2013 SUBARU Outback Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
291
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
ENGINE
44 complaints
According to my mechanic, the Engine Cradle is severly corroded and needs to be replaced. According to Subaru, today December 4, 2024, Subaru inspected my vehicle and determined it was badly corroded. I have pictures to show this and the report from Subaru showing they did look at this corrosion. I had wanted Subaru to replace the Engine Cradle because of the damage. They claimed the car was out of Warranty and was 12 years old. Even so, that much corrosion should not have happened.
Dec 04, 2024
We bought this around June 2018 with ~96,000 miles. I change oil every 6 months or 6,000 miles with OEM filters and Mobil 1 0w-30 oil. This car has burned 1/2 to 3/4 of oil initially. After 140,000 miles it climbed to over 1 1/2 quarts between changes. I had repeated O2 sensor codes and sensor replacements and finally catalytic converter codes. Replaced the converter around 160,000 miles. I took off the intake manifold after seeing excessive oil deposits under the throttle body. There's was over 1/8" of caked oil inside the manifold and butterfly valves. I'm very confused as to why the class action lawsuit didn't cover my Serial number. I checked this before buying the car and incorrectly assumed all the affected cars were included in the recall/repair process.
Jul 20, 2024
The contact owned a 2013 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the contact's residential driveway, the contact noticed the smoke exiting from the hood area of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was on fire. The fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. A fire report was filed. The vehicle remained at the contact's residence. The vehicle was condemned to total loss. The contact stated that as a result of the fire, the contact's residential driveway was damaged and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Jul 01, 2024
Piston rings are defective heavy oil consumption caused my engine to seize with only 150,000 miles
May 16, 2024
I had 2 dealerships look at my vehicle and both gave me an answer that is blowing me off. As now I have seen it’s a major issue with a lot of people. Oil consumption progressively increased until it was 2 burning 2 quarts of oil for every fill up. That’s ridiculous especially when I was very religious about taking care of my vehicle. I cannot understand how a manufacturer can get away with not issuing a recall to fix their major known problem. It took me awhile to complain and the vehicle has been sitting for awhile now. It only has 145,000 miles on it. I bought a Subaru with taking care of it, keeping up with maintenance and it should have lasted in my opinion at least 200,000 miles. When you pay good money for a product and take care of it you certainly hope it lasts longer than it did. I hope others complain enough that they are forced to do something about it. I am not going to hold my breath. I am sure will not be made to take care of their issues. Know this, I’ll NEVER waste my money on another subraru EVER again! Thanks for letting me vent.
Jul 22, 2023
+ 39 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
36 complaints
At all speeds vehicle shudders when letting off accelerator then nearly stalls. This is extremely dangerous when entering expressways or crossing oncoming vehicles. Dealer identified transmission as the problem and could reproduce, but not determine reason. Said drive until Check Engine light comes on then bring back. Light has never lit up. Dealer says Subaru stopped using this transmission because of problems, but is not allowed to rebuild or repair transmission. Says it cannot get new or rebuilt transmission from Subaru or anyone else just from totaled car auction. Dealership is offering $2500 trade in. This problem is well documented online regarding 2013 Subaru Outback’s with 2.5L engine.
Nov 28, 2023
Like many other Subaru Outback owners, the torque converter, valve body tied to the transmission has put my Subaru out of commission at only 127k miles. There are many listservs and threads of Subaru owners who were duped by Subarus marketing of Subarus lasting into 200k miles who only reached half that because of these faulty transmissions and like myself have experienced car shuttering, stalling, and having to tow and chunk their allegedly safe cars that died half into their marketed lifespan. These cars are unsafe, have left my stranded and needing a tow and with many costly repairs https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion-t37876_ds770713
Jun 28, 2023
Valve body on transmission is bad. Apparently this is a common occurrence, unfortunately I’m over the extended warranty they put on the car when they new they had a problem. Why wasn’t this a recall
Jan 03, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, she heard an error alert with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.
May 17, 2022
2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. ENTIRE SET OF WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON FIVE MINUTES AFTER STARTED DRIVING VEHICLE. MECHANIC SAID TO HAVE IT TOWED. DIAGNOSIS: CVT TRANSMISSION TOTALLY FRIED AT A MERE 106,600. SHOULD BE ABLE TO GET A LOT MORE MILES FROM THIS TRANSMISSION. LEMON LAW BUT SHOULD BE A RECALL. $8000 REPAIR BILL.
Oct 13, 2020
+ 31 more complaints for this component
STEERING
27 complaints
Power steering failed while driving. Power steering fluid had all leaked out. Luckily car was at a very low speed as steering was quite difficult. Repaired at Subaru dealer who discovered a leak in a metal high pressure line. There was no evidence of external damage to pressure line. Photo showed a hairline crack at the outside of a 90° bend, thus probably a manufacturing defect. Dealer replaced entire steering rack.
Jul 10, 2021
DIRECTIONAL STABILITY; DIFFICULT TO KEEP CAR CENTERED IN LANE; WANDERS OFF FROM WHERE STEERING IS SET; STEERING WILL NOT CENTER, BUT WILL STAY IN A GENTLE CURVE BY ITSELF UNTIL CORRECTED, THEN WILL WANDER OFF CENTER AGAIN. CONTRIBUTING TO PROBLEM IS TOO MUCH FORCE IS REQUIRED IN A STEERING ACTION TO CORRECT A WANDER CAUSING A SLIGHT OVERSHOOT WHICH NO MATTER HOW CAREFULLY CONTROLLED, CANNOT KEEP THE CAR GOING IN THE CORRECT DIRECTION, WHETHER IN A CURVE OR KEEPING STRAIGHT. THE FASTER THE CAR IS GOING, NATURALLY THE MORE INTENSE THE PROBLEM BECOMES. THE CONSTANT ATTENTION REQUIRED TO ADJUSTING STEERING IS FATIGUING AND HENCE THE CAR IS INHERENTLY UNSAFE. DEALER AND INDEPENDENTS HAVE ALWAYS SAID NO PROBLEM FOUND; ALIGNMENTS MAKE NO DIFFERENCE, NEW TIRES MAKE NO DIFFERENCE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, AN ENGINEERING FLAW, AND/OR AN ATTEMPT TO HIDE ANOTHER MORE SERIOUS SAFETY OR DRIVABILITY ISSUE. SUBJECTIVELY IT SEEMS TO BE GETTING WORSE OVER TIME.
Mar 27, 2020
FROM THE DAY WE BOUGHT IT, THE CAR WANDERS LEFT AND RIGHT, NOTICEABLY AT SPEEDS ABOVE 40 MPH, REQUIRING CONSTANT STEERING WHEEL CORRECTIONS IN BOTH DIRECTIONS.
Feb 22, 2019
MY ORB WAS WORKING FULL TIME THAN JUST QUIT WITH WHEELS STRAIGHT, BUT WOULD WORK WITH QUARTER TURN AND NOW WON'T WORK AT ALL
Jan 14, 2019
OUR 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK WAS TWO YEARS OLD WHEN THE TILT STEERING FEATURE WOULD NOT STAY LOCKED INTO PLACE. THE STEERING COLUMN FOR THE TILT STEERING WOULD NOT STAY LOCKED AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD DROP WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR WHERE WE WERE TOLD THAT INTERNAL LOCKING MECHANISM HAD BROKEN AND THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. WHICH IT WAS REPLACED AND HAD HELD IN PLACE. IN MARCH OF 2018 THE TILT STEERING WOULD ONCE AGAIN NOT STAY LOCKED INTO PLACE CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO DROP WHILE IN MOTION. IT WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME DEALERSHIP, WHERE WE WERE TOLD THE SAME EXACT THING HAD HAPPENED AGAIN AND WOULD REQUIRE THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN TO BE REPLACED. THE BIGGEST CONCERN HERE IS SAFETY. THE STEERING COLUMN DROPPING WHILE THE CAR IS MOVING PUTS THE DRIVER AND ANYONE ELSE ON THE ROAD AT RISK. WE WERE NEVER PROVIDED A PLAUSIBLE EXPLANATION AS TO WHY THIS HAPPENED TO THE CAR NOT ONCE BUT TWICE. THE EXPLANATION GIVEN FOR THE REOCCURRING PROBLEM WAS 'NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR FROM USING THE TILT FEATURE TOO MUCH.' WE HAVE HAD OTHER SUBARU OUTBACKS WITH THE TILT STEERING FEATURE AND HAVE NOT EXPERIENCED ANY PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING WHEEL NOT LOCKING INTO PLACE.
Apr 11, 2018
+ 22 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS
27 complaints
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V001000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE OCEAN SUBARU LOCATED AT 1100 S. EUCLID ST, FULLERTON, CA 92832, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT HE WOULD RECEIVE AN EMAIL WHEN A LOANER VEHICLE WAS AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT RECEIVED THE EMAIL. 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.
Jul 10, 2020
SUBARU HAS FAILED TO COMPLY WITH THE TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL. I BEGAN BY CALLING THE PHONE NUMBER SUPPLIED ON THE RECALL LETTER, BUT THE OPERATOR THERE PROVIDED NO INFORMATION ABOUT ACCOMPLISHING THIS RECALL. I NEXT TRIED THE SUBARU WEBSITE, UNDER RECALLS. ALTHOUGH THE SITE PURPORTED TO PROVIDE A MECHANISM TO EFFECT THE RECALL, IN FACT IT DID NOT FUNCTION SUCH THAT I COULD SCHEDULE SUCH A REPAIR. THIRD, I TRIED EMAILING SUBARU. AS OF THIS WRITING I HAVE HAD NO RESPONSE. FINALLY, I TRIED CALLING THE SUBARU 800 NUMBER. THEY WERE UNABLE (OR UNWILLING) TO PROVIDE INFORMATION TO EFFECT THE REPAIR.
Feb 21, 2020
WE RECENTLY HAD OUR VEHICLE SERVICE FOR THE TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO US, WE FOUND A PLASTIC CLIP/FASTENER ON ONE OF THE FLOOR MATS, SEE ATTACHED PHOTOS. WE ARE LEFT WONDERING WHERE THIS COMPONENT BELONGS, ITS FUNCTION, WHETHER OR NOT THERE IS A SAFETY CONCERN, AND HOW WE SHOULD PROCEED.
Oct 09, 2019
2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. *LD *JS
Jun 28, 2019
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V008000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. PINE BELT SUBARU (1104 NJ-88, LAKEWOOD, NJ 08701, (732) 719-4521) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Jun 11, 2019
+ 22 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
12 complaints
Strapped kayak to roof rack. Roof rack ripped off car while in traffic. Kayak went flying and was hit by a truck.
Mar 04, 2024
Key gets stuck in the ignition. There was a recall on multiple models/years due to ignition switch failure. Mine included, but apparently not my particular car. Have read that car engine can cut off, causing a major safety issue. Brought to dealer, they say they found nothing wrong.This issue has been ongoing since January.
Jul 22, 2023
Driving down interstate and the sunroof suddenly explodes. Thank goodness the shade was closed. In photo below we have covered it with plastic until I find someone to repair. Auto glass companies said they do not replace sunroofs. I am taking to dealer tomorrow.
Jan 11, 2023
Driving back to work, the seat belt alarm started chiming. I noticed the airbag light was on for the passenger side along with this chime. Looking it up, I see recalls for the ODS system in later years than my vehicle, but not yet for the year of mine. No incident occurred.
Oct 23, 2022
The backup camera began to malfunction (not work) intermittently until it stopped working altogether.
Jun 26, 2021
+ 7 more complaints for this component
VISIBILITY/WIPER
8 complaints
I AM INITIATING THIS COMPLAINT BECAUSE THE RECALL FOR THE BELOW SPECIFIED PROBLEM REMAINS UNCOMPLETED, WHEN IN FACT IT HAS BEEN FIXED AND REMAINS UNPROBLEMATIC. MOREOVER, I HAVE REPAIRED THE RECALL PROBLEM REGARDING THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR ON MY VEHICLE, MYSELF, WITH MY OWN MONEY, WITH PARTS SUPPLIED BY THE SUBARU DEALER. PLEASE CLEAR THE STATUS OF THE RECALL NOTICE TO REFLECT COMPLETED REPAIRS. CONSIDER THIS LETTER AN AFFIDAVIT CONFIRMING THAT, I AS THE OWNER, HAVE DONE THE REPAIRS FOR WHICH I AM COMPLETELY WITHIN LEGAL RIGHT TO PERFORM ON THE ABOVE MENTIONED VEHICLE.
Nov 04, 2017
I HAVE A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK PURCHASED CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED FROM SUBARU DEALERSHIP IN SACRAMENTO IN APRIL 2014. THE FRONT WINDSHIELD HAS CRACKED THREE TIMES IN LESS THAN TWO YEARS. I'VE REPLACED IT TWICE, ALL PAID OUT OF POCKET. WHILE THERE APPEARS TO BE A POINT WHERE THE CRACK STARTS, IF A ROCK OR DEBRIS HIT THE WINDOW IT WASN'T OBSERVED OR HEARD. ALL CRACKS HAVE OCCURRED ON THE OUTSIDE EDGE OF THE WINDOW AND SPLINTER INWARD. HERE IS THE HISTORY OF THE DAMAGE: OCTOBER 8, 2015 - REPLACED CRACKED WINDSHIELD (PD $324.87) JUNE 15, 2016 - REPLACED CRACKED WINDSHIELD (PD $326.80) AUGUST 7, 2017 - NEW CRACK APPEARED WHILE DRIVING OUT OF COSTCO PARKING LOT (BEGAN INVESTIGATING ISSUE) AUGUST 14, 2017 - ANOTHER CRACK APPEARED WHILE LEAVING PUBLIC PARKING LOT IN DOWNTOWN SACRAMENTO I HAVE YET TO REPLACE THE CURRENT DAMAGED WINDSHIELD. I VISITED THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE THIS AFTERNOON AND SPOKE TO THE SERVICE MANAGER. I WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULDN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT AND TO CONTACT THEIR CUSTOMER DEALER SERVICES NUMBER (OFFICE IN NEW JERSEY).
Aug 17, 2017
WHILE DRIVING THE COVER OF THE SUNGLASS HOLDER POPPED OPEN. THE OUTBACK HAS A SUNGLASS HOLDER LOCATED RIGHT BELOW THE CENTER REAR VIEW MIRROR. THERE ARE TWO TINY CLIPS THAT HOLD THE COVER OF THIS THIS HOLDER CLOSED. THE CLIPS HAVE FAILED AND THE COVER REMAINS OPEN. THIS MAY SEEM LIKE A TRIVIAL PROBLEM, BUT IT OBSTRUCTS PART OF THE MIRROR. THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ON THIS CONDITION. IF YOU DO A GOOGLE SEARCH ON <SUBARU "SUNGLASS HOLDER" PROBLEM>, YOU WILL FIND PAGES OF COMPLAINTS FOR THE OUTBACK, LEGACY AND FORESTER MODELS.I AM NOT SURE WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN I FLIP THE MIRROR TO NIGHT MODE, BUT I THINK IT WILL OBLITERATE THE VIEW ENTIRELY. EXAMPLES CAN BE SEEN AT: HTTP://WWW.SUBARUOUTBACK.ORG/FORUMS/66-PROBLEMS-MAINTENANCE/79345-2013-SUNGLASS-HOLDER-NOT-WORKING.HTML
May 27, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V694000 (VISIBILITY) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Feb 01, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHEN THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE ACTIVATED, THE WIPERS FAILED TO OPERATE. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V694000 (VISIBILITY). THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 45,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Dec 07, 2016
+ 3 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES
7 complaints
Over time, brake pedal travel has increased and brakes have a ‘soft’ or ‘mushy’ feel. Unable to ‘lock up’ the brakes, and can frequently hit the end of travel on the brakes. Cannot stop quickly. Rotors, pads and calipers have been replaced and passed state inspection, but still unable to stop quickly in an emergency situation.
Sep 08, 2023
The electronic parking brake warning light keeps flashing indicating a failure in the off-on mechanism. The brake could go on while the car is in motion, causing loss of control. Or the brake could fail while in park, and the car could roll. Subaru mechanic has been telling me they are waiting for a part, which is on back order nationwide. This has been going on with my car for months, literally. I deal with Subaru of Rockville, MD, (240)903-9338.
Mar 30, 2023
The brakes are spongy and the car doesn't stop properly. We've had repairs done and took it to the dealership and they tell us nothing is wrong.
Dec 06, 2021
BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER IS FAILING, ACCORDING TO SUBARU SERVICE MECHANIC. PRIOR 4 YEARS OF SAME MODEL WERE UNDER RECALL FOR MASTER CYLINDER DEFECT, REPLACEMENT. THIS IS TECHNICALLY THE SAME PROBLEM. SUBARU HAS PROVIDED FREE REPLACEMENTS FOR SOME 2013 OWNERS WHO HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH MASTER CYLINDER. SEAL IN MC IS BROKEN.
Mar 09, 2021
BRAKE LIGHT FLASHES AND PARKING BRAKE DOES NOT FUNCTION
Aug 31, 2020
+ 2 more complaints for this component
SEATS
6 complaints
Electronic seat recliner motor (outer bushing) noise when reclining, but Kendall Subaru in Eugene saying motor can not be fixed (defective design), only replaced with another (defective) motor @ cost near $1,000. Seat then stuck all the way back; even with seat headrest behind my back (w/sweaters on top of it even) driving comfort/visibility are not as good. [This entire electronic seat recliner motor system is inferior/defective to begin with vs. a typical manual seat reclining lever design, for at least the following reasons: 1) much slower/less easy to operate 2) plastic activation buttons easily break off 3) much less reliable, where manual lever system safety & other problems are almost unheard of 4) much more costly].
Dec 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that after driving for about two hours, she switched seats with her boyfriend. While her boyfriend was driving, there was an abnormal odor present. The contact noticed smoke under the front passenger seat. The driver was able to pull over to the side of the road. There were no warning indicator lights illuminated. The driver attempted to put out the fire. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire and disconnect the battery. The contact removed the passenger seat fuse. The passenger seat was jammed. A police report was filed. There were no reported injuries. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 173,400.
Feb 15, 2022
THE HEADREST POINTS AT A HARSH ANGLE FORWARD AND MAY CAUSE SEVERE NECK INJURY. TWO SEPERATE INCIDENTS: 1. MOVING FORWARD AT A LEFT TURN ANGLE, CARS HITTING EACH OTHERS RT FRONT. RESULT BRAIN STEM HEMORRHAGE AND BILATERAL HEMATOMA. APRIL 3, 2018 2. STOPPED IN TRAFFIC HIT FROM THE REAR. RESULT NECK STRAIN. MAY 10, 2018 *TT *TR
Jun 01, 2018
I TOOK THE CAR INTO DEALERSHIP SERVICE TO REPORT AN ELECTRICAL DRAIN ON THE BATTERY, REQUIRING THE CAR TO BE JUMPED STARTED IF LEFT SEVERAL DAYS PARKED. SERVICE DEPARTMENT TESTED ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND REPLACED THE BATTERY. CAR WAS PARKED IN THEIR LOT FOR SEVERAL HOURS AND ON RETURN THE CAR WAS WAS FOUND TO BE HEAVILY DAMAGED BY SMOKE AND FIRE FROM PASSENGER SEAT. THE CAR WAS TOTALED BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY.
May 12, 2017
THERE IS NO SPECIFIC DATE NOR WAS THERE AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS A CHRONIC PROBLEM. DUE TO THE NEW DESIGN OF SEATS AND HEAD RESTRAINT I AM NOW IN PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR CHRONIC HEAD AND NECK PAIN. STARTED A COUPLE OF WEEKS AFTER I BOUGHT MY NEW CAR. HAD DOCTOR APPT, HEAD SCAN AND NOW PHYSICAL THERAPY. I BELIEVE THE SCOOPED SEATS DO NOT ALLOW FOR AN IMPERFECT SHAPE. MY RIGHT LEG IS NOW LEGGED AND I SIT AT A TURN I. THE SEAT WHICH PUTS A LOT OF STRAIN ON MY SPINE IN THE OVER SHAPED SEAT. MOSTLY THE NEW HEAD RESTRAINT IN RELATION TO THE SHOULDER POSITION OF THE SEAT PUTS A LOT OF STRAIN ON MY NECK. I AM TAKING IBUPROFEN EVERYDAY AND THE PAIN IS A REAL DISTRACTION TO MY WORK AND DAILY LIFE. I PROVIDE ANESTHESIA FULL TIME AND NEED TO BE AT MY BEST FOR THIS LINE OF WORK RATHER THAN IN PHYSICAL THERAPY. THIS ALSO COSTS MONEY AND TAKES AWAY FROM ENJOYING MY LIFE. FOR A FEW MONTHS I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE AN OLDER CAR 80% OF THE TIME AND FOUND THE ACHING WENT AWAY. I ONLY DRIVE LESS THAN TEN MINUTES TO WORK. *TR
Sep 15, 2013
+ 1 more complaint for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
6 complaints
BACK UP CAMERA FAILURE! The camera in the lift gate get corrosion and stops working! the safety of people walking behind the vehicle.
Jan 03, 2023
BACKUP CAMERA SHOWS BLUE SCREEN AND BACKUP GUIDE LINES BUT NO CAMERA IMAGE WHEN TRANSMISSION IS PLACED IN REVERSE. OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY. CAN OCCUR EITHER WHEN VEHICLE IS STATIONARY (E.G., IMMEDIATELY ON PUTTING CAR IN REVERSE) OR IN THE MIDDLE OF BACKING UP. SOMETIMES CAMERA IMAGE WILL COME BACK ON MOMENTARILY OR NOT AT ALL. THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE HAS THE CAMERA DISPLAY INTEGRATED WITH THE REAR VIEW MIRROR. HOWEVER, THE CAUSE OF THE FAULT IS UNKNOWN TO ME, AND I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO IDENTIFY A PATTERN OF OCCURRENCE. CAMERA IMAGE IS CLEAR AND CRISP WHEN IT DOES APPEAR SO THE PROBLEM IS PRESUMABLY EITHER SOFTWARE RELATED OR PERHAPS A WIRING FAULT. STARTED OCCURRING SEVERAL YEARS AGO.
Sep 11, 2020
WHILE DRIVING MY SUBARU OUTBACK 2013 2.5I PREMIUM MODEL, BRAKE LIGHT, CRUISE CONTROL, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING IN THE DASHBOARD. TOOK IT TO A DEALER AND I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS BODY VALVE FAILURE INSIDE TRANSMISSION. IT WAS FIXED (SUBARU PAID $1,500 AND I CONTRIBUTED $300 FOR THE REPAIR) BY A SUBARU DEALER. YET, TEN DAYS LATER THE SAME THREE LIGHTS WENT ON. THE DEALER SAID IT WAS DIFFERENT PROBLEMS, CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND O2 SENSORS, QUOTED $1,800. LEFT THE DEALER WITHOUT FIXING THE PROBLEMS. IT SEEMS THAT MY CAR WAS NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS TYPE OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. I SAW THE EXACTLY SAME COMPLAINTS POSTED BY OTHER USER IN VIRGINIA (REFER TO NHTSA ID NUMBER: 11204834).
May 02, 2019
WHILE DRIVING THE CAR ON A CITY STREET THE BRAKE LIGHT, CRUISE CONTROL, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING IN THE DASHBOARD. CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT WORK DURING THIS. CAR SEEMS TO RUN FINE BUT WARNING LIGHTS CONTINUE TO FLASH
Apr 30, 2019
ELDERLY WOMAN NEARLY RAN US OFF THE ROAD. HORN WOULDN'T WORK. BARELY AVOIDED CRASH. RELIABLE SUBARU IN SPRINGFIELD, MO CHARGED US $117 FOR DIAGNOSTIC AND DIDN'T FIX: NO PART ON HAND. IF I HAD OKAYED, IT WOULD HAVE COST ANOTHER $548 TO REPAIR, TOTAL OF $665 TO FIX WHAT I REGARD AS A SAFETY ISSUE. ART FLETCHER SUBARU IN JOPLIN, MO REPAIRED FOR $237. MY OPINION: THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT SUBARU SHOULD PAY FOR. HORN PROBLEMS WITH SUBARU ARE COMMONPLACE.
Oct 25, 2017
+ 1 more complaint for this component
SUSPENSION
6 complaints
THE SUBARU CANNOT HOLD THE ROAD AND VEERS WITHIN THE LANE ALMOST CREATING ACCIDENTS WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED THREE WEEKS AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR THAT A PROBLEM EXISTED. THE CAR WAS TAKEN INTO THE DEALER AND THE SERVICE MANAGER DROVE THE CAR AND AGREED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM WAS HYPOTHESIZED TO BE DUE TO THE REAR SUSPENSION SYSTEM. SUBARU WAS NOTIFIED BECAUSE THE CAR IS UNDER WARRANTY AND THE PROBLEM MAY BE A DESIGN FLAW, BUT THE REQUEST WAS DENIED TO HAVE THE PROBLEM RESOLVED. I PERSONALLY NOTIFIED SUBARU AND FILED A COMPLAINT, BUT ONCE AGAIN THEY WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE A PROBLEM. THE CAR IS UNSAFE AND ITS CONSTANT WANDERING MOTION IS IMMINENT FOR AN ACCIDENT. IT IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT NEEDS ACTION. *TR
Jul 03, 2013
VEHICLE DOES NOT HANDLE WELL ON THE HIGHWAY/INTERSTATE. SEEMS TO DRIFT AND WANDER. I HAVE DRIVEN MANY VEHICLES AND THIS IS THE FIRST VEHICLE THAT I HAVE OWNED THAT I HAVE HAD THIS EXPERIENCE WITH. I PURCHASED MY FIRST 2013 THAT WASN'T WHAT I WANTED SO THEY ORDERED THE SAME VEHICLE WITHE EVERYTHING I WANTED. BOTH OF THESE OUTBACKS DID THE VERY SAME THINGS SINCE DAY ONE. ON A NON-WINDY DAY IT IS IF A DRUNK DRIVER IS DRIVING, ALWAYS HAVING TO CORRECT THE STEERING. ON A WINDY DAY IT IS NEAR IMPOSSIBLE TO STAY IN YOUR OWN LANE PROPERLY. *TR
Apr 04, 2013
VEHICLE SWAYS AND DRIFTS IN LANE ON NON-WINDY DAY. WINDY DAYS MADE IF IMPOSSIBLE TO STAY IN LANE PROPERLY. 50+ MPH SPEEDS SEEMED TO BE WHERE/WHEN AFFECTED. I LATER TRADED THIS VEHICLE IN ON ANOTHER OUTBACK WITH MORE OPTIONS. THAT OUTBACK DOES THE VERY SAME THING. IT IS AS IF A DRUNK DRIVER IS BEHIND THE WHEEL. *TR
Apr 04, 2013
DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SEEMS TO DRIFT BACK AND FORTH IN THE LANE, FORCING THE DRIVER TO CONTINUALLY MAKE STEERING CORRECTIONS, NEVER DRIVING IN A COMPLETELY STRAIGHT LINE. THIS HAS HAPPENED SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW. *TR
Apr 02, 2013
VEHICLE SUSPENSION DOES NOT CONTROL VEHICLE DURING FREEWAY SPEED DRIVING. VEHICLE EXPERIENCES LARGE LEFT-RIGHT SWAY MOTIONS ON WAVY PAVEMENT AT FREEWAY SPEEDS AND LARGE UNCONTROLLED VEHICLE MOTIONS UP-DOWN AT FREEWAY SPEEDS. VEHICLE IS HARD TO CONTROL DURING OCCURRENCES AND NEEDS CONSTANT STEERING CORRECTIONS AS RESULT OF LARGE SUSPENSION MOTIONS. ALSO DUE TO THE POORLY DAMPED SUSPENSION, BRAKING DISTANCES ARE LONG. CAR DOES NOT SLOW DOWN AS EXPECTED, ESPECIALLY WHEN VEHICLE IS UNDERGOING A LARGE SUSPENSION ARTICULATION. SEVERAL MONTHS AGO, MY VEHICLE WAS INITIALLY TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP TO VERIFY PROBLEM, BUT, DEALERSHIP MECHANIC SAID VEHICLE BEHAVES W/ IN SPEC AND LIKE OTHER VEHICLES. I RECENTLY TOOK MY VEHICLE IN FOR ANOTHER ISSUE, BUT, RECEIVED A LOANER VEHICLE IDENTICAL TO MY VEHICLE. THE LOANER VEHICLE DOES NOT RESPOND IN THE SAME MANNER AS MY VEHICLE. LOANER VEHICLE EXHIBITS WELL DAMPED SUSPENSION CONTROL AND NEGLIGIBLE BODY MOTIONS. BRAKING DISTANCES ARE MUCH BETTER ON THE LOANER VEHICLE LARGELY DUE TO THE WELL DAMPED SUSPENSION. THE LOANER VEHICLE IS SIGNIFICANTLY EASIER TO DRIVE THAN MY VEHICLE. MY VEHICLE IS STILL CURRENTLY AT THE DEALERSHIP BEING REVIEWED BY SUBARU OF AMERICA'S TECHNICAL ADVISOR. *TR
Apr 01, 2013
+ 1 more complaint for this component
STRUCTURE
5 complaints
The subframe has deteriorated beyond repair. This is our sixth Subaru Outback, either owned or leased, all in the same geographic area, housed 90% of the time in a covered garage. This is not normal wear and tear. The vehicle is dangerous, as inspected by a local independent service center that has serviced the car regularly for years. I have reported this to Subaru Corporate, citing that the substandard quality of the subframe has been a known issue on Subaru Outback earlier models and received a reply that Subaru would assume no responsibility whatsoever. There was no warning whatsoever. The issue was discovered during a routine service visit. The problem appeared in late July 2024. I attempted to contact Subaru two times with no response. I finally received a response in late October 2024.
Nov 06, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a clunking sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was pulling to the right while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the sub-frame had fractured due to severe rust. The subframe was replaced and the failure was remedied. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 153,800.
Oct 19, 2021
REAR CENTER BRAKE LIGHT LEAKS EVERY TIME IT SPRINKLES AND RAINS CAUSING WATER TO POUR INTO THE REAR COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE AS WELL AS CAUSING RUST IN THE TAILGATE AND OTHER AREAS. ALSO CAUSING MOISTURE AND MOLD IN THE CAR.
Nov 23, 2020
DRIVER'S DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE DURING SUB-FREEZING TEMPERATURES. FRONT PASSENGER DOOR AND REAR DOORS ARE NOT AFFECTED AND OPERATE AS DESIGNED. THE DANGER, OF COURSE, IS NOT BEING ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE WHEN SAFETY REQUIRES AN EXIT. CYCLING THE POWER LOCKS DOES NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. HAVE NOT TRIED THE BACK-UP METAL KEY THAT FITS THE EXTERIOR LOCK ONLY. DRIVER'S DOOR WILL EITHER NOT OPEN AT ALL OR MAY OPEN ONLY 3" OR SO. IF IT DOES OPEN 3", THEN REPEATED ATTEMPTS MAY CAUSE IT TO FULLY OPEN.
Feb 09, 2019
2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO POOR QUALITY MADE TIE DOWNS IN CARGO AREA OF VEHICLE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE TOOK THE VEHICLE FOR ITS 7500 MILE SERVICE, HE SHOWED THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE THE BROKEN TIE DOWN. THE CONSUMER STATED IT BROKE, WHEN HE TIED HIS 50LB DOG TO IT. THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE STATED THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE IT, BECAUSE IT WAS NOT DESIGNED TO HANDLE THE TREMENDOUS STRESS OF A 50LB DOG. AFTER SOME DISCUSSION, THE CONSUMER SHOULD THE REPRESENTATIVE WHERE HE COULD EASILY BREAK THE TIE DOWN WITH HIS HAND. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE TIE DOWNS WERE ONLY DESIGNED TO HOLD A NET PUT OVER GROCERIES TO KEEP THEM FROM SLIDING, CERTAINLY NOT FOR ANYTHING OF SUBSTANTIAL WEIGHT OR STRESS.
Feb 11, 2013
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
5 complaints
THIS CAR GUZZLES OIL, LIKE A QUART EVERY THOUSAND MILES MAKING IT A [XXX] CAR FOR ROAD TRIPS. I BOUGHT THIS FOR ROAD TRIPS SO THANKS SUBARU. IT HAS CVT ISSUES THAT SUBARU WON'T ACKNOWLEDGE OR REPAIR, DANGEROUS ONES TOO SUCH AS LOSS OF POWER WHILE IDLING, AND FEELING THE ENGINE IS GOING TO DIE WHEN IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
May 16, 2020
I HAVE A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK AND IT STUTTERS DRIVING BETWEEN 20-40 MPH. IT SEEMS TO LOOSE POWER WHEN DRIVING ON CITY STREETS. DOESN'T HAPPEN EVERY TIME
Sep 12, 2019
116,700 MILES AND NEED TO REPLACE VALVE BODY. CONCERN RAISED AT 83,000 MILES BUT WAS ADVISED TO FLUSH TRANSMISSION. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION TEMPERATURE WARNING LIGHT COMES ON EVERY SUMMER, AND CONCERN RAISED BUT WAS ONLY ADVISED TO PULL OVER AND LET IT COOL. ALSO HAVING PROBLEM WITH LOW ENGINE OIL WARNING AND NEED TO ADD 1 - 2 QUARTS BETWEEN 6000 MILE OIL CHANGE. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND THE SHORT BLOCK MAY NEED TO BE REPLACED TO REPAIR THIS
Jul 24, 2019
ABOUT EVERY 3,000 MILES, I HAVE REFILL ENGINE OIL TO REQUIRED LEVEL. ALL HAPPENED ON HIGHWAY - THE ENGINE CONSUMES TOO MUCH OIL
Aug 05, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,500.
Aug 25, 2014
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
5 complaints
WATER POURS INTO VEHICLE FROM CENTER REAR BRAKE LIGHT EVERY TIME IT RAINS. BLOOMINGTON SUBARU CONFIRMED ISSUE IS WATER LEAK VIA CENTER REAR BRAKE LIGHT. SOA CONTACTED, NO RESPONSE RECEIVED. ORIGINAL OWNER SINCE NEW, CURRENT MILEAGE IS 30,000. STILL LEAKS.
Dec 27, 2019
REPEATED LIGHTING FAILURES ON EXTERIOR LIGHTS ALL AROUND CAR. HAVE REPLACED HEADLIGHTS, TAIL AND SIDE LIGHTS REPEATEDLY AT MY COST. SOME COMPLETED AT DEALERSHIP, SOME COMPLETED AT HOME AFTER COST TOO MUCH.
Jan 17, 2018
VARIOUS EXTERNAL LIGHTS (EIGHT) HAVE NEEDED TO BE REPLACE. CAR HAS ONLY 50K MILES ON IT. UNSAFE TO DRIVE CAR AT NIGHT WHEN ONE OF THE HEADLIGHTS IS NON FUNCTIONAL. FLASHERS NOT FUNCTIONING IS NOT SAFE WHEN MAKING A TURN.
Aug 29, 2017
EXCESSIVE HEADLIGHT BULB FAILURE. REPLACEMENT OF BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES ON A MORE THAN ACCEPTABLE FREQUENCY. THIS HAS BEEN REPORTED TO DEALERSHIP VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED FROM NEW. BULBS HAVE BEEN REPLACED BY THEM AND ALSO BY MYSELF NUMEROUS TIMES SINCE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED OCTOBER 2012.
Apr 05, 2017
SINCE OWNING THIS VEHICLE, I HAVE REPLACED THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS FIVE TIMES, HIGH BEAMS THREE TIMES, FRONT RUNNING LIGHTS FOUR TIMES, REAR BRAKE LIGHTS TWICE, AND REAR RUNNING LIGHTS FIVE TIMES. SUBARU HAS OFFERED TO REIMBURSE ME FOR THE LIGHTS, BY SENDING THEM THE RECEIPTS. ALTHOUGH THIS IS ADMIRABLE, I'M WORRIED ABOUT ELECTRICAL FAILURES AND SMALL FIRES FROM SHORT CIRCUITS.
Mar 06, 2017
PARKING BRAKE
4 complaints
The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the parking brake warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that several other unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the parking brake had seized. The parking brake was released, and the vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer declined to inspect the vehicle due to a title alert for a total loss report. In addition, the contact stated that he had owned the vehicle for eight years, and the vehicle had been serviced at the same dealer for routine service. The contact was informed of an unknown recall repair; however, the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 154,500.
Sep 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the parking brake was applied, and the parking brake warning light was illuminated. The parking brake would not disengage when the contact attempted to drive the vehicle. The contact stated that the electric motor for the parking brake had failed. The contact crawled underneath the vehicle and rotated the electric motor 250 times as per the owner’s manual instructions. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Sep 07, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while entering the vehicle, her knee hit the button next to the center console labeled push on/push off parking brake which activated the parking brake. The contact was unable to turn off the button. The vehicle was taken to her son who works as an independent mechanic to release the activated parking brakes. The failure persisted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage is 116,067.
Jun 29, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER FAILED TO PROVIDE THE PART WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V626000 (PARKING BRAKE). THE CONTACT HAD BEEN WAITING OVER THREE MONTHS FOR THE PART. THE RECALL LETTER STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. GROOVE SUBARU (5300 S BROADWAY, ENGLEWOOD, CO 80113, (720) 279-9409) AND THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT KNOW WHEN THE PART WOULD BE AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT WAS WAITING ON THE MANUFACTURER TO DETERMINE A SOLUTION AND PROVIDE THE PART. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Feb 04, 2019
STEERING,SUSPENSION
4 complaints
* I detected a noise in the front end and an instability in the handling. My independent service mechanic found the cradle on the right front severely rusted out at the point where the control arm attaches. He had to condemn the vehicle. * My mechanic says that it could have resulted in a total loss of ability to steer. He says that he is unable to order the part from the manufacturer because so many are on back order. He is also unable to find any used ones. Finally, he says that in the last 3 months he has had to condemn 3 other Outbacks due to the same problem. THIS SOUNDS LIKE A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE TO ME. *Problem confirmed by my independent service center *No *No
May 29, 2024
WONDERS FROM SIDE TO SIDE. TOOK BACK TO DEALER THEY CHECK ALIGNMENT. SAID EVERYTHING WAS IN SPECTS. THERE WAS NO CHARGE THIS TIME FOR ALIGNMENT BUT WOULD NOT DO IT AGAIN FOR FREE. WE PURCHASED EXTENDED WARRANTY AT TIME OF PURCHASE. WHAT A WASTE! MY DAUGHTER AND SON-IN-LAW BORROWED IT LAST SUMMER. PUT 8000 MILES ON IT DRIVING ACROSS COUNTRY. HAD A TERRIBLE TIME KEEPING IT ON THE ROAD. THEY WHERE GOING TO BUY A OUTBACK BUT QUICKLY CHANGED THEIR MIND. CALLED DEALER AGAIN AND THE SERVICE MANGER TOLD ME TO CHANGE TIRES AND CROSS ROTATE THEM. I TOLD HIM WE ALREADY DID THAT AND MY HUSBAND CROSS ROTATED THEM. HE SAID THAT THERE WOULD BE A CHARGE TO LOOK AT IT. SINCE THEY DIDN'T DO ANYTHING THE FIRST TIME WHY PAY THEM MORE TO TELL ME IT IS IN SPECTS? I THINK THEY ARE WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO GET KILLED OR BE KILLED. THIS IS MOST DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Mar 22, 2015
WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OVER 40 IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO KEEP THE CAR CENTERED IN A LANE. THE DEALER CHECKED AND CORRECTED THE ALIGNMENT WITH LITTLE OR NO IMPROVEMENT. THE SERVICE REP DID ADMIT THAT OUTBACKS DO WANDER. EMAIL SENT TO SUBARU HAS APPARENTLY BEEN IGNORED. THIS IS AN UNSAFE CONDITION IN OUR CROWDED INTERSTATES. *TR
Jul 30, 2014
THE STEERING OF MY NEW SUBARU OUTBACK SEEMS TO WANDER ON THE ROAD. IT IS A CHALLENGE TO KEEP THIS BRAND NEW VEHICLE BETWEEN THE LINES OR IN A PARTICULAR LANE OF THE ROAD. VEHICLE WANDERS / DRIFTS TO LEFT AND / OR RIGHT, WILL NOT TRACK STRAIGHT AND DOES THIS WHEN EVER DRIVING BUT IS MORE NOTICEABLE ABOVE SPEEDS OF 35 MPH. THE DRIVER HAS TO MAKE CONSTANT CORRECTIONS WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE STRAIGHT, THIS CAUSES FATIGUE IN THE ARMS AND IS EXHAUSTING TO THE OPERATOR. ONE CAN NOT SAFELY OPERATE A VEHICLE LIKE THIS. A SEMI-TRACTOR TRAILER RIG WAS ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF MY LANE (WE WERE IN THE NUMBER 1 LANE OF THE HIGHWAY) AND MY OUTBACK WANDERED TO THE RIGHT, WE ALMOST WENT INTO / UNDER THE TRAILER OF THE "BIG RIG". I LATER I CONTACTED THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP AND ARRAIGNED TO BRING VEHICLE BACK TO HAVE THEM LOOK AT IT. WHEN I RETURNED WITH THE VEHICLE, THEY CHECKED ALIGNMENT AND SAID IT WAS OK. THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO WANDER WHENEVER I DRIVE IT AND DAILY WHILE I DRIVE TO AND FROM WORK. AGAIN, I DROVE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAVE BEEN TALKING WITH SUBARU OF AMERICA, RECEIVING DIFFERENT SPECS AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN DOING SOME WORK ON THE VEHICLE. I HAVE NEVER OWNED A VEHICLE, NEW OR OLD (USED) THAT HANDLED THIS WAY. THERE ARE SEVERAL FORUMS WITH PAGES OF INFORMATION, DATA AND COMPLAINTS BY PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER THE COUNTRY. PLEASE ACT NOW TO RESOLVE THESE ISSUES BEFORE SOMEONE'S LOOSES THEIR LIFE DUE TO THE UNSAFE FAULTY VEHICLES. *TR
Jul 17, 2013
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
4 complaints
CRUISE CONTROL BUG. IF I DECREASE MY SPEED BY 3 OR MORE MPH IN RAPID SUCCESSION, THE CRUISE CONTROL RESETS TO THE ORIGINAL SPEED, I.E. THE CRUISE CONTROL SPEED CHANGES FROM 60 TO 59 TO 58 TO 57 TO 56 TO 60. THIS SEEMS LIKE A DANGEROUS BUG SINCE IT CAUSES UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. I HAVE A VIDEO THAT I CAN SHARE FOR DOCUMENTATION.
Aug 11, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKES, THE ENGINE RPMS INCREASED AS THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Jul 11, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE BRAKING TO A STOP, THE ENGINE RPMS INCREASED EXCESSIVELY AS THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 12,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Dec 13, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND UPON ENGAGEMENT OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF AND AFTER BEING RESTARTED, THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMALLY HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED SIX TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS BUT THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE DEALER OFFERED TO REPLACE THE THROTTLE BODY AT NO EXPENSE TO THE CONTACT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,088.
Oct 22, 2013
VISIBILITY
3 complaints
The sun roof exploded. There was not prior damage (at least not visible to the naked eye). When it happened there was a very loud popping noise, which could be jarring enough to cause an accident. My sunroof cover was closed when the glass broke, but if it was open I could have been covered in shards of glass. I’m not sure if the sunroof has been inspected by the manufacturer. I have seen that other Subaru owners have experience the same issue. There was no warning the the sunroof is fragile and will potentially explode.
Jul 04, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while his wife was driving 75 mph, the sunroof exploded, and the glass shattered onto the shade guard. The contact stated that his wife veered to the side of the road, where she inspected the vehicle but could not determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated that his wife was able to drive to her destination. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 134,900.
Jul 26, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED INSIDE THE GARAGE, A CRACK FORMED ON THE UPPER PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE CHECKED THE SECURITY FOOTAGE AROUND HIS HOME WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND SAW NO EVIDENCE OF AN IMPACT TO THE WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT STATED THE CRACK IMPAIRED HIS VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 116,000.
Dec 30, 2020
WHEELS
3 complaints
Driver side rear wheel bearing speed sensor experienced a spontaneous failure, leading to ABS failure and nearly lost control when rapidly decelerating from 45mph to 0mph in a short left turning lane. Failure occurred in well maintained 2013 Subaru Outback with less than 70,000 miles on it. Vehicle immediately lit up several dashboard lights (CHECK ENGINE, CRUISE CONTROL, ABS, and BREAK lights) indicating the car was unsafe to drive at moderate/high speed following the incident. ABS failure could have led to an accident in inclement weather. Wheel bearing is being replaced by mechanic.
Jan 24, 2022
ALLOY WHEELS FAILURE. THE WHEELS HAVE CATASTROPHIC FAILURE (LARGE CRACK AND HOLE IN CENTER OF RIM) WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND THERE WERE NO POT HOLES OR DEBRIS IN HIGHWAY. LOCATION: EXIT 1, US 7 IN NORWALK CONNECTICUT. DATE/TIME: AUGUST 23, 2019 @ 6:00PM IN FULL DAYLIGHT.
Aug 27, 2019
REAR WHEEL BEARING FAILURES. BOTH REPLACED AT 89,967 MI. DEALER ADVISES THERE IS SOME RISK IF ONE DROVE ON A LONG DRIVE, THAT OVERHEATING COULD ALLOW ENTIRE WHEEL TO FALL OFF. SOUND IS NOTICEABLE OVER 40 MPH SO MOST PEOPLE WOULD GET SUSPICIOUS AND ASK A MECHANIC.
Jul 27, 2019
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
3 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD DOWNSHIFT TO A LOWER GEAR WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE INTERMITTENTLY RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CAPITOL SUBARU (LOCATED AT 920 CAPITOL EXPRESSWAY AUTO MALL, SAN JOSE, CA 95136, (408) 763-4024) WHERE DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WAS COMPLETED; HOWEVER, A FAILURE CODE COULD NOT BE FOUND. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,000. *TT CONSUMER STATED LOSES POWER SUDDENLY. *JB
Sep 25, 2018
WHILE TOWING A CAMPER WELL WITHIN THE TOWING CAPACITY OF THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE BEYOND 60 MILES AN HOUR. WE (MYSELF, MY WIFE, AND 6 DOGS) WERE SOUTH OF PUEBLO, COLORADO GOING UP THAT VERY LONG INCLUDE TOWARDS TRINIDAD. THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE WOULD NOT REV AS IF IT'S TRANSMISSION WAS FAILING, BUT IT WOULD ABSOLUTELY NOT ACCELERATE BEYOND 60. WE PULLED OVER AND CONTACTED THE NEAREST SUBARU DEALERSHIP (BACK IN PUEBLO) AND WENT BACK TO PUEBLO AND HAD THEM LOOK IT OVER. THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG AND THEIR TEST DID NOT SHOW ANY PROBLEMS. THEY WERE ONLY ABLE TO SPECULATE THAT IT MAY BE A FAILSAFE FEATURE THAT PREVENTS THE ENGINE FROM BECOMING DAMAGED WHEN IT BEGINS TO OVERHEAT. WE HAD DRIVEN FROM NORTH OF DALLAS TO WEST OF FORT COLLINS, WITH STOPS, WITHOUT PROBLEMS, BUT THIS DAY THE TEMPERATURE WAS 50 DEGREES AND PROBABLY THE WARMEST IT HAD BEEN OUR ENTIRE TRIP. WE HAD PREVIOUSLY STOPPED FOR A FEW HOURS IN GARDEN OF THE GODS, SO IT HAD ONLY BEEN BACK ON THE ROAD FOR AN HOUR WHEN THIS OCCURRED. AFTER THE DEALERSHIP LOOKED AT IT, WE HITCHED IT BACK UP AND CONTINUED ON OUR TRIP. THEY INSTRUCTED US TO JUST DRIVE SLOWER WHEN GOING UP HILLS AND MOUNTAINS. WE EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS AGAIN WHEN WE GOT TO TRINIDAD, BUT DROVE THROUGH IT SINCE THE EXITS ARE RATHER SHARP AND BLACK ICE WAS A CONCERN. ONCE WE STOPPED DRIVING UP INCLINES THE VEHICLE DROVE LIKE NORMAL. AFTER WE STOPPED TOWING THE CAMPER THE VEHICLE STOPPED HAVING ISSUES. *TR
Feb 25, 2014
I HAVE HAD 2 INCIDENTS SINCE BUYING NEW OUTBACK IN APRIL 2013. I WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN DRIVE. WHEN I LIFTED MY FOOT FROM BRAKE TO ACCELERATE, THE CAR REVVED UP AND LUNGED FORWARD ON ITS OWN. BOTH TIMES I WAS ABLE TO SLAM ON THE BRAKE AND AVOID AN ACCIDENT. NOW I FEEL THAT I CANNOT TRUST THE CAR WHENEVER I COME TO A STOP. I AM WAITING TO HEAR FROM DEALER ABOUT THIS 2ND INCIDENT, SINCE AFTER 1ST TIME THEY TESTED AND SAID "CANNOT FIND A PROBLEM"...... HOWEVER, AFTER READING ANOTHER COMPLAINT IT COULD BE A MALFUNCTION BETWEEN ELECTRONIC ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND NEW CVT TRANSMISSION!!! ALSO, SOMETIMES I FEEL THE CAR IS MAINTAINING A SPEED WITHOUT ANY ACCELERATION (LIKE ON CRUISE CONTROL). *TR
Sep 30, 2013
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
3 complaints
ISSUE: OCCASIONAL NON-RESPONSE WHEN DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR. 1ST OCCURRENCE ABOUT THREE WEEKS AGO HAPPEN WHEN I STOPPED FOR A LIGHT AND THEN ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE. DEPRESSING THE PEDAL HAS NO RESPONSE, ATTEMPTED THIS THREE TIMES. THE RPM GAUGE REFLECTED IT WAS RUNNING. I TURNED ON THE CAR AND STARTED IT AGAIN AND IT WORKED. 2ND OCCURRENCE HAPPENED AGAIN AFTER A STOP. SAME AS ABOVE. 3RD OCCURRENCE MAY 6 2017 RETURNING FROM BWI IN BALTIMORE ON THE INTERSTATE, I WAS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. I HAD TO SLOW QUICKLY FOR A TRUCK AND THEN SAW AN OPENING IN THE LEFT LANE AND PULLED OUT INTO THE LEFT LANE AND ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE WITH NO RESPONSE. A CAR MOVING FAST IN THE LEFT LANE ALMOST HIT ME SINCE I COULD NOT ACCELERATE. I PUMPED THE ACCELERATOR TWICE AND IT THEN ACCELERATED. 4TH OCCURRENCE MAY 6TH 2017 DEPARTING A PARKING LOT I WAS MOVING SLOWLY THEN ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE AND EXPERIENCED A DELAYED RESPONSE. PUMPED THE PEDAL TWICE TO GET THE RESPONSE. WENT TO A SUBARU DEALER AFTER THE FIRST TWO OCCURRENCES AND THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM. THE DEALER CALLED AGAIN AND REQUESTED WE BRING THE CAR IN AGAIN APRIL11TH. A WEB SEARCH REVEALED ABOUT 24 OTHER LIKE OCCURRENCES WITH OUTBACK ABOUT THE SAME YEAR AND MAKE.
Apr 07, 2017
ON A CLEAR DRY MORNING I PULLED INTO A PARKING SPACE ON A SLIGHT INCLINE IN FRONT OF A BRICK OFFICE BUILDING. WHEN I RELEASED THE SERVICE BRAKE (HAVING REACHED THE END OF THE PARKING SPACE) THE CAR BOLTED FORWARD, JUMPED THE CURB, CROSSED A SIDEWALK, WENT THRU SHRUBS, AND HIT THE BRICK WALL, CAUSING SEVERE DAMAGE TO THE CAR AND BUILDING. THE DISTANCE TRAVELED WAS ABOUT 10 FEET.
Jul 15, 2016
SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WNED PULLING INTO PARKING SPACE. THE VEHICILE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND RAN INTO STORE FRONT.
Oct 18, 2015
POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaints
I was driving on a highway when my car started to suddenly stutter, hesitate, and jerk after about an hour on the road. I pulled over on the shoulder immediately and tried to better position the car further off the highway with the same vehicle behavior. Initially I thought a tire had blown so sudden was the impact but after exterior inspection I realized the tires were fine and the problem was probably under the hood. The CVT transmission and TCM malfunctioned, and electric parking brake engaged creating a noise. My ability to steer the vehicle in a predictable direction was gone creating a safety hazard on the highway or any road. The car had to be long-distance towed back to where I live; it could not be safely driven. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by two independent service centers, one a general service center and the other a foreign car expert service center. The vehicle has not been inspected by anyone else. There were dashboard warning lights that came on at the time the vehicle started to shake. The lights were the vehicle dynamics control warning light and the check engine warning light. A " boat load" of transmission codes that lead to the vehicle being assessed at the foreign car service center. I am asking for Subaru’s assistance in resolving this matter. I purchased a Subaru based on recommendations from other family members and their experience of having multiple Subaru vehicles some of which lasted 300,00 miles. If this is a manufacturing problem I believe that Subaru has a responsibility to notify their owners of the potential problem (which didn’t happen in my case) and a responsibility to resolve the problem when it occurs. I took my vehicle into my nearest Subaru dealership for a warranty repair that I was notified of approx. three years ago. No one notified me of the potential CVT transmission problem at that time. My vehicle cannot be driven in its current state and it is dangerous to drive because of this problem.
Jan 08, 2024
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE BRAKES SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. LAST WEEK, THE TRANSMISSION SEIZED WHILE IN TRAFFIC ON THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE. ON BOTH OCCASIONS, THE CONTACT HAD TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER TO PREVENT A CRASH. THE TRANSMISSION WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED THREE TIMES TO MARIN SUBARU (595 FRANCISCO BLVD E, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901, (415) 454-9240) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A NEW TRANSMISSION WAS NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FIVE ADDITIONAL TIMES, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 250,000.
Mar 15, 2019
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaints
My horn became intermittent, and stopped working. The car will not pass state inspection. It was diagnosed as a faulty clock spring. The dealership stated that this was a common failure on Subaru's, especially those that had the Takata airbag replacement recall. They said there was no TSB or recall for the part. I reached out to Subaru customer service who said that due to the age and mileage on my car, there was nothing they could do to assist replacing the part.
Jan 19, 2023
Vehicle horn has failed to function.
Jul 04, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
2 complaints
The engine was hesitating, loosing power on incline, and shaking when stopping. I had the engine replaced and the a few months later the transmission went down. The car does start but it will not go into any gear other than Park and Neutral. The car is now not drivable.
Aug 13, 2022
Last summer I was driving on the interstate. I would say I was on the road for about 1.5 hours, it was a very warm day. I was going about 75 miles an hour and I had sudden total loss of power to the engine. Radio never stopped playing , no check engines lights came on and I could also maneuver the steering wheel. I thankfully was able to get to the side of the road(traffic was heavy). Once my car was almost at a stop the engine regained power. I was able to drive to my destination. No check engine lights ever came on. I took the car to Subaru dealership the next week. They could find nothing wrong with the car. They did notice a speck of debris/fuzz on the mass flow air sensor, they did change that part. Now about one year later I’m having catalytic converters issues and that needs to be changed. I wonder if it is all connected, and I also worry the loss of engine power will happen again. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Jun 13, 2021
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaints
Vehicle was at a stop light on a 45mph road at which time the car shook very badly, the engine stalled, and almost every dashboard light illuminated. Vehicle was unable to move putting the passengers at extreme risk of a rear end collision on a major thoroughfare. The situation was safely resolved after shutting down the vehicle for a minutes and restarting it. Following the incident, the vehicle shudders often, and the car shakes very badly again if the transmission approaches 4000RPM. Vehicle will be taken in for service next week and it is suspected that Subaru will be required to replace the transmission under the extended warranty offered to all customers because of high transmission failure rates observed on this make/model of car. The NHTSA needs to require a recall on all Subaru CVTs due to unreliability and stalling putting passengers and the public at risk.
Feb 19, 2022
USING EXCESSIVE OIL. THI SI STHE SECON TIME I HAD TO PUT OIL IN APPROXIMATELY 5700 MILEES AFTER AN OIL CHANGE. ITS NOT LEAKEING ANYWHERE.
May 24, 2015
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaints
ON A FREEZING DAY IN NOVEMBER 2019, WHILE RUNNING AN ERRAND FIRST THING IN THE MORNING, MY 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK REVVED AND TRIED TO ACCELERATE WHEN I WAS DRIVING THAT I HAD TO PUSH THE BRAKES DOWN ALL THE WAY TO CONTROL THE SPEED. I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL WHILE PULLING UP TO A STOPLIGHT. IT QUIT REVVING SO MUCH, SO WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, I PUT BACK IN DRIVE AND WAS CONTROLLABLE. I LET THE CAR SIT FOR AN HOUR AND DROVE AGAIN TOWARDS OUR LOCAL SUBARU DEALERSHIP. WHILE EN ROUTE, IT REVVED AND ACCELERATED AS BEFORE. I WAS ABLE TO PUT IN NEUTRAL AND IT QUIT REVVING. WHEN I ARRIVED AT THE DEALERSHIP, THE CAR WASN'T REVVING ANY MORE. THE SERVICE TECH SAID UNLESS IT WAS DOING IT WHEN I BROUGHT IN, THEY WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO IDENTIFY. THE CAR HAS NOT REVVED SINCE. HOWEVER, I READ AN ARTICLE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM IN OTHER YEAR OUTBACKS AND WANTED TO MAKE THE NHTSA AWARE.
Sep 23, 2020
ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE STALLED, AS IN THE ENGINE DIED. THIS IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. USUALLY IT HAPPENS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED, THE ENGINE WILL DIE, THIS WILL HAPPEN 2-3 TIMES ON EACH OCCURRENCE. IT DOES EVENTUALLY START AND RUN CORRECTLY. A SIMILAR ISSUE OCCURS WHEN COMING TO A STOP. THE ENGINE WILL "FLUTTER" ALMOST DIE AND THEN RESUME NORMAL OPERATION. SO FAR IT HAS NOT LEFT US STRANDED, HOWEVER, I AM CONCERNED AS TO WHAT THE PROBLEM MIGHT BE AND AT WHAT POINT WILL IT STALL AND NOT START AGAIN. I PLAN ON TAKING IT TO MY DEALERSHIP AND HAVE THEM LOOK AT IT, HOWEVER, THE ENGINE LIGHT HAS NOT COME ON SO I DON'T EXPECT THE COMPUTER HAS STORED ANY CODES FOR THE MECHANIC TO BE ABLE TO TROUBLESHOOT.
Jan 17, 2017
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER
2 complaints
WHEN IN REVERSE, THE REAR CAMERA DISPLAYS ON THE SCREEN AS IT SHOULD. THE PROBLEM OCCURS WHEN THE SYSTEM CONNECT VIA BLUETOOTH TO A MOBILE DEVICE, THE REAR CAMERA VIEW IS BLOCKED BY A LARGE NOTIFICATION WINDOW REPORTING THAT THE CONNECTION HAS BEEN MADE TO THE MOBILE DEVICE. THIS OBSTRUCTS THE VIEW. THE TIMING OF THIS PROCESS OFTEN OCCURS JUST AS ONE HAS STARTED BACKING UP SINCE IT TAKES 30-60ISH SECONDS TO GET SITUATED AND THEN START REVERSING AND IT ALSO TAKE ABOUT THIS MUCH TIME FOR THE BLUETOOTH CONNECTION TO ESTABLISH ITSELF. A SOLUTION COULD BE TO A) NOT DISPLAY OTHER NOTIFICATIONS WHEN THE BACKUP CAMERA IS ON THE DISPLAY, OR B) MAKE THE NOTIFICATION NOT OBSCURE AS MUCH OF THE CAMERA VIEW.
Mar 30, 2019
MY SUNROOF SHATTERED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS, AND FOR UNKNOWN REASONS.
Sep 07, 2018
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
2 complaints
ISSUE IS ONGOING FOR THE LAST 6 MONTHS. VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY STALLS WHEN AT IDLE AND PLACED IN GEAR. HESITATION WHEN ACCELERATING WHILE DRIVING (ACTS AS IF IT NOT GETTING ENOUGH POWER.) I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO 3 DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS AND CONTACTED SUBARU OF AMERICA AND I AM NOT GETTING ANYWHERE. DEALERSHIPS CAN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, SO THEREFORE CAN'T DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. I HAVE VIDEO RECORDS OF THIS ISSUE OCCURRING.
Mar 19, 2019
2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE TRANSMISSIONS PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THERE WAS A CONSIDERABLE DELAY IN ENGINE RESPONSE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR WAS PRESSED. WHEN DRIVING NORMAL SPEEDS THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. HOWEVER, AFTER LETTING THE ACCELERATOR UP AND SLOWING DOWN TO IDLE SPEED, THE PEDAL WAS THEN DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD OFTEN STALL. IT WAS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM, BUT GRADUALLY GETTING WORSE. THE DEALER TRIED TO EXPLAIN THE PROBLEM AWAY, BY SAYING THE ELECTRONIC ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND NEW TRANSMISSION HAD TO WORK TOGETHER IN TANDEM AND THAT SOME DELAY WAS NORMAL. UPDATED 10/17/13 UPDATED 10/30/13 THE CONSUMER STATED THE STALLING OCCURRED WHEN THE ACCELERATOR WAS APPLIED WHILE COASTING AT IDLE. IT HAPPENED FOR ONE TO TWO SECONDS ALMOST EVERY TIME HE DROVE THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 09/25/14
Sep 23, 2013
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2 complaints
HAVE REPLACED THE LOW BEAM H7 BULB 5 TIMES THIS YEAR AND HAS EVEN BLOW LESS THAN 1 HOUR AFTER FIXED BY A SUBARU DEALERSHIP. TAIL LIGHTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES IN 8 MONTH. HIGH BEAM LIGHTS 3 TIMES IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS. FIXTURES TWICE. CHARRED FROM EXTREME AMP SPIKES IN WIRES. NOW TO TOP IT ALL OFF ENTIRE WIRING HARNESS FOR PASSENGER SIDE IS OUT.
Jul 31, 2017
UPON NOTICING A BLOWN 3RD TAIL LIGHT(ONE OF THE TAIL LIGHTS ON THE REAR HATCH/DOOR OF THE WAGON,) I DISASSEMBLED AND FOUND THAT THE SOCKETS ON BOTH SIDES(LEFT AND RIGHT 3RD TAIL-LIGHT SOCKETS) WERE SCORCHED AROUND WHERE THE BULBS FIT INTO THEM. THE DISCOLORATION WAS BROWN/BLACK AND WAS PRESENT NOT ONLY ON THE SOCKET WITH THE BLOWN BULB BUT ALSO THE OTHER, WORKING SIDE. DEALER REPLACED BLOWN BULB AND MADE NO COMMENT ON SCORCHED BULB SOCKETS. IT ALMOST APPEARS AS IF THEY WERE SO HEATED THEY WERE READY TO MELT OR BURN THE PLASTIC. CAR HAS BEEN IN SERVICE FOR 27 MONTHS AND HAS 27K MOSTLY CITY DRIVING ON IT. HAPPY TO PROVIDE PHOTOS OF THE AFFECTED SOCKETS TO ANYONE INVESTIGATING OR CONCERNED. *TR
Feb 14, 2015
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
I purchased this car may 28th 2025 and had it over the weekend and check engine light came on and took it Monday once shop opened and came back for catalytic converter and o2 sensor I letted the dealership know about it and said its not much that i can fix it but I figured would say that since was a as is car and just had to come up with money... only thing month later it stalled on me and had to take to a shop to see what it is and came back for transmission but that shop told me the car never should have been sold I never try to let them know about that its been sitting since July when that happened I been trying to talk to consumer protection services but Noone willed to help but since last year was so rough I just wanted to try again once year is up
Jan 06, 2026
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
I purchased a car from Middletown Nissan on May 24, 2025. The car was assured to have all these different safety checks so far it had to have the power steering pump replaced twice the power steering lines replaced all new control arms a new bearing brand new back brakes which include rotors and pads, and four new tires When the tires were put on they found that the car had significant damage in the subframe from rotting there are holes in it. The car was at the dealership several times for different problems and they never disclose this problem. They basically told me it was my fault when I’ve had the car for two months that the frame is completely rotted. The car is clunking and not driving mechanically the way it should
Sep 04, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
I was pulling into a parking spot, without any warning the car accelerated through a fence and hit a tree. There were no injuries and the airbags did not deploy. A man was waving me to stop and I could not. Fortunately the small tree stopped the car. At first I thought maybe the gas pedal stuck or in human error I hit the gas to hard. But that was not the case. I could not control the car and my thought "what is happening"!
Feb 25, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the brakes failed to engage. The contact stated that eventually, the brakes would return to normal operation. No warning light was illuminated. The contact researched and was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V562000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
Dec 19, 2024
SEAT BELTS,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
The contact owned a 2013 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, he lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a metal guard rail on the driver's side along the length of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle had bounced off of the rail and the front end on the passenger side had crashed into a metal post on the right side of the road. The contact stated that the force of the crash ejected him through the windshield. The contact stated that EMS and firemen were on scene but there was no police. The contact stated he had not lost consciousness. The contact was transported by ambulance to the emergency room. The contact had lacerations on his forehead, scalp, nose and chin. The contact had bruises on his chest, shoulders, both arms, and both legs. The contact stated that he was diagnosed with a Traumatic Brain Injury. The contact stated that his insurance provider declared the vehicle a total loss. The contact was advised by his insurance provider that the air bags and the seat belt had failed to function. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Oct 31, 2024
SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
middle seatbelt continues to tear in multiple placed . very disturbing
Oct 25, 2023
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
I was pulling into a parking space very slowly when the car went into overdrive and suddenly accelerated at a high speed. It plunged down a slight decline and hit a large tree. My airbag failed to deploy although I was thrown violently forward, and the car sustained severe front end damage. The car is considered a total loss and I spent a day at a hospital emergency room. The sudden unexpected acceleration and the lack of airbag inflation is going to be assessed by Subaru on 10/24/23. I understand that there are two class action lawsuits against Subaru (in NJ & CA) for this same unanticipated acceleration issue.
Oct 04, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? ACTUATOR ASSY-EPB, part number 26002aj02c (from technical service bulletin), part is not available How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Brake light and iSight warning light comes on. Safety systems will not operate properly when these lights are on Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Brake light and iSight warning light comes on, this started several months ago After driving this car for about an hour, shutting it off then starting it back up after short amount of time, like 20 minutes, the brake warning light and iSight light (safety system/adaptive cruise control/automatic braking) will come on immediately, they will stay on until the car has been allowed to cool down for several hours. This happens more often in hot weather. This has happened about a couple dozen times already. Took the car to Eurasian Autoworks in Tilton NH, the mechanic, who i'm told is a former Subaru master tech says this is a common problem and is usually fixed by replacing the emergency brake actuator under Technical Service Bulletin 06-58-17R. I called the local dealership and they do not have any of these parts available. I called Subaru customer support, case number [XXX] . and was told the part is discontinued and essentially said I should get one from a junkyard. I do not believe a 10 year old car should have safety related parts unavailable, especially on a common issue with this year/model of car. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Jul 25, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that on two separate occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that after several attempts of applying pressure to the brake pedal, the vehicle stopped. The contact was unsure if any warning lights were illuminated. The contact then stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, she depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact then stated that the after approximately thirty seconds of applying pressure to the brake pedal, the vehicle stopped. Additionally, the cruise control warning light intermittently illuminated, and the contact heard the engine revving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed but no cause for the failure was determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled for the following day. The vehicle had not yet been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
Apr 07, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
The hood latch released while I driving on the 101 freeway at about 70 MPH. The secondary lock held and I was able to get off the freeway. The hood would not latch after this occurred. I took the vehicle to Kirby Subaru of Ventura and had the latch replaced. I am from a medical background, where we have certain "never" events. I would consider this to be one of those never events. If the secondary latch had failed I likely would have had a catastrophic event.
Feb 01, 2023
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
1 complaint
I experienced a sudden unintended acceleration of my 2013 Subaru Outback while braking to make a left hand turn at a stoplight on Federal Road in Brookfield, CT. I was able to squeeze the brake hard while shifting into neutral to avoid slamming into the car in front of me while the engine raced. The car would have gone out of control had I not been able to press very hard on the brake pedal. This incident was not the first time this unintended acceleration of the vehicle occurred. About a month ago, I was in a similar situation on the road when I was decelerating and applying the brake that the car had a rapid unintended acceleration that caused me to press very hard on the brake pedal to keep the car from lurching forward. I’ve owned the vehicle since December 2012 and this situation has probably occurred less than 5 times over the 10 years of operation. Each time I thought it was perhaps my error for somehow touching the accelerator with my foot while the brake was applied. After the recent November 22 incident, I now realize that there is likely a systemic problem with the accelerator. I plan to have accelerator inspected by the dealer.
Dec 15, 2022
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
When backing out of garage, car seemed to rev up and increase speed. I was unable to stop the car while applying the brakes. Car went down over an embankment and stopped only after I put transmission into Park and car was slowed down by running over a large shrub. Luckily, I was unhurt, but easily could have been. This is the second time a similar incident has happened. I have not reported the incident previously nor had the car inspected yet.
Apr 13, 2022
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
1 complaint
I bought this car on 3/1/22 from a dealer, and took it for several test drives - everything was great. Carfax report is clean. On 3/3/22, I was driving on a windy road with cliffs and ledges, 45 mph when all of a sudden the brakes slammed, the tires screeched, and I heard grinding. Every alarm went off and the car fishtailed and skidded over to the side - almost going off the side of the road. Every light was blinking and alarms going off. Once I came to a stop, I tried turning the key off and turning it back on. It turned on fine - but it would not go into drive or accelerate, and all the alarms and lights were still going off. I was stranded on the side of a curvy country road where it was not easy to be seen, and easy to be hit. I had to walk 30 min, leaving the car in the middle of the road to the closest store, at which I looked up a tow truck and service station. I had it towed to a service station, and the gentleman ran diagnostics and said that his machine is coming back showing transmission issues. I literally just bought this car - and paid good money for it - I am shocked that this is a known issue and Subaru won't do a general recall to fix this! This is dangerous - because the car LITERALLY went out WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I am calling Subaru dealers today and seeing what they plan to do to fix this, or if I am going to be stuck with paying for it
Mar 05, 2022
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
Thank you NHTSA for being my voice. We need and appreciate the life saving work you collectively do to keep my family, myself, and others safe on our roads. I need your action. My 2013 Subaru Continuously Variable Transmission valve body is failing. This is a major safety issue because my Subaru risks stalling out and potentially being harmed in a crash causing bodily injury or death to the driver, passengers, and other motorists. This is a known issue with Subaru and the NHTSA. Instead of a recall, Subaru of America opted to extend the warranty to 100,000 miles or 10 years for this safety issue. My car is 8 years old and over 100,000 miles. (I have taken amazing care of my beloved car and have already replaced the short block assembly that was a Service Bulletin under warranty for excessive oil consumption.) My goal, with your assistance, is to hold Subaru accountable to fix this known CVT failure at their cost (Approximately $1,829.94) by honoring my 8 year old car that is within the 10 year portion of the warranty extension. Although it is a known problem for cars over 100,000 miles, Subaru is denying my claim. The verbiage of this Continuously Variable Transmission issue being covered under an extended warranty of “100,000 miles OR 10 years, WHICHEVER COMES FIRST’ is a protection of the manufacturer only. I am compelled to ask you for your help and appreciate your time and advocacy. I can help in any capacity on my end. I am at your service!
Sep 12, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
On a handful of occasions while driving, suddenly the car detects an object in front of the car that it believes I will hit. The beeping and object collision detection message appears on my dash. On all these occasions, there has never been on object. One time it automatic to control the vehicle before causing an accident. I don’t remember exactly when this started happening but I thankfully engaged my brakes. This happened while I was on a highway. Luckily, no car was riding closely behind me so I was able it was 2 years ago. There is an option to turn off the detection sensor, but this must be done every time the car is turned on, and I’m afraid I will forget. Moreover, the safety feature being turned off means I don’t have that feature to detect real objects. My biggest concern is that one day I’ll be driving at a higher speed, such as on a highway, and the car will detect an object, engage the brakes and cause me to be in an accident. I can make my car available for inspection upon request. I have not spoken to a local Subaru dealer or independent service center about this yet. My vehicle has not been inspection by the manufacturer, police, or insurance reps yet. No warning lamps, messages or other similar symptoms have occurred. However, this morning my car did auto-start on its own twice and this is the first time I’ve noticed this.
Aug 11, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
While driving near my home on June 5, 2021, the vehicle simply shut off and simultaneously all the warning lights flashed. I was unable to restart the vehicle after two or three tries. I called a tow service. About an hour later, before the tow truck arrived, I turned the key again, and the car restarted. This occurred in the middle of the roadway and I was lucky no vehicle was being behind me, as a collision could have happened. A local auto repair shop looked at the computer code and found one for a cracked gas cap. The mechanic replaced the gas cap, but stated that it could not have caused the car to cease running. I took the car to a Subaru dealer on June 14, 2021, but the service consultant stated that looking for the problem would be like "going down a rabbit hole" and told me to continue to drive the car until another incident happened.
Jun 17, 2021
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
Upon entering a parking space,my 2013 Subaru Outback went from idle to full acceleration,hitting a parked,unoccupied truck. Braking had no effect on the car,the air bag did not deploy,and the car did not decelerate until I was able to engage Park-within a few seconds it resumed the idle. The police made a report,car was taken to wrecking yard,and is now at repair facility for possible repair. There were no prior warnings or messages. I was unaware of a safety issue with Subaru and when I contacted my local dealer,I was told they were unaware of any issues. I then did research online and found numerous problems.
May 24, 2021
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
THE WARNING LIGHTS- BRAKES, TIRE PRESSURE, CRUISE CONTROL, ENGINE LIGHTS AND TRACTION CONTROL ALL COME ON AND WON'T GO OFF. HAD THEM RESET BY THE MECHANICS BUT A DAY LATER THEY CAME BACK ON WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY FOR NO REASON. CRUISE NO LONGER WORKS AS THE LIGHTS ARE ON. A LOT OF PEOPLE ON LINE SEEM TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM AND I THINK YOU SHOULD MAKE SUBARU ISSUE SOME KIND OF RECALL TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. THANK YOU. *TR
Jun 03, 2020
SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
1 complaint
USE MORE THAN A QUART OF OIL A WEEK AND JUST CHANGE BRAKES AND THEY SHIMMY AND JOLT
Mar 15, 2020
AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
MY 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK HAS THREE OPEN RECALLS, NUMBERED 19V009000 (AIRBAG), 18V626000 (PARKING BRAKE), AND 16V694000 (WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR). SUBARU OF AMERICA HAS TOLD ME, WITHIN THE PAST WEEK, THAT THE CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE BECAUSE OF THE AIRBAG. I LIVE 138 MILES FROM THE NEAREST SUBARU DEALER. I HAVE GIVEN SUBARU TWO QUOTES, REQUESTED BY THEM, INCLUDING CONTACT INFORMATION AT TWO COMPANIES, FOR TRANSPORTING THE CAR TO THE NEAREST DEALER, RIMROCK SUBARU IN BILLINGS, MT. SUBARU OF AMERICA REFUSES TO CONTACT OR MAKE ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE TWO COMPANIES AND REFUSES TO SCHEDULE THE REPAIRS UNLESS I PAY IN ADVANCE, APPROXIMATELY $1,700.00, FOR ROUND TRIP TRANSPORTATION AND CAR RENTAL, TO GET THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND BACK. SUBARU TOLD ME, IN AN EMAIL TODAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2020, FROM [XXX] OF SUBARU CUSTOMER SERVICE, "MY ABILITY TO ASSIST IS ON A REIMBURSEMENT BASIS. THERE IS NO WORKAROUND FOR THIS." HIS EMAIL IS [email protected] THIS IS AN EXTREME HARDSHIP FOR ME AS I AM RETIRED WITH LIMITED DISCRETIONARY FUNDS. I HOPE YOU CAN CONVINCE SUBARU TO FULFILL ITS LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY TO COMPLETE THESE RECALLS WITHOUT MY FINANCIAL INVOLVEMENT. THANK YOU. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Feb 12, 2020
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
TOOK IT HOME FROM DEALER AND THE ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE WOULD NOT TURN ON. THE BRAKE LIGHT WAS ALSO BLINKING. A COUPLE DAYS LATER, ON THE WAY TO DEALER, I STOPPED AT A GAS STATION AND TURNED ON THE ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE. IT WORKED THIS TIME, BUT WHEN I GOT IN THE CAR TO DRIVE, THE ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE WOULDN'T TURN OFF. I WAS STUCK. THERE WAS NO WAY TO MOVE IT. I WAS BLOCKING THE GAS PUMP FOR ABOUT AN HOUR WAITING FOR A TWO TRUCK. TOW TRUCK DRIVER HAD DIFFICULTY LOADING VEHICLE AND TAKING OFF VEHICLE BECAUSE THE PARKING BRAKE WAS ON AND IT WAS AN AWD MEANING NONE OF THE WHEELS CAN MOVE.
Sep 05, 2019
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE
1 complaint
2013 OUTBACK LIMITED 3.6R BOUGHT NEW AND HAS 40K MILES. ON 3 OCCASIONS OVER THE PAST 5 MONTHS, THE VEHICLE CAN'T CATCH 2ND GEAR AND REVS HIGH AND THEN A HEAVY JOLT PHYSICALLY FELT AND A LOUD CLUNK. HAVE TAKEN IT TO SUBARU SERVICE 3 TIMES AND THEY CANNOT REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM. EVEN AFTER FLUSHING TRANSMISSION FLUID AND RELEARNING THE TRANSMISSION, AND VEHICLE DID IT THE SAME DAY DRIVING HOME AFTER PICKING THE VEHICLE UP FROM RELEARNING THE TRANSMISSION. THIS IS AGGRAVATING, STRESSFUL, AND DANGEROUS. SUBARU NEEDS TO OWN UP AND ADDRESS A KNOWN ISSUE, AND DO A RECALL.
Aug 20, 2019
PARKING BRAKE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT A FUEL STATION, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE FAILED TO RELEASE AND THE EYESIGHT COLLISION WARNING FAILED TO ACTIVATE. THE CONSUMER STATED PARKING ACCELERATOR BRAKE FAILED AND DEALER REPAIRED AT NO CHARGE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,600. *TT *TR
Aug 09, 2019
STEERING,SUSPENSION,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
WHEN DRIVING OVER 40MPH THE CAR SEEMS TO JERK OUT OF THE BLUE IT EVEN SEEMS LIKE ONE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE LIFTS OR TILTS AS IF IT HAS HYDRAULICS MAKES IT HARD TO CONTROL CONTINUOUSLY GRIP THE STEERG WHEEL IN ORDER TO KEEP CONTROL IS UNBEARABLE. THERE IS SOMETHING SERIOUSLY WRONG AFTER READG ONLINE&ON THIS WEBSITE OBVIOUS SOMETHINGS WRONG. WHY R U WAITING FOR CRASHES& POSSIBLE DEATHS TO RAISE THIS ISSUE? WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT NORMAL HIGHWAY SPEEDS ALL OF A SUDDEN YOU FEEL A QUICK PULL AS IF A MAGNET JUST PULLED YOUR CAR AND IT ALSO STARTS TO LIFT WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT NORMAL SPEEDS. CAR LIFTS THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE OF SUSPENSION AS IF IT'S GOING TO ROLL OVER AND AT THE TIME IT DROPS LIKE IT'S GOING TO FOLD UNDER AND YOU'RE GOING TO CRASH. LIKE IT HAS HYDRAULICS BUT ONLY ON ONE SIDE. THIS IS VERY SCARY WHEN YOUR DRIVING AT NORMAL HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THIS MAKES YOU SLOW DOWN OUT OF NOWHERE AND CAUSING OTHERS AROUND YOU TO SUDDENLY AVOID YOU. THIS IS A NIGHTMARE. SUBARU NEEDS TO ACKNOWLEDGE THERE IS A PROBLEM. SEE ALL THE OTHER COMPLAINTS AND THERE IS A LOT MORE ONLINE BY OTHERS THAT DON'T KNOW HOW TO GO TO THIS WEBSITE AND PLACE A FORMAL COMPLAINT BECAUSE I DID NOT EVEN KNOW ABOUT IT. CAME ACROSS BY MISTAKE. THIS CAR IS MEANT FOR DRIVING LONG DISTANCES AND I AM AFRAID TO DO SO. WHEN YOUR AFRAID TO DRIVE YOUR OWN CAR SCARRED OF THE QUICK JERK AND THE POSSIBLE ROLLING OF YOUR CAR DUE TO THE "REAL" ACTIONS THE CAR IS PERFORMING WHILE DRIVING IS AND SHOULD BE A VEHICLE SAFETY CONCERN PRIOR TO ACCIDENTS AND DEATHS TAKING PLACE. JUST BECAUSE THE "MANUFACTURER" SAYS IT'S IN SPECS DOES'T MEAN NOTHG WRONG PLUS ITS THE MANUF SAYG THIS, NOT AN INDEPENDENT COMPANY.BOWEING THEIR AIRPLANE HAD HARD TIME STATING PLANE'S FAULT. YOU CAN NOT PUT THE MANUF IN CHARGE OF MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE WHEN IT COMES TO MONEY.
Aug 04, 2019
PARKING BRAKE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKE, WINDSHIELD WIPER FLUID, CRUISE CONTROL, AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED INDEPENDENTLY AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO DRIVE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE ALSO OCCURRED ON OTHER OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SUBARU OF ORANGE PARK (LOCATED AT 7023 BLANDING BLVD, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32244, (855) 851-7200) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND AN UNKNOWN FAILURE CODE WAS LOCATED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE CONTACT DID NOT KNOW THE SPECIFICS. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THERE WAS AN UNKNOWN SENSOR FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO TOW THE VEHICLE TO SUBARU OF ORANGE PARK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
Jul 22, 2019
AIR BAGS,SEATS
1 complaint
RED AIRBAG LIGHT . DEALER DIAGNOSIS CODE B1650. RESPONSE IS TO REPLACE THE BOTTOM PART OF PASSENGER SEAT. 1840.00 REPAIR. THIS HAPPENED ABOUT A YEAR AFTER THEY REPLACED THE AIRBAG RELATED TO TAKATA RECALL. SOA HAS OFFERED 1000.00 'IN GOOD WILL GESTURE ' . SAW A RECALL IN 2015 FOR IMPREZA WAGONS THROWING OFF B1650 CODE. WAS TOLD BY SOA NOT TO DRIVE MY OUTBACK AS THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. I TOTALLY AGREE, BUT ALSO THINK THAT A 6 YEAR OLD OUTBACK SHOULD NOT BE HAVING THIS KIND OF SAFETY ISSUE . I AM UNABLE TO REPAIR DUE TO THE COSTLY REPAIR AND IN MY OPINION THIS IS SUBARU'S RESPONSIBILITY TO FIX! THERE IS NO POSSIBLE WAY I COULD HAVE CAUSED THIS MALFUNCTION.
Apr 30, 2019
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
LOUD NOISE WHEN MAKING A SHARP TURN DOWN HILL TO THE RIGHT. ALSO TRACTION CONTROL/CVT FAILS ON WET SURFACE OR SNOW.
Mar 14, 2019
STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
STEERING WHEEL VISIBLE VIBRATES AT 70+ MPH ON THE HIGHWAY DESPITE MULTIPLE REALIGNMENTS AND MECHANIC VISITS TO VARIOUS DEALERS. CAR SOMETIMES FIGHTS DRIVER TO VEER LEFT/RIGHT. IT IS DIFFICULT TO DRIVE (SOMETIMES EVEN EXHAUSTING). HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE FOR LAST 5 YEARS, PROGRESSIVELY GETTING WORSE. CAR HAS NEVER BEEN INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND HAS BEEN MAINTAINED PROPERLY.
Sep 04, 2018
AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
SUDDEN UNWANTED FORCEFUL ACCELERATION (SUSPECT AUTO CRUISE CONTROL GOT ENGAGED VIA EYESIGHT MALFUNCTION), COLLISION AVOIDANCE FAILED TO ENGAGE. BACK HOME SAFELY FROM A LOCAL GROCERY, PULLED THE CAR SLIGHT ON THE DRIVEWAY, STOPPED WITH FOOT ON THE BRAKE TO OPEN THE GARAGE, ABOUT TO HIT THE HOME LINK, MUST REMAIN STOPPED WHILE GARAGE DOOR OPENS BECAUSE DRIVEWAY SLOPES DOWNWARD, HEARD ENGINE ROAR WITH FOOT STILL ON THE BRAKE, CAR STARTED THROTTLE FORCEFULLY, GOT BEWILDERED, PRESSED HARD ON THE BRAKE; IT DID NOT RESPOND, THE CAR HIT HARD ON THE GARAGE AND BRICK WALL, CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGES. AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, DRIVER WAS SENSELESS, BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER HURT, CAR IS DECLARED TOTAL. IT WAS VERY HOT AT ABOUT 4:15 PM, AIR CONDITION HAD BEEN RUNNING AT FULL FORCE ALL THE WHILE DURING THE SHORT 15 MINUTE DRIVE. THE DRIVEWAY HAS A 10 FT SLAB WITH UPWARD SLOPE, THE CAR STOPPED WITH FRONT WHEELS AT THE END OF THE FIRST SLAB. THE REMAINING DRIVEWAY IS ABOUT 30 FT ON A DOWNWARD SLOPE. I KEEP THE CAR TOTALLY STANDSTILL WHILE THE GARAGE IS OPENING. THE CAR WAS AT A SLIGHT ANGLE FACING SLIGHTLY TOWARD THE DRIVER SIDE CORNER OF THE GARAGE. THE CAR IS STILL ON MY DRIVEWAY: EVENT DATA RECORDER AND EYESIGHT DATA RECORDER SHOULD HAVE VALUABLE DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION. THE IMPACT WAS VERY FORCEFUL: A COMPLETE BRICK WALL GOT DISPLACED BY ALMOST 1 INCH AT ONE SIDE AND THE DISPLACEMENT ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WALL CAUSED A TWO STORY LOAD BEARING BRICK COLUMN TO CRACK ON BOTH SIDES. GARAGE STRUCTURE AND ROOF GOT DAMAGED. THIS CAR IS MAINTAINED IN GOOD CONDITION AND NEVER HAVE BEEN IN ACCIDENT BEFORE. CALLED POLICE, BUT THEY DID NOT COME. LET ME KNOW ASAP IF YOU WANT DIAGNOSTIC DATA: I AM 100% SURE THAT THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. I SAW COLLISION AVOIDANCE WORK IN MANY OTHER SITUATION, BUT THIS TIME, IT DID NOT WORK. THIS IS A SERIOUS PUBLIC SAFETY ISSUE HAPPENING A LOT WITH SUBARU.
Jul 18, 2018
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
1 complaint
SUBARU OUTBACK SELF-ACCELERATED (UNINTENDED ACCELERATION) ON MARCH 22, 2018 AS I WAS ATTEMPTED TO PARK THE CAR IN A PARKING LOT. DUE TO THE SELF-ACCELERATION THE CAR HOPPED OVER THE CURB IN THE PARKING LOT AND RAN OVER A BUSH. MY FOOT WAS NO WHERE NEAR THE ACCELERATOR AND EVEN WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKE, I HAD TO PRESS EXTREMELY HARD ON THE BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. WHILE IT SELF-ACCELERATED THE ENGINE MADE A LOUD REVVING SOUND. ON MARCH 23, 2018 THE CAR SELF-ACCELERATED AGAIN WITH MY HUSBAND DRIVING ON THE OPEN ROAD. AFTER THIS INCIDENT WE HAD THE CAR TOWED TO OUR CAR DEALERSHIP. SUBARU HAS HAD THE CAR SINCE MARCH 23 AND DENIES ANY PROBLEM WITH THE ACCELERATOR OR CAR.
Apr 24, 2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR AIRBAG RECALL, THE BRAKE LIGHT INDICATOR FLASHES ON/OFF ON DASH, INTERMITTENT. SERVICE DEPT COULD NOT REPLICATE AT FIRST, DISCOVERED ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE COMPONENT FAULTY. PARKING BRAKE COULD ENGAGE WHILE CAR IS IN DRIVE OR FAIL ON HILL. CHARGING ME 1100 FOR REPAIR, SAYS ITS NOT UNDER WARRANTY OR RECALL. THIS IS SAME DEFECT/RECALL ON 2015 MODEL OUTBACK. DEALER SAYS NO RECALL FOR 2013 MODEL OUTBCAK. I DISPUTE THIS.
Apr 12, 2018
AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
MY FRIENDS' SON AND WIFE HAD A CRASH ON I 55 NORTH NEAR MEADOWBROOK ROAD ON JANUARY 28, 2018. THE CAR HIT A HIGHWAY BARRIER AND SPUN AROUND AND RESULTED IN AN EXTREME FIRE AFTER IMPACT AND THE SIDE AIRBAG, NOR THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY ON DRIVERS' SIDE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY DID NOT GET CONSENT FROM MY FRIEND TO TAKE IT FROM THE TOWED DESTINATION TO ANOTHER DESTINATION. SHE HAS YET TO RECEIVE INFORMATION REGARDING HER CLAIM STATUS WHICH SHE WAS INFORMED OF ONLY WHEN SHE INITIATED THE CALL. INSURANCE ADJUSTER INQUIRED WHO AND WHY SOMEONE ELSE WANTED TO LOOK AT CAR WHEN TELLING ADJUSTER SHE WOULD BE HAVING A THIRD PARTY TO VIEW HER WRECKED CAR. AS OF TO DATE FEBRUARY 6, 2018, SHE HAS NOT RECEIVED ANY CALL FROM INSURANCE COMPANY? THE AIRBAGS (SIDE SEAT AIRBAG AND SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG AND THE EXTREME INTENSITY OF THE FIRE ARE OF MAJOR CONCERN) ESPECIALLY NOT DEPLOYING ON HER SONS' SIDE OF THE CAR. BOTH SON AND DAUGHTER-IN-LAW WERE TRANSPORTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI MEDICAL CENTER EMERGENCY ROOM BY WAY OF AMBULANCE BUT WERE DISCHARGE THAT NEXT MORNING, BUT CONTINUE TO HAVE PTSD LIKE SYMPTOMS AND ALSO INJURIES THAT LINGER ON. SEE PICTURES ATTACHED.
Feb 06, 2018
AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
I HAVE A LEGAL NOTICE FOR AIRBAGS. THE BRAKES DIDN'T WORK PROPERLY RECENTLY IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION.
Oct 27, 2017
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
EXCESSIVE OIL USAGE, REGULARLY OCCURS WITHIN 6000 MILES OF OIL CHANGE BURNS ONE QUART OF SYNTHETIC ENGINE OIL. ALSO NOTE BUSHING IN DRIVERS SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM HAS FAILED AS OF 50,000.
Dec 28, 2016
POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
1 complaint
THIS VEHICLE HAS SEVERAL ISSUES. I HAD AN OIL CHANGE AND WITHIN 1 WEEK THEY HAD TO ADD 1.3 QUARTS. CAR HAD 23,767 MILES. IN JUST OVER A MONTH I HAVE HAD TO ADD ALMOST 4 QUARTS OF SYNTHETIC OIL AND SPENT CLOSE TO $100 FOR THE OIL. THE CAR IS AN AUTOMATIC WITH A MANUAL OPTION AND I AM ALSO HAVEING PROBLEMS WHERE THE GEARS WON'T CHANGE IN AUTO NOR MANUAL OPERATION. IT REVS THE ENGINE AND I HAVE TO STOP, TURN IT OFF THEN RESTART. IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME BUT THE DEALER SAID THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT..THERE IS ALSO AN ISSUE WITH VIBRATION OF THE STEERING WHEEL ALL THE TIME AND THE BRAKES DON'T WANT TO CATCH ALL THE TIME. SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PUMP THE BRAKES 2 OR 3 TIMES TO GET THEM TO ENGAGE.
Apr 29, 2016
STEERING,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLIDE WHILE DRIVING DOWNHILL. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO CONTROL THE STEERING, BUT IT WOULD NOT MOVE. THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND AND STRUCK A DELINEATOR POST, SLID IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION TOWARDS A CONCRETE WALL, AND SUDDENLY STOPPED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,000.
Nov 20, 2015
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE IN THE DRIVEWAY, IT ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING AND CRASHED INTO THE GARAGE DOOR. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES, BUT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000.
Oct 15, 2015
AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT HIS FOOT BECAME WEDGED IN BETWEEN THE ACCELERATOR AND BRAKE PEDALS. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE FRONT OF ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED, BUT WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTO BODY REPAIR CENTER FOR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
Sep 23, 2015
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,SEATS
1 complaint
THE PASSENGER OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM (ODS) MALFUNCTIONED OR SHORTED OUT FOR NO APPARENT REASON. AS A RESULT, THE PASSENGER AIRBAG WILL NOT ENABLE EVEN WHEN OCCUPIED BY AN ADULT PASSENGER. THE PASSENGER AIRBAG IS CONSTANTLY IN OFF MODE. IN ADDITION THE ODS APPARENTLY CONTROLS THE SEATBELT WARNING FEATURE. REGARDLESS OF WHETHER OR NOT AN ADULT PASSENGER IS OCCUPYING THE SEAT THE ODS IS CONSTANTLY DETECTING A PASSENGER AND THE PASSENGER SEATBELT WARNING LIGHT AND CHIME CONTINUOUSLY ARE ON. WHEN THE PASSENGER SEATBELT IS BUCKLED THE WARNING LIGHT AND CHIME REMAIN CONTINUOUSLY ON. THE VEHICLE HAS 40,000 MILES AND THIS SYSTEM IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE MANUFACTURES EXTENDED WARRANTY OR THE EXTENDED SERVICE CONTRACT SOLD BY SUBARU THROUGH CNA. THE DEALERSHIP IS RECOMMENDING A NEW ODS BE INSTALLED AND CALIBRATED AT A COST OF $1,200 PLUS APPLICABLE TAX AND FEES.
Jul 09, 2015
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
OIL LIGHT CAME ON AND HAD TO ADD 1 QUART OF OIL AFTER ABOUT 4000 MILES SINCE PREVIOUS OIL CHANGE. THE CAR TAKES SYNTHETIC OIL AND IS SUPPOSED TO GO 7500 MILES BETWEEN OIL CHANGES. SINCE THEN, WE HAVE HAD TO ADD OIL IN BETWEEN OIL CHANGES SEVERAL TIMES, APPROXIMATELY 1-2 QUARTS EVERY 1500 TO 3000 MILES. SUBARU DEALER SAYS THIS IS NORMAL; HOWEVER, WE HAVE NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH ANY OTHER VEHICLE. WE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT DAMAGE TO THE MOTOR BY THIS CONTINUING TO HAPPEN. THE CAR WAS BOUGHT NEW AND ONLY HAS 23,000 MILES ON IT. *TR
Mar 02, 2015
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT AND ALARM GO OFF WHETHER PASSENGER IS IN THE SEAT OR NOT. INTERMITTENTLY, WHEN I START THE CAR, THE INDICATOR LIGHT FLASHES AND THEN REMAINS LIT. IF THE CAR IS DRIVEN IN THIS STATE, THE ALARM SOUNDS AT SPEEDS OVER 25/30 MPH. SUBARU DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO TROUBLE SHOOT. *TR
Jan 23, 2015
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT, I HAD NOTICED SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHERE THE ENGINE WOULD SUDDENLY REV FOR NO REASON WHILE I WAS DRIVING AT A SLOW SPEED OR BRAKING. THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED ON DEC 2, 2014 AT APPROX. 7:40AM EASTERN TIME. AS I WAS APPROACHING THE SECURITY CHECK-IN GATE AT MY JOB, TRAVELING ABOUT 10 MPH, I DEPRESSED THE BRAKE TO SLOW DOWN AND WAIT FOR THE GATE TO OPEN. AS I WAS SLOWING DOWN, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY REV'D TO MAXIMUM AND THE CAR ACCELERATED AND LURCHED FORWARD. I WAS NOT ABLE TO STOP OR CONTROL THE CAR AND IT CRASHED THROUGH THE SECURITY BARRIER GATE. NO ONE WAS INJURED AND THERE WAS NO DAMAGE DONE TO THE CAR, BUT THE METAL ARM OF THE GATE WAS SEVERELY BENT. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MY SUBARU DEALER SEVERAL DAYS LATER TO BE INSPECTED AND REPORT THE INCIDENT. THE DEALER SAID THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) AND UPDATED THE SOFTWARE. SINCE THEN, THE CAR HAS RUN SMOOTHLY WITH NO FURTHER ACCELERATION PROBLEMS. THE ECM UPDATE ALSO SEEMED TO SOLVE A PROBLEM I HAD EXPERIENCED WHERE THE CAR HAD DIFFICULTY STARTING UP. *TR
Jan 05, 2015
EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
TRAVELING THROUGH DESMOINES IOWA AND NAVIGATION SYSTEM INSTRUCTED ME AUDIBLY TO EXIT HIGHWAY TO LEFT WHEN THERE WAS NO EXIT AND NO REASON FOR ME TO EXIT. THIS HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES AND SUBARU KNOWS THAT ITS NAVIGATION SYSTEM IS/WAS DEFECTIVE. *TR
Jan 03, 2015
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
APPLY BRAKES WHILE IN MOTION AND CAR DOOR LOCKS OPEN. PASSENGER COMPLAINED WHEN GETTING OUT OF CAR THAT THEY GOT A SHOCK. *TR
Jul 03, 2014
SUSPENSION,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
IN TEMPERATURES LOWER THAN 45 DEGREES F, IF NOT 'WARMED UP' THE CAR WILL MAKE A LOUD THUNK NOISE AND LURCH FORWARD UPON BEING PUT INTO DRIVE. IF THE BRAKE IS NOT FIRMLY ENGAGE, THE CAR WILL JUMP FORWARD. THE SUBARU DEALER CLAIMS THIS IS CAUSED BY THE CAR'S STATUS AS A PERFORMANCE VEHICLE, AND ENGINE WARM UP NEEDS TO OCCUR TO LOWER THE RPMS. *TR
Jan 02, 2014
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
I STOPPED AT A STOPLIGHT. WHEN THE LIGHT CHANGED, I PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR AND MOVED FORWARD. I RELEASED THE ACCELERATOR TO SLOW UP BECAUSE OF TRAFFIC CONDITIONS. WHEN I PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR AGAIN TO MOVE FORWARD, THE ENGINE DID NOT REV UP. IT WAS AS IF THE CAR STALLED. AFTER SEVERAL PUSHES ON THE ACCELERATOR ( 8 SECONDS WORTH) THE ENGINE REVVED UP AND THE CAR ONCE AGAIN MOVED FORWARD JUST AS IF NOTHING WAS WRONG. ALL THIS TIME I WAS BLOCKING THE INTERSECTION. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES NOW. DEALER INDICATES NO PROBLEM FOUND. *TR
Dec 11, 2013
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
1 complaint
AFTER STOPPING AT A STOP SIGN, I ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE OFF, BUT THE CAR DID NOT ACCELERATE ON APPLICATION OF THE THROTTLE PEDAL. THE ENGINE REMAINED AT IDLE, AND THE CAR ROLLED SLOWLY INTO THE INTERSECTION. NOTHING I DID CORRECTED THE PROBLEM UNTIL I PLACED THE TRANSMISSION IN PARK, TURNED OFF THE ENGINE, THEN RE-STARTED THE CAR. THE CAR THEN PERFORMED NORMALLY UNTIL I REACHED THE NEXT STOP SIGN, WHERE THE PROBLEM REPEATED. IN ALL, THE PROBLEM OCCURRED SEVEN (7) TIMES ON THIS DAY, APPARENTLY AT RANDOM. THAT IS, AT SOME STOPS THE CAR PERFORMED NORMALLY, AND AT OTHER STOPS, THE CAR FAILED TO ACCELERATE WHEN THE THROTTLE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT MY SUBARU DEALER WAS UNABLE TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND THEREFORE PERFORMED NO REPAIRS. TWO WEEKS LATER, THE PROBLEM OCCURRED AGAIN, THREE (3) TIMES IN TWO DAYS. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS PROBLEM, BECAUSE IT CAN LEAVE THE CAR IN A BUSY INTERSECTION WITHOUT THE ABILITY TO MOVE UNTIL THE DRIVER TURNS OFF THE CAR AND THEN RE-STARTS IT. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN NOTED BY OTHER SUBARU OUTBACK OWNERS IN ONLINE FORUMS, AND AT LEAST ONE OTHER VEHICLE SAFETY COMPLAINT HAS BEEN FILED REGARDING THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Nov 20, 2013
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
I BROUGHT THE CAR IN FOR A ROUTINE REPAIR. WHEN I GOT IT BACK IT BEGAN TO MALFUNCTION. IT WOULD NOT SHIFT CORRECTLY. THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING. THE CAR DID NOT ACCELERATE CORRECTLY AND CHUGGED. THE ACCELERATION ABRUPTLY STOPPED AT A HIGH SPEED ON THE FREEWAY NEARLY CAUSING A SEVERE ACCIDENT AND REPLICATED THIS AT A LOW SPEED, AND FROM A STOP. I RETURNED THE CAR 3 TIMES AND THE ISSUES REMAIN CONSISTENT. TO DATE SUBARU OF AMERICA HAS NOT ADDRESSED MY CONCERNS. THE CAR IS UNSAFE FOR ME AND MY FAMILY. DOWNTOWN OAKLAND SUBARU HAS YET TO IDENTIFY WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF THE MALFUNCTION. EACH SERVICE DEPARTMENT PERSON HAS TEST DRIVEN THE CAR AND EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUES. *TR
Nov 14, 2013
TIRES,WHEELS
1 complaint
YOUR MANDATE FOR THE USE OF TPMS IS ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF GOVERNMENT GOOD INTENTIONS RESULTING IN LITTLE BENEFIT AND UNNECESSARY COST TO CONSUMERS. I WANT TO RUN WINTER TIRES ON OUR SUBARU AND PLANNED TO PURCHASE THE TIRES ON WHEELS EQUIPPED WITH TPMS SENSORS. HOWEVER, THE ONLY WAY TO RE-SET THE SENSORS IS TO TAKE THE CAR TO THE SUBARU DEALER AND PAY $90 IN THE FALL WHEN THE WINTER SET GOES ON AND TO PAY ANOTHER $90 IN THE SPRING WHEN THE ALL-SEASON TIRE GO BACK ON THE CAR. THE WINTER TIRES ARE EXPECTED TO ADD A SIGNIFICANT MARGIN OF SAFETY IN SNOW/ICE CONDITIONS. THE ANNUAL COST OF RE-SETTING THE TPMS SENSOR WILL LIKELY KEEP ME FROM RUNNING WINTER TIRES. WHAT IS THE BENEFIT OF HAVING A TPMS SYSTEM THAT CANNOT BE EASILY RE-SET BY THE VEHICLE OWNER? *JB
Sep 04, 2013
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
WHEN MY WIFE SITS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT THE MAJORITY OF THE TIME THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WILL NOT BE TURNED ON. MY WIFE IS ROUGHLY 5'2" AND 120 LBS. DEALER CLAIMS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG BUT THAT THE SENSORS CAN BE OVERLY SENSITIVE WITH SMALLER PEOPLE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS THE BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IN AN ACCIDENT IF IT IS OFF. *TR
Jul 30, 2013
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SEATS
1 complaint
WITH THE EYESIGHT SYSTEM, OUTBACK MAY START BRAKING WHEN YOU ARE COMING UP ON ANOTHER CAR OR TRYING TO PASS IT, EVEN THOUGH YOU ARE MOVING AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE TO PASS IT AND ARE NOT ENDANGER OF AN ACCIDENT. VERY ANNOYING AT TIMES AND FORCES YOU TO DISABLE IT BUT MIGHT BE WORTHWHILE IF IT DIDN'T GO OFF JUST FROM COMING NEAR VEHICLES. I SUPPOSE THEY DON'T WANT IT TO GO OFF TOO LATE. THE SEAT/HEADREST IS THE BIGGER PROBLEM. *TR
Mar 08, 2013
STRUCTURE,BACK OVER PREVENTION
1 complaint
BACKUP CAMERA GETS BLOCKED COMPLETELY BY A LARGE "CONNECTED TO MOBILE PHONE" MESSAGE BOX WHEN IN REVERSE AFTER RECENTLY STARTING CAR. CAN HAPPEN WHEN YOU'RE HALF WAY IN THE ROAD AND SHOULD BE FIXED. *TR
Feb 23, 2013
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
EYE SIGHT SYSTEM. WHEN USING CRUISE CONTROL THE ADAPTIVE SYSTEM SENSES THE AUTO IN FRONT OF YOUR CAR AND MAINTAINS A SET DISTANCE. THE AUTO THAT WAS IN FRONT OF ME MOVED INTO A LEFT TURN LANE AND SLOWED TO TURN. MY CARS EYE SIGHT SYSTEM DETECTED THE CAR WAS STILL IN FRONT OF MINE AND EVEN THOUGH IT WAS NOT, INITIALED A HARD STOP AUTOMATICALLY. LUCKY FOR ME THE CAR BEHIND ME WAS ALERT AND WAS ALSO ABLE TO STOP BEFORE REAR ENDING MY CAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AFTER WITH CARS MOVING EITHER INTO LEFT OR RIGHT TURN LANES OR MERGING OFF INTERSTATES ON THE EXIT RAMP. SUBARU HAS NO IDEA HOW TO FIX THIS ISSUE. THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE SITUATION. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS OCCURRENCE OF THE EYE SIGHT SYSTEM THAT COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THERE IS NO MENTION OF THIS POSSIBILITY IN THE EYE SIGHT MANUAL. I DISABLE THE SYSTEM NOW TO PREVENT IT FROM HAPPENING TO ME, BUT OFTEN MY WIFE FORGETS. SUBARU NEEDS TO FIND A SOLUTION. I AM HOPING YOU CAN HELP. *TR
Feb 22, 2013
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM OVERRIDES THE SAFETY BACKUP CAMERA WITH MESSAGES WHEN THE CAR IS IN REVERSE. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS SINCE THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM CAN DISPLAY A MESSAGE ON THE SCREEN AND COMPLETELY OBSCURE THE BACKUP CAMERA DISPLAY WHILE BACKING UP. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME I START MY CAR AND BEGIN TO BACKUP. THE BACKUP CAMERA COMES ON WHEN I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE BUT AS I'M BACKING UP, THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM DISPLAYS MESSAGES FROM MY BLUETOOTH PHONE CONNECTION AND I CAN'T SEE WHAT IS BEHIND ME VIA THE BACKUP CAMERA. NOTHING SHOULD OVERRIDE THE BACKUP CAMERA WHEN THE CAR IS IN REVERSE. *TR
Feb 19, 2013
TIRES
1 complaint
AFTER TWO MONTH OF USING A NEW CAR MODEL OUTBACK 2013 THE LEFT FRONT TIRE HAD EMPTIED AT THE PARKING LOT. AN INVISIBLE CUT WAS FOUND THAT IT WAS NECESSARY TO BOUGHT A NEW TIRE. A WEEKS LATER OF THIS EVENT THE BACK LEFT TIRE IS BEEN EMPTYING VERY FREQUENTLY SINCE. APPARENTLY THE ORIGINAL TIRES OF THE CAR HAS INVISIBLE DEFECTS THAT GET THE TIRE TO EMPTY WITH THE NORMAL ROAD USE. THIS CAR HAS A FREQUENTLY SIGNAL FOR VERIFICATION AND FILLING OF THE TIRES. *TR
Jan 20, 2013
SUSPENSION,WHEELS
1 complaint
WHEN I MAKE A HARD RIGHT TURN, SUCH AS PULLING OUT INTO THE NEAR LANE OR PARKING, MY FRONT PASSENGER TIRE COMES IN CONTACT WITH MY FENDER WELL - SPECIFICALLY THE BODY MOLDING AND VIOLENTLY. WHEN MEASURING MY HUB (CENTER) TO HUB (CENTER), THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR IS A FULL .5 INCH CLOSER THAN THE DRIVER SIDE. YOU CAN ALSO MEASURE THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE FRONT TIRE TO FENDER WELL AND SEE THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE IS CLOSER TO THE BACK OF THE FENDER WELL THAN THE DRIVER SIDE. I NOTIFIED WEST HOUSTON SUBARU IN LATE DEC. 2012 OF THE PROBLEM SO THEY CHECKED THE ALIGNMENT & MEASURED THE AFOREMENTIONED HUB/TIRE/FENDER DISTANCES. THEY ACKNOWLEDGED A DISCREPANCY BETWEEN THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE; SAID THEY WOULD CONTACT SUBARU OF AMERICA (SOA) AND FOLLOW UP... UNFORTUNATELY I HAD TO CONTACT THEM BACK... THEN IT WAS SUGGESTED I CONTACT SOA MYSELF SO I DID ON JANUARY 8, 2013. AT THIS TIME SOA NOR THE DEALERSHIP IS WILLING TO ADDRESS MY PROBLEM HOWEVER MANY PEOPLE IN THE WWW.SUBARUOUTBACK.ORG FORUM ARE DESCRIBING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. [XXX] FROM SOA HAS TOLD ME THEY ARE WAITING FOR SOMETHING BUT IT IS NOT CLEAR... IN THE MEANTIME I CONTINUE TO DRIVE MY 3 YEAR OLD SON AND WIFE IN A CAR WHOSE TIRE IMPACTS THE BODY OF THE CAR!! THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE!! PLEASE HELP ME! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). 8TR
Jan 09, 2013
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
MADE A TURN AND WAS HALFWAY DOWN THE BLOCK GOING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH WHEN THE ENGINE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. THE INSTRUMENT GAUGE LIT UP WITH ALL SORTS OF ANNUNCIATORS. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO A SAFE LOCATION AND PARK. THE FOLLOWING ANNUNCIATORS WERE FLASHING; AT OIL TEMP, CRUISE CONTROL INDICATOR, AND THE BRAKE LIGHT. THE FOLLOWING ANNUNCIATORS WERE LIT SOLID; CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT /MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT AND THE VEHICLE DYNAMICS CONTROL WARNING LIGHT. TURNED OFF VEHICLE. WAITED. TURNED ENGINE ON AND THE ANNUNCIATORS WERE STILL PRESENT AND THE INSTRUMENT GAUGE REMAINED UNCHANGED. *TR
Nov 25, 2012
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2013 SUBARU Outback have?
The 2013 SUBARU Outback currently has 291 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 2013 SUBARU Outback?
The most common problems reported for the 2013 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 2013 SUBARU Outback problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2013 SUBARU Outback comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
Other Years - SUBARU Outback
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2015 Problems
2014 Problems
2012 Problems
2011 Problems
2010 Problems
2009 Problems
2008 Problems
2007 Problems
2006 Problems
2005 Problems
2004 Problems
2003 Problems
2002 Problems
2001 Problems
2000 Problems
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