647
Complaints Reported

Complaints by Component

POWER TRAIN
164 complaints
My CVT Transmission started having problems with the Valve Body inside the transmission. On acceleration from a complete stop my vehicle would start "bucking" hard causing a violent back and forth rocking or "jerking" of the drive train and vehicle. I did not request a inspection of the failed Valve Body when I paid to have it replaced. The life and safety of myself and others are at severe risk of injury or death resulting from a complete failure of the Valve Body component when driving on highways or other roads because without any warning the vehicle will come to a complete stop which would cause a rear end collision possibly at highway speeds. Also I'm concerned about the Torque Converter having a failure because of the intense pressure from the failed Valve Body with the constant "bucking" on acceleration. I took my vehicle to both a independent transmission shop and a Subaru Service Center and the Independent Transmission Shop told me I needed a new transmission and the Subaru Service Department kept telling me they didn't know what was causing my vehicle symptoms. Subaru of America extended the warranty on my vehicle to 100,000 miles because of the problems with their CVT Transmissions but because I bought my vehicle used with over 100,000 miles on it they refused to either pay for 50% or 100% of the replacement cost. No warning Lights came on but when the Valve Body completely fails then the warning lights will illuminate. My Subaru Case Number that was DENIED is (Case# 250820-1801058) for Subaru extended warranty for CVT Transmission.
Aug 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission output shift was bent and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
May 08, 2025
Torque converter issue that causes stalling similar to a manual transmission vehicle. The issue should have been a full recall but instead was only a "bulletin." For my own safety, I am stuck paying several thousand dollars for an issue the manufacturer is aware of but refused to cover by full recall. It is not just wear-and-tear, and is a danger to myself and other drivers on the road. And because the previous owner(s) were negligent in making sure the vehicle was repaired under warranty, I'm left paying a giant, unexpected bill. Does that seem like the right thing to you?
Feb 03, 2025
When coming to a stop the RPM's drop and the engine will stall, similar to not engaging the clutch on a manual transmission. Luckily there has not been a crash to date but the condition has worsened to the point it is no longer safe to drive and must be repaired. This is a known safety flaw with the torque converter and Subaru denied any responsibility or assistance in the quoted $2,400 repair.
Jan 16, 2025
Seems like a transmission problem on my Subaru Outback. While braking to a stop the car shudders and then the engine stalls creating a hazardous situation. I'm forced to put the car in park and restart the engine. This sounds like a common issue with the tourque converter on these cars. This problem happens on a near daily basis unless you drive with such extreme caution you can sometimes avoid the issue.
Mar 18, 2024
+ 159 more complaints for this component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
94 complaints
LOW BEAM HEAD LIGHT BURNS OUT WHILE DRIVING ON THE THE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. REPLACING THE BULB IS NOT THAT EASY. THIS IS WELL KNOWN PROBLEM AND SUBARU HAS BEEN AWARE OF THE PROBLEM FOR LAST EIGHT PLUS YEARS. INSTEAD OF REPLACING THE DEFECTIVE LIGHTING SYSTEM SUBARU HAS EXTENDED THE WARRANTY FOR 10 YEARS AND IT REIMBURSES THE COST OF THE NEW BULBS. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND ALL THESE DEFECTIVE LIGHTING EQUIPMENT SHOULD BE REPLACED. LOW BEAM LIGHTS BURNED OUT SEVERAL TIMES SINCE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED.
Jan 11, 2020
HEADLIGHTS BURN OUT REPEATEDLY, WITHOUT WARNING OR INCIDENT, SOMETIMES BOTH WITHIN A WEEK. CAR IS DRIVEN LESS THAN 10K MILES PER YEAR, YET ONE OR BOTH HEADLIGHTS HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACED ANNUALLY ON AVERAGE. BULBS ARE VERY DIFFICULT FOR CONSUMER TO REPLACE AND MUST BE DONE BY GARAGE OR DEALERSHIP. ON ONE OCCASION BOTH HEADLIGHTS WERE OUT BEFORE VEHICLE COULD BE TAKEN TO GET BULBS REPLACED.
Jan 06, 2020
MAIN HEADLAMPS BURN OUT EVERY 9 TO 10 MONTHS CAUSING A DANGEROUS DRIVING SITUATION. REPLACEMENT OF THESE BULBS IS UNNECESSARILY CUMBERSOME FOR THE OWNER AND SUBARU DEALERS CHARGE $150 TO REPLACE A $15 DOLLAR BULB. IF NOT INSTALLED CORRECTLY YOU RISK A FIRE HAZARD. THIS SEEMS TO BE OUTSIDE OF REASON, AND A POOR DESIGN THAT RISKS LIVES. I HAVE FOUND MYSELF AWAY FROM HOME WITH NO WORKING HEADLIGHTS SEVERAL TIMES NOW.
Oct 06, 2019
HEADLIGHTS GO OUT WITH ABNORMAL FREQUENCY. DRIVER'S SIDE BULB HAS NEEDED CHANGING ON AVERAGE EVERY 3-4 MONTHS, EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE IS RARELY DRIVEN AT NIGHT. PASSENGER SIDE HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE IN THE LAST YEAR ALONE.
Jul 10, 2019
TRACTION CONTROL, BRAKE, AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS TOGETHER PERIODICALLY TURN ON, AND OCCASIONALLY THE SPEED CONTROL LIGHT FLASHES. HAPPENS WHEN CAR IS STATIONARY AND WHILE DRIVING. NO CAR PERFORMANCE HAS BEEN AFFECTED, YET. UNKNOWN IF THESE "SYMPTOMS" POSE OR COULD RESULT IN A SAFETY ISSUE.
Apr 02, 2019
+ 89 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS
57 complaints
The contact owned a 2011 Subaru Outback. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V001000 (Air Bags) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted.
Dec 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the passenger’s side seat near the hip area between the passenger and the door had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer. The manufacturer confirmed that due to the mileage on the vehicle, the manufacturer was not obligated to assist with the repair. The failure mileage was 230,000.
Sep 13, 2024
MY 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK IS PART OF THE AIRBAG RECALL. I HAVE PHONED SUBARU 6 TIMES AND THEY REFUSE TO FIX MY AIRBAGS. THE REASON IS THAT I LIVE ON A SMALL ISLAND IN HAWAII THAT DOES NOT HAVE A DEALERSHIP OR EVEN A CAR REPAIR SHOP. THE VEHICLE MUST BE SHIPPED TO OAHU TO BE FIXED AND SUBARU REFUSES TO DO THIS.
Jan 11, 2021
I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE SUBARU IN MISSOULA, MT IN OCTOBER OF 2019 TO FIX THE TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL. IN JULY OF 2019 I RECEIVED A RECALL FOR THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. I CALLED THE NUMBER ON THE RECALL NOTICE 855-371-5406. I WAS INFORMED THAT SUBARU HAD PUT IN THE SAME NON-WORKING, UNSAFE PARTS THAT WERE IN THE AIRBAG PRIOR TO THE 2019 RECALL. SUBARU DID THIS TO BUY TIME TO GET THE PARTS NEEDED TO ACTUALLY FIX THE PROBLEM IN STOCK. TAKATA TOLD ME THIS. FOR NEARLY A YEAR I HAVE BEEN DRIVING AROUND THINKING THAT MY PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG WAS SAFE. SUBARU WILL NOT ADDRESS THIS BUT THEY DO WANT TO INCONVENIENCE THEIR CUSTOMERS A SECOND TIME. SUBARU CUSTOMERS SHOULD HAVE BEEN INFORMED. INSTEAD, SUBARU WAS DECEITFUL AND NOW INTEND TO STEAL MORE TIME FROM THE CUSTOMERS TO FIX THIS PROBLEM THAT THEY SAID WAS 'LIFE THREATENING.'
Aug 24, 2020
I ACCEPTED A RECALL TO REPLACE THE PASSENGER AIR BAG BY THE DEALER EVENSTON SUBARU, 3340 OAKTON STR, SKOKIE, ILL, 60076; AFTER THIS RECALL REPLACEMENT WAS PERFORMED, MY CAR HAD PROBLEMS LIKE THE PASSENGER WINDOW DID NOT OPPERATE FROM THE COMMEND BUTTON OF THE SAME DOOR AND THE POWER OUTLET FROM THE MIDDLE CONSOLE DID NOT HAVE POWER. THE DEALER THAT PRODUCED THESE TROUBLES REFUSE TO SUPPORT THE COST OF REPAIR.
Nov 25, 2019
+ 52 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES
43 complaints
Just lost brakes. Was parked at an atm. In park, foot on brake as i was shifting into drive, brake pedal goes to floor and brake fluid leaks out... I see there was a recall for brake lines in Michigan. I've owned this car since 2020. All Brake pads are new as of 4/2025. This just occurred today on Sunday so I have not got the estimate yet.
Aug 03, 2025
The car was being driven down the road, when the brake pedal went soft. At that point the vehicle had lost all braking power. I pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road and proceeded to check the vehicle. The vehicle brake reservoir was empty, and the line underneath the car was leaking fluid out. Then I called a tow truck to tow my vehicle to get repaired. The mechanic then told me about the recall WQK47r.
Jan 16, 2025
The brake system had a total failure. Driving down the road and the brake pedal went completely soft and was not providing any brakes. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road where the brake fluid resivor was empty and the underneath of the car was wet with brake fluid. The vehicle then was towed to a nearby mechanic to be inspected where they have come to the conclusion that the brake line box has become coroted. During the brake failure there were no warning signs and the only thing that prevented the vehicle from being involved in an accident was the use of engine braking and going up hill. The reason I’m reporting this is because after reviewing the internet to see what the average cost of the repair should be I came across a forum where this issue is become common place in my generation of Outback, as well as the previous generation which has a recall already on this same component. I’m also writing this report because I’m concerned with the amount of this type of vehicle on the road still and having a similar issue.
Jan 11, 2025
Going down the road and my breaks went to the floor, further inspection the back passenger 4 way block blew apart due to rust I looked online and there is so many of these cars the same year that this is happening to, would love to have this year and model included in the recall for breaks to get this fixed
Jan 10, 2025
Rear brake lines at junction block right rear corroded.As is the sane situation with 2009 models and under and impreza models newer with same design cannot understand why this model year was passed by
Aug 10, 2024
+ 38 more complaints for this component
ENGINE
36 complaints
The contact owns a 2011 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to slow down, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle while the vehicle was still in motion, and the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 153,000.
Aug 21, 2024
in 2023 my car started overheating. took it in and it was the headgasket. even with the age of my car, it only had just over 105,000 miles on it. looking at other subarus for sale out of curiosity, I saw that quite a lot had their engines replaced. even newer than mine. i do see this as a expensive problem, which I know first hand. the headgasket went while i was on the freeway. tried to make it home, wasn't to far away, but had to be towed.
Jan 06, 2024
The car got overheated on 8/20/2022, because of the mechanical and design issue, specifically the coolant pipe and hose connection which got disconnected and blew up with force ejecting hot coolant liquid. The incident almost killed my husband. The hot liquid burned his abdomen and my face. He got transported by an ambulance, got admitted to a hospital, and got a 2nd-degree burner. This entire incident endangered my entire family members while we were far from home on a road trip adventure. My kids are under 10, and they were worried and crying. The incident definitely was reproducible, because, within a 3 hours window, the hose got disconnected 4 times, where the 4th time it hit my husband and me. A Yosemite Park Ranger was helping us inspect the car on the 3rd and 4th failure. For our safety, we have not been driving the car since 8/21/2022. So, the vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer.
Aug 22, 2022
Injuries: 1
My 2011 Outback had a head gasket failure at 98,000 miles. The car overheated which forced me to pull over in heavy traffic. There was no prior warning or symptoms until the engine temperature warning light appeared. The car was repaired by the dealership at a hefty price. They said this problem is common on these vehicles, though no recall has been issued on the part. I filed a complaint with the manufacturer.
Aug 18, 2021
WHILE DRIVING ON EXPRESSWAY, TO AVOID A SUDDEN ACCIDENT, I WAS FORCED TO HIT MY BRAKES. MY VEHICLE TURNED COMPLETELY OFF. I WAS IN A NEAR COLLISION MYSELF. THE NEXT DAY WHEN COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP AT LIGHT, MY VEHICLE AGAIN COMPLETELY SHUT OFF.
May 04, 2021
+ 31 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
18 complaints
In November 2023, I co-signed an auto loan to assist someone in securing a vehicle. However, I later discovered that my name was never placed on the title, leaving me financially liable for the loan while having no ownership or possession of the car. The individual has since failed to make any loan payments, and the bank applied lender-placed insurance (CPI) due to their failure to maintain coverage. Despite this, they continue to drive the vehicle. The New York DMV confirmed that their driver’s license and vehicle registration have been suspended due to lack of insurance, yet they have not surrendered their plates as required by law. Additionally, the vehicle was originally registered in Connecticut but later transferred to New York while using my Connecticut auto insurance policy without my consent. I was later contacted by my former insurance provider about an accident in which an unknown individual was operating the vehicle. After my insurance policy lapsed, the individual was involved in another accident while uninsured and attempted to file a claim despite having no coverage. This situation has raised serious concerns about the vehicle’s registration, insurance violations, and potential title issues that may require investigation. Given that the vehicle is still being driven despite no valid insurance, a suspended license, and an outstanding auto loan, I am seeking guidance on the appropriate steps to take.
Feb 11, 2025
Crash: 1
My front subframe broke. I was driving the car and was exiting the highway. I heard a snap n then had no control. Had my mechanic look at car and said frame snapped and control arm broke. The week before i had my car alignment and new tires put on. Nothing was noticed then. Mechsaud rusted from inside out.. After talkwith many different repair shops, they all stated that the front subframe breaks on subarus. They need to change the design. I called subaru and asked them to fix. Said car was to old and to many miles. I have owned cars for over 40yrs , with well over 200k mils on them. I have never had a frame break. It's very unusual when mechanics says this is a problem with subaru. Plus the subframes are on backorder. Thats how many they are selling. Even the used parts dealers can't get them
Jul 20, 2023
My 2011 Subaru Outback with the automatic CVT transmission has recently started stalling and dying entirely when coming to an abrupt stop. Or even coming to a stop in general, regardless of speed. This having started within the last month or so around the begging of March, 2022. My vehicle has just passed the 10 year mark and is still currently under 100k miles, currently at 96k. After much research and a few trips to the mechanic, I have found that this is a common issue regarding the torque converter within many Subaru vehicles. I have also found that this was such a common issue that this should have been labeled as a recall. But have discovered that this was an “extended warranty” concern instead. That being said, I have, on more than one occasion, come to a stop in traffic with my child in the car and my car just dies in the middle of the road. Which is entirely unsafe and in my opinion deserves a recall.
May 01, 2022
The vehicle stalls out at stop signs and red light as far as I’m concerned this is a safety hazard.I-took it to Minooka Subaru and they said it it was a torque converter I had it fixed it cost me 1500 dollars and as far as I’m concerned it should be reimbursed because.,it is very much a safety hazard. This happen d numerous of times.
Mar 26, 2022
The hood latch will not stay locked so it’s popping as I’m driving. The hood hasn’t completely come up, yet, but it’s definitely an imminent danger. It has happened multiple times over the last three days.
Jan 24, 2022
+ 13 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
18 complaints
Vehicle engine/transmission/torque converter dies when coming to a stop. This is especially an issue when having to stop suddenly and get going again quickly as the vehicle has to be put in neutral, restarted, and put back in drive. It is a safety issue at traffic lights, traffic signals, and in stop and go traffic that has resulted in a multitude of near-miss rear end collisions that put my life and my families lives in danger. There is a service bulletin from Subaru (Bulletin Number: 16-90-13R; Revised: 02/15/18) that addresses a similar issue, but fails to mention the vehicle engine dying and the inherent safety issues that comes with the engine shutting off.
Aug 11, 2023
While driving the car and stepping on the breaks really to avoid something in the road, the engine stalls and loses power requiring the driver to turn the key and restart the vehicle. My safety is a risk because if this happens on the street or highway with other vehicles around it could cause a major accident. This issue has not been confirmed by a dealer or independent service however, a call to my local dealership confirmed they have heard of this issue in the past and suggested it was the torque converter. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance or others. There were no warning lamps or any other indicators of this issue prior to the issue. They first started to appear a few years after owning the vehicle.
Mar 20, 2023
OUR 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK HAD A RADIATOR LEAK WITH NO WARNING SIGNAL. THE CAR OVERHEATED, THE RADIATOR CRACKED, AND WE BLEW THE HEADGASKET. ONLY AFTER THE DAMAGE WAS DONE DID A WARNING LIGHT COME ON. THE CAR ONLY HAS 100K MILES AND HAS BEEN CAREFULLY MAINTAINED.
May 02, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH APPROACHING AT A RED LIGHT, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND WAS ALMOST REAR-ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND DRIVEN TO THE RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE PERSISTED WHILE DRIVING TO HER RESIDENCE. AN UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO BOWSER AUTOMOTIVE - POWER OF BOWSER (1001 CLAIRTON BLVD, PLEASANT HILLS, PA 15236) AND WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A TORQUE CONVERTER FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000.
Mar 02, 2021
DURNING HARD/QUICK STOPS THE CAR WILL SHAKE JUST BEFORE STOPPING AS IF THE ENGINE WANTS TO STALL. MORE THEN HALF OF THE TIME THE CAR WILL STALL. IT WILL START RIGHT BACK UP BUT THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE HAVING YOUR CALL STALL IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. SUBARU HAS ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN 16-90-13R FOR THIS ISSUE. BASICALLY THEY NEED TO REPLACE THE TORQUE CONVERTER. THEY ALSO EXTENDED THE POWER TRAIN WARRANTY TO 100,000MI FROM 60,000MI. CARS THAT ARE OUTSIDE THE EXTENDED WARRANTY ARE OUT OF LUCK FOR ANY NO FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM SUBARU FOR A KNOWN SAFETY ISSUE. MY LOCAL SABARU DEALER JUST QUOTED ME $2500 TO FIX A KNOWN SAFETY ISSUE. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR THE ESTIMATED 1.5 MILLION SUBARU'S THAT THE SERVICE BULLETIN ADDRESSES.
Dec 10, 2020
+ 13 more complaints for this component
STEERING
18 complaints
STEERING FAILED COMPLETELY WHILE IN MOTION ON CITY STREET. WARNING LIGHT APPEARED ON DASH BRIEFLY, THEN STEERING FAILED - CAR WAS NOT ABLE TO BE STEERED. CAR WAS ROLLED INTO PARKING LOT AND TOW TRUCK CALLED. VEHICLE WAS ON IT'S WAY TO INTERSTATE HIGHWAY WHEN THIS HAPPENED. DEALER DETERMINED POWER STEERING HOSE CONNECTIONS TO "JUNCTION" HAD COMPLETELY RUSTED, CAUSING ALL FLUID TO LEAK OUT OF SYSTEM. SUBARU OF AMERICA WAS CONTACTED AND STATES THAT "SINCE THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN IN AN AREA WHERE SALT IS USED ON ROADS IN WINTER, THIS IS NOT UNEXPECTED". IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT LESS THAN 12 MONTHS PRIOR, THIS SAME VEHICLE'S BRAKE SYSTEM TOTALLY FAILED, FROM RUSTED HOSES. SUBARU OF AMERICA GAVE THE SAME REASON FOR THAT FAILURE.
Jan 17, 2018
I CAN NOT KEEP THE VEHICLE CENTERED ON THE HIGHWAY. THE CARS WANDERS RIGHT OR LEFT AND REQUIRES CONSTANT ADJUSTMENT. THE CAR DOES NOT RETURN TO CENTER AFTER A TURN, STEERING ADJUSTMENT IS REQUIRED. THIS IS A CONSTANT PROBLEM.
Apr 27, 2016
DRIVING DOWN A FOUR LANE ROAD AND WENT TO TAKE A LEGAL U-TURN AND THE STEERING WHEEL TURNED FREELY BUT THE CAR WENT STRAIGHT. THE BRAKE LIGHT WAS FLASHING AND THE TIRES DID NOT MOVE DESPITE ME TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. AWAITING AN UPDATE FROM SUBARU OF AMERICA. DEALER SAYS IT NEEDS A NEW STEERING SHAFT.
May 28, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE STEERING ASSIST FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 600. *TR
Jun 21, 2013
HIGH WINDS CAUSED A LOSS OF STEERING AND THE ENTIRE CAR WAS MOVED AND I ALMOST BLEW INTO A SEMI.THIS ALWAYS HAPPENS IN HIGH WINDS (25- 30MPH AND ABOVE ). INTERNET BLOGGERS CALL THIS " LANE WANDERING" SUBARU REFUSES TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM. I FILED A CLAIM WITH SUBARU OF AMERICA AND THEIR RESPONSE WAS "IT HAS BEEN DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE IS OPERATING AS DESIGNED". I AM PAST THE DATE OF BEING ABLE TO USE THE LEMON LAW. THE ONLY OPTION SUBARU HAS GIVEN ME IS TO TRADE-IN THE CAR WITH A $1500 DISCOUNT TOWARD A NEW ONE. I HESITATE TO DO BUSINESS WITH THEM AGAIN AS THERE IS A TRUST ISSUE AND I CANNOT, IN GOOD CONSCIENCE,SELL THE CAR TO SOMEONE ELSE. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS AND I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT.I DID SPEAK TO A GENTLEMAN WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND HE SAID SUBARU BOUGHT BACK THE CAR FROM HIM, HOWEVER THEY REFUSED TO DO THAT FOR ME. I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM WITH SUBARU FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS WITH NO SATISFACTION. HERE IS A LINK THAT MAY BE HELPFUL. HTTP:/WWW.SUBARUOUTBACK.ORG/FORUMS/104-GEN-4-2010-PRESENT/31638-OB-LANEWANDERING.HTML. *TR
Jun 12, 2013
+ 13 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
15 complaints
My son was driving the car when without warning the car shut down. I had the car in previously for a check engine light problem, which they diagnosed as a bad pin retention in connector in the bulkhead wiring harness. They replaced the harness but then found that the Unit EGI Con needed to be replaced probably due to the fault in the wiring harness (there words not mine). Previously I had the blower motor replaced, but it ended up being a bad connector. I asked to see the bulk head wiring harness, but the Subaru shop said they had already thrown it away. Previously I was told that wiring harness would be sent back to Subaru. I don't know if the wiring harness jacket/cover could have perhaps been damaged when it was installed when the car was assembled? There has not been any previous collision damage to car which I could see would lead to an issue with the wiring. I tried reaching out to Subaru about this problem, but they never responded.
Jan 18, 2022
I have owned this 2011 Subaru Outback since I purchased it brand new. Over the past 10 years, I have had to put approx 7 or 8 new batteries into the vehicle. The current mileage is approx 75,000. Over the past 10 years of owning this vehicle, I have kept the vehicle very well maintained almost exclusively at the dealership. I have been left stranded twice now in the past 2.5 weeks. I have been left stranded MULTIPLE times over the past 10 years. The battery cables have always corroded quickly the entire life of the vehicle in a way that I have never experienced with any other vehicle before. 2.5 weeks ago I arrived home from a 4 day trip to find my Outback dead at the airport. The battery was 3 years old at that time and had given no indication 4 days earlier that anything was wrong. AAA came out and attempted to jump start it without success. They then charged the battery but that also did not work. The engine didn't even attempt to turn over. The technician offered to put in a new battery and said he highly doubted it would help. Somehow it worked and I paid for the $150 brand new battery. But now 2.5 weeks later, the car is totally dead. AGAIN. There is nothing wrong with the battery, we charged it back up fully and yet the car will not work. I no longer feel safe driving this vehicle due to the fact that it's not only left me stranded multiple times but yesterday without warning the battery light started to flash on the dashboard followed by the the rest of the dashboard lights flashing while I was driving to pick up my child. As soon as I was able to pull over, the car stopped working and it was dead as a doornail. AGAIN. The vehicle is being towed to the dealership tomorrow. AGAIN.
Nov 09, 2021
DOME LIGHT, CLOCK, SUNROOF, REMOTE KEY FOB, GARAGE DOOR OPENER ON REAR VIEW MIRROR, ETC. NOT WORKING. FUSES BLOW WITHIN A DAY OR 2 OF BEING REPLACED. ORIGIN OF PROBLEM UNKNOWN IN SPITE OF MANY ATTEMPTS AT FIXING IT. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM FOR OVER 5 MONTHS. THESE DEVICES DON'T WORK WHETHER THE CAR IS RUNNING OR IN PARK.
Apr 24, 2019
THE SUBARU OUTBACK FRONT HALOGEN HEAD LAMP BULBS KEEP GOING OUT. HAVE HAD TO REPLACE BOTH SIDES WITHIN THE LAST 8 MONTHS. NOW FRONT LEFT LAMP IS OUT AGAIN AND NEEDS REPLACEMENT.
Oct 26, 2017
STARTED VEHICLE AND CENTER COUNSEL WOULD NOT LIGHT UP. HEADLIGHTS AND FOG LIGHTS WORKED AND ELECTRIC WINDOWS WERE OK. SECOND INCIDENT: SAME AS FIRST - ALSO HEARD SOUND IN DASH THAT ACTED LIKE A LOOSE WIRE OR STRIPPED WIRE THAT HAD TOUCHED METAL AND SHORTED OUT. LATTER ON AFTER RESTING, THE ELECTRICAL CAME BACK TO THE COUNSEL.
Apr 06, 2016
+ 10 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
14 complaints
LOW HEADLAMP BULB HOUSING MELTED SO BAD IT MUST BE REPLACED AT ESTIMATED DEALER COST OF $650. THERE IS AN EXTENDED WARRANTEE FOR REPLACING THE BULBS THAT HAVE BEEN BURNING OUT EVERY 6-9 MONTHS. I BELIEVE THEY HAVE BEEN BURNING UP DUE TO A MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN THE HOUSING THAT IS NOT BEING ADDRESSED. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THE LOW-BEAM HOUSING UNIT AS IT POSES A FIRE RISK. THE EXTENDED BULB REPLACEMENT WARRANTEE IS A BAND-AID THAT DID NOT ADDRESS THE UNDERLYING ISSUE.
Jan 06, 2021
HEADLIGHTS BURN OUT TOO QUICKLY. I AM REPLACING MY HEADLIGHTS APPROXIMATELY EVERY 12,000 MILES.
Nov 24, 2019
HEADLIGHT AND OTHER EXTERIOR LIGHT BULBS DIE PREMATURELY. I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM SUBARU ABOUT A WARRANTY EXTENSION AND THAT THEY WOULD COVER THE COSTS. SO FAR I'VE HAD 3 HEADLIGHTS GO OUT IN THE LAST TWO YEARS (AFTER 85K MILES) AND ALSO WAS TOLD BY A SUBARU DEALER YESTERDAY THAT 5 OTHER EXTERIOR LIGHTS WERE OUT. THE GENERAL CONSENSUS IS THAT IT'S A POWER SURGE IN THE LIGHTING/ELECTRICAL SYSTEM THAT SUBARU ISN'T ADDRESSING. THE REPLACEMENT OF HEADLIGHT BULBS IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT AND RECOMMENDED THAT A SHOP OR DEALER DO THE WORK, MAKING IT VERY INCONVENIENT TO REPLACE LIGHTS. IT IS DANGEROUS TO HAVE THE HEADLIGHTS GO OUT SO OFTEN WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT AND VISIBILITY IS REDUCED. THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL OR TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ISSUED BY SUBARU, THAT I KNOW OF, AND A LAWSUIT PENDING. HTTPS://LEGALNEWSLINE.COM/STORIES/510725171-COMPLAINTS-ABOUT-SUBARU-OUTBACK-S-LIGHTS-PRECEDED-CLASS-ACTION
Jan 10, 2019
TWO LOW BEAM HIGHLIGHTS BURNED OUT AT SAME TIME AFTER STARTING CAR AT NIGHT AROUND 10:00 PM. AFTER THAT, THE BATTERY WAS GETTING WORSE AND DEAD AT THE SERVICE CENTER JUST BEFORE REPLACING THE HIGHLIGHT BULBS. THE MANAGER SAID THAT THE BATTERY'S SITUATION WAS NOT RELATED WITH THE PROBLEM OF THE HIGH LIGHT, AND THERE WAS NO CLUES.
May 09, 2017
MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER WQE41; NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 12V602000.PUDDLE LIGHTS FOR 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. IN JANUARY 2013, I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM SUBARU. . SINCE RECEIVING THE RECALL NOTICE, I HAVE MADE NUMEROUS, REALLY, NUMEROUS, ATTEMPTS TO HAVE THIS RECALL ADDRESSED BY MY LOCAL SUBARU DEALER. ALL ATTEMPTS TO HAVE THIS RECALL ADDRESSED HAVE BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL. I HAVE BEEN REPEATEDLY TOLD THAT THE PARTS ARE ON BACK ORDER. MY PUDDLE LIGHTS HAVE CEASED WORKING WHICH IS AN INDICATOR OF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT WITHIN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WHICH MAY RESULT IN SMOKE OR FIRE ACCORDING TO THE NTSB. ON APRIL 8, 2017 MY LATEST ATTEMPT TO GET A DEFINITIVE ANSWER FROM MY LOCAL SUBARU CONCERNING REPAIR OF THE PUDDLE LIGHTS AND COMPLETION OF THE RECALL WAS AGAIN UNSUCCESSFUL.
Apr 10, 2017
+ 9 more complaints for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
7 complaints
IF GAS PEDAL IS "FLOORED" OR PRESSED COMPLETELY DOWN IT STICKS, UNSAFELY ACCELERATING THE VEHICLE EVEN WITH FOOT TAKEN OFF OF THE GAS. IF THE BREAK PEDAL IS PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL "UN-STICKS." OCCURRED THIS MORNING ON A HIGHWAY WHILE SPEEDING UP TO MERGE. A SIMILAR THING OCCURRED ABOUT A YEAR AGO WITH THE SAME VEHICLE AND IN SIMILAR CIRCUMSTANCES.
Apr 20, 2020
UPON PARKING IN A ROUTINE PARKING SPOT IN OUR APARTMENT PARKING GARAGE, I TURNED THE CORNER AND ACCELERATED SOME, AS I ALWAYS DID, TO GET TO THE PARKING SPOT TO BACK IN. AS SOON AS I WENT TO REVERSE IT, THE CAR ACCELERATED FULLY ON ITS OWN ACCORD. I WAS ABLE TO PRESS THE BREAK AND STOP THE VEHICLE BUT SINCE I WAS ONLY ABOUT 10 FEET FROM ANOTHER CAR AND THE WALL OF THE PARKING GARAGE, I WAS NOT ABLE TO STOP IN TIME TO AVOID A COLLISION. I HIT THE CORNER OF THE CEMENT WALL WITH THE FRONT LEFT HEADLIGHT PORTION OF THE VEHICLE.
Aug 15, 2018
Crash: 1
THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THERE WAS UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHILE DRIVER WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE. DRIVER SLOWED DOWN TO PULL INTO PARKING SPACE AND PUT CAR IN PARK WHEN SUDDENLY THE CAR ACCELERATED AND SPED OVER CEMENT PARKING BLOCK AND CRASHED INTO THE CONCRETE BASE OF LIGHT POLE. THERE IS NO KNOWN RECALL. POLICE WERE CALLED AND A REPORT WAS FILED. *TT *JS
Mar 01, 2018
Crash: 1
ON JUNE 9TH, 2017: WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE IN CHURCH PARKING LOT AT 11 AM IN THE MORNING. IT WAS A CLEAR DAY. AS I EASED INTO THE SPACE, I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE, AND INSTEAD OF COASTING INTO THE PARKING SPACE, THE CAR SUDDENLY SURGED FORWARD (MY FOOT WAS NOT ON THE ACCELERATOR AT ALL). THERE WAS NOTHING I COULD DO!! CAR LUNGED FORWARD, JUMPED THE PARKING CURB AND HIT THE TREE THAT WAS IN THE MEDIAN. THERE WAS MAJOR DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END ($7500). AFTER REPAIR, THE DEALER AND SUBARU CORPORATE TESTED OUT THE CAR AND COULD FIND NO ERRORS IN THE CODE RESULTS BUT DID NOTE THAT THERE WERE DOUBLE FLOOR MATS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE (ONE CARPET AND ONE RUBBER). THEY THINK THIS MIGHT HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE PROBLEM AND THEY RECOMMEND THAT ONLY ONE FLOOR MAT BE IN PLACE. OF NOTE IS THE FACT THAT THE CAR CAME WITH THE TWO FLOOR MATS INSTALLED. WE DID NOT ADD AN EXTRA ONE.
Oct 18, 2017
Crash: 1
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ENTERING A PARKING A PARKING SPOT, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A POLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 7/31/14*CN THE CONSUMER NO LONGER OWNS THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 08/05/14
May 13, 2014
Crash: 1
+ 2 more complaints for this component
VISIBILITY/WIPER
6 complaints
- Windshield cracks instead of dings (6 separate occasions now) - Cracks across windshield hamper visibility - The minute dings that result in window cracking/failure have been observed by technicians at Safelite and possibly other auto glass repair companies who have replaced the windshield (in the previous 5 replacements) and I have photos of the current window ding/crack. Each time there is a small ding it immediately results in a large crack. - The windshield was inspected by the auto glass repair techs employed by the repair companies suggested by the insurance company. -No warning other than hearing the rock or whatever item that glanced off the windshield.
Sep 13, 2021
WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT AT 60 MPH ON A 4 LANE DIVIDED HIGHWAY, SUNROOF SUDDENLY EXPLODED INTO HUNDREDS OF BITS OF GLASS. FORTUNATELY, THE SHADE WAS CLOSED SO NO GLASS CAME INSIDE THE VEHICLE. NO OTHER DAMAGE OCCURRED TO THE VEHICLE, AND I WAS ABLE TO KEEP THE CAR UNDER FULL CONTROL. THIS OCCURRED DURING DAYTIME HOURS ON JANUARY 17, 2020. OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS 37 DEGREES. NO CARS WERE IN FRONT OF ME THAT MAY HAVE THROWN UP ANY ROCKS, SO THERE IS NO APPARENT CAUSE FOR THIS GLASS FAILURE TO OCCUR.
Jan 21, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE MOON ROOF GLASS INDEPENDENTLY DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER (IRVINE SUBARU, LOCATED ON 23663 ROCKFIELD BLVD, LAKE FOREST, CA 92630) WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V467000 (VISIBILITY). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Jul 05, 2017
THE WINDSHIELD WIPER STARTED WORKING WHILE IN THE OFF POSITION, THE WIPER MAKES 1 OR 2 SWIPES AND THEN DOES IT AGAIN AFTER A FEW SECONDS. IT MAKES A "CLICKING" OR BUZZING SOUND IN THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN IT HAPPENS. THE ONLY WAY TO STOP ITS OPERATION WAS TO PULL THE 30 A FUSE. VERY FRUSTRATING. THERE IS NO APPARENT REASON FOR THIS TO HAPPEN, IT JUST STARTED DOING IT ON IT'S OWN.
May 02, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V694000 (VISIBILITY); HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Nov 14, 2016
+ 1 more complaint for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
5 complaints
The contact owns a 2011 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving approximately 30-35 MPH and approaching a truck, the brake pedal was depressed and travelled down to the floorboard, causing the vehicle to fail to respond. The contact stated that the truck that was in front of the vehicle made a turn, which prevented the vehicle from crashing into the truck. The contact stated that he was able to pull into a parking lot, where the vehicle rolled until it stopped. The brake warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that his wife who had just undergone a spinal surgery was occupying the front passenger's seat when the failure occurred. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the brake lines had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the repair could not be covered because the VIN was included in an unknown recall. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.
Aug 07, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, extra brake travel time was needed upon the depression of the brake pedal while attempting to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that the brake pedal would depress to the floorboard during the failure without warning. An independent mechanic inspected the vehicle and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V562000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, only the 2012 model was included in the recall. The dealer was then notified of the failure and the contact was informed that her vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 173,000.
Jun 28, 2022
2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. CONSUMER RECEIVED VEHICLE REPAIRS AND WOULD LIKE REIMBURSEMENT. *TA THE CONSUMER STATED THE LEFT REAR WHEEL BRAKE HAD A LOCKED CALIPER, DAMAGED ROTOR AND A MISSING BRAKE PAD. THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT NEVER ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. *JB
Feb 24, 2015
ALOT OF BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL LOW BRAKE TOOK ALOT OF DISTANCE TO SLOW DOWN WASN'T ABLE TO STOP THE CAR AT 35 MPH HIT OTHER CAR. HAD CAR LOOK AT MANY TIMES STILL THOMAS SUBARU DIDN'T THINK ANYTHING WAS WRONG WITH CAR FROM DAY ONE I TOLD THEM MY BRAKES WEREN'T RIGHT IT TAKES ALOT OF DISTANCE ( PEDAL ) WHICH INCREASE AMOUNT OF TIME NEEDED TO SLOW AND STOP THE CAR.. I FEEL THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER IS NOT WORKING RIGHT STILL THOMAS SUBARU WILL NOT FIX THE CAR UNTIL AN RECALL. I ALSO THINK RECALL NO. 11V562000 WHICH IS ONLY FOR 2012 CARS MIGHT ALSO NEEDS ADDED FOR 2011 CARS. I NOW HAVE 31,000 AND STILL HAVE BAD BRAKES. I NEED HELP SUBARU WILL NOT HELP. *KB
Mar 20, 2012
Crash: 1
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES FAILED AT A VERY LOW SPEED IN A PARKING SPACE. WHEN THE BRAKES FAILED, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED FORWARD ABOUT 20 FEET, PUSHING DOWN A METAL FENCE BEFORE STOPPING. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V562000( SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC: PEDALS AND LINKAGES). THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 6,815. UPDATED 02/28/12 *BF UPDATED 05/03/12
Jan 04, 2012
Crash: 1
SUSPENSION
5 complaints
Failure of front subframe while driving. Vehicle is unable to be driven. Vehicle pulled severely to drivers side while driving. Subframe had severe deterioration by rust . Vehicle is at Annen Brake Fond du Lac, Wi and available for inspection. Replacement part is unavailable and there is no ETA by manufacturer.
Jun 07, 2023
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVIGN AT LOW SPEEDS, A DIVOT WAS ENCOUNTERED AND CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WAS LOST. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE LINKS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN AGAIN TO THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STRUTS AND SUPPORT BEARINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON INDIVIDUAL INSPECTION THEY FOUND THE STRUT AND SUPPORT BEARING WAS NOT THE CORRECT SIZE FOR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 50,000. VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED. UPDATED 11/01/16*LJ *CN
Jul 26, 2016
2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO EXCESSIVE FRONT END VIBRATION. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAD ALL FOUR TIRES ROTATED AND BALANCED, BUT THE FRONT END VIBRATION CONTINUED. THE FRONT END WAS ALIGNED, BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. AT THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE DEALER, THE CONSUMER PURCHASED FOUR NEW TIRES, BUT TO NO AVAIL.
Jun 17, 2013
MY 2011 OUTBACK IS UNSTABLE AT HIGH SPEED ON THE HIGHWAY. IT TENDS TO WANDER AND HAS A DIFFICULT TIME KEEPING STRAIGHT AT 70+ MPH. THIS IS PARTICULARLY NOTICEABLE WHEN DRIVING LONG DISTANCE. CONSTANT ADJUSTMENTS ARE NECESSARY AT 70+ MPH TO KEEP THE VEHICLE IN A STRAIGHT LINE. I NOTICED THIS SOON AFTER TAKING POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE AND DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT SPEED 70+ MPH ON A 65-68 MILES TRIP TO WORK. I IGNORED THE SITUATION THINKING IT IS NORMAL UNTIL THE VEHICLE ALMOST WANDER INTO A BIG RIG TRUCK IN THE NEXT LANE DURING A LANE PASSING IN OCTOBER 2011. SUBARU DEALER HAS ALREADY PERFORMED AN ALIGNMENT IN NOV 2011 WHICH HELPED FOR ABOUT 2 WEEKS, BUT THE WANDERING ISSUE APPEARS AGAIN. I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AGAIN IN DEC 2011, BUT THE TECHNICIAN SAID THE ALIGNMENT WAS WITHIN IN SPEC AND DID NOT NOTICE THIS ISSUE. I CAN'T SAY FOR SURE IF THIS IS A DEFECT OR IF THE VEHICLE WAS JUST DESIGN AS-IS. HOWEVER, I DRIVE WITH "WHITE KNUCKLES" AT SPEED 70+ AND FEEL THIS VEHICLE MAY NOT BE SAFE TO KEEP LONG TERM. *TR
Dec 27, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS SHAKING ABNORMALLY WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. ON A LATER DATE WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE EXPLODED. THERE WERE DAMAGES TO THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE AS A RESULT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED THAT LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BALL JOINT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS RE-EXAMINED. THE MANUFACTURER DETERMINED THAT THE CONTACT MUST HAVE HIT SOMETHING THAT CAUSED THE BALL JOINT TO FRACTURE AND WOULD NOT TAKE ANY LIABILITY FOR THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 3,000.
Jan 03, 2011
TIRES
5 complaints
Continental Pro Contact P 225/ 60 R 17 Driver side tire sidewall formed large bubble. Purchased in November 2021 and had dealer install 4 tires. Noticed large sidewall bubble on sidewall in January 2022. Only three thousand miles on tire. Worried that this is a lifethreatening safety issue. We brought the car back to the dealer. We were told they have not seen anything like it on a Subaru Outback before. But other complaints on this site and others show that sidewall bubbles on the Continental Pro Contact series of tires is a known issue and should be addressed before someone is seriously injured.
Mar 04, 2022
THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE STARTED TO DEFLATE, WHETHER IN MOTION OR WHEN PARKED. THIS WAS A SLOW LEAK. THE TIRES HAD 6/32 TREAD REMAINING. THE PROBLEMATIC TIRE WOULD HOLD PRESSURE FOR ABOUT 40 MILES OF HIGHWAY DRIVING, OR SEVERAL HOURS WHEN PARKED, BEFORE THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR LIGHT WOULD COME ONE. THE TIRE WAS REPEATEDLY FILLED WITH AIR DURING THE COURSE OF THE ROAD TRIP. UPON ARRIVAL AN APPOINTMENT WAS MADE FOR IT TO BE CHECKED AND REPAIRED AT A LOCAL SHOP. TURNS OUT THE BELT WAS PARTIALLY SEPARATED. GIVEN THE CAR IS ALL WHEEL DRIVE I NEEDED TO REPLACE ALL FOUR TIRES.
Jul 10, 2017
I HAVE A SUBARU OUTBACK 2011 WITH 16,000 MILES ON IT. THE NON DRIVER-SIDE TIRES HAVE BUBBLES ON THEM. I DETECTED THIS SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2011. THERE HAS BEEN NO ACCIDENT OR MISHAP, YET. HOWEVER, SINCE I HAD TO ORDER 2 IDENTICAL TIRES TO USE WITH THE 2 GOOD TIRES, I NOTICED THAT THESE PARTICULAR TIRES ARE ON BACK ORDER FROM THE MANUFACTURER AND WONDERED IF THERE IS ANY RECORD OF ANY SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF TIRE FAILURES WITH THIS TIRE? THE TIRES ARE CONTINENTAL 225/60R17 CONTIPRO CONTACT TIRES. *TR
Aug 29, 2011
THIS IS PART 2 OF ORIGINAL COMPLAINT # 10422477. SINCE I HAVE A 2ND DEFECTIVE TIRE. *TR
Aug 29, 2011
RECENTLY PURCHASED 2011 OUTBACK SUBURU, BRAND NEW. WITH 1500 MILES, THE DEALER INSPECTED OUR TIRES AND FOUND 3 OUT OF 4 TIRES TO HAVE SIDE WALL BULGES. THE TIRES ARE CONTINENTAL TIRES. THE CALL BACK THIS MORNING FROM THE DEALERS SERVICE MANAGER SAID THAT THEY INSPECTED THE NEW CARS ON THEIR LOT AND FOUND SIDEWALL BULGES ALSO SHOWING ON THE TIRES OF NEW INVENTORY. THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID THIS WAS A RESULT OF EXTRA MATERIAL. AS NEW OWNERS WE FEEL THAT THE OPERATIONAL INTEGRITY OF THE VEHICLE IS COMPROMISED WITH AN INTERGRAL PART OF THE VEHICLE SHOWING MANUFACTURING DEFECTS, AND AT THIS PRESENT WRITING, NO AVAILABLE RECOURSE OFFERED FROM SUBURA. *TR
May 24, 2011
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
5 complaints
P0420 CODE O2 SENSORS. I HAD THIS PROBLEM BACK IN 2017. CRUISE, SKID CONTROL, BRAKE LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COME ON. SUBARU SAID IT WAS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, 02 SENSORS AND ASSOCIATED PIPING. SUBARU REPLACED IT FOR FREE IN 2017. NOT EVEN 2 YEARS LATER 8/2019, I AM DEALING WITH THE SAME ISSUE AGAIN. SAME DIAGNOSES. I HAVE SEEN A MULTITUDE OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE. SAW A REPORT OF A RECALL FOR THE FRONT 02 SENSOR ON REPAIRPAL BUT IT IS NOT LISTED ON SUBARU'S WEBSITE. SUBARU WANTS TO CHARGE 1900 TO FIX AND MAKE ME PAY 500.00 FOR A REPAIR THAT'S SHOULD NOT NEED TO HAPPEN IN LESS THAN TWO YEARS TIME!
Aug 05, 2019
THE TORGUE CONVERTER IS CAUSING NOISE, SHUTTERING, AND LATE DOWN SHIFTING REPLACEMENT OF A FAILING TORQUE CONVERTER HAS BEEN RECOMMENDED.
May 01, 2019
WHEN COMING TO A STOP, THE CAR STALLS SHUDDERS AND QUITS, THIS HAPPENS MORE OFTEN WHEN BRAKING HARDER THAN STANDARD. THE CAR CAN BE WARM OR COLD IT CAN BE REPLICATED ON COMMAND MOST OFTEN GOING UPHILL BUT WILL ALSO DO SAME ON LEVEL GROUND. DEALER REFERENCED POSSIBLY BAFFLE IN GAS TANK HAS DETACHED ALLOWING GAS TO SLOSH AWAY FROM PICK UP AREA IN TANK. SUGGESTED 200.00 TO DROP TANK INVESTIGATE AND 4-500 TO REPLACE TANK. ALSO REPORTED IN COMPLAINT 10966670 UNDER DRIVE TRAIN. TRIED LIQUID HEET FUEL ADDITIVE TO REMOVE POSSIBILITY OF WATER POOLING IN TANK. THE STALL HAPPENS MOST ON CITY STREET WITH DAUGHTER OR WIFE DRIVING.
Mar 22, 2017
WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, THERE WAS SUDDEN ACCELERATION AS IF THE CHOKE HAD TURN ON, SIMILAR TO WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE. IT LASTED ONLY A SHORT WHILE, BUT I DID HAVE TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL. THIS ALSO OCCURRED ONCE BEFORE APPROX. ONE MONTH PRIOR THIS , WHILE PULLING INTO MY GARAGE. AM CURIOUS IF ANY OTHER REPORTS OF THIS TYPE HAVE BEEN REPORTED. *TR
Sep 10, 2012
FUEL GAUGE FAILS TO SHOW CORRECT AMOUNT OF FUEL IN THE TANK. FUEL GAUGE WILL ONLY SHOW ABOUT 2/3 FULL WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS FULLY FUELED. THERE ARE SEVERAL REPORTS OF SAME PROBLEM POSTED AT WWW.SUBARUOUTBACK.ORG/FORUMS REGARDING FUEL GAUGE INCORRECTLY DISPLAYING THE FUEL LEVEL. 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK 3.6 LIMITED, PURCHASED MAY 2010, 1ST OWNER. *TR
Sep 07, 2012
STEERING,SUSPENSION
4 complaints
Front control arm bolt pulled out of the subframe due to extreme corrosion.
Sep 23, 2022
SUBARU OUTBACK VIBRATES IN STEERING WHEEL AND SEATS AT SPEEDS FROM 60 TO ABOVE. THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN WHICH STATES THE STEERING COLUMN AND STEERING WHEEL GETS REPLACED. HAVE NOT FOUND ANY INFORMATION THAT THIS RECTIFIES THE ISSUE OR THAT IT MAKES THE CAR ANY MORE SAFE OR PLEASANT TO DRIVE. POSTINGS SUGGEST THAT THIS REPAIR DOES NOT IMPROVE THE ISSUE. *TR
Nov 11, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHAKE AND VIBRATE. THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO RESPOND LATE TO TURNS IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE STEERING COLUMN AND VARIOUS SUSPENSION COMPONENTS WERE REPLACED. THE FAILURES CONTINUED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000.
Jul 14, 2011
TEST DROVE 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK 3.6R BEFORE PURCHASE AND VEHICLE HAD FRONT END SHAKE AT FREEWAY SPEED OF 70 MPH OR SO. AS RESULT DID NOT BUY. *TR
Sep 20, 2010
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
4 complaints
The manufacturer, Subaru, admitted they have an issue with the ECU setting false error codes (P0128) when they issued a TSB, # 11-102-11R, calling for a software upgrade to fix the problem. This is an emissions related issue, in that it turns on various warning lights, including the SES light, making the car impossible to pass the routine smog check. So why should I, the owner, be required to pay the dealer to update the software for a problem Subaru has admittedly identified as a manufacturer error?
Oct 11, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE PULLING IN THE DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED DAILY FOR AT LEAST FIVE MONTHS, BUT WENT AWAY WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Jun 11, 2018
MERGING AND ACCELERATING ONTO INTERSTATE AND ENGINE CUT OUT FOR APPROX 3 SECONDS WITH NO ENGINE POWER. CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND STAYED LIT. DROVE OK AFTER THAT. THIS IS A REPEAT OF THE SAME PROBLEM THAT OCCURRED THREE DIFFERENT TIMES LAST YEAR. DEALER ADVISED BOTH THEN AND NOW THAT AN ELECTRICAL HARNESS CONNECTOR WAS WORKING ITSELF LOOSE AND THEY WILL TIGHTEN IT. NO ASSURANCES GIVEN THAT IT WON'T RE-OCCUR AT AN INCONVENIENT TIME SUCH AS A RAIL CROSSING OR WHEN A SEMI IS BEARING DOWN ON ME. *TR
Mar 06, 2015
THIS CAR IS A SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5I MANUAL 6SPD TRANSMISSION. WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT WITH CAR IDLING, THE RPM'S GET VERY LOW AND CAR DIES. STARTS BACK UP RIGHT AWAY, BUT THEN AFTER IDLING FOR 15-20 SECONDS, THE CAR WILL DIE AGAIN. CONCERNED THAT THIS MAY HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING AS I HAVE READ REPORTS OF MANY OTHER MODELS OF THE SAME CAR DOING THE SAME THING WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALER SAYS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG AND THEY WILL CHARGE A TON OF MONEY TO COME BACK AND TELL ME THERE IS NOTHING WRONG. IT IS A CLEAR SAFETY ISSUE IF THE CAR CANNOT HOLD AN IDLE AND/OR DIES WHILE DRIVING. *TR
Apr 09, 2013
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
4 complaints
THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE. I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, WHEN SUDDENLY MY DASHBOARD LIGHTS UP. I'M GOING 70 MPH, AND MY EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHT IS FLASHING FOR NO REASON. IT'S WAS NOT ON WHEN I STARTED THE CAR, JUST SUDDENLY STARTED FLASHING 5 MINUTES INTO MY TRIP. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALSO CAME ON. I PULLED OVER AS SOON AS I COULD AND TRIED RESET MY E BRAKE. IT WOULD NOT TURN OFF NO MATTER WHAT I DID. ONCE IN PARK ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, MY CAR WOULD NOT MOVE. THAT'S WHEN I HAD TO CALL FOR ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE TO TOW MY CAR HOME. MY MECHANIC USED A SCANNER TOOL TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM, AND THEY DESCRIBED THAT IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE. THIS HAS HAPPENED PREVIOUSLY, ABOUT A YEAR BEFOREHAND. I WAS ALMOST HOME FROM WORK WHEN MY BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON AT 50 MPH. TURNS OUT THE E BRAKE HAD ENGAGED WITHOUT IT BEING TOUCHED, AND THE LIGHT DIDN'T COME ON UNTIL SO MUCH DAMAGE HAD BEEN DONE. MY BREAKS HAD COMPLETELY BLOWN OUT AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. NOT ONLY WAS THIS A VERY UNEXPECTED AND EXPENSIVE FIX, BUT ALSO PUT ME AND OTHERS IN AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION. IF MY BEAKS SUDDENLY LOCK ON ME OR GO OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC AGAIN, SOMEBODY COULD GET SERIOUSLY INJURED OR EVEN KILLED. PLEASE, I REALLY DON'T WANT TO GO THROUGH THIS AGAIN. I NEED MY CAR TO WORK.
Apr 24, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE REVERSING THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKES FAILED. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT AND TURN OFF THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, IT WOULD NOT POWER DOWN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT OF THE BRAKE FAILURE, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE STRUCK A TREE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. AFTER RESTARTING THE VEHICLE, IT WAS FULLY FUNCTIONAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED ONCE PREVIOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.
Mar 22, 2017
Crash: 1
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ABS, BRAKES, TRACTION CONTROL, CHECK ENGINE, AND CRUISE CONTROL INDICATORS REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT DROVE HOME AND CONTACTED AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO PERFORMED A FUNCTION TEST OF THE ABS PUMP/MODULE AND WAS ABLE TO CLEAR ALL THE CODES. THE FAILURE RECURRED AFTER ONE YEAR. THE CONTACT CALLED THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS ADVISED TO BRING THE VEHICLE BACK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,986.
Jan 24, 2017
THE BATTERY WAS NOT PRODUCING POWER AFTER 4 YRS. SERVICE. REPLACED BATTERY WITHOUT ANY COMPLICATIONS OTHER THAN THE FACT THAT THE ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE IS NONFUNCTIONAL. SEARCH FOR ERROR CODES USING OBDII WAS NON-PRODUCTIVE. A BRAKE SHOULD WORK WHENEVER NEEDED, NOT WHEN THE COMPUTER (OR OTHER PERIPHERAL DEVICE) DECIDES WHEN IT SHOULD WORK. THE ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE SHOULD BE ELIMINATED FROM AUTOMOBILE DESIGN. THIS SHOULD BE A HIGH PRIORITY SAFETY CONCERN AS PROPERTY AND PEOPLE ARE AT RISK FROM NON-FUNCTIONAL BRAKES.
Sep 06, 2015
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
4 complaints
P0700/P2764 CODE AFTER EVERY LIGHT ON THE DASH LIT UP AFTER DRIVING IN HARD RAIN. VEHICLE SHIFTS HARD AND IS RANDOMLY STALLING WHILE DRIVING. AFTER EXTENSIVE RESEARCH TRANSMISSIONS ARE FAILING AND SUBARU REFUSES TO RECALL THE CVT TRANSMISSIONS IN EFFECTED VEHICLES. *TR
Jun 12, 2020
AT A HARD, FAST BRAKE TO AVOID TRAFFIC CONGESTION ON THE FREEWAY, THE CAR STALLED AND DIED. IT LOST ALL POWER AND HAD TO BE RESTARTED. A FAULTY TORQUE CONVERTER IS THE CULPRIT. THE TORQUE CONVERTER FAILURE IN THE SUBARU (NOT JUST OUTBACKS) HAS BEEN SHOWN TO RESULT IN A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER / STALLED ENGINE, WHICH CAN ENDANGER THE DRIVER AND OTHER DRIVERS. *TR
Jan 22, 2015
SAFETY CONCERNS WITH HESITATION ISSUE WITH TRANSMISSION AT SLOW SPEEDS WHEN APPLYING /GIVING MORE GAS. *TR
Apr 20, 2014
I WOULD LIKE TO REPORT AN ABNORMAL BEHAVIOR IN MY CAR ON JANUARY 13, 2014 AS THIS IS A SAFETY MATTER. THE ROAD CONDITION WAS DRY AND THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS ABOUT 40 DEGREES. FIRST I BACKED OUT OF MY GARAGE ONTO THE ROAD, THEN SHIFTED TO THE D POSITION AND DROVE ABOUT HALF A MILE FORWARD. I NOTICED THAT THE CAR DID NOT SLOW DOWN AS USUAL WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES AS I WAS APPROACHING THE FIRST INTERSECTION. I HAD TO PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL MUCH FURTHER THAN USUAL. I DID NOT SLOW DOWN TO A COMPLETE STOP, MADE A RIGHT TURN AND CONTINUED TO DRIVE. I DECIDED TO PAY CLOSER ATTENTION TO THE BEHAVIOR OF THE CAR DURING THE NEXT BRAKING PERIOD. I DROVE ANOTHER QUARTER MILE AND I HAD TO APPLY THE BRAKES AGAIN AS I WAS APPROACHING A STOP SIGN. THE CAR DID NOT SLOW DOWN AS USUAL AGAIN, SO I HAD TO PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR TO MAKE A COMPLETE STOP. WHEN THE CAR FINALLY STOPPED MOVING I HEARD A LOUD SQUEAKING NOISE AND THE TACHOMETER ARROW WAS MOVING BACK AND FORTH BETWEEN 2000 AND 5000 RPM. IT SEEMED AS THOUGH THE CLUTCH WAS STILL ENGAGED EVEN THOUGH THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED AND THE CAR WAS NOT MOVING. THIS CONTINUED FOR 5-10 SECONDS UNTIL I SHIFTED INTO THE N POSITION AS I CONTINUED TO HOLD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE SQUEAKING SOUND DISAPPEARED AND THE TACHOMETER ARROW WENT DOWN IMMEDIATELY. I SHIFTED BACK INTO THE D POSITION AGAIN WITH MY FOOT STILL ON THE BRAKE AND THE CAR BEHAVED NORMALLY. THIS PROBLEM HAS NOT APPEARED SINCE THAT TIME. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO A SUBARU SERVICE DEALER AT NORWOOD, MA 02062 ON JAN. 27, 2014, BUT THEY DID NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG (CUSTOMER #[XXX], INVOICE [XXX], MILES 31340). I WOULD LIKE TO GET TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PROBLEM SINCE THIS COULD BE A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. I HAVE FILED A COMPLAINT TO SUBARU WEBSITE ON JANUARY 28, 2014 BUT DID NOT HEAR A WORD FROM THEM SINCE THAT. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Mar 24, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPER
4 complaints
HAVE HAD THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS BLOWN MULTIPLE TIMES ON MY SUBARU OUTBACK, 2011, AT LEAST 3-4 TIMES EACH ONES, LEFT AND RIGHT. DON'T REMEMBER IF I RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FROM SUBARU OR SAW IT ONLINE ABOUT THE SAME COMPLAINT FROM MANY OWNERS AND SUBARU HAVING A FIX FOR IT. TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP IN 2017 AND THEY REPLACED THE BLOWN BULB AND TOLD ME THAT IT WAS A IMPROPER CONTACT THAT CAUSED THE ISSUE. UNFORTUNATELY, THE PROBLEM CONTINUES. I HAVE REPLACED THE HEADLIGHTS AT LEAST 2 TIMES SINCE AND HAVE ONE BLOWN AGAIN. SUSPECT THAT THIS IS A DESIGN ISSUE AND NEEDS A THROUGH FIX. IT CAN CAUSE A DANGEROUS SITUATION IF BOTH HEADLIGHTS BLOW AT THE SAME TIME.
Mar 06, 2020
TAMARA RECALL I HAVE HAD MY 2011 OUTBACK FOR 4 MONTHS NOW AND HAVE GONE THROUGH 3 SETS OF LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS. NOT SURE WHY THEY KEEP DYING PREMATURELY. I HAVE GOTTEN MORE EXPENSIVE BULBS EVERY TIME AND NOW THE $60 BULBS ARE DOING THE SAME THING. I FEEL THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE AND I HAVE SEEN MULTIPLE FORUMS DESCRIBING THE SAME ISSUE FROM OTHER PEOPLE WITH THE SAME YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL.
Jun 30, 2018
MY HEADLIGHTS HAVE GONE OUT 6 TIMES! THE LAST TIME I SWITCHED TO AN LED SYSTEM AND NOW IT HAS BLOWN MY RF HEADLIGHT IN 6 MONTHS! LED IT SUPPOSED TO LAST LONGER! I DEFINITELY HAVE SOME KIND OF ELECTRICAL ISSUE!
Jan 08, 2017
WE WERE COMING HOME FROM A FIREWORKS DISPLAY AT NIGHT AND MY SON TOLD ME TO TURN ON MY LIGHTS WHICH ALREADY HAD DONE, AND THE LOW BEAMS ON BOTH SIDES AND THE MARKER LIGHTS DIDN'T WORK. I TRIED TURNING SWITCH TO ALL POSITIONS AND THEY STILL DIDN'T COME ON. THE HIGH BEAMS WORK OKAY AND TURN SIGNALS FRONT AND BACK & BRAKE LIGHTS WORK. WE DROVE HOME WITH THE FOG LIGHTS WHICH STILL WORK. WE NEED THE CAR TO GO ON VACATION AND THE DEALER CAN'T FIX IT RIGHT AWAY AS WELL AS WHAT IT WILL COST THERE OR IF I HAVE TO HAVE SOME ELSE FIX IT. IT'S DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE ROAD WE DRIVE HOME ON HAS VERY LITTLE IF ANY LIGHTING AND THERE ARE TWISTS AND TURNS AND YOU COULD EASILY DRIVE INTO A STONE OUTCROPPING OR INTO HE WATER AT ANY POINT. I HAD MY WIFE AND TWO YOUNG NEPHEWS WITH US AS WELL. I CHECKED THE LIGHTS AGAIN TO MAKE SURE WHAT ONES WERE OUT, I CHECKED THE FUSES AS WELL TO SEE IF SOMETHING HAD BLOWN AND THEY WERE OKAY.THERE HAVE BEEN MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS ON THIS AND OTHER WEBSITES ABOUT THE SUBARU LIGHTS. WITH ALL THE RECALLS OF EVERY VEHICLES OF EVERY 'DESCRIPTION, THE WHOLE AUTO INDUSTRY IS TOTALLY OUT OF CONTROL AND NEEDS TO BE REIGNED IN, IT'S A HUGE SAFETY AND OVERALL QUALITY ISSUE NOT TO MENTION THE MILLIONS OF WORK HOURS AND TIME LOST BY TENS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE HAVING TO DEAL WITH PROBLEM
Aug 11, 2015
AIR BAGS,VISIBILITY/WIPER
4 complaints
TAKATA RECALL - ALSO, WIPER MOTOR SAFETY RECALL. I'VE ATTEMPTED TO WORK WITH SUBARU TO GET THESE TWO RECALLS ADDRESSED, AND MADE TWO PHONE CALLS IN EARLY APRIL, AND AFTER BEING TOLD TO WAIT AND BE CONTACTED BY AN APPROVED DEALERSHIP, THERE WAS NO FOLLOW-UP AND NO APPOINTMENT SET. AFTER SEVERAL WEEKS OF WAITING I CONTACTED SUBARU AGAIN, THIS TIME THROUGH EMAIL ON MAY 20TH, AND WAS AGAIN TOLD TO WAIT TO BE CONTACTED BY THE CLOSEST APPROVED DEALERSHIP, WHICH IS MORE THAN 40 MILES AWAY IN MY CASE. THROUGHOUT THE PROCESS, SUBARU HAS MADE NO ATTEMPT TO ACCOMMODATE THE DISTANCE OR TIME REQUIRED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR. STILL, I'VE DONE AS THEY ASKED AND WAITED TO BE CONTACTED BY MY CLOSEST APPROVED DEALERSHIP (CHATHAM PARKWAY SUBARU), AND AGAIN THERE WAS NO FOLLOW-UP. I'VE BEEN ATTEMPTING TO GET THESE RECALLS ADDRESSED SINCE APRIL 4TH, AND HAVE GROWN INCREASINGLY FRUSTRATED WITH HOW DIFFICULT ITS BEEN TO GET THEIR ATTENTION. I DO NOT KNOW IF THIS IS THE APPROPRIATE AVENUE TO FILE SUCH A COMPLAINT, BUT I'M UNSURE OF EXACTLY WHAT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE TO ME AT THIS POINT. I JUST WANT TO HAVE TWO SAFETY RECALLS REPAIRED.
Jun 01, 2018
TAKATA RECALL HAVE HAD TWO VERBAL DISCUSSIONS ABOUT REPLACEMENT PARTS AND ONE EMAIL INQUIRY, BUT NO REPLY OR RESPONSE FROM MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP SOUTH BLVD SUBARU CHARLOTTE NC AFTER CONVERSATION WITH A SALESMAN I SUSPECT "UNSOLD" VEHICLES ON THEIR LOT ARE RECEIVING REPLACEMENT PARTS BEFORE CUSTOMER VEHICLES. *TR
Dec 20, 2016
TAKATA RECALL I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE AIRBAG RECALL. OUR SUBARU OUTBACK IS OUR ONLY VEHICLE, AND IT IS OUR FAMILY VEHICLE. MY PREGNANT WIFE IS DUE WITH OUR SECOND CHILD AND HAS BEEN SITTING IN THE BACK SEAT. HOWEVER, THAT CHILD COULD COME ANY TIME. SHE IS A HIGH RISK PREGNANCY WITH A HISTORY OF PREMATURE BIRTH. AT 33 WEEKS, THIS IS THE FARTHEST SHE'S EVER COME ALONG IN A PREGNANCY. IF THIS BABY COMES, THEN IT MEANS SOMEONE IN OUR FAMILY WILL NOT BE ABLE TO SIT IN OUR CAR IF WE ALL GO OUT TOGETHER. THE AIRBAG RECALL FIX IS URGENT FOR US. WE CAN'T REALLY WAIT MUCH LONGER, UNLESS SUBARU WANTS TO RENT A LARGER VEHICLE FOR US UNTIL THE REPAIR CAN BE MADE. IS THERE ANYTHING THAT CAN BE DONE SO WE CAN HAVE OUR SUBARU BACK TO IT'S ORIGINAL INTENT AS A FAMILY VEHICLE ASAP?
Dec 02, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V694000 (VISIBILITY) AND 16V358000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Dec 02, 2016
STRUCTURE
3 complaints
The front subframe is rusted through on the driver's and passenger side. I am arranging to have it replaced now so it may not be available for inspection in the near future. A collapse of the subframe would obviously be a serious safety issue. I am a fairly competent amateur mechanic and found this issue myself. I've seen several instances of this discussed in online forums. This is the communication I exchanged with Subaru of America: From myself to SOA: ?Hi, I'm the owner of a very well maintained 2011 Outback. I was doing an oil change today and was looking to touch up what I thought was some surface rust on the front subframe. I was pretty upset when I saw that the front subframe was rusted through on both sides near the rear control arm mounts. This is obviously a safety issue. I know there have been issues with subframe rust on Subarus in the past and the company has replaced them. What can Subaru do to remedy this issue with our Outback? The reply from SOA: Dear [XXX], Thank you for contacting Subaru of America, Inc. We apologize for the delayed response. I am sorry to hear of the concern you are experiencing with your Outback. Subaru did issue a recall for much earlier, 2000-2002 models. This involved vehicles that may have been manufactured with improperly applied paint to the rear suspension subframe. The front subframe was not affected. Your 2011 Outback model is not affected by any warranty extensions, recalls, or service campaigns pertaining to this concern. Please know that we do track known issues through those publications. While we are always looking for ways to help our customers, your vehicle is currently outside of our warranty parameters for offering any type of repair assistance. Please let me know if you have any further questions. Sincerely, [XXX] Subaru of America, Inc. Customer Advocacy Department [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Jul 15, 2022
DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, I TOGGLED THE UP/DOWN FEATURE OF THE SUNROOF TO ENSURE THE LOUD WIND VIBRATIONS WEREN'T COMING FROM THE TOP OF MY CAR AND RETURNED IT TO ITS ORIGINAL POSITION. MOMENTS LATER, A HUGE NOISE ERUPTED FROM ABOVE ME AND I SHUT THE UPHOLSTERY SHADE CLOSED TO SEAL OFF THE HIGH SPEED WIND FROM ENTERING MY CAR AND PROCEEDED TO PULL OVER. WHEN I WAS ABLE TO STOP, I LOOKED UP TO SEE THAT THE ENTIRE WINDOW PANE WAS GONE. THE FRAME AND THE MECHANICAL FIXTURE WAS COMPLETELY IN TACT BUT THE WHOLE GLASS PIECE WAS MISSING. THIS MEANS IT HAD TO HAVE FLOWN INTO THE AIR AND LANDED BEHIND ME SOMEWHERE ON THE FREEWAY. *TR
Jun 08, 2020
OUR MOONROOF SUDDENLY DETACHED AND FLEW OFF FROM THE CAR WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. WE WERE GOING ACROSS THE SAN MATEO BRIDGE AROUND 10:45 AM ON SUNDAY 2/9/20 AND SUDDENLY HEARD LOTS OF WIND NOISE FROM THE MOONROOF, SLID BACK THE SUN SHADE, AND FOUND THE MOONROOF WAS GONE.
Feb 09, 2020
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
3 complaints
I have being experiencing shuddering and a few stalls on the highway and at red lights. While I have been able no maneuver through this, I find it do be extremely dangerous for myself and others, and in one instance it came really close to be a coalition.
Jul 23, 2021
NOTICED THAT DOME/MAP LIGHTS NOT WORKING AND FRONT TIME CLOCK OUT. THEN WHEN GOING TO PUT IT IN PARK THE ENGINE REVVED AND THE BRAKES WOULD NOT ENGAGE AND RAN INTO A FENCE CAUSING DAMAGE TO FRONT END OF VEHICLE. PARKING BREAK HAS NOT WORKED FOR SOME TIME EITHER.
Aug 12, 2019
Crash: 1
I WAS DRIVING HOME TONIGHT AND THE CAR STALLED EVERYTHING QUIT WORKING, THE CAR JUMPED A FEW TIMES AND TURNED BACK ON. I LOST BRAKES AND NO STEERING COMING DOWN A 8 % GRADE. I TURNED THE CAR BACK ON AND IT KEPT DOING IT. I WAS OUT OF CELL SERVICE RANGE SO I COULD NOT CALL FOR HELP. IT WAS SCARY. I GOT HOME AND I SEE THERE WAS A RECALL BUT MY CAR IS OUT OF THAT RECALL RANGE AT 100000 MILES. I JUST PAID 11,000 FOR THIS CAR. I BELIEVE I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS KNOWN ISSUE.
Apr 23, 2019
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 complaints
MY CAR WENT IN FOR REPAIRS FOR STALLING AT A LIGHT OR STOP SIGN, THE DAY AFTER I GOT THE CAR BACK IT STALLED AGAIN AND THIS TIME CUT OUT THE ELECTRICITY TO THE VEHICLE , I COULD NOT ENGAGE THE EMERGENCY BREAK NOR COULD I PUT THE CAR IN PARK. I HELD MY FOOT ON THE BREAK BECAUSE OF A SMALL DOWNHILL AND I WAS AFRAID THE CAR MIGHT RUN INTO OTHER CARS AT THE INTERSECTION. THE PERSON AT SUBARU WAS WALKING ME THROUGH THE PROCESS OF HOW TO MANUALLY PUT THE GEAR IN PARK,WHILE I WAS ATTEMPTING TO DO THIS A WOMAN YELLED AT ME TO GET OUT OF THE CAR BECAUSE IT WAS ON FIRE,ACCORDING TO SUBARU'S INVESTIGATION, THE FIRE STARTED AT THE LEFT REAR OF THE ENGINE.
Aug 28, 2020
Fire: 1
MULTIPLE WARNING LIGHTS APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD WHILE DRIVING. WHEN SITTING IN THE CAR, IN THE GARAGE, THE MINUTE THE KEY IS TURNED, ALTHOUGH THE CAR IS NOT STARTED, ALL THE DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS WENT ON ALTHOUGH THE CAR WAS STATIONARY. PICTURE UPLOADED TAKEN WHEN CAR WAS IN GARAGE.
Feb 10, 2019
I HAVE REPLACED THE PASSENGER SIDE LOW BEAM LIGHTS MULTIPLE TIMES ALSO WHEN I STARTED THE CAR THE BRAKE LIGHT, TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT, AND MULTIPLE OTHER LIGHTS STARTED BLINKING WHILE DRIVING. THIS SCARED ME VERY MUCH. THE OWNERS MANUAL SEEMED TO IMPLY BRAKE FAILURE AND TO STOP IMMEDIATELY, WHICH I DID. CALLED AAA AND THEY TOWED MY CAR TO THOROUGHBRED TRANSMISSION IN LAUREL. THEY CHECKED THE CODES AND NOTHING MADE SENSE TO THEM. THE CALLED SUBARU AND DESCRIBED THE PROBLEM ANS SUBARU SAID IT WAS A SOFTWARE PROBLEM AND IT NEEDED TO UP UPGRADED. SINCE I HAD AN EXTENDED WARRANTY WITH SUBARU I TOOK THE CAR TO THEM. I ALSO TOOK THE SUBARU WVU31 BULLETIN WITH ME. SUBARU SAID THEY DID NOT SEE THE CODES AND EVEN THOUGH I TOOK THE THOROUGHBRED DOCUMENTATION WITH ME THEY REFUSED TO UPGRADE THE SOFTWARE. IT IS CLEAR THAT SUBARU WAS NOT INTERESTED IN FIXING THE ISSUE, REFUSED TO ACCEPT THE WARRANTY AND CHARGED ME $70.00. SO NEXT TIME THIS DOES THE SAME THING AND I KEEP DRIVING I MAY IN FACT HAVE A SERIOUS PROBLEM BUT NOT KNOW IT. I NEED SUBARU TO INSTALL THE SOFTWARE UPGRADE.
Jul 21, 2016
WHEELS
3 complaints
I PURCHASED A PRE-OWNED 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK FROM A LICENSED AUTO DEALER, AND THE VEHICLE WAS DELIVERED TO ME ON MONDAY, JULY 27TH, 2020. 8 DAYS AFTER RECEIVING DELIVERY OF THE VEHICLE, AND AFTER DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 500 MILES, THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL FELL OFF OF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 4TH, 2020. I WAS ABLE TO AVOID OTHER VEHICLES, AND STEER TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD. I CONTACTED THE DEALER IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE INCIDENT. AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A REPAIR FACILITY NEAR MY RESIDENCE, THE DEALERSHIP'S GENERAL MANAGER ASKED ME TO DELIVER THE DEFECTIVE WHEEL AND HUB BEARING TO HIM FOR INSPECTION BY HIS TECHNICIANS. MY FATHER DELIVERED THE REQUESTED PARTS ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 6TH, 2020. ON FRIDAY, THE GENERAL MANAGER NOTIFIED MY FATHER THAT THEY WOULD NOT ACCEPT ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE WHEEL FALLING OFF THE VEHICLE. I BELIEVE THIS INCIDENT WAS CAUSED BY IMPROPER FASTENING OF THE LUG NUTS, DURING THE PRE-DELIVERY INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE.
Aug 07, 2020
REPEATED SEVERE SHIMMING OF CAR WHEN DIRT OR MUD GETS IN WHEEL WELLS. IN WINTER ANY SLUSH OR SNOW ON THE WHEELS CAUSES A CONTROL PROBLEM. CAR AND STEERING WHEEL SHAKE SEVERELY. ONCE INSIDE OF WHEELS ARE PRESSURE WASHED PROBLEM DISAPPEARS, ONLY TO REAPPEAR WHEN DIRT AGAIN GETS INTO THE WHEELS. DISCUSSION WITH THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ESPECIALLY IN WINTER. INTERNET SEARCH INDICATES THIS ALSO IS A COMMON PROBLEM ESPECIALLY IN THE 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK'S. THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW IN THE DESIGN OF THE WHEELS WHICH PICK UP DEBRIS ON A LARGE FLAT LEDGE. I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS CONTROL OF VEHICLE IS COMPROMISED WHEN YOU HAVE SEVERE SHAKING. *TR
Mar 27, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WHEELS WERE DEFECTIVE. THE WHEELS ACCUMULATED SNOW AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO VIBRATE OUT OF CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, BUT THE DEALER COULD NOT REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS AN ENGINEERING DEFECT THAT COULD NOT BE CORRECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 24,000. THE VIN INFORMATION WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Jan 23, 2012
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
3 complaints
OVER THE PAST YEAR MY MECHANIC HAS PUT IN TWO NEW BATTERIES IN MY CAR. MY 2011 OUTBACK HAS A PROBLEM WITH STARTING, THIS WAS BACK WHEN I HAD 80,000 MILES ON IT. THE CONNECTORS WHERE FINE AND HE CLEANED THEM. THE ISSUE STILL HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED, HE CAN'T SEEM TO FIGURE OUT WHAT IS CAUSING IT. THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH THE ALTERNATOR. THE PASSENGER REAR BRAKE LIGHT HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES IN FOUR YEARS OF OWNERSHIP, AGAIN NO CAUSE FOR THE PROBLEM. I'VE TAKEN IT TO AUTHORIZED SUBARU DEALERSHIPS AND THE ORIGINAL ONE I PURCHASED FROM TO NO PREVAIL. TODAY I WRITE WITH THE ISSUE OF MY CVT. THE FACT THAT I RECEIVED A ONE YEAR OR 100,000 MILES FROM DATE OF YEAR MADE IS OR WHICH EVER COMES FIRST IS COMPLETE CRAP. TODAY I STARTED EXPERIENCING ISSUES WITH THE CAR WANTING TO WHAT I DESCRIBE AS STALLING OUT. I WAS GOING DOWN MY ROAD WHICH WAS SLUSHY FROM SNOW/RAIN BUT MAINLY WET FROM THE RAIN THAT CAME. SUBARU TOLD ME THERE IS NOTHING WRONG, AND WON'T DO ANYTHING TILL SOMETHING BRAKES. SO IF THE PROBLEM WHICH HAS PLAGUED ALMOST FIFTY THOUSAND OUTBACKS CAUSING 'STALLING" LIKE MANUALS WHEN THE CLUTCH ISN'T ENGAGED AND BEING TOLD IT NEEDS TO BRAKE?? THIS IS NOT SAFE TO OWNERS. THIS IS NOT SAFE TO OTHER MOTORISTS.THIS IS DEATHS WAITING TO HAPPEN, THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND MADE A RECALL. ONLY IN THE UNITED STATES CAN A MANUFACTURER GET AWAY WITH SUCH THINGS AS THIS. I'M HEADING INTO WINTER IN NEW ENGLAND, LAST THING I NEED IS FOR MY CAR TO FAIL IN A STORM, MEDICAL SITUATION ETC.. AND BE STRANDED BECAUSE THE AUTOMAKER ISN'T TAKEN FULL RESPONSIBILITY. SNOW BLOWS DON'T STOP ON A TIME, IS IT REALLY NECESSARY TO CONTINUE TO NEGLECT THE PROBLEM ?? WHICH SHOULD BE A RECALL WHICH IS FAILURE ON THE GOVERNMENT FOR NOT FORCING THE ISSUE.
Dec 12, 2017
DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT APPROX. 65 MILES PER HOUR. HEARD LOUD CLICKING AND ENGINE LOST POWER. I WAS JUST ABLE TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT BEING HIT BY OTHERS. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHTS OR ANYTHING BEFORE THIS HAPPENED. THE CAR HAS RECEIVED REGULAR CHECKUPS/OIL CHANGES AND WAS NOT DUE FOR ANOTHER OIL CHANGE YET.
May 18, 2015
2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE ROLLED DOWN THE STREET WITHOUT THE KEY IN IGNITION AND ENGINE OFF *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE FINALLY CAME TO REST IN HIS NEIGHBOR'S YARD. THE CONSUMER THEN NOTICED THE GEAR SHIFT WAS IN DRIVE. THE CONSUMER STATED ACCORDING TO THE MANUAL, THE KEY WAS NOT SUPPOSED TO COME OUT OF THE IGNITION, UNLESS THE GEAR SHIFT WAS IN PARK AND THE ENGINE WAS OFF. THE CONSUMER STATED ON AUGUST 6, 2011, WHEN HE RETURNED TO HIS VEHICLE, HE ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE, BUT THE ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN OVER. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED SUBARU. THE SUBARU EMPLOYEE STATED THERE MAY HAVE BEEN A PROBLEM THE KEY OR THE SECURITY SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER, THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE BATTERY HAD BEEN REPLACED AND THE VEHICLE WAS READY TO BE PICKED UP. ABOUT TWO MONTHS LATER, THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED A SIMILAR PROBLEM, BUT AFTER THREE ATTEMPTS, THE VEHICLE STARTED. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD NOT GO OUT, UNLESS THE KEY WAS REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION.
Oct 02, 2012
Crash: 1
VISIBILITY
3 complaints
MY WIFE LEFT THE HOUSE AND SMELLED SMOKE. SHE PULLED OVER AND SHORTLY THEREAFTER FLAMES STARTED SHOOTING OUT OF THE HOOD. SHE GOT OUR DAUGHTER OUT OF THE CAR AND CALLED 911. AS THE POLICE ARRIVED, ONE OF MY NEIGHBORS PUT THE FIRE OUT WITH AN EXTINGUISHER. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND LOOKED AT THE DAMAGE AND SAID THE WIPER MOTOR OVERHEATED AND CAUSED THE FIRE. MY WIFE WAS QUITE UPSET AT THE THOUGHT OUR LITTLE GIRL COULD OF BURNED IN THE CAR.
Jan 18, 2012
Fire: 1
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V467000 (VISIBILITY:SUN ROOF ASSEMBLY). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO HOLD THE VEHICLE FOR A FEW WEEKS BECAUSE THE NECESSARY PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED FRUSTRATION BECAUSE THE RECALL NOTICE INFORMED HER THAT SHE WOULD HAVE HER VEHICLE BACK ON THE SAME DAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING A RESPONSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,483.
Nov 04, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR VIEW MIRROR WAS TOO LOW FOR HIM TO SEE THROUGH BECAUSE IT COULD NOT BE ADJUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED HE WAS ON HIS OWN WITH REPAIRING THE VEHICLE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THEY WOULD NOT APPROVE ANY MODIFICATIONS ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000.
Oct 25, 2011
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
3 complaints
2011 SUBARU OUTBACK STALLED WHILE DRIVE UP IN A PARKING RAMP. CAR WAS JERKY WHILE DRIVING BEFORE STALLING. IT DID START UP AGAIN. *KB
Jul 20, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO JERK EXCESSIVELY WITH A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE TIMING BELT WAS REPLACED. ALSO, THERE WAS A REPLACEMENT OF THE TIMING BELT TENSIONER AND PULLEYS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY PLANNED TO PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL INVESTIGATION RELATED TO THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,052.
Jun 23, 2011
2011 SUBARU OUTBACK WAGON - STALLING PROBLEM. WITH CLUTCH PEDAL DEPRESSED FULLY THE ENGINE STALLED TWICE DURING A TURN AND COMING TO A STOP SIGN. LOST POWER STEERING IN CORNER - THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE! *TR
Aug 27, 2010
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
2 complaints
When I came to a stop at a light, the car stalled and the engine turned off. It was just as if I was driving a manual transmission and didn't put the clutch down while in gear. I spoke with my husband about the issue and he told me it has been happening for several months now. I have researched it a but snd found that Subaru is aware of the issue and has not offered any recall for the issue but offered an extended warranty. This is not helpful when you are the 2nd owner of a vehicle. Being stuck with a car that turns off upon stopping is a dangeous situation. Subaru should be made to recall these cars and fix the issue. According to this article, it is a problem with the lock type torque converter. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Oct 08, 2025
ISSUE - STALLING WHILE BRAKING HARD OR STOPPING (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) WHAT HAPPENED - MY 2011 SUBARU HAS JUST UNDER 80K MILEAGE. IT HAS NOW HAPPENED TO ME 3X THIS WEEK AND ESPECIALLY WHEN THE CAR HASN'T BEEN DRIVEN IN HOURS (MORNING EARLY ON MY WAY TO WORK OR ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK). IN THE MORNING, I WAS DRIVING DOWN A STREET TO DROP OFF MY KIDS AT SCHOOL. I NEEDED TO MAKE A LEFT, BUT SINCE THERE WAS ONCOMING TRAFFIC, I HAD TO BRAKE. IT WAS NOT A GRADUAL BRAKE, BUT WAS A BIT SUDDEN. THE CAR SHUDDERED AND STALLED. IT IS SIMILAR TO WHAT HAPPENS WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS IF YOU ARE IN GEAR AND COME TO A STOP WITHOUT PRESSING THE CLUTCH. BUT MY CAR IS AN AUTOMATIC, SO I HAD TO PUT IT IN PARK AND RESTART IT. IF THE CAR STALLED WHILE I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION OR IF I PANICKED, IT COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. CAUSE - UNKNOWN. IT AT THE DEALER FOR SERVICE AND THEY ARE TRYING TO FIGURE IT OUT. SOME ONLINE SOURCES MENTIONED THE TORQUE CONVERTER OR SENSORS.
Feb 01, 2018
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaints
The left front engine cradle collapsed due to rust while driving. this caused the car to swerve to the left, and when the brakes were applied, it also swerved left. The car was almost undriveable. The failure put the driver of the car at risk, and luckily it happened in city driving, and not on the highway. The engine cradle is a component of the frame of the car, and should not be rusting out after 130,000 miles. This is why I think this model may need to be subject to investigation and possible recall. The Subaru Dealer (Cityside Subaru) looked at the car and confirmed that the left front cradle collapsed due to rust. They say the repair would cost $2800. There was no warning or indication prior to failure. In fact, we have had this vehicle continuously serviced at the dealership since 2011, and since 2016 we have spent over $16,000 in repairs, including various front wheel components. I would have expected the dealer to notify us if there was a potential problem. Because they didn't I feel this is a catastrophic failure that could be dangerous in any situation, especially at high speeds.
Apr 07, 2023
I WAS 40 MILES FROM HOME AFTER COMING DOWN A STEEP CURVY MOUNTAIN ROAD IN MANUAL WHEN SUBARU BEGAN SHIFTING WITH BIG JERKS AND SHUDDERS IN EARLY SEPT 2019, HAD TROUBLE SHIFTING FROM ONE GEAR TO NEXT. HANLEE'S SUBARU EVALUATED, REPLACED VALVE BODY AND SERPENTINE BELT. A FEW DAYS LATER IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC AT A RR CROSSING IT SHUDDERED TO A STOP AND DIED DURING WHICH THERE WAS A LOUD CLANKING SOUND UNDER AND BEHIND ME. I STARTED IT UP AGAIN BUT WAS TERRIFIED OF CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. RETURNED TO HANLEE'S WHERE THEY HAD IT FOR A WEEK AND COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE SYMPTOMS.SINCE I PICKED IT UP IT STILL HAS A "BUMP" WHEN I SLOW DOWN. THEN 0N 11/4/19 IT DID THE SAME SHUDDERING STOP WHEN I BRAKED IN TRAFFIC(GOING 35 MPH) FIVE MILES FROM MY HOUSE, DYING COMPLETELY. I RESTARTED IT AND TOOK IT TO SUBARU. THEY SAY IT MIGHT BE A TORQUE CONVERTER. I'M WORRIED FOR MY SAFETY. I ALSO SEE THAT BOTH THE CVT AND TORQUE CONVERTER HAD EXTENDED WARRANTIES ISSUED FOR THESE REASONS. WHEN THESE PROBLEMS BEGAN THE CAR HAD 110K MILES. THIS IS MY THIRD SUBARU AND HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED SUCH POOR , DANGEROUS PERFORMANCE ON A CAR THAT SHOULD RUN WELL FOR AT LEAST 200K MILES WITH GOOD SERVICE. I AM WAITING TO HEAR FROM HANLEE'S ON THE SECOND DAY THEY HAVE HAD MY CAR.
Nov 06, 2019
STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaints
Upon application of the brakes approaching a stoplight, the vehicle pulled sharply to the right, entering the right lane from the left and was rendered unsafe to operate due to this condition. Had a vehicle been present at this time in the right lane, a collision would have likely occurred. Upon inspection by the mechanic, the front engine frame had broken on the right side. The broken area has two (2) large rust holes on the top and bottom sides of the box frame. Directly above the two (2) rust holes the drain for the air conditioning condenser is located. Illinois, like 22 other states in the U.S., uses road salt to combat icy road conditions. The combination of road salt with the location of the air conditioner drain tube directly above the frame failure point leads ut to reasonably conclude that this model has a design defect that led to the failure. A remedy for this issue would be to simply extend the drain tube approx. 5" so the water dripping from the air conditioning condenser does not drop onto the top, flat portion of the engine frame where road salt may accumulate over time. In addition, 1. I have possession of the original frame for inspection by the NHTSA. 2. At the time of the repair, the mechanic ordered the replacement dram from the local Subaru dealership. Our mechanic was informed that he was ordering the last remaining subframe assembly that Subaru of North America had in stock at that time.
Jul 20, 2022
ON 2/11/20 AROUND 12:30PM ET, I WAS APPROACHING THE HIGHWAY VIA AN ONRAMP, AND MY SPEED WAS BARELY 25 MPH. SUDDENLY, AS I WAS ON THE APPROACH-ROAD, I SUDDENLY FELT THAT THE STEERING WAS LOCKED AND TURNING ON THE RIGHT SIDE ONLY (EITHER STEERING OR ANTI-LOCK MALFUNCTION). IT HIT THE FENCE AND THEN TURNED (FLIPPED) ON ITS DRIVER SIDE AS CAN BE SEEN IN THE PICTURE. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, SO PLEASE MAKE A PROPER INVESTIGATION. MY CAR WAS TOTALED. MY DAMAGED CAR IS IN 'COUNTY TOWING' IN 49 FULLERTON AVE, YONKERS, NY 10704, PHONE: (914) 423-1101
Feb 17, 2020
Crash: 1
SEAT BELTS
2 complaints
TAKATA RECALL
Mar 19, 2019
SEAT BELTS DO NOT RETRACT COMPLETELY. THIS CAUSES THEM TO GET CAUGHT IN CLOSING DOOR AND POSSIBLE BECOME BENT AND UNABLE TO LOCK. DEALER WANTED TO CHARGE $99 TO DIAGNOSE PROBLEM. *TR
May 06, 2014
POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND COMING TO A STOP, EXCESSIVE FORCE HAD TO BE APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, IN ORDER TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE INTERMITTENTLY OCCURRED. THE CRUISE CONTROL, OVERHEAT, BRAKE AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN AT A STOP SIGN IF THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS NOT STEADILY BEING DEPRESSED THE BRAKE WOULD DISENGAGE AND THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE ELECTRONIC EMERGENCY BRAKE FAILED TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER AND VALVE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED CONTINENTAL SUBARU DEALER (907) 562-2722, 4900 OLD SEWARD HWY, ANCHORAGE, AK 99503) WHERE IT WAS RECOMMENDED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AND TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Nov 01, 2018
WHILE DRIVING, IF YOU HAVE TO STOP QUICKLY AND STEP ON THE BRAKES HARD THE CAR ENGINE STALLS. THIS PUTS THE CAR IN JEOPARDY OF BEING HIT FROM BEHIND AND INJURY TO THE PASSENGERS. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES OVER THE PAST COUPLE OF MONTHS AT VARIOUS SPEEDS - BOTH LOW SPEED AND HIGHWAY SPEED.
Sep 03, 2016
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SEATS
2 complaints
WITH NO PASSENGER SEATED, THE SEAT BELT CHIME STARTED RINGING. TO TRY TO STOP IT, I LATCHED THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT. CHIMING CONTINUED. I NOTICE THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS LIT. I DROVE THE CAR STRAIGHT TO MY SUBARU DEALER AND WAS TOLD THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG SENSOR HAD FAILED. I WAS ALSO TOLD THE ONLY WAY TO FIX IT WAS TO REPLACE THE SEAT AT WELL OVER $1000. I WAS STILL LEFT WITH THE PROBLEM OF THE SEAT BELT CHIME. THE DEALERSHIP WOULDN'T DISABLE THE CHIME SO I SEARCHED THE INTERNET FOR A SOLUTION. WHAT I FOUND IS THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH 2011 OUTBACKS. I DID ALSO FIND OUT HOW TO DISABLE THE SEAT BELT CHIME. BECAUSE THIS IS SUCH A COSTLY REPAIR AND A COMMON PROBLEM, I HAVE TO BELIEVE THERE ARE MANY SUBARU OWNERS DRIVING AROUND WITH UNPROTECTED PASSENGERS HAVING DISABLING THEIR SEAT BELT CHIMES AND HAVING NO AIR BAG PROTECTION. IN FAIRNESS TO SUBARU, I CONTACTED CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY OFFERED TO SPLIT THE COST OF THE REPAIR. IT WILL STILL COST ME $798 FOR WHAT SHOULD BE A SIMPLE REPAIR BUT BECAUSE OF POOR ENGINEERING, A REPLACEMENT SEAT. I WOULD APPRECIATE YOU LOOKING INTO THIS MATTER. *TR
Aug 11, 2014
THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG FAILS TO ACTIVATE OR CYCLES ON AND OFF WHILE THE ADULT PASSENGER REMAINS SEATED IN THE PROPER POSITION. DEALER CLAIMS NO DEFECTS DETECTED YET IS UNABLE TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. MANUFACTURER REPRESENTATIVE IS ALSO UNABLE TO PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE IN THE RESOLUTION OF THE PROBLEM EVEN TO THE POINT OF NOT ACKNOWLEDGING THAT A PROBLEM EXISTS. I FEEL THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AS YOU CANNOT RELY ON WHETHER OR NOT THE AIRBAG WILL BE PROPERLY ACTIVATED OR EVEN DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Feb 01, 2012
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
On [XXX] Clay Subaru in Norwood, MA told me that my 2011 Subaru Outback has front subframe rot. Supposedly they do a 100 point inspection every oil change, which is performed every 6 or so months, yet this problem was first report last October! The car had only 81,616 miles on it. (Now it has 82,000ish) The dealer claims it will cost $5368.96 to fix the car and that the subframe needs fixing within 12 months. No warning lights have appeared. I've owned the car since 2017. It had 39,371 miles on it when bought & had been serviced and sold by this same dealer with only one owner It was in pristine condition, according to an independent mechanic that inspected it before I bought it. All my oil changes are done at the same dealer, yet the problem was not identified before. This is a vehicle made for off road travel (which I have NOT done) and for winter weather. WHY IS THE SUBFRAME rotting? Reedit reports that there are at least 200 others that have reported the same problem to you for cars of this same year! Please advise!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6
Jan 04, 2025
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
Coolant leak, steering power fluid leak, break pad leak, gasoline line leak, seat heater, clicking noise after turning off car, leaking seats and rear view mirror also leaking, steering wheel expanding due to possible air bag, heater and ac vents lose and also chemical smell/gas/coolant coming from front and back of car, sunroof not secured. Every wiring wet, charger port in middle compartment wet when plugging something in. Everything auto does not work. Car sounds like something is constantly leaking air or gas somewhere, even when off. My safety was at risk by having severe chemical burns on my skin everywhere, hair falling out due to exposure, almost passing out while driving due to inhaling components, low visibility due to auto dimming in rear view and side mirrors. The problem has not been confirmed due to me being in a financial bind at the moment. The car has not been inspected. due to financial problems I am not able to get the vehicle looked at. There were no warnings except for the blue temp light came on but immediately will shut back off. Car also severely vibrates when turning on. They started appearing around against of 2024
Dec 31, 2024
Injuries: 1
POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
Bought vehicle from Carvana, immediately noticed transmission shudder issues when driving near 50 mph. Brought vehicle in to multiple repair facilities. It had warped brakes, bad calipers, needed a new torque converter at least and the repair shop recommended a total transmission replacement. The whole vehicle shakes when driving near that speed or braking.
Sep 24, 2024
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
1. Propulsion, acceleration, brakes, transmission- no longer available for inspection 2. The vehicle went completely out of control; I stood on the brakes as hard as I could but would not stop or slow the car at all. We careened down a hill and head on into a large tree 3. not reproduced or confirmed 4. Vehicle was inspected by insurance company and was declared a total loss 5. no signs of any malfunction prior to wreck
Jun 10, 2024
Crash: 1
Injuries: 2
SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
The emergency brake light and traction symbol have started flashing when I’m driving and now the EB has stopped working. I’ve visiting the Subaru dealership twice and two other mechanics. They’ve all told me different reasons why my car is doing this. I’ve never had an emergency break stop working.
Feb 25, 2024
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
1 complaint
Dashboard lights flashing, Brake lights Traction control Cruise Check engine
Dec 02, 2023
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
I have maintained my 2011 Outback well, and in August of 2023, while driving the vehicle, I lost the brakes. I had to fully depress the brake pedal to the floor in order to stop, fortunately not hitting the car in front of me . I brought the car to my local mechanic who advised me that the brake line rusted and failed as a result. As he was making the brake line repair, he advised me that there is SEVERE rusting to my underbody of my car and it's not normal. I then contacted Subaru Corporate Customer Service who asked me to bring the car into a Subaru Repair facility to have the car inspected. I brought the car into Ramsey Subaru, and with a charge of $150 to inspect the car, they advised me that the rust is significant and is unsafe to drive. They proceeded to quote me an estimated repair bill of over $6,000 to correct the rust issues. I then contacted Subaru Corporate HQ (Case #231011-1901134) and they advised me that the car is old, and there's nothing that they can do to assist me. However, what I'd like to bring to your attention, is the Outback model up to 2010, had a brake line rusting issue and they had a recall on it. In addition, when you search for 'Rust on Subaru" you can see that previous models years have been identified with Body Frame rusting issues, that prompted a recall on previous models. My ask is? Have you be contacted by other 2011 Subaru Outback owners about severe rust issues, and as a result lost their brakes and were told there car in no longer safe to drive?
Nov 12, 2023
POWER TRAIN,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
Transmission failure at 55mph my couldn't shift and the motor revved up all the way to the redline mark and wouldn't stop when I tried to stop it the reaction control lights came on the cruise control light was flashing the emergency break light was flashing every light on my dash was flashing there was a terrible vibration in the steering wheel the Transmission was humming really loud and just got worse the car just kept going and not stopping I could have hit someone another person a car I could have hit anything instead I choose the ditch and cornfield the car has been looked at by a repair shop and everything has been duplicated by them the problem hasn't gone away or changed all the codes were cleared and as soon as it starts up they all came back signaling the transmission and torque converter the sounds are still there also upon start up the engine starts fine but the car can't be driven can't get above 15 mph without vibration and loud noises and the motor revving up without notice this is very dangerous you can't control the car
Sep 24, 2023
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2011 Subaru Outback. The contact stated there was a clunking sound coming from the front suspension location and the vehicle started feeling unstable while driving approximately 30 MPH. The steering wheel began to sway towards the left causing the contact to use excessive force to steer the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that the front subframe had fractured due to severe corrosion and needed to be replaced along with the front suspension. The front subframe and suspension was repaired; however, while doing so the dealer further diagnosed that the rear subframe and suspension had severe corrosion. The rear subframe and suspension was not repaired or replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 109,000.
Sep 14, 2023
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
My mechanic tells me my Outback's K frame/engine cradle is rotting out where the control arms are attached. This is obviously a common problem with this run of vehicles, and leads to catastrophic failure. Further, the rear brake lines have rotted, and the geniuses ran them above the fuel tank, which would have to be dropped in order to repair. I believe this is a common enough problem to warrant investigation.
Aug 28, 2023
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2011 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the brake pedal went to the floorboard while depressed. The contact stated that the brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that subframe was severely corroded. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.
Aug 28, 2023
STEERING,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
Loss of steering wheel electronic functions including paddle shifters radio volume and Airbag light illuminated. Looked up faults and found NHTSA campaign ID 10V283000 which describes cable damage from Subaru manufacturing. According to Subaru and NHTSA, our vehicle was manufactured 2 months after "Affected" vehicles. Subaru unwilling to work on problem as it is not listed in affect vehicles, yet clearly the problems found are exact match to campaign list. I will seek outside confirmation of failure and then request NHTSA to update the affect vehicles list so Subaru can fix a safety issue for all affected vehicles.
May 30, 2023
STEERING,SUSPENSION,ENGINE
1 complaint
The front lower subframe cracked where the driver's side front wheel attaches to it in our 2011 Subaru Outback. This resulted in loss of steering control of vehicle. The issue has been confirmed by independent mechanic. Vehicle has not been inspected by manufacturer, police, or insurance agent. It is available for inspection at [XXX]. There were no warning lights when this failure occurred. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Apr 17, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
1 complaint
My car just dies on it's own while driving and it has trouble starting back up or somedays it just won't start up but after it dies while going down the road but after cranking it a few times it finally starts the check engine light comes on the traction control light starts flashing the brake light starts flashing and the cruise control light starts flashing I took it to a dealer and no codes were thrown in my car and after a few days of all the lights on and flashing they suddenly go away on their own this is extremely dangerous I can't control when or where this happens on the road I've almost been hit several times from this happening it does the exact same thing when I'm sitting still in park trying to start my car I get all the lights on the dashboard lit up and blinking on and off just like when it dies going down the road but nobody can find a cause or a reason why they say it's a manufacturer issue and subaru can't even figure it out
Jan 09, 2023
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
Vehicle is failing to shift correctly causing low acceleration and road safety issues. Cruise control and manual shift paddles not working, multiple warning lights on.
Nov 02, 2022
POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
2011 Subaru Outback has low rpm/idle stalling condition. This has caused a very dangerous safety issue while in traffic on the highway , while slowing in traffic. Several times I narrowly escaped an accident. This condition can prove deadly. There is currently a TSB 16-90-13r. This is not a recall and it should be. All years 2010-2012 especially on the Subaru Outback have been affected. The fix is a very expensive Torque converter replacement. The issue is so bad, Subaru changed the torque converter design for 2013, so again I say, why no recall and fix from Subaru? Thank you
Sep 18, 2022
STEERING,SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
In May, returning from VA, we noticed an odd noise coming from the right front side of the car. Then the noise stopped. Driving a week later, at about 40 mph, I again heard the noise and as I approached a yellow light and began to slow to a stop, the vehicle pulled sharply to the right. I was able to regain control, drove slowly home, called our repair shop and brought it in for evaluation. The front subframe had rusted out due to the air conditioner condenser dripping onto it. Our mechanic would not let us drive the car without repair, it was too dangerous. The subframe could have dropped at any moment. No inspections other than that of our mechanic were done. I took photos of the subframe that had been removed which are attached. It is not available for inspection as far as I know. The car sat at the mechanic's for a month waiting for parts from Subaru before being repaired.
Sep 13, 2022
STEERING,POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
1 complaint
A/C Compressor locks up, and serpentine belt flies off and stops power steering. Stalls due to this locking up.
Aug 05, 2022
SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
The 2011 Subaru Outback subframe (K-Frame) failed structurally while the vehicle was in operation. The bolted connection between the left side (driver side) control arm broke due to extensive corrosion of the K-frame allowing the bolt to pull through one side of the box-shaped frame. The vehicle exhibited a pronounced pull to the left and handled erratically. The vehicle was immediately driven to a local repair facility where the broken frame connections at the control arms was discovered. The vehicle has approximately 79,000 miles and has been regularly serviced. Evidence of heavy corrosion and metal fatigue were noted at several locations on the K-frame (photo attached). The 2011 Subaru Outback has been owned/operated in western NY State where roads are frequently treated with brime and salt throughout the winter season. Servicing mechanic noted that he had completed recent replacement of the K-Frame on an identical year, make, model Subaru within the previous 3 months. Comparison of the K-Frame removed from my vehicle with the identical model showed similar corrosion and failure points. The symptoms and causes of this structural failure are nearly identical to vehicle safety complaint filed by another 2011 Outback owner; NHTSA ID # 11474045. The failed subframe, along with a second subframe from an identical Subaru replaced earlier this summer are available for inspection at the motor vehicle repair facility. Photo attached. Insofar as this is the third reported structural failure on this model within a short span of a few months and Subaru has declined to address the matter responsibly, NHTSA intervention is warranted and necessary.
Jul 29, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
THE HEAD LIGHTS TO THIS VEHICLE ARE CONSTANTLY GOING OUT. SOMETIMES IF I HIT A BUMP THE LIGHT WILL TURN BACK ON. TODAY I DROVE NEARLY FIFTY MILES IN THE DARK WITH EITHER THE HIGH BEAMS ON OR THE LIGHTS COMPLETELY OFF.
Mar 21, 2021
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
1 complaint
OCCASIONALLY, PERHAPS 4 TIMES IN THE LAST YEAR, WHEN I PUT MY CAR INTO 'DRIVE', THE ENGINE ENGAGES AND LURCHES FORWARD. IT FEELS AS THOUGH THE CAR WITH TAKE OFF FORWARD AT A HIGH SPEED.
Jan 05, 2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
ENGINE STALLING. WHEN STOPPING AT RED LIGHT, ENGINE SHUT DOWN A FEW TIMES. ONCE I LOST ALL ELECTRICITY AND MANEUVERABILITY OF THE CAR. I ALSO HAD IGNITION PROBLEMS. THE CAR WON'T START SOMETIMES. I BROUGHT TO DEALERSHIP 4-5X AND MY CAR SPENT A MONTH AT DEALER. THEY CANNOT FIND THE CAUSE. I READ THIS COULD BE DUE TO CVT TRANSMISSION. I BOUGHT MY CAR FROM A SUBARU DEALER TWO AND A HALF YEARS AGO AND ONLY DROVE 7K MILES. CURRENT MILEAGE IS 95K. SUBARU EXTENDED WARRANTY OF MY MODEL TO 10 YEARS FOR TRANSMISSION. BUT SO FAR THEY COULDN'T DO ANYTHING. I THINK THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL. WHEN MY CAR STALLED, I HAD TO CALL POLICE AS MY CAR BLOCKED THE ROAD AND CAUSE TRAFFIC JAM. THIS IS A ROAD HAZARD. THANK YOU.
Dec 06, 2020
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
WHEN STOPPING THE CAR STALLS AND DIES ON STREETS, HIGHWAYS, ETC. I HAVE ALMOST BEEN REAR ENDED AND IT EVEN DIED WHILE OBSTRUCTING ONCOMING TRAFFIC. SUBARU ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICES BULLETIN (TSB 16-90-13R) WHICH DESCRIBES THE ISSUE PERFECTLY, HOWEVER DUE TO MILAGE (40K OVER 100K) THEY WILL NOT CORRECT THE BAD PART, WHICH IS NO LONGER EVEN AVAILAABLE TO PURCHASE THROUGH THEM! PART # 31100AB170. THE NEW PART 31100AB171 AND 31100AB172 SHOULD BE ISSUED TO ALL 2010-2012 OUTBACK OWNERS AS A RECALL. IF THEY WILL NOT EVEN SELL THE ORIGINAL PART ANYMORE BECAUSE THEY KNOW IT IS GARBAGE AND THEN PLAY THE FEEL GOOD BEST CAR EVER COMMERCIALS, THAT IS MISLEADING AND FRAUDULENT. HELP NHTSA, YOU ARE OUR ONLY HOPE.
Oct 26, 2020
WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
INNER WHEELS AT REAR THREADS WEARING WITH OUT THREADS STILL NEW. NOTICE A ROARING SOUND WHILE BACKING UP IN REVERSE. A/C RPM DROPS AND GOES UP WHEN TURNED ON. THERE WAS A REAR SUSPENSION RECALL ON VEHICLE AND TRYING TO SEE IF ALIGNMENT WAS DONE. DUE TO THREAD DECREASING INWARDS.
Jul 06, 2020
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT IMPACT WHICH DISABLED THE FRONT DRIVER'S AND THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SEAT BELTS. THE CONTACT CALLED THE GANLEY SUBARU OF BEDFORD LOCATED AT 123 BROADWAY AVE, BEDFORD, OH 44146, AND THE TECHNICIAN DECLINED TO LOOK AT THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED THE CONTACT A CASE NUMBER. THE CONTACT WAS NOT GIVEN A CALLBACK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 113,000.
Jun 17, 2020
STEERING,POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
1 complaint
I HAVE BEEN REPORTING PROBLEMS WITH MY TRANSMISSION SINCE 2012 TO MY REGULAR DEALERSHIP, STAR SUBARU WHEN THE CAR HAD JUST 23,472 MILES ON IT. AT THIS POINT, I BELIEVE THAT I HAVE BEEN WRONGFULLY DENIED WARRANTY COVERAGE. THEN AGAIN, IN 2017, WHILE STILL UNDER WARRANTY, I BROUGHT MY OUTBACK TO STAR SUBARU COMPLAINING THAT WHILE DRIVING SLOW, THE CAR TENDS TO 'JUMP' MID-DRIVE, ALMOST LIKE SOMEONE REAR ENDED YOU. THE CAR AT THIS POINT WAS AT ABOUT 94,467 MILES, UNDER THE 100,000 MILE WARRANTY LIMIT. AFTER NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS I FINALLY RECEIVED A TEST DRIVE WITH A SUBARU MECHANIC AT STAR SUBARU IN BAYSIDE, QUEENS, NY. HE CONCLUDED THAT IT NEEDED TRANSMISSION PARTS, A TORQUE CONVERTER/VALVE BODY. AT THAT POINT I WAS SET TO HAVE IT REPLACED ONCE THE PARTS CAME IN. WEEKS WENT BY AND I HEARD NOTHING. I CONTACTED SUBARU OF AMERICA WHO WAS ABLE TO SET ME UP WITH EAST HILLS SUBARU. THE SOA PERSON WAS VERY HELPFUL WITH THE TRANSITION. THEY PERFORMED THEIR OWN DIAGNOSTIC, AND THE CONDITION AT THE TIME WOULD NOT REPLICATE. UNFORTUNATELY, WHEN THIS 'JUMP/SLAM' HAPPENS, IT DOES SPONTANEOUSLY. WE CANNOT MAKE IT HAPPEN, NOR DO WE EVEN KNOW WHEN IT IS GOING TO HAPPEN. IT WAS ALWAYS VERY SPORADIC. SOMETIMES IT WOULD HAPPEN ON THE HIGHWAY GOING 65, OR SOMETIMES LESS THAN 5MPH. ON A LONG TRIP BACK FROM VERMONT, THERE WOULD BE A LARGE REVVING SOUND, AND THEN IT FELT AS IF SOMEONE HIT US FROM BEHIND. ONCE AGAIN, I TOOK THE CAR TO SUBARU, ONLY TO BE TOLD THEY SIMPLY COULDN'T 'REPLICATE THE PROBLEM', AND THEREFORE WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING TO HELP US. ON APRIL 3RD 2019, I BRING MY CAR IN AGAIN TO EAST HILL SUBARU. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. THEY DO RECALL. THEY ALSO TROUBLESHOOT THE CHECK ENGINE CODE, WHICH NOW COMES UP CLEARLY AS P1710 TORQUE CONVERTER TURBINE 2 SPEED SIGNAL CIRCUIT MALFUNCTION. NOW IT'S NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY.THE PRICE TAG IS VERY HIGH, ALMOST $6,000! *TR
Jun 06, 2020
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS WIFE WAS ATTEMPTING TO PARALLEL PARK THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED COLLIDING WITH THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS WIFE SHIFTED TO DRIVE, THE ENGINE REVVED AND SHE LOST CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO BODY REPAIR FACILITY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO RAFFERTY SUBARU (4700 WEST CHESTER PIKE, NEWTOWN SQUARE, PA 19073 PHONE: (610) 353-6900) WHO STATED THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIND A CAUSE FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED APOLOGETIC GESTURES REGARDING THE MATTER, HOWEVER, A CASE WAS NOT OPENED. THE CONTACT STATED THEY FOUND THAT THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT IN HIS STATE OF RESIDENCY REGARDING THE SAME FAILURE HIS WIFE HAD EXPERIENCED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. *BF*JB
May 19, 2020
Crash: 1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
1 complaint
THE CVT TRANSMISSION IS DEFECTIVE AND EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. THE VEHICLE WILL SUDDENLY STALL WHEN DECELERATING QUICKLY. THERE IS HIGH POTENTIAL TO CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THE MANUFACTURER KNOWS OF THE ISSUE BUT WILL WAIT FOR THE DEFECT TO OCCUR RATHER THAN FIXING THE TRANSMISSION.
Apr 23, 2020
SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
1 complaint
CAR STALLS OUT WHEN I COME TO A COMPLETE STOP, ESPECIALLY IF I HAVE TO STOP SHORT DUE TO BEING CUT OFF. CAR IS AN AUTOMATIC, SO THIS IS NOT SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN AND IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN CARS ARE COMING BEHIND ME. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER 3 TIMES OVER THE YEARS AND EACH TIME THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND THUS NO DIAGNOSIS. AFTER READING ONLINE, IT SEEMS TO BE A KNOWN PROBLEM TO SUBARU WITH A FAULTY TORQUE CONVERTER.
Feb 12, 2020
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE
1 complaint
THE CAR ENGINE CUTS OFF WHEN SUDDENLY DECELERATING. MY WIFE AND CHILD STALLED TWICE ALREADY IN TRAFFIC, ONCE AT A BUSY INTERSECTION. ALSO WATER LEAKS INTO THE CENTER BRAKE LIGHT. PARKING BRAKE DOES NOT WORK.
Oct 21, 2019
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
DRIVER WAS ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A TURN AROUND IN A DRIVEWAY AND NEEDED TO STOP AND SWITCH REVERSE. THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP AND DRIVER WAS NOT ABLE TO SWITCH GEARS AND HIT GARAGE WALL.
Jul 22, 2019
Crash: 1
PARKING BRAKE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RELEASE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT REMOVED THE BATTERY TO RESET THE VEHICLE AND WAS ABLE TO RELEASE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE THE FAILURE AND ASSOCIATED IT WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V626000 (PARKING BRAKE). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CARLSEN SUBARU (LOCATED AT 480 VETERANS BLVD, REDWOOD CITY, CA 94063, (888) 520-5916) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE EPB MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
Jul 10, 2019
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
WHEN WE WERE DRIVING THE 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK ON THE ROAD ON JULY 5,2019, THE FUEL GAUGE SUDDENLY SHIFTED FROM ALMOST FULL TO ZERO. THE CAR STOPPED AND WE PLACED IT IN PARK. SUBSEQUENT ATTEMPTS TO START THE CAR DID NOT EVEN IGNITE THE ENGINE, EVEN WHEN WE ADDED ANOTHER GALLON OF GAS AND TRIED JUMP STARTING THE CAR. THERE WERE NO VISIBLE SIGNS OF A GAS LEAK. OUR INSURANCE COMPANY TOWED OUR CAR TO NEARBY COLEMAN SUBARU NJ, WHERE THE DEALER HAS NOW ASSUMED IT WAS A COMPUTER ISSUE AND HAVE ASKED TO ORDER ANOTHER COMPUTER TO FIX IT. THIS WAS AN INCREDIBLY SCARY EXPERIENCE FOR US. THERE WERE FIVE PEOPLE IN THE CAR WHEN WE WERE DRIVING AND THANKFULLY NO ONE WAS HURT. IF IT HAPPENED ON THE HIGH WAY, I DON'T KNOW WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED. WE ARE CONCERNED THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE WHICH CAN GET PEOPLE HURT.
Jul 08, 2019
STEERING,WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
THE TRACTION, OIL TEMP, BRAKE SIGN TURNS ON IN MY VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE BRAKE SIGN IS A SAFETY ISSSUE.
May 09, 2019
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
MY DASH LIGHTS CAME ON SUDDENLY.. AFTER RESEARCHING STATES TYPE TORQUE CONVERTER FOR TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.. SUBARU WANTS ME TO PURCHASE WHOLE NEW TRANSMISSION, LOSS OF POWER AND GAS MILEAGE. THE CAR WAS RUNNING WHEN THESE LIGHTS CAME ON.
Nov 14, 2018
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
1 complaint
TAKATA RECALL" I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE HWY. THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME SLAMMED ON BRAKES, SO I STEPPED ON MY BRAKES, CAR TURKED TO A STOP WHILE ENGINE STALLED. DEAD STOP ON INTERSTATE. NOT A GOOD THING. I STARTED IT BACK UP, KEPT DRIVING, WHEN , I CAME TO A SAFER STOP SIGN. I TRIED TO STEP ON BRAKES LIKE I HAD DONE ON INTERSTATE AND IT TURKED TO A STOP AGAIN STALLING. IT DOESN'T SEEM SAFE TO ME. I AM GLAD NO ONE WAS BEHIND ME ON INTERSTATE OR I AM AFRAID IT WOULD NOT HAVE ENDED WELL.
Oct 21, 2018
POWER TRAIN,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
CVT FAILURE. WHILE DRIVING..CAR SHUDDERED, DASH LIGHTS CAME ON AND STALLED OUT. MILEAGE: 115.000...JUST OVER EXTENDED WARRANTY. COST OF REPAIRS 9,597.70 PLUS TAX. CONTACTED SUBARU....THEY WILL NOT HELP.
Oct 05, 2018
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
INTERMITENT: STEADY ICONS: CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM FLASHING ICONS: BRAKE CRUISE FROM STARTING THE VEHICLE ICONS LISTED ABOVE ARE ACTIVE. ENGINE IS VERY HARD TO START WHEN PUT IN GEAR, UNABLE TO MOVE CAR. SOLUTION IS TO TURN CAR OFF, WAIT AND RESTART. THIS MIGHT REQUIRE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. EVENTUALLY, VEHICLE WILL RESUME NORMAL OPERATEION. DEALERSHIP SERVICE PERSONEL DO NOT ACKNOWLEDGE PROBLEM.
Jul 24, 2018
POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
1 complaint
WHILE BRAKING AT INTERSECTIONS, ENGINE STALLS CAUSING DANGEROUS SITUATIONS FOR MY WIFE AND SELF. WE ARE BEGINNING TO FEAR DRIVING OUR SUBARU.
Jul 04, 2018
SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN AT GARAVEL SUBARU (10 TINDALL AVE, NORWALK, CT 06851, (203) 642-0620) FOR MONTHS DUE TO AN INTERNAL OIL LEAK THAT WAS IMPACTING THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OIL WARNING INDICATOR FAILED TO ILLUMINATE IN A TIMELY MANNER TO ALERT THAT THE OIL LEVEL WAS LOW. THE DEALER ALSO REPLACED THE WHEEL BEARINGS SEVERAL TIMES. THE RADIO, SPEAKER PHONE, AND GPS WERE ALSO SERVICED SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THE FAILURES RECURRED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.
Apr 03, 2018
STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO VIBRATE AND SHOOK VIOLENTLY WHILE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GREGORIS NISSAN (555 W MERRICK RD, VALLEY STREAM, NY 11580 (516) 825-8700), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,000.
Sep 26, 2017
STRUCTURE,WHEELS,ENGINE
1 complaint
PURCHASED MY 2011 SUBARU NEW AND HAVE ALWAYS KEEP THE UPKEEP. ABOUT A YEAR AGO MY TIEROD IN THE FRONT WENT BAD AND RUINED MY TIRES SO HAD TO GET NEW TIRES. THEN IT STARTED STALLING ALL THE TIME, AND NO ONE SEEMED TO WHY. ONCE AT AN INTERSECTION WHICH I WAS ALMOST HIT. THEN HAD TO CHANGE THE TIMING BELT, BUT KNEW THIS WHEN I BOUGHT IT. THEN THE MUFFLER RUSTED AND NOW I WILL HAVE TO CHANGE THE HEAD GASKETS. I PURCHASED THIS CAR BECAUSE EVERYONE SAID IT WOULD LAST FOREVER. WELL I GUESS IT WILL IF YOU KEEP FIXING EVERYTHING THAT IS WRONG WITH IT. THIS IS MY FIRST AND LAST SUBARU I WILL EVER BUY. HAD BETTER LUCK WITH MY OLD DODGE CARAVAN.
Apr 04, 2017
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
MY CAR STALLS OCCASIONALLY WHEN I COME TO A FULL STOP. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN EVIDENT SINCE ABOUT 80,000 MILES. THE DEALERSHIP REVILED IT WAS DUE TO A FAULTY TORQUE CONVERTER. I FOUND THE INFORMATION BELOW ON LINE AND SEEMS TO RESONATE. VEHICLE STALLS AFTER SUDDEN STOP REQUIRING IT TO BE RESTARTED. I WAS TOLD BY SUBARU SALES THERE IS A TSB # 16-90-13 R (1/6/14 ISSUED). THIS RELATES TO THE TRANSMISSION ( CVT) LOOKING UP AFTER A SUDDEN STOP DUE TO A THRUST WASHER INSIDE THE TORQUE CONVERTER.
Jan 30, 2017
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE STEERING LOST POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND SMOKE APPEARED UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE CONTACT QUICKLY EXITED THE VEHICLE. WITHIN A COUPLE OF MINUTES, THE VEHICLE BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES AND WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Jan 03, 2017
Fire: 1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
THE VEHICLE WILL STALL OUT WHEN THE BRAKES ARE PRESSED ABRUPTLY AND THE SPEED SUDDENLY DECREASES. THIS IS EXTREMELY UNSAFE. ESPECIALLY FOR MY PREGNANT WIFE TO BE DRIVING. WE BOUGHT A SUBARU BECAUSE WE THOUGHT THEY WERE BUILT RIGHT AND SAFE. WE WERE WRONG. *TR
Dec 15, 2016
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
"AIRBAG RECALL" THIS RECALL WAS IN JUNE AND SUBARU IT NOT TAKING ANY APPOINTMENTS TO FIX THE PROBLEM.
Oct 17, 2016
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
ASCENDED STEEP HILL AND STOPPED AT STOP SIGN. PROCESSED TO DRIVE THROUGH INTERSECTION UPHILL. ALL LIGHTS ON DASH BEGAN TO FLICKER ON AND OFF AND CAR STALLED OUT GOING DOWN THE ROAD. AFTER THIS OCCURRED, I LOST ALL ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS OF CAR. I WAS NOT ABLE TO RESTART CAR, PLACE CAR INTO PARK, APPLY EMERGENCY BRAKE, TURN ON HAZARD LIGHTS, AND THE POWER BRAKES AND STEERING WERE NOT PRESENT. I SPENT 5-7 MINUTES TRYING TO RESTART THE CAR AND TRYING TO FIGURE OUT A WAY TO STABILIZE THE CAR SINCE I WAS CURRENTLY GOING DOWN A STEEP HILL WITHOUT ANYWAY OF STABILIZING IT. AFTER THIS TIME, SMOKE BEGAN COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I HAD TO COAST CAR DOWN HILL INTO BUSY INTERSECTION AND TURN IT ONTO NEXT ROAD IN ORDER TO FIND A FLAT AREA TO STABILIZE CAR SO I COULD GET OUT OF IT. WHEN I GOT OUT, I BEGAN SEEING FLAMES DROP DOWN FROM FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF ENGINE AREA. THE CAR QUICKLY CAUGHT ON FIRE AND MOST OF THE ENGINE BURNT OUT BEFORE FLAMES WERE EXTINGUISHED. THE FIRE APPEARED TO START IN COMPUTER AREA. THIS CAR WAS BOUGHT NEW AND HAVE HAD NO PREVIOUS PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR, EXCEPT WE HAVE HAD TO CHANGE THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT BULBS SEVERAL TIMES WHILE OWNING IT. AFTER I WITNESSED MY CAR CATCH ON FIRE AND AFTERWARDS DISCOVERED SUBARU HAS A SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THE TORQUE CONVERTER, I BELIEVE THE HEADLIGHT ISSUE AND THE TORQUE CONVERTER ISSUES ARE ALL CONNECTED. I BELIEVE WHAT HAPPENED TO MY CAR IS THE TORQUE CONVERTER FAILED THAT DAY CAUSING AN OVER VOLTAGE/OVER DRAW OF POWER THAT WAS SO BAD IT TOOK OUT MY COMPUTER UNIT, I THEN BELIEVE THE BATTERY CONTINUED TO FEED THE COMPUTER UNIT, IN ITS UNRESPONSIVE STATE, UNTIL IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE INSPECTOR TOLD ME SOMETIMES BULBS WILL BURNT OUT DUE TO AN OVER VOLTAGE SITUATION. SOMETHING IS DEFINITELY OVERDRAWING POWER AND IT NEEDS TO BE LOOKED INTO BECAUSE IT ENDANGERS EVERY DRIVER, PASSENGER, AND ANYONE AROUND THESE CARS.
Feb 22, 2016
Fire: 1
POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE CONTACT FORGOT TO SHIFT THE LEVER INTO THE PARK POSITION BUT WAS ABLE TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY AND CRASHED INTO A GATE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESIGNED TO PERFORM IN THAT MANNER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,547.
Sep 21, 2015
Crash: 1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
I HAVE REPLACED MY HEADLIGHT BULBS 3 TIMES FOR EACH HEADLIGHT AND I ONLY HAVE 88,000 MILES ON MY CAR.
Sep 07, 2015
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
THE AIRBAG WARNING LITE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE CAME ON AND STAYED ON FOR SEVERAL MINUTES. AFTER SEVERAL TRIPS THE LITE CAME ON AGAIN AND HAS STAYED ON. THE RESULT IS THAT THE BAG IS NOT ABLE TO DEPLOY IF THERE IS ANY TYPE OF ACCIDENT THAT INVOLVES THE FRONT END. THIS IS VERY CONCERNING TO MY FAMILY , I TRY TO AVOID ANYONE FROM RIDING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. *TR
Jan 24, 2015
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
1 complaint
WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES HARD AT THE A STOPPING POINT OF THE CAR IT KILLS THE ENGINE LEAVING YOU DEAD IN THE STREET. EMERGENCY PRESSURE HARD! OTHER THAN THAT THE BRAKES WORK GREAT. NOW IF YOU PUSH TRANS INTO NEUTRAL AND BRAKE HARD AS YOU WILL THE ENGINE IS NOT EFFECTED AND KEEPS ON RUNNING. THIS IS A AUTOMATIC BUT IT FEELS LIKE YOU DID NOT DEPRESS THE CLUTCH ON STOPPING THE CAR IF IT WERE A STANDARD STICK SHIFT TRANS. THERE IS A BUCKING AT STOPPING THEN THE ENGINE IS DEAD IN THE STREET. IF YOU LET UP THE BRAKE BEFORE THIS KILLS THE MOTOR THEN IT KEEPS RUNNING OR IF JUST LIGHT BRAKING THAT IS NORMAL NEEDED NO PROBLEM. OTHER THAN THAT DANGEROUS CONDITION IN CITY TRAFFIC THE CAR RUNS GREAT. THIS HAS TO BE A DEFECT IN DESIGN OF THE SYSTEM NEVER IN 30+ YEARS OF AUTO MECH TRADE HAVE I RUN ACROSS THIS IN ANY WORLD BRAND NAME CARS. *TR
Nov 18, 2014
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
THE ENGINE SHUTS DOWN WHENEVER YOU BRAKE SUDDENLY OR USE ANY PRESSURE TO BRAKE (NOT COAST TO A STOP). THE CAR SHAKES AND THEN DIES AND YOU HAVE TO RESTART THE CAR. THIS HAPPENS ALMOST DAILY AND AFTER TAKING IT TO SEVERAL SHOPS IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER IS BAD AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN OUT ABOUT FIXING THIS SO IT APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM. EVEN A QUICK SEARCH ONLINE PRODUCES HUNDREDS OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FOR THIS MAKE & MODEL. GIVEN THAT THIS CAN STALL OUT AT ANY SPEED WITH ANY PRESSURE IN APPLYING THE BRAKES WITH THE TORQUE CONVERTER, THIS SHOULD BE AN IMMEDIATE RECALL FOR SAFETY CONCERNS!!! IT'S A FAULTY PART ON THE CAR, NOT A WEAR & TEAR ITEM. *TR
Aug 28, 2014
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
1 complaint
WHEN I TURNED THE CAR IN THE AFTERNOON THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS FLASHING, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AND E-BRAKE ON. I LOOKED ONLINE SUBARU FORUMS AND THEIR IS A LOT OF CHATTER FOR THE GAS CAP HAVING ISSUES. I CHECKED MY GAS CAP AND NOTICED THE RUBBER GASKET WAS BROKEN. I PURCHASED A NEW ONE FROM THE DEALERSHIP, DROVE THE CAR AND THE LIGHTS ARE NOW OFF AND WORKING NORMAL..WE'LL SEE WHEN I TAKE A 6HR TRIP IN A FEW DAYS.. *TR
Jul 22, 2014
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
I BACKED OUT OF A PARKING SPOT, STOPPED AND, WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, SHIFTED TO DRIVE TO PULL FORWARD. THE CAR SURGED FORWARD RAPIDLY. I STOOD ON THE BRAKES, THE SURGE CONTINUED VERY BRIEFLY AND THEN THE CAR FINALLY STOPPED. THIS WAS THE FIRST INCIDENT OF THIS KIND IN THE THREE YEARS I HAVE OWNED THE CAR. *TR
Jul 22, 2014
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WHEN MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, ABS BRAKE LIGHT, TRACTION CONTROL (ALL WHEEL DRIVE) LIGHT AND CRUISE CONTROL LIGHTS BEGAN FLASHING ALL AT ONCE. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP IMMEDIATELY AND WAS TOLD THAT ALL THE LIGHTS FLASH BECAUSE MOST DRIVERS IGNORE JUST THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. AT THE DEALER THE NEXT DAY I WAS TOLD THE SAME THING WITH THE ADDITION OF THE FACTS THAT THE ABS BRAKE SYSTEM AND THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEMS WERE ACTUALLY DISABLED DURING THIS INCIDENT. DURING THE CONVERSATION IT WAS SAID THAT TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM, A "REFLASH " OF THE COMPUTER SYSTEM WAS NEEDED AND THAT THIS WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM ON SOME OUTBACKS. I ASKED WHY THERE WAS NO RECALL IF THE PROBLEM WAS KNOWN AND WAS TOLD THEY JUST FIXED THE PROBLEM WHEN IT HAPPENED. THIS SEEMS TO ME TO BE A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY PROBLEM SINCE IF THE PROBLEM OCCURRED WHILE THE DRIVER WAS ON ICE OR SNOW OR WET ROAD , VEHICLE STABILITY WOULD BE COMPROMISED. I THINK SUBARU SHOULD AT LEAST BE MADE TO RECALL THE SUSPECTED VEHICLES AND FIX THE PROBLEM EVEN THOUGH IT IS SOMETHING THAT MAY NOT HAPPEN TO ALL VEHICLES. *TR
Jun 25, 2014
AIR BAGS,SEATS
1 complaint
AIR BAG IS NOT BEING TURNED ON WHEN A PASSENGER IS IN THE SEAT. THEY MEET THE 80+ WEIGHT REQUIRMENT. *TR
Mar 17, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
I WAS ON VACATION DRIVING HOME. WAS AT ABOUT 300 MILES INTO A 400 MILE TRIP. DRIVING 68 MPH ON A DIVIDED HIGHWAY. TEMP APPROX. 85 DEGREES, SUNNY DAY. ATTEMPTED TO PASS A VEHICLE ON A HILL. ACCELERATED ABOUT MAX ACCELERATION AND VEHICLE COMPLETELY CUT OFF ALL POWER WHEN ACCELERATION ATTEMPT OCCURRED. I HAD TO PULL OVER IMMEDIATELY W/O ANY POWER. TRIED TO RE-START THE VEHICLE WITHOUT SUCCESS. CAR DID TURN OVER FOR ABOUT ONE SECOND THEN SHUT OFF COMPLETELY. RESULT WAS A NEED TO TOW THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER. VEHICLE SAT OVERNIGHT. WHEN THE DEALER TRIED TO START THE VEHICLE IT STARTED. AT THIS POINT I HAVE NOT HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS SITUATION. BUT I HAVE NOT BEEN IN A SITUATION OF BEING ON A LONG TRIP, IN 85 DEGREE TEMP AND ATTEMPTING A HARD PASSING ACCELERATION ON A STEEP HILL. *TR
Mar 09, 2014
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
1 complaint
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
Feb 03, 2014
SEATS
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE, HE HEARD AN ABNORMALLY LOUD POPPING NOISE FROM THE SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,000.
Jan 06, 2014
VISIBILITY,SEAT BELTS,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE BACK UP CAMERA DEFECT AND REQUESTS REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE BACK-UP CAMERA WAS NOT CENTERED PROPERLY, THE DRIVERS SIDE SHOULDER HARNESS INTERMITTENTLY WOULD NOT RETRACT FULLY. THEREFORE, CAUSING IT TO GET STUCK IN THE CLOSING DOOR AND THE HEAT REGISTER AT THE DRIVERS FOOT SEEMED TO BE PARTIALLY BLOCKED. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THE REASON WHY THE CAMERA WAS NOT CENTERED, WAS BECAUSE IT HAD BEEN HIT, AND IT WOULD COST $99.00 TO REPAIR IT.
Dec 23, 2013
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
DURING THE 2 YEARS SINCE I PURCHASED MY 2011 OUTBACK 2.5I (CVT), THERE HAVE BEEN ABOUT 15 OCCASIONS WHERE I WAS GOING DOWNHILL, USING ENGINE BRAKING, WITH MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR, CRUISE CONTROL NOT ENGAGED, BUT GAS WAS FED TO THE ENGINE, RESULTING IN SPEEDS OF 45 TO 50 MPH (4500 RPM) IN 2ND GEAR. ONE INDICATOR THAT GAS IS BEING FED TO THE ENGINE IS THE FUEL ECONOMY GAUGE SHOWS POOR GAS MILEAGE. THIS DEFINITELY DOES NOT FEEL LIKE ENGINE BRAKING WHEN THE ENGINE IS SCREAMING AS YOU ARE SPEEDING DOWNHILL. USUALLY WHEN I DRIVE THE SAME STRETCH OF ROAD USING ENGINE BRAKING MY SPEED IS 30 TO 35 MPH IN 2ND GEAR AND THE FUEL ECONOMY GAUGE SHOWS NO FUEL IS BEING CONSUMED. SUBARU REFUSES TO COMMENT ON THIS PROBLEM SINCE I CANNOT REPRODUCE IT FOR THEM. I ASKED THE SERVICE MANAGER ABOUT THE SIMILAR BUT LESS SEVERE, REPEATABLE BEHAVIOR, OF CYCLING BETWEEN ACCELERATING TO OVER 2000 RPM AND DECELERATING TO ABOUT 1200 RPM. HE SAID THIS IS DONE TO MEET EMISSION STANDARDS. *TR
Sep 12, 2013
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
ON JUNE 30, 2011 AT 11PM I LOOKED OUT OF MY WINDOW AND OUR ENTIRE GARAGE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THIS BUILDING WAS NOT COMPLETED AND HAD NO ELECTRICAL OR HEATING SYSTEM. I BELIEVED AT THAT TIME THAT IT WAS THE CAR(SUBARU) THAT STARTED THE FIRE. ,AS THE INTENSITY OF THE FIRE WAS ON THE SIDE OF THE GARAGE WHERE IT WAS PARKED.I HAD JUST HAD IT DETAILED THE DAY BEFORE THE FIRE, AS THE DEALERSHIP HAD DONE SOME EXTRA ELECTRICAL WORK AND THE CAR WAS RETURNED TO US FILTHY. I HAD ALWAYS SUSPECTED THAT IT WAS THE SUBARU THAT STARTED THAT FIRE AND A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO I RECEIVED A LETTER FORM SUBARU STATING THAT THE "PUDDLE LIGHTS" WIRING COULD OVER HEAR AND START A FIRE. GUESS WHERE I HAD ELEC. WORK DONE?I HAD THE LIGHTED FLOOR BOARD LIGHTS INSTALLED (RIGHT ABOVE THE PUDDLE LIGHTS) THIS FIRE HAS LEFT MY HUSBAND(STILL) VERY DEPRESSED AS WE LOST ALL HIS TOOLS AND EVERYTHING IN THAT GARAGE WHICH INCLUDED ITEMS TO FINISH THE CONSTRUCTION AND MANY VALUABLE PERSONAL ITEMS. I REALIZE THIS IF AFTER THE FACT, BUT AFTER RECEIVING THAT LETTER FORM SUBARU, I FEEL THAT MY SUSPICION IS JUSTIFIED AND THINK THAT SUBARU SHOULD MAKE THIS RIGHT.THIS BUILDING WAS ERECTED FOR OVER FIVE YEARS AND THERE WASN'T ANYTHING IN THERE THAT WOULD OF STARTED THAT FIRE, OTHER THAN THAT CAR. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US. *TR
Jun 19, 2013
Fire: 1
TIRES,WHEELS
1 complaint
MY 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK CAME WITH OE CONTIPROCONTACT P225/60R17. THIS IS A TIRE OF CONTINENTAL THAT HAS AN 80000 MILE WARRANTY. THESE TIRES ON MY CAR WORE DOWN TO THE TIRE REPLACEMENT INDICATOR AT 36750 MILES. . I CALL CONTINENTAL AND WAS TOLD THAT OE TIRES ON NEW CARS ARE FOR DEFECT ONLY, NOT MILEAGE. I FEEL THIS IS A TOTAL RIPOFF ON THE PART OF CONTINENTAL TIRES AND A TOTAL MISREPRESENTATION OF MATTER. WHEN THE RETAIL TIRE HAS THE 80K WARRANTY. I FEEL CONTINENTAL SHOULD REIMBURSE ME THE PRO RATED AMOUNT ON THE $724 SPENT ON THE EXACT REPLACEMENT TIRES I PURCHASED. *TR
Apr 29, 2013
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
I WAS DRIVING AT 65 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ON AND ALL OF SUDDEN THE CRUISE DISENGAGED, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, BRAKE, AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS LIT UP ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CAR'S LOSS OF SPEED COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT AS THE LOSS OF SPEED WAS FAIRLY DRAMATIC. DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY TO SEE IF THAT WOULD HELP, IT DID, BUT ONLY FOR A DAY. IT HAPPENED AGAIN TODAY 12/17/2012. *TR
Dec 17, 2012
AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
I BELIEVE MY ANTI-LOCK BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED ON MY 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK AND IF THIS IS THE CASE THEN SOMEONE IN AUTO SAFETY DATA COLLECTION NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT IT. I WAS DRIVING DOWN AN OFF RAMP DURING SNOWY CONDITIONS. I APPLIED MY BRAKES AT AROUND 35 MPH AND THEY ABRUPTLY LOCKED UP. THERE WAS NO SHUTTER/SHIMMER EFFECT THAT I MIGHT EXPECT WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKES AS THEY GO ON AND OFF WHILE TRYING TO GRIP THE ROAD. I APPLIED THEM AGAIN WITH THE SAME JOLT FOLLOWED BY SLIDING. I TRIED THIS SEVERAL TIMES AS I APPROACHED THE INTERSECTION. THOUGH THE LONG OFF RAMP DID SLOW ME DOWN, AT ABOUT 15 MPH (I THINK) I PLOWED THE LEFT FRONT OF MY CAR INTO THE FORD RANGER IN FRONT OF ME. THIS IMPRESSIVELY CRUSHED THE LEFT FRONT SIDE OF MY CAR AND MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE POINT OF IMPACT WAS THE LEFT SIDE OF THE FRONT BUMPER, BUT IT HIT AT THE UPPER 2-3 INCHES OF THE BUMPER. I'M NOT SURE IF THE AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED WITH THIS TYPE OF IMPACT, BUT IF THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO DEPLOY THEN SOMEONE NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT IT TOO. *TR
Nov 13, 2012
Crash: 1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. CONSUMER STATES UNINTENDED ACCELERATION *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION PROBLEMS STARTED SHORTLY AFTER HE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. ON TWO OCCASIONS, HE CAME CLOSE TO HAVING AN ACCIDENT. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE PEDAL ARRANGEMENT. HE STATED HE REALIZED HE WAS CROSSING HIS RIGHT LEG OVER HIS LEFT LEG TO APPLY PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE BRAKE POWER ASSIST AMPLIFIED THE APPLIED FORCE VERY WELL, BUT AT TIMES THE BRAKE PEDAL SEEMED TO GET TOO CLOSE TO THE FLOOR BOARD. HE FOUND THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS HIGH WHEN THE ENGINE WAS OFF AND SANK TO A LOWER LEVEL WHEN THE ENGINE WAS STARTED. THE LEVEL COULD GET CLOSE TO THE OPERATING PLANE OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. ON ONE OCCASION, HE FLIPPED OFF THE COVER ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND WAS BRAKING ON A BARE STEEL PLATE. HE DISCOVERED HE WAS USING MORE NATURAL ERGONOMIC MOTION AND GOT TOO CLOSE TO THE RIGHT EDGE OF THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE EDGES OF THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS ABOUT THREE INCHES. THE WIDTH OF THE SOL OF HIS SIZE 12 SHOE WAS ABOUT 4 1/2 INCHES. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE PROBLEM WAS AN ENGINEERING DESIGN PROBLEM THAT INVOLVED THE VACUUM BRAKING SYSTEM, THE ACCELERATOR LINKAGE DESIGN AND ERGONOMIC.
Nov 08, 2012
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
MY CAR JUST TURNED 17000 MILES. I BOUGHT IT NEW IN 2011. IT IS GARAGED WHENEVER NOT IN USE AND HAVE PHOTOS OF IT IN THE GARAGE. THE MUFFLER AND EXHAUST SYSTEM ARE RUSTING VERY BADLY. I WASH THE CAR REGULARLY WHEN DIRTY. THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING - THERE MUST BE A DEFECT IN THE TYPE OF MATERIALS USED. I FIRST NOTICED THIS BACK IN JUNE AND IT IS GETTING WORSE. THIS SHOULD BE REPLACED BY SUBARU - I SHOULDN'T NEED A NEW MUFFLER/EXHAUST SYSTEM ON A NEW CAR IN LESS THAN 20,000 MILES! I HAVE TAKEN PHOTOS OF THE PROBLEM THAT I CAN PROVIDE IF REQUESTED. *TR
Sep 17, 2012
STEERING,SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
EVEN AFTER ALL THE SOA (SUBARU OF AMERICA) "FIXES" / SERVICE BULLETINS I STILL HAVE A VIBRATION ISSUES AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, FEEL IT IN THE SEAT AND IN STEERING WHEEL. IT GETS WORSE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IF YOUR GOING AROUND A CURVE ON IT TENDS TO GET WORSE. EVEN AFTER THROUGH THE CURVE.. ALSO NOTED IT DOESN'T MATTER WEATHER CONDITIONS HOT, COLD RAINING OR DRY. *TR
Aug 22, 2012
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
I PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY (RELATIVELY LEVEL) AND PARKED MY CAR. AS I EXITED THE VEHICLE I NOTICE THAT MY CAR WAS ROLLING FORWARD (I HAVE A MANUAL TRANSMISSION) AND ATTEMPTED TO SET THE ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE BY PUSHING REPEATEDLY ON THE BUTTON TO THE LEFT OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THE PARKING BRAKE DID NOT SET AND MY CAR GAINED SPEED AND CONTINUED DOWNHILL INTO THE WOODS BEHIND MY HOME. I AM NOT SURE IF I WAS DRAGGED OR PARTIALLY IN THE CAR, BUT WAS ABLE TO CLEAR THE VEHICLE BEFORE IT HIT A FENCE, A TREE AND EVENTUALLY COME TO A STOP. THIS HAS HAPPENED IN MY GARAGE ONCE AND AT A GAS STATION, BUT I WAS ABLE TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE BY HITTING THE PARKING BRAKE BUTTON. I DO NOT KNOW IF I AM NOT SETTING THE BRAKE BEFORE EXITING OR AM NOT DEPRESSING IT FULLY BEFORE EXITING OR WHY IT DID NOT STOP WHEN I HIT IT REPEATEDLY. I TYPICALLY SET THE CAR IN GEAR, BUT OBVIOUSLY DID NOT DO THIS ON THESE OCCASIONS. *TR
Apr 24, 2012
Crash: 1
STRUCTURE,TIRES,WHEELS
1 complaint
2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE SHAKING WHILE DRIVING DUE TO SNOW AND ICE BUILD-UP IN THE TIRES.*TGW THE DEALER WASHED THE UNDERSIDE OF THE CAR IN HOT WATER, TO MELT THE ICE WHICH RESOLVED THE PROBLEM.
Feb 15, 2012
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
THERE IS AN INTERFERENCE WITH THE CAR AUDIO SYSTEM. THERE IS AN 'AM' TYPE BUZZING SOUND THAT COMES THRU THE SPEAKERS AT RANDOM TIMES. SOMETIMES IT IS VERY LOW IN VOLUME AND IS SPORADIC. EARLIER THIS MONTH WHILE DRIVING OUT OF TOWN FOR A 3 HOUR DRIVE, THE BUZZING WAS VERY LOUD AND CONTINUED WHETHER THE RADIO WAS ON AM, FM, CD, SATELLITE AND EVEN CONTINUED WHEN WE TURNED THE RADIO OFF. THIS LOUD BUZZING SOUND WENT ON FOR OVER 1/2 HOUR AND WAS EXTREMELY FRUSTRATING. REPORTED TO MY SUBARU DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES NOW WITH NO RESOLUTION. I AM SURE THERE IS SOMETHING THAT IS NOT RIGHT WITH THIS VEHICLE AND I EXPECT THE DEALERSHIP TO FIND IT AND FIX IT. *TR
Feb 11, 2012
POWER TRAIN,WHEELS
1 complaint
I HAVE A SUBARU BECAUSE I LIVE OFF THE PAVED ROAD AND IT IS AN OFF-ROAD CAR. TWO PROBLEMS: 1) IF DRIVING IN SNOW, SNOW PACKS INTO THE WHEEL WELL AND PREVENTS FRONT WHEELS TURNING PROPERLY. I CARRY A WEEDOUT, OTHER PEOPLE I HAVE TALKED TO CARRY ICE PICKS AND TROWELS FOR GETTING THE SNOW OUT. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME SINCE DEC 2010, WHENEVER DRIVING IN WET SNOW. I HEARD IT DISCUSSED ON CAR TALK, SO I KNOW IT IS A COMMON COMPLAINT. 2) MANUAL TRANSMISSION LINKAGE IS NOW EXPOSED ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE 2011. THE CAR GETS STUCK IN ONE GEAR AND WILL NOT SHIFT. HAPPENED IN 2ND AND 4TH. I GOT IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY REMOVED STICKS AND GRAVEL FROM THE LINKAGE. THEY SAID THEY HAD MANY 2011 MANUAL TRANSMISSION SUBIES IN THAT WEEK WITH STICKS AND GRAVEL IN THE LINKAGE DUE TO THE BAD WEATHER. I COULD NOT GO UP HILLS OR START FROM A STOP WHEN IT WAS STUCK IN 4TH. I COULD NOT DRIVE OVER 20MPH WHEN STUCK IN 2ND. I COULD NOT REVERSE EITHER WAY. THIS IS NOT SAFE, ESPECIALLY WHEN DRIVING IN SNOW AND TRAFFIC IN THE MOUNTAINS. I ASKED THE DEALER IF THEY COULD PUT ON SOMETHING TO COVER AND PROTECT THE LINKAGE AND THEY SAID NO, EVER SINCE SUBARU WENT TO 6 FORWARD GEARS THE LINKAGE IS EXPOSED AND THEY CANNOT ADD ANYTHING TO COVER IT. I THINK THE 6 FORWARD GEAR MANUAL TRANSMISSION OUTBACKS SHOULD BE RECALLED, AND THEY SHOULD GO BACK TO 5 GEARS FORWARD AND PROPERLY COVER UP THE LINKAGE. *TR
Jan 23, 2012
SUSPENSION,WHEELS
1 complaint
VEHICLE VIBRATION - AFTER ABOUT 8K MILES A VIBRATION STARTED IN THE SEAT AND STEERING. TIRES WERE REBALANCED USING A ROAD FORCE BALANCING MACHINE. THEN THE VIBRATION WOULD COME AND GO EVEN AT SET SPEEDS. BUT WOULD GET WORSE GOING AROUND TURNS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. DEALERSHIP DID A "FIX" WHICH DIDN'T CHANGE ANYTHING. NO MATTER THE LOAD IN THE CAR 5 PEOPLE IN THE CAR OR EMPTY VIBRATION COMES AND GO. THEY SAY THE ISSUE WAS FIXED IN 2012 MODELS HAD A LOANER WHILE CAR WAS IN FOR THE 2 DAY FIX. SAME VIBRATION ISSUE AS I HAD. THE ONLY GOOD THING ABOUT THIS FIX. MY REAR TIRES ARE WEARING BETTER THEN THEY WERE BEFORE IT. THE OUTSIDE OF MY TIRES WERE WEARING FUNNY EVEN WHEN THE ALIGNMENT WAS WITHIN SPEC. *KB
Nov 29, 2011
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
I HAVE TOLD THE SUBARU DEALER(S) THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR LIGHT SAYS "OFF" UNLESS THE PASSENGER WEIGHS OVER 150 LBS OR SO. THE DEALER(S) DENY KNOWING ANYTHING ABOUT IT. HOWEVER, IT IS ON A SUBARU BLOG AND THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT IT. THE DEALER IS UNABLE TO TELL ME IF THE AIRBAG IS WORKING OR NOT. MY BRAKE PEDAL MAKES A CLICKING NOISE WHEN I RELEASE THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE SUBARU DEALER TOLD ME HE KNEW THIS HAPPENED TO ALL OF THE 2010 MODELS BUT DIDN'T REALIZE IT WAS HAPPENING TO THE 2011 MODELS AND HE SAID THERE IS NOTHING HE CAN DO ABOUT IT UNTIL SUBARU COMES OUT WITH A RECALL. SO FAR I HAVEN'T HEARD BACK FROM SUBARU, IT'S BEEN 5 MONTHS. *KB
Oct 10, 2011
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
ON MANUAL AIR CONDITIONING MODELS WITH FULL MAXIMUM SETTINGS THE SYSTEM OPERATES TO FULL CAPACITY, 39-41 DEGREES F.; HOWEVER, AFTER 10 MINUTES OF OPERATION WITHOUT MAXIMUM SETTING CHANGED THE OUTPUT TEMPERATURE IS REDUCED TO 50-53 DEGREES F. DEALER SERVICED, INDICATED THAT THIS IS NORMAL OPERATION FOR THIS MAKE/MODEL. THE INTERNAL CABIN TEMPERATURE AFTER ONE HOUR OF OPERATION WILL ONLY ACHIEVE 82 F. WHEN OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE IS 92-94 DEGREE F. WITH MAXIMUM SETTING; AS WELL AS, INTERNAL AIR CIRCULATION. *TR
Sep 22, 2011
PARKING BRAKE,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
I TURNED RIGHT INTO A DRIVEWAY WITH A STEEP UPWARD INCLINE AND HAD TO STOP MY CAR BRIEFLY TO SPEAK TO A PERSON HELPING WITH PARKING FOR AN EVENT. MY CAR HAS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION, SO I ENGAGED THE ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE TO HOLD THE CAR SO I COULD GET MOVING AGAIN WITHOUT ROLLING BACKWARDS. HOWEVER, THE PARKING BRAKE ON MY CAR AUTOMATICALLY DISENGAGES AS SOON AS THE GAS PEDAL IS DEPRESSED (OR EVEN, ACTUALLY, TOUCHED AT ALL). BECAUSE OF THE VERY STEEP INCLINE, BY THE TIME I HAD ENOUGH REVS TO ENGAGE THE CLUTCH, MY CAR HAD ROLLED BACK INTO THE STREET BEHIND ME. FORTUNATELY NO VEHICLE WAS PASSING AT THE TIME, THOUGH A SERIOUS ACCIDENT COULD HAVE OCCURRED. I HAVE NOTICED THAT THE ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE NEEDS TO BE MANUALLY DISENGAGED IF THE DRIVER SEATBELT IS UNFASTENED, PRESUMABLY AS A REMINDER TO FASTEN THE SEATBELT. IN THE FUTURE IN A SIMILAR DRIVING SITUATION I WOULD BE TEMPTED TO UNFASTEN MY SEATBELT BEFORE ATTEMPTING THE STEEP HILL START, WHICH WOULD BE THE LESS DANGEROUS OF TWO DANGEROUS OPTIONS. I EMAILED SUBARU TO POINT OUT THE PROBLEM AND ASK WHETHER IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE TO MODIFY THESE VEHICLES SUCH THAT THE PARKING BRAKE IS ALWAYS CONTROLLABLE BY THE DRIVER. MY CONCERN WAS DISMISSED, SEEMINGLY WITHOUT MUCH CONSIDERATION. I LIVE IN AN AREA WHERE STEEP HILLS ARE THE NORM, AND HAVE ALWAYS DRIVEN A MANUAL TRANSMISSION CAR WITHOUT INCIDENT, BUT THE ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE ON MY NEW CAR PRESENTS A SERIOUS HAZARD. I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THIS ADDRESSED BEFORE SOMEONE IS INJURED OR KILLED. *TR
Jul 29, 2011
STEERING,SUSPENSION,TIRES,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
PURCHASED MY 2011 OUTBACK IN JULY IF LAST YEAR. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS DUE TO A VIBRATION IN THE STEERING AND THUMPING IN THE TIRES...ALMOST LIKE THERE WAS FLAT SPOTS IN THE TIRES. THEY FIRST TOLD ME IT WAS FLAT SPOTS AND IT MAY TAKE UP TO 3000 MILES BEFORE IT WOULD QUIT, HOWEVER IT NEVER DID AND GOT WORSE. I TOOK IT BACK 2 MORE TIMES AND THEY FINALLY DID A FORCE BALANCE AND PUT A VIBRATION KIT ON THE STEERING. MY STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT VIBRATE/SHIMMY ANY LONGER, HOWEVER THE REST OF THE CAR STILL DOES. THEY HAD TO REPLACE 2 OF THE TIRES AFTER SEVERAL FORCE BALANCES. I HAVE TOLD THEM THAT THE CAR STILL HAS THE THUMPING...YOU CAN"T HEAR IT, BUT YOU FEEL IT, AND THE VIBRATION IS STILL THERE. YOU DON'T NOTICE IT AS MUCH AT A LOWER SPEED, BUT WHEN YOUR SPEED INCREASES YOU SURE CAN. THEY ARE TELLING ME THERE IS NOTHING ELSE THEY CAN DO. HOW IS THAT? IT WAS A BRAND NEW CAR, AND I CALLED THEM AND LET THEM KNOW OF THE PROBLEM RIGHT OFF. THEY HAVE TRIED TO FIX THE PROBLEM, BUT IT'S STILL THERE. THIS IS A $30,000 VEHICLE, AND IS A LEMON. I NEED TO KNOW WHAT I CAN DO. I KNOW IT'S BEEN ALMOST A YEAR, BUT AS I SAID EVERY TIME I MENTION IT AT MY OIL CHANGES THEY TELL ME THERE IS NOTHING MORE I CAN DO. I HAVE LISTED MY PERSONAL INFORMATION BELOW. ANY INFORMATION OR SUGGESTIONS WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. [XXX]- CAR IS IN MY HUSBAND NAME [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Jun 28, 2011
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG SWITCH IRREGULARLY CHANGES STATE WITH LIGHTER OCCUPANT. THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT SHOWS OFF EVEN THOUGH OCCUPANT IS WITHIN LIMITS STIPULATED VERBALLY BY SUBARU SALESMAN. THE INDICATOR LIGHT CHANGES STATE WITH OCCUPANT IN SEAT, EVEN THOUGH THE OCCUPANT REMAINED COMPLETELY STILL.
Apr 10, 2011
STEERING,TIRES
1 complaint
2011 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5I LIMITED PURCHASED AUG 10, 2010. NOTICED STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION FROM TIME OF PURCHASE, ASSUMED IT WAS JUST ME GETTING USED TO DRIVING THE CAR. A WEEK LATER EVEN MORE NOTICEABLE, BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE DEALER. CHECKED BALANCE, FOUND TWO TIRES OUT OF ROUND. REPLACED THOSE TIRES (TSB 05-50-10), REBALANCED - VIBRATION STILL THERE. DEALER THEN INSTALLED VIBRATION KIT (TSB 05-48-10), VIBRATION PERSISTS. HEAD OF SERVICE STATED HE DID NOT NOTICE VIBRATION AT 65MPH, TECH TAKEN FOR RIDE WITH THIS OWNER (OWNER DROVE CAR - AVERAGE SPEED 70-75MPH). TECH OBSERVED VIBRATION, STATED "THIS SHOULDN'T BE LIKE THAT ON A NEW CAR." AWAITING RESPONSE FROM SERVICE MANAGER ON NEXT STEPS. IN THE COURSE OF A MONTH, MY CAR HAS SPENT 5 DAYS AT THE DEALERSHIP! VERY DISAPPOINTED IN SUBARU AT THIS TIME! *TR
Sep 21, 2010
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
VEHICLE STALLED OUT WHILE IN SECOND GEAR. LOST ALL POWER, PLUS POWER STEERING AND BRAKING. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IT HAS HAPPENED. IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN SHORTLY AFTER TURNING VEHICLE ON AND AIR CONDITIONING IS ON. THIS HAPPENED WHILE I WAS ABOUT TO MAKE A TURN. I QUICKLY CLUTCHED AND TURNED THE VEHICLE BACK ON TO AVOID CRASHING. *TR
Aug 08, 2010
4.2/5.0
101 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 2011 SUBARU Outback have?

The 2011 SUBARU Outback currently has 647 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 2011 SUBARU Outback?

The most common problems reported for the 2011 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 2011 SUBARU Outback problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2011 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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