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.
Suspension, Jan 15, 2011
2005 SUBARU OUTBACK UNSTABLE REAR SUSPENSION. THIS CAR IS ABSOLUTELY TERRIFYING TO DRIVE AT HWY SPEEDS IN ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS. THE REAR END SWAYS AND HOPS AND SWINGS UNCONTROLLABLY. I HAVE STOPPED DRIVING THIS CAR AND IT WILL HAVE A NEW OWNER. I WILL NOT DRIVE SUCH A UNDER ENGINEERED PIECE OF JAPANESE IRON AND HAVE THE LIFE SCARED OUT OF ME. THERE'S PLENTY OF CARS OUT THERE THAT ARE SAFER TO DRIVE THAN THIS THING. SUBARU NEED TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE AND FIX THIS. *TR
Suspension, Jan 11, 2011
REAR END OF THE VEHICLE FISHTAILS WHEN DRIVING STRAIGHT ON AN ICY ROAD. I HAVE READ MANY SIMILAR REPORTS AND EXPERIENCED THE ISSUE SOMEWHAT, BUT TODAY DRIVING WITH A FULL PASSENGER LOAD WAS TRULY TERRIFYING. THE REAR WHEELS WOULD SWAY SUDDENLY AND COMPLETELY WITHOUT WARNING, SOMETIMES FEELING VERY CLOSE TO THE POINT OF LOSING CONTROL ON THE INTERSTATE. I HAVE LOTS OF EXPERIENCE WITH DRIVING VARIOUS VEHICLES (INCLUDING OTHER LATE MODEL SUBARUS) IN ICY CONDITIONS AND CAN STATE WITH ABSOLUTE CERTAINTY THAT THERE IS A DANGEROUS PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. *TR
Suspension, Jan 6, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK AWD (NA). WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH DURING SNOWY WEATHER, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN SWAYING LEFT AND RIGHT AS IF IT WERE ABOUT TO SPIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO REALIGNED THE WHEELS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED THREE TIMES. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 31,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 35,000.
Steering, Dec 3, 2010, crash
WHILE DRIVING ON SNOWPACKED DIRT ROADS TO TOWN, I REACHED A STRAIGHTAWAY WHERE, UNKNOWN TO ME, ICE HAD FORMED OVER THE SNOW. DRIVING STRAIGHT AT 30-35 MPH, THE BACK END SUDDENLY BEGAN TO TRACK TO THE RIGHT. I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT AND PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL TO CORRECT, BUT THIS HAD NO EFFECT. I WAS UNABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL, AND THE VEHICLE SLID INTO THE DITCH, RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AND MINOR INJURY TO MYSELF. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Oct 15, 2010
FOLLOWING A FEW WEEKS OF A RUFF IDLE AT STOP LIGHTS, THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR FAILED ON MY 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5I. AFTER GETTING OFF OF THE HIGHWAY AND SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT, THE GAS PEDAL WOULD NOT WORK. THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING, HOWEVER THERE WAS NO REACTION AT ALL FROM PUSHING THE PEDAL ALL THE WAY TO THE GROUND AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. AFTER TURNING THE CAR OFF AND RESTARTING IT NORMAL FUNCTION RETURNED, HOWEVER I WAS INFORMED THAT FAILURE COULD OCCUR AGAIN AT ANY TIME INCLUDING WHILE DRIVING. MY MECHANIC READ THE CODE AS THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR AND REPLACED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL POSITION SENSOR. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 22, 2010
IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING HEAVY RAIN STORMS, MY 2005 SUBARU LEGACY WAGON HAD PROBLEMS STARTING AND RUNNING. THE HOLE CAR SHACKS REALLY BAD. I KNOW TWO OTHER PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. MY DEALER SAID MANY PEOPLE HAVE COME IN WITH A 2005 WITH THAT SAME PROBLEM. IT STARTED AT 18K AND STILL HAVEN'T BEEN ABOUT TO FIX AFTER 80K. THE ENGINE 'STUTTERS' OR 'MISFIRES'. I CANT GET MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME OFF. *TR
Tires, Sep 12, 2010
LAST MONTH, SIDEWALL FAILURE OF BF GOODRICH TOURING PRO 225/60R16 H-RATED. PURCHASED REPLACEMENT TIRE AT SAM'S CLUB 3 WEEKS AGO. TODAY, THE REPLACEMENT TIRE FAILED - SOME TYPE OF TREAD SEPARATION. CONCERNED AS I HAVE THESE TIRES ON BOTH MY 05 SUBARU OUTBACK, AND ALSO MY 97 VOLVO 850. ONLY THE 2ND INCIDENT DATE IS NOTED. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Traction control system, Sep 1, 2010
2005 SUBARU OUTBACK WILL NOT TRACK STRAIGHT IN SLIPPERY CONDITIONS AT ALL. THE TERM 'GHOST WALKING' IS BEING USED FOR THIS AND IS VERY ACCURATE. I DO NOT FEEL SECURE DRIVING IN ANY SNOWY CONDITIONS IN THIS VEHICLE. I HAD A 1995 SUBARU BEFORE THIS THAT WAS ROCK STEADY IN SNOW, THIS CAR IS VERY UNPREDICTABLE. TIRE CHANGES DO NOT SOLVE PROBLEM NOR DOES ALIGNMENT TO OEM SPECS. HAS BEEN ON GOING SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW. *TR
Structure, Jul 21, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH AND HEARD A RATTLING NOISE COMING THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AT ANY SPEED BEING TRAVELED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO A BROKEN DOOR BAR WELD. THE TECHNICIAN RECOMMENDED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD BE TAKEN TO AN AUTO BODY COLLISION CENTER TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 77,000.
Wheels, Jul 19, 2010
2005 SUBARU OUTBACK REAR HUB RECALL: NOT CONVINCED THAT THE RECALL THAT REPLACES THE REAR HUBS WITH THE IMPROVED VERSION IS EFFECTIVE. I HAD BOTH REAR HUBS REPLACE UNDER THE RECALL AT 45,000 MILES AND ONE OF THOSE WENT OUT AT 86,000 MILES (41,000 MILES AFTER REPLACEMENT). THIS CONCERNS ME THAT THE NEW REAR HUBS ARE HAVING PROBLEMS SO QUICKLY. *TR
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
Vehicle speed control, Jun 28, 2010, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL SET TO 75 MPH, THE CONTACT APPLIED REPEATED PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES YET THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT DISENGAGE. THE CONTACT USED THE CRUISE CONTROL OFF BUTTON BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE AND PROCEEDED TO CRASH INTO AN UNKNOWN OBJECT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SUSTAINED UNKNOWN INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY LOT AND WAS NOT EXAMINED FOR THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 77,000.
Suspension, Jun 20, 2010
90 DEGREE SWING OF REAR END WHEN TRAVELING AT ONLY 10 MPH ON ICY ROAD WITH EXCELLENT SNOW TIRES. THERE MAY BE A REAR SUSPENSION PROBLEM BECAUSE LEFT REAR IS OVER AN INCH LOWER THAN RIGHT REAR. THERE IS NO SUBARU RECALL. *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
Suspension, Apr 20, 2010
FRONT WHEEL BEARING FAILURE @ 55,000 MILES. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Electronic stability control (ESC), Traction control system, Apr 9, 2010
WE HAVE A 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK THAT SWAYS IN THE REAR OF CAR UNDER THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS 1. OVER BUMPS THE REAR WILL SWING TO THE RIGHT AND DIP. WHEN ROADS ARE SLICK IT WILL ALMOST SPIN THE VEHICLE. IF YOU ARE IN A LEFT HAND CURVE, EVEN AT LOW SPEED, THE CONDITION IS EXAGGERATED MORE THAN YOU WOULD EXPECT SORT OF LIKE IT WAS PUSHED IN ADDITION TO THE NORMAL INERTIA YOU WOULD EXPERIENCE. 2. REAR END TRACTION BECOMES UNSTABLE UNDER ICY CONDITIONS WHERE IT APPEARS THAT TOO MUCH POWER IS BEING DISTRIBUTED TO THE REAR OF THE DRIVELINE THEN OSCILLATING TO EACH INDIVIDUAL REAR WHEEL. IN MY OPINION 100% OF THE VEHICLES POWER CONCENTRATED TO THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL IS ALTERNATELY DISTRIBUTED BETWEEN THE REAR WHEELS AND KIND OF GETS STUCK IN THIS MODE. *TR
Visibility, Apr 2, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WINDOW EXPLODED AND SHATTERED WHEN HE ROLLED IT DOWN. THE CONTACT HAD NO PRIOR PROBLEMS WITH THE WINDOW AND THERE WAS NO CHANGE IN TEMPERATURE THAT COULD HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING A WINDOW COMPANY REPRESENTATIVE, REFERRED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY, WHO WOULD REPLACE THE WINDOW AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 60,800. UPDATED 0/29/10. *LJUPDATED 09/21/10
Suspension, Other or unspecified, Apr 1, 2010
I HAVE SEVERAL TIMES EXPERIENCED WHAT IS KNOWN AS GHOST WALKING WHILE DRIVING MY 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.4I. I HAVE DRIVEN UNDER THE SAME CONDITIONS WITH THE CAR MINIMALLY LOADED. ONLY ON THE TIMES THAT THE CAR WAS LOADED WITH MORE THAN 2 PASSENGERS AND THEIR BELONGINGS DID I EXPERIENCE GHOST WALK. ON THOSE TIMES I WAS DRIVING MY OUTBACK ON SNOW OR ICE COVERED ROAD. I WAS DRIVING AT A STEADY RATE OF SPEED WITH CONSISTENT PRESSURE ON THE GAS. THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WOULD BEGIN TO PITCH BACK AND FORTH AS IF BEING BLOWN BY A HEAVY WIND. THERE WAS NO WIND ON THOSE OCCASIONS, OR NOT SUFFICIENT TO CAUSE THE TO SWAY THE WAY IT DID. IT FELT AS THOUGH THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WAS ATTEMPTING TO PASS THE FRONT. I SLOWED DOWN EACH TIME, EVEN THOUGH THE ROAD SURFACE CONDITIONS DID NOT DICTATE IT. I WAS PASSED BY 2 WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES, BECAUSE MY CAR FELT UNSTABLE AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS WHILE THE CAR WAS LIGHTLY LOADED UNDER THE SAME ROAD CONDITIONS.
Traction control system, Mar 4, 2010
1. SLIGHTLY ICY ROAD CONDITION. 2. ABNORMAL LOSS OF ROAD FEEL AND CONTROL. 3. NO KNOWN SOLUTION. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 16, 2010
THIS COMPLAINT CONCERNS THE INTERMITTENT REFUSAL OF THE CRUISE CONTROL ON MY 2005 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK TO GIVE UP CONTROL OF THE ENGINE WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL HANDLE IS PULLED DOWN TO THE COAST POSITION AND TO CAUSE AN UNEXPECTED, DRAMATIC INCREASE IN CAR SPEED WHEN THE INTENT IS TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL AND SLOW CAR SPEED (?THE PROBLEM?). THE PROBLEM HAS EXISTED SINCE PURCHASING MY SUBARU AS NEW IN 2005. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN INTERMITTENT, OCCURRING "OUT-OF-THE-BLUE" AND WHEN LEAST EXPECTED. ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION WHEN I WANTED TO SLOW BUT NOT BREAK THE CAR BY PULLING THE CRUISE CONTROL HANDLE TO THE COAST POSITION, THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD REFUSE TO GIVE UP CONTROL OF THE ENGINE AND, IN SOME INSTANCES, THE ENGINE WOULD ADVANCE TO GREATER SPEED, ALMOST CAUSING A COLLISION WITH TRAFFIC I WAS FOLLOWING. IN ONE TEST I CONDUCTED AFTER ALMOST SLAMMING INTO THE REAR END OF CAR BEING DRIVEN IN FRONT OF ME, NOT ONLY DID THE CRUISE CONTROL NOT GIVE UP CONTROL OF THE ENGINE WHEN I PULLED THE CRUISE CONTROL LEVER TO THE COAST POSITION, THE ENGINE CONTINUED ADVANCING FROM A SPEED OF 65 MPH TO 80 MPH DURING THE ENTIRE TIME THAT I HELD THE CRUISE CONTROL LEVER WAS IN THE COAST POSITION. THE ONLY WAS I WAS ABLE STOP THE CRUISE CONTROL FROM CONTROLLING THE ENGINE WAS BY BREAKING THE CAR. THE PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED REGULARLY AND CONTINUOUSLY ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS SINCE MY PURCHASE OF THE CAR ON 5/14/2005 FROM LITHIA SUBARU IN RENO, NEVADA. ALTHOUGH CAUSES APPEAR TO DIFFER, THE PROBLEM IS SIMILAR IN NATURE TO TOYOTA CARS EXPERIENCING UNEXPECTED SPEED INCREASE DUE TO DEFECTIVE ACCELERATOR PEDALS AS NOW BEING DESCRIBED IN THE NEWS MEDIA. *TR
Suspension, Jan 26, 2010
IN DECEMBER OF 2008 I DROVE FROM IDAHO TO MONTANA OVER CHRISTMAS. ROAD CONDITIONS WERE BROKEN ICE AND COMPACT SNOW. WHENEVER THE CAR WOULD HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD, THE REAR END WOULD TEND TO KICK FROM SIDE TO SIDE. I WAS FORCED TO REDUCE MY SPEED TO AROUND 30 MPH, EVEN THOUGH ALL OTHER VEHICLES COULD MAINTAIN HIGHER SPEEDS IN A SAFE MANNER. I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM ON SEVERAL LATER OCCASIONS, AND IT APPEARS TO OCCUR ONLY WHEN THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN LOADED DOWN WITH PASSENGER(S) OR CARGO. SUBARUOUTBACK.ORG HAS A GIGANTIC THREAD ON THIS TOPIC. IT APPEARS I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM. HTTP://WWW.SUBARUOUTBACK.ORG/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?S=B16BA9FDCE5398DEC3B38124C6D0E1B9&THREADID=11267&PERPAGE=20&PAGENUMBER=1 IN MARCH OF 2009, I HAD AN ALIGNMENT DONE AT A SUBARU DEALERSHIP IN BOISE. I HAVE NOT EXPERIENCED THE PROBLEM TO DATE, BUT THIS WINTER HAS BEEN UNSEASONABLY WARM, AND I HAVE NOT DRIVEN ON MUCH PACKED SNOW OR ICE. MOREOVER, I HAVE NOT DRIVEN WITH EXTRA CARGO, WHICH SEEMS TO EXASPERATE THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, I AM NOT CONVINCED THE PROBLEM IS GONE, AND JUDGING BY THE CONTINUED AMOUNT OF COMPLAINTS ON SUBARUOUTBACK.COM, I BELIEVE SUBARU NEEDS TO FORMALLY ADDRESS THE PROBLEM. THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY CONCERN. *TR
Tires, Jan 19, 2010
I HAVE A 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK TURBO. TURBO FAILED AT 65K MILES. AXEL BROKE AT 64K MILES AND NOW THE RIGHT WHEEL BEARING IS OUT AT 70K MILES. I UNDERSTAND THERE IS A RECALL ON BOTH REAR BEARINGS BUT NOT THE FRONT. TURBO HAS BEEN A BIG PROBLEM TOO. *TR
Structure, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jan 8, 2010
IN COMPARISON WITH MANY TRUCKS AND CARS I HAVE DRIVEN IN WINTER CONDITIONS FOR OVER 30 YEARS, OUR 2005 SUBURU OUTBACK IS MUCH MORE UNSTABLE ESPECIALLY IN THE REAR END WHENEVER HARD PACKED SNOW OR ICE IS ENCOUNTERED EVEN AT MODERATE SPEEDS (30-50 MPH). AT LEAST ONCE THIS CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO SPIN UNCONTROLLABLY. IN IDENTICAL CONDITIONS, A TRUCK IN 2WD (I HAVE SEVERAL TRUCKS ON MY RANCH) IS FAR MORE STABLE. THERE IS A CLEAR SAFETY PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE FOR WHICH TIRES, INFLATION, ALIGNMENT ACCORDING TO MANUFACTURERS SPECS FAILS TO CURE. *TR
Suspension, Jan 6, 2010
I'M A RECENT OWNER OF A 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK XT WITH 58K MILES AND UNDER CERTAIN ADVERSE WEATHER SITUATIONS; THE CAR'S TRACKING/DRIVING CHARACTERISTICS PERFORM IN A HAZARDOUS AND POTENTIALLY DEADLY MANNER. WHEN TRAVELING IN SNOWY AND OR SLUSHY CONDITIONS ON PAVED ROADS, THE CAR'S REAR TIRES MOVE FROM SIDE TO SIDE LOOSING DIRECTIONAL STABILITY (I.E. OVERSTEER) WITH NO PROVOCATION FROM THE DRIVER OR OUTSIDE INFLUENCE. THIS OCCURS REGARDLESS OF THE LOAD IN THE CAR (PASSENGERS/CARGO), AND UNDER ALL DRIVING SITUATIONS (ACCELERATING & COASTING). THE CAR HAS SNOW TIRES ON ALL FOUR WHEELS (NOKIAN 225-55-17) THAT HAVE LESS THAN 10K MILES OF USE AND ARE CORRECTLY INFLATED AS INSTRUCTED BY THE CAR'S MANUFACTURE (30F/32R). INITIALLY, I THOUGHT THE CAR MIGHT BE OUT OF REAR ALIGNMENT (TOE), HOWEVER AFTER BEING INSPECTED BY THE LOCAL SUBARU DEALERSHIP AND INDEPENDENT TIRE ALIGNMENT SHOP, THE CAR IS WITHIN SUBARU'S CURRENT SPECS FOR THE MODEL AND TSB NOTICE (5-36-07) FROM SUBARU OF AMERICA. I DRIVE 200 MILES DAILY TO AND FROM WORK (PA/NJ) FOR THE LAST 11 YEARS AND IN ALL WEATHER CONDITIONS WITH ZERO ACCIDENTS OR MISHAPS. THE PURPOSE OF BUYING A SUBARU WAS FOR THE ALL WEATHER CAPABILITY ADVERTISED BY THE MANUFACTURER. HOWEVER, APPARENTLY I AM NOT ALONE, AS A RECENT SEARCH ON LINE PROVIDED AN OUTBACK FORUM DEDICATED TO THIS CAR (2005-2009) WHICH INDICATES THIS IS AN INHERENT PROBLEM WITH THIS GROUP OF CARS BY THE NUMEROUS ACCOUNTS FROM OTHER OWNERS WITH THIS PARTICULAR CHARACTERISTIC. SOA NEEDS TO STEP UP AND CORRECT THE OBVIOUS 'ENGINEERED COMPROMISE' WITH A RAISED REAR SUSPENSION, AND MODIFY THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS IN ORDER TO CORRECT THE REAR END STEPPING OUT DUE TO ADVERSE ROAD CONDITIONS AND LOADS CARRIED BY OWNERS UNDER WHAT WOULD OTHERWISE BE NORMAL OPERATING PARAMETERS. *TR
Suspension, Dec 16, 2009
I DRIVE A 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK XT LIMITED AND HAVE EXPERIENCED THE REAR SWAY, UNSTABLE CONDITIONS THAT MANY OTHER PEOPLE SEEM TO BE EXPERIENCING. I HAVE DONE MUCH RESEARCH ON THE PROBLEM AND HAVE FOUND THAT SUBARU'S REAR SWAY BAR AND ALIGNMENT SPECS. TO BE UNMATCHED FOR THE LONGER WHEEL-BASE AND THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER THE REPLACEMENT OF THE REAR SWAY BAR TO A HEAVIER DUTY ONE AND A BETTER ALIGNMENT MY OUTBACK NOW DRIVES OUTSTANDING AND HANDLES LIKE A DREAM. I AM A SPIRITED DRIVER AND I DRIVE IN ALL WEATHER CONDITIONS INCLUDING ICE AND SNOW AND HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS SINCE THE UPGRADES. *TR