2001 Subaru Outback
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Fuel system is the leading concern among 170 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 18th highest complaint count among 26 Outback model years with reports.
Of the 2001 reports, 16 involved a crash and 4 involved a fire. 7 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpNov 29, 2013
Airtex Products LP (Airtex) is recalling certain model E8598M, E8518M, E8600M, E8596M, and E8597M fuel pumps manufactured July 26, 2013, and July 29, 2013 and used as aftermarket replacements on Subaru Baja's, Outback's and Legacy's. The affected fuel pumps were sold or installed into the aftermarket applications on or after July 26, 2013, and may may leak fuel from the base of a fuel line connection when the gas tank is full.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Airtex will notify owners, and will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Recall is expected to begin on January 2, 2014. Customers may contact Airtex at 1-800-880-3056. The recall is expected to begin during January 2014. This recall is being conducted by Airtex, not by Subaru.
Campaign 13E065000 on NHTSA.gov
Vehicle speed control, cablesMar 16, 2004
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER SEDANS, WAGONS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE COULD COME OUT OF ITS TRACK ON THE CRUISE CONTROL LEVER AND LODGE ON THE CONTROL LEVER TAB WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS RELEASED. IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE THROTTLE WILL NOT RETURN TO THE IDLE POSITION AND WILL REMAIN IN AN OPEN POSITION.
IF THIS OCCURS DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, THE DRIVER COULD LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A CRUISE CONTROL CABLE RETAINING CLIP TO THE CRUISE CONTROL LEVER TAB ON THE THROTTLE SHAFT IN ORDER TO PREVENT THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE FROM COMING OUT OF ITS TRACK. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 12, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
Campaign 04V128000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearApr 22, 2003
THIS RECALL APPLIES TO CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. CERTAIN REAR SUSPENSION SUBFRAME COMPONENTS WERE PRODUCED WITH POOR PAINT QUALITY WHICH, AFTER CONTINUED EXPOSURE TO CORROSIVE ROAD SALTS FOR A PERIOD OF SEVERAL YEARS, COULD RESULT IN RUST-OUT OF THE COMPONENT AND POSSIBLE BREAKAGE OF THE SUBFRAME.
IF SUCH BREAKAGE OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED, CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE COULD BE AFFECTED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL CLEAN AND RUST-PROOF THE REAR SUSPENSION SUBFRAME. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 14, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
Campaign 03V153000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmissionOct 30, 2002
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED TRANSMISSION PARKING ROD. WHEN THE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR LEVER IS PLACED IN THE "P" (PARK) POSITION, THE TRANSMISSION PARK MECHANISM, THAT IS INTENDED TO HOLD YOUR VEHICLE, MAY NOT ENGAGE.
THE VEHICLE COULD THEN MOVE/ROLL WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PARKING ROD ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION JANUARY 8, 2003. AN INTERIM OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BE SENT DURING NOVEMBER 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
Campaign 02V282000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
170 reports, newest first.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 29, 2011
I PURCHASED A 2001 SUBARU OUTBACK WHEN THE TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE IS BELOW FREEZING AROUND 28 DEGREES OR LOWER, THERE IS A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE INSIDE THE PASSENGER AREA. I MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH A SUBARU DEALER FOR JANUARY 5TH, HOWEVER I RESEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND THIS PROBLEM IS COMMON WITH NO CLEAR FIX. I DON'T WANT TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER IF THIS PROBLEM ISN'T GOING TO BE FIXED. WHAT REMEDY HAS SUBARU OFFERED FOR THIS PROBLEM? *KB
Electrical system, Oct 3, 2011, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED A BURNING SMELL IN THE VEHICLE. SUDDENLY, THERE WERE FLAMES UNDER THE BUTTONS OF THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE ARM REST. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE MECHANIC STATED THERE WAS A SHORT IN THE WIRES CONNECTED TO THE SIDE VIEW MIRROR DEFROSTER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 142,000. UPDATED 12/22/11*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED WITHIN A MINUTE, THE FIRE OPENED A HOLE IN ON THE INSIDE OF THE DRIVERS DOOR. APPROXIMATELY TWO INCHES WIDE WITH FLAMES. UPDATED 12/28/11
Suspension, Jul 27, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THE FRAME UNDER THE VEHICLE WAS RUSTED AND CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND CONFIRMED THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000. UPDATED 08/31/2011 *LN THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS RECALLED IN 2003 FOR DEFECTIVE PAINT ON THE FRAME, WHICH COULD RESULT IN FRAME RUST. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED SUBARU BY PHONE AND LETTER AND THEY REFUSED ANY ASSISTANCE. THEY CLAIMED THE WERE NOT LIABLE REGARDING OF CRASH DANGER. UPDATED 09/01/11 *TR
Suspension, Structure, May 9, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN THE SUB FRAME OF THE VEHICLE FRACTURED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER ADVISED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V153000 (SUSPENSION: REAR) WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE IN 2004. THE RECALL REQUIRED THE MANUFACTURER TO SPRAY AN ANTI RUST AND WAX ONTO THE SUB FRAME AND AXLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL REPAIR DID NOT PREVENT THE FAILURE FROM OCCURRING AND THE SUB FRAME AND REAR AXLE WERE BOTH FRACTURED DUE TO RUST. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 4, 2011
IN 20 DEGREE WEATHER (FAHRENHEIT) AN OVERWHELMING GASOLINE ODOR FILLED THE CABIN OF MY 2001 SUBARU LEGACY WAGON (OUTBACK). THIS HAPPENED ON THREE DIFFERENT TRIPS AROUND TOWN YESTERDAY. I HAVE A 2.5L ENGINE, USING 87 OCTANE GASOLINE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DID NOT ELIMINATE DURING THESE EPISODES. I LIFTED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT HOOD WHEN THIS HAPPENED A THIRD TIME AND FOUND THE VAPOR SMELL WAS STRONGEST NEAR THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF FUEL LEAKING FROM ANY NEOPRENE OF STEEL LINES. OBVIOUSLY THE ODOR WAS COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT THROUGH THE HEATING SYSTEM VENTS (THE CLIMATE CONTROL FAN WAS TURNED TO HIGH). THE ODOR WAS SO STRONG, IT WAS OVERWHELMING EVEN WHEN THE VENTS WERE BLOWING RECIRCULATED AIR FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE TRIP. I BELIEVE A SPARK COULD HAVE EASILY RESULTED IN AN EXPLOSION. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 3, 2011
2001 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK. FUEL VAPOR SMELL IN CABIN WHEN TEMPERATURES FALL BELOW FREEZING. THIS HAS BEEN A PERSISTENT PROBLEM FOR THE THREE WINTERS WE HAVE OWNED THE CAR. THIS FALL I FOUND SEVERAL COMMENTS ONLINE WHICH PROMPTED ME TO TIGHTEN THE HOSE CLAMPS ON FUEL LINES RUNNING TO/FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FUEL FILTER. THIS SEEMED TO HELP UNTIL THE LAST 2-3 DAYS WHEN WE EXPERIENCED PROLONGED TEMPERATURES OF 0 TO -15F. NOW THE SMELL IS BACK AND THE LOCAL SUBARU DEALER SUGGESTS THE PROBLEM OFTEN INVOLVES FUEL HOSES BENEATH THE INTAKE MANIFOLD, WHICH THEY ESTIMATE $370 TO REPAIR. BASED ON NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS AND COMMENTS I HAVE FOUND ONLINE, SOME DATING BACK TO 2003, I AM SHOCKED THAT SUBARU HAS BEEN AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM FOR SO LONG AND FAILED TO ISSUE A RECALL. GASOLINE VAPOR IS A SIGNIFICANT HEALTH HAZARD. NOT ONLY IS IT A CARCINOGEN AND KNOWN TO CAUSE BRAIN DAMAGE, BUT SHORT TERM EXPOSURE AT THE VERY LEAST MAY CONTRIBUTE TO DIZZINESS AND IMPAIRED DRIVING ABILITY, LEADING TO POSSIBLE INJURY OR DEATH... NOT TO MENTION THE RISK OF FIRE, ALSO WITH POTENTIALLY DIRE CONSEQUENCES. THIS IS OUR FAMILY'S PRIMARY VEHICLE AND I CANNOT IN GOOD CONSCIENCE ALLOW MY WIFE AND CHILD TO TRAVEL UNDER SUCH HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS. I WISH SUBARU SHARED MY OPINION. WE WILL NOT USE THE VEHICLE UNTIL REPAIRS CAN BE PERFORMED, ALBEIT AT MY OWN COST RATHER THAN THE MANUFACTURER. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jan 30, 2011
I HAVE A 2001 SUBARU OUTBACK STATION WAGON. ON VERY COLD DAYS, THERE IS A STRONG SMELL OF FUEL THAT PERVADES THE PASSENGER CABIN. WE HAD TO DRIVE WITH WINDOWS OPEN EVEN WHEN 20-DEGREES OUTSIDE OR EXPOSE MY 3YR SON TO THE GAGGING FUMES. THIS PROBLEM IS A KNOWN ISSUE (THERE ARE LITERALLY 1000'S OF POSTS ON SUBARU OWNERS WEB BOARDS) BUT MY LOCAL MECHANIC WAS INITIALLY NOT ABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM. SUBARU OF AMERICA HAS NOT ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TO MAKE OWNERS AWARE OF THIS COMMON FAILURE IN SUBARU FUEL LINES. ONCE WE FOUND EXPLANATORY MATERIAL ON THE WEB, WE HAD THE LOCAL MECHANIC REPLACE THE FUEL LINES FOR ABOUT $300. GIVEN HOW COMMON THE PROBLEM IS AND HOW POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS A FUEL LINE LEAK IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT COULD BE, THE NHTSA SHOULD FORCE SUBARU TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM. IN ADDITION TO THE IMMEDIATE DANGER, THEIR LACK OF ACTION ALSO IS LEADING TO OWNERS EXPOSING THEMSELVES TO FUEL FUMES IN THE PASSENGER CABIN AS THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT AND THUS HARD FOR MECHANICS TO DIAGNOSE AND REPAIR. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jan 26, 2011
UNDERHOOD FUEL HOSES ARE ALLOWING LEAKAGE AT LOW TEMPERATURES. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jan 14, 2011
2001 SUBARU OUTBACK, 4 CYL. STRONG GAS SMELL WHEN OUTSIDE AIR/HEATER IS ON AND TEMPERATURE IS AROUND FREEZING OR BELOW. IT HAS HAPPENED LAST 3 YRS AND FUMES CAN BE AVOIDED BY CHANGING TO RECIRCULATING AIR. DEALER AND OTHER MECHANIC COULD NOT FIND PROBLEM. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 17, 2010
I OWN A 2001 SUBARU OUTBACK, THAT WHEN THE WEATHER GETS COLD, SOMEWHERE AT AND BELOW 30 DEGREES, I GET A GAS ODOR IN AND OUTSIDE THE CAR. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT THIS IS AN *EXTREMELY* COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE CAR'S GAS LINES AND THAT SUBARU IS ONLY ACKNOWLEDGING THE ISSUE ON 2002 AND NEWER MODELS. HAVE YOU RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE BEFORE AND CAN YOU TELL ME WHY NO RECALL ON 2001S WAS EVER DONE? THANK YOU. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 9, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILED DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE CONTACT SMELLED AN ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. ALL THE PASSENGERS COMPLAINED OF A HEADACHE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO REPAIRED A LEAKING FUSE HOSE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AGAIN AND WAS NO LONGER DRIVABLE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AGAIN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 113,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 7, 2010
2001 SUBARU OUTBACK HAS STRONG GASOLINE SMELL INSIDE CABIN UPON STARTING ENGINE. OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE IS ABOVE 80- DEGREES...NOT COLD. SMELL DISSIPATES AS CAR RUNS AFTER ABOUT 3 MINUTES. *TR
Fuel system, Other, Feb 1, 2010, crash
I WAS TRAVELING A MCDONALD'S DRIVE-IN WITH VEHICLES CLOSE TO BUMPER TO BUMPER WITH MY FOOT SECURELY ON THE BRAKE. MY 2001 SUBARU OUTBACK SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WILDLY AND, BEFORE I COULD SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL AND PRESS HARDER ON THE BRAKES, CAREENED INTO THE CAR DIRECTLY AHEAD. MY AUTO ACTUALLY PUSHED THE AUTO AHEAD SOME 5-6 FT. BEFORE I COULD GET IT UNDER CONTROL.I REPORTED THE ACCIDENT TO THE POLICE AND INSURANCE CO.IT COST ME A $500 DEDUCTIBLETO HAVE MY VEHICLE REPAIRED. I BROUGHT MY AUTO TO A SUBARU DEALER FOR REVIEW. THEY CLAIM TO HAVE FOUND NOTHING AWRY. I HAVE EXPERIENCED SIMILAR INSTANCES OF UNINTENDED ACCELERATION ON 4-5 OCCASIONS. DRIVING THIS AUTO IS NOW QUITE FRIGHTENING. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jan 18, 2010
CAR IS A SUBARU OUTBACK 2001. COMPLAINT IS STRONG FUEL SMELL AND VAPORS IN THE CAR CABIN WHEN OUTSIDE AIR TEMPERATURE FALLS BELOW 30 DEGREES OR SO. SMELL PERMEATES OUR CLOTHING TO THE EXTENT THAT WHEN WE LEAVE THE CAR AND ENCOUNTER PEOPLE, THEY COMMENT THAT WE SMELL LIKE GASOLINE. FUEL LINES HAVE BEEN CHECKED AS HAVE CLAMPS AND HOSES. NO RESOLUTION. WE MUST DRIVE BREATHING STRONG FUMES. OPENING WINDOWS DISSIPATES FUMES SOMEWHAT, BUT NOT COMPLETELY. PROBLEM IS WORSE WITH HEATER RUNNING, SO WE TURN IT OFF. ADDITIONAL CONCERN IS THAT WHEN DRIVING WITHOUT HEAT, THE FRONT WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER IS NOT OPERATIONAL, RESULTING IN THE WINDSHIELD BEING ICED OVER AND/OR COVERED WITH CONDENSATION. THIS CAUSES VISUAL IMPAIRMENT AND IS A DRIVING HAZARD. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 5, 2010, crash
VEHICLE DOES NOT BRAKE PROPERLY WHEN COLD IN SUB-FREEZING WEATHER CONDITIONS. VEHICLE CONSISTENTLY HAS GREATLY INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES WHEN IT IS VERY COLD OUT AND THE CONDITION RESOLVES ONCE THE VEHICLE HAS WARMED UP. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jan 4, 2010
I OWN A 2001 SUBARU OUTBACK THAT WHEN THE WEATHER GETS COLD, SOMEWHERE AT AND BELOW 30 DEGREES, I GET A GAS SMELL IN AND OUTSIDE THE CAR. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS ON THE INTERNET AND FIND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE CAR'S GAS LINES AND THAT SUBARU IS ONLY ACKNOWLEDGING THE ISSUE ON 2002 AND NEWER MODELS. HAVE YOU RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE BEFORE AND CAN YOU TELL ME WHY NO RECALL ON 2001S WAS EVER DONE? THANK YOU. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 16, 2009
WE STRONGLY AGREE WITH THE COMPLAINT FILED 12/9/09 LISTED BELOW. WE ALSO HAVE A 2001 SUBARU OUTBACK AND HAVE HAD THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP CHECK OUT THIS PROBLEM SEVERAL TIMES. WE HAVE HAD FUEL HOSES REPLACED AND CLAMPS TIGHTENED AND REPLACED MANY TIMES AND THE PROBLEM REMAINS. OBVIOUSLY THE PROBLEM IS ELSEWHERE IN THE FUEL SYSTEM. WHILE EVERY WINTER FOR AT LEAST THE LAST 5-6 WINTER SEASONS OUR FAMILY SMELLS AND BREATHES IN GASOLINE FUMES AND HAVE TO OPEN WINDOWS TO AIR OUT THE CABIN FROM THE STRONG GASOLINE SMELL. WE ALSO REFRAIN FROM USING THE HEATING SYSTEM AT TIMES BECAUSE THE SMELL IS MUCH MORE NOTICEABLE WHEN WE RUN THE HEATER. WE HAVE ALSO FOUND COUNTLESS COMPLAINTS ONLINE REGARDING THIS SUBARU ISSUE. DOES A FIRE, DAMAGE, CRASH, INJURY OR DEATH HAVE TO OCCUR BEFORE SUBARU OR THE NHTSA WILL ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM? COMPONENT: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE DETAILS: IN COLD WEATHER, MY 2001 SUBARU OUTBACK HAS AN EXTREMELY STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE. A QUICK SEARCH WILL REVEAL HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ON THE SAME ISSUE. THERE HAS BEEN A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ISSUED BY SUBARU ON THIS ISSUE--NHTSA ITEM # 616334, SERVICE BULLETIN # 010101. THE TSB RECOMMENDS AN "INSPECTION PROCEDURE FOR POSSIBLE REPLACEMENT OF 3 FUEL HOSES". HOWEVER, THE SUBARU DEALER INDICATES THE ISSUE CALLS FOR A REPLACEMENT OF THE ENTIRE FUEL RAIL--COSTING MORE THAN $400. I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT NEITHER THE NHTSA NOR SUBARU HAVE NOT CATEGORIZED A SYSTEMIC PROBLEM WITH LEAKING GASOLINE AS A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR OCCURRENCES: 1 INJURIES: 0 FAIL DATE: 12/07/2005 DEATHS: 0 DATE ADDED TO DATBASE: 12/9/2009
Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 9, 2009
IN COLD WEATHER, MY 2001 SUBARU OUTBACK HAS AN EXTREMELY STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE. A QUICK SEARCH WILL REVEAL HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ON THE SAME ISSUE. THERE HAS BEEN A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ISSUED BY SUBARU ON THIS ISSUE--NHTSA ITEM # 616334, SERVICE BULLETIN # 010101. THE TSB RECOMMENDS AN "INSPECTION PROCEDURE FOR POSSIBLE REPLACEMENT OF 3 FUEL HOSES". HOWEVER, THE SUBARU DEALER INDICATES THE ISSUE CALLS FOR A REPLACEMENT OF THE ENTIRE FUEL RAIL--COSTING MORE THAN $400. I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT NEITHER THE NHTSA NOR SUBARU HAVE NOT CATEGORIZED A SYSTEMIC PROBLEM WITH LEAKING GASOLINE AS A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 16, 2009
IN COLD WEATHER VERY STRONG FUEL ODOR IN PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. SMELL IS STRONG ENOUGH TO MAKE PASSENGERS FEEL ILL. THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME WHEN OUTSIDE TEMP GOES BELOW FREEZING. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 20, 2009
WHEN THE WEATHER IS VERY COLD OUT (IT WAS -15 TO -20 CELSIUS WHEN THIS HAPPENED) THERE IS NO VACUUM ASSIST FOR THE BRAKES. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM (CHECK AT WWW.SUBARUOUTBACK.ORG). THE VEHICLE IS A 2001 SUBARU OUTBACK AND THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE A CHECK VALVE IN THE VACUUM LINE RUNNING TO THE BRAKE BOOSTER. IN COLD WEATHER, THE CHECK VALVE FREEZES AND THERE IS NO VACUUM TO THE BRAKE BOOSTER. THIS MAKES THE BRAKE PEDAL EXTREMELY HARD TO PUSH AS THE IS NO POWER ASSIST WHEN THERE IS NO VACUUM TO THE BOOSTER. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 10, 2008
THERE IS FREQUENTLY A STRONG SMELL OF FUEL WITHIN THE VEHICLE COMPARTMENT WHEN THE CAR IS RUNNING, EITHER STANDING STILL OR OTHERWISE BEING DRIVEN. THERE WAS A THIRD PARTY SERVICE BULLETIN ISSUED (WXZ-83-FUEL HOSE EXPLAINING THE PROBLEM WHICH IS THAT CERTAIN AFFECTED VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITH UP TO 3 IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED FUEL HOSES IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. OVER TIME AND IN COLD WEATHER THE HOSES COULD LEAK CREATING THE POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I FOUND OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS ON THE INTERNET. SUBARU SAYS THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS BUT THAT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT ONE OF THE VEHICLES UNDER THE RECALL AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR ANY REPAIRS - THEY SAID IT COULD BE THE FUEL RAIL ASSEMBLY THAT IS THE PROBLEM. THIS DOES NOT SEEM FAIR OR RIGHT. IF ITS A DEFECT (WITH SERIOUS SAFETY IMPLICATIONS) AND MY CAR WAS AFFECTED BY THE PROBLEM DESCRIBED (AND WHO KNOWS HOW MANY OTHERS), THEN THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD FIX ALL CARS WITH THE PROBLEM AT THEIR EXPENSE. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Nov 20, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE CONTACT SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE ODOR WAS ONLY NOTICED IN 25 DEGREE WEATHER AND BELOW. THE VEHICLE WILL BE TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION AND REPAIRS. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 151,000.
Power train, Sep 9, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD CLICKING NOISE AND THEN THE VEHICLE STALLED. HE NOTICED THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD FALLEN OUT OF THE VEHICLE ONTO THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE. HE IS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE DEALER TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 75,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 29, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WOULD CONSISTENTLY ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND A TECHNICIAN ERASED THE FUEL TEMPERATURE CODE. TWO WEEKS AFTER THE DIAGNOSTIC, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT HAD RESURFACED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AND A TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE KNOCK SENSOR AT THE COST OF $317. SEVERAL DAYS AFTER THE REPAIR, THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AGAIN. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AGAIN AND THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FUEL TEMPERATURE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT THE COST OF $520. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,378 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 53,923. UPDATED 10/16/08. *LJ UPDATED THE DEALER REPLACED REPAIRED A LOOSE CONNECTION AT THE FUEL PUMP SENSOR. *JB
Power train, Apr 9, 2008
THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PARK MECHANISM DOES NOT ENGAGE PROPERLY. WITH SELECTOR LEVER IN "PARK " AND CAR TURNED OFF AND IGNITION KEY REMOVED, THE CAR ROLLS. IN THE EARLY YEARS, THE CAR ROLLED ONLY SLIGHTLY AND FINALLY "ENGAGED": NOW, THE CAR ROLLS SEVERAL FEET AND DOES NOT ALWAYS ENGAGE, REQUIRING USE OF THE EMERGENCY BRAKE FOR ALL PARKING. BECAUSE THE PROBLEM IS GETTING WORSE, WE SEARCHED FOR REPAIR & RECALL INFORMATION. WE FOUND THAT ALTHOUGH OUR MODEL & YEAR ARE ON THE RECALL LIST FOR THIS PARK MECHANISM, OUR VIN# IS NOT. *TR