How many problems does the 2005 SUBARU Outback have?

The 2005 SUBARU Outback currently has 273 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 2005 SUBARU Outback?

The most common problems reported for the 2005 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 2005 SUBARU Outback problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2005 SUBARU Outback comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.

How do I report problems with my 2005 SUBARU Outback?

You can report safety problems with your 2005 SUBARU Outback directly to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov or call 1-888-327-4236. Your complaint helps identify patterns and may lead to recalls or investigations.

Where can I find my VIN to check problems?

Your 2005 SUBARU Outback VIN is located in 4 places: (1) Dashboard near windshield on driver's side, (2) Driver's door jamb sticker, (3) Engine bay, (4) Vehicle registration and insurance documents.

Is the 2005 SUBARU Outback reliable?

Reliability can be assessed by reviewing the number and severity of owner complaints for the 2005 SUBARU Outback. Check complaints by component, crash reports, and fire incidents above to evaluate potential issues and problem patterns.

2005 SUBARU Outback Problems

SUSPENSION

37 complaints

There should be a recall for front suspension on this vehicle if not the entire suspension. Mine has been garage kept since day 1, is in showroom condition, not driven in salt on roads during snow, therefore no reason for the suspension to be in this condition. In 2019 at 74,000 miles I had to have the entire front end suspension all components replaced at a cost of over $2,500 USD the suspension was also causing what others refer to as "drifting" under any road driving conditions on dry or wet pavement at any speed above 30mph and would and still does after having the entire suspension replaced, drift, unstable, and when the original suspension was replaced even after being flawlessly maintained the suspension components from the factory were severely worn and including rubber gaskets, sway bars, etc and appeared to have a rust or corroded appearance in spite of the vehicle never being driven in weather during snow when most areas would place salt on roads which is a primary cause of rust or corrosion. The factory suspension also caused significant wear to any tires this causing any tires to wear uneven and require replacement within less than 15kmi. After suspension was replaced in 2019 tires were replaced as well. Vehicle driven 15kmi since 2019 and replacement, in 2021 the suspension again was drifting, causing severe uneven tire wear, and at highway speeds 60mph& above causes a severe drift and vibration which could cause a dangerous situation for the average driver and at highway speeds U have to literally hold the vehicle on the road with a moderate force or it will I'm fact drift and cause incident. I believe the manufacturer should recognise this issue and repair or replace all the components of suspension at no cost to consumer as I am not the only one affected by this. I have receipts I can provide upon request showing the suspension was replaced. Please do not show my personal information or very specific details about my vehicle online.

Mar 11, 2023

DRIVING IN LIGHT SNOW OR MIXTURE OF SLUSHY SNOW THE VEHICLE REAR DRIFTS LEFT AND RIGHT AT SPEEDS OF 20 MPH. DANGEROUS IF THE SPEED IS EXCEEDED. CAR PASS ME ALL THE TIME BECAUSE THEY HAVE NOT PROBLEMS WITH THE ROAD AT HIGH SPEEDS. I UNDERSTAND THIS IS CALLED GHOST WALKING. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED I SPUN OUT.

Jan 04, 2021

WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY ON JUNE 21, 2017 WITH A DISHWASHER IN THE TRUNK. IT WAS RAINING AND THERE WAS TRAFFIC, SO MY SPEED WAS ABOUT 40 MPH. AS I WAS DRIVING, THE CAR ABRUPTLY SWERVED FROM RIGHT TO LEFT, AND I ALMOST HIT ANOTHER CAR. THIS WAS MY SCARIEST DRIVING EXPERIENCE .

Jun 28, 2017

REAR SUSPENSION ISSUES CAUSE UNCONTROLLABLE STEERING FROM THE REAR END ON SNOW AND ICE. CAR REFUSES TO DRIVE IN A STRAIGHT LINE ON SNOW/ICE EVEN WITH SNOW TIRES AND PROPER ALIGNMENT.

Dec 27, 2016

MY 2005 NEARLY KILLED ME RECENTLY DRIVING ON STRAIGHT HIGHWAYS THAT WERE A BIT ICY. DESPITE 4 STUDDED TIRES, IT WOULD BARELY STAY ON THE ROAD ABOVE 35 MPH EVEN GOING TOTALLY STRAIGHT. CARS OF ALL OTHER TYPES WERE FLYING PAST AT 60-75 MPH, NO PROBLEM. BUT MY CAR WOULD END UP GOING SIDEWAYS AND INADVERTENTLY SWITCHING LANES AND OR ALMOST GOING OFF THE ROAD AT SPEEDS STARTING AT ABOUT 35-40MPH. WE HAD THREE ADULTS IN THE CAR AND THE CAR FILLED WITH LUGGAGE, SO IT WAS FULLY LOADED. I'VE READ THAT THIS "GHOST WALKING" PHENOMENON HAPPENS TO 2005 TO 2009 SUBARU OUTBACKS THAT WERE PRODUCED IN THE USA. IT MAINLY HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS FULLY LOADED, WHICH DUE TO A REAR SUSPENSION FLAW, CAUSES TOE-IN ON THE REAR SUSPENSION AND THEN THE REAR END BECOMES TOTALLY UNSTABLE. I HAD TO DRIVE AT 35 MPH ON HIGHWAYS BACK WITH MY HAZARD LIGHTS ON THE AVOID BEING REAR ENDED BY ALL THE TRAFFIC GOING AT NORMAL HIGHWAY SPEEDS. BASED ON WHAT I EXPERIENCED, THEY'RE DEATH TRAPS THAT SHOULD BE RECALLED. MORE INFO: HTTP://WWW.ULTIMATESUBARU.ORG/FORUM/TOPIC/103820-05-OUTBACK-AWD-TRICKY-ON-SOME-WINTER-ROADS/

Jan 29, 2016

+ 32 more complaints for this component

AIR BAGS

36 complaints

The contact had received several recall notifications of an air bag recall for a 2005 Subaru Outback. The contact never owned the vehicle and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list. The manufacturer was contacted and advised the contact that the removal request could not be processed without the complete VIN. The contact had provided a partial VIN.

Jan 16, 2026

2005 SUBARU OUTBACK, CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIRBAG RECALL WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE, BUT CONTINUED TO RECEIVE LETTERS CONCERNING THE RECALL. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE LETTERS TO BE A SCAM. *JS

Oct 01, 2020

2005 SUBARU. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER ADVISED THE AIRBAG COULD NOT BE REPLACED DUE TO THE VEHICLE HAVING AN INTOXALYSER. THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROCESS TO HAVING THE INTOXALYSER REMOVED AND THE RECALL COMPLETED WAS DIFFICULT. *JS

Feb 02, 2018

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V323000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (COLE SUBARU, RT 460 GREEN VALLEY SUITE 4, BLUEFIELD, WV 24701 (304) 305-4090) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. TWO MONTHS AGO, THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WOULD ORDER THE PARTS AND CONTACT HER ONCE THE PARTS ARRIVED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A POSTCARD FROM TK HOLDINGS, ALERTING HER THAT THEY FAILED FOR BANKRUPTCY. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Nov 24, 2017

TAKATA RECALL

Sep 16, 2017

+ 31 more complaints for this component

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

24 complaints

P2138 code. Gas pedal stops responding to inputs. Car goes into limp mode and managed to get car off the road. Shut off and waited 5 minutes, restarted and it works again. Associated P0500 code also present. First time this has happened on this car.

Mar 14, 2026

The contact owns a 2005 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing cruise control failures. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at 50 MPH up a steep hill of a bridge, the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle decelerated significantly to 20-25 MPH. The accelerator pedal was depressed but failed to respond. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power and remained at the bottom of the hill facing an incline, while there was oncoming traffic. The check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact engaged the Sport mode first gear and the vehicle moved slowly. The contact continued to depress the accelerator pedal but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact switched to the slow lane and drove to the top of the incline and made a left turn off the end of the bridge downhill. The vehicle rolled down, allowing him to veer to the side of the road. The contact parked the vehicle. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the engine was running at 2,000 RPM, even though the vehicle had no motive power. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle. The contact shifted to drive and low gear, and he was able to drive the vehicle to an independent mechanic. The independent mechanic diagnosed that the throttle position sensor had failed. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 177,000.

Mar 10, 2022

The contact owns a 2005 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving downhill at 40 MPH, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The accelerator pedal was depressed however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact parked on the side of the road and restarted the vehicle after 3-4 minutes and continued driving to his destination. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was turned off after restarting the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 215,500.

Jan 04, 2022

EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE THE GAS PEDAL STOPS FUNCTIONING. IT HAPPENS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AS WELL AS LOCAL ROADS. WHEN IT DOES HAPPEN YOU HAVE TO FIND A SAFE SPOT TO PULL OVER AND SHUT OFF THE ENGINE FOR AT LEAST A MINUTE OR MORE. RESTART THE CAR AND THE PEDAL COMES BACK. THIS IS VERY HAZARDOUS. I COULD END UP GETTING REAR ENDED. MY GRAND CHILDREN RIDE IN THE CAR. THE SCANNER CODE CAME UP P2138 SUBARU RECOMMENDS THAT THE GAS PEDAL ASSEMBLY NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. IT'S A 185.00 PART PLUS LABOR.I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THERE ISN'T A RECALL BECAUSE OF THE SAFETY ISSUE

Dec 08, 2020

I AM HAVING AN ISSUE WITH MY CAR GOING LIMP AFTER START. THE ENGINE DOES NOT REGISTER THE GAS PEDAL/THROTTLE. CODE READER SAID ITS THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR. BROUGHT TO MID HUDSON SUBARU IN WAPPINGERS NY, THEY SAID GAS PEDAL SENSOR. THAT DID NOT FIX VEHICLE. SUBARU DOES NOT SEEM TO RECOGNIZE THIS AS A SAFETY ISSUE... THE PROBLEM IS SPORADIC AND THERE IS NO WARNING, JUST DRIVING ALONG AND GAS PEDAL NO LONGER HAS ANY EFFECT ON PROPULSION OF VEHICLE.

Nov 17, 2018

+ 19 more complaints for this component

SERVICE BRAKES

19 complaints

Vehicle brakes failed while driving, the brake pedal went to the floor and almost caused a serious car accident. Yes, vehicle and brake lines are available for inspection upon request. My safety, the safety of others and more importantly my life and the lives of others were severely threatened because of the major break failure that occurred. It is terrifying to think that I was unknowingly driving around this vehicle with an imminent accident that could happen anytime, without any warning, which could have killed me. After taking pictures of my brake lines, recording videos and doing some quick research, I called a local to inspect my brake lines. I told them the scenario that I experienced and reported to them that my brake lines were covered in rust. I told them that I found out my vehicle had a recall remedy done on the brake lines in 2017, which is before I owned the vehicle. I told them that the rust and corrosion was in the same spots that were supposed to be fixed in the recall repair and that I am positive that the repair was done incorrectly or the repair was not done at all. I requested they take pictures of the brake lines and show them to the manufacturer or use the photos I took but they ensured they would take care of all of that. Called for update a week later and was unable to get in contact with anyone. I waited over a month before one of my calls was finally answered. I was told they still hadn’t looked at my vehicle yet. Having no vehicle had a very negative impact towards my job because I had no transportation for so long. I called back a few days later and was told that they would not repair my vehicle. My vehicle was not inspected by the police or insurance because I wasn’t in an accident. I was less then a minute from home when this life threatening incident occurred and thankfully was able to pull the car into my driveway. No warning lamps, no messages and no symptoms of the problem were present prior to this life threatening occurrence.

Oct 27, 2023

Vehicle experienced sudden complete brake failure while driving due to a rupture in brake system in the exact area of a known defect / recalls NHTSA SUBARU RECALL WQG-43 and WQK-47 (both completed) which had been issued to inspect and repair the defect. Safety of driver / occupants were immediately put at grave risk due to inability to slow or stop vehicle. Car was traveling on a two way high traffic road at a speed of approximately 30+MPH. I was able to stop slowly using the emergency hand brake though only after attempting to pump the brakes which became absolutely unresponsive (this took approximately 7-10 seconds while pumping the Brake pedal). It was pure luck that there was no one directly in front of me at the time. If anything had been in front of me my choices would have been: A) swerve to the right into parked cars B) swerve left into oncoming traffic or C) run into or hit whatever was in front of me. None of those would have been acceptable options and all could have potentially injured or killed occupants within the vehicle not to mention the potential to have injured or killed any other parties involved in a collision. I am frankly amazed that a brake system defect of this nature was not fully repaired and or replaced using a non-defective design and parts. I view any application of a aerosol surface treatment as temporary & superficial at best. It's only a matter of time for the brakes to fail on every 2005-2009 Subaru that has this defect. The risks to vehicle occupants and any other individuals involved in potential accidents are simply too high.Vehicle is currently at IRA Subaru in Danvers Massachusetts and has been inspected by them confirming the problem with photo documentation. There was no other prior warning before the sudden complete brake system failure. It is unclear if the Vehicle or component has been inspected by the manufacturer. No other party has inspected the vehicle. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Mileage: 77,884K

Dec 12, 2022

puddle of brake fluid under car no brakes after looking at it 4way joint connector at rear of car is leaking . online says recall was done but specifications for the repair are ludacris to spray wax over corrosion ! the lines are already damaged and that would just seal the corrosion in and continue to deteriorate! that recall in itself is a safety hazard and needs to be reevaluated!

Sep 26, 2022

THE REAR BRAKE LINES HAVE BECOME RUSTED AND HAVE HOLES IN THEM DUE TO CORROSION.

Nov 28, 2020

I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN I PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AS NORMAL TO SLOW DOWN AND THE PEDAL WENT SOFT AND I HAD NO BRAKES. I WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT HOME USING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP. UPON INSPECTION THE LINES WERE LEAKING FROM THE SAME PLACE REPAIRED IN RECALL WQK47, NHTSA CAMPAIGN 14V311000. VISUAL INSPECTION COULD CONFIRM THAT THE INITIAL RECALL WQK47 REPAIR COMPLETELY FAILED CAUSING SERIOUS DANGER TO MY LIFE. I RESEARCHED COMPLAINTS ABOUT WQK47 RECALL AND CAME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY SUBARU OWNER WITH THIS SERIOUS LIFE THREATENING ISSUE. I CALLED MY DEALERSHIP AND EVEN SPOKE WITH CORPORATE SUBARU AND BOTH SAID SINCE RECALL WAS PERFORMED ONCE REPAIR/REPLACEMENT WILL COST ME. I CANNOT FATHOM WHY, IF THE FIRST RECALL REPAIR FAILED RESULTING IN A LIFE THREATENING SITUATION, SUBARU WOULDN'T WANT TO IMMEDIATELY FIX THE PROBLEM AND ENSURE ALL THEIR CUSTOMERS WHO HAD THIS RECALL PERFORMED ARE STILL SAFE AND FUNCTIONING TO PROPER STANDARDS. *TR

May 12, 2020

+ 14 more complaints for this component

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

18 complaints

MY WIFE AND I RECENTLY PURCHASED A USED 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE HEADLIGHTS ON THIS VEHICLE ARE WHAT I CONSIDER TO BE DANGEROUSLY DIM, BARELY LIGHTING UP THE ROAD. BOTH THE FOG LAMPS AND ALSO THE HIGH BEAMS WORK WELL, BUT THE LOW BEAM LIGHT (WHICH IS PRODUCED FROM A DIFFERENT BULB THAN THE HIGH BEAM) IS VERY INADEQUATE. I HAVE REPLACED THE BULBS WITH HIGHER INTENSITY BULBS. THIS OFFERED LITTLE IF ANY INCREASE IN LIGHTING. I HAVE ALSO HAD THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM CHECKED TO ASSURE THE PROPER VOLTAGE IS BEING SUPPLIED. GOOGLEING THIS PROBLEM HAS TOLD ME I'M NOT ALONE. OTHER SUBARU OWNERS COMPLAIN OF THE SAME ISSUE. HERE'S WHAT I HAVE RESEARCHED AND DETERMINED TO BE THE PROBLEM. THERE IS AN INNER REFLECTIVE CAVITY IN WHICH THE HEADLIGHT BULB IS HOUSED. THE REFLECTION PROCESS WITHIN THIS HOUSING MAGNIFIES THE LIGHT PRODUCED BY THE BULB. THIS PROCESS IS SIMILAR TO THAT OF A REFLECTIVE PRISM INSIDE A LIGHTHOUSE. IN THE CASE OF OUR SUBARU, THE REFLECTIVE MATERIAL INSIDE OF THE HEADLIGHT BULB HOUSING HAS EITHER WORN AWAY OR BECOME CLOUDED TO THE DEGREE THAT THE LIGHT PRODUCED BY THE BULBS NO LONGER REFLECTS ADEQUATELY TO PRODUCE A BRIGHT LIGHT. THESE HEADLIGHTS NEED TO EITHER BE REPLACED OR PERHAPS SOMEHOW REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE, OPENED UP AND THEN REPAIRED. IN EITHER CASE THIS WOULD BE VERY EXPENSIVE TO THE DEGREE IN WHICH MOST CONSUMERS WOULD NOT BE WILLING TO INCUR THE COST, THEREBY CONTINUING TO TAKE THEIR CHANCES DRIVING AT NIGHT WITH UNSATISFACTORY HEADLIGHTS. MY QUESTIONS: IS THIS CONSIDERED A SAFETY ISSUE? IF SO, IS IT THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE MANUFACTURER TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM? DO I HAVE TO PAY FOR ANY CORRECTIONS? I'D BE GRATEFUL FOR ANY HELP OR SUGGESTIONS YOU CAN OFFER TO ASSIST ME WITH THIS ISSUE. I FEEL THIS IS A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS PROBLEM, NOT JUST FOR MYSELF, BUT OTHER SUBARU OWNERS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *TR

Nov 19, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH HEADLIGHTS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE INCIDENT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Aug 28, 2013

DRIVING AT NIGHT. STOPPED TO GET GAS. WENT TO START CAR AND TURN ON LIGHTS. BOTH HEADLIGHTS OUT-JUST LIKE THAT. HAD TO DRIVE HOME ON RUNNING LIGHTS; LUCKILY LESS THAN 5 MILES. HEADLIGHT ISSUES STARTED ABOUT 10K MILES AGO WHERE INDIVIDUAL LIGHTS HAVE GONE OUT; HAVE REPLACED IND LOW BEAM LIGHTS 4X IN THE LAST 10K MILES. NEVER HAD 2 GO OUT AT ONCE LIKE THIS-AT NIGHT. DID A SEARCH ON INTERNET AND FOUND NUMEROUS REPORTS OF OWNERS WITH SAME ISSUE AND IT DOESN'T SOUND LIKE SUBARU IS TOO INTERESTED IN RESOLVING WHEN LEFT TO ITS OWN ACCORD. *TR

Dec 03, 2012

WE PURCHASED A USED 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK LTD. WAGON IN AUGUST OF 2008 AND ALMOST IMMEDIATELY HAD TO REPLACE THE LEFT FRONT DRIVER'S LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT BULB. SINCE THAT TIME, WE HAVE REPLACED 3 MORE LEFT SIDE HEADLIGHT LOW BEAM BULBS AND 2 RIGHT SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT BULBS. SUBARU TELLS US THERE ARE NO ISSUES WITH THEIR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, YET THEY CLAIM THAT THEY HAVE REDESIGNED THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT BULBS 3 TIMES NOW AND THAT THEIR BRANDED BULBS SHOULD WORK. AT APPX. $20.00 EACH, THEIR SOLUTION SHOULD NOT BE ACCEPTABLE. WE HAVE SPENT OVER $100.00 REPLACING BULBS THAT SHOULD LAST FOR YEARS AND YEARS, NOT 2-3 MONTHS! WE ARE ASKING FOR ASSISTANCE WITH THIS PROBLEM. WE LIVE IN A RURAL AREA OF COLORADO WHERE THERE ARE FEW STREET OR HIGHWAY LIGHTS AND WILDLIFE IS ALWAYS A CONCERN WHILE DRIVING. YOU NEED PROPER VEHICLE LIGHTING TO REMAIN SAFE ON THE ROAD AND THIS KNOWN DEFECT BY SUBARU NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. HEADLIGHT FAILURE DOESN'T ALWAYS HAPPEN NEAR A SUBARU DEALER. OFF THE SHELF REPLACEMENT BULBS SHOULD DO THE JOB, BUT DON'T BECAUSE SUBARU IS NOT SHARING THE CORRECT LIGHTING TECHNOLOGY WITH THE AFTERMARKET MANUFACTURERS. THIS MAY NOT BE THE FIRST COMPLAINT YOU HAVE RECEIVED. WE SEE MANY 2005-2006 SUBARU'S LIKE OURS WITH BURNED OUT HEADLAMPS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION OF OUR COMPLAINT. *TR

Nov 02, 2009

I PURCHASED MY 05 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK IN SEPTEMBER 04. THE PASSENGER SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT WENT OUT IN OCTOBER 05 AND I HAD A LOCAL MECHANIC REPLACE IT WITH THE RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT BULB. I NOTICED THAT NOW THE RIGHT LOW BEAM IS MORE ANGLED DOWN THAN PREVIOUSLY, MAKING VISIBILITY AT NIGHT MORE LIMITED THAN IT WAS BEFORE THE REPLACEMENT. IN DECEMBER 05 THE DRIVER'S SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT ALSO EXPIRED AND MY FATHER AND I REPLACED IT WITH THE SAME COMPATIBLE PART. I NOTICED THAT NIGHT THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE LOW BEAM WAS NOW ONLY ILLUMINATING ABOUT 10 FEET IN FRONT OF THE CAR (LESS THAN THE RIGHT LOW BEAM NOW) AND SO I HAD TO CRANE FORWARD OVER THE STEERING WHEEL TO SEE THE PART OF THE ROAD THAT WAS ILLUMINATED. MY DAD AND I ADJUSTED THEM AS MUCH AS WE COULD BUT THERE'S REALLY NOT MUCH TO ADJUST. NOW, WHEN I DRIVE AT NIGHT I'M MOSTLY RELYING ON STREET LIGHTS AND OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL LIGHTING TO ILLUMINATE THE ROAD RATHER THAN MY LOW BEAMS BECAUSE THEY REALLY DON'T SHOW YOU ANYTHING OF THE ROAD MORE THAN 10-20 FEET IN FRONT OF YOU (FORTUNATELY I LIVE IN THE CITY SO IT'S PRETTY WELL ILLUMINATED AT NIGHT). THE ONLY WAY TO SEE THE ROAD SAFELY IF I'M IN A POORLY LIT AREA IS WITH THE HIGH BEAMS NOW AND JUDGING FROM OTHER POSTED COMPLAINTS THERE'S REALLY NOTHING THE DEALER CAN DO TO ADJUST THEM. *NM

Jan 14, 2006

+ 13 more complaints for this component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

9 complaints

Parasitic Battery Drain: When the vehicle is in use, the CAN system in the car relies on an electrical current to be operated as intended. When the vehicle is not being driven, the CAN system should enter a sleep mode in which it stops drawing significant electrical current. However, vehicle does not enter sleep mode when the car turns off, resulting in a "parasitic battery drain." Local Subaru dealer maintenance department has not been able to determine any way to fix. Battery drains completely after approx 1 week of nonoperation (and sometimes sooner) leaving me (owner) stranded and unable to start vehicle without obtaining a jump start. Has also required recurring battery replacement at a cumulative significant cost. Not sure what to do and do not want to sell to another person that would inherit this ongoing issue.

Oct 07, 2021

THE WIRING OF THE REAR HATCH DOOR ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS IS FAULTY AND THE WIRES BETWEEN THE CAR ROOF AND THE HATCH BREAK OVER TIME, DUE TO NORMAL HATCH FUNCTIONS (E.G. OPENING/CLOSING). DEPENDING ON WHICH WIRES BREAK, REAR-WINDSHIELD WIPERS, LICENSE PLATE LIGHTS, BACK-UP LIGHTS FAIL, CAUSING A SAFETY CONCERN.

Mar 15, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000. ..UPDATED 05/05/17 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY. THE CONSUMER REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 8/25/2017*JS

Jan 09, 2017

THE WIRES THAT PASS THROUGH THE BODY TO THE LIFTGATE THAT OPERATE BRAKE LIGHTS, TAIL LIGHTS, REAR WIPER, DEFROSTER, LOCK BREAK AND MAKE A SHORT OR OPEN CIRCUIT. MANY SUBARUS HAVE THIS ISSUE. *TR

Apr 13, 2015

REAR WIRING HARNESS THAT PASSES FROM CABIN TO HATCH DOOR HAS SEVERAL WIRES BROKEN CAUSING REAR DOOR LOCK AND LIGHTS FAILURES. *TR

Mar 22, 2015

+ 4 more complaints for this component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

9 complaints

2005 OUTBACK X LIMITED WITH 67,000 MILES. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON FOLLOWED BY A WHINING SOUND FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND THEN RATTLING NOISES ACCOMPANIED BY LOSS OF POWER. CAR WAS TRANSPORTED TO GARAGE AND DIAGNOSED WITH BLOWN TURBO. METAL SHAVINGS DISCOVERED IN OIL FILTER. TOTAL ENGINE LOSS. SUBARU DENIES COVERAGE AND WILL NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR DESIGN FLAW. *TR

Jun 19, 2011

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING ON AN INCLINE THE VEHICLE RESPONDED SLOWLY. THE CRUISE CONTROL AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSIS DETERMINED THAT THE TURBO CHARGER FILTER WAS CLOGGED AND THE SHAFT IN THE TURBO CHARGER WAS BROKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 67,446.

May 20, 2011

SUBARU OUTBACK 2005 PZEV - HEAD GASKET FAILURE. THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKETS ON THIS VEHICLE HAVE FAILED SUCH THAT ENGINE OIL DRIPS ONTO THE HOT EXHAUST SYSTEM, AND PRODUCES VISIBLE, FOUL SMELLING SMOKE WHENEVER THE CAR IS DRIVEN. MANUFACTURER HAS REFUSED TO REPAIR UNDER WARRANTY, OR RECOGNIZE A PROBLEM, IN SPITE OF SIMILAR FAILURES IN EARLIER MODELS, AND PREVIOUS CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT SETTLEMENT BECAUSE OF THOSE FAILURES. THE CAR IS STILL UNDER AN EMISSIONS WARRANTY THAT WILL EXPIRE AT 157,500 MILES. THE CAR WAS SOLD AS A PARTIAL ZERO-EMISSIONS VEHICLE, BUT CLEARLY THE SMOKE FROM THE DRIPPING OIL EXCEEDS ANY EMISSION STANDARD. MY FEELING IS THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD REPAIR THE CAR UNDER THE EMISSIONS WARRANTY, AS WELL AS PRIOR FAILURE HISTORY. *TR

May 17, 2011

AT APPROXIMATELY 85,000 MILES, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON OUR 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK XT WENT ON AND WE TOOK THE VEHICLE IN TO OUR LOCAL REPAIR SHOP TO CHECK THE LIGHT AND THEY RECOMMENDED HAVING THE VEHICLE TOWED TO OUR SUBARU DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED IN AND THE DEALER SERVICE PERSON CALLED STATING THAT TIMTHE TURBO HAD FAILED (ALONG WITH THE CV BOOT & ALTERNATOR BELT). I PROVIDED THE INFORMATION REGARDING OUR OFFICIAL SUBARU 100,000 MILE GOLD PLUS "EXTENDED SERVICE CONTRACT" WHICH WE PURCHASED FOR $1975. THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE WOULD NOT CONFIRM WHETHER OR NOT THESE COMPONENTS WOULD BE COVERED UNDER OUR SERVICE CONTRACT AND THEN CALLED ME AND SAID SUBARU DENIED THE CLAIM PENDING RECEIPT OF SERVICE RECORDS. MY HUSBAND AND MY FATHER HAVE CHANGED THE OIL, AIR FILTERS AND PERFORMED GENERAL SERVICE IN COMBINATION WITH SERVICE BY VARIOUS SERVICE SHOPS. MY RECORDS ARE NOT COMPLETE AND I EXPECT THAT SUBARU WILL TRY TO DENY COVERAGE OF THE TURBO DUE TO THIS. THERE ARE AMPLE REPORTS ON SUBARU FORUMS REPORTING THE SAME FAILURE AND I FEEL THAT THIS PROBLEM IS NOT DUE TO OWNER NEGLIGENCE, BUT BY FAULTY DESIGN. THIS TYPE OF FAILURE SHOULD BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY SHOULD SERVICE THE VEHICLE PER THE SERVICE CONTRACT WITHOUT CAUSING UNDUE STRESS TO THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE. *TR

May 09, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY WERE TOLD THAT THE BANJO FILTERS SCREEN FAILED AND SENT SHARDS OF METAL THROUGH THE ENGINE. THE DEALER TOLD THE CONTACT THAT IN 2007, THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED BECAUSE OF THE FAILURE AND THE ENGINE WAS PREVIOUSLY REBUILT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INFORMATION WAS NOT LISTED ON THE VEHICLE HISTORY REPORT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 62,000.

Apr 25, 2011

+ 4 more complaints for this component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

7 complaints

The contact owns a 2005 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The brake warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive home where he inspected the vehicle and discovered severe corrosion at a connection point on the brake line. The contact stated that the brake line was leaking brake fluid. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V311000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle had already been serviced previously under the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

Feb 21, 2023

The contact owns a 2005 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the brake warning light remained illuminated and the brake pedal extended to the floor while depressed. Upon inspection, the contact discovered brake fluid had leaked from the rear passenger’s side wheel area. Further inspection revealed rusting and corrosion of the brake lines. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the NHTSA campaign number: 13V110000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The failure mileage was 150,000.

Aug 11, 2021

BRAKES ARE VERY WEAK FOR THE FIRST COUPLE OF STOPS AFTER THE CAR HAS BEEN SITTING FOR A WHILE (ABOUT EIGHT HOURS OR MORE). BRAKES WORK FINE AFTER WARMING UP. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN FIRST BACKING OUT OF DRIVING; WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO STOP FAST ENOUGH IF A CHILD OR PERSON WAS SUDDENLY IN THE WAY AND YOU NEEDED TO STOP. THIS IS THE CASE WITH OEM BRAKE PADS AND AFTER-MARKET PADS. *TR

May 02, 2011

AT AROUND 14,000 MILES THE DEALER TOLD ME THE ROTORS HAD WARPED AND NEEDED TO BE TURNED. AGAIN AT ABOUT 22,000 I WAS TOLD THE ROTORS HAD WARPED AND NEEDED TO BE TURNED. I WAS TOLD THIS WAS DUE TO HEAVY BRAKING, STOP AND GO TRAFFIC OR RIDING THE BRAKES. I HAVE ANOTHER CAR WITH OVER 100,000 MILES ON IT AND THE ROTORS HAVE NEVER NEEDED TO BE TURNED, MY DRIVING HABITS NOT THE CAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. SUBARU HAS NOT GOTTEN BACK TO ME IN OVER 2 MONTHS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. I THINK THIS COULD BE A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. *TR

Mar 11, 2008

COMPONENT: SERVICE BRAKES, BRAKE PADS, DETAILS: THE BRAKE PADS ON MY 2005 SUBARU HAVE WARPED (ALL 4) AT 18,000 MILES PRODUCING AN UNEVEN SENSATION AS ONE IS BRAKING. IT ALSO INCREASES THE DISTANCE REQUIRED TO STOP. AFTER TAKING MY SUBARU IN FOR A BRAKE INSPECTION (AT 20,000 MILES) I WAS TOLD THAT ALL 4 WHEELS NEEDED NEW BRAKE PADS, (EVEN THOUGH MY FRONT BRAKES HAVE 60% BRAKING EFFICIENCY & 70% ON THE REAR BRAKES). MY PARTNER, WHO IS A PROFESSIONAL DRIVER, IS THE SOLE DRIVER OF OUR SUBARU AND IS VERY RARELY IN STOP-AND-GO TRAFFIC. ON THE FEW OCCASIONS WHEN SHE IS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC SHE MAINTAINS EXTRA DISTANCE BETWEEN HER VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HER TO AVOID HAVING TO USE HER BRAKES MORE THEN IS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY. NEITHER ONE OF US HAVE EVER HAD TO REPLACE THE BRAKE PADS ON A VEHICLE WITH MILEAGE AS LOW AS 20,000 MILES AND BOTH OF US HAVE LIVED IN LARGE CITIES ALL OF OUR LIVES. I HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM ON A 2000 SUBARU FORESTER. THIS IS A DEFINITE SAFETY ISSUE. SUBARU, OVERALL, MAKES RELIABLE, RESPONSIVE AND SAFE VEHICLES BUT THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE DEALT WITH BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED. *JB

Aug 19, 2007

+ 2 more complaints for this component

POWER TRAIN

7 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON AN INCLINE, IT ROLLED AWAY. THE CONTACT JUMPED BACK INTO THE VEHICLE TO STOP IT FROM ROLLING. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE DEALER WAS NOT CALLED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 140,000.

May 16, 2018

PREMATURE WHEEL BEARING FAILURE OF BOTH FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS. RESULTED IN LOUD HUMMING FROM FRONT END OF VEHICLE BUT WAS REPAIRED PRIOR TO ANY SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

Mar 20, 2009

I HAVE A 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK WAGON. THIS WEEKEND, ON HARD PACKED ICE ROADS, THE BACK WHEELS WOULD "FLOAT", SWAY OUT FROM UNDER MY VEHICLE. THIS HAS HAPPENED PREVIOUSLY IN BLACK ICE CONDITIONS. I WAS TRAVELING 20 MPH SLOWER THAN THE REST OF TRAFFIC TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE, AND THUS CREATING AN ADDITIONAL HAZARD TO THE VEHICLES THAT COULD HANDLE THE CONDITIONS. THE BELOW EMAIL THREAD IS A GOOD DESCRIPTION OF WHAT I HAVE EXPERIENCED IN THE PAST AND OTHER SUBARU OUTBACK OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING AS WELL. THE VEHICLE HAS NEW TIRES AND THE ALIGNMENT WAS RECENTLY VERIFIED. THANKS, CALE STREETER HTTP://WWW.SUBARUOUTBACK.ORG/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?S=&THREADID=11267&PERPAGE=20&PAGENUMBER=32. *TR

Jan 19, 2009

BOTH REAR WHEEL BEARING HUBS WENT BAD BETWEEN 55K AND 58K MILES. THEY WERE FIXED WITH A REPLACEMENT PART. THEY CAUSED A LOUD NOISE WHILE DRIVING. *TR

Dec 12, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK. INTERMITTENTLY, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE LOSES CONTROL IN SLICK ROAD CONDITIONS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS MECHANICAL FAILURE WITH THE ELECTRONICS IN THE ALL WHEEL DRIVE. THE FAILURE OCCURS WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 20-45 MPH. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS REALIGNED, BUT THE FAILURE STILL PERSISTS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 25,800 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000.

Jan 24, 2008

+ 2 more complaints for this component

WHEELS

7 complaints

LEFT, FRONT WHEEL BEARING REPLACED DUE TO WEAR. *TR

Oct 24, 2012

LEFT, REAR BEARING REPLACED DUE TO WEAR. *TR

Oct 24, 2012

RIGHT, FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED DUE TO WEAR. *TR

Oct 24, 2012

RIGHT, REAR WHEEL BEARING REPLACED DUE TO WEAR. *TR

Oct 24, 2012

2005 SUBARU OUTBACK REAR HUB RECALL: NOT CONVINCED THAT THE RECALL THAT REPLACES THE REAR HUBS WITH THE IMPROVED VERSION IS EFFECTIVE. I HAD BOTH REAR HUBS REPLACE UNDER THE RECALL AT 45,000 MILES AND ONE OF THOSE WENT OUT AT 86,000 MILES (41,000 MILES AFTER REPLACEMENT). THIS CONCERNS ME THAT THE NEW REAR HUBS ARE HAVING PROBLEMS SO QUICKLY. *TR

Jul 19, 2010

+ 2 more complaints for this component

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

6 complaints

ON RANDOM OCCASIONS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL QUITS WORKING, RESULTING IN SUDDEN DECELERATION WITH THE ENGINE SPEED NOT RESPONDING TO THE PEDAL POSITION. I HAVE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROADWAY, TURN OFF THE IGNITION AND WAIT. UPON RESTARTING THE CAR DRIVES FINE UNTIL THE NEXT FAILURE. OCCASIONALLY IT TAKES E FEW TRIES TO RESET.

Jan 15, 2021

AS I WAS DRIVING, I ALL OF A SUDDEN LOST ALL POWER AND CONTROL FROM THE GAS PEDAL. THE CAR DECELERATED AND I WAS ONLY ABLE TO IDLE FORWARD. THE GAS PEDAL BECAME COMPLETELY UNRESPONSIVE. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND RESTARTED IT. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT BLINKS BUT THE CAR DRIVES FINE UNTIL THE THE PROBLEM HAPPENS AGAIN. THERE IS NO WAY TO PREDICT IT. I'M GLAD IT HAS NOT HAPPENED IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION OR A MORE DANGEROUS SITUATION WHERE DECELERATING THAT QUICKLY WAS MORE DANGEROUS. THE CAR IS IN MOTION ON CITY STREETS WHEN THIS HAPPENS. I BELIEVE THE CHECK ENGINE CODE READING IS P2138.

Nov 06, 2018

THERE IS SMELL OF GAS IN THE CABIN , THIS IS A 2.5 TURBO MODEL WHICH INCREASES DANGER OF FIRE.I NOTICED OTHER SUBARUS FROM DIFFERENT YEARS AND MODELS HAVING SAME PROBLEM AND EVEN BEING RECALLED, SO I SUSPECT THIS IS THE SAME OR SIMILAR FUEL LEAK PROBLEM.HOPE THEY RECOGNIZE THIS AND FIX IT!

Jul 24, 2017

THE CABIN IS FLOODED WITH THE SMELL OF RAW GASOLINE ON COLD DAYS DUE TO THE SAME DEFECT THAT CAUSED A RECALL FOR THE EARLY 2000'S SUBARU IMPREZA WRX'S. THIS DEFECT IS ALSO PRESENT IN THE FORESTER AND THE LEGACY, JUST READ THE FORUMS. ON TURBO CHARGED CARS THIS CAN LEAD TO A FIRE AND ON ALL CARS IT BATHES THE OCCUPANTS IN GASOLINE VAPOR AS THE LEAK OCCURS JUST OUTSIDE THE FRESH AIR INTAKE. THIS IS MORE THAN JUST THE SCENT OF GASOLINE. TURNING ON THE AIR BLOWER PULLS IN ENOUGH VAPORS TO MAKE MY EYES WATER. THE VAPORS PERSIST UNTIL ABOUT 45MPH WHICH MEANS DRIVING WITH THE WINDOWS OPEN IN THE WINTER.

Nov 04, 2015

STRONG RAW GASOLINE SMELL IN AND AROUND ENGINE, AS WELL AS THROUGHOUT THE CABIN WHEN OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE DROPS TO BELOW 60 DEGREES (F). *TR

Sep 02, 2014

+ 1 more complaint for this component

ENGINE

5 complaints

HEAD GASKET LEAK CAUSING ANTI-FREEZE LEAKING.,. BEGAN AFTER 100K EXTENDED WARRANTY EXPIRED. TOLD THAT CAUSED DUE TO DEFECT IN ENGINE DESIGN. LATER MODELS WITH NEW DESIGN HAVE NOT HAD PROBLEM. SUBARU IS KNOWS ABOUT ISSUE, BUT NOT TAKING ANY ACTION TO COMPENSATE FOR REPAIR (EXT. COST AROUND $3K).

Mar 21, 2019

BOUGHT CAR IN 2013, HAVE REPLACED THE TURBO 3 TIMES! FIRST WITHIN LESS THAN A MONTH OF OWNERSHIP. AGAIN IN 2016 & AGAIN 3 MONTHS LATER. JANUARY 2018, AGAIN THE CAR LEFT ME STRANDED FOR THE 4TH TIME! THE OUTBACK HAS BEEN IN THE GARAGE FOR ALMOST 4 WEEKS, ONLY TO FIND OUT THE TURBO HAD A STRIPPED SUPPORT, WHICH COST ME A 'NEW, USED MOTOR!!! I BOUGHT MY 1ST OUTBACK IN 2000 OFF THE SHOWROOM FLOOR, NEVER HAD ANY MAJOR REPAIRS, JUST ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. DROVE HER UNTIL SEPT 2013 DUE TO A CRASH, WHICH WAS TOTALED.

Feb 01, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS APPLIED AND THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER AS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BLINKED OFF AND ON. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THEN DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

Aug 13, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, HE HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE AS THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE WAS BLOWN. THE FAILURE HAD OCCURRED TWO YEARS PRIOR TO THE RECENT FAILURE AND THE ENGINE HAD BEEN REPLACED. THE THIRD ENGINE WAS INSTALLED AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 105,000. RETURNED BY USPS ON 6/7/2013. 2ND ATTEMPT ON 6/11/2013 FAILED. *KB

May 07, 2013

SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5XT. 2005 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON & I COULD HEAR WHISTLING OR WHOOSING SOUNDS FROM ENGINE AREA. TOOK IT TO AN AUTO REPAIR PLACE SLOWLY,ASAP & THERE IT SITS. HAS 155,000 MILES ON IT & I MAINTAIN & LOVE MY CAR! THE GEARS IN THE TURBO 'BROKE APART' & LEFT SHARDS OF METAL IN OIL PAN & AT THIS TIME WHO KNOWS WHERE ELSE. WAS HOPING THERE WAS A RECALL AS I MAINTAIN MY VEHICLES & IT SEEMS LIKE A MANUFACTURER ERROR. *TR

Feb 27, 2013

STEERING,SUSPENSION

5 complaints

WHILE DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES LIKE ICE AND SNOW, THE VEHICLE WILL BEGIN SWAYING LEFT AND RIGHT UNCONTROLLABLY. THE SENSATION, ALSO KNOWN AS "GHOST WALKING" COULD EASILY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT IF THE DRIVER CAN NOT CONTROL THE SWAYING, AND SPINNING OUT. CONDITIONS OF PROBLEM: DRIVING DURING WINTER CONDITIONS, ON SNOWY ROADS AND HIGHWAYS. THE VEHICLE IS FINE UNDER DRY/NORMAL CONDITIONS. I BELIEVE THE ISSUE STEMS FROM THE AWD SYSTEM.

Mar 04, 2019

WHILE DRIVING ON STRAIGHT, FLAT AND LEVEL ICE-COVERED NORTHERN INDIANA ROAD AT 35 MPH, MY 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK XT LTD FISHTAILED (REAR OVER-STEER) REPEATEDLY. THIS FELT AS IF THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WAS BEING QUICKLY PUSHED FROM SIDE TO SIDE. (THIS IS OFTEN REFERRED TO AS "GHOSTWALKING" AND IS UNMISTAKABLE ONCE EXPERIENCED.) THERE WERE TWO AVERAGE WEIGHT ADULTS IN THE FRONT SEATS AND ONE YOUNG ADULT (135 LBS) IN THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT. THE VEHICLE RECEIVED A FOUR-WHEEL ALIGNMENT TWO YEARS AGO AND DOES NOT EXHIBIT ANY ALIGNMENT-RELATED ISSUES ON DRY PAVEMENT. I.E., DOESN'T PULL TO LEFT OR RIGHT, NOR WEAR TIRES UNEVENLY. THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED IN WINTER WITH BRIDGESTONE BLIZZAK WS60 215/55 R17 TIRES WITH APPROX. 75% OF THEIR TREAD REMAINING. (THESE TIRES SHOW NO SIGNS OF ABNORMAL WEAR OR OTHER DEFECTS.) I AM A DRIVER WITH 37 YEARS OF DRIVING EXPERIENCE AND BELIEVE THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE. I'VE NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS DEGREE OF UNPREDICTABLE INSTABILITY IN ANY VEHICLE THAT I'VE DRIVEN ON ICE. THIS VEHICLE GIVES THE OPERATOR THE IMPRESSION THAT IT IS VERY SURE-FOOTED IN ANY OTHER CONDITION, LEADING THE OPERATOR TO APPROACH ALL ROAD CONDITIONS WITH A LEVEL OF CONFIDENCE THAT CAN (AND DOES) RESULT IN NEARLY OUT-OF-CONTROL SITUATIONS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN ON ICE. *TR

Dec 25, 2012

PURCHASED 2005 OUTBACK IN APRIL 2012 WITH APPROXIMATELY 190000 MILES. CAR FELT VERY UNSTABLE WHEN GOING OVER ANY UNEVEN ROAD SURFACE. REPLACED REAR STRUTS WITH NO IMPROVEMENT. TRIED DIFFERENT TIRES WITH NO NOTICEABLE CHANGE. DECIDED IT MUST BE AN ODD BUT NORMAL CONDITION FOR THE VEHICLE. TODAY, 9/18/12, DROVE CAR IN LIGHT RAIN ALONG A 2-LANE ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 50-55 MPH AND CAR WAS VERY UNSTABLE IN THE REAR. THE REAR "STEERED" LEFT/RIGHT AND FELT VERY UNSTABLE. THERE WAS A SENSE THE VEHICLE WAS GOING TO ABRUPTLY CROSS INTO THE OTHER LANE. I HAVE OVER 40 YEARS OF DRIVING EXPERIENCE AND REALIZE THIS IS NOT NORMAL VEHICLE PERFORMANCE. I LIVE IN A CENTRAL NY AND PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL WHEEL DRIVE AFTER OWNING A 1995 SUBARU IMPREZA AND A 1997 SUBARU OUTBACK. GIVEN THE SITUATION I HAD TODAY, I AM AFRAID OF WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN ICE/SNOW CONDITIONS COMMON IN NY. I BEGAN TO RESEARCH THE ISSUE ONLINE IN AN ATTEMPT TO CORRECT MY SITUATION BEFORE WINTER ARRIVES. I FOUND MANY ONLINE CONCERNS REGARDING THIS ISSUE. WHILE I HAVE NOT YET APPROACHED SUBARU DIRECTLY, I GET AN OVERWHELMING SENSE FROM ONLINE COMMENTS THAT SUBARU WILL NOT BE VERY HELPFUL. I AM MAKING THIS SAFETY COMPLAINT IN HOPES THAT MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS COMBINED WILL EXPOSE WHAT I FEEL IS A VERY SERIOUS/DANGEROUS HANDLING ISSUE WITH A 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK. *TR

Sep 18, 2012

I RESIDE IN THE SIERRA NEVADA MOUNTAINS IN CALIFORNIA AND EXPERIENCE SNOWY/ICY DRIVING CONDITIONS REGULARLY THROUGHOUT THE WINTER. THE OUTBACK WAS PURCHASED FOR ITS PERFORMANCE IN THESE CONDITIONS AND IS EQUIPPED WITH BLIZZAK STUDLESS SNOW TIRES. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, IN BOTH CA AND CO, WHILE DRIVING ON PACKED SNOW AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE REAR END BEGAN TO FISHTALE OUT OF CONTROL. THIS SITUATION CONTINUED TO WORSEN UNTIL THE SPEED WAS REDUCED TO BELOW 30 MPH. I HAVE SPOKEN TO THE DEALER AND OF COURSE, "THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF SUCH AN EVENT" AND DID NOT HAVE ANY IDEA AS TO WHAT MAY HAVE CAUSED THIS CONDITION NOR HOW TO CORRECT. THERE ARE TOO MANY REPORTS OF THIS IDENTICAL OUT OF CONTROL CONDITION FOR IT TO BE COINCIDENTAL, SUBARU NEEDS TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED. *TR

Jan 16, 2012

I AM A VERY EXPERIENCED DRIVER IN SNOWY AND ICY CONDITIONS. MY OUTBACK 2005 2.5I STARTED WIGGLING OUT OF CONTROL (ESPECIALLY FELT THE BACK END WIGGLE LEFT TO RIGHT) ON A STRAIGHT ROAD WITH APPROX 1/2 INCH ICE AND PACKED SNOW CAUSING ME TO SLOW DOWN FROM APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH TO 20 MPH . OTHER 2 WD VEHICLES PASSED US AT MUCH HIGHER SPEEDS WITH NO APPARENT PROBLEM TO KEEP STRAIGHT. OUR CAR HAD 2 ADULTS AND 2 SMALL CHILDREN IN IT WITH SKIING GEAR. CHANGED OUR WINTER TIRES IMMEDIATELY AFTER. THE PROBLEM OCCURRED AGAIN ON A FEW OTHER SIMILAR OCCASIONS, FOR WHICH I WENT TO THE DEALER TO GET ALIGNED, TIRE CHANGED AGAIN. WENT TO DEALER IN 2010 AFTER THIS OCCURRED AGAIN ON THE HIGHWAY WITH ONLY SLUSH AND WATER. I HAD TO SLOW FROM 55 MPH TO 30 MPH TO KEEP CAR IN CONTROL. REMEMBER THIS IS ON THE HIGHWAY!! WENT TO DEALER AGAIN TO RE-ALIGN THE CAR WHICH ACCORDING TO THEM WAS NOT ALIGNED. THE PROBLEM RE-OCCURRED AGAIN THIS WINTER. I AM NOW FED UP, THIS IS A DANGEROUS CAR AND I AM TURNING IT IN TO BUY A NEW CAR. I CAN'T UNDERSTAND WHY SUBARU IS NOT RECALLING TO FIX THE REAR SUSPENSION. *TR

Jan 07, 2012

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

5 complaints

THE WIRING FOR THE LICENSE PLATE LIGHTS FAILED IN THE UPPER RIGHT HATCH HINGE BOOT CAUSING THE LICENSE PLATE LIGHTS TO NOT OPERATE. THE PURPLE WIRE HAD BROKEN INSIDE THE BOOT AREA. THE PURPLE WIRE IS EXTREMELY SMALL GAUGE FOR A LOCATION THAT IS OPENED AND CLOSED OFTEN. *TR

Feb 14, 2015

WIRING LOCATED ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE BETWEEN THE HATCH DOOR AND BODY (IN THE PROTECTIVE BOOT) WAS SEVERED AS A RESULT OF POOR QUALITY WIRING AND DESIGN. WIRES WERE STRESS-SEVERED AND NEARLY SEVERED BY NORMAL OPERATION OF OPENING/CLOSING THE WAGON REAR DOOR. APPARENTLY THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE AS DISCOVERED BY VISITING ONLINE FORUMS. *TR

Feb 10, 2015

LOW BEAMS REPLACE SEVERAL TIME, REPLACED BOTH RECENTLY AND BOTH WENT OUT AT THE SAME TIME IN THE DARK ON THEY WAY TO WORK. LIGHTS IN DASHBOARD CONSTANTLY FLASHING ON AND OFF, ABS, BATTERY, BRAKE. SPEEDOMETER JUMPING ALL OVER THE PLACE. BEEN HAPPENING OVER A MONTH OR SO. VERY UPSET CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT IT IS. *TR

Mar 22, 2014

WITHOUT ANY ACCIDENT, UNDER NORMAL USAGE, THE VEHICLE'S LICENSE PLATE LIGHTS FAILED. THE PROBLEM WAS TRACED TO A BREAK IN A CONDUCTOR (WIRE) CONTAINED IN A WIRING HARNESS THAT CONNECTS THE VEHICLE TO THE REAR HATCH THROUGH A RUBBER BELLOWS. ONCE THE BELLOWS WAS RETRACTED, THE BROKEN WIRE WAS FOUND ALONG WITH TWELVE (12) OTHER WIRES THAT WERE ALL NEARLY BROKEN: THEIR INSULATION WAS CRACKED AND SEVERAL WIRES ULTIMATELY BROKE COMPLETELY UPON FURTHER FLEXING. THESE OTHER WIRES FED THE BRAKE LIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS, RUNNING LIGHTS, HATCH LOCK, AND ALL OTHER ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS ON THE REAR HATCH. IT APPEARS THAT THE INSULATION ON THIS WIRE DOES NOT HOLD UP IN THIS ENVIRONMENT AND WILL ULTIMATELY FAIL IN THE COURSE OF SEVERAL YEARS. THIS POSES A SAFETY PROBLEM AS THE VEHICLES REAR LIGHTS (TURN SIGNALS, BRAKE LIGHTS, ETC.) CAN FAIL AT ANY MOMENT. *TR

May 12, 2013

MY BACK UP LIGHTS AND LICENSE PLATE LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING. FOUND THE WIRES BETWEEN THE LIGHT GATE AND BODY OF CAR WERE BREAKING ONE BY ONE. ALSO MY ANTENNA WIRES WERE BROKEN ON OTHER SIDE SAME LOCATION. WAS SURPRISED TO SEE THIS. WIRES USUALLY DON'T WEAR OUT LIKE THIS I WOULDN'T THINK. *TR

Apr 20, 2013

STEERING

5 complaints

I HAVE A 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, DRIVING ON HARD-PACKED SNOW AND/OR ICE/GLAZE ON THE HIGHWAY I HAVE FOUND IT NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE THE CAR AT TRAFFIC SPEEDS WITHOUT THE REAR END LOSING GRIP AND SLIDING SIDE TO SIDE. IT FEELS LIKE IT'S VERY WINDY, AND YOU'RE ABOUT TO LOSE CONTROL. EXCEPT THAT IT'S NOT WINDY. THE CAR JUST SEEMS TO LOSE TRACTION IN THE REAR WHEELS. WE'VE HAD TO SLOW DOWN TO AROUND 30 MPH WHILE SEMI-TRUCKS, REGULAR FWD AND EVEN RWD VEHICLES BLEW BY US. I'VE DRIVEN IN THESE WINTRY CONDITIONS FOR 35 YEARS WITHOUT THIS SORT OF ISSUE. I'VE OWNED A 1997 OUTBACK AND NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS SORT OF ISSUE. BUT THIS 2005 IS SCARY IF THE ROAD CONDITIONS ARE JUST RIGHT (WRONG). THIS IS A DEFINITE SAFETY HAZARD AND WHILE I LOVE THE CAR IN MANY OTHER WAYS I WILL PROBABLY NEED TO GET RID OF IT. *TR

Jan 10, 2013

2005 SUBARU OUTBACK WAGON EXTREMELY UNSTABLE ON SLIPPERY ROADS. UNSAFE TO DRIVE AT ANY SPEED UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS. HAS BEEN TERMED 'GHOST WALKING'. THIS PROBLEM CAN BE FIXED / HELPED WITH WHEEL ALIGNMENT, BUT SHOULD NOT BE SUCH A DANGEROUS VEHICLE BECAUSE OF AN ALIGNMENT PROBLEM. SOME OTHER FACTORS HAVE TO BE CONTRIBUTING TO THE HORRIFIC HANDLING OF THIS VEHICLE ON SLIPPERY ROADS. IT IS NOT A MATTER OF JUST SLOWING DOWN. *TR

May 24, 2011

WHILE DRIVING ON SNOWPACKED DIRT ROADS TO TOWN, I REACHED A STRAIGHTAWAY WHERE, UNKNOWN TO ME, ICE HAD FORMED OVER THE SNOW. DRIVING STRAIGHT AT 30-35 MPH, THE BACK END SUDDENLY BEGAN TO TRACK TO THE RIGHT. I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT AND PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL TO CORRECT, BUT THIS HAD NO EFFECT. I WAS UNABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL, AND THE VEHICLE SLID INTO THE DITCH, RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AND MINOR INJURY TO MYSELF. *TR

Dec 03, 2010

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SWAY FROM SIDE TO SIDE. IF THE CONTACT DROVE MORE THAN 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD FAIL AGAIN. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY BEING INSPECTED BY THE DEALER. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE HAS NOT YET BEEN DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO CURRENT RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE; THEREFORE, NO COMPENSATION WOULD BE PROVIDED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 36,875.

Feb 04, 2009

MY 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5XT HAS A BAD REAR END SWAY WHILE DRIVING OVER SLICK SPOTS ON THE HIGHWAY, FEELING LIKE THE CAR IS GOING TO LOOSE CONTROL. *TR

Feb 06, 2008

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

4 complaints

I BEGAN TO SMELL THE ODOR OF RAW GASOLINE AS THE TEMPERATURES BECAME CONSISTENTLY IN THE SINGLE TO SUB-ZERO RANGE. I CONTACTED SUBARU OF AMERICA AND SET UP AN APPOINTMENT WITH MY SUBARU DEALER FOR JAN. 3RD. THE DEALER INFORMED ME THAT THE FUEL LINES AND CLAMPS WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $500 (AFTER AN ~ $300 COMPENSATION). I REBUTTED AND ASKED SOA TO PAY FOR EVERYTHING AS THIS SEEMS LIKE A FUNDAMENTAL ENGINEERING/DESIGN FLAW AND IT IS ALSO THE 2ND TIME THAT I HAVE HAD TO MAKE THIS REPAIR (FIRST TIME WAS WHEN THE CAR HAD ~40,000 TO 50,000 MILES ON IT)- HAD TO REPLACE THE INTAKE GASKETS AS WELL (PER DEALER). THEY HAVE DECLINED TO COMPENSATE ME FURTHER AND CLAIM THE ISSUE IS AGE RELATED. WHEN I ASKED (SOA) IF THIS WAS A KNOWN ISSUE FOR NEWER SUBARUS, THEY SAID THEY DID NOT KNOW. I ASKED IF THEY DID NOT KNOW OR COULDN'T SAY AND THE RESPONDED "BOTH". BOTTOM-LINE: FUEL LEAKS, OF THIS NATURE DUE TO POOR DESIGN, SHOULD NOT BE SOMETHING CONSUMERS SHOULD HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT NONE-THE-LESS PAY FOR. *TR

Jan 06, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED AN OVERPOWERING SMELL OF GAS. ONCE HE INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A LEAK NEAR THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS FRACTURED DUE TO CORROSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 126,000.

Oct 25, 2011

FUEL IS LEAKING FROM THE WELDED SEAM ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE FUEL TANK WHEN THE TANK IS FULL. I PARKED THE CAR IN THE GARAGE AFTER FILLING THE TANK, WENT INTO THE HOUSE, AND THE NEXT MORNING FOUND A SMALL PUDDLE OF GAS JUST FORWARD AND INBOARD OF THE RIGHT REAR TIRE, AND A VERY STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE . I COULD SEE A DRIP APPROXIMATELY EVERY 10 SECONDS. MY NEIGHBORHOOD MECHANIC EXAMINED THE CAR AND DIAGNOSED THE LEAK AT THE WELDED SEAM, NOT AT THE FUEL FILLER TUBE CONNECTION AT THE TANK, AND RECOMMENDED IT BE FIXED AT THE DEALER. IT IS AT MINOOKA SUBARU IN MINOOKA, PA. RIGHT NOW. *TR

Oct 22, 2011

I HAD MY 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK SENT TO SHOP FOR TUNE-UP. NOW OVER THE LAST YEAR I HAVE BEEN HAVING GAS FUMES ENTERING THE PASSENGER CABIN WHEN EVER YOU RUN THE A/C OR FRONT WINDOW DEFOGGER WITH THE RECIRCULATION AIR OFF. (MEANING LETTING FRESH AIR IN). WHEN EVER I AM AT A STAND STILL (IE-AT TRAFFIC LIGHT OR IN TRAFFIC OR WHEN I AM DE-ICING OR DE-FOGGING THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WHEN NOT IN MOTION) THE SMELL OF GAS COMES THROUGH THE VENT AND IS MAKING ME SICK AND DIZZY. I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO HAVE TWO DIFFERENT SUBARU DEALERS CORRECT THE ISSUE BUT TO NO LUCK. THEY CANNOT FIGURE IT OUT AND IT SEEMS THAT THIS IS AN ON GOING AND PERSISTENT PROBLEM WITH SUBARU VEHICLES. I AM CONCERNED FOR MY HEALTH AND SAFE OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE. IT SEEMS THAT NO ONE WILL ATTEMPT TO REALLY FIX THE PROBLEM. I HAVE READ ON NUMEROUS FORUMS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH SUBARU'S, YET NOTHING IS EVER DONE TO CORRECT A POSSIBLY FATAL ACCIDENT OR ASPHYXIATION FROM HAPPENING. PLEASE INVESTIGATE. *TR

Sep 18, 2008

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

3 complaints

I PURCHASED THIS 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK THIS PAST SUMMER. I HAVE DRIVEN IT ON THE VERY SAME ROAD I DESCRIBE BELOW, UNDER DRY CONDITIONS, WITH ABSOLUTELY NO ISSUES WHATSOEVER. ON THIS PARTICULAR NIGHT, THE ROADS WERE JUST STARTING TO BUILD SNOW AND FREEZE, BUT OTHERS WERE DRIVING AND PASSING WITH NO ISSUES. WHILE TRAVELING ON THIS TWO LANE ROAD, WITH A SPEED LIMIT OF 70MPH, MY SUBARU DEVELOPED A SWAY IN THE BACK END. IT FELT LIKE THE SUBARU WAS GOING TO LOSE CONTROL AND SWAY INTO ON COMING TRAFFIC. IF I WENT OVER 30MPH THE SWAY BEGAN AND I FEARED THAT THE "SWAY" WAS GOING TO SEND MY CAR INTO THE OPPOSITE LANE OF TRAFFIC AND CAUSE ME TO HAVE A HEAD ON WRECK. I DIDN'T NOTICE ANY OTHER VEHICLES HAVING ANY ISSUES. DURING THIS TRIP, I HAD TO DRIVE NO FASTER THAN 30MPH ON A TWO LANE ROAD WITH A 70MPH SPEED LIMIT. THERE WERE SEVERAL CARS BEHIND ME AND SEVERAL IN THE ONCOMING LANE. I COULDN'T PULL OVER AND LET TRAFFIC PASS BECAUSE THERE WASN'T ANY TURN OUTS AND THERE WAS CONTINUOUS ONCOMING TRAFFIC. I WAS FORCED TO DRIVE LESS THAN 30MPH, FOR FEAR THAT I WAS GOING TO HAVE A HEAD ON COLLISION, AND HAD TO STRADDLE THE RUMBLE STRIP ON THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. I WAS NEARLY FORCED OFF THE ROAD BY A SEMI TRUCK FOLLOWING ME. THIS WAS AN EXTREMELY SCARY SITUATION. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING ON SNOW AND ICE COVERED ROADS FOR OVER 30 YEARS AND I HAVE NEVER HAD AN EXPERIENCE AS HORRIBLE AS THIS. I FEARED FOR MY LIFE AND THE LIVES OF MY CHILDREN RIDING IN THE CAR!!!! AFTER GETTING PAST THE ICE AND SNOW ON THIS ROAD, I DROVE ON, GOING 70MPH, AND HAD NO ISSUES WITH THE CAR AT ALL. THE "SWAY OCCURS" ON ICY/SNOW COVERED ROADS WHILE GOING OVER 30MPH. THE "SWAY "ONLY HAPPENS IN THE REAR OF THE CAR. PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE! THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND FIXED!!!

Jan 30, 2020

BOUGHT CAR IN 2006. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AFTER HAVING A COUPLE OF MONTHS. UNDER WARRANTY REPLACED OXYGEN SENSOR, WENT OUT AFTER A MONTH; ALSO HEADLIGHT WENT OUT. HAD SENIOR REPLACED AGAIN, WENT OUT AGAIN AFTER 1 MONTH. WASN'T UNDER WARRANTY, THE SENSOR WAS BUT NOT THE LABOR. SINGLE INCOME COULDN'T AFFORD TO KEEP REPLACING. MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAD BEEN ON FOR 9 YEARS, AND I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO USE MY CRUISE CONTROL. MY 1 ST SUBARU WAS A 1986; BEEN DRIVING ONE SENSE. JUST THOUGHT YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW.

Aug 18, 2017

REAR HATCH DOES NOT LOCK.

Jul 06, 2016

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

3 complaints

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH, THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT FLASHED. ONCE THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED, THE ACCELERATOR AGAIN ENGAGED. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS (AND COMMON IN SUBARUS) MALFUNCTION. I WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO BE ABLE TO PULL OVER ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT INCIDENT. *TR

Dec 06, 2014

JUST AFTER GETTING OFF I-43 NEAR SHEBOYGAN ON FRONTAGE ROAD MY CAR LOST ALL POWER AND NO ACCELERATION ON GAS PEDAL. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT WAS BLINKING. I HAD TO SHIFT TO NEUTRAL AND PULL OVER TO A SHOULDER. TURNED THE CAR OFF FOR COUPLE OF MINUTES WHILE I CHECK UNDER THE HOOD. STARTED THE CAR JUST FINE BUT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS STILL ON AND CRUISE WAS BLINKING. SUBARU MECHANIC READ ERROR CODE P2138 THROTTLE/PEDAL POSITION SENSOR/SWITCH 'D'/'E' VOLTAGE RATIONALITY. THEY SAID IT WAS CAUSED BY BAD CONTACTS ON TPS SENSOR BY THE GAS PEDAL. HE RESET THE CODE AND IT HAS NOT APPEARED AGAIN FOR ALMOST A WEEK. I AM AFRAID OF IT GOING OFF AGAIN WHILE MY WIFE AND KIDS ARE DRIVING IT ON THE HIGHWAY. DOES SOMEONE NEED TO DIE BEFORE SUBARU TAKES ACTION ON THIS. *TR

Jul 23, 2014

WHILE DRIVING MY OUTBACK LOST SUDDENLY LOST ALL ACCELERATION. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IMMEDIATELY CAME ON AND THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT BEGAN TO BLINK. THE CAR CONTINUED TO MOVE FORWARD BUT DECELERATED TO ABOUT 15 MPH WHICH NEARLY RESULTED IN MY BEING REAR ENDED. I WAS ABLE TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND TURNED IT BACK ON. AFTER DOING THIS THE CAR BEHAVED NORMALLY EXPECT THE CHECK ENGINE AND CRUISE CONTROL LIGHTS STAYED ON. AFTER ABOUT AN HOUR, BOTH LIGHTS WENT OFF. SINCE THEN, THIS PROBLEM HAS RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. I RECENTLY TOOK THE CAR TO BE REPAIRED WHERE THE PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED AS A BAD PEDAL ASSEMBLY. HOWEVER, I'M CONCERNED THAT THIS PROBLEM WILL REOCCUR AT SPEED AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. *TR

Nov 12, 2012

TIRES

3 complaints

LAST MONTH, SIDEWALL FAILURE OF BF GOODRICH TOURING PRO 225/60R16 H-RATED. PURCHASED REPLACEMENT TIRE AT SAM'S CLUB 3 WEEKS AGO. TODAY, THE REPLACEMENT TIRE FAILED - SOME TYPE OF TREAD SEPARATION. CONCERNED AS I HAVE THESE TIRES ON BOTH MY 05 SUBARU OUTBACK, AND ALSO MY 97 VOLVO 850. ONLY THE 2ND INCIDENT DATE IS NOTED. *TR

Sep 12, 2010

I HAVE A 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK TURBO. TURBO FAILED AT 65K MILES. AXEL BROKE AT 64K MILES AND NOW THE RIGHT WHEEL BEARING IS OUT AT 70K MILES. I UNDERSTAND THERE IS A RECALL ON BOTH REAR BEARINGS BUT NOT THE FRONT. TURBO HAS BEEN A BIG PROBLEM TOO. *TR

Jan 19, 2010

WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 35 WE ENCOUNTERED PATCHY ICE ON THE ROAD SURFACE. ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION WITH CONSTANT SPEED (60 MPH, 10 MPH BELOW THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT), ON STRAIGHT STRECHES OF ROAD, THE REAR END OF OUR 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK AWD WOULD SKID SUDDENLY. THE SKIDS WOULD OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING AND WERE LARGE ENOUGH TO CAUSE SOME BODY ROLL. IN ALL CASES THE CAR RECOVERED WITHOUT INPUT FROM THE DRIVER. WHEN THE AWD SYSTEM WAS DEACTIVATED PER THE SUBARU MANUAL NO SUCH SKIDS OCCURED ON THE SAME TRIP IN IDENTICAL SITUATIONS. I HAVE DRIVEN IN MINNESOTA FOR OVER 20 YEARS IN REAR WHEEL, FRONT WHEEL, AND 4 WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES AND HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED THE SUDDEN SKIDDING IN STEADY STATE CONDIDITONS. THE OUTBACK WAS TAKEN TO OUR LOCAL SUBARU DEALER AND THE AWD SYSTEM WAS CHECKED WITH NO FAULTS FOUND. AN INTERNET SEARCH INDICATED THAT THE COMBINATIION OF BRIDGESTONE POTENZA RE92 225/60R 16 TIRES (STANDARD FROM THE FACTORY) AND THE AWD OF THE SUBARU MAY BE A DANGEROUS COMBINATION. AS STATED EARLIER, WITH THE AWD SYSTEM DEACITVATED AND THE CAR IN FRONT WHEEL DRIVE, NO SKIDS WERE EXPERIENCED. WE HAVE THE SAME TIRE ON OUR 2004 HONDA CIVIC AND HAVE HAD NO WINTER ISSUES WITH IT.

Jan 29, 2006

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 complaints

TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS (~75 MPH) DURING THE MORNING RUSH HOUR ON THE HIGHWAY, EXPERIENCED SUDDEN LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL AND RESULTING DECELERATION. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT GLOWED STEADY AND THE CRUISE LIGHT WAS FLASHING. AFTER PULLING OFF TO THE SHOULDER (ACROSS THREE LANES) AND SHUTTING THE ENGINE OFF AND RESTARTING THE ENGINE, THROTTLE CONTROL RESUMED. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STILL GLOWS STEADY AND THE CRUISE LIGHT IS FLASHING WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL NOT WORKING.

Mar 19, 2019

RETURN FUEL LINE LEAK. THE LEAK IS ON THE DRIVERS SIDE ON TOP OF THE ENGINE. A SMALL RUBBER HOSE SHRINKS IN THE COLD ALLOWING FUEL TO LEAK ON THE ENGINE BLOCK. A STRONG SMELL OF FUEL IN THE CABIN WHEN STATIONARY. LEAK GOES AWAY WHEN THE ENGINE IS WARM. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED IN OTHER SUBARU MODELS. I HAVE REPAIRED THE PROBLEM ONCE BEFORE AS WELL AS THE PREVIOUS OWNER OF THE CAR, AND NOW IT NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED AGAIN.

Jun 23, 2016

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPER

2 complaints

REAR HATCH HARNESS WIRES ARE BROKEN/ FRAYED. BACKUP LIGHTS DO NOT WORK, AND THE REAR WIPER WORKS INTERMITTENTLY. EVERY NOW AND THEM REAR DEFROSTER DOESN'T WORK. HAZARD A LOT OF 2005-2009 OUTBACKS HAVE.

Jul 10, 2016

REAR WIPER FAILURE WAS FIRST NOTICED FOLLOWED BY FAILURE OF THE LICENSE PLATE LIGHT, THE WIRING HARNESS IN THE REAR LIFT GATE HAS MULTIPLE BROKEN WIRES WHERE THE DOOR HINGES. APPEARS THAT THE WIRING INSULATION BECOMES HARDENED AND BRITTLE, AND WILL BREAK INSTEAD OF FLEXING. THERE ARE SEVERAL OTHER WIRES IN THE HARNESS THAT ARE SHOWING BARE WIRE BUT HAVE NOT YET BROKEN. THIS IS WHAT ALL THE HARNESS ENABLES AND WILL EVENTUALLY FAIL: REAR WIPER MOTOR LICENSE PLATE LIGHT REAR GATE LATCH SWITCH REAR GATE LOCK ACTUATOR REAR DEFOGGER BACK-UP LIGHT RH REAR DEFOGGER BACK-UP LIGHT LH *TR

Dec 04, 2013

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 complaints

CAR SUDDENLY LOOSES POWER AND WILL NOT RUN ABOVE 1500 RPM IT WILL RUN BUT YOU HAVE TO TURN IT ON AND OFF SEVERAL TIMES IT DOES THIS WHEN PULLING OUT OR GOING STEADY DOWN THE ROAD .... CRUISE LIGHT FLASHING AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON

Sep 22, 2015

I WAS ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP LIGHT AND MY OUTBACK ACTED AS THOUGH I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR. THE MORE I ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE THE LESS IT RESPONDED. IF THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC HADN'T NOTICED, THEY WOULD HAVE HIT ME. WHEN I FINALLY GOT IT OFF THE ROAD AND SHUT IF OFF FOR AWHILE, IT STARTED BUT DIDN'T RUN CORRECTLY. I CALLED THE SUBARU DEALER AND THEY HAULED IT 90 MILES TO THEIR SHOP. THE REPLACED THE FOOT PEDAL SENSOR AND IT WORKED OK UNTIL THE LAST 2 WEEKS AND IT IS ACTING LIKE IT DID 2 YEARS AGO. AS I VISIT WITH OTHER OWNERS, THEY SAY THEY HAVE THE SAME ISSUE BUT DO NOT WORRY ABOUT IT. I FEEL AS THOUGH THIS IS A SAFETY FEATURE THAT NEEDS ATTENTION AND A PERMANENT FIX FOR A SOLUTION BEFORE SOME ONE GETS HURT DO TO THE INABILITY TO ACCELERATE AND GET OUT OF HARMS WAY. *TR

Apr 03, 2014

POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 complaints

MY SUBARU (AND OTHERS '05-'09) HAVE SERIOUS COMPUTER ISSUES CAUSING THE CAR TO STALL OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. I GOT THE CAR SPECIAL EDITION OF CONSUMER REPORTS AND THE ARTICLE BELOW IS NO JOKE. SUBARU OUTBACK '05-'09 HAVE GOTTEN TERRIBLE REVIEWS FOR THE FOLLOWING: MAJOR ENGINE ISSUE AND DRIVE ISSUES AND MORE. THE DEALER AND HEADQUARTERS WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THERE MAY BE A SERIOUS NEED FOR A RECALL. WHEN DISCONNECTING AND RECONNECTING THE BATTERY, THE CAR WILL STALL OUT THE NEXT DAY IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. CAR RAN BUT THEN STALLED OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. I WAS ABLE TO GET IT OFF THE ROAD EVENTUALLY AND TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE ISSUE AND WANTED TO CHARGE ME $200 FOR DIAGNOSIS. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING MY CAR BECAUSE I NEED TO GET A NEW BATTERY ($225 AT SUBARU WHICH I CAN'T AFFORD AND $119 AT FIRESTONE), HOWEVER, FIRESTONE DOES NOT HAVE THE MEMORY STICK SUBARU DOES AND I RUN A VERY GOOD CHANCE OF STALLING OUT IN TRAFFIC AFTER THE WORK IS DONE AT A NON SUBARU DEALERSHIP. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR HEADQUARTERS WILL ACKNOWLEDGE THIS ARTICLE THAT THIS SAFETY ISSUE HAS HAPPENED TO OTHERS TOO. THIS IS VERY UNSAFE FOR ME AND OTHERS ON THE ROAD HERE IS AN ARTICLE WHICH DESCRIBES EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED TO ME. A RECALL NEEDS TO BE INVOLVED AND SUBARU MUST BE WAITING FOR A MAJOR ACCIDENT TO HAPPEN. I AM NOT WILLING TO PUT MY LIFE ON THE LINE ANYMORE BY DRIVING THIS UNSAFE VEHICLE. THIS ARTICLE PROVIDES EXACTLY WHAT IS GOING ON. HTTP://WWW.COMPUTERWORLD.COM/ARTICLE/2467230/ENTERPRISE-APPLICATIONS/PLEASE-DON-T-REBOOT-THE-SUBARU.HTML SUBARU HQ LOST THE EMAIL TWICE AND I AM VERY AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR. AUSTIN SUBARU AND SUBARU HEADQUARTERS ACTED LIKE THEY REMEDIED THE SITUATION BY CLEANING A DIFFERENT PART. *TR

Nov 17, 2014

INTERMITTENT THROTTLE DISABLED. CAR BECOMES UNRESPONSIVE TO THE GAS PEDAL. ENGINE CONTINUES TO RUN BUT GAS PEDAL HAS NO RESPONSE. *KB

Dec 29, 2011

SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN

2 complaints

I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH MY POWER TRAIN SINCE PURCHASE OF THE CAR. I HAVE DONE BOTH CV AXLES TWICE. THE LAST TIME THE CONTROL ARMS HAD TO BE REPLACED. BALL JOINTS HAVE BEEN TWICE. THE SHOP I TOOK MY CAR TO SAID THEY HAVE SEEN THIS SAME ISSUE IN 4 OTHER SUBARU'S OF THE SAME YEAR. DURING REPAIR MY DRIVE KNUCKLES BROKE. I HAVE SPEND THOUSAND ON JUST MY POWER TRAIN. BETWEEN SUBARU DEALERSHIP, BURT BROTHER, AND PREMIER AUTO, I WANT TO MAKE AN OFFICIAL COMPLAINT AND ASK YOU TO LOOK INTO THESE ISSUE. ALL OF THESE COMPANIES HAVE ADVISED ME TO PLACE THIS COMPLAINT. *TR

Jun 28, 2013

THIS WAS ONE OF THE FIRST SNOWS OF THE WINTER AND I WAS DRIVING MY 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK DOWN DETROIT FREEWAYS TO METRO AIRPORT TO PICKUP MY SON. I HAD MY WIFE IN THE FRONT SEAT AND MY YOUNGEST SON IN THE REAR SEAT. AS THE SNOW BEGAN TO FALL I FELT THE CAR LURCH BACK AND FORTH AS IF I WERE DRIVING THROUGH ICY OR SNOWY RUTS. I AM AN EXPERIENCED DRIVER (50 YEARS OLD) AND HAD NEVER EXPERIENCED ANYTHING LIKE THIS EXCEPT DURING AN ICE STORM, ETC. I THOUGHT THE ROAD MUST HAVE HAD "BLACK ICE" UNDER THE SNOW AS MY CAR WAS ALMOST UNCONTROLLABLE. I SLOWED DOWN TO ABOUT 30MPH AND, TO MY SURPRISE, SAW TWO WHEEL DRIVE PICKUP TRUCKS, ETC. PASSING ME AT 10 - 20MPH FASTER THAN I WAS GOING... EVERYONE WAS PASSING OUR CAR AS I WHEN I TRIED TO MATCH THEIR SPEED IT SEEMED THAT I WAS GOING TO LOSE CONTROL WITH THE REAR END HAVING A MIND OF ITS OWN SHIFTING BACK AND FORTH. IN THE MONTHS THAT FOLLOWED, I SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND FOUND THE THREADS CALLING THIS PHENOMENON "GHOSTWALKING". I HOPE THAT NHTSA DOES SOMETHING ABOUT THIS AS I DO NOT WANT ANYONE TO GET HURT OR KILLED THINKING THAT THIS CAR IS A GREAT SNOW CAR (FROM A GROUND CLEARANCE AND AWD STANDPOINT) AND FINDING OUT THE HARD WAY THAT IT IS NOT. IT WOULD APPEAR THAT IT IS WORSE WHEN THE SUSPENSION IS LOADED DOWN WITH MORE PASSENGERS, AS IT WAS IN THIS INSTANCE, THAN WHEN IT IS JUST THE DRIVER AND NO CARGO IN THE HATCH AREA. *TR

Nov 08, 2012

SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaints

CAR IS NOT SAFE ON PACKED SNOW OR ICY ROADS. ALL ROAD FEEL IS GONE AND IT FEELS AS IF THE CAR COULD SPIN OUT OF CONTROL AT ANY MOMENT. MOST OTHER CARS SEEM TO PASS WITHOUT ISSUE. FOR A AWD CAR THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. YOU MUST SLOW DOWN TO 40 AND BELOW TO HAVE ANY HOPES OF KEEPING THE CAR IN A STRAIGHT LINE. I HAVE PUT NOKIA SNOW TIRES ON THE AND CAR DRIVES PERFECT IN FRESH SNOW BUT STILL CANNOT DRIVE IN SLIPPERY CONDITIONS. I HAVE NOT NOTICED THIS ON WET PAVEMENT. SUBARU FEELS LIKE AN ALIGNMENT WILL CORRECT THE PROBLEM. GOING IN FOR ONE IN A WEEK. IF IT DOES NOT FIX THE ISSUE I WILL SELL THE CAR. I FOUND MANY OWNERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE ON SUBARUOUTBACK.ORG. *TR

Nov 08, 2011

I HAVE SEVERAL TIMES EXPERIENCED WHAT IS KNOWN AS GHOST WALKING WHILE DRIVING MY 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.4I. I HAVE DRIVEN UNDER THE SAME CONDITIONS WITH THE CAR MINIMALLY LOADED. ONLY ON THE TIMES THAT THE CAR WAS LOADED WITH MORE THAN 2 PASSENGERS AND THEIR BELONGINGS DID I EXPERIENCE GHOST WALK. ON THOSE TIMES I WAS DRIVING MY OUTBACK ON SNOW OR ICE COVERED ROAD. I WAS DRIVING AT A STEADY RATE OF SPEED WITH CONSISTENT PRESSURE ON THE GAS. THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WOULD BEGIN TO PITCH BACK AND FORTH AS IF BEING BLOWN BY A HEAVY WIND. THERE WAS NO WIND ON THOSE OCCASIONS, OR NOT SUFFICIENT TO CAUSE THE TO SWAY THE WAY IT DID. IT FELT AS THOUGH THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WAS ATTEMPTING TO PASS THE FRONT. I SLOWED DOWN EACH TIME, EVEN THOUGH THE ROAD SURFACE CONDITIONS DID NOT DICTATE IT. I WAS PASSED BY 2 WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES, BECAUSE MY CAR FELT UNSTABLE AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS WHILE THE CAR WAS LIGHTLY LOADED UNDER THE SAME ROAD CONDITIONS.

Apr 01, 2010

STRUCTURE

2 complaints

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH AND HEARD A RATTLING NOISE COMING THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AT ANY SPEED BEING TRAVELED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO A BROKEN DOOR BAR WELD. THE TECHNICIAN RECOMMENDED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD BE TAKEN TO AN AUTO BODY COLLISION CENTER TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 77,000.

Jul 21, 2010

I OWN A SUBARU OUTBACK AND LIVE IN BEMIDJI MINNESOTA--LAND OF BELOW ZERO WINTER TEMPERATURES. TODAY I WAS NAILED IN THE HEAD YET AGAIN BY THE TAILGATE DOOR OF MY CAR. YOU SEE, THE STRUTS THAT SUPPORT THE TAILGATE DOOR DO NOT FUNCTION WHEN ITS REALLY COLD OUTSIDE--LIKE APPROACHING 0 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT OR LOWER. WHEN TEMPERATURES ARE WARMER--ABOUT 20 DEGREES ABOVE ZERO--THE STRUTS FUNCTION AS USUAL. BUT WHEN IT IS EXTREMELY COLD, THE STRUTS DO NOT WORK AND THE DOOR FALLS FREELY ONTO YOUR HEAD OR WHATEVER IS IN THE WAY. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH THIS CAR SINCE I PURCHASED IT IN JULY 2006. THIS IS AN OBVIOUS DESIGN DEFECT THAT COULD LEAD TO AN INJURY. *TR

Mar 11, 2009

Injuries: 1

VISIBILITY

2 complaints

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WINDOW EXPLODED AND SHATTERED WHEN HE ROLLED IT DOWN. THE CONTACT HAD NO PRIOR PROBLEMS WITH THE WINDOW AND THERE WAS NO CHANGE IN TEMPERATURE THAT COULD HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING A WINDOW COMPANY REPRESENTATIVE, REFERRED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY, WHO WOULD REPLACE THE WINDOW AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 60,800. UPDATED 0/29/10. *LJUPDATED 09/21/10

Apr 02, 2010

MY DAUGHTER WAS IN A BAD ACCIDENT WHEN A DRIVER DECIDED TO DO A U-TURN INTO HER VEHICLE. THE DRIVER DID NOT SEE IN SIDE MIRROR BECAUSE SHE WAS IN A "BLIND SPOT. *AK MOST EUROPEAN AUTOS HAVE A SPLIT DRIVER'S SIDE MIRROR, SO THAT THERE IS "NO BLIND SPOT". THE SPLIT IS VERTICAL ABOUT ONE THIRD OF THE WAY IN FROM THE OUTSIDE OF THE MIRROR. MY CONTENTION IS THAT IF THE DRIVER HAD HAD SUCH A MIRROR, THERE MAY HAVE BEEN NO ACCIDENT.

Jan 24, 2006

Crash: 1

TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM

2 complaints

1. SLIGHTLY ICY ROAD CONDITION. 2. ABNORMAL LOSS OF ROAD FEEL AND CONTROL. 3. NO KNOWN SOLUTION. *TR

Mar 04, 2010

DRIVING UNDER NORMAL COLD CONDITIONS. EVERY TIME THAT WE WENT UNDER AN OVERPASS WHERE ICE HAS FORCED ON THE HIGHWAY THE CAR MOMENTARILY LOST CONTROL. IT WAS A GOOD THING THAT THE HAZARD ENDED QUICKLY OTHERWISE WE WOULD HAVE BEEN OFF THE ROAD

Nov 18, 2009

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN

2 complaints

I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING A PROBLEM WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP OR FROM COASTING, SUCH AS WHEN A RED LIGHT HAS JUST TURNED GREEN. I BEGIN TO DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR AND THE ENGINE JUST ABOUT DIES. THIS HAS NEARLY CAUSED ME TO GET "T-BONED" AT INTERSECTIONS NUMEROUS TIMES. I HAVE BROUGHT IT TO THE ATTENTION OF TWO DIFFERENT SUBARU DEALERS AND THEY SAY THAT NOTHING IS WRONG WITH IT. I HAVE HEARD THAT OTHER SUBARU OWNERS ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM BUT SUBARU WILL NOT ADMIT THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. *JB

Jun 22, 2006

ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, MY 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK GOT STUCK AFTER INCURRING A MINOR OBSTRUCTION (SEVERAL INCHES OF SNOW IN ONE CASE AND A SOMEWHAT SHARP INCLINE IN ANOTHER CASE) WHILE DRIVING IN HIGH ALTITUDES (10,000 FT TO 11,500 FT). ON BOTH OCCASIONS, THE CAR SUDDENLY LOST MOST OF ITS POWER AND NO WHEELS WOULD TURN. DESPITE PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR TO THE FLOOR, THE ENGINE NEVER WENT ABOVE 2000 RPMS. FORTUNATELY, ON BOTH OCCASIONS, THERE WERE PEOPLE AROUND TO PUSH THE CAR. ONCE THE TIRES WERE TOTALLY FREE OF ANY OBSTRUCTION, NORMAL ENGINE POWER RETURNED AND THE CAR COULD BE DRIVEN. I TOOK THE SUBARU TO MY HOME DEALERSHIP IN OLATHE KS (JACK MILLER) ON JUNE 29, 2005, A COUPLE WEEKS AFTER THE FIRST INCIDENT. DEALER SAID HE COULD NOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM , SO HE COULD NOT FIX IT. THE INVOICE NOTES: "2000 RPM IS APPOX TORQUE CONVERTER STALL SPEED." FOLLOWING THE SECOND PROBLEM ON JULY 20, I TOOK MY CAR TO JOHN ELWAY SUBARU WEST IN GOLDEN CO. DEALER INVOICE SAYS:" IF TIRES WERE NOT SPINNING, CAR HAD TRACTION AND WAS NOT ABLE TO BUILD BOOST AT ALTITUDE TO PRODUCE POWER." DEALER, HOWEVER, SAID THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE THE INABILITY TO BUILD BOOST, AND WERE THUS UNABLE TO FIX THE CAR. I FILED A VERBAL COMPLAINT WITH SUBARU OF AMERICA ON JULY 27 AND FOLLOWED UP ON JULY 29. AS OF THEN, SUBARU OF AMERICA WAS STILL TRYING TO CONTACT THE DEALER. SUBARU MARKETS ITS CARS AS HAVING SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE IN THE MOUNTAINS, SNOW AND IN DIFFICULT DRIVING CONDITIONS. SUBARU ENJOYS A LARGE MARKET SHARE IN THE COLORADO MOUNTAINS, WHERE BOTH MY "NOT ABLE TO BUILD BOOST" PROBLEMS OCCURRED. MY CAR CANNOT BE SAFELY DRIVEN IN THE CO MOUNTAINS, PARTICULARLY ON MOUNTAIN PASSES OR DIRT ROADS, BECAUSE HELP MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE TO GET THE CAR RUNNING AGAIN. I DO NOT KNOW IF MY EXPERIENCES ARE ISOLATED OR PART OF A LARGER PROBLEM. IN EITHER CASE, I AM DISAPPOINTED THAT SUBARU HAS BEEN UNWILLING OR UNABLE TO FIX THIS POTENTIALLY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. *NM

Jul 29, 2005

SEAT BELTS

2 complaints

REAR PASSENGER SAFETY BELTS DO NOT EXTEND SUFFICIENTLY WHEN CHILD SEAT IS INSTALLED IN CENTRAL POSITION FOR 05 MODEL COMPARED TO OLDER MODELS. *NM

Nov 08, 2005

DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THAT WHEN SOMEONE WAS SITTING IN THE REAR MIDDLE SEAT, THE SEAT BELT WOULD UNLOCK THE LEFT SEAT BELT. THE SERVICE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WOULD INFORM THE MANUFACTURER OF THE ISSUE, THEY DID SUBMITT A COMPLAINT, BUT IT MAY TAKE UP TO 6 MONTHS BEFORE THE PROBLEM COULD BE CORRECTED. THE CONSUMER SEARCHED DIFFERENT VEHICLES FOR THE SAME MAKE/MODEL AND THEY ALL HAD THE SAME TYPE OF SEAT BELTS. *AK *SC *JB

Jul 15, 2005

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

See attached document for complaint.

Aug 22, 2025

EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE,ENGINE

1 complaint

THIS IS THE FIRST SUBARU I'VE EVER OWNED AND SO FAR IT'S BEEN A NIGHTMARE. I HAVE HAD TO REPAIR: AN OIL LEAK IN THE ENGINE THAT REQUIRED THE WHOLE ENGINE TO BE TAKEN APART. WHILE REPLACING A SEEMINGLY SIMPLE PART, THE HYDRAULIC LIFTS THAT KEEP THE BACK HATCH OPEN, THE THREADING THAT HOLDS THE SCREW IN BROKE OFF AND I HAD TO HIRE A MECHANIC YET AGAIN TO WELD THAT PART TO BE ABLE TO SCREW IN THE SCREW TO HOLD THE LIFT IN PLACE. AND NOW, THE ENTIRE INTERIOR LIGHTING DOESN'T WORK, INCLUDING THE STEREO, ALL THE DOME LIGHTS AND THE REMOTE CONTROL SYSTEM. IN ADDITION TO THAT, THE REAR WIPER DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY.

Jan 30, 2021

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

PLEASE REFER TO CODE P2138 - THROTTLE/PEDAL POSITION SENSOR SWITCH WITH "D"/"E" VOLTAGE CORRELATION DTC SEVERITY 2 OF 3 REPAIR -- I BELIEVE ELAINE CHAO SHOULD BE MADE AWARE OF THE SAFETY ISSUES AFFECTING THE GENERAL PUBLIC REGARDING THIS DANGEROUS ISSUE -- MY SUBARU OUTBACK ACCELERATOR WILL SHUT DOWN ON THE HIGHWAY ALMOST EVERY DAY. SUBARU IS AWARE THAT THIS IS A PERVASIVE PROBLEM AFFECTING THOUSANDS OF SUBARUS AND SHOULD BE FORCED TO ISSUE A RECALL. I'LL BE GOING 75 MPH AND THEN SUDDENLY THERE WILL BE NO POWER AND THE CAR WILL COAST TO A STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY. THIS THEN SHUTS DOWN EVERYONE ON I35 AND I ALMOST GET HIT FROM BEHIND MULTIPLE TIMES A WEEK.

Nov 09, 2020

EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 complaint

DEFROSTERS AND ALL DIGITAL CLIMATE CONTROLS ARE UNRESPONSIVE. I CANNOT SEE OUT OF MY VEHICLE

Sep 21, 2020

SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 complaint

ON ANY WET OR SNOWY PAVEMENT CAR IS GHOST WALKING, LIKE THE REAR END HAS MARBLES UNDER IT. SPEED OF 35 MPH, STRAIGHT DRIVING, ON WET PAVEMENT. LIKE A CAT WALKING ON ITS NAILS.TERRIFIED. HAD ALIGNMENT, NEW TIRES, NEW REAR STRUTS, SWAY BAR, TRANSMISSION WIRING HARNESS. DISABLED ABS SO AT LEAST I CONTROL BRAKING

Nov 08, 2019

AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V323000 (AIR BAGS) AND 14V311000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE DEALER (SERRA SUBARU OF TRAVERSE CITY, 1747 S GARFIELD AVE, TRAVERSE CITY, MI) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Apr 24, 2018

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

GAS PEDAL FAILED WHILE THE CAR WAS TRAVELING AT 65 MPH ON A HIGHWAY. UNABLE TO ACCELARATE. TOTAL FAILURE OF PEDAL. LUCKILY PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER BEFORE ANOTHER VEHICLE PLOWED INTO ME. RESTARTED VEHICLE AND PEDAL OPERATED PROPERLY. VERY DISCONCERTING. FAILURE CODE WAS P2138.

Feb 05, 2018

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

INTERMITTENTLY AND WITHOUT WARNING, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WILL BECOME UNRESPONSIVE. ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION WHEN THIS HAPPENED. THE SPEEDOMETER FELL TO 0, AND WHEN PRESSED, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DID NOTHING. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE LIMPED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND RESTARTED IN ORDER FOR IT TO WORK AGAIN. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD THEN COME ON. ON OTHER OCCASIONS, THE ACCELERATOR WOULD NOT RESPOND IMMEDIATELY UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON IMMEDIATELY UPON STARTING. THIS HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS OR FATAL IF THE CAR WERE TO GO LIMP WHEN DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AT HIGH SPEEDS, OR TAKING A TURN. RESEARCH HAS SHOWN THAT THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM WITH THE OUTBACK, AND ACTION NEEDS TO BE TAKEN BY SUBARU. THIS SHOULD BE TREATED AS A RECALL.

Dec 14, 2017

VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 complaint

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND MY SUNROOF EXPLODED. I PULLED OVER AND LOOKED FOR ANY ROCKS OR ANYTHING IN THE CAR THAT WOULD HAVE SHATTERED THE SUNROOF BUT COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING.

Oct 07, 2016

STEERING,SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,WHEELS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 complaint

I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AND PUT ON THE BRAKE. VEHICLE DIDN'T RESPOND TO BRAKING AND KEPT GOING, OVER THE,CURB, ACROSS THE MEDIAN AND HIT 5 PARKED CARS BEFORE IT STOPPED.

Apr 23, 2016

Crash: 1

STEERING,SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

MY 2005 OUTBACK IS VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS. AFTER EXTENSIVE RESEARCH ONLINE, I HAVE DISCOVERED PEOPLE USE THE TERM "GHOST WALKING" TO DESCRIBE THE ISSUE. AFTER DRIVING OVER A BUMP OR SLICK SPOT ON THE ROAD, THE DRIVER MOMENTARILY LOSES CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE BACK END SWAYS SIDE TO SIDE AND THE CAR CAN JUMP SEVERAL FEET TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT. I HAVE NOTICED THIS PROBLEM SEVERAL TIMES BUT IT WAS DRASTICALLY WORSE TODAY. DRIVING ON A STRAIGHT, DRY STRETCH OF INTERSTATE, I DROVE OVER AN ICY PATCH UNDER A BRIDGE. MY VEHICLE JUMPED TO THE LEFT SEVERAL FEET AND INTO THE OTHER LANE. HAD THERE BEEN A CAR NEXT TO ME, THERE MOST LIKELY WOULD HAVE BEEN AN ACCIDENT. I WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH AS I HAD ALREADY EXPERIENCED SEVERAL INCIDENTS DRIVING OVER LARGE BUMPS. THE ISSUE SEEMS TO BE WORSE WHEN THERE IS CARGO IN THE BACK AND ON ICY OR BUMPY ROADS. THIS SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH NUMEROUS OUTBACKS MODEL YEAR 2005 THROUGH 2009. THIS IS EXTREMELY UNSAFE BEHAVIOR AND IT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. I DO NOT INTEND TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE MUCH LONGER AND I WOULD HESITATE TO BUY ANOTHER OUTBACK FOR FEAR OF A SIMILAR ISSUE.

Dec 25, 2015

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 complaint

THE REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER STOPPED WORKING DUE TO A BAD ELECTRICAL CONNECTION THAT OCCURS WHERE THE HATCHBACK OPENS UP. THE WIRES FRAY AND BREAK FROM NORMAL USAGE OF THE HATCHBACK, CAUSING LOSS OF POWER TO THE REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER, DEFOGGER AND BACKUP LIGHTS. I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM AND THERE A NUMEROUS BLOGS AND VIDEOS ON THE INTERNET SHOWING THIS PROBLEM, THIS SHOULD BE RECALL ITEM FOR ALL 3RD GENERATION SUBARU OUTBACKS (2005-2009). *TR

Nov 20, 2014

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE BATTERY WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED, WHICH REQUIRED EXCESSIVE FORCE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ONCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE ALTERNATOR BOLT FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Oct 24, 2014

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

WIRES PASSING THROUGH REAR HATCH TO REAR LIFT GATE CRACK AND BREAK FROM OPENING AND CLOSING. REAR LIFT GATE LOCK NOT WORKING, WIRE IS BROKEN IN TWO. WIRES FOR REAR LIGHTS ARE CRACKING AND ABOUT TO SEVER AS WELL. *TR

Oct 11, 2014

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

SUBARU OUTBACK 2005: THE WIRE HARNESS TO THE REAR TAILGATE FAILED AND SHORTED OUT THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND REVERSE LIGHTS, CREATING A SAFETY HAZARD WHILE DRIVING. *TR

Jul 14, 2014

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 complaint

WHILE TRAVELING IN HEAVY FLOW RUSH HOUR MULTI-LANE TRAFFIC AT AROUND 65 MPH AND AT MERGING POINT OF MULTI HIGHER EXCHANGE WITH NEAR ZERO SHOULDER OR STOPPING LANE, THE CAR SUDDENLY LOST RESPONSE FROM ACCELERATOR PEDAL. I MANAGE TO COAST TO A STOP JUST BETWEEN THE TRIANGLE SPACE SEPARATING TWO OF THE MAJOR HIGHWAYS VARYING TWO SEPARATE DIRECTION WITH VERY HEAVY TRAFFIC AT HIGH SPEED ON BOTH SIDES (NEARLY GETTING SMASHED SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE COMING TO THE ONLY POSSIBLE YET DANGEROUS PLACE TO STOP). THE CAR REMAIN IDLING BUT VERY LIMP; AFRAID TO VENTURE TO CONTINUE TO THE NEXT EXIT BECAUSE THERE WOULD BE NO SHOULDER AREA TO PULL OVER, I CALLED FOR HELP THINKING THE CAR HAD RAN OUT OF GAS AND WAS JUST RUNNING ON FUME. AFTER ENDURING SEVERAL MINUTES OF NEAR DEATH MOMENTS OF BEING CRASHED INTO BY ON-COMING VEHICLES AT HIGH SPEED MERGING TRAFFIC COMING FROM A CURVING ROAD, I DANGEROUSLY VENTURED TO OPEN DOORS INTO FLOWING TRAFFIC TO FILL THE TANK ESCAPING DEATH MANY TIMES. THE CAR STARTED AND WAS ABLE TO GET OFF HIGHWAY TO FILL TANK. SAME LIMP PEDAL REPEATED AGAIN TWO DAYS LATER COMING OFF A TWO LANE {TWO-WAY) BRIDGE WITH ABSOLUTELY NO SHOULDER. I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE END OF THE BRIDGE TO TURN INTO A BUSINESS PARKING WITHOUT BEING PLOWED BY THE HEAVY TRAFFIC AROUND. OBD READING OF THE CAR INDICATE P2138 POINTING TO FAULTY FLY-BY-WIRE DEFECT IN THE ACCELERATOR POSITION SENSOR WHICH IS PART OF THE ACCELERATOR ASSEMBLY. I MANAGE TO ESCAPE DEATH WITH THIS MANUFACTURER DEFECT. I JUST WONDER HOW MANY CRASHES AND DEATHS HAVE RESULTED AND WILL CONTINUE TO RESULT BECAUSE OF THIS VERY WELL REPORTED ISSUE WITH THESE SUBARU OUTBACKS BEFORE THE ACCELERATOR ASSEMBLY UNITS ARE RECALLED? *TR

Feb 15, 2014

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE

1 complaint

DRIVING ON INTERSTATE FREEWAY, IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL SET, WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER AND THROTTLE RESPONSE. THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT CAME ON, AND THE "CRUISE" LIGHT STARTED BLINKING. ENGINE CONTINUED TO RUN AT HIGH IDLE BUT SPEED AND RPM WERE NOT MAINTAINED. I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO CROSS 4 LANES OF TRAFFIC AND STOP. TURNED OFF THE ENGINE, WHICH WAS RUNNING AT 2200 RPM. AFTER A BRIEF STOP AND INVESTIGATION, I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE AND DRIVE NORMALLY TO AN AUTO PARTS STORE. I SCANNED THE OBD II CODE (DTC CODE) AND FOUND P2138 - THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR. NO INJURIES, BUT THIS IS A POTENTIALLY DEADLY ISSUE. HAS RECURRED ONE TIME SINCE. *TR

Dec 04, 2013

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 complaint

SOON AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR, I REALIZED THAT THE REAR WIPER WAS NOT FUNCTIONING. AFTER CHECKING AN ONLINE OWNERS FORUM I FOUND THAT THERE IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE FUNCTIONS IN THE REAR LIFT GATE SUCH AS INOPERABLE BRAKE LIGHTS, REAR WIPERS INOPERABLE, AND OTHER ITEMS. THIS PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE CAUSED BY THE DEGRADATION OF WIRE INSULATION AND BREAKAGE OF WIRE. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION I DISCOVERED MY OWN VEHICLE HAS A SEVERED WIRE LOCATED IN THE ACCORDION BOOT ON THE RIGHT (PASSENGER) SIDE NEAR THE HINGE FOR THE LIFT GATE. THIS COULD RESULT IS SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUES. AS WITH ANY FAULTY ELECTRICAL WIRING THERE IS ALSO A RISK FOR FIRE ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ISSUE. *TR

Jul 12, 2013

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

ON APPROXIMATELY 10 OCCASIONS RIGHT AFTER A RAIN WHEN I START UP THE CAR THE ENGINE LIGHT STARTS BLINKING AND THE CAR RUNS ROUGHLY WITH LITTLE POWER. AFTER A SHORT TIME THE CAR POWER RETURNS BUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON FOR ABOUT A WEEK. ONCE THE LIGHT GOES OUT THE CAR THEN RUNS NORMAL UNTIL THE NEXT RAINSTORM. IT THEN DOES THE SAME ALL OVER. *TR

Feb 27, 2013

SUSPENSION,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

WHILE DRIVING NORTH ON 91 TO VERMONT THIS CAR HANDLED GREAT IN SNOW, . ON THE OTHER HAND THE RETURN TRIPS THE ROADS WERE PLOWED PACKED SNOW IT WAS LIKE THE REAR END WAS ON ICE SKATES(OR GHOST WALKING} WHATEVER YOU CALL IT WHEN IT HAPPENS IT WILL SCARE THE [XXX]OUT OF YOU. THE FIRST COUPLE TIMES IT HAPPENED, I HAD EVERY EXCUSE WHY IT WASN'T THE CAR, I THOUGHT THE STOCK TIRES WERE SHOT, SO I BOUGHT 4 BRAND NEW DUNLOP SNOW TIRES. I HOPED PROBLEM WOULD BE SOLVED, CAR HANDLED EVEN BETTER IN SNOW SAME ON PACKED SNOW/ICE. THOUGHT MAYBE THE THULE BOX WAS CATCHING WIND, REMOVED THULE BOX. PROBLEM DID NOT GET BETTER. I BEGAN SEARCHING FOR SIMILAR ISSUES ONLINE AND CAME ACROSS MANY SUGGESTIONS THAT STOCK SUSPENSION SUCKED, WHICH I KINDA NEW, SO I REPLACED SUSPENSION WITH SUPPOSEDLEY THE BEST AVAILABLE KYB HOPED THAT AFTER THAT INVESTMENT PROBLEM WOULD BE SOLVED, I WAS WRONG AGAIN. AFTER DEEPER INVESTIGATION ONLINE I LEARNED OF GHOSTWALKING. IF I HAD BOUGHT A CHEVY CAVALIER OR FORD TAURUS OR ANY OTHER PIECE OF CRAP THAT YOU WOULDN'T EXPECT TO HANDLE SAID CONDITIONS IT'S ONE THING BUT FOR A CAR THAT EITHER ENDORES OR IS ENDORSED BY THE US SKI TEAM, SKI PATROL THIS CAR IS NOT SAFE. ABOUT TWO MONTHS AGO I WAS DRIVING UP A STRAIGHT AWAY IT HAD RAINED EARLIER. I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 55 I THE LIMIT IS 45 AND THE REAR END SLIPPED OUT AND THE CAR BEGAN GHOSTWALKING. I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING MY DAUGHTER IN THIS CAR THAT I HOPED TO ONE DAY GIVE HER. I OWNED A 95 OUTBACK AND HAD NONE OF THE ABOVE PROBLEMS HAD REG TIRES. SINCE FINALLY FIGURING THAT I'M NOT CRAZY AND OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM THAT CAN'T BE FIXED,I WANT TO TRADE IT IN BUT WORRY THAT WHOEVER BUYS IT MIGHT CRASH AND DIE, ICANT VERY WELL GO TRADE IN THIS CAR AND TELL THEM THIS HANDLES GREAT, BEST CAR I EVER OWNED JUST DON'T DRIVE IT ON PACKED SNOW YOU NO THE REASON YOU WANT A SUBARU IN THE FIRST PLACE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Jan 16, 2013

SUSPENSION,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 complaint

I AM THE THIRD OWNER SO AFTER MY PROBLEMS, I RESEARCHED TO LEARN THE FIRST OWNER COULDN'T MAINTAIN TIRE LIFE; SUBARU REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES AND KEPT TRYING REALIGNMENT FOR HER. THE SECOND OWNER INFORMED ME HE COULD NOT MAINTAIN NEW TIRE LIFE, NEVER ACKNOWLEDGING TO ME THAT THE CAR IS ALL OVER THE ROAD AND A HAZARD TO YOUR LIFE. BEING THE THIRD OWNER, I NEVER THOUGHT WHEN I PURCHASED THIS 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK THAT IT COULD BE AN ENGINEERING PROBLEM WITH A COMPANY LIKE SUBARU, NOT IDENTIFIED OR RECALLED. I HAVE LEARNED THE CAR IS UNSAFE AND AFTER RESEARCH ONLINE HAVE LEARNED THERE COULD BE A SERIOUS ENGINEERING PROBLEM WITH THE RAISED REAR SUSPENSION. I HAVE THE SUBARU RECEIPTS FROM FORMER TWO OWNERS (THEY WERE RELATED) AND OBVIOUSLY SUBARU IS NEGLIGENT IN NOT IDENTIFYING THE ISSUE AND REPORTING IT. TWO DIFFERENT SHOPS HAVE ASSURED ME IT IS NOT BALL JOINTS, OR SUSPENSION, ETC. I SPENT $750 ON THE REAR END AND NEW ALIGNMENT AT THE SPECIALTY SPRING AND SUSPENSION SHOP AND THOSE TIRES SEEM TO BE WEARING EVENLY. THE FRONT TIRES ARE CUPPED ON THE OUTSIDE SEVERELY IN SIX MONTHS. THE CAR IS ALL OVER THE ROAD. *TR

Jan 04, 2013

SUSPENSION,WHEELS

1 complaint

RIGHT AND LEFT FRONT CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS SPLIT AND REPLACED ALONG WITH BOTH FRONT CONTROL ARMS. *TR

Oct 24, 2012

POWER TRAIN,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

2005 SUBARU IS OUR FAMILY HAS HAD TO HAVE THE FRONT AXLES AS ONE BROKE GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY HE AS NOT HURT, BUT THE CAR WAS ONLY STOPPED AFTER I PLOWED UP SN OPEN FIELD. SINCE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY WE FOOTED A $1,200 BIL. THEN WEEKS LATER THE AXLE ON MY 2004 BROKE AS I WAS DRIVING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY. THAT REPAIR ALSO NOT UNDER WARRANTY COST ANOTHER 1,200 DOLLARS. WE HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED ALL THE WAY AROUND ON BOTH VEHICLES AND THE ECM REPLACED ON BOTH CARS THIS YEAR. THESE VEHICLES HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED CONVERTER PROBLEMS AND CONVERTERS WERE REPLACED BY SUBARU ONLY AFTER I KEPT UP A RUNNING BATTLE AND INSISTED THAT THEY WERE UNDER WARRANTY. *TR

Aug 25, 2012

Crash: 1

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

SITTING AT STOP LIGHT - LIGHT CHANGES GREEN - NO ACCELERATION. CAR WILL MOVE AT IDLE SPEED CREEP THROUGH INTERSECTION. PULL OVER STOP TURN CAR OFF. RESTART W ACCELERATOR WORKING BUT CRUISE CONTROL INDICATOR FLASHING AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. ERROR CODE INDICATES PEDAL POSITION SENSOR AND DEALER SAYS ENTIRE PEDAL ASSEMBLY NEEDS REPLACED. NEW 'DRIVE-BY-WIRE' ACCELERATOR SYSTEM FOR SUBARU IN 2005. REPAIR: ~$200 WITH NO CHANGE IN ASSEMBLY FROM WHAT THE SERVICE DEPT. REPORTS. *TR

Nov 14, 2011

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

I HAVE BEEN HAVING A PROBLEM WITH MY CAR FOR THE 2-YEARS AND HAS BEEN GETTING WORSE. THE THROTTLE PEDAL AT TIMES WILL BECOME NON-RESPONSIVE AND THE ENGINE IDLE CANNOT BE CONTROLLED. AT THIS TIME THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON WITH A CODE. P2138. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALER WITH NO LUCK THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. THE CAR HAS LEFT ME STRANDED SEVERAL TIMES AND I HAD TO LIMP OR BE TOWED HOME. THE RPM CAN BE ANYWHERE FROM IDLE TO 3000 RPM AND AS I SAID THE PEDAL HAS NO CONTROL. I HAVE REPLACED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY AND THE PROBLEM WAS GONE FOR THE PAST SIX MONTHS. IT HAS NOW FAILED AGAIN. *TR

Nov 14, 2011

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. WHEN IN A STOPPED POSITION AND INTEND TO PULL OUT, MOTOR RUNNING, BUT GAS PEDAL DOES NOT ENGAGE. PUSH ALL THE WAY TO FLOOR - STILL NOTHING. IN ORDER TO CORRECT, MUST TURN OFF ENGINE AND DISCONNECT BATTERY CABLE SO VEHICLE CAN RESET ITSELF. ALSO HAD PROBLEM WHEN SITTING STILL WHERE VEHICLE BEGAN IDLING AS IF ACCELERATOR BEING PRESSED DOWN - LASTED 5-10 SECONDS THEN BACKED OFF. WHEN PURCHASED CAR USED, HAD PROBLEMS WITH CRUISE CONTROL NOT WORKING AND LIGHT FLASHING CONTINUOUSLY. FOUND THAT INJECTOR HAD TO BE REPLACED - APPARENTLY TIED TO CRUISE MECHANISM. THIS CORRECTED THE PROBLEM BUT QUITE EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR. *TR

Oct 30, 2011

SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM

1 complaint

2005 SUBARU OUTBACK WILL NOT TRACK STRAIGHT IN SLIPPERY CONDITIONS AT ALL. THE TERM 'GHOST WALKING' IS BEING USED FOR THIS AND IS VERY ACCURATE. I DO NOT FEEL SECURE DRIVING IN ANY SNOWY CONDITIONS IN THIS VEHICLE. I HAD A 1995 SUBARU BEFORE THIS THAT WAS ROCK STEADY IN SNOW, THIS CAR IS VERY UNPREDICTABLE. TIRE CHANGES DO NOT SOLVE PROBLEM NOR DOES ALIGNMENT TO OEM SPECS. HAS BEEN ON GOING SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW. *TR

Sep 01, 2010

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

TL*THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES FAILED TO ENGAGE AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE AND CAUGHT FIRE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. FOUR PEOPLE WERE INJURED AND POLICE AND FIRE REPORTS WERE FILED. A MONTH PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT, THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND NO FAILURES WERE FOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AFTER THE CRASH AND IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE TUMBLER SYSTEM WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN. UPDATED 7/16/10 *CN UPDATED 07/27/10*JB

May 13, 2010

Crash: 1

Fire: 1

Injuries: 4

SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM

1 complaint

WE HAVE A 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK THAT SWAYS IN THE REAR OF CAR UNDER THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS 1. OVER BUMPS THE REAR WILL SWING TO THE RIGHT AND DIP. WHEN ROADS ARE SLICK IT WILL ALMOST SPIN THE VEHICLE. IF YOU ARE IN A LEFT HAND CURVE, EVEN AT LOW SPEED, THE CONDITION IS EXAGGERATED MORE THAN YOU WOULD EXPECT SORT OF LIKE IT WAS PUSHED IN ADDITION TO THE NORMAL INERTIA YOU WOULD EXPERIENCE. 2. REAR END TRACTION BECOMES UNSTABLE UNDER ICY CONDITIONS WHERE IT APPEARS THAT TOO MUCH POWER IS BEING DISTRIBUTED TO THE REAR OF THE DRIVELINE THEN OSCILLATING TO EACH INDIVIDUAL REAR WHEEL. IN MY OPINION 100% OF THE VEHICLES POWER CONCENTRATED TO THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL IS ALTERNATELY DISTRIBUTED BETWEEN THE REAR WHEELS AND KIND OF GETS STUCK IN THIS MODE. *TR

Apr 09, 2010

STRUCTURE,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 complaint

IN COMPARISON WITH MANY TRUCKS AND CARS I HAVE DRIVEN IN WINTER CONDITIONS FOR OVER 30 YEARS, OUR 2005 SUBURU OUTBACK IS MUCH MORE UNSTABLE ESPECIALLY IN THE REAR END WHENEVER HARD PACKED SNOW OR ICE IS ENCOUNTERED EVEN AT MODERATE SPEEDS (30-50 MPH). AT LEAST ONCE THIS CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO SPIN UNCONTROLLABLY. IN IDENTICAL CONDITIONS, A TRUCK IN 2WD (I HAVE SEVERAL TRUCKS ON MY RANCH) IS FAR MORE STABLE. THERE IS A CLEAR SAFETY PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE FOR WHICH TIRES, INFLATION, ALIGNMENT ACCORDING TO MANUFACTURERS SPECS FAILS TO CURE. *TR

Jan 08, 2010

SUSPENSION,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM

1 complaint

2005 SUBARU OUTBACK SEDAN DRIVEN ON ICY/SNOWY ROAD CONDITIONS EXPERIENCES EXTREME SLIPPAGE IN THE REAR OF THE CAR. HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS ON AT LEAST TWO OTHER OCCASIONS WITH THIS VEHICLE IN SIMILAR CONDITIONS. AWD DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE KEEPING THE REAR OF THE CAR ON THE ROAD OR IN LINE. VEHICLE FISHTAILS OR GHOSTWALKS ON THE ROAD SURFACE IN THESE CONDITIONS. EACH TIME THIS WAS EXPERIENCED WAS WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 30 AND 70 MPH IN ICY/SNOWY CONDITIONS. I HAVE A 1996 SUBARU LEGACY SEDAN AS WELL THAT DOES NOT EXHIBIT THIS TYPE OF UNNERVING WANDERING ON THE ROAD WHEN DRIVEN IN EXACT SAME CONDITIONS. THIS WANDERING MAKES VEHICLE FEEL EXTREMELY UNSTABLE AND THE BACK OF THE CAR FEELS AS THOUGH IT WANTS TO SPIN AROUND OR OFF THE ROAD. *TR

Oct 28, 2009

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

1 complaint

WITH 35,600 MILES ON OUR 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK XT, THE TURBO FAILED. THE DEALER SERVICE TECHNICIAN SAID THIS WAS DO TO THE CONDITION OF THE ENGINE OIL WHICH WAS 7 MONTHS OLD AND HAD 5,400 MILES ON IT. ALL 7 OF THE VEHICLES OIL CHANGES WERE DONE WITHIN THE 7,500 MILE INTERVAL SET FORTH IN OWNERS/VEHICLE MAINTENANCE MANUAL. ACCORDING TO THE SUBARU SERVICE BULLETIN # 02-103-07 (HTTP://STORE.FORCEDPERFORMANCE.NET/MERCHANT2/GRAPHICS/SUBARU_OIL/02-103-07.PDF -- NOT SENT TO OWNERS), THERE APPEARS TO BE A DESIGN DEFECT WITH THE "BANJO BOLT" OIL SUPPLY LINE TO THE TURBO, WHICH MAKE THIS ENGINE UNABLE TO LIVE UP TO THE SPECIFIED MAINTENANCE INTERVALS IN ITS POWER TRAIN WARRANTY. *TR

May 01, 2009

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

2005 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CAR WAS IN PARK AND MY RIGHT FOOT WAS TUCKED BACK BEHIND MY LEFT FOOT WHICH WAS RESTING ON THE FOOT REST PAD ON THE FAR LEFT SIDE OF THE FLOOR. THE ENGINE WAS IDLING NORMALLY WHEN SUDDENLY IT WENT TO VERY HIGH REVS FOR 4 TO 5 SECONDS AND THEN RETURNED TO NORMAL IDLE. LATER THE SAME EVENING, AS I SLOWLY ENTERED MY GARAGE AND APPLIED NORMAL BRAKE PRESSURE, THE CAR FIRST SLOWED (AS EXPECTED) THEN SUDDENLY BEGAN TO ACCELERATE. I APPLIED HARD BRAKE PRESSURE AND THE CAR STOPPED. IT DID NOT SEEM LIKE THE ENGINE HAD REVVED AS HIGH AS THE EARLIER INCIDENT AND IT ONLY LASTED FOR A COUPLE OF SECONDS, BUT THERE WAS A DEFINITE, BRIEF SURGE FORWARD AS I ENTERED THE GARAGE. *TR

Jun 21, 2008

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OF 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK, MANUAL TRANSMISSION WHILE DRIVING ON 2 OCCASIONS WITHIN 10 MINUTES AND 5 MILES OF EACH OTHER. FIRST OCCURRED IN 3RD OR 4TH GEAR, WITH NO REASON TO CHANGE SPEEDS OR STOP, WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY SPED FORWARD, AND LEFT THE ROAD ON THE RIGHT SIDE. I WAS ABLE TO KEEP IT UNDER CONTROL, AND JUST AS QUICKLY, IT RETURNED TO NORMAL. WITH IN THE NEXT FOUR MILES, IT WAS PERFECTLY NORMAL, WITH NO ENGINE LIGHTS, STRANGE SOUNDS OR BEHAVIOR. I CAME TO ALMOST A COMPLETE STOP BEFORE TURNING LEFT ONTO OUR GRAVEL ROAD, WHEN AGAIN IT SURGED FORWARD, AND THIS TIME WENT THROUGH A CHAIN LINK FENCE, INTO A FLOWER GARDEN, AND CAME TO A STOP, WEDGED AGAINST THE FENCE. THE CAR WAS TOWED (ON A FLAT BED) TO A REPAIR SHOP, WHERE IT WAS EXAMINED AND REPAIRED FOR $5876.11. I CONTACTED SUBARU OF AMERICA BY E-MAIL THAT EVENING, , AND GOT A LETTER DATED SEPTEMBER 6, THAT ARRIVED ON THE 8TH. IT ASKED FOR ALL THE DETAILS, SERVICE RECORDS, POLICE REPORTS, INSURANCE COMPANY, ETC. IT ALSO STATED THAT THEY WISHED THE VEHICLE TO REMAIN IN ITS UNDAMAGED CONDITION. UNFORTUNATELY, THIS CAME TOO LATE, AS THE CAR WAS ALREADY BEING REPAIRED. I SENT IN ALL THE REQUIRED INFORMATION AND I RECEIVED A CALL FROM SUBARU OF AMERICA PN SEPT. 20, SAYING THAT THEY WERE SORRY, BUT SINCE THE CAR HAD BEEN REPAIRED, THEY WERE UNABLE TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. *TR

Oct 01, 2007

Crash: 1

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

2005 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5XT WAS PARKED IN A PUBLIC / PRIVATE PARKING STRUCTURE AT APPROXIMATELY 6:30PM ON 10/13/2005. AT APPROXIMATELY 8PM THE FIRE ALARM WAS TRIGGERED BY VEHICLE CATCHING ON FIRE. FIRE DEPT FOUND NO SIGNS OF ARSON OR FOUL PLAY, LOOKED TO BE AN ELECTRICAL FIRE IN THE FRONT RIGHT HEADLIGHT CLUSTER. NO RESPONSE FROM SUBARU, INSURANCE DROPPED MY POLICY - LOSS NOT COVERED! *NM

Oct 16, 2006

Fire: 1

EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

CONSUMR'S 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK HAD AUTOMATIC CLIMATE CONTROL PROBLEMS. *KB *NM

Aug 14, 2006

SUSPENSION,TIRES

1 complaint

EXCESSIVE REAR TIRE WEAR, BRIDGESTONE POTENZA RE92, 225/55/17 INSTALLED ON 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK. NORMAL TIRE WEAR THROUGH 19K MILES. REAR TIRES COMPLETLY WORN OUT AFTER 2K ROAD TRIP WITH MODERATE VEHICLE LOADING. NO SIGNS OF MIS-ALIGNMENT OR OVER/UNDER INFLATION. FRONT TIRES REMAIN SERVICEABLE. *NM

Jun 22, 2006

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,TIRES,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

RE ODI 10133280 SIMILAR PROBLEM AT LOW SPEEDS AND VARYING ROAD CONDITIONS, EG FLAT ROAD, BUMPY ROAD ETC. *NM

Nov 08, 2005

EXTERIOR LIGHTING,TIRES

1 complaint

2005 SUBARU OUTBACK: WHEN CRUISE CONTROL IS ENGAGED, ACCELERATION BECOMES EXTREMELY IRREGULAR, ESPECIALLY AFTER CRESTING A HILL, ENGINE PULSATES AS IF GAS FLOW TO THE ENGINE IS BEING INTERRUPTED IRREGULARLY, CAR BUCKS OR PULSES. LOW BEAMS ON HEADLIGHTS BLEW AFTER ONLY 10,000 MILES, RAIN AND/OR DEW DRIPS INSIDE CAR BECAUSE OF CAR DESIGN-DRENCHING ALL PASSENGERS FRONT AND BACK-SEAT-NO WINDOW VENTS AVAILABLE ACCORDING TO SUBARU. NO FRONT SEAT ARM-RESTS..MOST UNCOMFORTABLE CAR I'VE EVER OWNED

Jun 21, 2005

2005 SUBARU Outback Problems & Complaints

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