2008 SUBARU Outback Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
228
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
AIR BAGS
87 complaints
The dash pad in the 2005 to 2009 Subaru Legacy and Outback models have a very common problem of deteriorating to where they become sticky and then sections start cracking and falling off. My concern is that this is happening in the area of the passenger air bag. There is a portion of the dash bad which says SRS AIRBAG imprinted in the pad material and mines actually about to fall off. If the air bag should deploy from a serious enough collision, these loose pieces will be one projectiles and could easily cause injury esp to someone eye. I reached out to SOA but they offered no help. The claim number was 250530-0001813. Subaru did extend the warranty on this a few years back but they have since expired. The missing piece in the image is towards the bottom but the area directly over the airbag is severely cracked.
Jun 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2008 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the passenger’s side air bag sensor light remained illuminated. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was also flashing. The failure became constant. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact's husband had inspected the air bag sensor under the front passenger’s seat and determined that the sensor was functioning. The contact stated that her husband replaced the air bag sensor in the front passenger’s seat sun visor. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.
Jul 28, 2022
Airbag dashboard warning light stayed on while driving on 1/31/2022 and 2/1/2022. Dealer (Autofair Subaru in Haverhill Massachusetts) confirmed there was a problem in the overhead console. Researching the problem, I came across https://www.subaruoutback.org/threads/2006-obw-airbag-light-on-my-fix.42574/ which identified a loose component on the printed circuit board caused by a crack in the solder. Cold weather seems to exacerbate the crack and cause the component to fail intermittently. Many have reported this problem with their Subaru and have made repairs by touching up the solder. Subaru states that the collision system may not function when this condition causes the Airbag Warning Light to remain on.
Feb 04, 2022
2008 SUBARU OUTBACK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WERE DIFFICULTIES SCHEDULING THE RECALL REPAIR. *JS
May 11, 2021
[2008 SUBARU OUTBACK WITH 82,000 MILES, TAKADA AIRBAG REPLACEMENT JULY 2020]. AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT (RED) ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD INSTRUMENT PANEL AS SOON AS THE CAR IS TURNED ON AND REMAINS ON AS LONG AS THE ENGINE IS RUNNING WHETHER MOVING OR STATIONARY. THIS IS NOTIFYING THE DRIVER THAT THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS INOPERABLE AS STATED BY MULTIPLE MECHANICS, SUBARU MECHANICS AND SUBARU SERVICE MANAGERS OVER DOZENS OF BLOGS AND EVEN THE SUBARU WEBSITE. OVERHEAD CONSOLE (IN MAP LIGHT GROUP) SHOWS PROPER NOTIFICATION OF SEATBELT NEED AND AIRBAG ACTIVATION WHEN WEIGHT IS EXERTED ON PASSENGER SEAT SURFACE, BUT WITH THE AIRBAG RED WARNING LIGHT LIT ON THE DASHBOARD, THE PASSENGER, AND POSSIBLY DRIVER AIRBAG, IS TOTALLY INOPERATIVE. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND NEGLECT BY SUBARU IN ADDRESSING THIS SAFETY PROBLEM IS OF IMMEDIATE CONCERN. HUNDREDS OF SUBARU OWNERS, MANY NOT DIRECTLY REPORTING TO NHTSA, HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, BUT NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE.
Feb 01, 2021
+ 82 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES
26 complaints
Lost use of my brakes. Could have been killed. Recall WQK-47 was improperly addressed by using rust inhibitor as band-aid. My opinion and that of a 25+ year ASE certified mechanic. I originally wanted the lines replaced and subaru refused, cheaped out and used the inhibitor. It obviously was an ineffective solution since the whole reason for the recall is now an issue with my car. The lines should have been replaced and really sealed, not cheaply coated with an aerosol spray. The car might be older but is far from rusted out. The other brake lines are just fine. I was expecting something from subaru, cover the parts or labor at least but nothing.. Their fix was only "preventative" not actually fixing the problem.
Jul 23, 2025
Brakes failed suddenly while on the highway. Virtually no braking available. This could have easily resulted in death or serious injury. Took car to Subaru dealership in Appleton WI. Found split brake line. This is a know issue and recall. Subaru had performed recall by putting anticorrosion on brake lines. All this did was possibly delay the inevitable. The recall stated they could have replaced them at the time of recall. Essentially there are a lot of Subarus driving around now that are ticking time bombs. If they would have replaced the brake
May 15, 2025
When I braked downhill the main brake line, from front to rear, ruptured underneath in the middle of the Subaru. This car came from Wisconsin and apparently had a lot of rust, caused by salt, affecting the steel brake lines. Subaru calls Wisconsin the Salt Belt. I could avoid an accident, using the parking brake. I looked up recalls recently and learned that 2 recalls have been offered by Subaru. Only the first one was carried out: In 2014, after "6 years of rusting", they applied wax on the already rusted brake lines, to no avail. The second recall (there is a 40 pages document issued by Subaru) would require replacement of all 4 main brake lines, "in any cases of rupture". I contacted Subaru of Gwinnett (Georgia) and then SOA Subaru of America, case number 2210041700431 in order to get the second recall carried out, which was denied. I was told "Subaru has no further obligation, because the first recall was successfully (!) done" - in spite of the rupture! Now the vehicle, which has gotten a makeshift repair in the meantime, must be considered unsafe and a danger in public traffic. There is a reason why Subaru requires replacement of all 4 main brake lines in case of rupture: It can happen again; all 4 are equally affected by rust. I want to keep this car, it's our daily driver, and I want the second recall performed. (Repair invoice of makeshift repair available, can be sent separately, $550.)
Oct 19, 2022
Brake pedal became less firm, and less effective, and Brake warning light came on. I was able to park my Outback, and saw evidence of brake fluid leaking from under the right rear passenger seat. After pulling the lower rear seat cushion off, and pulling the brake line grommet out of the body, I saw, through the hole the brake lines go through, a fitting that had bare rusty brake lines attached to it, covered in brake fluid, with plastic sheathing that started about an inch from the fitting. After I discovered that there have been a lot of outbacks with the same problem, I found out that there was a recall years ago, so I called a local dealership. The person I spoke with said that the previous owner of my vehicle had neglected to have the brake lines serviced during the recall and that the recall expired years ago, so I would have to pay for replacing the defective line myself.
Mar 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving at 40 MPH and attempting to make a turn downhill, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond, causing the vehicle to crash into a ditch. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated he did not sustain any injuries. The contact was unsure whether a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, then it was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated he repaired the vehicle himself. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V311000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The dealer and the manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
Aug 19, 2021
+ 21 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
14 complaints
EVER SINCE I PURCHASED MY CAR FROM CARMAX THERE HAVE BEEN PROBLEMS WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH. THERE HAVE BEEN ABOUT 10+ TIMES SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN DEC. 2016 THAT I WILL PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION, (WHILE THE CAR IS PARKED AND TURNED OFF, IN ORDER TO TURN IT ON) AND THE ENGINE WON'T TURN OVER. I HAVE TO TOGGLE THE GEAR SHIFTER IN ORDER TO GET THE CAR TO RESPOND AND THEN THE CAR WILL TURN ON. (ONLY AFTER I AGITATE THE GEAR SHIFTER WILL THE IGNITION THEN RESPOND). I RECEIVED AN EMAIL THAT THERE MAY BE A RECALL FOR SUBARU OUTBACK 2008 FOR IGNITION-RELATED ISSUES BUT WHEN I LOOKED UP MY SPECIFIC VIN NUMBER, MY VEHICLE DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE A PART OF THE THE RECALL. PLEASE LET ME KNOW HOW I CAN HAVE MY CAR BE CONSIDERED IN THIS RECALL, I KNOW THIS IS A RELATED PROBLEM.
May 20, 2019
THE LIGHTS AND THE RADIO ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CONSTANTLY GO OFF AND ON SITTING STILL OR MOVING I TOLD THE TECHNICIAN AT THE DEALERSHIP AND IT HAS NOT STOPPED AS OF 6/7/2017
Jun 07, 2017
THE WIRING HARNESS PASSING FROM THE VEHICLE BODY THROUGH TO THE HATCHBACK IS CHAFFING AND HAS BROKEN WIRES. I DISCOVERED THIS WHEN MY REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER STOPPED WORKING. AFTER REPLACING THE MOTOR THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. ONLINE SEARCH PROVIDED MANY REPORTS OF THIS PHENOMENON. I CALLED SUBARU SERVICE AND THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND REPORT THE FIX IS AROUND $500-600 AND ENTAILS REPLACING THE WIRING HARNESS. I WAS TOLD THAT THE WIRES GET BRITTLE WITH AGE AND IT IS A TIGHT FIT. MY ISSUE IS ON THE RUBBER BOOT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IN MY GARAGE AS I WAS TROUBLESHOOTING THE INOPERATIVE REAR WIPER MOTOR. 85,150 MILES ON THE CAR, NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT, AND ALWAYS PARKED IN GARAGE. I CAN UPLOAD PHOTO DOCUMENTS IF REQUESTED. AS BARE WIRES ARE PRESENT IN THIS AREA I FEEL THAT THIS IS A POTENTIAL HAZARD. REAR WIPER IS ALSO INOPERATIVE DUE TO BROKEN WIRE AND COULD RESULT IN LIMITED REAR VISIBILITY. SERVICE MANAGER WAS VERY AWARE OF THIS COMMON PROBLEM. ONLINE RESEARCH SHOWED REPORTS OF REAR BACK UP LIGHTS BECOMING INOPERATIVE AS WELL.
Mar 23, 2017
REAR HATCH WIRING INSULATION FAILED AFTER 8 YEARS & 70,0000 MILES RESULTING IN (AMONG MANY OTHER PROBLEMS) FAILURE OF ALL BRAKE LIGHTS. WIRES SHORTED OUT RESULTING IN BLOWN BRAKE LIGHT FUSE. THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF FAILURE OF BRAKE LIGHTS ON ANY DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHT. IT IS UNKNOWN HOW LONG THIS VEHICLE (KNOWN TO HAVE UNSAFE AIRBAGS) WAS ALSO DRIVEN WITHOUT BRAKE LIGHTS. THIS IS A KNOWN COMMON FAILURE POINT AND SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL.
Oct 16, 2016
THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS BLINKED OFF & ON AND THE HEATER STOPPED WORKING, THEN STARTED WORKING AGAIN. THIS HAPPENED THREE TIMES. IT GIVES THE APPEARANCE OF INVOLVING A SHORT CIRCUIT. THIS HAPPENED BOTH WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND WHILE MOVING.
Dec 16, 2015
+ 9 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
9 complaints
MY VEHICLE HAS A PROBLEM WITH AN INTERMITTENT AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATING, INDICATING AN ISSUE WITH THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. SPECIFICALLY IN MY CASE, IT INDICATES THAT THE OVERHEAD AIRBAG INDICATOR SYSTEM IS IN A FAULT STATE. THIS IS EXTREMELY COMMON IN THIS VEHICLE AND AGE, WITH MANY OTHER OWNERS REPORTING THE SAME ISSUE WITH NO RECALL ACTION FROM SUBARU. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE WITH THIS CAR IF NOT ADDRESSED AND CAN RESULT IN THE AIRBAGS NOT DEPLOYING IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. COST FOR AN OWNER TO REPAIR (AND IN MY CASE) IS $300+ AND SHOULD BE COVERED BY SUBARU.
Apr 05, 2019
THERE'S SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE WITH THE WIRING ON 2005-2009 SUBARU OUTBACK/LEGACY MODELS THAT AFFECTS BOTH THE AIRBAG AND THE LOCKING MECHANISM. I HAVE SEEN MULTIPLE THREADS ONLINE WHERE THE AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT COMES ON SPECIFICALLY INDICATING THAT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG MAY BE AFFECTED AND SENSORS MAY BE FAULTY? THERE IS ALSO A COMMON ERROR IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IN WHICH WHEN YOU LOCK THE CAR - ALL LOCKS ACTIVATE WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE REAR TAILGATE WHICH POSES A SAFETY RISK OR TOTAL THEFT OF THE CAR. THESE PROBLEMS OCCUR UPON VEHICLE IGNITION AND WHEN THE CAR IS ON OR OFF (FOR THE LOCKING)
Jun 18, 2018
BOUGHT A USED 2008 SUBARU OUTBACK IN APRIL OF 2015, AND SHORTLY AFTERWARDS BEGAN SEEING THE AIRBAG DASH LIGHT OCCASIONALLY UPON STARTUP. THE AIRBAG LIGHT WOULD REMAIN ON UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF, AND WOULD OFTEN COME ON AND STAY ON WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED AGAIN. OVERHEAD PASSENGER AIRBAG INDICATOR ALSO WAS MALFUNCTIONING, AND DID NOT INDICATE ON OR OFF. VEHICLE WAS SERVICED AT DEALERSHIP ON 3/22/2016, AND THE OVERHEAD CONSOLE (PART # 92151AG13AOR) WAS REPLACED TO REMEDY AIR BAG CODE 26. TOTAL COST WAS $182.95; $130.45 FOR THE NEW CONSOLE, AND $52.50 FOR THE LABOR. THIS MALFUNCTION IS FAR TOO COMMON IN SUBARU VEHICLES ACROSS SEVERAL YEARS,AND IS AN EXTREMELY IMPORTANT REPAIR AND A DANGEROUS SAFETY CONCERN. THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS INOPERABLE WHEN THE DASH LIGHT IS ON, AND SHOULD BE A RECALL SITUATION FOR ALL SUBARU VEHICLES THAT HAVE THE DEFECTIVE CONSOLE.
Mar 22, 2016
THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT IS FREQUENTLY ON FOR EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME (DAYS, WEEKS,MONTHS). THE ISSUE AND SUBARU'S UNWILLINGNESS TO ADDRESS IT ARE WELL DOCUMENTED IN COMPLAINTS FILED WITH NHTSA BY OTHER SUBARU OWNERS AND ON VARIOUS SUBARU OWNER WEBSITES. FOR EXAMPLE, SEE HTTP://WWW.ARFC.ORG/COMPLAINTS/2008/SUBARU/OUTBACK/AIR_BAGS/PROBLEM.ASPX THERE IS CONFLICTING ADVICE ON WHETHER ILLUMINATION OF THE DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHT MEANS THE AIRBAGS ARE DISABLED OR NOT. EITHER WAY, THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY.
Sep 04, 2015
THE AIRBAGS LIGHT IS ON INTERMITTENTLY. THE TECH AT THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS A PROBLEM IN THE CONNECTION IN THE MAP LIGHT CONSOLE. HE INDICATED THE AIRBAGS WOULD DEPLOY CORRECTLY. IT APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH 2008 OUTBACKS AND OTHER POSTERS HAVE INDICATED THE AIRBAG SYSTEM WILL NOT WORK IF DASHBOARD AIRBAG LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED. APPARENTLY MANY FOLKS HAVE FOUND A WEAK/AGED SOLDER POINT TO BE THE CAUSE OF AN INTERMITTENT CONNECTION. GIVEN THE LARGE NUMBER OF OWNERS ENCOUNTERING THIS PROBLEM, SUBARU SHOULD INITIATE A RECALL BASED ON THE SAFETY CONCERNS OF A AN AIRBAG SYSTEM FAILURE IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Apr 10, 2015
+ 4 more complaints for this component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
7 complaints
PURCHASED THIS SINGLE-OWNER, WELL-CARED FOR OUTBACK ABOUT 1/9/2015. I WAS ASSURED ALL RECALLS HAD BEEN ADDRESSED. I SOON REALIZED THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS EXTENDED THE LIGHT-FIELD FOR ONLY A VERY SHORT DISTANCE. (NO MORE THAN 7 FEET IN FRONT OF CAR). AT NEXT OIL CHANGE, ASKED TO HAVE THEM LOOKED AT/ADJUSTED. ABOUT 2 DAYS AFTER THAT WAS DONE, I HAD NO LOW-BEAM HEADLIGHTS. TOLD THE LOW-BEAMS WERE NOT "GROUNDING". (HIGH BEAMS AND FOG LIGHTS ARE FINE). WAITED FOR A $300 CONTROL MODULE PART TO COME IN BUT THAT WAS NOT THE PROBLEM. NOW WAITING FOR ANOTHER $300 FUSE BOX PART TO COME IN - NO GUARANTEE THAT IS THE PROBLEM. AFTER SEEING SIMILAR CAR COMPLAINTS ON-LINE, REALIZED THIS MAY BE A SAFETY ISSUE (AND A MORE PERVASIVE ISSUE) THAN I THOUGHT. THE STATE OF WISCONSIN CERTAINLY SEES THIS AS A SAFETY ISSUE AS THEY ISSUE A $187+ TICKET AND THE DRIVER LOSES 3 POINTS. (I ALREADY GOT ONE TICKET DUE TO THIS PROBLEM WHILE AWAITING PARTS). I DO NOT HAVE ANOTHER VEHICLE AVAILABLE AND DRIVE OVER 600 MILES (ROUND-TRIP) EACH WEEKEND BETWEEN WORK AND HOME. *TR
Mar 12, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS FAILED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE WOULD RECUR EVERY SIX MONTHS WHERE THE BULB NEEDED TO BE REPLACED EACH TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Aug 29, 2013
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 2008 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH ON A RURAL ROAD AFTER THE SUNSET WITH THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ENGAGED, THEY FAILED TO FULLY ILLUMINATE THE ROAD. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DOES COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS; WHICH WAS A MANUFACTURER DESIGN WITH NO MODIFICATIONS. THE CONTACT IS AWARE OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 103,000. THE VIN WAS REJECTED FROM THE SYSTEM AND WILL BE UPDATED UPON RECEIPT OF THE SAFETY COMPLAINT.
Aug 21, 2009
I PURCHASED A 2008 SUBARU OUTBACK AND THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ARE DANGEROUS WHEN TRAVELING ON HILLY ROADS. THE HEADLIGHTS DO NOT ILLUMINATE THE ROAD PROPERLY AND HAVE A HORIZONTAL LINE TO THE BEAM. NOTHING CAN BE SEEN UNDER THIS LINE. NO PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED WITH HIGH BEAMS. *TR
Sep 24, 2008
THE HEADLIGHTS IN THE 2008 SUBARU OUTBACK ARE DEADLY AND AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. I CAN NOT BELIEVE THESE HEADLIGHTS WERE APPROVED AND THAT THEY ARE LAWFUL. *TR
Mar 30, 2008
+ 2 more complaints for this component
SUSPENSION
7 complaints
THREE FAILED WHEEL BEARING BY 100K. ONE AT 30K, THE SECOND AT 67K. THE THIRD AT 90K. THE DEALERSHIP COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING AT 90K. AT 103K, THERE IS A HALF INCH OF PLAY IN THE FRONT PASSENGERS SIDE WHEEL AND IT SOUNDS LIKE A JET AIRPLANE. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE THAT IS NOT BEING TAKEN SERIOUSLY BY SUBARU OF NORTH AMERICA. IF THIS BEARING FAILED AT HIGHWAY SPEED IT WOULD BE CATASTROPHIC. *TR
Aug 17, 2014
I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE. IT WAS WINTER IN WISCONSIN. THE ROADS WERE MOSTLY CLEAR, BUT IT WAS STARTING TO SLEET. WHILE DRIVING, ANY TIME I WOULD GO UNDER A BRIDGE, THE REAR OF THE CAR WOULD DRAMATICALLY SHIFT TO ONE SIDE OR THE OTHER. I SLOWED DOWN TO 45 MPH, AND THE PROBLEM ALMOST SEEMED TO GET WORSE. IT WOULD BE FINE UNTIL I WENT UNDER A BRIDGE WHERE THE ROAD SEEMED TO BE A LITTLE ICY. IT WAS ACTING LIKE THE REAR TIRES WERE COMPENSATING TOO MUCH FOR THE CAR. MY TIRES HAD 75% TREADLIFE LEFT ON ALL 4 TIRES. THERE WAS A LITTLE EXTRA WEIGHT IN THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE 3 PEOPLE IN THE CAR ALONG WITH APPROXIMATELY 200LBS IN THE REAR CARGO AREA. WHEN THE ROADS GOT A LITTLE MORE ICE ON THEM, SO THAT IT WASN'T JUST UNDER BRIDGES, THE CAR WAS MOVING ALL OVER THE PLACE AND I WAS CONVINCED THAT THERE WAS GOING TO BE AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE ALSO NOTICED THIS WHEN DRIVING ON DRY PAVEMENT IF THERE IS ANY WEIGHT IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE REAR TIRES HIT A BUMP OR A CRACK IN THE ROAD, IT WILL SHIFT THE REAR END OF THE CAR TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT, USUALLY TO THE RIGHT. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS AND IT IS A VERY COMMON THING KNOW AS GHOSTWALKING IN SUBARU OUTBACKS. *TR
Aug 20, 2013
2008 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5I DRIVING STRAIGHT ON COMPACTED SNOW OR ICY ROADS STARTING AT APPROX. 35MPH. REAR OF VEHICLE FEELS AS IF TRACTION IS BREAKING LOOSE AND FISHTAILING. TIRES ARE 1 YEAR OLD AND MADE FOR SNOW/ICE CONDITIONS AND ALIGNMENT WAS DONE 2 WEEKS PRIOR. PROBLEM IS EXACERBATED WHEN ADDITIONAL PASSENGERS OR WEIGHT IS ADDED TO VEHICLE. UNABLE TO DRIVE OVER 40-45 MPH; 2-WHEEL DRIVE COMPACTS PASSING ME IN AN OUTBACK ON A FLAT SNOW COVERED ROAD DUE TO INABILITY TO MAINTAIN CONTROL AT SPEED. ALIGNMENT WAS DONE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM FROM A ROAD TRIP ONE MONTH PRIOR TO THIS OCCURRENCE. NO SIMILAR ROAD CONDITION DRIVING BETWEEN THE TWO. *TR
Mar 12, 2011
GHOSTWALKING SUBARU OUTBACK, 2008. DRIVING MY FAMILY (2 ADULTS, 2 TEENS) TO A FAMILY EVENT, ALONG WITH LUGGAGE, EXPERIENCED REAR END SWAY BACK AND FORTH UNCONTROLLABLY WHILE DRIVING ON SLIGHTLY SLICK ROADS (SLUSHY CONDITIONS). IT FELT LIKE REAR END WAS SWAYING INTO TRAFFIC IN ADJACENT LANE. IT WAS EXTREMELY UNNERVING. OCCURS IN SPEEDS ABOVE 50 KM/H. PROBLEM CONTINUED WHILE DRIVING ABOVE 50 KM/H WITH SLICK ROAD. HAD TO SLOW DOWN BELOW 50 KM/H ON HIGHWAY (WHICH IS ILLEGAL). *TR
Dec 25, 2010
2008 SUBARU OUTBACK WAGON SWAYS DANGEROUSLY ON ROUGH ROADS. THE SENSATION IS THAT WHEN ONE HITS A BUMP THE REAR END BOUNCES/KICKS/WALKS OUT TO THE RIGHT. WHILE THERE HAVE BEEN NO ACCIDENTS WITH THIS VEHICLE, IT DOES NOT FEEL SAFE TO DRIVE. THE CAR HAS BEEN SERVICED REGULARLY, HAS NEWER TIRES, AND HAS BEEN ALIGNED SEVERAL TIMES. *TR
May 24, 2010
+ 2 more complaints for this component
ENGINE
6 complaints
TRANSMISSION FAILED, ON THE ROAD, PROBLEM SHIFTING, I WANT TO KNOW IF THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL. I COULD FIND THE PLACE TO ENTER THAT INFO. I AM NOT A MACHANIC!
Dec 04, 2017
VEHICLE HAS HAD SEVERE OIL LEAKING FOR 4 YEARS. DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME OF HEAD GASKET PROBLEMS, BUT ONLY OFFERED REPAIR AT FULL SHOP RATE PRICES. I SEE THIS A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD.
Aug 19, 2017
MY CAR HAS HAD CYLINDER MISFIRES FOR OVER A YEAR. SUBARU HAS TOLD ME IT IS "NOT THEIR PROBLEM" AND THEY HAVE CHARGED ME OVER $2,000 FOR THE VARIOUS TIMES I HAVE BROUGHT IT IN TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THEY JUST "FIXED" IT LAST WEEK AND WITHIN 1 DAY, ALL MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS CAME BACK ON, AND WITHIN 3 DAYS IT IS MISFIRING AGAIN. THEY DO NOT RETURN MY CALLS OR PROPERLY SERVICE MY CAR. I BELIEVE THIS IS AN ENGINE RECALL PROBLEM THEY ARE AVOIDING FOR THE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE RECALL. I DO NOT WANT THIS DANGEROUS CAR.
Nov 08, 2016
ENGINE HEAD GASKET IS LEAKING OIL. WARRANTY IS EXPIRED, BUT 74K MILES IS TOO EARLY FOR THIS MAJOR PROBLEM TO OCCUR. SUBARU CUSTOMER SERVICE HAS AGREED TO PAY FOR A PORTION OF THE REPAIR COST.
May 09, 2015
HEAD GASKETS FAILED AND, ONCE DISASSEMBLED, VALVES WERE FOUND TO BE LEAKING. *TR
Jan 30, 2015
+ 1 more complaint for this component
POWER TRAIN
5 complaints
Due to a known manufacturing defect in the automatic transmission acknowledged in TSB 16-74-09 the driveability of my vehicle has been severely hampered and the shuddering/vibration is steadily worsening. I wasn't aware of this torque converter defect or an available remedy until well after the warranty expired as I didn't have access to the TSB. This is apparently a widespread problem affecting many vehicles of the era based on online forums and other complaints to NHTSA. I took the vehicle to dealerships over the years for related transmission issues but they "couldn't replicate" my concern. Recently, a local dealership has confirmed our transmission is affected but it does not throw any trouble codes or illuminate warning lamp as these underlying mechanical defects are not monitored by the OBD system. Having a gradually failing, defective transmission is a safety issue as we can grow complacent and it could give out any time without warning while driving. The vehicle is certainly available for inspection. It has been impeccably maintained, and none of these issues are due to mechanical wear and tear or neglect. It's unbelievable that a known manufacturing defect in the transmission would not affect every vehicle with that unit and be subject of a broad recall.
Jan 27, 2025
TRANSMISSION FAILURE. DEALER HAS REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION THREE TIMES SO FAR. NONE OF THE REPAIRS HAVE LASTED MORE THAN A DAY OR TWO. VEHICLE WORKS FINE, THEN STARTS SLIPPING OUT GEAR. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON NOW FOR TWO MONTHS. MANUFACTURER SILENT ON GUIDANCE. SUSPECT TRANSMISSION AND/OR TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE FAILURE OR INCOMPATIBILITY. THE TRANSMISSION/CONTROL MODULE IS A SPLIT MODEL YEAR BUILD.
Jan 15, 2018
INFORMED AT SHOP WHEN GETTING OIL CHANGE THAT LEFT FRONT WHEEL BEARING NEEDED REPLACEMENT. CONTACTED LOCAL DEALER AND THEY CONFIRMED AND REPLACED IT UNDER POWERTRAIN WARRANTY. HEARD NO NOISE AND FELT NO UNUSUAL PERFORMANCE TO ALERT ME OF THIS POWERTRAIN FAILURE. DEALER STATED ALL THE OTHER WHEEL BEARINGS ARE OK. 2 YEARS LATER AT 70,000 MILES RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARING FAILED WITH NO NOTICE OR NOISE JUST SUDDEN GRINDING AND SWAYING AT ABOUT 50 MPH. HAD IT TOWED HOME AND TOOK IT TO DEALER WHO CONFIRMED THE OTHER TWO WHEEL BEARINGS ARE FAILING. DEALER COVERED COST OF NEW BEARINGS BUT WE TRADED IT IN. NO CONFIDENCE IN SUBARU. DEALER STATED THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE, IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED OR ALL REPLACED AT FIRST FAILURE. *TR
Jun 01, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKED AND THE VEHICLE SMOKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION HOSE FRACTURED AND CREATED THE LEAK. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE RADIATOR WAS DEFECTIVE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION HOSES AND THE RADIATOR. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 50,284.
Apr 12, 2012
COMPLAINT FOR A 2008 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5I WITH A MANUAL TRANSMISSION. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE HAS A MAJOR STABILITY CONTROL ISSUE AND IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. WHILE DRIVING AT CONSTANT SPEED (CONSTANT AND LOW THROTTLE POSITION) ON A FLAT, GOOD ROAD, WITH THE STEERING WHEEL POINTED STRAIGHT AHEAD, THE BACK END OF THE VEHICLE TENDS TO OSCILLATE FROM SIDE TO SIDE OR "GHOST WALK" WHEN THE ROAD HAS ICE ON IT. THE VEHICLE DOES NOT EVER LOSE TRACTION PER SE; IT JUST STEERS ITSELF ALL OVER THE ROAD. TIRES ARE AT THE PROPER PRESSURE, TIRES ARE ALL BRAND NEW (ALTHOUGH THE PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED FOR THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE WITH DIFFERENT SETS OF TIRES. THE ISSUE IS NOT TRACTION ON DEEP SNOW, NOR IS IT A PROBLEM WHEN CORNERING, BRAKING, OR ACCELERATING. I AM A VERY EXPERIENCED DRIVER IN SNOW/ICE AND HAVE OWNED SEVERAL SUBARUS. THIS PARTICULAR MODEL HAS MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH DRIVING ON ICE AND VERY HARD-PACK SNOW. NOTE THAT HAVING ADDITIONAL WEIGHT IN THE CARGO AREA OR REAR PASSENGERS MAKES THE PROBLEM MUCH WORSE. I HAVE BEEN FORCED TO DRIVE ON THE INTERSTATE AT 20 MPH WITH REAR-WHEELED DRIVE CARS BLOWING BY ME BECAUSE OF THE GHOST WALKING ISSUE. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL NEAR-ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. THIS VEHICLE. IS UNSAFE AND SHOULD BE RECALLED IMMEDIATELY. *TR
Jan 22, 2011
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
5 complaints
TWICE IN LESS THAN SIX MONTHS, WHILE MY CAR WAS STOPPED BUT IN DRIVE, WITH MY FOOT FIRMLY PRESSED ON THE BRAKE, THE CAR HAS REVVED UP AND SURGED FORWARD OF ITS OWN ACCORD. BRAKING DID NOTHING TO STOP THE CAR EITHER TIME. ON AUGUST 3, 2015 AT @ 8:30 A.M., I PULLED INTO A PARKING SPACE DIRECTLY FACING A BUILDING AND STOPPED. AS I WAS GETTING READY TO SHIFT FROM DRIVE TO PARK, THE CAR SURGED FORWARD, ACROSS A SIDEWALK, AND INTO/THROUGH THE WALL/WINDOWS OF A BUSINESS. I CONTACTED THE LOCAL SUBARU DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THEY KNEW OF NO SIMILAR ISSUES LOCALLY OR NATIONALLY. I LEFT MY CAR WITH THE DEALERSHIP FOR A WEEK SO THEY COULD INSPECT IT. THE CAR WAS DRIVEN UNDER 30 MILES AND THE ISSUE DID NOT ARISE, SO THE CAR WAS RETURNED TO ME. I ASKED THAT THEY NOTIFY SUBARU NATIONALLY AND THE NHTSA OF THE INCIDENT, AND ONLY LEARNED LATER THAT THEY DID NEITHER. ON DECEMBER 19, 2015, I WAS ON A CITY STREET (WET, BUT NOT ICY) @ BLOCK BACK FROM A RED LIGHT COMPLETELY STOPPED IN A LINE OF TRAFFIC. I WAS AT LEAST 4-6' BEHIND THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME, WITH MY FOOT FIRMLY DEPRESSING THE BRAKE, AND MY CAR AGAIN SURGED FORWARD, DESPITE ALL MY EFFORTS TO CONTROL IT, AND SLAMMED INTO THE REAR OF THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN, AND ONLY AFTER TWO VISITS WAS A RECORD MADE OF THE 12/19/2015 INCIDENT AND I WAS GIVEN THE NUMBER FOR NATIONAL SUBARU CUSTOMER SERVICE. I HAVE REQUESTED A FORM TO ALLOW AN INSPECTOR TO DOWNLOAD INFORMATION FROM THE EVENT DATA RECORDER FOR REVIEW WHEN HE INSPECTS THE CAR IN TWO WEEKS. I USE ONLY MY RIGHT FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND GAS PEDAL. I HAVE FACTORY FLOOR MATS WHICH ARE PINNED DOWN AND DO NOT MOVE. I WEAR FLAT SHOES.
Jan 16, 2016
VEHICLE WILL LOOSE ACCELERATION WITHOUT WARNING. THIS HAS HAPPENED SIX (6) TIMES. WHEN THIS OCCURS PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL DOES NOTHING. THE VEHICLE'S SPEED IMMEDIATELY DROPS TO ABOUT 5 MPH. THE "ENGINE" AND "CRUISE" LIGHTS ILLUMINATE. THE TACHOMETER CONTINUALLY FLUCTUATES BETWEEN 2500AND 3000 RPM DURING THIS TIME, . ONE MUST PULL OVER AND TURN OFF THE ENGINE, LET IT SET FOR A FEW MINUTES THEN RESTART THE ENGINE IN ORDER TO RESET THE ACCELERATION SYSTEM. WE HAVE HAD SEVERAL NEAR ACCIDENTS AS DRIVERS BEHIND OUR VEHICLE NEEDED TO SWERVE AWAY FROM OUR VEHICLE AS IT LOST ACCELERATION. SUBARU PERFORMED THE FOLLOWING. 1. FLASHED THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) CODE TWICE. 2. REPLACED THE GAS PEDAL ASSEMBLE TWICE 3. REPLACED THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS ONCE 4. REPLACED THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) ONCE. I HAVE THREE (3) SERVICES CASES RECORDED WITH SUBARU OF AMERICA (SOA). THE CASE NUMBERS ARE AS LISTED. > 1-2810691799 FILED ON DECEMBER 17, 2012 > 1-2888482660 FILED ON DECEMBER 26, 2012 > 1-4032748404 FILED ON MAY 21, 2013 THE ECM WAS REPLACED ON MAY 29, 2013 AND WE HOPE THIS WILL RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER DURING THIS TEN (10) MONTH PERIOD OF TIME SOA ALWAYS PROMISED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM YET DID SO RELUCTANTLY. AS THE NUMBER OF INCIDENTS WENT FROM 3 TO 6 SOA CUSTOMER SERVICES WAS NOT AT ALL CUSTOMER ORIENTATED. THESE FAILURES ARE A SAFETY ISSUE. ACCIDENT, INJURY OR DEATH COULD HAVE BEEN THE END RESULT OF ANY OF THESE INCIDENTS. WE HAVE BEEN VERY LUCKY BUT HONESTLY DO NOT KNOW THAT THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN RESOLVED. *TR
Jun 08, 2013
S10 APPROPRIATE HANDLING-LETTER REGARDING SUBURU PROBLEMS *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A LEFT TURN AND WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE SPEED OF THE VEHICLE AND SUBSEQUENTLY HE SCRAPED A GUARDRAIL, WHICH RESULTED IN OVER $5,000 IN BODY DAMAGE TO HIS VEHICLE. HE STATED EVERY TIME HE APPLIED THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE CONSUMER HAS SINCE TRADED THE VEHICLE. *JB
Apr 29, 2010
MY WIFE HAD AN UNCONTROLLED ACCELERATION EVENT IN HER 2008 SUBARU OUTBACK WHEN SHE WAS TRYING TO PARK BEHIND ANOTHER CAR. SHE DIDN'T THINK THE FLOOR MAT WAS INVOLVED. SHE HAD WINTER BOOTS ON AND THOUGHT SHE WAS ONLY PRESSING ON THE BRAKE. HER FRONT LICENSE PLATE WAS TORN AND SHE DID ABOUT $700 OF DAMAGE TO THE OTHER CAR'S REAR BUMPER. *TR
Dec 12, 2009
SUDDEN UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION WHILE DRIVING. EVEN PULLING INTO THE DRIVEWAY WITH FOOT ON THE BRAKE THE ENGINE REVS UP OR SAME PROBLEM WHILE SITTING AT A STOPLIGHT. IT'S AS THOUGH THE CAR DOES NOT WANT TO STOP. AT TIMES IF YOU SHIFT DOWN AND LET OFF ON THE GAS THE CAR GOES FOR A SHORT STRETCH WITHOUT SLOWING DOWN. *TR
Mar 30, 2008
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
4 complaints
Subaru Outback 2008 -- This model's frequent brakes problems are an outrage. Subaru has known for years, with several Subaru recalls already, that the Subaru 2008 Outback has a defective brakes design and/or manufacture. I have experienced brakes problems on several occasions throughout my ownership and reported them to Subaru -- beginning the first weeks of ownership. This began within weeks of purchase. Subaru stated for the entirety of my new-owner warranty period that they couldn't replicate the problem. But once that warranty's ended, weeks later Subaru told me I needed "a full set of brakes" and sought nearly $2K for it ---on a car bought new just about two years earlier and well under 18K miles. My car again displays the "Err SS" code as it did as an early precursor to the Subaru defective brakes recalls in past years. For approximately 5 weeks -- mu Subaru Outback was in Subaru's service centers under the required diagnostic evaluation service at two Subaru service centers. Both -- you guessed it -- stated they were unable to replicate the problem. (These Subaru mechanics also were unable to replicate and/or diagnose the problem of erratic-/non-start, pulsing lights, random alarm and radio function that arose following Subaru's replacement of my alternator following the manufacturer's regularly scheduled timing belt maintenance.) Subaru has dragged out the process of required diagnosis for literal years. Per its pattern or practice, Subaru opened, stalled for months at a time to return a call and/or email, then closed cases regarding the on the very same reported brakes issues (and alternator repair). Subaru, for the past 18 months or so, has resorted to the excuse of "an older car" -- after Subaru have ignored for years at a time and then failed to properly repair the known brakes defect that needs regular repair -- not related to regular wear and tear.
Sep 18, 2024
Car caught on fire I was driving heard a weird gurgle came home got out and it burst in to flames almost caught my house on fire
Mar 05, 2024
DASHBOARD IS MELTING
Sep 10, 2020
I WAS STOPPED ON A SIDE STREET, WAITING FOR A TRAFFIC LIGHTTIP CHANGE AROUND 9:50AM ON SUNDAY, JUNE 17, IN DENVER, CO. THERE WERE CARS IN FRONT OF ME AND ONE IN BACK BUT NONE OF US WERE MOVING. SUDDENLY, AND WITHOUT WARNING, MY DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW COMPLETELY SHATTERED. IT HAD BEEN HALF OPEN BEFORE THIS HAPPENED WITH NO MECHANICAL ISSUES. GLASS SPRAYED IN AND OUT OF THE CAR. I HAD SEVERAL SMALL CUTS. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF ANYTHING HITTING OR BEING THROWN AT THE WINDOW.
Jun 17, 2018
STRUCTURE
4 complaints
I EASED INTO A PARKING SPOT, STEPPED ON THE BRAKE, AND PUT THE GEARSHIFT INTO PARK. AS SOON AS I SHIFTED THE CAR LUNGED FORWARD, PICKED UP SPEED, AND DROVE INTO THE BUILDING. I NEVER TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE AND HAD TO MOVE THE GEARSHIFT DOWN TO REVERSE (NOT UP) TO GET OUT OF THE BUILDING, WHICH VERIFIES THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK WHEN IT ACCELERATED. THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR ARE NOT CLOSE ENOUGH FOR ME TO ACCIDENTALLY HAVE MY FOOT ON BOTH.
Apr 15, 2021
DASHBOARD IS MELTED AND TOO STICKY TO WASH UP IT SHINES BRIGHT CAUSING REFLECTION AGAINST VISUAL TO DRIVE, IT'S A SAFELY ISSUE.
Mar 30, 2019
ON MANY SEPARATE OCCASIONS (BUT REPORTED TO SUBARU AUTHORIZED SERVICE DEALER ON 03/28/12, 10/01/11, AND 09/21/11), OUR HOOD HAS PARTLY POPPED OPEN WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT A RANGE OF SPEEDS AND IN A RANGE OF TEMPERATURES. IT IS AS IF THE INITIAL HOOD RELEASE LATCH HAS BEEN PULLED FROM WITHIN THE CAR, BUT THE HOOD THEN CATCHES ON THE MANUAL RELEASE UNDER THE LID. ONCE LOOSE, THE HOOD WOBBLES (WITH INCREASED VIOLENCE AT HIGH SPEEDS) AND IS OBVIOUSLY NOT SECURE. THE SUBARU SHOP TECH INITIALLY ADJUSTED AND REALIGNED THE HOOD LATCH. ON A SUBSEQUENT VISIT, THE ENTIRE HOOD LATCH WAS REPLACED. THIS DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM, AND ON VISITING AFTER THE THIRD OCCURENCE, THE SAID THEY HAD NO RECOMMENDATIONS AS THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM EITHER ON THE ROAD OR IN THE SHOP, AND WERE SHOWING NO DIAGNOSTIC ISSUES WITH THEIR EQUIPMENT. SUBARU OF AMERICA WERE CONTACTED BY THE SHOP AND HAD NO AVAILABLE RECOMMENDATIONS. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN INSPECTED BUT THE SUBARU SHOP AND IS CLEAR OF PRIOR BODY DAMAGE. THE UNPREDICTABILITY OF THIS ISSUE IS MOST ALARMING -- WE CAN NEVER TELL WHEN OUR HOOD IS GOING TO COME LOOSE WHILE TRAVELLING, AND HAVE HAD TO PULL OVER SEVERAL TIMES ON THE FREEWAY WHEN TRAVELLING AT HIGH SPEED TO SECURE THE HOOD.
Jul 18, 2012
SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE (NEW), THE HOOD LATCH BEGAN TO OCCASIONALLY OPEN BY ITSELF WHILE DRIVING. THE SAFETY LATCH DOES CATCH THE HOOD BEFORE IT OPENS ALL THE WAY, BUT IT IS NEVERTHELESS DISCONCERTING, AND CERTAINLY A SAFETY ISSUE. I CURRENTLY HAVE APPROXIMATELY 82000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE, AND WOULD ESTIMATE THAT THE HOOD HAS SELF-OPENED WHILE DRIVING AT LEAST 20 TIMES. THE DEALER SUGGESTED THAT I WAS NOT CLOSING THE HOOD SUFFICIENTLY WHEN CHANGING THE OIL, OR WHEN ADDING WASHER FLUID. I DO NOT CHANGE MY OWN OIL, AND RARELY NEED TO OPEN THE HOOD, AS THE DEALER OR A QUICK-LUBE SERVICE HAVE BEEN PERFORMING THE MAINTENANCE. THERE SEEMS TO BE NO RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SPEED OR ROAD CONDITION, AS I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO CAUSE THE HOOD TO OPEN ON DEMAND, AND NEITHER HAS THE DEALER. THERE ALSO SEEMS TO BE NO RELATIONSHIP TO THE NUMBER OF MILES SINCE THE LAST OCCURRENCE. SOMETIMES THE TIME BETWEEN OCCURRENCES IS VERY SHORT (LESS THAN A WEEK, AND LESS THAN 150 MILES), AND OTHER TIMES I CAN GO SEVERAL MONTHS BETWEEN OCCURRENCES. THE DEALER HAS SEEN THE VEHICLE FOR THIS PROBLEM AT LEAST 8 TIMES, I BELIEVE, AND HAS DONE VIRTUALLY NOTHING BUT "ADJUST" THE LATCH. I HAVE COMMUNICATED THIS PROBLEM TO THE MANUFACTURER, WHO REFERRED IT TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER ASKED IF I KNEW WHEN IT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN AGAIN (I DID NOT), AND THEY ASKED ME TO BRING IT IN THE NEXT TIME IT HAPPENED SO THAT THEY COULD SEE THAT THE HOOD LATCH WAS OPEN (I DID).
Aug 29, 2011
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
4 complaints
2008 SUBARU OUTBACK. CONSUMER SEEKS REIMBURSEMENT FROM MANUFACTURERS CATALYTIC CONVERTER DEFECT RECALL REPAIRS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED A FEW DAYS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP READ THE CODES AND EXPLAINED TO THE CONSUMER, THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS FAILING. THE CONSUMER LEARNED SUBARU HAD ISSUED A SELECTIVE RECALL, ONLY HONORED IN CERTAIN STATES, ON THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WITH A REPROGRAMMING OF THE ECM. THE CONSUMER PAID FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. HOWEVER, SHE IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT. *JB
Jun 10, 2015
IN JULY FOLLOWING THE REPLACEMENT OF OUR CATALYTIC CONVERTER I WROTE TO SUBARU TO INQUIRE ABOUT REIMBURSEMENT. THERE WAS NO RESPONSE. THE REPLACEMENT COST WAS $728.08. APPARENTLY ONLY SEVEN STATES ISSUED A MANDATORY RECALL. VIRGINIA ISN'T ONE OF THEM. THE VEHICLE WAS RELIGIOUSLY MAINTAINED, ALL SUPPORTED BY DOCUMENTATION. AT 97,600 MILES THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WEARING OUT HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE PART ITSELF. REIMBURSEMENT FOR THIS CATALYTIC CONVERTER WOULD GO A LONG WAY IN OUR FUTURE DECISION OF WHICH BRAND CAR TO BUY. IT'S KNOWN IN MARKETING IT COSTS A LOT LESS TO KEEP A CUSTOMER THAN TO GAIN A NEW ONE. *TR
Nov 21, 2014
MY CAR ENGINE STALLS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WHILE DRIVING AND WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN IN A SIGNAL, WHILE WAITING ON THE RED LIGHT AND WHILE STOPING AND IDLING AT THE PARKING LOT. WHEN THIS ISSUE HAPPENS ALL THE LIGHTS IN THE DASH LIGHTS UP AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECOMES LOCKED. THIS ENGINE STALLING ISSUE HAPPENS RANDOMLY. SOME TIMES EVERY DAY IN A WEEK, 2 DAYS IN A WEEK OR 3 DAYS IN A WEEK. SOME TIMES THE ENGINE STALLS MORE THAN 10 TIMES IN A DAY. IN ORDER TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE, I TOOK MY CAR TO SUBARU DEALERSHIP AND EXPLAINED THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN THE PROBLEM. FIRST TIME, I WAS ASKED TO LEAVE MY CAR AT THE DEALER SHIP OVERNIGHT TO SEE IF DEALER CAN RECREATE THE PROBLEM. DEALER TOLD ME HE COULDN'T RECREATE THE ISSUE. SECOND TIME, DEALER FOUND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AND USED THE DIAGONSTIC TOOL TO FIND OUT THAT MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR IS BAD AND REPLACED IT. BUT THIS DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM. THIRD TIME I CONTACT SUBARU CUSTOMER SERVICE AND EXPLAINED THE ISSUE. SUBARU CUSTOMER SERVICE ASKED ME TO TAKE MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN. I TOOK MY CAR TO DEALERSHIP AND LEFT IT THERE FOR 2 DAYS. ON THE THIRD DAY, DEALER SAID THE BATTERY WAS BAD AND REPLACED THE BATTERY AND SAID HE COULDN'T REPRODUCE THE ISSUE. WHEN I TOOK THE CAR BACK FROM THE DEALERSHIP ON THE THIRD DAY, WITHIN FEW HOURS MY CAR ENGINE AGAIN STALLED. THIS TIME I TOOK THE VIDEO OF THE ISSUE. I CONTACTED THE SUBARU CUSTOMER SERVICE AND EXPLAINED WHAT WAS HAPPENING AND I WAS TOLD THAT DEALER CANNOT FIX THE ISSUE UNLESS HE CAN RECREATE THE ISSUE. SO I TOOK MY CAR TO SUBARU DEALERSHIP MORE THAN 3 TIMES, SPENT MORE THAN $1000 FOR PARTS, LABOR AND CAR RENTAL AND STILL THE PROBLEM IS NOT FIXED. ACTUALLY IT IS GETTING WORSE DAY BY DAY. *TR
Apr 28, 2011
THE PROBLEM IS THE CAR SUDDENLY LOOSING POWER AT VARIOUS SPEEDS FOR NO APPARENT REASON. HAS OCCURRED OVER 6 TIMES IN THE PAST MONTH, 4 TIMES IN THIS LAST WEEK. THE MOST RECENT ON 4/30/10 THE CAR COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING AT A SPEED OF 20 MPH. NO WARNING INDICATORS CAME ON THE DASHBOARD. FIRST TIME WAS WHEN ACCELERATING UP AN ON RAMP AND SEVERAL MORE TIMES ON OTHER INCLINED RAMPS, THEN LEAVING A STREET TO ENTER A HWY 4/28/10, ANOTHER AT A COMPLETE STOP THE CAR SHUDDERED 4/29/10, SAME DAY TRAVELING AT 60 MPH LOST POWER FOR A BRIEF MOMENT THEN RESUMED, THESE TWO INCIDENTS WERE WITHIN 5 MINUTES. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER WHERE PURCHASED AND SERVICED TO HAVE THEM LOCATE AND REPAIR THE PROBLEM. HAVE NOT RECEIVED INFORMATION AS YET. *TR
May 03, 2010
WHEELS
3 complaints
VEHICLE STARTED MAKING HUMMING NOISE FROM REAR END WHICH GOT PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. BROUGHT IT INTO THE DEALER WHO TOLD ME THE REAR BEARINGS WERE BAD. I WAS TOLD THEY WEREN'T COVERED SINCE MY WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. EARLY FAILURE OF WHEEL BEARINGS IS APPARENTLY A KNOWN ISSUE WITH SUBARU AND SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER A RECALL. *TR
Jun 04, 2013
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU OUTBACK. DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE SNOW BECAME PACKED INTO THE WHEEL WELL AND MADE IT DIFFICULT FOR THE WHEEL TO TURN NORMALLY. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,300.
Jan 05, 2011
SUBARU OUTBACK 2008 FRONT-WHEEL BEARING, SECOND TIME NEED TO BE CHANGE AFTER 25000 MILES. *TR
Jul 03, 2009
POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS
2 complaints
The contact owns a 2008 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving 30 mph, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing unknown repairs to be completed. The vehicle was repaired however, after the repairs she started to hear an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing unknown repairs to be performed. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was informed that the front passenger’s side ball joint and power steering rack needed to be replaced. Additionally, the rear differential fill plug and the transmission needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired however, the transmission was not replaced. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure of the transmission. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact stated recently the air bag warning light illuminated. The dealer and independent mechanic were made aware of the failure. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.
Jun 03, 2021
AIRBAG REPLACED AS PER RECALL, BUT NOT LONG THERAFTER, THE AIRBAG LIGHT WENT ON AND WON'T GO OFF. APPARENTLY, THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM, AND SUBARU SHOULD COVER IT. ALSO, REAR WHEEL BEARINGS FAILING AT 48K, VERY LOW MILEAGE FOR THEM TO NEED TO BE REPLACED.
Oct 23, 2017
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaints
FUEL PUMP OVER HEAT.
Nov 11, 2020
A YEAR AGO, MY VEHICLE WOULD STALL AT EVERY STOP (VEHICLE SHOULD BE NOTED IS STICK SHIFT). AFTER THAT, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND VEHICLE RAN FINE. I DROVE IT WITH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON ACCORDINGLY. I JUST RECEIVED VEHICLE BACK FROM SUBARU FOR RECALLS WQD40 (CATALYST CONVERTOR) AND WQK47 (BRAKE LINES). WHEN I STARTED CAR, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS OFF AND NOW STALLS AT EVERY STOP, WHICH SHUTS DOWN CAR INCLUDING POWER BRAKES AND POWER STEERING. I CALLED SUBARU AND THEY SAID THEY HAVE NO OTHER COMPLAINTS, BUT I DON'T THINK THAT IS TRUE. I THINK THERE IS AN ISSUE AND IT IS DANGEROUS TO LOSE BRAKES AND STEERING. SUBARU WANTS TO CHARGE ME TO LOOK AT IT AND I DON'T WANT TO PAY THEM. MY PERSONAL MECHANIC CANNOT FIGURE IT OUT.
Aug 27, 2015
AIR BAGS,ENGINE
2 complaints
THE TIMING BELT FAILED PREMATURELY. IT HAD BEEN REPLACED AT 70K MILES AND FAILED AT 140K MILES ON THE SECOND BELT WHICH ONLY HAD 70K MILES ON IT VERSUS THE MANUFACTURE RECOMMENDED 100K MILES REPLACEMENT INTERVAL. THIS HAPPENED DURING HIGHWAY TRAVEL AND THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY LOST ALL POWER AND ONLY HAD 5 SECONDS TO FIND A SAFE PLACE TO PULL OFF THE HIGHWAY. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE HAS AN AIRBAG RECALL FOR THE SECOND TIME, CITING DEATH DUE TO METAL PROJECTILE AND I AM HAVING A VERY HARD TIME HAVING THAT REPLACED AS THE CAR IS NOW BEING DRIVEN IN CANADA AND SUBARU DEALERS IN CANADA WON'T HONOR THE REQUIRED RECALL.
Apr 29, 2020
TAKATA RECALL-- SUBARU "REPAIR" OF DEFECTIVE AIRBAGS DANGEROUS. WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATES REGULARLY. SUBARU REFUSES TO FIX. ----NOTE SUBARU ALSO REFUSED TO REPAIR LONG REPORTED ISSUES WITH BRAKES, AIR BAG, WINDSHIELD. THEY SOUGHT $$THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN REPAIR BILLINGS. ALL THREE OF THESE LATER SUBJECT OF RECALLS. SUBARU REPORTED OIL CONSUMPTION DUE TO GASKET LEAKAGE, CONCERN FOR CAT CONVERTER AS POTENTIAL REPAIR BILLING. THIS APPEARS TO BE A FOURTH POTENTIAL SUBJECT OF RECALL NOW. ----- WHAT MORE HAS TO BE DEFECTIVE ON ONE CAR BEFORE ENTIRE CAR RECALLED?!
Aug 11, 2017
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS
2 complaints
SUBARU HAS AN EXTREMELY COMMON FAULTY WIRING ISSUE WITH AN LED PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD THAT IS PART OF THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT SYSTEM THAT RESIDES IN THE MAPLIGHT ASSEMBLY ABOVE THE REAR VIEW MIRROR. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED BY COUNTLESS VEHICLE OWNERS ACROSS A NUMBER OF MODELS (INCLUDING OUTBACK AND FORESTER) ACROSS A NUMBER OF MODEL YEARS. A SIMPLE GOOGLE SEARCH USING THE KEYWORDS: "SUBARU CODE 26 AIRBAG" REVEALS A TREASURE TROVE OF INFORMATION PERTAINING TO THIS ISSUE. IT IS CLEAR THAT THIS PROBLEM IS FREQUENT, PERSISTENT AND WIDESPREAD. THIS ISSUE HAS SPANNED A NUMBER OF MODELS AND MODEL YEARS. THE COMPANY AND ITS DEALERS CANNOT HELP BUT BE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THERE APPEARS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH INADEQUATE SOLDERING OF THE ELECTRONICS ON THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD (PCB) RELATED TO THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT DISPLAY. IT IS UNCLEAR WHETHER THIS DEFECT IMPAIRS THE ABILITY OF AN AIRBAG TO DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. SUBARU REFUSES TO WARRANTY THIS DEFECT. IN ADDITION, SUBARU REFUSES TO HONOR THE TAKATA RECALL IF THIS FAULTY WIRING SYSTEM IS NOT FIRST REMEDIED. THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT AND CAN PRESENT ITSELF WHEN THE VEHICLE IS MOVING OR STATIONARY. MANY WEB-BASED ACCOUNTS OF THE PROBLEM HAVE REPORTED THAT CHANGES IN VEHICLE TEMPERATURE DUE TO WEATHER (PARTICULARLY ON COLD DAYS) MAY BE RELATED TO THE SOLDERING JOINT TO MALFUNCTION.
Aug 31, 2017
2008 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE DASH INSTRUMENT PANEL AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT WOULD INTERMITTENTLY COME ON AND STAY ON FOR EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME. THE RED AIRBAG LIGHT WOULD OCCASIONALLY TURN OFF BUT FOR THE MOST PART IT WAS ON CONTINUOUSLY. DEALERSHIP ADVISED THAT WHEN THE RED AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS INOPERATIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO OUR LOCAL DEALERSHIP ON 3/30/2015 AND THE SERVICE REPORT INDICATES A SCAN NOTED AIRBAG CODE 26 -PASSENGER SIDE INDICATOR FAILURE. THE DEALERSHIP RECOMMENDED CORRECTION WAS THE REPLACEMENT OF THE MAP LIGHT ASSEMBLY (PART #92151AG13AOR) FOR A COST IN MATERIAL OF $163.95 AND LABOR OF $34.52, PLUS THE DIAGNOSTIC LABOR OF $35.00. COST TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM WAS NOT COVERED. THE SERVICE MANAGER WAS VERY FAMILIAR WITH THIS TYPE OF AIRBAG SYSTEM FAILURE IN SUBARUS OF THIS SPECIFIC MODEL YEAR AND ALSO VEHICLES MANUFACTURED WITHIN THE SAME TIME PERIOD. RESEARCH INDICATES THAT THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT PROBLEM IS LOCATED WITHIN THE OVERHEAD MAP LIGHT MODULE AND THE FAILURE OF SOLDERING AT THE LED LIGHTS WITHIN THIS ASSEMBLY. A NEW MAP LIGHT CONSOLE WAS ORDERED AND HAS BEEN REPLACED WHICH HAS, AT THIS TIME, CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. THIS SPECIFIC ISSUE IS WELL DOCUMENTED WITH THE N.H.T.S.A. ON LINE COMPLAINT DATA (54 COMPLAINTS ALONG SIMILAR CONSOLE LIGHT PANEL FAILURE). AIR BAG SYSTEMS HAVE BEEN MANDATORY ON VEHICLES FOR BOTH FRONT SEAT OCCUPANTS SINCE SEPTEMBER 1998. AIRBAG SYSTEMS ARE NOT OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT, AND WITH THE COMBINATION OF SEAT BELTS, REPRESENT THE CRITICAL COMPONENTS OF A PASSENGER SAFETY SYSTEM. THIS SPECIFIC TYPE OF FAILURE INDICATES A PROBLEM THAT HAS NOT BEEN VOLUNTARILY RECALLED OR ADDRESSED BY THE MANUFACTURER. BECAUSE THIS DEFECT INVOLVES A VITAL SAFETY SYSTEM, AND IN ORDER TO PROTECT THE CONSUMER, AN INVESTIGATION AND RECALL SHOULD BE COMMENCED. *TR
Apr 19, 2015
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER
2 complaints
HVAC FAILS TO OPERATE. DEFROSTER WILL NOT OPERATE. SYMPTOMS ACCOMPANIED BY FLASHING CONTROL PANEL FOR HVAC AND RADIO. WIDESPREAD REPORTS OF THIS PROBLEM SHARED ON CAR OWNER INTERNET FORUMS.
Sep 24, 2015
HVAC / RADIO (CD 6 DISC CHANGER MODEL) FAST FLASHING, ALL FUNCTIONS STAY ENABLED BUT CAN NOT BE CONTROLLED FROM THE PANEL. CAN NOT TURN ON DEFROST UNIT OR ADJUST TEMPERATURE OR RADIO CONTROLS WHILE FLASHING OCCURS. THIS HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY FOR A YEAR AND HAS GOTTEN SIGNIFICANTLY WORSE WHERE CONTROLS ARE UNAVAILABLE FOR 20 MINUTES OR MORE AT A TIME. DANGEROUS SITUATION IN WINTER WHEN YOU CAN NOT USE THE DEFROST BUTTONS TO DEICE WINDOWS OR CONTROL WINDOW FOGGING. *TR
Nov 18, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2 complaints
RECENTLY REPLACED HEADLIGHTS DID NOT ILLUMINATE ON A RETURN TRIP HOME. THEY TURNED OFF WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING. ACCORDING TO THE DEALER, THE WIRING HARNESS FAILED. *TR
Dec 17, 2014
VEHICLE STARTED SHOWING SIGNS OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS 2 MONTHS AGO WHEN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR HOMELINK WOULD ONLY HAVE POWER INTERMITTENTLY. PROBLEM PROGRESSED TO THE REVERSE LIGHTS AND NOW AFFECTS THE HEADLIGHTS. THE HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT AT NIGHT AS I WAS LEAVING A PARKING LOT, A DEFINITE HAZARD. HAVE RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM ON SUBARU ONLINE FORUMS AND DISCOVERED THAT THE PROBLEM IS THAT INDIVIDUAL WIRES IN THE WIRING HARNESS HAVE A TENDENCY TO CRACK AND BREAK AT THE JOINT BETWEEN THE BODY AND THE LIFTGATE. THIS VEHICLE HAS 2 COMPLETELY BROKEN WIRES AND MOST OTHERS WITH BREAKS IN THE INSULATION. OTHER OWNERS DESCRIBE SIMILAR PROBLEMS. *TR
Jul 19, 2014
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
2 complaints
VEHICLE OVERHEATED, DROVE TO NEAREST SERVICE STATION. RADIATOR FLUSHED AND TESTED FOR LEAKS, NONE FOUND. NO OTHER DETERMINATION MADE. CAR OVERHEATING, SLOW COOLANT LOSS. SUBARU DIAGNOSED MAJOR HEAD GASKET FAILURE PROBABLY OCCURRED PRIOR TO 73000 MILES, BUT BEYOND POWER TRAIN WARRANTY. SUBARU HQ DECLINED TO HELP WITH COST CONSIDERING THE SERVICE TECH MGR STATED A 2008 MODEL CAR SHOULD NOT HAVE THIS FAILURE. PREVIOUSLY OWNED 1998 SUBARU OUTBACK WITH SIMILAR GASKET FAILURE SOME TIME AFTER POWER TRAIN WARRANTY EXPIRED. COSTLY REPAIR. *TR
May 21, 2013
VEHICLE STARTED RUNNING BIT ROUGH WHILE IDLING AT INTERSECTION; UPON ACCELERATION, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND OTHER INSTRUMENT LIGHTS STARTED FLICKERING AND CAR STALLED. RESTARTED NORMALLY. *TR
Feb 12, 2012
STEERING,SUSPENSION
2 complaints
I BOUGHT MY 2008 SUBARU OUTBACK NEW. I HAVE DRIVEN IT IN ALMOST EVERY ROAD AND WEATHER CONDITION POSSIBLE. IT IS DRIVEN 90% OF THE TIME WITH JUST ME OR ME AND MY WIFE IN THE CAR. JUST A FEW DAYS AGO I WAS DRIVING WITH A FULL LOAD OF LUGGAGE, AND 3 ADULT PASSENGERS IN THE CAR. ROAD CONDITIONS BECAME ICY ON THE INTERSTATE. THERE WAS A FAIRLY RAPID ONSET OF THE CAR KIND OF JERKING SIDE TO SIDE ALMOST LIKE THE BACK END OF THE CAR WAS BEING BLOWN FROM SIDE TO SIDE EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS NOT MUCH WIND. I WAS DRIVING VERY SLOWLY AT ABOUT 40-45 MPH WHILE OTHER CARS AND SEMI TRUCKS WERE PASSING ME. I HAD NOT EXPERIENCED THIS BEFORE AND I THOUGHT AT ANY MINUTE WE WOULD END UP IN THE DITCH. IT HAPPENED WITHOUT ANY INPUT FROM ME SUCH AS GIVING IT GAS OR BRAKING AND WHILE GOING STRAIGHT. THE CAR HAS NEW TIRES WITH LESS THAN 5000 MILES ON THEM. I JUST HAD THE 45000 MILE SERVICE COMPLETED BY THE DEALERSHIP. THE CAR IS A 2.5I WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. I DID RESEARCH AS SOON AS I ARRIVED HOME AND FOUND THIS ISSUE WELL DESCRIBED IN A SUBARU OUTBACK FORUM. IT WAS DESCRIBED AS "GHOSTWALKING". *TR
Feb 12, 2012
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH AND GREATER, THE VEHICLE WOULD TEND TO PULL TO THE RIGHT. THE CONTACT DID NOT NOTICE ANY DIFFERENCES IN THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR AN ALIGNMENT, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 21,000. UPDATED 07/29/08 *BF UPDATED 08/05/08. *JB
Jul 08, 2008
SEAT BELTS
2 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR-ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED TO WORK PROPERLY AND THE CONTACT STRUCK THE STEERING COLUMN AND WINDSHIELD. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BACK AND ARM INJURIES. SHE FEELS THAT THE SEAT BELTS DO NOT RETRACT AND SECURE AN OCCUPANT IN PLACE WHEN A CRASH OCCURS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE SEAT BELTS WERE FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 14,002. UPDATED 08/04/09 *BF UPDATED 08/11/09.*JB
Jun 04, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER VEHICLE WAS REAR-ENDED AND THE SEAT BELT DID NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE RESTRAINT. SHE STRUCK HER CHEST ON THE STEERING WHEEL, WHICH CAUSED INJURIES TO HER CHEST AND BACK. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. SHE WILL HAVE SURGERY ON MAY 15, 2009 ON HER BACK. A REPORT WAS FILED WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY STATED THAT A REPRESENTATIVE WILL INSPECT THE SEAT BELTS. TWO WEEKS LATER, THE CONTACT STILL HAS NOT HEARD BACK FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,900.
May 15, 2009
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
1 complaint
Four Subaru dealership licensed service centers in Maine and New Hampshire have had for some 8 weeks my Outback to evaluate, diagnose, and -upon my approval- service. Every one of the four Subaru locations was been unable to resolve a single one of these chronic problems of the Outback's erratic 1) start/no-start, 2) triggered security light and activated alarm, 3) dashboard battery and brake icons lighting/pulsing, 4) error code 55 (or SS) and 5) car headlights pulsing. The above problems compound with the issues Subaru's service teams have failed to resolve since early days of new car ownership (despite repeated repair) for 1) brakes regularly making noise, 2) radio randomly changing volume or shutting off, and 3) back tail light not working. Note: During the first two years of ownership, Subaru's service stated it "could not replicate" the problem with the brakes I'd reported within weeks of purchasing the new car. But a few weeks out of warranty, the same Subaru service location stated "I need whole new brakes" and quoted some $1,800 in repairs. A few months later, Subaru issued its first admission to the defective brake system. These four Subaru dealership licensed service centers in part or full 1) held my car at least 2x - 4x longer than quoted, while upselling me on the loaner model, then missing several by which they'd a written diagnostic report , 2) refused diagnostic report and when sought provided scant or impractical information, 3) demanded under threat of rental fees if loaner was not retuned within a couple of hours .... during a business day (including at distant locations too far to reach by deadline), and 5) sought many hundreds of dollars in payment for undisclosed and unapproved work without ever diagnosing issue, which they demanded in conjunction with the rental fees ginned up by dragging out and then failing to do the diagnostic work. Subaru USA added years of delay and refuses to honor manufacturer's or licensee-issued warranties.
Sep 16, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2008 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to depress the brake pedal, the brakes failed to function. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed the failure and replaced the brakes. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle would not start. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer and the battery was replaced. Soon after the battery replacement, the front headlights began strobing and the taillight wiring caused the lights to fail. Additionally, there was moisture behind the A-pillar applique trim. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and the contact was informed that the alternator needed to be replaced. Additionally, the wiring and bulbs in the taillights needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to reach out to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
May 20, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
The Rear Gate Harness wires that are in the grommet wear and break from the rear gate going up and down. This issue has many issues. Rear lighting and break light, rear wiper, also rear locking mechanism and other unknown issues.
Jun 26, 2021
VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
MY 2008 SUBARU OUTBACK IS ON ITS SECOND AUTOMATIC CLIMATE CONTROL UNIT/CD PLAYER (IT IS AN INTEGRATED SYSTEM). A FEW WEEKS AGO, THE SECOND FACTORY REPLACEMENT UNIT STARTED FLASHING AGAIN WHILE DRIVING (SEE ATTACHED IMAGES). WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE CLIMATE CONTROL BUTTONS (INCLUDING THE FRONT AND REAR DEFROSTER BUTTONS) ARE COMPLETELY INOPERABLE. THE UNIT FLASHES WHILE DRIVING AND WHEN STATIONARY. I DO HAVE A SHORT VIDEO SHOWING THE PROBLEM, BUT AM UNABLE TO ATTACH IT TO THIS WEB FORM. HAPPY TO SHARE IF THERE IS A WAY TO DO SO.
Jan 14, 2021
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION GOING 45 MPH. I SLOWED DOWN TO STOP AT A STOP LIGHT AND THE ABS LIGHT BEGAN TO FLASH ON AND OFF. AS I GOT CLOSER TO THE STOP LIGHT TO COMPLETELY STOP THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON, THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON, THE BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON, THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT WAS ON AND FLASHING AND THE STEERING WHEEL COMPLETELY LOCKED UP AND THE ENGINE WAS OFF. I TURNED THE CAR BACK ON AND EVERYTHING WAS FINE. THE ABS LIGHT, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT, AIR BAG LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT ARE STILL ON. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE FOR FEAR THAT IT WILL TURN OFF AGAIN. I AM UNCERTAIN OF WHAT COULD BE CAUSING THIS BUT IT SEEMS TO BE AN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM. THIS PROBLEM ALSO HAPPENED TO ME AS I WAS SLOWING DOWN TO TURN OFF OF THE HIGHWAY. I AM GLAD THERE WAS NO ONE BEHIND ME BECAUSE MY CAR COMPLETELY DIED AFTER I TURNED OFF THE HIGHWAY WITH THE SAME LIGHTS AND SAME THING HAPPENING AS STATED ABOVE.
May 20, 2019
AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
STICKY, MELTING DASHBOARD, SHINY AND REFLECTIVE IN DIRECT SUNLIGHT CREATING VISIBILITY PROBLEMS, UNSURE HOW IT WILL REACT IF PASSENGER AIRBAG MUST BE DEPLOYED THRU DETERIORATING DASHBOARD, AFFECTING RESALE VALUE. DASHBOARD LITERALLY COMES OFF ON HANDS OR WIPING RAGS, POSSIBLE RELEASE OF CHEMICALS INTO INTERIOR? SUBARU WILL ONLY ADDRESS 1/3 OF THE DEFECT REPAIR COST. TOTAL AVERAGE COST FOR REPLACEMENT IS APPROX $1500-1600.00, ACTUAL DASHBOARD ITSELF RETAILS FOR $502.50 FROM DEALERS AND IS APARENTLY AVAILABLE WITHIN A FEW DAYS WHEN ORDERED. SUBARU GAVE CREDIT FOR $500.00, ALMOST COVERING THE COST OF THE DASHBOARD / COVER ONLY*** APPROX. $1000 .00 IN LABOR MUST BE PAID BY CUSTOMER. CAR IS IN OTHERWISE IMMACULENT CONDITION. THIS IS A DEFECT AFFECTING SAFETY, AND IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH SUBARU EFFECTING ALL OF THIS MODEL AND SIMILAR MODELS WITH HIGH SUN EXPOSURE. IT IS ALSO CROSS MANUFACTURER AFFECTED, IE; TOYOTA, NISSAN, ETC. THEY HAVE TAKEN THE ROLE OF RECALL AND REPLACE. SUBARU HAS NOT TO DATE. SUBARU IS AWARE THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM YET REFUSES TO ACCEPT FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR.
Oct 24, 2018
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
CAR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, ALONG WITH TRACTION LIGHT ON, CRUISE LIGHT ON. CAN'T SHUT ANY OFF. CAR ACTUALLY GETS VERY HOT TO THE TOUCH DRIVERS SIDE NEAR FENDER HEADLIGHT. COULD START ON FIRE! DANGEROUS! THINK THERE IS A RECALL ON FRONT OXYGEN SENSOR, ONLY IF TURBO? REDICULOUS! SHOULD BE ALL NOT JUST TURBO MODEL! ALSO HAD TO REPLACE HEAD COVER GASKET AND EVERYTHING THAT GOES WITH THAT 5/17/2017 108,900 MILES. THAT SHOULD BE A RECALL ALSO.
Jul 29, 2018
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
1 complaint
I WAS DRIVING AND WITHOUT NOTICE THE CRUISE CONTROL SHUT OFF, BECAUSE OF A MINOR PROBLEM WITH THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER EFFICIENCY. HAD THE VEHICLE BEHIND ME BEEN ANY CLOSER I COULD HAVE BEEN REAR ENDED. IT TURNS OUT THAT SUBARU HAS PROGRAMED THEIR VEHICLES TO DO THIS. WHY WOULD ANYONE PROGRAM A CAR TO HAVE A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER OVER SUCH A MINOR ISSUE.RECALLS FOR "KEYS TURNING OFF" HAVE HAPPENED, AND THE MANUFACTURERS KNEW ABOUT IT. SUBARU KNOWS THIS HAPPENS AND I HOPE THERE WILL BE A RECALL TO FIX THIS VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. I HOPE THIS IS BOUGHT TO THE HIGHEST OFFICIALS AT NHTSA AND IS ADDRESS PROPERLY. I HOPE NO ONE GETS KILLED BEFORE THIS IS ADDRESSED.
Mar 20, 2017
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
AIR BAG: THE "OVHD CONSOLE PASS ON OFF INDICATOR" HAD TO BE REPLACED. SEAT BELTS: THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT DOES NOT RETRACT RELIABLY. IT HAS BROKEN THE LEFT FRONT DOOR SWITCH TWICE. WINDSHIELD WIPERS: THE WIPER BLADE TRANSMISSION UNIT HAD TO BE REPLACED.
Dec 30, 2016
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
WIRE HARNESS GOING TO REAR HATCH HAD MULTIPLE WIRES SEVERED BY REPEATED OPENING/CLOSING OF REAR HATCH. LOCK AND TAIL LIGHT WIRES WERE BROKEN THOUGH. 4 OTHER WIRES HAD THEIR INSULATION CUT AND THE CONDUCTOR WAS EXPOSED. IN SEARCHING THE NET THIS APPEARS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. WHY HASN'T A RECALL BEEN ISSUED? FAILURE OF BRAKE LIGHTS OR TAIL LIGHTS ARE A SAFETY ISSUE.
Nov 26, 2016
AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
"TAKATA RECALL" MY VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO "SUBARU OF PLANO" IN PLANO, TX. FOR AN OIL LEAK, WAS THERE FOR 3 WEEKS WHILE I WENT BACK AND FORTH WITH MY INSURANCE COMPANY. ON THE SECOND TO LAST DAY I LEARNED OF THE AIR BAG RECALL AND CALLED TO INFORM MY SERVICE ADVISOR OF THIS SINCE AT THIS POINT I WAS UNAWARE OF THE RECALL. GOT A CALL FROM HIM THE NEXT MORNING STATING THAT ALL OF THE REPAIRS HAD BE COMPLETED AND MY CAR WAS READY...? (SOUNDED FISHY TO ME..) ANYHOW, I NOTED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ONLY DRIVEN 2 MILES IN THE THREE WEEKS IT WAS AT THE DEALERSHIP. NEEDLESS TO SAY I MADE IT A WHOLE 4 MILES BEFORE THE CAR STARTED TO DIE AND TURN OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD... TOOK THE CAR TO A NEAR BY SERVICE CENTER AND FOUND THAT THE DEALERSHIP PUT 2 TIMES THE AMOUNT OF OIL IN THE CAR THAT IT IS SUPPOSED TO HAVE WHICH IS CONCERNING BUT WHAT I'M REALLY CONCERNED WITH IS THE SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME IT TOOK TO INSTALL THE NEW AIRBAG, SINCE THE RECALL DEPARTMENT I ORIGINALLY SPOKE WITH STATED THAT THE PARTS WHERE STILL ON A NATIONAL BACK ORDER?
Nov 21, 2016
AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
1 complaint
ALL OF BELOW: SINCE EARLY ORIGINAL OWNERSHIP, FOR YEARS SUBARU DISMISSED REPEATED REPORTING OF (MOVING, STATIONARY, ALL ROADS): TAKATA RECALL AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATION. ONLY AFTER NATIONAL AIRBAG RECALL DID SUBARU RECOGNIZE CONCERN AND ADDRESS. SUBARU RECENTLY HAS SERVICED AIRBAG TWICE. BOTH TIMES, SHORTLY AFTER SERVICE DASH WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED: AIRBAG, CRUISE, CHECK ENGINE. ALSO, ERRATIC CRUISE FUNCTION AND ENGINE CLICKING NOISE (MOVING, ALL ROADS) RESULTED. FOR NUMEROUS WEEKS, SUBARU HAS BEEN REFUSING TO FIX LETHAL AIRBAG/S AND REMEDY DAMAGE/CONCERNS RESULTING FROM AIRBAG SERVICE. SUBARU SEEKS PAYMENT FOR DIAGNOSIS (AND PRESUMABLY, SUBSEQUENT SERVICE) OF AIRBAG AND RELATED DAMAGE/CONCERNS AND A WRITTEN WAIVER FOR THIS SERVICE AND ANY FUTURE SERVICE NEEDS AS CONDITION OF SERVICE. BRAKES RUSTING, SQUEALING, SPONGINESS. WEEKS BEFORE WARRANTY EXPIRED SUBARU DISMISSED ISSUES. WEEKS AFTER WARRANTY, (AT SOME 25K MILES) SUBARU SOUGHT TO SELL SOME $1900 IN NEW BRAKES OR NEW CAR. SUBARU RELENTED MONTHS LATER, ADDRESSING CONCERN. THEREAFTER, FOLLOWING THE NATIONAL BRAKES RECALL, SUBARU REPORTED NO SERVICE NEEDED ON SECOND FULL SET OF BRAKES. THIS MONTH REPLACED 4 ROTORS (AND PADS)'THIS IS THE THIRD TIME 4 ROTORS INSTALLED ON ORIGINAL-OWNERSHIP CAR WITH SOME 65K MILES. ENGINE'S LOUD RATTLING, GURGLING. SUBARU EVENTUALLY ADMITTED AND SERVICED HEATSHIELD DEFECT. SUBARU HAS STATED REPEATEDLY HEATSHIELD ISSUE CAN'T BE RESOLVED. AFTER THREE SERVICES, SUBARU REPORTED RELATED ENGINE DAMAGE: OIL LEAK AND CATALYTIC. CHRONIC HEATSHIELD AND RELATED DAMAGE/CONCERNS ONGOING. WINDSHIELD INTERIOR POOLING WATER AND ICING (NEEDING SCRAPING OFF DESPITE WINTER-PACKAGE WINDSHIELD HEATING), AS WELL AS EXTERIOR WINDSHIELD SEAL SLIDING FREELY. ONLY AFTER SHIELD SPONTANEOUSLY CRACKED DID SUBARU RECOGNIZE ISSUES AND ADDRESS.
Aug 31, 2016
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS, TRACTION CONTROL, ENGINE, AND OTHER UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000.
Aug 25, 2016
SEATS
1 complaint
IN DECEMBER, 2015 I WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION IN WHICH A DRIVER DIDN'T SEE THAT TRAFFIC HAD COME TO A COMPLETE STOP ON THE HIGHWAY AND HIT ME FROM BEHIND AT A HIGH SPEED (APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH). I WAS IN THE FRONT DRIVER SEAT. THE COLLISION FORCED ME AGAINST THE SEAT BACK, WHICH CAUSED THE ENTIRE BACK OF MY SEAT TO BREAK AT THE HINGE AREA WHERE THE SEAT BACK AND SEAT BOTTOM MEET. BECAUSE THE SEAT DIDN'T WITHSTAND THE IMPACT, IT BROKE COMPLETELY OFF AND IT WAS LAYING COMPLETELY FLAT INTO THE BACK SEAT. SUBSEQUENTLY, I WAS COMPLETELY UNSUPPORTED AND MY SEAT BELT NO LONGER WORKED. FORTUNATELY, I WASN'T HIT A 2ND TIME EVEN THOUGH I WAS THROWN ACROSS TWO LANES OF TRAFFIC BECAUSE WITH NO LONGER HAVING A SEAT BACK OR A WORKING SEAT BELT, I WAS WITHOUT ANY PROTECTION. I DO NOT HAVE PHOTOS OF THE SEAT BACK, BUT THE POLICE AND EMERGENCY VEHICLES RESPONDED AND A REPORT WAS FILED.
May 18, 2016
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
HAVING AIRBAG LIGHT COMING ON INTERMITTENTLY ALONG WITH PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT. MECHANIC SAID AIRBAGS PROBABLY ARE NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. COST FOR REPAIR WOULD BE BETWEEN $350-$400. FROM READING OTHER COMPLAINTS, THIS IS AN EASY AND CHEAP FIX BUT DANGEROUS IF IT'S NOT REPAIRED. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL! *TR
Mar 27, 2015
STEERING,WHEELS
1 complaint
MY VEHICLE IS "GHOST WALKING" AS DEFINED IN THIS THREAD: HTTP://WWW.SUBARUOUTBACK.ORG/FORUMS/66-PROBLEMS-MAINTENANCE/16527-ALL-GHOSTWALKING-OUBACK-OWNERS-PRINT.HTML THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE SLIDES FROM SIDED TO SIDE AT A CERTAIN FREQUENCY ABOVE 35 MPH IN SNOW CONDITIONS. THIS PROBLEM GETS WORSE AS MORE WEIGHT IS ADDED TO THE VEHICLE. *TR
Mar 02, 2015
STRUCTURE,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
DASHBOARD HAS SUDDENLY BECOME VERY STICKY/TACKY, AND EXTREMELY SHINY. ATTEMPTS TO CLEAN OR REMOVE APPARENT RESIDUE HAVE HAD NO EFFECT ON STICKINESS, AND LINT FROM RAGS OR PAPER TOWELS TENDS TO STICK TO DASH. IN SUNLIGHT, MOONLIGHT OR STREETLIGHT, DASHBOARD SURFACE REFLECTS ONTO WINDSHIELD AND POSES A SAFETY HAZARD. DASHBOARD PLASTIC APPEARS TO BE CHEMICALLY BREAKING DOWN OR MELTING. A SIMILAR ISSUE AFFECTED SEVERAL MILLION TOYOTA VEHICLES FROM THE SAME MANUFACTURE DATE (2007-8), PARTICULARLY IN SUNNIER STATES WITH MORE UV EXPOSURE (FL, AZ, CA) AND TOYOTA ISSUED A RECALL. SUSPECT THE SAME/A SIMILAR SUBCONTRACTOR PROVIDED SIMILAR/IDENTICAL PLASTIC TO BOTH MANUFACTURERS. OUR CAR HAS BEEN KEPT MOSTLY OUTDOORS IN MD, CA AND HI. SUBARU HAS YET TO FOLLOW TOYOTA IN ISSUING A RECALL. SEVERE VISIBILITY HAZARD. *TR
Feb 04, 2015
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
MELTED DASHBOARD ON 2008 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5I. CAUSING GLARE IN WINDSHIELD REDUCING VISIBILITY. *TR
Jan 12, 2015
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
CARPET HAD BAD SPOT UPON PURCHASE, TOLD BY DEALER DEFECT AND NOTHING COULD BE DONE. THAT SPOT IS NOW A HOLE IN THE CARPET. SEAT MATERIAL IS VERY CHEAP AND LOW QUALITY STARTED TO WEAR BEFORE 1K. THAT TOO HAS LEFT A HOLE IN THE SEAT. AT 37K PASSENGER CV BOOT WENT DUE TO THIN RUBBER BOOT FOLLOWED BY DRIVER BOOT AT 38K. BOOT RUBBER IS EXTREMELY THIN COMPARED TO OTHER MANUFACTURERS. WHEN THEY GO, THEY GO QUICKLY WITHOUT WARNING THE SMELL IS HORRIFIC AND THE STICKY RESIDUE LEFT BEHIND UNDER THE HOOD VISUALLY UNAPPEALING. AS TO THE BOOTS, OUR WEATHER RUBBER CAR MATS ARE THICKER AND CERTAINLY LESS EXPENSIVE! AT 68K CLUTCH WENT; POWER-STEERING PUMP WAS LEAKING AND A/C / ALTERNATOR BELTS WERE CRACKED. THIS CAR HAS NEVER MISSED A MAINTENANCE AND HAS BEEN IMMACULATELY CARED FOR SO IMAGINE OUR DISAPPOINTMENT. THE CLUTCH RESULTED IN THE CAR STALLING IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. THIS CAR DID NOT LIVE UP TO THE SUBARU REPUTATION OF SAFETY AND QUALITY. I WOULD NOT ENTERTAIN THE THOUGHT OF EVERY PURCHASING ANOTHER SUBARU. *TR
May 08, 2014
STEERING,SUSPENSION,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING ON SLIGHTLY SLICK ROADS IN NORTHERN MICHIGAN THE REAR WHEELS WOULD LOSE TRACTION AND START TO FISH TAIL. THIS HAPPENED WITHOUT THE GAS APPLIED, WITH OR WITHOUT THE TRACTION CONTROL ENGAGED. THE CAR FELT AS IF IT WAS SLIDING SIDE TO SIDE IN THE BACK. THE TIRES ARE IN GOOD CONDITION AND THE VEHICLE IS WELL MAINTAINED. OTHER VEHICLES WERE TRAVELING WITHOUT ISSUE. THIS HAS BEEN REFERRED TO AS GHOST WALKING IN ON LINE BLOGS. THIS IS EXTREMELY UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS. *TR
Dec 17, 2013
POWER TRAIN,WHEELS
1 complaint
I PURCHASED THE 2008 OUTBACK 2.5 LIMITED USED WITH 32K MILES. AT 41K MILES THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BEARING WENT OUT. WAS MAKING A VERY LOUD RUBBING NOISE WHEN TURNING AND ON THE HIGHWAY. THE BEARING WAS REPLACED UNDER POWERTRAIN WARRANTY. YESTERDAY I WAS INFORMED THAT MY LEFT FRONT BEARING HAS GONE OUT, NOW AT 80K MILES (ALL HIGHWAY MILEAGE). NOW IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE 2 SHOPS I SPOKE TO REGARDING THE ISSUE STATED THIS IS ACTUALLY VERY COMMON ON THESE SUBARU MODELS AND THEY GENERATE QUITE A BIT OF BUSINESS. SUBARU NEEDS TO PROVIDE A TSB AND FIX THE ISSUE AS THEY HAVE SPEC'D FAULTY WHEEL BEARINGS. *TR
Nov 14, 2012
TIRES
1 complaint
TPMS VALVE STEM BROKE OFF WHILE CHECKING TIRE PRESSURE. *TR
Apr 13, 2011
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HOOD LATCH WOULD OPEN INDEPENDENTLY CAUSING THE HOOD TO MOVE WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 20 MPH AND OVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THE RECURRING FAILURE AND THE HOOD WAS REPLACED TWICE BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO RECUR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 44,000. UPDATED 03/31/11*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE HOOD LATCH WAS REPLACED TWICE. UPDATED 04/28/11
Mar 01, 2011
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
1 complaint
I HAVE A 2008 SUBARU OUTBACK EQUIPPED WITH GOOD WINTER TIRES. AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS ON WINTER ROADS MY CAR IS EXTREMELY UNSTABLE. FOR NO APPARENT REASON THE REAR END OF THE CAR STARTS TO SWAY AND I AM ONLY ABLE TO BRING IT UNDER CONTROL BY BRINGING DOWN MY SPEED, AND I END UP TRAVELING MUCH SLOWER THEN THE TRAFFIC FLOW. MY BROTHER IN LAW HAS THE SAME CAR AND EXPERIENCES THIS PROBLEM AS WELL WITH HIS VEHICLE. THERE IS A DESIGN AND ENGINEERING FLAW WITH THIS CAR AND SUBARU NEEDS TO COMES TO GRIPS WITH IT AND COME UP WITH A SOLUTION. THIS CAR IS UNSAFE ON SLICK WINTER ROADS. *TR
Nov 23, 2010
SUSPENSION,TIRES
1 complaint
EXPERIENCED SEVERE FISHTAILING ON SLIGHTLY SLIPPERY ROADS WITH A 2008 SUBARU OUTBACK. THIS WAS HIGHLY UNUSUAL FOR AN ALL WHEEL DRIVE CAR AND I DIDN'T HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH MY WIFE'S HONDA CR-V THAT I DROVE ON THE SAME DAY ON THE SAME ROADS.
Mar 22, 2010
POWER TRAIN,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
2008 OUTBACK SUBARU - DROVE THE CAR FOR OVER 1 YEAR WITH THE TRANSMISSION JERKING INTO GEARS. I HAD THE DEALER/MECHANICS CHECK IT 4 TIMES WITHIN THE FIRST 2 MONTHS OF THE PURCHASE. THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. I HAVE HAD THE 3,000 MILE OIL CHANGE SERVICED BY THE DEALER - 6X AND COMPLAINED ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION. ON 10/9/08 TOOK TO THE DEALER AGAIN FOR A OIL CHANGE AND THE TRANSMISSION. THEY FIND THE PROBLEM - I THINK THEY CALLED IT - A REFLASH - A COMPUTER ADJUSTMENT. THE CAR NOW DRIVES GREAT. WHY DID IT TAKE SO LONG FOR THIS ADJUSTMENT? I THINK THAT SUBARU SHOULD HAVE CALLED A RECALL. I AM ALSO CONCERNED IF IT DID ANY DAMAGE TO MY TRANSMISSION. *TR
Oct 15, 2008
STEERING
1 complaint
2008 SUBARU OUTBACK WITH 11,000 MILES HAS HAD A PERSISTENT PROBLEM PULLING TO THE RIGHT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. REPEATED ATTEMPTS AT ALIGNING THE VEHICLE HAVE NOT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. RECENTLY THE FACTORY REP HAS ADVISED THE DEALER TO ADJUST THE CAMBER UNTIL THE VEHICLE WILL TRACK STRAIGHT. THIS HAS ONLY MADE THE PULLING TO THE RIGHT WORSE AND MADE THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *TR
Oct 06, 2008
STRUCTURE,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH WITH A KAYAK STRAPPED TO THE ROOF OF THE VEHICLE, THE KAYAK FLEW BACKWARDS AND DETACHED FROM THE ROOF. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND RETRIEVED THE KAYAK WITH THE AERIAL BAR STILL ATTACHED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 176,00. UPDATED 5/20/08 *CN THE CARRIER THAT ATTACHED TO THE CROSS BAR OF THE ROOF RACK BROKE. UPDATED 05/20/08
May 01, 2008
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
THE REAR TRIM THAT RETAINS THE CENTER LIGHT WILL BREAK OFF IF THERE IS ICE BUILT UP ON THE INSIDE OF THE HINGE AREA. ALL ICE AND SNOW CAN BE REMOVED FROM THE TOP OF THE CAR, HOWEVER THERE IS NO SEAL BETWEEN THE REAR HATCH AND THE BODY TO PREVENT ICE FROM BUILDING UP. THERE IS NO WARNING WITH THE CAR TO BE AWARE OF THIS ISSUE. THERE IS NO WARNING TO THE OWNER UNTIL IT TOO LATE AND YOU HAVE BROKEN THE WING OFF THE CAR. *TR
Dec 19, 2007
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2008 SUBARU Outback have?
The 2008 SUBARU Outback currently has 228 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 2008 SUBARU Outback?
The most common problems reported for the 2008 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 2008 SUBARU Outback problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2008 SUBARU Outback comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
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ST
3,555 models
RS
3,484 models
NC
2,822 models
ND
2,385 models
Z
1,951 models
MOTO
1,583 models
NU
1,189 models
RC
1,122 models