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.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Feb 10, 2015
WIRING LOCATED ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE BETWEEN THE HATCH DOOR AND BODY (IN THE PROTECTIVE BOOT) WAS SEVERED AS A RESULT OF POOR QUALITY WIRING AND DESIGN. WIRES WERE STRESS-SEVERED AND NEARLY SEVERED BY NORMAL OPERATION OF OPENING/CLOSING THE WAGON REAR DOOR. APPARENTLY THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE AS DISCOVERED BY VISITING ONLINE FORUMS. *TR
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.
Suspension, Dec 31, 2014
CAR WAS PURCHASED IN SEPTEMBER 2014. THIS WAS MY FIRST TIME DRIVING THIS CAR IN WET, SNOWY DRIVING CONDITIONS. I HAD 5 PASSENGERS AND TWICE WE HAD THE REAR END OF THE CAR KIND OF BREAK LOOSE. IT FELT LIKE IT WAS SWINGING TO THE SIDE. IT SCARED ME AND THE PASSENGERS IN THE CAR. I HAVE NOT NOTICED IT WHILE DRIVING ALONE. I ORIGINALLY SUSPECTED UNDER INFLATED OR POOR TIRES, BUT WHEN I CHECKED THE FOLLOWING DAY THEY WERE NOT BAD. I WENT TO A SUBARU WEBSITE LOOKING FOR TIRE RECOMMENDATIONS AND THERE ARE OVER 1,000 POSTINGS REGARDING "GHOSTWALKING" ON 2005-2009 SUBARU OUTBACKS. I HAD NEVER HEARD OF THIS BEFORE BUT IT APPEARS TO DESCRIBE MY CONDITIONS. *JS
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Dec 6, 2014
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH, THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT FLASHED. ONCE THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED, THE ACCELERATOR AGAIN ENGAGED. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS (AND COMMON IN SUBARUS) MALFUNCTION. I WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO BE ABLE TO PULL OVER ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT INCIDENT. *TR
Electrical system, Visibility/wiper, Nov 20, 2014
THE REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER STOPPED WORKING DUE TO A BAD ELECTRICAL CONNECTION THAT OCCURS WHERE THE HATCHBACK OPENS UP. THE WIRES FRAY AND BREAK FROM NORMAL USAGE OF THE HATCHBACK, CAUSING LOSS OF POWER TO THE REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER, DEFOGGER AND BACKUP LIGHTS. I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM AND THERE A NUMEROUS BLOGS AND VIDEOS ON THE INTERNET SHOWING THIS PROBLEM, THIS SHOULD BE RECALL ITEM FOR ALL 3RD GENERATION SUBARU OUTBACKS (2005-2009). *TR
Exterior lighting, Nov 19, 2014
MY WIFE AND I RECENTLY PURCHASED A USED 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE HEADLIGHTS ON THIS VEHICLE ARE WHAT I CONSIDER TO BE DANGEROUSLY DIM, BARELY LIGHTING UP THE ROAD. BOTH THE FOG LAMPS AND ALSO THE HIGH BEAMS WORK WELL, BUT THE LOW BEAM LIGHT (WHICH IS PRODUCED FROM A DIFFERENT BULB THAN THE HIGH BEAM) IS VERY INADEQUATE. I HAVE REPLACED THE BULBS WITH HIGHER INTENSITY BULBS. THIS OFFERED LITTLE IF ANY INCREASE IN LIGHTING. I HAVE ALSO HAD THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM CHECKED TO ASSURE THE PROPER VOLTAGE IS BEING SUPPLIED. GOOGLEING THIS PROBLEM HAS TOLD ME I'M NOT ALONE. OTHER SUBARU OWNERS COMPLAIN OF THE SAME ISSUE. HERE'S WHAT I HAVE RESEARCHED AND DETERMINED TO BE THE PROBLEM. THERE IS AN INNER REFLECTIVE CAVITY IN WHICH THE HEADLIGHT BULB IS HOUSED. THE REFLECTION PROCESS WITHIN THIS HOUSING MAGNIFIES THE LIGHT PRODUCED BY THE BULB. THIS PROCESS IS SIMILAR TO THAT OF A REFLECTIVE PRISM INSIDE A LIGHTHOUSE. IN THE CASE OF OUR SUBARU, THE REFLECTIVE MATERIAL INSIDE OF THE HEADLIGHT BULB HOUSING HAS EITHER WORN AWAY OR BECOME CLOUDED TO THE DEGREE THAT THE LIGHT PRODUCED BY THE BULBS NO LONGER REFLECTS ADEQUATELY TO PRODUCE A BRIGHT LIGHT. THESE HEADLIGHTS NEED TO EITHER BE REPLACED OR PERHAPS SOMEHOW REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE, OPENED UP AND THEN REPAIRED. IN EITHER CASE THIS WOULD BE VERY EXPENSIVE TO THE DEGREE IN WHICH MOST CONSUMERS WOULD NOT BE WILLING TO INCUR THE COST, THEREBY CONTINUING TO TAKE THEIR CHANCES DRIVING AT NIGHT WITH UNSATISFACTORY HEADLIGHTS. MY QUESTIONS: IS THIS CONSIDERED A SAFETY ISSUE? IF SO, IS IT THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE MANUFACTURER TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM? DO I HAVE TO PAY FOR ANY CORRECTIONS? I'D BE GRATEFUL FOR ANY HELP OR SUGGESTIONS YOU CAN OFFER TO ASSIST ME WITH THIS ISSUE. I FEEL THIS IS A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS PROBLEM, NOT JUST FOR MYSELF, BUT OTHER SUBARU OWNERS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Nov 17, 2014
MY SUBARU (AND OTHERS '05-'09) HAVE SERIOUS COMPUTER ISSUES CAUSING THE CAR TO STALL OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. I GOT THE CAR SPECIAL EDITION OF CONSUMER REPORTS AND THE ARTICLE BELOW IS NO JOKE. SUBARU OUTBACK '05-'09 HAVE GOTTEN TERRIBLE REVIEWS FOR THE FOLLOWING: MAJOR ENGINE ISSUE AND DRIVE ISSUES AND MORE. THE DEALER AND HEADQUARTERS WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THERE MAY BE A SERIOUS NEED FOR A RECALL. WHEN DISCONNECTING AND RECONNECTING THE BATTERY, THE CAR WILL STALL OUT THE NEXT DAY IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. CAR RAN BUT THEN STALLED OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. I WAS ABLE TO GET IT OFF THE ROAD EVENTUALLY AND TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE ISSUE AND WANTED TO CHARGE ME $200 FOR DIAGNOSIS. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING MY CAR BECAUSE I NEED TO GET A NEW BATTERY ($225 AT SUBARU WHICH I CAN'T AFFORD AND $119 AT FIRESTONE), HOWEVER, FIRESTONE DOES NOT HAVE THE MEMORY STICK SUBARU DOES AND I RUN A VERY GOOD CHANCE OF STALLING OUT IN TRAFFIC AFTER THE WORK IS DONE AT A NON SUBARU DEALERSHIP. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR HEADQUARTERS WILL ACKNOWLEDGE THIS ARTICLE THAT THIS SAFETY ISSUE HAS HAPPENED TO OTHERS TOO. THIS IS VERY UNSAFE FOR ME AND OTHERS ON THE ROAD HERE IS AN ARTICLE WHICH DESCRIBES EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED TO ME. A RECALL NEEDS TO BE INVOLVED AND SUBARU MUST BE WAITING FOR A MAJOR ACCIDENT TO HAPPEN. I AM NOT WILLING TO PUT MY LIFE ON THE LINE ANYMORE BY DRIVING THIS UNSAFE VEHICLE. THIS ARTICLE PROVIDES EXACTLY WHAT IS GOING ON. HTTP://WWW.COMPUTERWORLD.COM/ARTICLE/2467230/ENTERPRISE-APPLICATIONS/PLEASE-DON-T-REBOOT-THE-SUBARU.HTML SUBARU HQ LOST THE EMAIL TWICE AND I AM VERY AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR. AUSTIN SUBARU AND SUBARU HEADQUARTERS ACTED LIKE THEY REMEDIED THE SITUATION BY CLEANING A DIFFERENT PART. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Oct 24, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE BATTERY WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED, WHICH REQUIRED EXCESSIVE FORCE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ONCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE ALTERNATOR BOLT FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Electrical system, Structure, Oct 11, 2014
WIRES PASSING THROUGH REAR HATCH TO REAR LIFT GATE CRACK AND BREAK FROM OPENING AND CLOSING. REAR LIFT GATE LOCK NOT WORKING, WIRE IS BROKEN IN TWO. WIRES FOR REAR LIGHTS ARE CRACKING AND ABOUT TO SEVER AS WELL. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 2, 2014
STRONG RAW GASOLINE SMELL IN AND AROUND ENGINE, AS WELL AS THROUGHOUT THE CABIN WHEN OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE DROPS TO BELOW 60 DEGREES (F). *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jul 23, 2014
JUST AFTER GETTING OFF I-43 NEAR SHEBOYGAN ON FRONTAGE ROAD MY CAR LOST ALL POWER AND NO ACCELERATION ON GAS PEDAL. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT WAS BLINKING. I HAD TO SHIFT TO NEUTRAL AND PULL OVER TO A SHOULDER. TURNED THE CAR OFF FOR COUPLE OF MINUTES WHILE I CHECK UNDER THE HOOD. STARTED THE CAR JUST FINE BUT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS STILL ON AND CRUISE WAS BLINKING. SUBARU MECHANIC READ ERROR CODE P2138 THROTTLE/PEDAL POSITION SENSOR/SWITCH 'D'/'E' VOLTAGE RATIONALITY. THEY SAID IT WAS CAUSED BY BAD CONTACTS ON TPS SENSOR BY THE GAS PEDAL. HE RESET THE CODE AND IT HAS NOT APPEARED AGAIN FOR ALMOST A WEEK. I AM AFRAID OF IT GOING OFF AGAIN WHILE MY WIFE AND KIDS ARE DRIVING IT ON THE HIGHWAY. DOES SOMEONE NEED TO DIE BEFORE SUBARU TAKES ACTION ON THIS. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Jul 14, 2014
SUBARU OUTBACK 2005: THE WIRE HARNESS TO THE REAR TAILGATE FAILED AND SHORTED OUT THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND REVERSE LIGHTS, CREATING A SAFETY HAZARD WHILE DRIVING. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 3, 2014
I WAS ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP LIGHT AND MY OUTBACK ACTED AS THOUGH I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR. THE MORE I ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE THE LESS IT RESPONDED. IF THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC HADN'T NOTICED, THEY WOULD HAVE HIT ME. WHEN I FINALLY GOT IT OFF THE ROAD AND SHUT IF OFF FOR AWHILE, IT STARTED BUT DIDN'T RUN CORRECTLY. I CALLED THE SUBARU DEALER AND THEY HAULED IT 90 MILES TO THEIR SHOP. THE REPLACED THE FOOT PEDAL SENSOR AND IT WORKED OK UNTIL THE LAST 2 WEEKS AND IT IS ACTING LIKE IT DID 2 YEARS AGO. AS I VISIT WITH OTHER OWNERS, THEY SAY THEY HAVE THE SAME ISSUE BUT DO NOT WORRY ABOUT IT. I FEEL AS THOUGH THIS IS A SAFETY FEATURE THAT NEEDS ATTENTION AND A PERMANENT FIX FOR A SOLUTION BEFORE SOME ONE GETS HURT DO TO THE INABILITY TO ACCELERATE AND GET OUT OF HARMS WAY. *TR
Service brakes, Apr 3, 2014, crash
ON DECEMBER 18, 2014 THE DAY WAS CLEAR; THERE HAD BEEN NO RAIN OR SNOW THAT WEEK. THE PAVEMENT WAS DRY. AT THE POINT OF THE ISSUE I WAS IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, THUS HAD USED MY BRAKES AT AN AVERAGE OF 12-18 TIMES SINCE I HAD LEFT THE HOUSE THAT MORNING. TRAFFIC WAS MAYBE MOVING AT 20-25 MILES AN HOUR, STOP AND GO. AT ONE POINT I WENT TO APPLY MY BRAKES AT A NORMAL PRESSURE AND THEY STARTED TO PULSE IN THE 'ANTI-LOCK' FASHION. THE PULSES WERE EXCEPTIONALLY LONG, BETWEEN BRAKING (PULSING), NOTHING LIKE I HAD EVER EXPERIENCE BEFORE WITH THIS CAR OR ANY OTHER VEHICLE. HOWEVER I KEPT MY FOOT APPLIED TO THE BRAKE AND DID NOT TRY TO PULSE IT MYSELF. BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR STOPPED IT HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I HAD ABOUT 1 AND + CAR LENGTHS BETWEEN US, AGAIN ONLY ROLLING AND ABSOLUTELY COULD NOT GET THE CAR STOPPED. THE COLLISION WAS NOT HARD ENOUGH TO DEPLOY THE AIRBAG ON EITHER CARS. THE 2012 FORD ESCAPE IN FRONT HAD NEARLY NO DAMAGE TO THE REAR BUMPER, HOWEVER DUE TO THE PLACEMENT OF THE FORD'S BUMPER TO MY GRILL, MY REPAIRS WERE $5,534.67. MY FEAR IS IT HAPPENING AGAIN. DUE TO THE MAKE OF THE CAR MY INSURANCE COMPANY CAN'T ACCESS THE ELECTRONIC INFORMATION ON THE DAY OF THE ACCIDENT. THUS THEY WILL NOT BE PART OF MY COMPLAINT THAT I HAVE FILED WITH SUBARU OF AMERICA, FILED 3/24/14. I DONE RESEARCH ON THE SUBRAU'S ABS SYSTEM. I FOUND THAT PEOPLE HAVE BEEN DISCONECTING THEIR ABS DUE TO THIS ISSUE. INCLUDING FINDING YOUTUBE VIDEOS ON HOW TO DO IT. THE ISSUE IS OBVIOUS IF THIS IS WHAT PEOPLE FEEL SAFER WITH THAN THE SUBARU FACTORY ABS SYSTEM. SUBARU'S CLAIM DEPARTMENT HAS NO INTEREST IN INVESTIGATING IT WITHOUT MY INSURANCE BEING PART OF THE CLAIM, EVEN THOUGHT I AM A CUSTOMER OF THEIR PRODUCT THAT IS DEFECTIVE. OBVIOUSLY THIS IS NOT A CUSTOMERS CLAIMS DEPARTMENT. WHO WILL HANDLE MY CLAIM IF THE NEXT INCIDENT I AM SEVERELY INJURED OR WORSE YET? *TR
Suspension, Apr 3, 2014
FIRST EXPERIENCED WHAT IS NOW BEING CALLED GHOSTWALKING. REAR OF THE VEHICLE WANTS TO BREAK LOOSE AT ANY SPEED ABOVE 25 MPH. CAR HAS SINCE BEEN ALIGNED AND 4 NEW HIGH END SNOW TIRES INSTALLED AND IS NO BETTER. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Mar 22, 2014
LOW BEAMS REPLACE SEVERAL TIME, REPLACED BOTH RECENTLY AND BOTH WENT OUT AT THE SAME TIME IN THE DARK ON THEY WAY TO WORK. LIGHTS IN DASHBOARD CONSTANTLY FLASHING ON AND OFF, ABS, BATTERY, BRAKE. SPEEDOMETER JUMPING ALL OVER THE PLACE. BEEN HAPPENING OVER A MONTH OR SO. VERY UPSET CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT IT IS. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Feb 15, 2014
WHILE TRAVELING IN HEAVY FLOW RUSH HOUR MULTI-LANE TRAFFIC AT AROUND 65 MPH AND AT MERGING POINT OF MULTI HIGHER EXCHANGE WITH NEAR ZERO SHOULDER OR STOPPING LANE, THE CAR SUDDENLY LOST RESPONSE FROM ACCELERATOR PEDAL. I MANAGE TO COAST TO A STOP JUST BETWEEN THE TRIANGLE SPACE SEPARATING TWO OF THE MAJOR HIGHWAYS VARYING TWO SEPARATE DIRECTION WITH VERY HEAVY TRAFFIC AT HIGH SPEED ON BOTH SIDES (NEARLY GETTING SMASHED SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE COMING TO THE ONLY POSSIBLE YET DANGEROUS PLACE TO STOP). THE CAR REMAIN IDLING BUT VERY LIMP; AFRAID TO VENTURE TO CONTINUE TO THE NEXT EXIT BECAUSE THERE WOULD BE NO SHOULDER AREA TO PULL OVER, I CALLED FOR HELP THINKING THE CAR HAD RAN OUT OF GAS AND WAS JUST RUNNING ON FUME. AFTER ENDURING SEVERAL MINUTES OF NEAR DEATH MOMENTS OF BEING CRASHED INTO BY ON-COMING VEHICLES AT HIGH SPEED MERGING TRAFFIC COMING FROM A CURVING ROAD, I DANGEROUSLY VENTURED TO OPEN DOORS INTO FLOWING TRAFFIC TO FILL THE TANK ESCAPING DEATH MANY TIMES. THE CAR STARTED AND WAS ABLE TO GET OFF HIGHWAY TO FILL TANK. SAME LIMP PEDAL REPEATED AGAIN TWO DAYS LATER COMING OFF A TWO LANE {TWO-WAY) BRIDGE WITH ABSOLUTELY NO SHOULDER. I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE END OF THE BRIDGE TO TURN INTO A BUSINESS PARKING WITHOUT BEING PLOWED BY THE HEAVY TRAFFIC AROUND. OBD READING OF THE CAR INDICATE P2138 POINTING TO FAULTY FLY-BY-WIRE DEFECT IN THE ACCELERATOR POSITION SENSOR WHICH IS PART OF THE ACCELERATOR ASSEMBLY. I MANAGE TO ESCAPE DEATH WITH THIS MANUFACTURER DEFECT. I JUST WONDER HOW MANY CRASHES AND DEATHS HAVE RESULTED AND WILL CONTINUE TO RESULT BECAUSE OF THIS VERY WELL REPORTED ISSUE WITH THESE SUBARU OUTBACKS BEFORE THE ACCELERATOR ASSEMBLY UNITS ARE RECALLED? *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jan 6, 2014
I BEGAN TO SMELL THE ODOR OF RAW GASOLINE AS THE TEMPERATURES BECAME CONSISTENTLY IN THE SINGLE TO SUB-ZERO RANGE. I CONTACTED SUBARU OF AMERICA AND SET UP AN APPOINTMENT WITH MY SUBARU DEALER FOR JAN. 3RD. THE DEALER INFORMED ME THAT THE FUEL LINES AND CLAMPS WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $500 (AFTER AN ~ $300 COMPENSATION). I REBUTTED AND ASKED SOA TO PAY FOR EVERYTHING AS THIS SEEMS LIKE A FUNDAMENTAL ENGINEERING/DESIGN FLAW AND IT IS ALSO THE 2ND TIME THAT I HAVE HAD TO MAKE THIS REPAIR (FIRST TIME WAS WHEN THE CAR HAD ~40,000 TO 50,000 MILES ON IT)- HAD TO REPLACE THE INTAKE GASKETS AS WELL (PER DEALER). THEY HAVE DECLINED TO COMPENSATE ME FURTHER AND CLAIM THE ISSUE IS AGE RELATED. WHEN I ASKED (SOA) IF THIS WAS A KNOWN ISSUE FOR NEWER SUBARUS, THEY SAID THEY DID NOT KNOW. I ASKED IF THEY DID NOT KNOW OR COULDN'T SAY AND THE RESPONDED "BOTH". BOTTOM-LINE: FUEL LEAKS, OF THIS NATURE DUE TO POOR DESIGN, SHOULD NOT BE SOMETHING CONSUMERS SHOULD HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT NONE-THE-LESS PAY FOR. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 1, 2014
MY VEHICLE HAS STARTED TO LEAK FUEL AFTER COLD STARTS IN COLDER WEATHER (BELOW 50 DEGREES F). THE ODOR INSIDE THE CABIN IS ENOUGH TO GIVE ME A HEADACHE. ONCE THE CAR WARMS UP IT DOES DISSIPATE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED IT AS FUEL LINES LEAKING UNDER THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. WITH PARTS AND LABOR THE BILL IS ALMOST $1000. AFTER DOING SOME "RESEARCH" ONLINE IT APPEARS THAT THIS A MORE WIDESPREAD ISSUE WITH SUBARU'S, IT EVEN RESULTED IN A RECALL OF SOME WRXS IN SOME STATES... I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT SUBARU IS NOT ISSUING A TSB OR RECALL ON OTHER SIMILAR VEHICLES. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Dec 4, 2013
DRIVING ON INTERSTATE FREEWAY, IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL SET, WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER AND THROTTLE RESPONSE. THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT CAME ON, AND THE "CRUISE" LIGHT STARTED BLINKING. ENGINE CONTINUED TO RUN AT HIGH IDLE BUT SPEED AND RPM WERE NOT MAINTAINED. I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO CROSS 4 LANES OF TRAFFIC AND STOP. TURNED OFF THE ENGINE, WHICH WAS RUNNING AT 2200 RPM. AFTER A BRIEF STOP AND INVESTIGATION, I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE AND DRIVE NORMALLY TO AN AUTO PARTS STORE. I SCANNED THE OBD II CODE (DTC CODE) AND FOUND P2138 - THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR. NO INJURIES, BUT THIS IS A POTENTIALLY DEADLY ISSUE. HAS RECURRED ONE TIME SINCE. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Visibility/wiper, Dec 4, 2013
REAR WIPER FAILURE WAS FIRST NOTICED FOLLOWED BY FAILURE OF THE LICENSE PLATE LIGHT, THE WIRING HARNESS IN THE REAR LIFT GATE HAS MULTIPLE BROKEN WIRES WHERE THE DOOR HINGES. APPEARS THAT THE WIRING INSULATION BECOMES HARDENED AND BRITTLE, AND WILL BREAK INSTEAD OF FLEXING. THERE ARE SEVERAL OTHER WIRES IN THE HARNESS THAT ARE SHOWING BARE WIRE BUT HAVE NOT YET BROKEN. THIS IS WHAT ALL THE HARNESS ENABLES AND WILL EVENTUALLY FAIL: REAR WIPER MOTOR LICENSE PLATE LIGHT REAR GATE LATCH SWITCH REAR GATE LOCK ACTUATOR REAR DEFOGGER BACK-UP LIGHT RH REAR DEFOGGER BACK-UP LIGHT LH *TR
Suspension, Dec 3, 2013
VEHICLE GHOSTWALKING WHILE DRIVING 40-45MPH IN A STRAIGHT SECTION OF ROAD. MULTIPLE OTHER VERIFIED ISSUES FROM 2005-2009 OUTBACK VEHICLES EXHIBIT THE SAME SYMPTOMS. ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND CANNOT SAFELY TRAVEL ABOVE 45MPH WITHOUT LOSING CONTROL. SUBARU HAS NOT OFFICIALLY ACKNOWLEDGED THIS PROBLEM OR PROVIDED A SOLUTION. *TR
Exterior lighting, Aug 28, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH HEADLIGHTS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE INCIDENT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Structure, Visibility/wiper, Jul 12, 2013
SOON AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR, I REALIZED THAT THE REAR WIPER WAS NOT FUNCTIONING. AFTER CHECKING AN ONLINE OWNERS FORUM I FOUND THAT THERE IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE FUNCTIONS IN THE REAR LIFT GATE SUCH AS INOPERABLE BRAKE LIGHTS, REAR WIPERS INOPERABLE, AND OTHER ITEMS. THIS PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE CAUSED BY THE DEGRADATION OF WIRE INSULATION AND BREAKAGE OF WIRE. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION I DISCOVERED MY OWN VEHICLE HAS A SEVERED WIRE LOCATED IN THE ACCORDION BOOT ON THE RIGHT (PASSENGER) SIDE NEAR THE HINGE FOR THE LIFT GATE. THIS COULD RESULT IS SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUES. AS WITH ANY FAULTY ELECTRICAL WIRING THERE IS ALSO A RISK FOR FIRE ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ISSUE. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Jun 28, 2013
I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH MY POWER TRAIN SINCE PURCHASE OF THE CAR. I HAVE DONE BOTH CV AXLES TWICE. THE LAST TIME THE CONTROL ARMS HAD TO BE REPLACED. BALL JOINTS HAVE BEEN TWICE. THE SHOP I TOOK MY CAR TO SAID THEY HAVE SEEN THIS SAME ISSUE IN 4 OTHER SUBARU'S OF THE SAME YEAR. DURING REPAIR MY DRIVE KNUCKLES BROKE. I HAVE SPEND THOUSAND ON JUST MY POWER TRAIN. BETWEEN SUBARU DEALERSHIP, BURT BROTHER, AND PREMIER AUTO, I WANT TO MAKE AN OFFICIAL COMPLAINT AND ASK YOU TO LOOK INTO THESE ISSUE. ALL OF THESE COMPANIES HAVE ADVISED ME TO PLACE THIS COMPLAINT. *TR