2004 Subaru Outback
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 90 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 23rd highest complaint count among 26 Outback model years with reports.
Of the 2004 reports, 9 involved a crash and 4 involved a fire. 4 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 2, 2020
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-20.
Campaign 20V003000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 2, 2020
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-20.
Campaign 20V002000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 2, 2020
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-20.
Campaign 20V001000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleMay 25, 2016
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, and Baja vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming, or "Zone C.". These vehicles may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 24, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-16. Note: This recall covers vehicles that were not previously covered in 16V-358 for Zone A or 16V-359 for Zone B.
Campaign 16V361000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleMay 25, 2016
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, 2006-2008 Impreza, Tribeca, 2006 Saab 9-2x, and 2003-2006 Baja vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." These vehicles may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 24, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-16. Note: This notice is only for vehicles that were not covered by 16V-358 for Zone A.
Campaign 16V359000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleMay 25, 2016
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, 2009-2011 Legacy, Outback, Forester, 2006-2011 Impreza, Tribeca, 2003-2006 Baja, and 2006 Saab 9-2x vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." These vehicles may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 26, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Saab owners may contact GM at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-16.
Campaign 16V358000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleMay 28, 2015
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Subaru Baja vehicles manufactured January 22, 2003, to July 21, 2004, 2004-2005 Impreza vehicles manufactured January 28, 2003, to May 31, 2005, 2003-2008 Subaru Legacy vehicles manufactured January 22, 2003, to May 2, 2008, 2003-2008 Subaru Outback vehicles manufactured February 18, 2003, to May 5, 2008, and 2005 Saab 9-2x vehicles manufactured February 11, 2004, to March 17, 2005. The affected vehicles are equipped with a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture upon its deployment.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify their owners and General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The Subaru recall began on June 17, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. The Saab recall began on July 27, 2015. Owners of Saab vehicles may call 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is WQR-53. Note: The recall completely supersedes recall 14V-399 (WQL-48) and partially supersedes recall 14V-763 (WQP-51) in that model year 2004 through 2005 Subaru Impreza and model year 2005 Saab 9-2x vehicles are now only part of this campaign. Note: On December 18, 2015 Subaru informed NHTSA of an expansion of this recall to include certain model year 2003-2004 Subaru Baja, 2003-2008 Subaru Legacy and 2003-2008 Subaru Outback vehicles.
Campaign 15V323000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsDec 1, 2014
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy and Outback vehicles, and 2003-2005 Baja vehicles sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Puerto Rico, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Saipan, American Samoa, Florida and adjacent counties in southern Georgia, as well as the coastal areas of Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengers frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify their owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQP-51. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-471. This recall has been partially superseded by 15V-323. All 2005 model year Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles will now be repaired under recall 15V-323.
Campaign 14V763000 on NHTSA.gov
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
Fuel system, gasoline, storage, tank assembly, filler pipe and capAug 20, 2003
CERTAIN PASSENGER OR SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES MAY HAVE A LOOSE OR OUT OF POSITION FUEL FILLER HOSE CLAMP.
THIS COULD RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND TIGHTEN THE CLAMP ON THE FUEL FILLER HOSE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 27, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
Campaign 03V303000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: vehicle speed control
20 reports, newest first. Show all
Vehicle speed control, Jun 23, 2017
THE CAR WILL BE OPERATING PROPERLY AT SPEED ON LOCAL ROADS (30MPH OR SO) WHEN, WITHOUT WARNING, THE ENGINE WILL GO TO A FAST IDLE AND THE GAS PEDDLE LOSES ALL EFFECTIVENESS. STOPPING THE CAR AND RESTARTING IT HAS FIXED THE PROBLEM THE THREE TIMES IT HAS HAPPENED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL POSITION SWITCH BUT THE PROBLEM HAS REOCCURRED. THIS IS A POTENTIALLY VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION, ESPECIALLY IF IT WERE TO OCCUR PULLING ONTO A HIGHWAY OR BEING IN TRAFFIC ON A BUSY ROAD
Vehicle speed control, Aug 22, 2016, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FAILED. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL STUCK TO THE FLOORBOARD AND CAUSED THE SPEED TO INCREASE TO 70 MPH. THE CONTACT HAD TO CRASH INTO A TREE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 230,000.
Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 26, 2015
UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. NOT DRIVER ERROR, NOT STUCK FLOORMAT. VEHICLE STARTED ACCELERATING ABOVE 7 ON THE TACHOMETER. PUSHED IN CLUTCH OF COURSE. STOPPED WITH CLUTCH IN AND VEHICLE JUST KEPT REVVING HIGHER. SHUT OFF CAR AND RESTARTED LATER. TERRIFYING.
Vehicle speed control, Aug 28, 2014
WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP CAR LURCHES FORWARD. THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS SMOOTH ACCELERATION WITH THIS VEHICLE. AFTER READING ALL OF THE OTHER INCIDENCES OF THIS AND WORSE ON THIS MODEL CAR ON THIS SITE, I WILL FILE A COMPLAINT AND DUMP THE DARN CAR. THIS WAS MY FIRST SUBARU, PURCHASED USED, AND I WAS EXCITED TO HAVE PURCHASED IT. NOW IT SEEMS LIKE A CURSE. I BOUGHT IT BECAUSE CONSUMER REPORTS RATED IT AS ONE OF THE SAFEST FOR TEEN DRIVERS. CANCELED MY CONSUMER REPORTS SUBSCRIPTION. I BOUGHT IT FOR MY DAUGHTER - NOW I WILL NOT LET HER DRIVE IT. NO MORE SUBARUS FOR ME. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jul 22, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH AND THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, THE VEHICLE ERRONEOUSLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT ALSO BEGAN TO HEAR AN ABNORMAL SOUND IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AND DEACTIVATED THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE VEHICLE PERSISTED TO ACCELERATE INDEPENDENTLY AND THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE WAS DISARRANGED CAUSING THE CRUISE CONTROL TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED DUE TO A ROD IN THE ENGINE FROM THE DAMAGE OF THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V128000(VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 250,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Jul 14, 2014, crash
I WAS PULLING INTO MY DRIVEWAY WHEN I STEPPED ON THE BRAKES THE CAR LUNGED FORWARD AND STRUCK A BOAT ON A TRAILER IN MY DRIVEWAY SENDING IT INTO THE SIDE OF MY HOME THE MORE I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE THE FASTER THE ENGINE ACCELERATED I EVENTUALLY ENDED UP CRASHING INTO A TREE WHICH FINALLY STOPPED THE CAR. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Nov 1, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN SHIFTING INTO PARK, THERE WAS AN INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS. THE ENGINE RPMS CONTINUED TO INCREASE UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,640.
Vehicle speed control, Jun 9, 2011, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING INTO A PARKING SPACE THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED FORWARD WHILE THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES AND CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. THE CONTACTS FACE HIT THE STEERING WHEEL AND SHE ALSO INJURED HER ANKLE. THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY IN THE DEALERS POSSESSION FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING TO DETERMINE WHAT MAY HAVE CAUSED THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000.
Vehicle speed control, Apr 1, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY BEGAN TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO APPLY THE BRAKE PEDAL AND SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN; HOWEVER, WHEN HE RELEASED THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST BUT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 58,600. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 61,200.
Vehicle speed control, Feb 12, 2010, crash
2004 SUBARU OUTBACK WAGON, UNWANTED, UNCONTROLLABLE ACCELERATION, UNABLE TO STOP VEHICLE RESULTING IN COLLISION, THE COLLISION INCIDENTS WERE WHILE IN REVERSE AND THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE WAS COLD ( 0-22 F). GENERALLY THE ACCELERATOR IS OVERSENSITIVE MOST OF THE TIME. IRA SUBARU DEALERSHIP HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO RESOLVE PROBLEM. I HAD AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP LOOK AT IT AND THEY COULD NOT RESOLVE IT . *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Dec 1, 2009, crash
THE AUTOMATIC GEAR SHIFT HAD BEEN LOCKED IN PARK, WHICH NEVER HAPPENED PREVIOUSLY. IT EVENTUALLY WAS RELEASED BY PUTTING THE TIP OF A KEY INTO THE AREA OF THE PANEL. ADVISED FOR THIS PROBLEM IN THE DRIVERS MANUAL. AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE TWICE MORE , IT WAS PARKED AGAIN. WHEN THE KEY WAS PUT IN THE IGNITION, THERE WAS A WHIRRING SOUND AND WHEN IT STARTED, IT SURGED FORWARD VERY RAPIDLY AND COULD NOT BE STOPPED BY USING THE BRAKES.. THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF CONTROL. IT WAS OFF THE ROAD AND ROCKS PUNCTURED A TIRE. IT STOPPED. WHEN BROUGHT TO THE SUBARU REPAIR SHOP, THE INSURANCE ADJUSTOR DID NOT ADVISE REPAIR, BECAUSE OF HEAVY DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE, TRANSMISSION ETC. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jan 8, 2008
THE CRUISE CONTROL ON MY 2004 SUBARU OUTBACK WILL DISCONNECT ON ITS OWN AT RANDOM AFTER BEING SET. IT HAS DONE THIS SINCE SHORTLY AFTER I BOUGHT IT NEW, AND I HAVE REPORTED THIS NUMEROUS TIMES DURING THE WARRANTY PERIOD TO SUBARU DEALERSHIPS, WHO HAVE ATTEMPTED TO REPLICATE AND/OR REPAIR IT, ALL TO NO AVAIL. IT USED TO BE THAT IT WOULD USUALLY DISCONNECT AFTER I HAD DRIVEN FOR APPROX. 1 1/2 HOUR. NOW, IT DISCONNECTS IN UNDER 1/2 HOUR ON DRIVES. IT WILL NOT RESET AND STAY SET, AND WILL CONTINUALLY REFUSE TO ACCEPT TO "RESUME" OR "SET" AFTER IT INITIALLY DISCONNECTS. THIS HAS RESULTED IN SITUATIONS WHERE SPEED HAS ABRUPTLY DROPPED, NEARLY CAUSING ACCIDENTS FROM FOLLOWING VEHICLES OVERRUNNING ME. LOOKING AROUND ONLINE, THERE ARE REPORTS THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM FOR SUBARU'S, BUT THERE HAS BEEN NO FIX OR RECALL MADE, AND SUBARU HAS SEEMINGLY MADE NO EFFORT TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. INCIDENT DATE IS MOST RECENT DATE IT HAS DISCONNECTED, AND THE NUMBER OF FAILURES IS PROBABLY UNDERESTIMATED. *TR
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Jul 10, 2006, crash
2002 L.L. BEAN OUTBACK ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY, MAKING THE VEHICLE VIBRATE. VEHICLE WENT UP OVER PARKING BARRIERS AND SHRUBBERY AND ROLLED OVER. *KB THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DURING THE ACCIDENT. THE CONSUMER COMPLAINED OF BODY PAIN, BUT REFUSED MEDICAL TREATMENT. THE POLICE OFFICER STATED IN HIS REPORT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS FOUND IN THE REVERSE POSITION. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE NEVER TOOK HER FOOT OFF THE BRAKE. THE CONSUMER AND HER HUSBAND HAD EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED A HESITATION IN SHIFTING AND VARIATION IN ENGINE SPEED. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Jun 8, 2005
THROTTLE INTERMITTENTLY STUCK OPEN WHEN DRIVING FROM 40-45 MPH, AND VEHICLE SURGED WHEN APPLYING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FROM THE STOP POSITION. BOTH ISSUES CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SUDDENLY/UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATE AND LURCH FORWARD. CONSUMER HAD A CONCERN THAT THIS PROBLEM WILL LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT. VEHICLE HAD BEEN TO THE DEALER ON FIVE SEPARATE OCCASIONS. TWICE THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, AND THREE TIMES DEALER WAS ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEMS, BUT UNABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *AK AS OF MAY 13, 2005 VEHICLE HAS FAILED 6 TIMES, 4 TIMES THE DEALERSHIP WAS ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND TWICE THEY WERE UNSUCCESSFUL IN FINDING THE PROBLEM. VEHICLE GETS STUCK IN CRUISE CONTROL AND DOESN'T WANT TO GO BELOW 40 MPH. *SB
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Apr 13, 2005
UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE AND SHIFTING IN DRIVE OR REVERSE, THE VEHICLE WILL ACCELERATE ERRATICALLY WITH FORCE. THIS HAS ALSO OCCURRED WITH NORMAL DRIVING. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER ON SEVERAL SEPARATE OCCASIONS, BUT THE PROBLEM RECURRED. ON EACH OCCASION THE FOLLOWING REPAIRS WERE MADE; ELECTRICAL GREASE WAS APPLIED ON THE TCS CONTACT. 3 DAYS LATER THE PROBLEM RECURRED. DEALER ADJUSTED THE ACCELERATOR THROTTLE, AND 3 DAYS LATER ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING. DEALER REPLACED THE ECM CONTROL MODULE, AND THE NEXT DAY VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN WHILE COMING TO A STOP. DEALER WAS UNABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM, WHICH HAS BEEN PASSED ON TO THE MANUFACTURER, AND NO RESPONSE WAS RECEIVED AT THIS TIME.*AK
Vehicle speed control, Apr 7, 2005
THE VEHICLE TENDS TO HAVE POOR ACCELERATION PERFORMANCE DURING FIRST 1 MINUTE OF OPERATION CAUSING A SUDDEN SURGE OF POWER DURING THE FIRST FEW MINUTES OF OPERATION CLIMBING OUR 15% GRADE DRIVEWAY. INITIALLY THE CAR WOULD NOT EVEN GO UP THE DRIVEWAY. THE DEALER FOUND SOME OF THE PROBLEM, BUT IT STILL CONTINUES TO SURGE IF THE CAR IS LEFT SETTING FOR A FEW DAY. VERY DIFFICULT TO DUPLICATE SO THE DEALER SAYS "IT IS NOT A PROBLEM IF WE CANNOT DUPLICATE." PROLBEM HAS OCCURRED STARTING IN ABOUT APRIL 2004 AND CONTINUED THRU TODAY. MY WIFE SAYS THE CAR IS DANGEROUS THE WAY IT SURGES WHEN A LOT OF THROTTLE IS APPLIED TO OVERCOME THE POOR RESPONSE. *AK
Vehicle speed control, Feb 1, 2005
ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, WITH TWO DIFFERENT DRIVERS, MY SUBARU OUTBACK 2004 VEHICLE EXPERIENCED DANGEROUS SUDDEN ACCELERATION. IN BOTH CASES, WE WERE STOPPED IN TRAFFIC FOR A FEW MINUTES, FOOT ON THE BRAKE, WHEN SUDDENLY, THE CAR BEGAN TO SURGE FORWARD. EVEN EXERTING STRONG PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE, THE CAR CONTINUED TO SURGE FORWARD, THE ENGINE RACING. ON ONE OCCASION, WE WERE BEHIND OTHER STOPPED CARS AND ALMOST REAR-ENDED THE CAR IN FRONT OF US. ON ANOTHER, WE WERE STOPPED AT A CROSS WALK AND ALMOST LURCHED FORWARD INTO PEDESTRIANS. IN BOTH CASES, WE THEN THREW THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL (IT IS AN AUTOMATIC). THE ENGINE THEN RACED WILDLY FOR A FEW SECONDS. WE THEN THREW IT INTO PARK. AT THIS POINT, THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO RACE, THEN SUBSIDED. A MOMENT LATER, THE CAR WAS BEHAVING NORMALLY AGAIN. OUR INITIAL CALLS TO SUBARU WERE REGARDED WITH LIGHTHEARTEDNESS. THEY TOLD US, IN ESSENCE, WE DIDN'T KNOW HOW TO DRIVE (EACH DRIVER HAS MORE THAN 30 YEARS DRIVING EXPERIENCE). A SEARCH ON THE INTERNET REVEALS MANY OTHER SUBARU OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM, AND A SUBARU HISTORY OF IGNORING IT AND THEIR CUSTOMERS' SAFETY. SHAME ON SUBARU. PLEASE TAKE ACTION TO PREVENT INJURY OR DEATH RESULTING FROM THIS UNSAFE VEHICLE.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Vehicle speed control, Aug 31, 2004, crash
MY SUBARU, FORESTER XT HAS HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS SINCE IT HAD 5000 MILES. THE ENGINE PERFORMANCE IS INCONSISTENT. THE CAR HAS AN INTERMITTENT MISS AT IDLE, CRUISE CONTROL THAT DISENGAGES AT WILL, IS DIFFICULT TO START INTERMITTENTLY; SPITTING AND SPUTTER FOR 30 SECONDS, ACTS AS IF IT WILL STALL OCCASIONALLY WHILE BRAKING, AND THE CLUTCH DOES NOT GRIP THE FLYWHEEL PROPERLY. WHILE PASSING ON 2 LANE ROADS, I HAVE NEARLY HAD NUMEROUS HEAD-ON ACCIDENTS; THE CAR DOES NOT ACCELERATE CONSISTENTLY. THE CRUISE CONTROL DEFECT HAS NEARLY CAUSED MANY OTHER ACCIDENTS IN DISTINCT CONDITIONS: 1. WHILE ASCENDING HILLS, I HAVE NEARLY BEEN REAR-ENDED BY OTHER CARS WHEN MY CAR LOSES SPEED WITHOUT WARNING 2. WHILE DESCENDING HILLS, I HAVE NEARLY LOST CONTROL AS THE CAR ACCELERATES WHILE CRUISE CONTROL HAS DISENGAGED I HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR WHEN I MUST TAKE OFF HARD, ESPECIALLY WHEN CROSSING A BUSY STREET. WHEN LAUNCHING HARD, THE CLUTCH WILL SLIP EXCESSIVELY. THE CAR WILL NOT ACCELERATE; IT WILL ONLY BURN THE CLUTCH CREATING A LARGE CLOUD OF SMOKE. IT DOES NOT MATTER WHICH GEAR I SWITCH TOO OR HOW MUCH THROTTLE I APPLY; THE CLUTCH WILL NOT GRIP UNTIL IT COOLS DOWN. I HAVE NEARLY BEEN HIT NUMEROUS TIMES BECAUSE OF THIS. I AM EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL. AFTER BRAKING TO A STOP, WHEN THE ENGINE IDLES DOWN, THE BRAKE PEDAL WILL SINK AN ADDITIONAL HALF AN INCH. I HAVE BROUGHT MY CAR TO 2 DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS, AND INVOLVED SUBARU'S REGIONAL SERVICE MANAGER. ALL EFFORTS TO REPAIR MY CAR HAVE BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL OR IGNORED. THE DEALERSHIPS HAVE ONLY ADJUSTED SWITCHES AND REPLACED AN OXYGEN SENSOR. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOW CLAIMED THAT THEY WILL NOT ISSUE A REPAIR ORDER, SINCE THE PROBLEMS ARE INTERMITTENT, EVEN THOUGH THE LEAD TECH HAS EXPERIENCED THE PROBLEM, AND THEY CAN'T REPLICATE THE PROBLEMS. I AM STUCK WITH A DEFECTIVE VEHICLE THAT IS GOING TO CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT, AS I DRIVE 1500 MILES PER WEEK THROUGHOUT A 6 STATE REGION.*AK
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Aug 31, 2004
ON JUNE 28, 2004, WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 25 TO 30 MPH, THE SPEED DROPPED TO 5 MPH. THE CONSUMER DEPRESSED THE GAS PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, AND THE MECHANIC FOUND NOTHING WRONG. ON JULY 4, 2004, WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 45 TO 50 MPH SPEED DROPPED TO 5 MPH AND SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED FROM 5 TO 70 MPH IN LESS THAN 10 SECONDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO FIX THE PROBLEM VEHICLE WAS STILL AT THE DEALERSHIP. *AK THE DEALER REPAIRED THE VEHICLE BY REPLACING THE ENTIRE COMPUTER SYSTEM. *SC *JB
Vehicle speed control, Aug 19, 2004
LAST MONTH I PURCHESED A NEW 2004 SUBARU OUTBACK. AFTER MY PURCHASE I DISCOVERED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN REPAIRED BY THE DEALERSHIP FOR A RECALL THAT INVOLVED THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE. THIS PROBLEM COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO REMAIN OPEN AND THE DRIVER COULD LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASH. HAD I KNOW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM I WOULD HAVE NOT PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE. THE DEALER NEVER TOLD ME ABOUT THE REPAIRS OR RECALL AND I BELEIVED I WAS BUYING A NEW AND SAFE VEHICLE. *AK