2005 Subaru Outback
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Suspension is the leading concern among 273 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 14th highest complaint count among 26 Outback model years with reports.
Of the 2005 reports, 13 involved a crash and 3 involved a fire. 11 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
Electrical system, ignition, switchApr 11, 2019
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part. The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on the key ring and certain road conditions could cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.
The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash. If a crash occurs under this condition, the air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 10, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUF-91.
Campaign 19V297000 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
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsJun 10, 2014
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Outback and Legacy, 2008-2011 Impreza and 2008-2014 Impreza WRX/STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Salt water could splash on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector, resulting in excessive corrosion of the brake lines. Note that affected vehicles not currently, or formerly registered, in the salt belt states identified above are eligible for repair, at no cost to the customer, upon request.
Brake line corrosion may result in brake fluid leakage. Fluid leakage may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will test the brake system by depressing the brake pedal and inspecting for brake fluid leaks. If no brake fluid seepage is observed, the affected areas will be rustproofed with anti-corrosion wax. If brake fluid seepage is observed, the brake lines will be replaced followed by rustproofing with anti-corrosion wax. These services will be performed free of charge. The recall began July 2014 and second notifications will run through November 2014. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall campaign number is WQK-47. Note: This recall supersedes recall 13V-110 which applied to certain 2005-2009 Legacy/Outback vehicles. Vehicles that were remedied under the previous campaign still need additional areas rust-proofed.
Campaign 14V311000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsMar 27, 2013
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Outback and Legacy vehicles manufactured from December 2003, through April 2009 and currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Salt water could splash on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector, resulting in excessive corrosion of the brake lines.
Brake line corrosion may result in brake fluid leakage. Fluid leakage may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles. If no brake fluid seepage is observed, the affected area will be rustproofed with anti-corrosion wax. If brake fluid seepage is observed, the brake lines will be replaced followed by rustproofing with anti-corrosion wax. These services will be performed free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall campaign number is WQG-43.
Campaign 13V110000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, side/windowJun 9, 2004
THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS IN CERTAIN VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THIS CAMPAIGN MAY NOT FULLY DEPLOY RAPIDLY ENOUGH WHEN ACTIVATED IN A SIDE IMPACT COLLISION. DURING A SIDE IMPACT TEST CONDUCTED BY THE INSURANCE INSTITUTE FOR HIGHWAY SAFETY (IIHS), THE TEST RESULTS INDICATED THAT THERE WAS A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE IIHS TEST RESULTS AND THE RESULT OF SIDE IMPACT TESTS CONDUCTED BY FHI.
THIS MAY RESULT IN FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE INTENDED HEAD PROTECTION, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO A SEAT OCCUPANT.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG MODULES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 11, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783. .
Campaign 04V274000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: air bags
38 reports, newest first. Show all
Air bags, Mar 9, 2016
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V323000 (AIR BAGS). HOWEVER, THE PARTS NEEDED WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIRS. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE OF TIME TO PROVIDE THE REPAIRS. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED, WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE DELAY. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOLS CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Air bags, Feb 19, 2016
TAKATA RECALL. SUBARU RECALL CAMPAIGN WQR53. NOTICE RECEIVED WITH INSTRUCTION NOT TO ALLOW FRONT PASSENGER. CONTACTED SIX (6) LOCAL DEALERSHIPS TO REMEDY DEFECT. ALL SIX ADVISE THEY CANNOT SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT TO REMEDY DEFECT AS THEY HAVE NO PARTS AND DON'T KNOW WHEN PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE. ONE DEALER ADVISED SUBARU OF AMERICA IS NOT COOPERATING WITH LOCAL DEALER. EACH DEALER ADVISED TO CHECK BACK (IN A MONTH OR TWO MONTHS) TO SEE IF THEY HAVE PARTS. WITHOUT USE OF FRONT PASSENGER SEAT MY VEHICLE IS RENDERED USELESS. NO OTHER OPTIONS PROVIDED; I.E., A LONER CAR OR A RENTAL VEHICLE. NOT THE BEST WAY TO RUN A RAILROAD. HAS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT BEEN FILED? IF SO, PLEASE ADVISE AS TO LEGAL COUNSEL.
Air bags, Feb 17, 2016
TAKATA RECALL - I HAVE CHILDREN AND MY SUBARU DEALER IS TELLING ME I AM NOT IN A HIGH PRIORITY GROUP TO HAVE MY AIRBAG INFLATORS REPLACED. I GOT A NOTICE SAYING PEOPLE SHOULD NOT RIDE IN MY PASSENGER SEAT UNTIL IT IS FIXED, BUT THIS IS AN IMPOSSIBLE SCENARIO FOR MANY PEOPLE INCLUDING MYSELF AND MY FAMILY.
Air bags, Feb 17, 2016
NHTSA RECALL 15V-323. SUBARU NOTIFIED ME OF THIS RECALL. THEY SUGGESTED NO ONE SIT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT UNTIL THE PROBLEM IS REPAIRED. BUT THEY ARE OUT OF PARTS AND DON'T KNOW WHEN IT CAN BE FIXED. IN A FRONT OR PASSENGER SIDE IMPACT, THE PASSENGER AIR BAG COULD STILL INFLATE, WITHOUT A PASSENGER, THUS PLACING THE DRIVER AT RISK. SO WHAT DO I DO? STOP DRIVING THE CAR UNTIL SUBARU FIXES THE PROBLEM? WHAT CAN NHTSA DO TO MAKE SUBARU FIX THE PROBLEM ASAP?
Air bags, Jan 15, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V323000 (AIR BAGS); 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 MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE....UPDATED04/04/16 *BF *CN
Air bags, May 27, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH, THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. AS A RESULT THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BURN TO THE RIGHT ARM THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. UPDATED 06/02/17*LJ UPDATED 10/17/2017*CN
Air bags, Jan 9, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD EXPERIENCED A FAILURE RELATED THE MANUFACTURER'S TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL. THE SPECIFICS OF THE FAILURE EXPERIENCED WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE MANUFACTURER'S TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Air bags, Feb 4, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIANS STATED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR AND MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TECHNICIANS INFORMED THE CONTACT OF NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V274000 (COMPONENT: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW) FOR THE AIR BAGS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000.
Air bags, Jul 14, 2010
IN 2008 THE AIRBAGS ON OUR CAR DEPLOYED SPONTANEOUSLY WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE. BEFORE THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED THE SEATBELT LIGHTS IN OUR CAR BEGAN DINGING AND FLASHING AS IF SOMEONE WERE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, WHICH WAS EMPTY, AND THEN THEY DEPLOYED ON MY HUSBAND. AFTER 3 OR SO MONTHS SUBARU HAD THE AIRBAG COMPONENTS REMOVED FROM THE CAR AND SUBMITTED TO THE MANUFACTURER. THEIR INVESTIGATION WAS INCONCLUSIVE TO WHAT HAPPENED AND THEY REPLACED THE COMPONENTS WITH NEW ONES ASSUMING THEY HAD FIXED THE PROBLEM. JULY 11 I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND THE LIGHTS BEGAN FLASHING AGAIN AS IF SOMEONE WERE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, WHICH AGAIN WAS EMPTY, AND I PULLED UP AND GOT OUT OF THE CAR IMMEDIATELY AS I AM 7 MONTHS PREGNANT AND FEARED THEY MIGHT EXPLODE AGAIN AND WE WERE ABOUT TO TAKE A 6 HOUR DRIVE. WHEN WE REMOVED THE KEYS THE LIGHTS ON THE CAR REMAINED ON. SUBARU NOW HAS THE CAR AND IS INVESTIGATING THE PROBLEM. THIS CAR IS A TIMEBOMB AND I CAN'T IMAGINE PUTTING IT BACK ON THE ROAD. THESE ARE THE EXACT SYMPTOMS WE HAD BEFORE THE AIRBAGS EXPLODED LAST TIME IT JUST HAPPENS WE WERE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND NOT GOING 55 DOWN THE HIGHWAY. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Air bags, Vehicle speed control, May 13, 2010, crash, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES FAILED TO ENGAGE AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE AND CAUGHT FIRE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. FOUR PEOPLE WERE INJURED AND POLICE AND FIRE REPORTS WERE FILED. A MONTH PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT, THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND NO FAILURES WERE FOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AFTER THE CRASH AND IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE TUMBLER SYSTEM WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN. UPDATED 7/16/10 *CN UPDATED 07/27/10*JB
Air bags, Dec 8, 2008
NOVEMBER 15, 2008 MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING TO WORK WHEN THE AIRBAGS IN OUR 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK DEPLOYED WITHOUT PROVOCATION. OUR CAR WAS IMMEDIATELY TAKEN TO THE AUTHORIZED SUBARU DEALERSHIP HERE IN PUERTO RICO WHERE THEY HAVE YET TO DISCOVER WHAT CAUSED THIS TO HAPPEN. WE PURCHASED OUR CAR IN SEATTLE BUT WE LIVE HERE BECAUSE MY HUSBAND IS STATIONED HERE FOR THE MILITARY. WE HAVE BEEN ATTEMPTING TO GET SUBARU OF AMERICA'S ASSISTANCE IN DETERMINING WHAT CAUSED THIS DEPLOYMENT BUT THEY HAVE NOT BEEN VERY HELPFUL. NOTHING HAS BEEN REPAIRED BECAUSE WE DON'T WANT ANYTHING DONE IF THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO THE CAR. WE ARE FEARFUL TO DRIVE OUR CAR AGAIN AND WANT SUBARU OF AMERICA TO BE A LITTLE MORE ACTIVE AND INTERESTED IN DISCOVERING WHAT COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS SAFETY MALFUNCTION IN THEIR VEHICLE. AS FAR AS WE KNOW THE SERVICE MANAGER HERE SENT THEM AN EMAIL INFORMING THEM THAT AFTER HE HAD LOOKED OVER THE CAR, HE SEES NO DAMAGE THAT COULD HAVE CAUSED IT. THIS INFORMATION WE ALREADY KNEW, BECAUSE WE WEREN'T INVOLVED IN ANY SORT OF COLLISION. SO FAR THIS IS THE EXTENT OF THEIR INVOLVEMENT IN THE SITUATION. *TR
Air bags, Mar 27, 2006, crash
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS HIT IN THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL AREA. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. ALTHOUGH THE SEAT BELT WAS WORN, THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES TO THE HEAD, NECK, AND SPINE. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT TAKEN AT THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP.
Air bags, Nov 2, 2005, crash
ON JULY 13, 2005 I TOTALED MY 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK BY ROLLING IT ABOUT THREE TIMES. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED-NOT EVEN THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS. I UNDERSTAND THAT THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS ARE DESIGNED TO DEPLOY IN A ROLL OVER. *NM