How many problems does the 2009 SUBARU Outback have?

The 2009 SUBARU Outback currently has 108 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 2009 SUBARU Outback?

The most common problems reported for the 2009 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 2009 SUBARU Outback problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2009 SUBARU Outback comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.

2009 SUBARU Outback Problems

AIR BAGS

20 complaints

WHILE DRIVING THE AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY. IF CAR IS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED IT GENERALLY STAYS OFF. RESEARCH STATES THAT THE AIR BAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY IF THIS LIGHT IS ON WHEN AN ACCIDENT. THIS APPEARS TO BE DUE TO PART NEEDING TO BE SOLDERED TO FIX THE PROBLEM. SUBARU SHOULD RECALL THE VEHICLES INVOLVED. THIS IS HAPPENING TO MANY CARS.

Nov 26, 2018

TAKATA RECALL I COMPLIED WITH THE RECALL BY TAKING IT TO KENDALL SUBARU IN EUGENE, OREGON ON MARCH 1, 2018 AND THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED. I HAD SPOKEN TO ONE OF YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ABOUT THIS AND SHE GAVE ME A RA#1271579.

Nov 02, 2018

WHEN CAR IS RUNNING, THE RED AIIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ON DASHBOARD CONSOLE STAYS ON. A SUBARU DEALER MENTIONED THE CONTROL MODULE (CIRCUIT BOARD) IN THE OVERHEAD COMPARTMENT CONSOLE WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. I HAVE FOUND THAT THE SOLDERING ON THE CIRCUIT BOARD IS FLIMSY AND PRONE TO CRACKING. APPARENTLY THERE IS A DANGER THAT THE AIR BAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY IF THE WARNING LIGHT IS ON.THERE ARE A NUMBER OF ONLINE FORUMS THAT DETAIL OTHERS HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. THE FORUMS RECOMMENDED FIX IS TO APPLY SOLDER. HERE IS ONE EXAMPLE: HTTP://WWW.SUBARUOUTBACK.ORG/FORUMS/109-GEN-3-2005-2009/42574-2006-OBW-AIRBAG-LIGHT-MY-FIX.HTML

May 29, 2018

TL-CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU OUTBACK -- VEHICLE HAS 113,000 MILES ON IT AIRBAG LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR TWO WEEKS HAS NOT GONE OFF SINCE . -- 0 RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS VIN TK HOLDINGS POSTCARD CB

Jan 19, 2018

TAKATA RECALL: NO ISSUE YET BUT SCARED TO DRIVE CAR -TKA-16

Jun 16, 2017

+ 15 more complaints for this component

POWER TRAIN

10 complaints

When I parked my vehicle in the garage, I smelled an odor coming from the engine compartment. I found that the front right inner axle boot had leaked grease. I then saw that the grease covered the catalytic converter. I am not sure when this started to be a problem, but my main concern was it could have started a fire.

Aug 02, 2025

BROUGHT IT TO HONDA DEALERSHIP I PURCHASED IT USED. 18 MONTHS LATER, I'M HAVING THE CURRENT ISSUE. THOUGHT IT WAS AS SIMPLE AS USING WHITE LITHIUM GREASE TO DEAL WITH THE SQUEAK IN THE CLUTCH. THEY SAID IT WAS A RUBBER GASKET THAT IS PART OF THE FOOT PEDAL ASSEMBLY AND THAT THE FOOT PEDAL ASSEMBLY WOULD NEED REPLACING, THE SUBARU DEALER SHIP ALSO CLAIMS THE NOISE TRANSFERS THROUGH THE CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER FROM THE CLUTCH ASSEMBLY. THE NOISE OCCURS WHEN PUSHING AND RELEASING THE CLUTCH AND IS DRIVING ME MAD. MUSCATELL SUBARU INFORMED ME IT WILL MAKE THIS NOISE AND EVENTUALLY BREAK AND MY CLUTCH WILL THEN BE DIFFICULT IF NOT IMPOSSIBLE TO PUSH. I DON'T WANT TO WAIT FOR THIS TO OCCUR AND ITS AN EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE REPAIR FOR SOMETHING THATS JUST ANNOYING AT THE MOMENT. BUT APPARENTLY THEY'LL HAVE TO LIFT THE WHOLE TRANSMISSION TO HAVE ACCESS TO THE AREA WHERE THE REPAIR WOULD OCCUR. I'VE SEEN EARLIER YEARS OF THIS MODEL HAVE ISSUES LIKE THIS AND SUPPOSEDLY 2009 MODELS HAVE THE ISSUE FIXED, BUT IT SEEMS THAT MY 2009 IS HAVING THIS ISSUE... *TR

Oct 17, 2016

AT 37450 MILES, BOTH CV JOINT BOOTS ADJACENT TO THE TRANSMISSION FAILED, CAUSING GREASE TO COAT THE EXHAUST SYSTEM AND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THIS CREATES A FIRE HAZARD. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW IN FEBRUARY 2009 FROM GILES SUBARU. THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN OFF ROAD AND WAS PURCHASED FOR ITS SUPPOSED SAFETY FEATURES.

Aug 12, 2016

THE VEHICLE IS A STATION WAGON WITH 5-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION, DRIVEN ONLY BY MY WIFE AND I. WITHIN THE FIRST YEAR, WE EXPERIENCED AN OCCASIONAL PROBLEM WHERE IT WOULD POP OUT OF FIRST GEAR WHEN TRAVELLING AT LOW SPEEDS. I DID NOT REPORT THIS PROBLEM DURING THE 3 YEAR, 30,000 LIMITED WARRANTY PERIOD, BECAUSE IT OCCURRED INFREQUENTLY, AND DID NOT APPEAR TO PRESENT A SAFETY HAZARD. FURTHERMORE, IT'S SUBARU'S POLICY, AS STATED BY THE DEALER MOYER SUBARU, TO NOT ACT UNTIL A PROBLEM CAN BE DEMONSTRATED, AND TO CHARGE THE CUSTOMER IF NO PROBLEM IS FOUND. HOWEVER, THE 5-YEAR, 60,000 MILE POWER TRAIN WARRANTY, AND A SUBARU GOLD PLUS, 7-YEAR, 70,000 MILE WARRANTY, ARE STILL IN EFFECT. WITHIN THE LAST YEAR, THE PROBLEM BECAME MORE FREQUENT, PARTICULARLY WHEN GOING DOWN STEEP GRADES, WHICH IS NECESSARY ON ROADS SLICK FROM RAIN, SNOW OR ICE, OR WHEN THERE IS SOME OTHER HAZARD THAT WARRANTS SLOW SPEED. WHEN THE TRANSMISSION POPS OUT TO NEUTRAL, THERE IS AN ALARMING LOSS OF CONTROL, AND YOU MUST BRAKE HARD TO ARREST THE ACCELERATION, WHICH IS LIKELY TO CAUSE SKIDDING AND SLIDING. I ESTIMATE THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 6 TIMES IN PAST TWO MONTHS OF WINTER WEATHER. LAST WEEK (1/30/13), I REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO MOYER SUBARU WHO TOLD ME THERE ARE NO RECALLS, AND WOULD NOT DO A ROAD TEST UNLESS I AGREE TO PAY THE COST IF NO PROBLEM IS FOUND. I AM UNWILLING TO DO THAT, SINCE THERE IS NO GUARANTEE WHEN THIS INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WILL OCCUR AGAIN; ONLY THAT IT WILL OCCUR AGAIN AND LIKELY CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. INSTEAD, I REPORTED THE PROBLEM ON SUBARU WEBSITE, AND THEY HAVE DOCUMENTED MY COMPLAINT (SR # 1-3193753102), BUT MADE NO OFFER TO INVESTIGATE THE PROBLEM. THE SUBARU IMPREZA OWNER'S GROUP REPORTS SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH NUMEROUS IMPREZAS, AND SOME OUTBACKS. WE HAD THIS PROBLEM ON A 2002 OUTBACK THAT WAS FIXED UNDER WARRANTY, ONLY AFTER IT PROGRESSED TO HIGHER GEARS.

Feb 04, 2013

ABOUT A MONTH OR TWO AGO I WAS PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE - I PUT THE TRANS IN DRIVE AND STARTED TO MOVE WHEN I REACHED OVER TO OPEN THE GLOVE BOX. AS I REACHED MY CUFF CAUGHT ON THE TRANSMISSION KNOB AND PULLED SELECTOR FROM DRIVE TO REVERSE. I NEVER NOTICED IT BEFORE BUT THERE'S NO LOCKING MECHANISM ON THE SHIFT SELECTOR HANDLE. THE OLDER CARS USED TO REQUIRE YOU TO PUSH DOWN OR PULL UP ON THE KNOB AND /OR PULL UP ON AN INTERLOCK HANDLE. LOOKS LIKE I WAS LUCKY GOING SO SLOW.

May 24, 2011

+ 5 more complaints for this component

ENGINE

9 complaints

The contact owned a 2009 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle had failed to accelerate above 60 MPH without warning. The contact soon began to notice heavy white smoke in her rear-view mirror as the smoke quickly spread to the front end of the vehicle. The contact immediately pulled over, grabbed vital items, and exited the vehicle. The contact called 911 as flames quickly engulfed the vehicle, and a deputy who witnessed the fire pulled over to assist the contact. The fire department arrived at the scene and extinguished the fire. The contact sustained emotional distress as a result of the accident but did not seek medical attention. The contact was not given a police or fire report. The vehicle was initially towed to an independent tow yard before the contact's insurance had the vehicle towed to another location. The insurance company later deemed the vehicle a total loss. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Nov 20, 2025

Fire: 1

Injuries: 1

Both the head gasket and valve cover gasket are leaking oil. The head gasket started leaking at 52k miles and the valve cover at 65k miles. Both need to be replaced. Subaru has had issues with these gaskets for decades. There should be a recall for these issues.

Aug 09, 2021

CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACED ONCE BACK IN 2013. THIS WEEK HAD TO REPLACE FRONT AND REAR CATALYTIC CONVERTER AGAIN DUE TO PROBLEM WITH CATALYTIC CONVERTER. MILEAGE AT 105,000.

Mar 19, 2018

VEHICLE WITH ONLY 105 K MILES REQUIRES NEW HEAD GASKET DUE TO LEAK.

Mar 19, 2018

THE HEAD GASKETS ON MY VEHICLE HAVE DEVELOPED LEAKS AT JUST OVER 80,000 MILES. THIS IS A FREQUENT (AND KNOWN) PROBLEM WITH THE HEAD GASKETS ON THIS VEHICLE. ALL SUBARU-SPECIFIC MECHANICS, MANY OWNERS OF THIS MODEL AND EVEN SUBARU DEALERSHIP EMPLOYEES HAVE EXPRESSED KNOWLEDGE OF HIGH FAILURE RATES FOR THIS HEAD GASKET AT APPROXIMATELY 80-100K MILE INTERVALS. THIS IS WAY SHORTER LIFE THAN SHOULD OCCUR AND RESULTS IN A $2000 OR GREATER COST OF REPAIR (IN MY CASE, $3200!). SUBARU HAS BEEN AWARE OF THIS DEFECT ON PREVIOUS MODELS AND EVEN HAD CLASS ACTION SUITS RESULTING IN RECALLS FOR PREVIOUS GENERATION OUTBACKS YET HAVE NOT ADDRESSED THE DEFECT.

Apr 28, 2017

+ 4 more complaints for this component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

7 complaints

The rear hatch on this Outback won't lock. As a woman on her own, my safety is at risk. I have read of other people who have this issue and has been able to fix this on their own. This is a safety issue if your vehicle won't lock completely because the wires in the hatch are compromised.

Mar 27, 2024

The contact owns a 2009 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart after being parked. The contact stated that several attempts were needed to start the vehicle. The contact stated that the battery was charged to start the vehicle. The contact was informed by a tow truck mechanic, who assisted with jumping starting the vehicle, that the end switch needed to be replaced. The information was confirmed by another certified mechanic. The contact stated that a certified mechanic was contacted to schedule a repair however, the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.

Apr 21, 2023

THE WIRING IN REAR HATCH IN REALLY BAD SHAPE SOME SHOWING THE COPPER AND TWO COMPLETELY BROKE APART. CAUSING THE LATCH NOT TO WORK AND ALARM GOING OFF. REAR WIPER NOT WORKING.

Jan 13, 2018

REAR GATE ELECTRICAL CORD PREMATURE FAILURE AT RUBBER ACCORDION BEND

Nov 19, 2015

THE BRAKE LIGHTS, HATCH LOCK, WIPER AND OTHER ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS ON THE REAR PART OF MY SUBARU 2009 OUTBACK STOPPED WORKING OR WORKING ERRATICALLY. I CHECKED THE RUBBER BOOT CONTAINING THE REAR WIRING HARNESS FOR DAMAGE AND DISCOVERED 13 OUT OF 14 WIRES WERE EITHER COMPLETELY BROKEN, OR THE INSULATION WAS WORN, EXPOSING BARE CONDUCTOR. IN ADDITION TO THE REAR ELECTRICAL ISSUES, I REPLACED THE BULBS FOR THE HEADLIGHTS AT LEAST FOUR TIMES IN A TWO YEAR PERIOD. THE AM CHANNEL ON MY RADIO NO LONGER RECEIVES SIGNALS. THE REAR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS ARE CAUSING A SAFETY HAZARD DUE TO THE BRAKE/TAIL LIGHTS NOT FUNCTIONING, OR THE REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER NOT WORKING. SUBARU IS NOT RESPONSIVE TO THIS DESIGN FLAW.

Oct 26, 2015

+ 2 more complaints for this component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

4 complaints

The contact owns a 2009 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shut-off with the check engine, traction control and cruise control warning lights illuminated. On several occasions the vehicle would not immediately restart. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for service. No further information was available. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 81,000. The VIN was not available.

Aug 03, 2021

PREVIOUSLY SUBMITTED COMPLAINT REGARDING MY SUBARU OUTBACK STALLING. I WAS ASSIGNED COMPLAINT NUMBER 11414502 (ATTACHED) BUT WHEN I DIDN'T RECEIVE THE EMAIL, I CHECKED AND IT DIDN'T PULL UP SO I'M RESUBMITTING.

Apr 30, 2021

THE CAR INTERMITTENTLY BUCKS/CHUGS WHILE DRIVING AND THEN STALLS. ALL THE LIGHTS FLASH ON. IT IS DIFFICULT TO RESTART. IT HAS HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY AND LOCAL STREETS. IT ALSO IDLES VERY ROUGH WHEN AT STOPS OR IN PARK AND SHUDDERS LIKE IT WANTS TO STALL - SOMETIMES IT DOES. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR 2 MONTHS NOW. THE FIRST TIME, I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AND IT STALLED CREATING A HAZARDOUS SITUATION. MY MECHANIC HAS ATTEMPTED TO FIX IT AND THEN HE HAS TAKEN IT TO THE LOCAL SUBARU DEALERSHIP WHERE IT HAS SPENT ALMOST 2 MONTHS OFF & ON WHILE THEY "FIXED" IT. THEY GIVE IT BACK AND IT IS BACK TO THEM WITHIN A WEEK WITH THE SAME ISSUE. THE LAST TIME THEY REPLACED A MAP SENSOR AND SOME WIRING. THIS IS HAZARDOUS AND THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE. IT FEELS LIKE THEY JUST KEEP CLEARING OUT THE ERROR AND GIVING IT BACK TO ME.

Apr 29, 2021

2009 SUBARU OUTBACK STALLING WHILE DRIVING. THE ENGINE TURNED OFF WHILE DRIVING WITH LIGHT ACCELERATION AT LOW SPEEDS (5-20 MPH) WITHOUT WARNING. WARNING LIGHTS FLICKERED ON AND OFF. I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE CAR. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE TO HAVE THE CAR STALL OUT WITHOUT WARNING. SUBARA SOUTH BLVD DEALERSHIP SAY THEY DO NOT KNOW THE ROOT CAUSE. PRIOR TO THE ABOVE INCIDENCE THE CAR, WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, WOULD OCCASIONALLY SHUDDER AND THE WARNING LIGHTS WOULD FLICKER ON THEN GO OFF. IT FELT LIKE THE CAR WAS GOING TO SHUT OFF BUT IT DIDN'T. NOW IT IS SHUTTING OFF. IT'S COMPLETELY UNSAFE.

Jan 20, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPER

4 complaints

THERE IS A WELL DOCUMENTED FAULTY DESIGN ISSUE THAT LEADS TO FAILURE OF THE WIRING HARNESS (REAR GATE CORD) TO THE REAR WAGON DOOR/GATE OF THIS MODEL SUBARU OUBACK WAGONS. FAILURE OF THE WIRING HARNESS HAS AFFECTED ME WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. AS THIS ISSUE HAS PROGRESSED, MORE AND MORE WIRES BREAK, COMPLETELY SEVERED, AND LEAD TO THE REAR LOCK NOT WORKING, THEN BACKUP LIGHTS NOT WORKING, REAR DEFROSTER NOT WORKING, WIPER NOT WORKING, AND LICENSE PLATE LIGHT NOT WORKING. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, ESPECIALLY THE BACKUP LIGHTS, REAR DEFROSTER, REAR WIPER, AND LOCKING MECHANISM NOT WORKING AT ALL! THESE COMPROMISE VISIBILITY AND CAR SAFETY. THIS FAULTY DESIGN, OR FAULTY MATERIAL CHOICE IS CLEARLY SUBARU'S FAULT: SEVERED ELECTRICAL WIRES, AS A RESULT OF NORMAL USE, SHOULD NOT BE ACCEPTABLE, ESPECIALLY WHEN THEY COMPROMISE SAFETY BY DISABLING BACKUP LIGHTS AND THE REAR LOCK. WHILE THE REPLACEMENT CABLE ITSELF IS ONLY $63, THE SUBARU DEALERSHIPS WANT TO CHARGE OVER $500 IN LABOR. I AM REALLY DISAPPOINTED THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL, OR SUPPORT ON THIS ISSUE FROM SUBARU OF AMERICA. I CANNOT FIND ANY OFFICIAL RESPONSE FROM SUBARU ON THIS ISSUE. I DON'T THINK IT'S FAIR TO HAVE LOYAL CUSTOMERS LIKE MYSELF, PAY EXCESSIVE LABOR CHARGES TO FIX A SAFETY PROBLEM THAT IS A DESIGN FLAW FROM SUBARU.

Dec 07, 2018

INDIVIDUAL WIRES IN THE HARNESS POWERING AND CONTROLLING THE BRAKE, TURN, BACKUP, AND LICENSE PLATE LIGHTS, AND THE REAR WIPER MOTOR AND WASHER PUMP, MAY FAIL WITHOUT WARNING. THIS FAILURE COULD RESULT IN AN REAR END COLLISION OR IMPAIRING VISION OUT THE REAR WINDOW IN INCLEMENT WEATHER. THE POINT OF FAILURE IS INSIDE THE FLEXIBLE RUBBER BOOT PROTECTING THE HARNESS WHERE IT PASSES FROM THE REAR FRAME OF THE MAIN BODY TO THE TOP OF THE REAR LIFT GATE. IT APPEARS THAT REPEATED FLEXING OF THE WIRES INSIDE THE PROTECTIVE BOOT, AS THE REAR LIFT GATE IS OPENED AND CLOSED, WORK HARDENS THE INSULATION AND COPPER WIRES CAUSING THEM TO EVENTUALLY BREAK. SYMPTOMS MAY APPEAR AS STATIC ON THE RADIO, FAILING REAR LIGHTS, AND/OR FAILING REAR WIPER/WASHER MOTORS. IN MY CASE, I EXPERIENCED RADIO STATIC AND A FAILURE OF THE REAR WIPER/WASHER MOTORS. TROUBLE SHOOTING LED ME TO CUT OPEN THE PROTECTIVE BOOT REVEALING THE BROKEN WIRES. FURTHER INSPECTION REVEALED THAT THE WIRE INSULATION WAS BRITTLE IN THE AREA OF THE BREAKS. A SEARCH ONLINE REVEALED THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT.

Jul 29, 2017

AFTER FUSES BLOWN REPEATEDLY AND REPLACED, REAR WIPER, WASHER PUMP AND LOCK CEASED TO OPERATE FOR PERHAPS A YEAR. RECENTLY THE HEADLIGHTS GOT REAL FUNKY - WOULD NOT OPERATE IN NORMAL "ON" POSITION. BUT THEN SOME STRANGE BEHAVIOR WHEN SHIFTED INTO REVERSE (IGNITION ON WITHOUT STARTING TO ALLOW SHIFTING). HEADLIGHTS STILL NOT LIT IN EITHER OFF OR ON POSITION, BUT THEN CAME ON AS SWITCH MOVED BACK FROM HEADLIGHTS ON TO RUNNING LIGHTS POSITION! I HAPPENED UPON THE VIDEO MENTIONED IN AN EARLIER POST ABOUT REAR WIRING HARNESS ISSUE WHICH EASILY COULD HAVE BEEN RELATED TO WIPER/LOCK ISSUE, SO TOOK A LOOK. INSPECTION REVEALED 11 SEVERED WIRES WITH A CLUMP OF 5 OR SO MELTED TOGETHER AND ANOTHER 3 WIRES NEARLY SEVERED (SEE PHOTOS). DEALER SAYS HE'LL REPLACE WIRING HARNESS FOR $350 -500, AND HAD A SAME GENERATION OUTBACK IN THE SHOP FOR SAME WORK. SERVICE MGR SUGGESTED A CALL TO SUBARU CUSTOMER CARE LINE. IF YOU HAVE GOOFY ELECTRICAL ISSUES, ESPECIALLY IN REAR, CHECK THE WIRING INSIDE BOOT FROM BODY TO DOOR ON UPPER RIGHT SIDE. IT'S NOT EASY TO GET AT AS WIRES ARE SHORT, WHICH MAY HAVE LED TO QUITE A SERIOUS, UM, SHORT. CALL SUBARU BEFORE YOUR HEADLINER IGNITES...

Dec 29, 2016

THE REAR GATE WIRING HARNESS FAILED, CAUSING REAR BRAKE LIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS TO STOP WORKING. WITHOUT REPLACING THE REAR GATE WIRING HARNESS ($88.80 PARTS + $448.80 LABOR + 51.07 TAX) SOON THE REAR WIPER AND DEFROST WOULD NOT WORK AND THE BACK HATCH WOULD LOCK. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, I WANT TO SEE A RECALL AND REIMBURSEMENT OF $588.67 FROM SUBARU OF AMERICA.

Nov 24, 2015

STRUCTURE

4 complaints

I RECENTLY FILLED OUT THIS FORM (COMPLAINT # 10837114) CONCERNING MY HOOD LATCH BECOMING UNLATCHED ON ITS OWN. IT HAS HAPPENED AGAIN. AFTER AN APPROXIMATE 16 MILE ROUND TRIP DRIVE I PARKED THE CAR IN THE GARAGE AND NOTED THAT THE HOOD OF THE CAR HAD BECOME UNLATCHED ON ITS OWN. SHOULD I REPORT THIS EVERY TIME IT HAPPENS?

Feb 24, 2016

WHILE DRIVING I NOTICED MY HOOD WAS UNLATCHED. I HAD NOT RECENTLY HAD IT OPEN FOR ANY REASON..

Feb 19, 2016

INSIDE CAB HOOD LATCH CAN TRIGGER BY CONTACT WITH RIGHT LEG WHEN EXITING VEHICLE, DRIVER CAN USUALLY SEE HOOD NOT SECURE WHILE DRIVING, RESULTING IN STOP VEHICLE AND SECURE HOOD. ON 1/6/2016 WHILE TRAVELING OVER THE JAMESTOWN BRIDGE, HOOD FLEW UP AND SMASHED THE WINDSHIELD RESULTING IN HOOD,WINDOW AND ROOF DAMAGE. NO VISIBLE SIGN OF THE LATCH NOT BEING SECURE WAS PRESENT, SEE LIBERTY MUTUAL INSURANCE CLAIM 033127030 DATED 01/06/2016

Jan 13, 2016

IN MAY OF THIS YEAR, DASH STARTED TO GET STICK AND ALSO PRODUCES A BAD GLARE ON WINDSHIELD. HAS GOTTEN WORSE AS HEAT HAS PROGRESSED IN SC DURING THE SUMMER. *TR

Sep 01, 2014

TIRES

4 complaints

ON NOVEMBER 13, 2013 I WAS DRIVING ON ST RT 52 HEADING EAST IN NEW RICHMOND, OHIO AT A SPEED NOT LESS THAT 50 AND NOT GREATER THAN 60 MPH. AT APPROXIMATELY 12:00 NOON MY DRIVER-SIDE REAR TIRE COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE WALL--LUCKILY THIS DID NOT HAPPEN TO ANY OF THE FRONT TIRE OTHERWISE I MIGHT HAVE BEEN KILLED. *TR

Nov 14, 2013

2009 SUBARU OUTBACK. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEMS WITH THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM LIGHT ILLUMINATING. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER HE ADJUSTED THE TIRE PRESSURE TO THE COLD PRESSURE OF 32 PSI FRONT AND 30 PSI REAR WHICH WAS LISTED ON THE STICKER ON THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR, THE TPMS LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHEN HE DROVE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR SERVICE AND THE TIRE PRESSURE WAS ADJUSTED TO 30 PSI WHICH CAUSED THE LIGHT TO GO OUT. THE SERVICE TECH RECOMMENDED ALL FOUR TIRES BE ADJUSTED TO 30 PSI FOR A PERIOD OF TIME TO DETERMINE IF THE TPMS WOULD ILLUMINATE AGAIN. THE CONSUMER STATED THE TPMS WAS NOT WORKING AS DESIGNED, DUE TO THE FACT, THE LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE WHEN THE TIRES WERE PROPERLY ADJUSTED. *JB

Jun 01, 2011

THE TIRE PRESSUURE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ON MY 2009 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5 XT LTD HAS NEVER WORKED PROPERLY AND THE LOCAL SUBARU SERVICE CENTER (WACKERLI OF IDAHO FALLS), THE REGIONAL SERVIC EMANAGER AND SUBARU OF AMERICA REFUSED TO FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR

Apr 29, 2011

SIDEWALL TIRE FAILURE IN ORDINARY USE; 2009 SUBARU OUTBACK, 5500 MILES, BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE TIRE FAILED, INNER RIGHT REAR SIDEWALL FRACTURED. NO EXCESSIVE DRIVING, SPEED, OR SEVERE USE AT ALL. I REPLACED ALL BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE TIRES AND HAVE THEM AVAILABLE FOR OSI/ODI EXPERT ANALYSIS. *TR

Feb 04, 2009

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

3 complaints

The contact owns a 2009 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to slow the vehicle, the brake pedal was extremely soft. The contact stated that the vehicle required an extended distance to slow down or come to a complete stop, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. The brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the braking system due to brake fluid leaks. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V311000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 188,000.

Nov 05, 2025

The contact owned a 2009 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard, and the vehicle failed to respond. The contact swerved to avoid a crash and moved over to the median. The contact stated that the vehicle spun around, and the contact used the parking brake to stop the vehicle. The contact was unaware of a warning light being illuminated. The contact stated that on another occasion, the air bag warning light intermittently illuminated weeks before a crash. The driver’s and passenger’s side air bags failed to deploy. A Police report was not filed. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The Insurance company was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact stated that there was a gasoline odor coming from the engine weeks prior to the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.

Apr 18, 2025

The contact owns a 2009 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while attempting to come to a complete stop, the contact stated that the brake pedal depressed fully to the floor without applying the brakes. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing the junction box and brake lines replaced. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V311000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

Dec 22, 2021

VISIBILITY/WIPER

3 complaints

The dashboard becomes sticky and shiny and therefore makes it difficult to see. Subaru offered a limited recall but too many vehicles such as mine were overlooked. Also apparently the repair they offered only replaced the dashboard with one of the same caliber. So eventually more cars will be affected by the sticky and shiny dash as time goes on.

Oct 20, 2023

WIPER SWITCH ON STEERING COLUMN FAILS TO OPERATE AT TEMPERATURES BELOW 20 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT. PLEASE INVESTIGATE. THANK YOU *TR

Jan 08, 2015

WHILE TRAVELING ON A 2 LANE ROAD AT NIGHT DURING A HEAVY RAINFALL, MY DRIVER SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER DISCONNECTED AND JAMMED INTO THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD, JAMMING THE PASSENGER SIDE WIPER AS WELL. VISIBILITY IN THE RAIN WAS REDUCED TO ALMOST NOTHING. I TURNED ON THE EMERGENCY LIGHTS AND TRAVELED FURTHER DOWN THE ROAD A GREATLY REDUCED SPEED, UNABLE TO MAKE OUT ANY PLACE TO TURN OFF. BY SLOWING DOWN I WAS INCREASING MY CHANCES OF AVOIDING AN ACCIDENT, BUT INCREASING THE RISK FOR THE CARS IN FRONT, APPROACHING AND BEHIND ME. THE PROBLEM WAS THAT A SMALL PLASTIC PIN IN THE WIPER BLADE HAD FALLEN OUT, A QUALITY CONTROL ISSUE. THIS TINY PART COULD HAVE CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT. I URGE YOU TO REQUIRE HIGHER QUALITY STANDARDS FOR THE WIPE BLADES. I CAN'T FIND A MANUFACTURER IDENTIFICATION ON THE WIPER BLADE, BUT I STILL HAVE IT. *TR

Nov 30, 2014

SERVICE BRAKES

3 complaints

Passenger Side - rear brake line failed. Upon inspection the brake line rotted out at 4 way junction box - just in front of the rear tire- passenger side. Had to remove the plastic shield to get to the problem. I was driving at the time when it failed. Pretty scary as the car almost did not stop. I lost about half of the brake fluid. I know Subaru of America had a recall and this car was inspected years ago. Their fix was to spray a wax coating on the lines. They should have replaced the brake lines on all the cars subject to the recall. There is obviously an issue here with the quality of the lines they used as I see that 2005 to 2009 subarus have this problem. Safety put me or others at risk - yes

Aug 17, 2023

While coming down a hill, I applied the brakes, and suddenly lost all brake pedal pressure, only being able to stop using a handbrake. This complete loss of the braking system put me and other drivers at risk. Had I been traveling at higher speeds, an accident could have occurred. The brake system warning light came on at the same time as I pumped the brake pedal, and there were no prior indications that the brake system was about to fail. When I inspected the car for fluid leaks, I found that the brake master cylinder was empty and a lot of fluid had collected just in front of the rear passenger-side wheel. The brake line union block at the rear of the car was severely corroded as were the brake lines into and out of the union block. This exact problem was supposedly addressed by NHTSA recall 14V-311 (Subaru Recall WQK-47). The fix involved either applying an anti-corrosion coating or replacing the faulty brake lines. The recall was marked as completed in 2014. However, the completed recall did not prevent the problem from recurring. Since the recall was marked as "completed", Subaru has refused to conduct necessary repairs on the vehicle. This is a known failure point and serious safety concern in many Subaru vehicles, acknowledged by both NHTSA and Subaru. I claim that the fix completed under the recall was insufficient in preventing brake line corrosion and failure.

Jul 22, 2021

CONTACTED DEALER (MIKE SHAW SUBARU, NORTHGLENN, CO) PER THE NHTSA RECALL 14V-311 -- RECALL STATES INSPECT AND REPAIR. INSISTED ON INSPECTION ONLY AND REPLACEMENT IN THE EVENT OF VISIBLE CORROSION ONLY. DID NOT OFFER THE APPLICATION OF ANTI-CORROSIVE MATERIAL IN THE EVENT THAT LINES ARE DEEMED ACCEPTABLE. *TR

Aug 20, 2014

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

3 complaints

REAR HATCH WIRING HAS WORN TO THE POINT OF FULLY BREAKING FOUR AND DAMAGING FIVE OTHER WIRES OUT OF APPROXIMATELY 14 TOTAL GOING THROUGH THE FLEXIBLE BOOT BETWEEN THE BODY AND THE HATCH ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. SYSTEMS AFFECTED: REAR WIPER, REAR LOCK, POSSIBLY THE BRAKE LIGHT AND LICENSE PLATE LIGHTS. THIS WAS DAMAGE INCURRED OVER TIME OF NORMAL USE, OPENING THE HATCH NO MORE THAN ONCE PER DAY.

Feb 21, 2016

THE HEADLIGHTS ON THIS VEHICLE ARE GROSSLY INADEQUATE WHEN USING LOWER BEAMS. I HAVE CONTACTED SUBARU AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE IS NO PROBLEM. I CONTACTED THE LOCAL DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, BUT NOTHING CAN BE DONE - IT IS A SUBARU ENGINEERING DECISION TO HAVE THAT 'QUALITY' OF HEADLIGHT. *TR

Mar 05, 2014

STARTED MY CAR AT NIGHT TO FIND OUT MY HEADLIGHTS WOULD NOT TURN ON, BUT THE SAFELY LIGHTS WERE STILL ON. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND REVERSE LIGHTS WOULD NOT WORK EITHER. THE LIGHTS ABOVE MY REAR LICENSE PLATE HAD BEEN OUT FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS ALSO SO I AM NOT SURE IF THAT IS RELATED AS WELL. LOOKED ON-LINE TO FIND OUT MANY OTHER SUBARU OUTBACK OWNERS HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM AND SUGGESTED LOOKING AT THE HARNESS THAT HOUSED MANY ELECTRICAL WIRES ON THE UPPER CORNERS OF THE HATCHBACK. MANY OF THE WIRES WERE EITHER BROKEN OR LOOSE. I HAVE READ THAT BECAUSE OF ITS LOCATION, THE WIRES BECOME BRITTLE AND BREAK BECAUSE THEY ARE CONSTANTLY BEING BENT WHEN YOU OPEN AND CLOSE THE REAR HATCHBACK DOOR. TOOK MY CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAD TO RESOLDER THE WIRES AND CHARGED ME $225 FOR THE LABOR AND PARTS NEEDED. IF I HAD TO REPLACE THIS, IT WOULD HAVE COST ME OVER $600 SO THE DEALERSHIP DISCOURAGED ME FROM DOING THIS. I FEEL THIS SHOULD BE COVERED BY SUBARU SINCE IT IS DUE TO BAD DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE AND THE SERVICE I HAD DONE DOES NOT GUARANTEE THAT THIS WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN. *TR

Jun 18, 2013

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

3 complaints

THE HEADLIGHTS ON OUR OUTBACK BURN OUT FREQUENTLY. WE HAVE HAD MULTIPLE DIFFERENT HEADLIGHTS BURN OUT (AT LEAST 5) OVER THE YEARS THAT WE'VE HAD THE CAR. ON EACH OCCURANCE THE LIGHT BURNED OUT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED AND NOT WHILE DRIVING. ONE TIME BOTH HEADLIGHTS BURNED OUT SIMULTANEOUSLY WHEN STARTING THE CAR AND WE HAD TO DRIVE BACK HOME FROM OUT OF TOWN WITH OUR BRIGHTS ON THE ENTIRE TIME SO WE COULD SEE.

Nov 08, 2015

THIS IS THE 4TH HEADLAMP WE HAVE REPLACED WITHIN 12 MONTHS. WE HAVE TRIED PIAA'S, SILVER STAR'S...ALL HAVE THE SAME LIFE SPAN OF APPROX. 3-4 MONTHS...THIS HAS BECOME EXPENSIVE, A SAFETY HAZARD, AND A NUISANCE. *TR

Jan 25, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD DIFFICULTY SEEING THE ROAD WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT WITH THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ON. THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE BRIGHTLY ENOUGH TO PROVIDE PROPER VISIBILITY OF THE ROADWAY. AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.

Dec 20, 2011

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

3 complaints

CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. APPARENTLY, A NOT UNCOMMON PROBLEM (ENGINE BEARING). VEHICLE UNDER BOTH FACTORY AND EXTENDED WARRANTY. SUBARU NORTH AMERICA IS TRYING TO AVOID FIXING UNDER WARRANTY (AGAIN, IT SEEMS A NOT UNCOMMON PROBLEM). SUBARU CLAIMS OIL LEAKED OUT, BUT OIL PRESSURE LIGHT NEVER CAME ON. SUBARU IS NOT DEALING ON THE UP AND UP. *JS

Apr 16, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 55 MPH WHEN THE ENGINE STALLED AFTER THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED.THE VEHICLE LATER RESTARTED AND THE FAILURE CONTINUED UNTIL IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 31,000.

Jan 09, 2012

IN JUNE OF 2009 MY HUSBAND AND I PURCHASED A 2009 V6 SUBARU OUTBACK (VIN [XXX]) FROM MANCHESTER SUBARU IN MANCHESTER, NH FOR $29,843.00.IN DECEMBER OF 2010, WITH APPROXIMATELY 30,000 MILES ON THE CAR AND STILL UNDER WARRANTY THE ENGINE FAILED WITHOUT WARNING, LEAVING US STRANDED, ONCE AGAIN, THIS TIME WITH OUR NOW 2 YEAR OLD AND 4 MONTH OLD. THE CAR MOMENTARILY RACED WHILE DRIVING AND THE RPM INDICATOR ROSE UNEXPECTEDLY TO THE RED ZONE FOR A BRIEF TIME. NO INDICATOR LIGHTS TURNED ON UNTIL THE ENGINE HAD ALREADY FAILED. WE HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MANCHESTER SUBARU WHERE THEY STATED THEY FOUND METALLIC PARTICLES IN THE OIL. WE WERE ASKED TO PROVIDE OIL CHANGE RECEIPTS, WHICH WE DID PROVIDE, AS MY HUSBAND REGULARLY CHANGED THE OIL HIMSELF. IT TOOK A MONTH FOR A DECISION TO BE MADE AS TO WHETHER OR NOT THE ENGINE REPAIR WOULD BE COVERED BY THE WARRANTY AND WE WERE WITHOUT A CAR FOR THIS ENTIRE TIME. WE REPEATEDLY ASKED FOR A LOANER CAR, WERE TOLD WE WOULD GET ONE, BUT NEVER DID. SUBARU AMERICA FINALLY DECIDED THAT THEY WOULD SPLIT THE COST WITH US AND THAT WE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING $5,485.00. THIS WAS DUE TO THE FACT THAT ACCORDING TO SUBARU, WE DID NOT PUT ENOUGH OIL IN THE CAR AS IT REQUIRED 5.8 QUARTS AND WE PUT IN 5 QUARTS. WE HAD JUST CHANGED THE OIL IN THE CAR IN OCTOBER 2010 AND IT WAS LESS THAN 1 QUART LOW AT THE TIME OF THE ENGINE FAILURE. WE HAD CHECKED THE OIL LEVEL EVERY TIME WHEN CHANGING THE OIL AND THE DIPSTICK INDICATED THAT LEVEL WAS SUFFICIENT, GIVING US NO INDICATION THAT THE OIL LEVEL WAS LOW. THERE WAS NEVER ANY INDICATION OF LOW OIL PRESSURE AT ANY TIME DURING THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. THE NEXT DAY, MY HUSBAND SPOKE TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT MANCHESTER SUBARU. THEY INDICATED THAT THE V6 OUTBACK HAS A VERY SENSITIVE ENGINE AND IF THE OIL IS JUST A LITTLE BIT LOW, IT CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO FAIL. THE V4 MODEL WOULD HAVE ALSO GIVEN A LOW OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR LIGHT, WHICH THE V6 MODEL DOES NOT DO THIS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Jan 07, 2011

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaints

THE HOOD LATCH HAS FAILED REPEATEDLY CAUSING THE HOOD TO BECOME UNLATCHED WHILE DRIVING, PRESUMABLY RISKING THE HOOD FLYING UP AND IMPAIRING VISIBILITY. A DIFFERENT SUBARU MODEL WAS RECALLED FOR THIS FAILURE BUT NOT THE OUTBACK MODEL (2009 OR OTHER). THIS KEEPS HAPPENING.

Nov 25, 2017

TAKATA RECALL - THE LETTER FROM NHTSA VIA SUBARU RE. THE RECALL WAS MISLEADING. 1. IT SAID THE REPAIR WOULD TAKE APPROX. 1 HOUR 48 MINUTES. IT TOOK ALL DAY. I UNEXPECTEDLY HAD TO LEAVE THE CAR OVERNIGHT AT GREAT INCONVENIENCE TO ME. 2. THE DIRECTIVE NOT TO LET ANYONE RIDE IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WAS IMPOSSIBLE BECAUSE WE HAVE FOUR PEOPLE AND ONLY ONE CAR! ALSO, THIS OBVIOUSLY MEANS I HAVE BEEN DRIVING A DANGEROUS CAR FOR 8 YEARS! 3. WHEN I COMPLAINED TO SUBARU OF AMERICA THEY SAID THE WORDING OF THE RECALL LETTER WAS ENTIRELY NHTSA'S. ASSUMING SUBARU'S ASSERTION IS TRUE, YOUR COMMUNICATION ABOUT THIS MATTER WAS HORRIBLE, MISLEADING AND FRIGHTENING.

Mar 31, 2017

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 complaints

POSITIVE WIRE TO THE FUEL PUMP BURNED THROUGH TO THE OPEN GAS TANK LEAVING THE CAR ABLE TO RUN INTERMITTENTLY. THE PLASTIC HOUSING WAS MELTED AND BURNED AND THE WIRING CONNECTOR WAS RUINED. MY CONCERN IS THE HOT WIRE CONNECTOR, HOT ENOUGH TO MELT AND LEAVE THE PLASTIC CONNECTOR BURNED, WAS HANGING INTO THE AREA OPEN TO FUEL. I HAVE PICS. THE CAR WAS RUNNING AND OCCUPIED .

Apr 27, 2017

THE FUEL PIPE FILLER AND VALVE ASSEMBLY FAILED AND ALLOWED GASOLINE TO LEAK. THERE WAS ALSO A LEAK ON THE FUEL PUMP THAT THE DEALER WAS NOT ABLE LOCATE ON THE FIRST TWO ATTEMPTS. THE LEAKS WERE MOST NOTICEABLE WHEN PARKED IN THE GARAGE AND COULD HAVE POSSIBLY CAUSED A FIRE.

Dec 20, 2016

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS

2 complaints

PROBLEM 1: EXPERIENCED REAR WIPER (STATION WAGON) NOT WORKING. CAR STILL UNDER WARRANTY, TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THE WIRING HARNESS THAT GOES THROUGH THE HINGE AREA WAS BROKEN. IT WAS REPAIRED. NOW THE CAR HAS 72,000 MILES AND I AM HAVING REAR WIPER PROBLEMS AGAIN AS WELL AS THE REAR DOOR NOT LOCKING. WIRES FRAYED AND BROKEN AGAIN. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE BOTH WITH SUBARU AND ON THE FORUMS ON THE WEB. THIS IS A POOR DESIGN AND POSSIBLY DANGEROUS AS IT CAN CAUSE THE REAR LIGHTS TO FAIL. FAILURE TIME FRAME WAS ALMOST DOUBLE MILEAGE FROM THE PREVIOUS FAILURE. (35,251 - 72,000). PROBLEM 2: AIR BAG LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON. HAVE HAD IT TO THE MECHANIC SEVERAL TIMES TO BE CHECKED OUT AND RESET. THIS IS ALSO A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH SUBARU AND ON THE WEB FORUMS. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AS THE AIR BAGS COULD FAIL TO DEPLOY. SUBARU MAY SAY THE AIRBAGS ARE A "SECONDARY" SAFETY FEATURE, BUT TO ME THEY ARE EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT CAN BE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH IN AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE INVESTIGATE! *TR

Jan 29, 2015

"AIR BAG" WARNING LIGHT IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL (COMBINATION METER) IS ON. THE AIRBAG LIGHT HAS COME ON SINCE IT HAS BEEN COLD OUT. IT KEEPS ON EVERY COLD DAY. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND IF POSSIBLY NOT DEPLOYING THE SRS TO PROTECT DRIVER AND PASSENGER IN A COLLISION. THIS PROBLEM WAS REPORTED BY MANY DRIVERS OF SUBARU, BUT SUBARU COMPANY IS STILL NO RESPONSE. *TR

Nov 01, 2014

STEERING,SUSPENSION

2 complaints

DRIVING ON STRAIGHT, SEMI-ICY ROADS BETWEEN NORTHERN MICHIGAN AND NORTHERN WISCONSIN AT SPEEDS FROM 40MPH TO 50MPH THE 2009 SUBARU OUTBACK LOADED WITH APPROX 500LBS OF CARGO AND PASSENGERS (DRIVER INCLUDED) WOULD SUDDENLY SWERVE BACK AND FORTH ( REFERRED TO AS GHOST WALKING ). WOULD HAVE TO REDUCE SPEED AND PULL OVER TO SHOULDER NUMEROUS TIMES AND ALLOW ALL TRAFFIC BEHIND VEHICLE TO PASS SINCE NO ONE ELSE WAS HAVING ANY HANDLING PROBLEMS. VEHICLE WOULD REGAIN STABILITY AND WOULD HANDLE FINE FOR SOME TIME AND THEN WOULD REPEAT THE GHOST WALKING SITUATION ONCE AGAIN. THIS HAPPENED APPROX 6 SIX TIMES FOR A TOTAL DRIVE TIME OF 35 MINUTES. CALLED 4 DIFFERENT SUBARU DEALERSHIPS AND SPOKE WITH THEIR SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND ALL TECHNICIANS TOLD ME THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF SUCH A PROBLEM. RESEARCHED THE ISSUE WITH NUMEROUS SUBARU WEBSITE FORUMS AND FOUND MANY COMPLAINTS OF WHAT APPEARS TO BE THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. *TR

Jan 02, 2014

VEHICLE HAS A SHIMMY WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS: 70-75 MPH. SHIMMY HAS BEEN PRESENT SINCE VEHICLE DELIVERY. 5 TRIPS TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT OVER 10 MONTHS DID NOT RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. *TR

Jun 11, 2010

AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

Car stalling at stops. Received a report on all work done on this car stating issues with catalytic converter and that Subaru repaired before I bought the car. I also had loss of all brakes when the lines leaked out November 2022 . I had brakes repaired cost of $1000.so far since buying this car I have not been able to drive the car because of the stalling issues.

Jan 12, 2023

SEAT BELTS

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2009 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that both the driver’s and passenger’s side seat belts failed to retract upon release. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer where the parts to repair both seat belts were ordered. When the vehicle was returned to the contact, both the driver’s side seat belt and the passenger’s side seat belt were replaced. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be serviced. The failure mileage was 70,198.

Jan 03, 2022

AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

DASHBOARD IS VERY STICKY AS THOUGH MELTING. NOTICED FOR OVER A YEAR NOW AND GETTING WORSE.

Oct 18, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

CAR INTERMITTENTLY STALLS AND IS HARD TO RESTART. HAPPENS RANDOMLY WITH NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OR CODE IN THE ECU. HAS HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY AT INTERSTATE SPEED AND WHILE STOPPED. WILL NOT RESTART IMMEDIATELY. ROUGH IDLE AT RESTART THEN BACK TO NORMAL. MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO RECREATE THE PROBLEM AND THUS UNABLE TO REPAIR. CREATES POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION WHEN STALLING ON THE HIGHWAY, INTERSECTION, ETC. *TR

Jun 15, 2020

AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

WENT TO LOCAL SUBURB DEALERSHIP AND WAS EXPECTING A FREE LOANER VEHICLE BUT WAS NOT AND THAT WAS IN THE RECALL SO THEY LOCAL DEALERSHIP DID NOT DELIVER THE SERVICE THAT THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO FIX FOR THE RECALL!

Aug 20, 2019

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

WHILE DRIVING THE ENGINE SUDDENLY DIED. LUCKILY WE WERE ON A LIGHTLY TRAVELED ROAD AND WERE ABLE TO PULL OFF TO THE SIDE. THE ENGINE WOULD START, RUN FOR ABOUT ONE SECOND, THEN DIE. WHILE WAITING ON A TOW TRUCK, A GEARHEAD-TYPE FRIEND THAT I HAD CALLED TO TAKE MY WIFE HOME ARRIVED, THOUGHT ABOUT THE PROBLEM A BIT, AND UNPLUGGED THE MAF SENSOR. THE ENGINE RAN GREAT. IT TURNED OUT THAT A DEFECTIVE AIR FILTER HAD ALLOWED DEBRIS TO CLOG THE SENSOR. MY COMPLAINT IS THAT AN INVALID READING FROM A NON-CRITICAL SENSOR SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO PULL THE ENGINE FUEL/AIR/TIMING PARAMETERS SO FAR OFF THAT THE ENGINE WILL NOT RUN. OBVIOUSLY THE ENGINE COMPUTER KNOWS APPROXIMATELY WHAT THOSE VALUES SHOULD BE SINCE IT RAN GREAT WITH THE SENSOR DISCONNECTED. SENSOR READINGS BEYOND WHAT WOULD REASONABLY BE EXPECTED SHOULD BE IGNORED. WE WERE LUCKY THAT WE WERE ON A COUNTRY ROAD WHEN THIS OCCURRED. HAD WE BEEN IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF A BUSY FREEWAY, OR DARTING ACROSS FOUR LANES OF BUSY TRAFFIC, THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A DISASTER. *TR

Dec 11, 2016

AIR BAGS,ENGINE

1 complaint

AIR BAGS HAVE BECOME DISABLED DUE TO EITHER THE SWITCH IN THE SEAT OR IN THE OVERHEAD CONSOLE. THE ENGINE ALSO CONSUMES AN ENORMOUS AMOUNT OF OIL (HAS SINCE NEW) ABOUT 2 QUARTS EVERY OIL CHANGE OR 3000 MILES SOMETIMES MORE

Nov 28, 2016

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE HOOD POPPED UP. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND WAS ABLE TO RE-FASTEN THE HOOD. AFTER TRAVELING 100 MILES, THE HOOD POPPED UP AGAIN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,811.

Mar 01, 2016

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

WHEN IT RAINED DASH LIGHTS COME ON WOULD NOT GO OUT WHEN TURNED CAR ON FOR A FEW DAYS NEXT RAIN WENT TO CHECK CAR WHEN STARTED LIGHTS CAME ON THEN ALL WENT OUT AND A LOUD NOISE AND FIRE UNDER HOOD

Aug 09, 2015

Fire: 1

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

CAR TURNS OVER BUT WILL NOT START.

Jul 08, 2015

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 complaint

09 OUTBACK WAS BLOWING FUSES ON THE DOOR LOCK CIRCUIT. PUT IN A NEW FUSE AND IT WOULD BLOW IN A FEW DAYS, OFTEN WHEN CAR WASHED OR DRIVEN IN RAIN (OR PERHAPS WHEN REAR HATCH OPERATED). LAST REPLACEMENT FUSE HAS HELD FOR A FEW WEEKS NOW, THROUGH SUMMER. THEN THE REAR WIPER STOPPED WORKING. SAW THIS VIDEO AND THEN PULLED THE WIRING BOOT CONNECTING HATCH WITH BODY (TO RIGHT OF HATCH HINGES) AND SURE ENOUGH FOUR WIRES ARE SNAPPED RIGHT WHERE VIDEO SHOWS - AT BOTTOM OF RIGHT BOOT: HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=AMEKPTVGMHS. *TR

Sep 20, 2014

AIR BAGS,INTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOME LIGHT WAS BURNED AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000.

Jul 31, 2014

Fire: 1

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS

1 complaint

MY SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD WAS COMING ON INTERMITTENTLY BUT USUALLY WENT OFF IF I TURNED THE ENGINE OFF AND RESTARTED IT. BUT NOW IT'S ON CONSTANTLY. THE DEALER SAYS IT'S A MALFUNCTION INVOLVING THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT APPARATUS AND IT'S NOT COVER UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. THE COST OF THE REPAIR IS ESTIMATE TO BE OVER $350. I SEE ONLINE THAT MANY PEOPLE HAVE THIS PROBLEM WITH THE 2005-2009 OUTBACKS. THE MECHANISM IS OBVIOUSLY DEFECTIVE AND SHOULD BE RECALLED. *TR

May 22, 2014

STEERING

1 complaint

OUR 2009 SUBARU OUTBACK IS RADICALLY DANGEROUS WHEN DRIVING ON COMPACTED SNOW OR ICE. THE CAR BECOMES ALMOST UNCONTROLLABLE WITH REAR OVERSTEER ON MODERATELY SLIPPERY ROADS; EVEN AT VERY SLOW SPEEDS WITHOUT APPLYING ANY ACCELERATION. OUR VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS DISPLAYED THESE "QUIRKS" BUT IT IS NOW OUTRIGHT DANGEROUS. THE CAR IS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND HAS BEEN EXTREMELY WELL MAINTAINED. I CERTAINLY HOPE NHTSA IS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE AS THERE IS CLEARLY A DESIGN FLAW. WE HAVE NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT BUT LIVING IN THE MIDWEST DRIVING THIS CAR IT FEELS LIKE IT ONLY A MATTER OF TIME. THE HANDLING IS SO BAD THAT IT BECOMES A DANGER TO OVERCOMING TRAFFIC. *TR

Feb 01, 2014

AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED FORWARD UNEXPECTEDLY AND THEN IN REVERSE BEFORE CRASHING INTO TWO OTHER VEHICLES AND A BRICK WALL. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT WERE CONTACTED AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 22,000. UPDATED 10/31/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED AS SHE PULLED INTO A VACANT SPOT, WITH HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE VEHICLE EMITTED A ROAR AND SURGED OVER A CURB UPWARDS AND CRASHED INTO A TREE, WITH HER FOOT STILL ON THE BRAKE. THE VEHICLE WENT BACKWARDS AND HIT AN SUV PARKED ILLEGALLY BEHIND HER CAR. THE VEHICLE THEN CONTINUED BACKWARDS, HIT ANOTHER CAR AND FINALLY CRASHED INTO THE OUTSIDE WALL OF A LIBRARY AND STOPPED. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. UPDATED 10/31/12

Sep 24, 2012

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

SUSPENSION

1 complaint

DRIVING ON SLICK ROAD CONDITIONS ICE/SNOW ON FREEWAY WITH LIGHTLY LOADED SUBARU OUTBACK (4 PASSENGERS, WHICH INCLUDED 2 FEMALES IN BACK SEAT AND LIGHT LUGGAGE FOR FOUR). THE REAR OF CAR BEGAN "GHOSTWALKING" OSCILLATING SIDE TO SIDE ABOUT 3-4" AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MILES/HOUR ON STRAIGHT ROAD. PASSED BY NUMEROUS 2 WHEEL DRIVE TRUCKS AND CARS TRAVELING AT MUCH FASTER RATES. NEEDED TO PULL TO SHOULDER BECAUSE THE CARE FELT TOO UNSTABLE/UNSAFE. THIS DID NOT APPEAR TO BE RELATED TO DRIVER ERROR, SLICK ROAD SURFACE OR TIRES. THIS WAS A FIRST EXPERIENCE FOR ME AND FIRST TIME ON SLICK SURFACE WITH VEHICLE LOADED. MANY OTHER PEOPLE REPORT SAME EXPERIENCE WITH THIS PHENOMENON. SPOOKY AND VERY SCARY IS BEST WAY TO DESCRIBE. THIS IS NOT SAFE! *TR

Dec 20, 2011

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

1 complaint

ROAD CONDITIONS: POOR, ICY. VEHICLE: 2009 SUBARU OUTBACK WAGON LOADED WITH 4 PASSENGERS (2 ADULT, 2 TEEN, PLUS "LIGHT" LUGGAGE). WHEN THE VEHICLE PASSED OVER AN ICY PATCH, THE CAR SWAYED FROM SIDE TO SIDE VIOLENTLY. ON SUBARU FORUM WEBSITES, THIS TYPE OF LOSS OF CONTROL IS TERMED "GHOST WALKING" WHICH IS AN ODD BUT ACCURATE TERM FOR THE FEEL OF THE SITUATION. I HAVE SEEN MULTIPLE ENTRIES ON THE OWNERS' FORUM WEBSITES DESCRIBING THIS PHENOMENA, AND IT APPARENTLY AFFECTS SEVERAL MODEL YEARS. MY DEALER OFFERS TO RE-ALIGN THE BACK TIRES WHICH MAY FIX THE INSTABILITY PROBLEM (WHICH IS ATTRIBUTED TO "LOAD") BUT WHICH WILL CAUSE ANOTHER PROBLEM: EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION. AS SUBARU MARKETS THE CAR FOR THE WINTER DRIVING MARKET, IT NEEDS TO FIX THIS DANGEROUS DESIGN FLAW BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED OVER COMPENSATING FOR THE SYSTEM-DRIVEN FISHTAILING. PLEASE NOTE: ALTHOUGH SUBARU ATTRIBUTES THIS TO "LOADING" OF THE VEHICLE, THE CAR WAS NOT LOADED BEYOND STRICTLY NORMAL USE FOR A STATION WAGON. THIS IS AS DANGEROUS AS "SUDDEN ACCELERATION" IN TOYOTA.

Feb 22, 2011

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

MY 2009 SUBARU OUTBACK BEGAN IDLING ERRATICALLY IN NOVEMBER 2009, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LURCH FORWARD WHEN SLOWLY ENTERING PARKING SPACES AND RESULTING IN ROAD SERVICE PULLING ME FROM A DITCH AT THE END OF A POST OFFICE PARKING SPACE. AS A RESULT I DRIVE WITH THE FOOT BRAKE FIRMLY DOWN WHENEVER I PARK TO FIGHT THE LURCHING. THE SUBARU SERVICE DEPARTMENTS AT TWO SUBARU DEALERS TELL ME THIS IS NORMAL, THAT NEWER SUBARU'S COMPUTERS ARE SET FOR FASTER IDLE TO COMPENSATE FOR POWER STEERING AND AIR CONDITIONING DEMANDS. I BELIEVE THE VEHICLE IS DANGEROUS AND WILL TRADE IT IN IF THE CONDITION CAN'T BE REMEDIED. THANK YOU. *TR

Jun 20, 2010

VISIBILITY

1 complaint

INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) 2009 SUBARU OUTBACK WINDSHIELD WIPERS ICE UP TOO EASILY, NECESSITATING MY PULLING OVER AND MANUALLY REMOVING ICE FROM BETWEEN THE METAL PARTS. HAVE HAD A MILD WINTER HERE AND WAS ONLY A PROBLEM IN THE PAST DURING SERIOUS WINTER STORMS. DEALER COULD ONLY REPLACE WITH SAME DESIGN. THE 2010 SUBARUS ALL HAVE REDESIGNED WIPER BLADES THAT ARE COVERED TO PREVENT THE PROBLEM. THESE BLADES DO NOT FIT MY MODEL. A CALL TO 800-SUBARU3, [XXX] SAID SUBARU HAS NO PLANS TO CHANGE THE WIPER BLADES ON THE 2009 MODEL. PRESENT DESIGN IS DANGEROUS HERE IN NORTHERN OHIO. *TR

Feb 25, 2010

SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2009 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5 SPECIAL EDITION. WHILE DRIVING ON I-35 NEAR CLOQUET, MN, THE CAR EXHIBITED DANGEROUSLY UNSTABLE HANDLING THAT HAS BEEN DESCRIBED BY OTHER SUBARU OUTBACK OWNERS. THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE ICY AND EVEN WITH GREATLY REDUCED SPEED THE CAR WOULD SLIDE/DRIFT SIDEWAYS ON STRAIGHTAWAYS. THIS WAS VERY UNNERVING AS I COULD DO NOTHING SAVE REDUCING MY SPEED TO A CRAWL TO AVOID THIS DRIFTING EFFECT. AT THIS POINT I WAS BEING PASSED BY ALL OTHER TRAFFIC ON THE HIGHWAY (SEMIS, FWD AND RWD CARS, ETC.), WHICH DID NOT SEEM TO HAVE THE HANDLING ISSUES I WAS HAVING. THE CAR IS NEW (3700 MILES) AND I HAD JUST TAKEN TO A SHOP THAT MORNING FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND EVERYTHING CHECKED OUT OK. I BELIEVE THE OUTBACK HAS A DANGEROUS HANDLING ISSUE THAT APPEARS TO MANIFEST PRIMARILY WHEN FULLY LOADED (I HAD 2 PASSENGERS AND GEAR) AND ON SMOOTH AND SLIPPERY ROADS. I AM SCARED TO DRIVE THIS CAR IN SNOWY CONDITIONS, WHICH IS UNFORTUNATE GIVEN I LIVE IN MN AND BOUGHT THIS CAR FOR WINTER DRIVING AND ITS AWD PROPERTIES. I HAVE NEVER HAD A CAR HANDLE SO POORLY IN MY 16 YEARS OF WINTER DRIVING. *TR

Dec 29, 2008

2009 SUBARU Outback Problems & Complaints

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