215
Complaints Reported

Complaints by Component

POWER TRAIN
33 complaints
STOPPED FOR A RED LIGHT. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN CAR WOULD NOT GO FORWARD BECAUSE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT ENGAGE FORWARD GEARS. EVIDENTLY THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH A KNOWN DEFECT AND EXPENSIVE REPAIR. *TR
Jul 17, 2014
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE SHIFTING FROM PARK INTO DRIVE, THE VEHICLE TAKES 15-20 SECONDS FOR THE GEARS TO SHIFT. THE MANUFACTURER IS AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT HAS NOT ISSUED A SAFETY RECALL. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 170,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
Mar 16, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHEN THE CONTACT STARTS THE VEHICLE AND ATTEMPTS TO CHANGE GEARS, THE VEHICLE JERKS VERY STRONGLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS CHANGED, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE DEALER RECOMMENDED THAT THE TRANSMISSION BE REBUILT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 93,000. UPDATED 4/23/09 *CN UPDATED 04/27/09*JB
Mar 02, 2009
2000 SUBARU OUTBACK, TRANSMISSION SLIPS UNTIL WARMED UP. STARTED AT 60,000 MILES AND GETTING WORSE. WEB RESEARCH INDICATES A COMMON FAILURE OF PISTON SEALS AND A KNOWN PROBLEM AS SUBARU HAS REDESIGNED. WHAT ABOUT US PAST CUSTOMERS? *TR
Apr 28, 2008
TRANSMISSION WILL INTERMITTENTLY FAIL TO GO INTO DRIVE FROM PARK OR REVERSE. HAPPENS AT RANDOM. ENGINE CAN BE COLD OR WARM AND IT STILL HESITATES. SOMETIMES TAKES OVER A MINUTE TO GET THE TRANSMISSION TO ENGAGE. ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE WE GET STRANDED. TOOK CAR TO DEALER AND THEY TOPPED OFF THE TRANSMISSION FLUID AND SAID THE DELAY WAS NORMAL. ISSUES BEGAN AT 65K MILES AND HAVE PROGRESSIVELY GOTTEN WORSE. CAR NOW HAS 77K MILES AND ONLY OPTION GIVEN HAS BEEN TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. *TR
Jan 08, 2008
+ 28 more complaints for this component
TIRES
32 complaints
DT: THE CALLER USED SPARE TIRE AND THE SIDEWALL BLEW OUT. TIRE HAD 110 MILES ON IT AT THE TIME. THE CALLER WAS GOING BETWEEN 60 AND 65 MPH. THE TIRE WAS FULL OF BLACK POWDER AND THE RUBBER WAS CRUMBLING. THE CALLER HEARD A RUMBLE, AND WHEN HE WAS TRYING TO PULL OVER TO SEE WHAT IT WAS ,THE TIRE BLEW OUT. TIRE WAS ONLY ON VEHICLE FOR A WEEK. MANUFACTURER TOLD THE CALLER TO GO TO DEALER AND THEY WOULD TAKE CARE OF THE TIRE. DEALER WOULD OFFER NO HELP. HOWEVER, MANUFACTURER DID PAY FOR TIRE. *AK *NM
Sep 22, 2005
WHILE DRIVING 20-25 MPH, THE RIGHT REAR FIRESTONE HT P225/60R16 (DOT UNKNOWN) TIRE EXPLODED. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO CONTROL AND STOP THE VEHICLE AFTER DRIVING THROUGH A FIELD. TEN MONTHS LATER, THE RIGHT FRONT FIRESTONE HT (DOT UNKNOWN) TIRE BLEW OUT. ON BOTH OCCASIONS, TIRE MERCHANT WOULD NOT REPLACE TIRE AND COULD NOT FIND CAUSE OF BLOWOUT. THE FIRST TIRE HAD LESS THAN 12,000 MILES AND THE SECOND TIRE HAD LESS THAN 21,O00 MILES. *TT
Aug 12, 2002
TREAD SEPARATED AND TIRE BLEW WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 60 MPH ON PARKWAY. DIDN'T FILL OUT ALL INFORMATION ON CAR SINCE IT DIDN'T APPLY AND DEALER HAS RECORD. *AK *JB *****DIMS 11 IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS******760752.
Apr 16, 2002
MY SUBARU CAME STOCK WITH FIRESTONE WILDERNESS TIRES. WHEN THE FORD/FIRESTONE INCIDENT WAS HAPPENING, THE SUBARU WEBSITE POSTED A MESSAGE THAT THE TIRES USED ON THE SUBARU'S WERE NOT IN THE RECALL. THIS MORNING, I HAD A BLOW OUT THAT CAUSED ME TO SWERVE VIOLENTLY INTO THE #3 LANE CAUSING THE TRAFFIC TO SWERVE. WHEN I PULLED OVER AND INSPECTED THE TIRE, I NOTICED THAT THE SIDEWALL OF THE TIRE HAS DELAMINATED FROM THE REST OF THE TIRE. NO OTHER FOREIGN OBJECTS OR OTHER VISIBLE SIGNS CAN BE SEEN TO HAVE CAUSED THE BLOW OUT. IT'S PLAIN TO SEE THAT IT'S DEFINITELY A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT. I CONTACTED SUBARU AND THEY INSIST THAT THE TIRES THAT CAME ON THE VEHICLE ARE NOT A PART OF THE RECALL FROM FORD. AND THAT I SHOULD GO TO A SUBARU DEALER TO HAVE THEM INSPECT THE TIRE.*AK (TIRESIZE: 225 60/16)
Apr 01, 2002
THIS CAR COMES WITH FIRESTONE WILDERNESS TIRES MADE ESPECIALLY FOR THE OUTBACK. AT ONLY 24000 MILES, I HAD A BLOWOUT IN WHICH THE COMPLETE LEFT SIDE OF THE TIRE DISINTEGRATED. A FEW MONTHS AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR AND HEARD OF THE TROUBLE WITH FIRESTONE TIRES, I CALLED THE DEALER WHO ASSURED ME THAT THESE TIRES WERE SAFE AND NOT ON THE RECALL LIST. WHEN THIS DANGEROUS INCIDENT HAPPENED TWO DAYS AGO, I WENT TO A LOCAL FIRESTONE DEALER WHO TOLD ME HE COULD NOT GET THESE WILDERNESS TIRES, AND DIDN'T EVEN HAVE THEM IN HIS COMPUTER. HE WANTED TO BLAME SUBARU FOR THE FAILURE. I CALLED BOTH MY SUBARU DEALER AND THE HEAD OFFICE IN GEORGIA (SPOKE WITH MANAGER KEVIN TRIPLETT), AND HE WANTED TO BLAME FIRESTONE. THESE TIRES ARE OBVIOUSLY DEFECTIVE, AS IT SIMPLY DISINTEGRATED UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. I WILL BE HAPPY TO EMAIL YOU PICTURES OR TO SHOW YOU THE TIRE IN PERSON. AFTER WARNING BOTH FIRESTONE & SUBARU OF THIS DEFECTIVE PRODUCT, THEY WOULD ONLY AGREE TO PUT THE SAME PROBLEM TIRE ON MY CAR, AND I REFUSE TO PUT MY FAMILY'S LIFE IN JEOPARDY WITH A DEFECTIVE TIRE. *AK (TIRESIZE: 16)
Feb 12, 2002
+ 27 more complaints for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
30 complaints
SMELLED COOLANT AND BURNT OIL UPON RETURNING TO GARAGE AFTER NORMAL OPERATION. DIAGNOSIS: FAILED HEAD GASKET & LEAKING REAR OIL SEAL. REPAIR INCLUDED BOTH HEAD GASKETS, COMPLETE VALVE JOB, AND NEW SEAL. ALSO REPLACED TIMING BELT AFTER ONLY 11,000 MILES OF SERVICE, AND CLUTCH AS PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE ITEMS. COST, $2,954.50. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN CAREFULLY MAINTAINED, INCLUDING USING SUBARU'S "COOLING SYSTEM TREATMENT" ADDITIVE TO PROTECT THE HEAD GASKETS. OBVIOUSLY IT DOESN'T DO THE JOB OF OVERCOMING A ROTTEN DESIGN. CLEARLY THE HISTORY OF COMPLAINTS FROM OTHERS CONFIRM A DESIGN DEFECT IN THIS 2.5L ENGINE. THIS 4-WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLE WITH EXTRA GROUND-CLEARANCE, IS ADVERTISED--AND MINE IS USED--FOR TRAVEL IN DESERT SAND AND HIGH MOUNTAIN SNOW. A HEAD GASKET FAILURE IN SUCH CONDITIONS CAN LEAD TO DEATH. *TR
Feb 10, 2012
I HAD RECURRENT LEAKS IN MY 2000 SUBARU OUTBACK AND TOOK IT IN TO DEALERSHIP STARTING IN 2007. 4/01/08 HAD ALL ANTIFREEZE CAME OUT OF CAR DEALERSHIP COULD NOT FIND PROBLEM. HAD TO HAVE TRANSMISSION REPLACED IN 2007. HAD TO REPLACE WATER PUMP,OIL PUMP AND HEAD GASKET IN 2008. THEN BECAUSE OF COOLANT LEAK HAD TO REPLACE TIMING BELT. NOW THEY ARE SAYING I NEED NEW HEAD GASKETS, WATER PUMP AND TIME BELT AGAIN AND IT HAS BEEN ONLY 2 YEARS SINCE THIS WAS DONE. *TR
Sep 04, 2010
MY 2000 SUBARU OUTBACK WAGON, WITH 120,000 MILES HAS AN OCCASIONAL STRONG GASOLINE SMELL THAT ENTERS INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, WHEN DRIVING AND WHEN STOPPING AND TURNING OFF THE IGNITION AFTER A TRIP. IT OCCURS MOST OFTEN ON COLD WINTER DAYS. IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR THE PAST 2 WINTERS. I WAS TOLD BY MY MECHANIC THAT IT'S A COMMON PROBLEM WITH LEAKING GASOLINE AT THE CLAMPS ON THE HOSES THAT LEAD TO THE FUEL INJECTORS. THESE ARE HARD TO GET TO, AND WOULD COST ME $200 IN LABOR FOR HIM TO FIX. MIGHT THIS START AN ENGINE FIRE? I HAVE READ MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ON AUTO DISCUSSION BOARDS ON VARIOUS WEBSITES, SO I KNOW THIS IS A FREQUENT PROBLEM. I THINK THIS IS A DESIGN DEFECT, AND SHOULD REQUIRE AT LEAST A TECHNICAL BULLETIN, IF NOT A FULL RECALL. *TR
Mar 15, 2009
I ALSO HAVE NOTICED THE SMELL OF GASOLINE COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF MY 2000 SUBARU OUTBACK WAGON IN THE WINTER HERE IN BOSTON, WHEN I GET OUT OF THE CAR ON A COLD DAY. SOUNDS LIKE A DESIGN DEFECT TO ME IN SOME GAS LINE HOSE. *TR
Jan 14, 2009
2000 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5L (91,235MI)- AFTER OWNING THE VEHICLE 1YR AND DRIVING ONLY 11K MI, IN WHICH DURING THE YEAR MAINTENANCE INCLUDED OIL CHANGES AND BRAKES, SYMPTOMS BEGAN TO OCCUR SUCH AS: CONSTANT SMELL OF COOLANT DRIFTING INTO THE CAR, OCCASIONAL TEMPERATURE SPIKES (EVEN WITH COOLANT IN THE RADIATOR) AND RARE SIGNS OF SMOKE FROM THE EXHAUST. AFTER THE 2ND RANDOM SPIKE IN TEMP, I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO NORTH COUNTY SUBARU. THEY DIAGNOSED THAT THERE ARE 2 LEAKING HEAD GASKETS AND CLAIMED THERE IS A "CAMPAIGN FOR RECALL" ON HEAD GASKETS BETWEEN YEARS OF 99-2002, AS WELL AS A PREVIOUS RECALL TO REMEDY THE COOLANT ODOR. SUBARU ASSIGNED A CASE NUMBER BUT SUBARU HAS NOT OFFERED TO HONOR THE CAMPAIGN NOR HAS PHONE CONVERSATIONS PRODUCED ANY RESULTS THUS FAR. PLEASE HELP AS THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME TO FIX THE HEAD GASKETS WHEN THEY KNOW THE CAR WAS MANUFACTURED WITH A DEFECT. MANY, MANY WEBSITES AND COMPLAINTS ON THE SAME SITUATION. IMPORTANT NOTE: I HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH PREVIOUS OWNER WHO TOLD ME WHICH DEALER SERVICED THE VEHICLE THROUGHOUT ITS LIFETIME AND ADVISED SUBARU OF THIS. *TR
Apr 22, 2008
+ 25 more complaints for this component
SUSPENSION
19 complaints
THE REAR SUB-FRAME IS ROTTED AND ABOUT TO BREAK. WHILE DRIVING THE SUB-FRAME IS SHIFTING CAUSING LOUD BANGING. WHEN STARTING, STOPPING AND DRIVING THE LOUD BANGING IS HEARD FROM THE SHIFTING OF THE ROTTED SUB-FRAME.
Feb 20, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V153000 (SUSPENSION:REAR) AND WAS REPAIRED. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR UNRELATED ISSUES WHEN THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE REAR SUBFRAME ASSEMBLY WAS COMPLETELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000.
Dec 20, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR CROSS BAR WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V153000 (SUSPENSION:REAR) FOR THE SAME FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED AT THEIR EXPANSE AND NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WOULD BE OFFERED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Jun 21, 2011
FRONT STABILIZER/ROLL BAR BROKE ON LEFT SIDE. *JB
Sep 14, 2007
FRONT STABILIZER BAR BROKE FOR SEEMINGLY NO REASON. *NM
Oct 17, 2006
+ 14 more complaints for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
13 complaints
SUDDEN ACCELERATION. WAS DRIVING AT A SLOW SPEED DUE TO LIGHT TRAFFIC AT A RED LIGHT. CAR STARTED TO FEEL NOT NORMAL AND I KNEW SOMETHING WAS WRONG. I PRESSED ON THE BRAKE BUT THE CAR KEPT JUMPING FORWARD, NOT WANTING TO STOP. I WAS AFRAID I WOULD HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. LUCKILY I WAS GOING VERY SLOW. RIGHT AFTER THE CAR STARTED ACCELERATING FOR NO REASON. I KEPT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, MY FOOT WAS NEVER ON THE GAS. I HAD TAKEN MY FOOT OF THE GAS BEFORE THE CAR STARTED ACTING UP, SINCE I NEEDED TO SLOW DOWN FOR THE RED LIGHT. THE RPMS WERE GOING VERY HIGH. I WAS UNSURE WHAT TO DO BECAUSE I NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS KIND OF SITUATION. I PANICKED AND PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL, AND THEN IN PARK AND TURNED THE CAR OFF. I CALLED FOR HELP AND WAS LUCKY MY STEP FATHER WAS AROUND THE CORNER. HE PUSHED THE CAR TO A SAFE SPOT. THEN HE TURNED ON THE CAR WHILE STILL IN PARK AND IT WAS STILL ACCELERATING VERY HIGH. IT WENT DOWN AND WENT BACK TO NORMAL ACCELERATION. HE THEN DROVE THE CAR TO THE MECHANIC WHICH WAS ABOUT 200 FEET AWAY. I AM NOW HAVING A DIAGNOSTIC DONE TO SEE IF THEY CAN FIGURE OUT A SOLUTION TO WHY THE CAR HAD SUDDEN ACCELERATION. I KNOW FOR A FACT I DID NOT PRESS ON THE GAS INSTEAD OF THE BREAK, AND I ALSO KNOW IT WAS NOT THE SUBARU FLOOR MAT. THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE LOOKED INTO AS IT COULD HAVE BEEN VERY DANGEROUS. *TR
Oct 01, 2013
UNINTENDED ACCELERATION IN SUBARU OUTBACK (2000) CAUSED SERIOUS ACCIDENT. *TR
Apr 14, 2010
Crash: 1
DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE 2000 SUBARU OUTBACK SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AROUND 50-55 MPH WHEN THE RPMS REVVED TO 6500. THE CONSUMER HAD TO APPLY THE BRAKES TO GET THE VEHICLE TO SLOW DOWN. THE CONSUMER HAD TO PULL OVER AND TURN THE VEHICLE OFF. THE CONSUMER FOUND A MECHANIC THAT DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME FOR HER. THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT IN USE. THIS OCCURRED TWICE. THE DEALERSHIP WAS CALLED AND THEY ADMITTED THAT THERE WERE PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE ACCELERATION. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CALLED. THE CONSUMER THAT WAS MAKING THE COMPLAINT WAS NOT THE OWNER, BUT HAD BORROWED THE VEHICLE AND EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHO FOUND NOTHING WRONG. *SC . *AK
Oct 04, 2005
VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. CONSUMER HAS TO PULL OVER AND RESTART THE VEHICLE IN ORDER TO KEEP IT FROM INCREASING SPEED.*AK
Apr 01, 2005
ENGAGED CAR INTO REVERSE AND IMMEDIATELY THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AT FULL THROTTLE. I WAS ABLE TO STOP CAR AFTER APPROXIMATELY 10 FEET OF MOVEMENT. FORTUNATELY, THERE WERE NO INJURIES TO OCCUPANTS OR PEDESTRIANS. BROUGHT TO DEALER, NO EVIDENCE OF PROBLEM FOUND ON CAR COMPUTER SYSTEMS. FILED FORMAL COMPLAINT WITH SUBARU OF AMERICA. FOUND THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN THOROUGHLY DOCUMENTED BY OTHER OUTBACK OWNERS. SOMETHING MUST BE DONE! *NM
Feb 24, 2005
+ 8 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
10 complaints
EXPERIENCED POOR BRAKE PERFORMANCE INCLUDING INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE, VIBRATION, AND STEERING WHEEL SHIMMY. INSPECTION OF RIGHT FRONT DISC BRAKES SHOWED INSIDE BRAKE PAD WORN UNEVENLY. BRAKE CALIPER IS TWO-PISTON SYSTEM AND UNEVEN WEAR WAS DUE TO ONE CYLINDER NOT WORKING. SITUATION REPEATED APPROX. EIGHT MONTHS LATER ON LEFT SIDE AND NOW RIGHT SIDE SHOWS REPEAT OF SAME PROBLEM. REPAIR REQUIRED REPLACEMENT OF ENTIRE CALIPER ASSEMBLY. *TR
Sep 26, 2007
I OWN A 2000 SUBARU OUTBACK WAGON. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20MPH I ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A ROUTINE STOP IN TRAFFIC. THE CAR WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN, SO I DEPRESSED THE BRAKE TO THE FLOOR. THE ANTILOCK BRAKES SEEMED TO ENGAGE (I COULD FEEL THE STUTTERING) BUT THE CAR DID NOT SLOW QUICKLY ENOUGH AT ALL. NOTABLY THE TEMPERATURE WAS ABOUT 8DEGREES FAHRENHEIT WITHOUT WINDCHILL. I HAVE SINCE DISCOVERED THAT SUBARU HAS RECALLED OLDER (1999) AND LATER (2002) MODELS FOR THIS EXACT SITUATION (HYDROLIC MASTER CYLINDER BRAKE FAILURE AT LOW TEMPERATURES). I PLAN TO CONTACT SUBARU TO FIND OUT WHAT THEIR POSITION IS ON THIS. I DO NOT FEEL THE CONSUMER SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR A KNOWN DESIGN FLAW.*AK
Jan 20, 2004
Crash: 1
CONSUMER HAS PROBLEM WITH BRAKES. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM. VEHICLE IS PULLING TO RIGHT. *AK
Mar 14, 2002
THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THE DESIGN OF THE BRAKING SYSTEM ALLOWS FOR EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL AND FORCE TO ACTIVATE THE BRAKES IN NORMAL USE COMPARED TO OTHER VEHICLES, THE DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THIS WAS NORMAL OPERATIONAL AND WITHIN THE MANUFACTURERS SPECIFICATION. *MJS
Jan 26, 2001
WHEN DRIVING AND APPLYING BRAKES PEDAL IS SOFT, AND THERE IS EXCESSIVE FREE PLAY. *AK
May 05, 2000
+ 5 more complaints for this component
STRUCTURE
9 complaints
DUE TO HEAVY CORROSION, WE HAD TO REPLACE THE REAR SUBFRAME ON THIS VEHICLE. OBVIOUSLY THE 2003 RECALL ON THIS PART WAS INADEQUATE. I WOULD LIKE THE REAR SUBFRAME TO BE RECALLED AS IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN IN THE FIRST PLACE, RATHER THAN JUST UNDERCOATING THE PART AND HAVING IT ROT AWAY ANYWAY.
Oct 23, 2015
PASSENGER SIDE SUN ROOF DRAIN PLUGS UP. BACKED UP WATER DRAINS INTO INSIDE REAR CARGO AREA. MY VEHICLE CAME EQUIPPED WITH THE LARGE ALL WEATHER RUBBER MAT IN THE CARGO AREA. SINCE THE AREA WHERE THE WATER POURS OUT IS NEAR THE RIGHT REAR OF THE CAR THE MOST OF THE WATER ENDS UP ON THE CARPET UNDER THE MAT AND IT IS NOT ALWAYS NOTICEABLE. SPOKE WITH CONTRACTOR THAT COMES IN AND TAKES CARE OF WATER LEAK FOR DEALER HE SAID IS THE FIX SHOULD TAKE CARE OF PROBLEM. FOUND IT DISTRACTING WHILE DRIVING THAT WATER WAS POURING DOWN INSIDE OF CAR, COULD SEE IN REAR VIEW MIRROR. ONCE WATER DRAINED OUT LEAK STOPPED, BUT WATER WOULD BUILD UP AGAIN. WORRY ABOUT POSSIBLE DAMAGE TO HEADLINER AND FUTURE BODY STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY DUE TO WATER LEAKING INTO ROOF AREA. *JB
Nov 17, 2005
PAINT & TRIM PROBLEMS: THE TITANIUM COLORED PAINT ON THE FRONT BUMPER IS DEFECTIVE AND IS COMING OFF; SOME CAME OFF AT A LOCAL CAR WASH. DEFECTS IN PAINT ARE EVIDENT TO PAINT EXPERTS; ALSO, THE CHROME TRIM PAINT ON THE BOTTOM EDGE OF THE FRONT GRILL IS "BUBBLED UP" IN 3 PLACES AND WILL SOON FALL OFF; CAR PURCHASED NEW AND NOT EXPOSED TO SALT; VEHICLE AGE IS A MERE 4 YRS, 49K MILES - THIS IS OBVIOUSLY DEFECTIVE PAINT; ANOTHER CUSTOMER IN OUR AREA HAD THE SAME PROBLEM.*AK
Apr 20, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDETERMINED SPEED THE VEHICLE'S OVERDRIVE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE DRIVER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE OWNER THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS RECALLED. THE OWNER STATED THAT THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT HONOR THE RECALL. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NLM CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE FOR PART QUALITY FOR REAR SUBFRAME ASSEMBLY. DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT PERFORM RECALL BECAUSETHE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE STATES LISTED FOR THE RECALL.*MR
Dec 23, 2003
THIS RECALL APPLIES TO CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK. CERTAIN REAR SUSPENSION SUBFRAME COMPONENTS WERE PRODUCED WITH POOR PAINT QUALITY WHICH, AFTER CONTINUED EXPOSURE TO CORROSIVE ROAD SALTS FOR A PERIOD OF SEVERAL YEARS, COULD RESULT IN RUST-OUT OF THE COMPONENT AND POSSIBLE BREAKAGE OF THE SUBFRAME. DEALER STATED THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE TOOLS TO FIX THIS RECALL. CONSUMER STATED DEALER HAS CANCELLED TWICE HIS APPOINTMENTS. *AK
Jul 25, 2003
+ 4 more complaints for this component
SEAT BELTS
6 complaints
MY THREE YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER WRAPPED THE MIDDLE SEAT BELT AROUND HER NECK WHILE SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SIDE BACK SEAT. THERE WAS NO OBVIOUS WAY TO RELEASE THE SEAT BELT WHICH CONNECTED FROM THE SEAT TO THE CEILING. AFTER NEARLY STRANGLING MY DAUGHTER I FOUND A POLICE OFFICER WHO USED A KNIFE TO CUT THE SEAT BELT AS IT CONTINUED TO TIGHTEN. I LATER READ IN THE MANUAL THAT A CAR KEY COULD BE USED TO RELEASE THE BELT FROM ITS ANCHOR. *AK
May 05, 2004
Injuries: 1
REAR SEAT SELDOM USED .IN AUG. 2000 MY PASSENGER TRIED TO USE THE SEAT BELT BUT WAS UNABLE TO EXTEND IT AROUND HER BODY. I DISCOVERED THAT THE BELT WAS STUCK ON THE ROOF GUIDE AND WAS FRAYED FOR ABOUT ONE INCH. I REMOVED IT FROM THE GUIDE BUT IT STILL WOULD NOT EXTEND AROUND HER BODY. NO MATTER WHAT I DID THE BELT WOULD NOT EXTEND ENOUGH TO GO AROUND A WOMAN OF 125 POUNDS.TWO ISSUES 1: HOW DID THE BELT FRAY ? 2: WHY WOULDN'T IT EXTEND ?
Aug 31, 2001
CAR HIT ON DRIVER'S SIDE (DOOR) UNABLE TO REMOVE DRIVER FROM DRIVER'S SIDE...CAR TOTALED....DRIVER DIED AS RESULT OF INJURIES SUSTAINED IN THE CRASH...DRIVER WAS WEARING SEAT BELT. *AK
Aug 06, 2001
Crash: 1
CAR HIT ON DRIVER'S SIDE (DOOR) UNABLE TO REMOVE DRIVER FROM DRIVER'S SIDE...CAR TOTALED....DRIVER DIED AS RESULT OF INJURIES SUSTAINED IN THE CRASH...DRIVER WAS WEARING SEAT BELT. *AK
Aug 06, 2001
Crash: 1
WHEN DISENGAGING THE SEAT BELT, OR WHEN MOVING FORWARD THEN BACK, THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR IS SUPPOSED TO TAKE UP THE SLACK. AS THE BELT RETRACTS IT HAS A TENDENCY TO CURL UP AND GET JAMMED IN THE GUIDE LOOP ABOVE MY SHOULDER. SO MY DRIVING IS DISTRACTED BECAUSE I AM TRYING TO UNJAM THE BELT. I HAVE REPORTED THIS PROBLEM TO SUBARU AND THE DEALER AND THEIR RESPONSE IS THAT THERE IS NO FIX FOR THE PROBLEM. SEVERAL OF THEM SAY THEY HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS PROBLEM OCCURS 80% OF THE TIME. I HAVE ALSO SEEN BELTS JAMMED IN OTHER SUBARUS. *AK
Mar 01, 2001
+ 1 more complaint for this component
WHEELS
4 complaints
MY SUBARU OUTBACK 2000 WAS BROUGHT TO A SUBARU DEALER IN SIOUX FALLS, AFTER BATTERY DIED, AND THEY CHANGED ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY, AND THEN THEY ALSO STATED THAT BRAKE PAD NEEDED TO BE CHANGED, SO I AGREED AND THEY DID. IT WAS IN MID AUGUST 2009. SINCE THEN I DROVE THAT CAR BETWEEN SIOUX FALLS AND ROCHESTER MN, WHICH IS ABOUR 240 MILES ONE WAY OVER THE WEEKENDS. ON SEPT 20TH, WHEN WE WERE DRIVING BACK FROM SIOUX FALLS TO ROCHESTER, I NOTED SOME NOISE COMING BACK FROM THE LEFT REAF WHEEL, AND IT BECAME WORSE. EVENTUALLY THAT CAUSED VIBRATION, AND COULD NOT KEEP GOING. WE WENT OFF FROM HIGH WAY, AND CHECKED THE CAR, AND FOUND THAT THE WHEEL NAT WAS GONE, AND OTEHR NATS WERE ALL LOOSE. THE CAR WAS FIXED AT A LOCAL ROCHESTER REPAIR SHOP, AND I CALLED SUBARU DEALER IN SIOUX FALLS ABOUT THE INCIDENT. THEY SAID IT IS JUST A MATTER OF MILES I DROVE AFTER THE SERVICE, AND ALUMINIUM WHEEL CAN CAUSE THIS, SO THEY DO NOT FEEL THEY ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THAT. IT WAS VERY DISSAPOITING CUSTOMER SERVICE, BECAUSE I WAS A FUN OF SUBARU. I REQUESTED THEM TO SEND ME A LETTER TO DESCRIBE WHY THEY CAME UP TO THE DECISION, BUT THEY IGNORED IT EVEN AFTER MY REPEATED REQUEST IN OCTOBER, AND UNTIL NOW, NOTHING WAS DONE. I CONTACTED SUBARU COMPANY, AND THEY CONTACTED THE DEALER, BUT THE DEALER STATED THAT MY VEHICLE TRAVELLED ALMOST 2000 MILES BEFORE THE PROBLEM WITH YOUR LUG NUTS STARTED. THE DEALER FEELS THAT THE CAR WOULD NOT HAVE LEFT THEIR SHOP IN AUGUST WITHOUT PROPERLY TIGHTENED LUG NUTS, BUT IF AN OVERSIGHT HAD OCCURRED, THAT I WOULD HAVE NOTICED THE LOOSENESS MUCH SOONER FROM THEIR OPINION, IN WHICH CASE THEY WOULD HAVE CORRECTED THE PROBLEM FOR ME. THIS SOUNDS ALMOST IT IS MY FAULT NOT REALIZING THEIR POOR PERFORMANCE IN THEIR JOB. THE DEALER FEELS AT THIS POINT THAT THEY ARE NOT REPOSNSIBLE FOR THIS CONCERN AND ARE UNWILLING TO COMPENSATE US FURTHER. IF THIS IS NOT THEIR RESPONSIBILITY AS A PROFESSIONAL TO REPAIR AUTOMOBILE, WHO CAN EXPECT A CAR DEALER TO REPAIR OUR CAR SAFELY?
Mar 24, 2010
NO SUMMARY (DOT NUMBER: W2XOW66 TIRESIZE: P225/60R16)
Oct 14, 2000
NO SUMMARY( DOT NUMBER: W2XOW66 TIRE SIZE: P225/60R16 )
Oct 14, 2000
NO SUMMARY
Oct 14, 2000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
4 complaints
FUEL LEAK SOMEWHERE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT; GASOLINE ODOR WENT INTO PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. WORSE IN VERY COLD OR VERY HOT WEATHER. IT'S BEEN LIKE THIS FOR 3 OR 4 YEARS. MY MECHANIC SAID IT WOULD COST $200 TO TRY TO FIND THE LEAKS -- MAYBE SOME HOSE CLAMPS NEAR THE FUEL INJECTORS ARE THE CULPRIT, BUT ARE HARD TO GET TO WITHOUT TAKING APART SOME OF THE ENGINE? I'VE SEEN MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ON VARIOUS ONLINE BULLETIN BOARDS. I SUPPOSE NHTSA WON'T FORCE SUBARU TO ISSUE A RECALL UNTIL SOME LARGE NUMBER OF DRIVERS/PASSENGERS DIE FROM AN ENGINE FIRE THAT STARTS FROM THIS TYPE OF LEAKING. MOST RECENT INCIDENT: LATE JANUARY, 2010. *TR
Mar 15, 2010
A VERY BAD FUEL SMELL INSIDE CABIN WHEN IT'S COLD OUTSIDE AND THE VEHICLE IS WARMING UP AND THE VENT IS RUNNING. FUEL LEAK UP BY FUEL FILTER AREA. CHECKED ALL HOSES AND CLAMPS NO LEAKS. DEALER CHECKED IT OUT AND COULDN'T FIND A LEAK OR PROBLEM. AFRAID THIS MAY START A ENGINE FIRE SOMETIME. *TR
Feb 14, 2010
THERE IS A FUEL LEAK IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF MY SUBARU OUTBACK WAGON ON COLD DAYS AND IS A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD. I HAVE TALKED TO SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE AND THEY HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. I WOULD THINK THERE WOULD BE A RECALL SINCE IT IS FUEL RELATED AND A SERIOUS RISK. THE FUEL LEAKS FROM A RUBBER HOSE ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ENGINE THAT CONNECTS TWO HARD GAS LINES. I TRIED TIGHTENING THE CLAMPS AND IT DID NOT HAVE MUCH AFFECT. THE HOUSE HAS NO HOLES OR TEARS IN IT. NEITHER DO THE HARD GAS LINES. SO I DON'T KNOW IF IT CANT HOLD THE PRESSURE OR WHAT? I NOTICED IT AFTER DRIVING FOR A FEW MILES. I STOPPED FOR A MINUTE AND GOT A STRONG GAS SMELL. THERE WAS GAS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHEN I CHECKED IT WHEN I GOT HOME. I DROVE A TOTAL OF TEN MILES MAYBE. *TR
Jan 01, 2009
STRONG SMELL OF GAS IN THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE DURING COLD WEATHER - DEFINITELY SMELLS OF LEAKING GAS - DEALER ADVISED AND LOOKED AT CAR A NUMBER OF TIMES - COULD NOT RESOLVE. I GAVE THIS CAR TO MY DAUGHTER AND I FEAR AN ENGINE FIRE. *TR
Dec 16, 2008
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
4 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK WHEN IDLING. WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THERE WAS A DELAY AND THE VEHICLE WOULD JOLT FORWARD. THE DEALER STATED THAT INTERNAL TRANSMISSION PARTS FAILED AND THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AT 64,000 MILES, THE CONTACT SMELLED ROTTEN EGGS WHEN DRIVING 35 MPH. THE DEALER REPLACED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 25- 60 MPH WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER ACTIVATED, SHE SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING INSIDE THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE HEAD GASKET FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE HEAD GASKET FAILED AT 55,000 AND 80,000 MILES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
Jan 04, 2008
Fire: 1
PURCHASED CAR WITH 78K ON IT. PRIOR IT DRIVING FROM COLORADO TO WISCONSIN, HAD IT LOOKED OVER. REPLACED LEAKING WATER PUMP, TIMING BELT, AND LEAKING FWD DRIVE SHAFT SEAL. WITHIN A WEEK OF GETTING TO WISCONSIN, RADIATOR AND DRIVER SIDE HEAD GASKET FOUND TO BE LEAKING. HEAD GASKETS ARE BIG ON SUBARU WEB SIGHTS. SOA RECOMMENDS A "CONDITIONER" TO PUT IN THE RADIATOR, BUT IT WAS NOT AVAILABLE YET. PARTS GUY SAID PROBLEM WAS THAT OWNERS ARE NOT ALLOWING CAR TO WARM UP IN COLD ENVIRONMENTS. *JB
Mar 16, 2004
SEVERAL WEEKS AGO THE DEALER REPLACED THE FIRST GEAR OF THE MANUAL TRANSMISSION BECAUSE IT REPEATEDLY CAME OUT OF GEAR WHEN GOING DOWN STEEP INCLINES, SUCH AS IN A PARKING GARAGE. AFTER THE WORK WAS COMPLETED, THE CAR EMITTED A VERY STRONG SMELL. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER FOUR TIMES. THE LAST TIME THE DEALER SAID THE SEALS ON THE TRANSMISSION WERE LEAKING AND REPLACED. IT IS APPARENT THAT A PETROLEUM PRODUCT IS LEAKING ONTO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM AND BURNING AND THE SMELL ENTERS THE VENTILATION SYSTEM WHILE THE CAR IS STATIONARY. DEALER SAYS I NEED TO KEEP A/C ON AND THE RECYCLE AIR BUTTON PUSHED. ISSUES UNRESOLVED.*AK
Jul 06, 2002
THERE IS SLIPPAGE IN TRANSMISSION. WHEN DRIVING, IT CAN HAPPEN AT ANY SPEED, AND WILL HAPPEN MORE OFTEN IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK CONSUMER STATES THAT OIL LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COME ON TOGETHER AND THEN THE POWER GOES OUT, THIS HAS OCCURRED WHEN STOPPING AND MOVING , THE PROBLEM IS STILL ON GOING. DEALER CLAIMS THAT THE ONBOARD COMPUTER SHOWS THAT A PROBLEM EXISTS BUT THEY CAN?T IDENTIFY THE CAUSE UNLESS IT HAPPENS IN THEIR PRESENCE. *YD
Apr 16, 2002
STEERING
4 complaints
WHILE DRIVING 65-MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL AND WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. THE DRIVER ISN'T SURE IF THE STEERING MECHANISM FELL OFF AND CAUSED THE ACCIDENT. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *PH
Nov 20, 2003
Crash: 1
THE REAR LEFT TRAILING ARM BROKE IN HALF. DEALER NOTIFIED. PART REPLACED BY ROSSYLN AUTO EXPRESS SHOP. THE COST OF REPAIRS WERE OVER $400.00. SUBARU DID NOT REIMBURSE CONSUMER. *AK *CB *JB
Aug 07, 2003
CONTINOUS RATTLE IN FRONT END VERY LOUD WHEN MAKING LEFT TURNS.*AK
Sep 25, 2000
STEERING NOISE- WHENEVER GOING OVER ROUGH ROADS,TURNING INTO DRIVEWAY, TURNING ONTO UNLEVEL ROAD, FRONT END MAKES CLUNKING NOISE. DEALER SAYS SUBARU IS AWARE OF IT AND IT IS NORMAL FOR THE CAR. THE NOISE COMES FROM THE MANNER IN WHICH THEY DESIGNED THE STEERING. STILL DON'T THINK A BRAND NEW CAR SHOULD EXHIBIT THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM WITHOUT A FIX AVAILABLE.
Aug 30, 2000
VISIBILITY
4 complaints
CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 60MPH PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW SHATTERED. *AK
Jul 07, 2003
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Feb 15, 2001
WINDOW HAS CRACKED TWO TIMES FROM THE LOCATION OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPER HEATING ELEMENT WITH NO EVIDENCE OF IMPACT
Dec 11, 2000
REAR WINDOW EXPLODED WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITHOUT WARNING.*AK
Sep 19, 2000
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
3 complaints
THE 2000 SUBARU OUTBACK HAS A NOXIOUS SMELL FROM FUEL IN THE CABIN ONLY IN COLD WEATHER,THAT YOU MUST RIDE WITH THE WINDOWS OPEN UNTIL THIS DISSIPATES. I CALLED MY LOCAL DEALER TO ASK IF THEY WOULD HAVE AN IDEA OF WHAT IS THE PROBLEM AND WHAT WOULD BE AN ESTIMATE FOR REPAIR? I, JUST ABOUT GOT THE QUESTION OUT OF MY MOUTH,WHEN THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE SAID IT'LL COST AROUND $200 MAYBE A LITTLE MORE TO REPLACE TWO FUEL LINES AND FITTINGS(SCREW CLAMPS) ON THE TOP RIGHT SIDE OF THE ENGINE. I ASKED IF SOMETHING THIS SERIOUS WAS EVER COVERED BY A RECALL AND HE SAID NO, BUT I SHOULD CHECK WITH SUBARU OF NORTH AMERICA TO MAKE SURE,BEING THE CAR IS A 2000 HIS COMPUTER MAY NOT HAVE IT, FOR THAT FAR BACK? SO, I CALLED SUBARU OF NA EXPLAINED THE SITUATION AND ALSO EXPLAINED THAT WHILE I WAS DOING SOME ON-LINE RESEARCH IT SEEMED AS THOUGH THIS IS A WELL DOCUMENTED AND DISCUSSED PROBLEM WITH MANY SUBARU OWNERS AND THEY ARE VERY SPECIFIC AS TO WHAT THE EXACT PROBLEM IS. SUBARU OF NA KNOWS OF NO PROBLEM EVER, I GUESS ADMISSION WOULD MEAN THIS PROBLEM TRULY EXISTS. THIS ISSUE ONLY BECAME PREVALENT WITH SUBARU'S OWNED IN COLD WEATHER AREAS, SOUTHERN STATES OR WEST COAST WOULD NOT SEE THIS PROBLEM REGULARLY BECAUSE YOU NEED TEMPERATURES TO BE APPROXIMATELY 30 DEGREES AND BELOW. I AM JUST TRYING TO FIND OUT WHY NO FEDERAL AGENCY HAS HELD SUBARU TO A HIGHER STANDARD, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES TO A PROBLEM WITH A FUEL LINE AND THE FACT THAT THIS IS PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE AND WELL DOCUMENTED. I AM NOT A MECHANIC, AND LIVING ON A FIXED INCOME I DON'T HAVE THE DISPOSABLE INCOME THAT I HAD IN THE PAST, SUBARU KNOWS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, WHICH IS EVIDENT IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENTS FAMILIARITY WITH THE FIX? CAN SOMEONE PLEASE ENLIGHTEN ME AS TO WHY THIS HAS BEEN ALLOWED TO GO FOR AS LONG AS IT HAS? SUBARU KNOWS DOES THE GOVERNMENT, I HOPE NOT. CONCERNED, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).' *PM
Jan 06, 2018
DURING COLD WEATHER WHEN THE CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM IS SET TO FRESH AIR, A GASOLINE ODOR ENTERS THE CABIN. THERE IS APPARENT FUEL LINE LEAK THAT ONLY OCCURS DURING COLD WEATHER. *TR
Dec 16, 2014
I SMELLED GAS IN CAR IN SEPY 2013. A FUEL PUMP WAS GASKET WAS REPLACE.10/2013 FUEL PUMP REPLACED.11/2013 ABOVE FUEL PUMP REMOVED & REPLACED. GAS SMELL STILL PRESENT,NOT AS STRONG.I WANT TO KNOW IF THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH SUBARU'S.IF SO OR IF NOT,WHAT WILL CORRECT THE GAS SMELL? *TR
Mar 31, 2014
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
3 complaints
UNKNOWN COMPONENT PART/SYSTEM. DRIVERS SIDE HEADLIGHT WENT OUT. CHECKED FUSE AND BULB WHICH WAS STILL GOOD; REPLACED BULB ANYWAY AND IT STILL DIDN'T WORK. NEXT DAY THE OTHER HEADLIGHT ALSO WENT OUT. CHECKED THE SAME THINGS. HIGH BEAMS, FOG AND PARKING LIGHTS STILL WORKED. MY SON JIGGLED THE BULB SOCKET AND WIRES AND THE LIGHTS CAME ON BUT NOW THE DRIVER HIGH BEAM WENT OUT. HIGH BEAM BULB AND FUSE WERE BOTH OKAY. THE LOW BEAMS ALSO NOW APPEARED TO BE YELLOW. HAD TO DRIVE AT NIGHT A FEW DAYS LATER (I ALWAYS DRIVE WITH MY FOG LIGHTS ON UNLESS THE HIGH BEAMS ARE USED) AND IT SEEMED LIKE I COULD NOT SEE VIRTUALLY ANYTHING AHEAD OF ME; THE LOW BEAMS WERE EXTREMELY DIM AND UNSAFE TO USE. WAS FORCED TO USE MY SINGLE WORKING HIGH BEAM. IN GOOGLING THE PROBLEMS ONLINE I CAME ACROSS SCORES OF OTHER PEOPLE WITH SIMILAR PROBLEMS. SOME REPLACED THE DRL MODULE WITH NO CHANGE IN RESULT. IT HAS TO BE A SOCKET PROBLEM OR GROUNDING PROBLEM OF SOME SORT, OR PERHAPS A WIRING PROBLEM, THOUGH SOME PEOPLE REPLACED THE WIRING HARNESS TO NO AVAIL, AND REPLACED PINS, CLIPS IN THE BULB SOCKET ASSEMBLY. THIS IS DANGEROUS.
Aug 03, 2016
THE BRAKE LIGHT/TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY ON OUR SUBARU OUTBACK WAGON FILLS WITH WATER EVERY TIME IT RAINS. IT IS A CLAMSHELL DESIGN SPANNING THE ENTIRE REAR HATCH OF THE VEHICLE AND INCLUDES THE BRAKE LIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS AND REVERSE (BACKUP) LIGHTS. IT APPEARS THAT THE HEAT IN FLORIDA HAS AFFECTED THE SEAM OF THE TAILLIGHT ASSEMBLY, CAUSING IT TO FAIL PREMATURELY, SO THAT RAIN WATER FILLS UP IN THE TAILIGHT ASSEMBLY EVERY TIME IT RAINS, WHERE A SHORT CIRCUIT IS INEVITABLE. YOU CAN ACTUALLY SEE WATER INSIDE THE REVERSE LIGHTS PORTION OF THE TAILLIGHT ASSEMBLY, AS THE LENS IS CLEAR. THIS IS A BIG LIFE SAFETY HAZARD. I CONTACTED SUBARU MOTORS OF AMERICA'S CUSTOMER SERVICE AND 1) THEY DENY THAT THEY HAVE ANY KNOWLEDGE OF THIS PROBLEM HAVING EVER HAPPENED TO ANY SUBARU OWNER, AND 2) THEY ARE DENYING MY REQUEST FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIR (VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY). HOWEVER, THE DEALER'S REPAIR TECHNICIAN ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THIS PROBLEM IS COMMON IN FLORIDA - HE HAS REPAIRED THE SAME PROBLEM SEVERAL TIMES. I EXPRESSED CONCERN TO SUBARU AMERICA ABOUT LIABILITY FROM THIS SAFETY HAZARD, BUT THE CUSTOMER SERVICE AGENT DID NOT EVEN WANT TO TALK ABOUT IT. THIS PROBLEM COULD CAUSE PREMATURE FAILURE OF THE BRAKE LIGHTS WHICH COULD RESULT IN FATALITIES. I WOULD SUGGEST THAT A MANDATORY RECALL BE PERSUED SINCE SUBARU DOES NOT WANT TO ADMIT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS DESIGN. I CLEARLY SEE THIS AS BOTH A DESIGN FLAW AND A SAFETY HAZARD.*AK
Mar 14, 2005
TAIL LIGHTS LEAKS LARGE AMOUNT OF WATER. IN COLD WEATHER TAIL LIGHTS BULBS WOULD BLOW. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
Jan 25, 2001
CHILD SEAT
3 complaints
HANDLE GOT STUCK AND WOULD NOT RELEASE PROPERLY. THEREFORE COULD NOT USE SEAT *BF *TC
Nov 03, 2004
THE CAR SEAT IS MANUFACTURERED BY BRITAX. IT IS A ROUNDABOUT MODEL. I HAVE A 22 MONTH OLD TODDLER WHO WEIGHS 27 LBS AND IS ABOUT 32 INCHES TALL. HE CAN EASILY OPEN THE CROTCH LATCH. BRITAX MAKES AND I BOUGHT A LATCH COVER. HE CAN ALSO EASILY OPEN THE LATCH COVER. THE SEAT HAS A DESIGN DEFECT IF IT CAN BE EASILY OPENED BY A YOUNG TODDLER. DT
Oct 29, 2002
HARNESS MATERIAL ON CAR SEAT IS TOO SOFT TO RETAIN FLAT CONFIGURATION; ROLLS UP INTO ROPE-SHAPE INSIDE SHOULDER PADS, BUNCHES AND BINDS IN HARNESS HARDWARE. SEEKING A WAY TO GET INITIATE A REPLACEMENT BY MANUFACTURER. DID CONTACT MFGR., COSCO, WHO SAID STRAPS ARE SOFT MATERIAL INTENTIONALLY FOR KIDS' COMFORT. I DON'T BUY IT; SEATBELT MATERIAL IN CARS IS SOFT, BUT DOES NOT COLLAPSE LATERALLY. IF CAR SEATBELTS FOLDED, BUNCHED AND ROLLED THIS WAY, THEY WOULD BE RECALLED IMMEDIATELY, I SUSPECT. THANKS VERY MUCH FOR YOUR ATTENTION, AND PLEASE LET ME KNOW HOW I CAN HELP.*AK
Jan 09, 2002
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaints
REAR SUB FRAME ROTTED OUT IN MULTIPLE PLACES AND BROKE LOOSE WHILE I WAS DRIVING. THERE WAS A RECALL IN 2003. THE CAR WAS NEVER REPAIRED BEFORE I PURCHASED IT A FEW YEARS AGO. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO DOYLE SUBARU IN WEBSTER NY. THEY OFFERED TO COVER THE EXPENSE OF THE PART BUT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY THEM $800.00 TO COVER THE REPAIR LABOR! THEY HAVE HAD MY CAR FOR 8 WEEKS NOW AND I'M DISABLE AND ON SSD WITHOUT MUCH INCOME. I COULD HAVE DIED WHEN THE CAR BROKE LOOSE ON THE EXPRESSWAY WHILE I WAS GOING 55 MPH. I'M WITHOUT A LONER CAR AND CAN'T MAKE MY MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS. THE CAR HAD TO BE FLAT BED TOWED TO THE DEALER. IT CAN'T BE DRIVEN THE WAY IT IS. MY ATTORNEY TRIED TO CALL THE DEALER BUT THEY REFUSE TO CALL HIM BACK.
Jan 10, 2018
DEALER DOESN'T HAVE RIGHT EQUIPMENT AND SOLVENTS TO REMOVE CORROSION ON RECALL NHTSA# 03-V-153-000. CONSUMER RECEIVED THIS RECALL NOTICE JULY 2003. *PH
Sep 12, 2003
ENGINE
2 complaints
CYLINDER HEAD GASKETS REPLACED AT 81,098 MILES. DUE TO THE LOW MILEAGE, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE 8 YEARS HAD PASSED (8 YEARS OR 100,000), WHICHEVER COMES FIRST. AUGUST 2014 VEHICLE WOULD TAKE SEVERAL SECONDS TO ENGAGE INTO DRIVE FROM REVERSE. EVENTUALLY, THE PROBLEM BECAME WORSE AND I WAS AFRAID THAT IT COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE IT WAS TAKING TOO LONG TO ENGAGE INTO DRIVE. I TOOK THE CAR TO AAMCO WHO INSTALLED A REBUILT TRANSMISSION AT 83,695 MILES. THESE PROBLEM HAVE BEEN REPORTED BY SUBARU OWNERS, BUT I HAVE YET TO SEE A RECALL. SO, IN THE LAST TWO YEARS, I HAVE SPENT $5,055 IN CAR REPAIRS. I'M RETIRED SO I CAN'T AFFORD TO BUY A NEWER VEHICLE. ALTHOUGH THIS CAR HANDLES WELL IN SNOW AND RAIN, DUE TO THE EXPENSIVE REPAIRS I HAVE HAD TO MAKE AND SUBARU CORPORATION'S LACK OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THESE ISSUES, I DOUBT THAT I WILL EVER PURCHASE A SUBARU AGAIN. *TR
Oct 04, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, HE HEARD AN ABNORMALLY LOUD NOISE FROM THE ENGINE AS THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS MOVED TO THE SHOULDER AND UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED A FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. THE FLAMES SPREAD TO THE TWO FRONT TIRES, WHICH THEN EXPLODED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS AWAITING DIAGNOSIS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
May 07, 2013
Fire: 1
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
2 complaints
THERE WAS A BURNED RUBBER SMELL AND NOISE COMING FROM THE LEFT REAR WHEEL AREA OF THE CAR. THE SUSPENSION SUBFRAME SNAPPED AND CAUSED THE LEFT REAR TIRE TO BE SHAVED FROM CONTACT WITH THE WHEEL WELL. WE WERE TOLD BY OUR MECHANIC THAT WE HAD NO RECOURSE ON THIS RECALL AND HE OFFERED US $500 FOR THE VEHICLE STATING THAT WE COULD NOT GET IT FIXED BY SUBARU. WE ALSO CALLED SUBARU AND THEY SAID THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR OUR VIN #. WE ARE CHECKING TO MAKE SURE THIS IS TRUE OR NOT. *TR
Mar 18, 2014
AFTER LOOKING AT SOME OF THE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SUB FRAME RECALL.MY MECHANIC LOOKED AT THE SUB FRAME ON A LIFT AND EXPLAINED THAT IT WAS RUSTED THRU AND UNFIXABLE.IF THIS CAR WAS PROPERLY UNDERCOATED UNDER THE RECALL IT WOULD NOT BE IN THIS CONDITION.I CALLED SUBARU AND THEY SAID THE WORK WAS DONE ON THE CAR PER THE RECALL.IT IS FUNNY HOW THERE IS NO OTHER RUST THAN IN THE SPOT WHERE THE WORK WAS SUPPOSED TO BE DONE.I PAID $4200 FOR THIS CAR AND WANT MY MONEY BACK SUBARU SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR UNSATISFACTORY REPAIRS.IF THIS BREAKS IT COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY TO MY SELF AND OTHERS.THEN THE CAR IS JUNK. *TR
Jul 24, 2013
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaints
THE TPS HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE, ALL LEADS FROM THE WIRING HARNESS HAVE BEEN GROUND AND LUBRICATED, BUT THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT SHOCK REMAINS. THE MANUFACTURER'S TECHNICAL DEPARTMENT, HAVING MADE THE FORMER GUESSES ON THE TPS REPLACEMENT AND LEADS, SUGGESTS REPLACING THE ECM AND TCM TO SEE IF THAT CORRECTS THE PROBLEM. THE SEVERE SHIFT SHOCK IS THE MOST CURRENT PROBLEM WITH THIS EGREGIOUSLY DEFECTIVE VEHICLE IN WHICH ALL MAJOR PARTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED SINCE PURCHASING IT NEW, THE REPAIR COST SO FAR EQUIVALENT TO THE PURCHASE PRICE. THERE IS 126,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER AND THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD ONLY ONE OWNER WHO HAS ALWAYS DRIVEN IT WITH THE UTMOST CARE. THE VEHICLE IN ITS CURRENT STATE SINCE JULY 2010 IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE - WITHOUT FOLLOWING AN OBVIOUS PATTERN, THE AT DASHBOARD LIGHT FLASHES AND WITHIN SECONDS THERE IS SEVERE SHIFT SHOCK, ON HIGHWAYS AT 65MPH AND IN CONGESTED TRAFFIC AT 10MPH. THE ENGINE HAS TO BE TURNED OFF IMMEDIATELY SO THAT THE COMPUTER COMPONENTS CAN HOPEFULLY RESET, WHICH RESETTING DOES NOT ALWAYS HAPPEN. IF THE ENGINE IS NOT SWITCHED OFF, THE SEVERE SHIFT SHOCK CONTINUES. HAVING THIS HAPPEN AT ANY SPEED IS SO DANGEROUS, AND TRYING TO PULL OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY IS EVEN MORE DANGEROUS. THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET FROM SUBARU OWNERS, BUT SUBARU CORPORATE OFFICE DENIES ALL RESPONSIBILITY, SIMPLY STATING THAT THE VEHICLES SHOULD BE TAKEN TO DEALERSHIPS. THE DEALERSHIPS ARE UNABLE TO FIX THE PROBLEM AS THE DEFECT IS INHERENT IN THE MANUFACTURE OF THE VEHICLE. *TR
Apr 10, 2011
INTERMITTENTLY, THE GEAR POSITIONING LEVER STICKS IN GEAR. THE CONSUMER DEPRESSES THE BRAKE PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES AND PLAYS WITH THE LEVER TO UNSTICK IT. THE DEALERSHIP HAS REPLACED A PART IN THE GEAR POSITIONING LEVER, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXIST. ALSO, THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN THE PARK GEAR. *LA
Jun 15, 2004
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
2 complaints
DURING WEATHER UNDER 20 DEGREES THE FUEL LINE LEAKS. IT HAS BEEN TIGHTENED SEVERAL TIMES HOWEVER CONTINUES TO RETURN. THIS HAPPENS EVERY WINTER. *TR
Dec 20, 2008
AFTER A TUNE UP FROM A CAR DEALERSHIP, MY 2000 SUBARU OUTBACK EXERTS AN INTERMITTEN PROBLEM OF HESITATION. ONCE MOVING THE CAR DOING OK, ESPECIALLY ON FREEWAY. BUT AFTER EXITING FROM FREEWAY TO A COMPLETE STOP, CAR IS CHOKING AS IF HAVING A TIMING PROBLEM AND CANNOT SLOW RPM TO IDLE. AFTER THAT AS THE LIGHT TURNS, STEP ON THE GAS PADDLE WON'T INCREASE RPM OR MOVING THE CAR. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, IT USUALLY TAKES A FEW MINUTES BEFORE IT BEGAN TO ROLL AGAIN. IT CONTINUES TO TAKE MUCH MORE TIME TO GET CAR BACK TO NORMAL SPEED. THE PROBLEM IS PROGRESSING TO A GREATER FREQUENCY. NOW AFTER A MONTH, IT'S REALLY DANGEROUS TO RUN. IT ACTUALLY STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET A FEW TIMES. A TRIP BACK TO THE DEALER DIDN'T HELP. AFTER KEEPING THE CAR FOR 2 DAYS FOR TEST DRIVE THEY SAID THE PROBLEM COULDN'T BE REPLICATED AND SO THERE IS NO PROBLEM. I TOOK THE CAR TO A REPUTEABLE MECHANIC THAT SPECIALIZES IN SUBARU. HE RECOGNIZED THE PROBLEM BUT AFTER MANY DAYS OF DIAGNOSTICS AND CHANGEING THE FUEL REGULATOR, FUEL PUMP, FUEL INJECTOR, THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. YET THERE IS NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. THE CAR IS NOW IS ALMOST UNDRIVABLE. SO FAR I HAVE SPENT OVER 3000 DOLLARS BUT STILL NO SOLUTION. THIS CAR IS ONLY 4 YEARS OLD AND 70K MILES WITH A WELL MAINTENANCE RECORD. THIS PROBLEM MUST BE KNOWN TO THE MANUFACTURER SINCE I FOUND SO MANY DESCRIPTION OF THE SAME PROBLEM ON THE NET, STARTED WITH AN EARLY MODEL. THIS IS A SERIOUS FLAW THAT NEEDS MANUFACTURERS ATTENTION OR EVEN A RECALL. *AK
Jun 07, 2004
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
2 complaints
2000 SUBARU OUTBACK SERVICED AT SUBARU DEALER. OIL CHANGE, BRAKE REPAIR, 100 POINT SAFETY CHECK ON 3/21/06. AUTO GARAGED 3/21/06 THROUGH 3/23/06. FIRST TIME AT HIGHWAY SPEED SINCE REPAIR HOOD OPENS AND BREAKS WINDSHIELD (MULTIPLE CRACKS,GLASS SPLINTERS). HOOD DEFORMS TO SHAPE OF WINDSHIELD. RETURNED AUTO TO SUBARU DEALER WHO REFERRED INSPECTION TO SUBARU FACTORY REP. SUBARU FACTORY SERVICE REP INSPECTS AUTO 3/28/06 & REPORTS HOOD LATCH IS WORKING OKAY AND NO REPAIR NECESSARY. HOOD WAS NOT OPENED FOLLOWING REPAIR. HOOD CERTAINLY APPEARED TO BE CLOSED BEFORE INCIDENT. *JB
Mar 28, 2006
WHEN INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND DOORS ARE LOCKED FROM INSIDE OF VEHICLE, DOORS WILL OPEN WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. DOORS ON DRIVER'S SIDE WILL OPEN. PASSENGER'S SIDE DOORS ARE DOING SAMETHING. DEALERSHIP FIXED DEFECT THE FIRST TIME, BUT VEHICLE IS STILL HAVING SAME PROBLEM. *AK
Apr 13, 2001
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS
2 complaints
1. EMERGENCY BRAKING FROM 50+ MPH ON A FREEWAY BECAUSE THE DRIVER IN FRONT, IN THEIR OWN WORDS, "JUST STOPPED"! 2. 2000 OUTBACK FAILED TO SLOW. HIT REAR OF THE LEXUS SUV. "TORPEDOED" UNDER THE SUV UP TO 1/2 THE HOOD LENGTH. NO AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT (AGAIN!) 3. CAR IS TOTALED! THIS IS THE 2ND MAJOR ACCIDENT DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE BRAKING SYSTEM. SUBARU OF AMERICA DENIES ANY PRODUCT DEFECT. *NM
Feb 23, 2006
Crash: 1
Injuries: 1
BRAKE PEDAL GOES 1/2 WAY DOWN BEFORE BRAKES ENGAGE AT ALL. PEDAL CAN BE PUSHED TO FLOOR WITHOUT MUCH EFFORT BY MY 120LB WIFE. ABS DID NOT ENGAGE. NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED - IMPACT SPEED WAS 30 TO 35 MPH. DEALER INSISTS BRAKES ARE OK. 2001 MODEL HAS 13 INCH DISCS AND IT STOPS GREAT! (OUR RENTAL IS A 2001 OUTBACK WAGON). WE LOVE THE CAR, IT JUST WORRIES US THAT IT DOESN'T STOPPROPERLY AND THE AIRBAGS DON'T GO OFF - APPARENTLY THE 'COMPUTER' DEEMED IT "UNECESSARY" ALTHOUGH IT WAS A HEAD-ON, SMACK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FRONT, COLLISION!*AK
Aug 30, 2001
Crash: 1
Injuries: 1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaints
SUBARU OUTBACK WAGON, YEAR 2000, MILAGE 33,000 - PROBLEM: SPEDOMETER AND TACHOMETER WORK ON AND OFF. THEY BOTH 'DIE' THEN THEY BOTH COME BACK ON AGAIN. ON THE FREEWAY, ONE FINDS THEMSELVES WITHOUT SPEED INFORMATION WITHOUT WARNING
Sep 05, 2003
WIRE HARNESS IS IN THE WAY, AND CONSUME RCANNOT DRIVE BECAUSE OF THE BLOCKAGE. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK
Feb 06, 2002
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
2 complaints
DURING A FRONT-END, LOW-SPEED COLLISION, I HIT MY HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL. MY SEATBELT DID NOT PROPERLY RESTRAIN ME IN MY SEAT, AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT, I BROUGHT A PROBLEM TO MY DEALERS SERVICE CENTER, IN WHICH THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT WOULD NOT PROPERLY RETRACT. THE PROBLEM WAS NOT CORRECTED, AND I BELIEVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE SEATBELT FAILURE DURING MY ACCIDENT. *NLM
Mar 30, 2003
Crash: 1
Injuries: 1
DURING A FRONT-END, LOW-SPEED COLLISION, I HIT MY HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL. MY SEATBELT DID NOT PROPERLY RESTRAIN ME IN MY SEAT, AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT, I BROUGHT A PROBLEM TO MY DEALERS SERVICE CENTER, IN WHICH THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT WOULD NOT PROPERLY RETRACT. THE PROBLEM WAS NOT CORRECTED, AND I BELIEVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE SEATBELT FAILURE DURING MY ACCIDENT. *NLM
Mar 30, 2003
Crash: 1
Injuries: 1
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
2 complaints
BRAKES ARE VERY SOFT OR MUSHY AND ARE SLOW TO RESPOND. THEY DO NOT EFFECTIVELY ENGAGE UNTIL THE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED VERY CLOSE TO THE FLOOR, THUS REQUIRING AN INORDINATE AMOUNT OF TIME AND DISTANCE TO STOP. THE INADEQUACY OF PERFORMACE CONTRIBUTED SUBSTANTIALLY, IN MY JUDGMENT, TO THE ACCIDENT IN WHICH I WAS INVOLVED BECAUSE THE BRAKES SIMPLY FAILED TO START SLOWING THE CAR DOWN UNTIL THE PEDAL WAS ALMOST COMPLETELY DEPRESSED TO THE FLOOR. I HAVE JUST REPORTED IT IN WRITING TO THE DEALERSHIP FROM WHICH I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. I ADVISED MY INSURANCE AGENT AND THE CARRIER OF MY CONCERNS REGARDING THE BRAKES' PERFORMANCE IMMEDIATELY UPON MY REPORT OF THE ACCIDENT ON THE DAY IN WHICH IT OCCURRED.*AK
Dec 23, 2000
Crash: 1
BRAKE PEDAL NEEDS ADJUSTMENT. YH
Oct 29, 1999
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
I WAS ADVISED BY A MECHANIC ON 4/20/15 THAT THE REAR CRADLE IS VERY RUSTY, ENOUGH THAT I SHOULD AVOID CARRYING HEAVY LOADS. I JUST NOTICED ON THIS WEBSITE THAT THERE WAS A RECALL IN 2003 FOR INADEQUATE RUSTPROOFING OF THAT PART; HOWEVER, WE NEVER RECEIVED NOTICE OF A RECALL. CAN THIS BE REPAIRED OR REPLACED NOW? THERE WAS NO INCIDENT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS PROBLEM.
Jun 02, 2016
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEED ON A TOWN STREET THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, FOLLOWED BY THE ODOR OF GAS FUMES. SUBSEQUENT INSPECTION BY EXPERIENCED SUBARU MECHANICS REVEALED A SIMULTANEOUS FAILURE OF THE A/C COMPRESSOR, CATALYTIC CONVERTER, A HEADLIGHT BULB AND FINALLY, A DAMAGED FUEL LINE THAT WAS SPRAYING A MIST OF GASOLINE OVER THE ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE MECHANICS HAD NEVER SEEN A SITUATION LIKE THIS BEFORE, AND HAD NO EXPLANATION FOR HOW THESE COMPONENTS COULD HAVE FAILED AT THE SAME TIME. THE FUEL LINE AND BULB WERE REPLACED.
May 04, 2016
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
IN COLD WEATHER (USUALLY 25 F AND BELOW) THERE IS A STRONG FUEL SMELL. WORSE THE COLDER IT GETS. I AM WORRIED FOR MY BABY'S HEALTH AND ALSO WORRIED I WAS INHALING THIS LEAKING FUEL THROUGHOUT MY PREGNANCY. IT IS OBVIOUSLY NOT SOMETHING THAT SHOULD BE HAPPENING AND IS UNHEALTHY. I REPORTED THIS TO A MECHANIC SHOP AND THEY REBUILT THE ENGINE BECAUSE OF OTHER ISSUES. THEY SAID THIS REBUILDING WOULD FIX THE FUEL LEAK/SMELL ALSO. IT LESSENED IT, BUT IT IS STILL THERE EVERY TIME IT IS COLD OUT. IT DISSIPATES AFTER DRIVING IT FOR A WHILE. I HAVE COME TO UNDERSTAND THIS IS A WIDESPREAD ISSUE AND THERE REALLY SHOULD BE A RECALL. *TR
Jan 22, 2015
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
I WAS DRIVING ALONG, AROUND 50 MPH. I HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD, AND THERE WAS A LOUD BANG. THE VEHICLE JERKED AND SWERVED, AS IT WAS SNOWING... I ALMOST LOST CONTROL. THE REAR SUB-FRAME WAS RUSTED OUT AND HAD BROKEN, ALLOWING THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL TO BREAK FREE AND SMASH UP INTO THE FUEL TANK AND CAUSE SEVERE JERKING. I HAD DONE A LITTLE READING, SUBARU HAD A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE FOR INFERIOR METAL ON THE REAR SUB-FRAME. THIS VEHICLE WAS IN FOR THE RECALL IN 2003. WHERE THEY DEEMED IT NOT BAD ENOUGH TO REPLACE THE SUB-FRAME, BUT CLEAN IT AND SPRAY IT WITH ANTI CORROSION SUBSTANCE. AS IT NOW STANDS, THE CAR IS NOT DRIVABLE, AND THE RECALL FIX WAS CLEARLY NOT A PROPER SOLUTION. I CALLED SUBARU, AND THEY TOLD ME THAT SINCE IT HAD BEEN IN FOR A RECALL IN 2003, THERE WAS NOTHING MORE ON THERE END THAT THEY WOULD DO. I AM A LONG TIME SUBARU FAN, AND I REALLY JUST WOULD LIKE THEM TO HONOR THEIR MISTAKE, AND FIX THE VEHICLE PROPERLY. OR PURCHASE IT BACK FROM ME, AND I WILL GLADLY PURCHASE ANOTHER SUBARU. I HAVE PHOTOS OF THE SUB-FRAME WHERE IT HAS CLEARLY RUSTED AND BROKE FREE. IT IS VERY CLEAR THAT THE METAL IS INFERIOR, CONSIDERING EVERYTHING ELSE ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE IS IN FUNCTIONAL AND SERVICEABLE CONDITION. THANKS YOU. *TR
May 05, 2013
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
DRIVING ALONG THE FREE WAY AT NORMAL SPEEDS WITH TRAFFIC AND MT CAR RANDOMLY SHUT OFF AND TURNED BACK ON, HAPPENED 3 OR 4 TIMES BEFORE I COULD GET OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE IF GOOGLED. JUST THE ELECTRICAL TURNED OFF AND ON THE ENGINE STAYED RUNNING. *TR
Dec 07, 2012
SEAT BELTS,INTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE INTERIOR LIGHTS DID NOT ILLUMINATE. SHE ATTEMPTED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED ON THREE OCCASIONS. SHE DROVE THE VEHICLE TO ARIZONA AND IT LOST POWER. THE DEALER RETRIEVED THE VEHICLE AND REPAIRED THE ALTERNATOR AND INTERIOR LIGHTING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIGHTS ARE BECOMING MORE DIM AS TIME PROGRESSES. THE REAR SEAT BELTS HAVE NOT BEEN REPLACED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 142,300 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 141,204.
Jun 26, 2007
POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
PASSENGER SIDE SUN ROOF DRAIN PLUGS UP, SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. BACKED UP WATER DRAINS INTO INSIDE REAR CARGO AREA. MY VEHICLE CAME EQUIPPED WITH THE LARGE ALL WEATHER RUBBER MAT IN THE CARGO AREA. SINCE THE AREA WHERE THE WATER POURS OUT IS NEAR THE RIGHT REAR OF THE CAR THE MOST OF THE WATER ENDS UP ON THE CARPET UNDER THE MAT AND IT IS NOT ALWAYS NOTICEABLE. ORIGINAL CONTRACTOR THAT FIXES LEAKS FOR DEALER SAID THE FIX SHOULD TAKE CARE OF PROBLEM, DID NOT. THIS CONTRACTOR, DIFFERENT FROM THE FIRST CONTRACTOR, SAID BASICALLY THERE WAS NOTHING I COULD DO TO PREVENT DRAINS FROM PLUGGING UP. WAS NOT DRIVING THIS TIME, WASHED CAR AND SAW WATER ON RUBBER MAT WHILE CLEANING INSIDE OF CAR. THE FIRST TIME I WAS DRIVING, IN REAR VIEW MIRROR I SAW WATER COMING FROM HEADLINER AREA, VERY DISTRACTING. ALSO, WORRY ABOUT POSSIBLE DAMAGE TO HEADLINER AND FUTURE BODY STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY DUE TO WATER LEAKING INTO ROOF AREA. IF DRAINS CONTINUE TO PLUG UP HEADLINER COULD POSSIBLE BECOME WEAK AND FAIL. IF THIS WERE TO HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING THIS COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE DRIVER TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. NOT SURE OF ACTUAL DATE THIS WAS ADDRESSED WITH DEALER BELIEVE IT WAS ADDRESSED WHEN I TOOK CARE IN TO HAVE CV JOINT REPAIRED. DEALER DID NOT REPORT WORKER TO SUBARU. *JB
Nov 17, 2005
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
SUBARU OUTBACK VIN[XXX], 2000 MODEL VEHICLE STALLS AND WILL NOT ACCELERATE AWAY FROM STOPS. STALLS IN MIDDLE OF ROAD AND IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. DEALER REPROGRAMMED PCM ON 4/1/04 WHEN TAKEN IN FOR COOLANT/HEAD GASKET ISSUE RECALL. PERFORMANCE WAS POOR AFTER THIS AND WAS RETURNED TO DEALER 5/04/04. STATED THAT THE SPARK PLUGS WERE THE PROBLEM, NEW PLUGS FITTED. CAR IS WORSE THAN BEFORE AND EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE DUE TO SUDDEN STALLING AND BOGGING ON TAKEOFF. MY HUSBAND HAS A 1999 SUBARU IMPREZZA AND HAS SIMILAR PROBLEMS AND HAS RETURNED HIS CAR SEVERAL TIMES WITH NO CORRECTION.*AK *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
May 05, 2004
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
CONSUMER WASN'T PLEASED WITH UNDATED CORRESPONDENCE SERVICE PROGRAM WWP-99. (NAR) *PH THE SERVICE PROGRAM WAS ABOUT PUTTING A SPECIAL CONDITIONER IN THE VEHICLE'S COOLING SYSTEM TO PREVENT HEAD GASKET LEAKS. THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THAT ENGINE REPLACEMENT IS THE ONLY SATISFACTORY SOLUTION. THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THAT EH WIPERS NEED TO BE REDESIGNED TO PREVENT THE RIGHT HAND WIPER FROM DUMPING DEBRIS FROM THE RIGHT SIDE INTO THE DRIVER'S LINE OF SIGHT. THE RADIO CONTAINS AUDIBLE WINDSHIELD MOTOR NOISE WHEN THE RADIO STATION SIGNAL IS WEAK. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THIS WAS NORMAL. *NM
Apr 23, 2004
POWER TRAIN,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
PREMATURE CLUTCH FAILURE ON SUBARU OUTBACK WAGON 2000. ORIGINAL CLUTCH REPLACED AT 7500 MILES AND FOUND TO HAVE A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT, BENT FORKS.EW CLUTCH PLACED IN CAR. SHORTLY AFTER, SMELL OF BURNING, ESP. WHEN BACKING UP OR IN COLD WEATHER, WHICH LASTED FOR 1 MONTH. CLUTCH THEN FAILED PREMATURELY AFTER 40,000 MILES. MY HYPOTHESIS IS THAT THE CLUTCH LOST A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF ITS LINING AND LIFE SPAN WHEN BURNING UP IN THE FIRST MONTH OF USE. NUMEROUS POSTING ON EDMUNDS.COM REGARDING PREMATURE CLUTCH FAILURE, BURNING SMELL, AND CLUTCH SHUDDER IN SUBARU OUTBACKS. MY EXPERIENCE, AND THE EXPERIENCE OF OTHER OWNERS, SUGGESTS THAT THERE IS A GENERAL DEFECT PRESENT IN SUBARU CLUTCHES FROM 2000-2002. LEASE INVESTIGATE THIS DEFECT AND CONSIDER A RECALL.*AK
Oct 27, 2003
EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
THE AIR DEFLECTOR WHICH WAS INSTALLED IN THE HOOD AREA, BECAME UNATTACHED, AND FLEW INTO THE WINDSHIELD, WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH A SPEED. *JB *TT
Apr 08, 2003
AIR BAGS
1 complaint
NAR 3-10-03 THE CONSUMERS WAS IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY FROM THE SIGNIFICANT IMPACT. THE CONSUMER HAS ENCLOSED PICTURES OF DAMAGES AS A RESULT OF THE ACCIDENT. ALSO PROVIDING THAT A NOTICE OF FAILURE BE SENT TO SUBARU FOR THE VEHICLE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS. AS WELL AS MAKE A CLAIM AGAINST SUBARU. *CB *JB
Mar 10, 2003
Crash: 1
Injuries: 1
SUSPENSION,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE KEPT PULLING TO THE RIGHT, AND FRONT END WAS WOBBLING, CAUSED BY THE CARRIAGE BOLT THAT FELL OFF. DEALER CONTACTED.*AK WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING THE BIKE RACK DROPPED DOWN. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON DUE TO EVAPORATION LEAK FROM SYSTEM AND LOOSE GAS CAP. THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW SEAL WAS DAMAGED. *YH
Jul 15, 2002
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,INTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
WHEN THE INTERIOR FAN SWITCH IS BEING USED, HEADLIGHTS GET VERY DIM, CAUSING POOR DRIVER'S VISIBILITY. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER, DEALER HAS REPLACED PARTS, PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. *AK *ML
May 17, 2000
4.7/5.0
34 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 2000 SUBARU Outback have?

The 2000 SUBARU Outback currently has 215 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2000 SUBARU Outback?

The most common problems reported for the 2000 SUBARU Outback are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2000 SUBARU Outback problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2000 SUBARU Outback comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.

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