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
273 reports, newest first.
Steering, Feb 6, 2008
MY 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5XT HAS A BAD REAR END SWAY WHILE DRIVING OVER SLICK SPOTS ON THE HIGHWAY, FEELING LIKE THE CAR IS GOING TO LOOSE CONTROL. *TR
Suspension, Jan 30, 2008
CAR IS EXTREMELY UNSTABLE ON SLICK ROADS. SPECIFICALLY THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE "FISHTAILS". *TR
Suspension, Jan 29, 2008
MY 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK XT LIMITED DOES NOT HANDLE WELL IN SNOW/ICY CONDITIONS. THE REAR END OSCILLATES BACK AND FORTH IN A VERY UNEASY, UNSAFE MANOR. I JUST HAD THE REAR END AND FRONT END ALIGNED. THE TIRES ARE ONLY HALF WAY WORN. I WAS TRAVELING 45 MPH AND EVERY CAR ON THE ROAD WAS NOT HAVING ISSUES WITH THE ROAD. I HAD TO SLOW DOWN TO ABOUT 10 MPH IN ORDER TO FEEL SAFE. *CN
Suspension, Jan 28, 2008
WHILE DRIVING ON ICY ROADS, THE REAR END OF THE CAR PITCHES LEFT & RIGHT AT AN OSCILLATION OF ABOUT 1HZ, 2-3" CONSTANTLY TRYING TO THROW THE CAR OFF THE ROAD. IT DOES NOT MATTER IF IT'S OFF THROTTLE, OFF BRAKES - IN A STRAIGHT LINE AT ALMOST ANY SPEED IT DOES IT. NEW TIRES AND 2 ALIGNMENTS DID NOT CORRECT THE ISSUE. *TR
Power train, Jan 24, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK. INTERMITTENTLY, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE LOSES CONTROL IN SLICK ROAD CONDITIONS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS MECHANICAL FAILURE WITH THE ELECTRONICS IN THE ALL WHEEL DRIVE. THE FAILURE OCCURS WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 20-45 MPH. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS REALIGNED, BUT THE FAILURE STILL PERSISTS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 25,800 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000.
Vehicle speed control, Dec 21, 2007, crash
2005 SUBARU OUTBACK FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE INVOICE STATES THAT IT TURNS OFF ON ITS OWN BUT IT SHOULD STATE THAT IT TURNS ON BY ITSELF. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS IN USE, SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED, JUMPING A 10 INCH CURB, STRIKING A PINE TREE, THEN DOWN A GRASSY SLOPE AND OFF A SECOND CURB INTO A LOWER PARKING AREA. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Equipment, Oct 1, 2007, crash
UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OF 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK, MANUAL TRANSMISSION WHILE DRIVING ON 2 OCCASIONS WITHIN 10 MINUTES AND 5 MILES OF EACH OTHER. FIRST OCCURRED IN 3RD OR 4TH GEAR, WITH NO REASON TO CHANGE SPEEDS OR STOP, WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY SPED FORWARD, AND LEFT THE ROAD ON THE RIGHT SIDE. I WAS ABLE TO KEEP IT UNDER CONTROL, AND JUST AS QUICKLY, IT RETURNED TO NORMAL. WITH IN THE NEXT FOUR MILES, IT WAS PERFECTLY NORMAL, WITH NO ENGINE LIGHTS, STRANGE SOUNDS OR BEHAVIOR. I CAME TO ALMOST A COMPLETE STOP BEFORE TURNING LEFT ONTO OUR GRAVEL ROAD, WHEN AGAIN IT SURGED FORWARD, AND THIS TIME WENT THROUGH A CHAIN LINK FENCE, INTO A FLOWER GARDEN, AND CAME TO A STOP, WEDGED AGAINST THE FENCE. THE CAR WAS TOWED (ON A FLAT BED) TO A REPAIR SHOP, WHERE IT WAS EXAMINED AND REPAIRED FOR $5876.11. I CONTACTED SUBARU OF AMERICA BY E-MAIL THAT EVENING, , AND GOT A LETTER DATED SEPTEMBER 6, THAT ARRIVED ON THE 8TH. IT ASKED FOR ALL THE DETAILS, SERVICE RECORDS, POLICE REPORTS, INSURANCE COMPANY, ETC. IT ALSO STATED THAT THEY WISHED THE VEHICLE TO REMAIN IN ITS UNDAMAGED CONDITION. UNFORTUNATELY, THIS CAME TOO LATE, AS THE CAR WAS ALREADY BEING REPAIRED. I SENT IN ALL THE REQUIRED INFORMATION AND I RECEIVED A CALL FROM SUBARU OF AMERICA PN SEPT. 20, SAYING THAT THEY WERE SORRY, BUT SINCE THE CAR HAD BEEN REPAIRED, THEY WERE UNABLE TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 19, 2007
COMPONENT: SERVICE BRAKES, BRAKE PADS, DETAILS: THE BRAKE PADS ON MY 2005 SUBARU HAVE WARPED (ALL 4) AT 18,000 MILES PRODUCING AN UNEVEN SENSATION AS ONE IS BRAKING. IT ALSO INCREASES THE DISTANCE REQUIRED TO STOP. AFTER TAKING MY SUBARU IN FOR A BRAKE INSPECTION (AT 20,000 MILES) I WAS TOLD THAT ALL 4 WHEELS NEEDED NEW BRAKE PADS, (EVEN THOUGH MY FRONT BRAKES HAVE 60% BRAKING EFFICIENCY & 70% ON THE REAR BRAKES). MY PARTNER, WHO IS A PROFESSIONAL DRIVER, IS THE SOLE DRIVER OF OUR SUBARU AND IS VERY RARELY IN STOP-AND-GO TRAFFIC. ON THE FEW OCCASIONS WHEN SHE IS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC SHE MAINTAINS EXTRA DISTANCE BETWEEN HER VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HER TO AVOID HAVING TO USE HER BRAKES MORE THEN IS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY. NEITHER ONE OF US HAVE EVER HAD TO REPLACE THE BRAKE PADS ON A VEHICLE WITH MILEAGE AS LOW AS 20,000 MILES AND BOTH OF US HAVE LIVED IN LARGE CITIES ALL OF OUR LIVES. I HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM ON A 2000 SUBARU FORESTER. THIS IS A DEFINITE SAFETY ISSUE. SUBARU, OVERALL, MAKES RELIABLE, RESPONSIVE AND SAFE VEHICLES BUT THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE DEALT WITH BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED. *JB
Power train, Jan 15, 2007
I OWN A 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5I WAGON. AT 44000 MILES (26 MONTHS) THE REAR WHEELS WERE MAKING A LOT OF NOISE AT BOTH LOW AND HIGH SPEEDS. UPON INSPECTION IT WAS FOUND BOTH WHEEL BEARINGS HAD TO BE REPLACED OR THEY WOULD HAVE SOON FAILED. *NM
Vehicle speed control, Jan 4, 2007
MANUAL TRANSMISSION OUTBACK WAGON NON-TURBO CRUISE CONTROL TURNS OFF UNEXPECTEDLY ON HIGHWAYS. WAS FILED AT WILKINS SUBARU IN MD A WHILE BACK AND THEY MADE SOME CHANGE TO THE COMPUTER BY SOA AND IT WENT AWAY. WELL IT CAME BACK ON MY LATEST ROAD TRIP. IT WOULD KICK OUT AT VARY DURATIONS, ON VARYING TERRAIN, AT VARYING TEMPERATURES, AND VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE TRIP WENT FROM THE GULF COAST TO THE BALTIMORE OVER 2 DAYS. MY WIFE PUT 1500 MILES ON THE CAR IN 2 DAYS A WEEK EARLIER WITH NO TROUBLES AND THE NEXT 1200 IT WAS A CONSTANT PROBLEM. IT DIDN'T SEEM TO MATTER IF I SET THE SPEED AND LEFT IT OR IF I SET THE SPEED AND USED THE "ACCEL" "DECCEL" BUTTONS. MAJOR NUISANCE AND UNSAFE. I COULDN'T ALWAYS TELL IT TURNED OFF UNTIL ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR BEHIND ME WAS MUCH TOO CLOSE. THEN THE CAR LUNGES AS I HIS "RESUME" *JB
Vehicle speed control, Dec 26, 2006, crash
TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE WITH A 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK WHEN THE CAR UNINTENTIONALLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS MOTHER WAS DOING ABOUT 5 MPH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IS WAS A NICE DAY AND WEATHER WAS NOT AN ISSUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CAR STOPPED WHEN IT STRUCK TREES AND THAT FRONT END DAMAGE WAS DONE TO THE CAR. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE CAR'S ENGINE CONTINUED TO RUN UNTIL HIS MOTHER TURNED THE CAR OFF. *AK UPDATED 1/19/2007 - *NM
Power train, Nov 29, 2006
2005 SUBARU OUTBACK LEGACY STATION WAGON THE LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL (REAR) MALFUNCTIONS UNDER WET OR SNOWY CONDITIONS. IT BEGINS A RHYTHMIC TRANSFER OF POWER BACK AND FORTH UNTIL THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE LOSES TRACTION AND THEN SPINS OUT... THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AND HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSTICS AND REPAIRS. THEY HAVE PERFORMED ALIGNMENTS BUT INDICATE THAT THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE THE COMPLAINT... SO, THEY SAY THERE IS NO PROBLEM. WE HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE IN TO THE DEALERSHIP WITHOUT ANY REPAIR MADE TO RESOLVE THIS DANGEROUS FAULT. THE REPAIR WOULD INVOLVE REPLACING THE ENTIRE UNIT (LSD)... BECAUSE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE SEPARATELY... WE HAVE HAD IT LOOKED AT BY AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR FACILITY AND THEY WERE ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE COMPLAINT... WE HAVE REPLACED THE ORIGINAL "POTENZA" TIRES WITH AN AGGRESSIVE ALL WEATHER TIRE HOPING TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM... SUBARU WILL NOT ADMIT THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL ON THIS 2005 OUTBACK! WE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THIS TAKEN CARE OF BEFORE SOMEONE IS INJURED OR KILLED. THANKS! *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Exterior lighting, Oct 16, 2006, fire
2005 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5XT WAS PARKED IN A PUBLIC / PRIVATE PARKING STRUCTURE AT APPROXIMATELY 6:30PM ON 10/13/2005. AT APPROXIMATELY 8PM THE FIRE ALARM WAS TRIGGERED BY VEHICLE CATCHING ON FIRE. FIRE DEPT FOUND NO SIGNS OF ARSON OR FOUL PLAY, LOOKED TO BE AN ELECTRICAL FIRE IN THE FRONT RIGHT HEADLIGHT CLUSTER. NO RESPONSE FROM SUBARU, INSURANCE DROPPED MY POLICY - LOSS NOT COVERED! *NM
Suspension, Sep 12, 2006
ON AN EXTENDED ROAD TRIP (17000 MI), IN OUR NEW 2005 OUTBACK, WE WENT THROUGH TWO SETS OF TIRES. THE DEALERSHIP CORRECTED THE ALIGNMENT, WHICH WAS SEVERELY OFF THE FIRST TIME (AFTER 5000 MILES.) BUT THEN AT ABOUT 16000 MILES, THE SECOND SET WAS SEVERELY WORN OUT. WE HAD THE ALIGNMENT REDONE AT THE DEALERSHIP IN WHITEHORSE, CANADA BUT WE DID NOT REPLACE THE TIRES AS THE WARRANTY WAS NOT HONORED AT THAT DEALERSHIP. THE LEFT REAR TIRE BLEW OUT ABOUT 400 MILES FROM ANCHORAGE. WE PURCHASED A USED TIRE AT A GAS STATION AND LIMPED ON TO ANCHORAGE, WHERE WE HAD PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. THE PERFORMED AN ALIGNMENT FOR THE SECOND TIME, THIS TIME WITH A LOADED BACK SEAT. WE HAVE SINCE PUT ABOUT 6000 MORE MILES ON THE VEHICLE AND IT HAS NOT SHOWN SEVERE WEAR SINCE THAT RE-ALIGNMENT. *JB
Equipment, Aug 14, 2006
CONSUMR'S 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK HAD AUTOMATIC CLIMATE CONTROL PROBLEMS. *KB *NM
Suspension, Tires, Jun 22, 2006
EXCESSIVE REAR TIRE WEAR, BRIDGESTONE POTENZA RE92, 225/55/17 INSTALLED ON 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK. NORMAL TIRE WEAR THROUGH 19K MILES. REAR TIRES COMPLETLY WORN OUT AFTER 2K ROAD TRIP WITH MODERATE VEHICLE LOADING. NO SIGNS OF MIS-ALIGNMENT OR OVER/UNDER INFLATION. FRONT TIRES REMAIN SERVICEABLE. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Jun 22, 2006
I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING A PROBLEM WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP OR FROM COASTING, SUCH AS WHEN A RED LIGHT HAS JUST TURNED GREEN. I BEGIN TO DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR AND THE ENGINE JUST ABOUT DIES. THIS HAS NEARLY CAUSED ME TO GET "T-BONED" AT INTERSECTIONS NUMEROUS TIMES. I HAVE BROUGHT IT TO THE ATTENTION OF TWO DIFFERENT SUBARU DEALERS AND THEY SAY THAT NOTHING IS WRONG WITH IT. I HAVE HEARD THAT OTHER SUBARU OWNERS ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM BUT SUBARU WILL NOT ADMIT THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. *JB
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.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 26, 2006, fire
2005 SUBARU OUTBACK TOTALLY DESTROYED BY FIRE OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES AFTER ENGINE SHUT OFF. NO ONE WAS IN THE CAR AND POLICE/FIRE DEPT DETERMINED ARSON UNLIKELY. *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 13, 2006
THE ABS ON MY 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5I LIMITED IS TOO SENSITIVE. IT IS DANGEROUS DRIVING IN THE SNOW BECAUSE THE ABS KICKS IN TOO EASILY AND IT TAKES WAY TOO LONG TO STOP. I HAVE RECENTLY GOTTEN NEW TIRES WITH AN EXCELLENT RATING AND THAT DIDN'T HELP. BUMPS IN THE ROAD ALSO SET OFF THE ABS TOO EASILY LEADING TO SCARY SITUATIONS. I DRIVE OTHER VEHICLES WITH ABS AND THIS DOES NOT OCCUR. I AM NOT CONFIDENT DRIVING THIS VEHICLE IN THE SNOW, WHICH IS IRONIC BECAUSE IT IS AN AWD SUBARU (WHICH IS SUPPOSED TO HAVE AN EXCELLENT REPUTATION). ABS IS SUPPOSED TO BENEFIT THE DRIVER, NOT HELP CREATE A COLLISION. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 9, 2006
CONSUMER CONCERNED ABOUT FAILURE OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER IN THE 2005 OUTBACK. *TS THE CONSUMER WANTED A FEDERAL EMISSIONS EQUIPPED VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER WAS NOT INFORMED BEFORE HE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE THAT IT HAD A MANDATED CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS SYSTEM, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A DECREASE OF POWER. THE VEHICLE REQUIRED SPECIAL FUEL WHICH MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE IN THE STATES WHERE HE NEEDS TO DRIVE. *JB UPDATED 04/11/06.
Tires, Jan 29, 2006
WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 35 WE ENCOUNTERED PATCHY ICE ON THE ROAD SURFACE. ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION WITH CONSTANT SPEED (60 MPH, 10 MPH BELOW THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT), ON STRAIGHT STRECHES OF ROAD, THE REAR END OF OUR 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK AWD WOULD SKID SUDDENLY. THE SKIDS WOULD OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING AND WERE LARGE ENOUGH TO CAUSE SOME BODY ROLL. IN ALL CASES THE CAR RECOVERED WITHOUT INPUT FROM THE DRIVER. WHEN THE AWD SYSTEM WAS DEACTIVATED PER THE SUBARU MANUAL NO SUCH SKIDS OCCURED ON THE SAME TRIP IN IDENTICAL SITUATIONS. I HAVE DRIVEN IN MINNESOTA FOR OVER 20 YEARS IN REAR WHEEL, FRONT WHEEL, AND 4 WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES AND HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED THE SUDDEN SKIDDING IN STEADY STATE CONDIDITONS. THE OUTBACK WAS TAKEN TO OUR LOCAL SUBARU DEALER AND THE AWD SYSTEM WAS CHECKED WITH NO FAULTS FOUND. AN INTERNET SEARCH INDICATED THAT THE COMBINATIION OF BRIDGESTONE POTENZA RE92 225/60R 16 TIRES (STANDARD FROM THE FACTORY) AND THE AWD OF THE SUBARU MAY BE A DANGEROUS COMBINATION. AS STATED EARLIER, WITH THE AWD SYSTEM DEACITVATED AND THE CAR IN FRONT WHEEL DRIVE, NO SKIDS WERE EXPERIENCED. WE HAVE THE SAME TIRE ON OUR 2004 HONDA CIVIC AND HAVE HAD NO WINTER ISSUES WITH IT.
Visibility, Jan 24, 2006, crash
MY DAUGHTER WAS IN A BAD ACCIDENT WHEN A DRIVER DECIDED TO DO A U-TURN INTO HER VEHICLE. THE DRIVER DID NOT SEE IN SIDE MIRROR BECAUSE SHE WAS IN A "BLIND SPOT. *AK MOST EUROPEAN AUTOS HAVE A SPLIT DRIVER'S SIDE MIRROR, SO THAT THERE IS "NO BLIND SPOT". THE SPLIT IS VERTICAL ABOUT ONE THIRD OF THE WAY IN FROM THE OUTSIDE OF THE MIRROR. MY CONTENTION IS THAT IF THE DRIVER HAD HAD SUCH A MIRROR, THERE MAY HAVE BEEN NO ACCIDENT.
Exterior lighting, Jan 14, 2006
I PURCHASED MY 05 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK IN SEPTEMBER 04. THE PASSENGER SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT WENT OUT IN OCTOBER 05 AND I HAD A LOCAL MECHANIC REPLACE IT WITH THE RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT BULB. I NOTICED THAT NOW THE RIGHT LOW BEAM IS MORE ANGLED DOWN THAN PREVIOUSLY, MAKING VISIBILITY AT NIGHT MORE LIMITED THAN IT WAS BEFORE THE REPLACEMENT. IN DECEMBER 05 THE DRIVER'S SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT ALSO EXPIRED AND MY FATHER AND I REPLACED IT WITH THE SAME COMPATIBLE PART. I NOTICED THAT NIGHT THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE LOW BEAM WAS NOW ONLY ILLUMINATING ABOUT 10 FEET IN FRONT OF THE CAR (LESS THAN THE RIGHT LOW BEAM NOW) AND SO I HAD TO CRANE FORWARD OVER THE STEERING WHEEL TO SEE THE PART OF THE ROAD THAT WAS ILLUMINATED. MY DAD AND I ADJUSTED THEM AS MUCH AS WE COULD BUT THERE'S REALLY NOT MUCH TO ADJUST. NOW, WHEN I DRIVE AT NIGHT I'M MOSTLY RELYING ON STREET LIGHTS AND OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL LIGHTING TO ILLUMINATE THE ROAD RATHER THAN MY LOW BEAMS BECAUSE THEY REALLY DON'T SHOW YOU ANYTHING OF THE ROAD MORE THAN 10-20 FEET IN FRONT OF YOU (FORTUNATELY I LIVE IN THE CITY SO IT'S PRETTY WELL ILLUMINATED AT NIGHT). THE ONLY WAY TO SEE THE ROAD SAFELY IF I'M IN A POORLY LIT AREA IS WITH THE HIGH BEAMS NOW AND JUDGING FROM OTHER POSTED COMPLAINTS THERE'S REALLY NOTHING THE DEALER CAN DO TO ADJUST THEM. *NM
Exterior lighting, Jan 3, 2006
WE OWN A 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK LLBEAN WAGON WITH PROJECTION HEADLIGHTS. MY WIFE DRIVES THE CAR USUALLY, BUT DURING THE HOLIDAYS I DROVE IT QUITE A BIT ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT. I NOTICED A DISTINCTIVE BLACK LINE RUNNING HORIZONTALLY WITH THE VEHICLE AT 180 DEGREES THAT ALSO RUNS ACROSS THE HORIZON OF THE ROAD SIMILAR TO WHAT AN OLD PROJECTOR DOES ON A WHITE SCREEN. (CREATES A BOX OF LIGHT FOR THE IMAGE. BUT OUTSIDE THE BOUNDARY OF THE PROJECTOR THERE IS NO IMAGE OR LIGHT. WHEN DRIVING ON A PERFECTLY HORIZONTAL ROAD THE PROJECTOR LIGHTS EXTEND OUT LET'S SAY 250 YARDS +/-. BUT WHEN THE ROAD UNDULATES THE HEADLIGHT PROJECTION OF THE ROAD AHEAD IS CUT OFF! IT'S LIKE SOMETHING SHUTS OFF THE PROJECTED LIGHT AHEAD AND THE ROAD BECOMES SEVERELY DARKENED. HOWEVER, WHEN I TURN ON MY HIGHBEAMS THE ENTIRE ROAD FRONT AND SIDES ARE ADEQUATELY LIT. I FEEL THIS COULD BE A PENITENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE, ESPECIALLY IF SOMEONE DRIVING IN FOG, HEAVY RAIN, OR SNOW. HOW CAN YOU MAINTAIN A SAFE CONDITION IF YOUR FORWARD LIGHT IS ESSENTIALLY CUT OFF BECAUSE OF THE LIMITATION OF THE PROJECTOR DESIGN OF THE HEADLIGHT? I HAVE EXPRESSED MY CONCERN TO SUBARU CUSTOMER SERVICE, BUT THERE'S NOTHING THEY CAN DO ACCORDING TO PERSON I SPOKE TO. I JUST WANT TO GO ON RECORD WITH MY CONCERNS. APPARENTLY ACCORDING TO THE SUBARU MECHANIC I SPOKE TO TODAY, OTHERS HAVE EXPRESSED SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE 2006 TRIBECA WHICH HAS THE SAME HEADLIGHT SET UP. SINCERELY, AP GULLA. *NM