 
I will contact SOA right now (while they are open!) to open a case, though I really hate to take my cars to dealerships for work. It always worries me.

#12 of 28 Re: Moisture in headlights of 07 Outback-update [xwesx] by snowbelter

Jan 17, 2007 (6:18 am)

Replying to: xwesx (Jan 16, 2007 11:42 am)
The moisture in your headlights is in the same areas as it is in mine. The Service Manager said its a straight-forward repair, but then said they may have to drop the front bumper.
 
My dealership is usually very competant, but gets sloppy from time to time on simple things like oil changes (unless you don't mind oil dripping from the bottom of your car after an oil change).

#13 of 28 Re: Moisture in headlights of 07 Outback-update [xwesx] by xwesx

Jan 18, 2007 (4:40 pm)

Replying to: xwesx (Jan 16, 2007 11:42 am)
Amazingly, all the photos I took came out crystal clear... here is a sampling:
 

 

 
I finally managed to call SOA while they were open (hard to remember that darn time differential!!) and they issued me a case #, but did say I would have to take it to the dealer prior to any further action.

#14 of 28 Re: Moisture in headlights of 07 Outback-update [xwesx] by ateixeira

Jan 19, 2007 (12:20 pm)

Replying to: xwesx (Jan 18, 2007 4:40 pm)
Nice pics. They should be sealed so that won't happen, so there's obviously a leak in the seal. I don't think it will cure itself, in fact it'll likely get worse.
 
-juice

#15 of 28 Re: Moisture in headlights of 07 Outback [snowbelter] by p9411

Jan 19, 2007 (8:55 pm)

Replying to: snowbelter (Jan 07, 2007 1:54 pm)
I have this moisture issue as well in both headlights. In fact I noticed it the first time as I was being delivered the car and the salesman said that it was normal. Nice to see that he lied to me. I guess I will go back to the dealer since I also have the trunk rattle that they already tried to fix but tightened the door to the point that I have to slam it to close it. And the rattle is still there. This car was built in mid November and has 700 miles. Ack

#16 of 28 Re: Moisture in headlights of 07 Outback [p9411] by snowbelter

Jan 20, 2007 (1:33 pm)

Replying to: p9411 (Jan 19, 2007 8:55 pm)
If you haven't done so already, please contact SOA about the moisture problem and get a case number. That way SOA will learn directly about the moisture problem and there will be a record at SOA of your problem.
 
As I mentioned in another post, the SOA reps tell me that moisture in the headlights is new for them.

#17 of 28 Update by snowbelter

Jan 26, 2007 (6:03 am)

The dealer replaced the front headlight assemblies. From time to time there is still a line of moisture along the bottom edge of the driver's side headlight. Also seems like the lights are now aimed lower (annoying). Its been around 0 F, too cold to wash the car and see if there is more moisture in the lights afterwards.

#18 of 28 Re: Update [snowbelter] by xwesx

Jan 26, 2007 (10:38 am)

Replying to: snowbelter (Jan 26, 2007 6:03 am)
I now have a thick coating of ice along the lower portion of the assemblies - where there were only some frozen droplets three weeks ago. I stopped at the dealer yesterday to have them look at it; had to set up an appointment for Tuesday to get it reviewed further.

Messages Page 2 of 3

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