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, Nov 28, 2009
2005 OB SW MT. CAR IS VERY UNSTABLE IN SLUSH OR SNOW. CAR WEAVES FROM SIDE TO SIDE RESULTING IN DRIVING VERY SLOWLY TO MINIMIZE INSTABILITY. *TR
Traction control system, Nov 18, 2009
DRIVING UNDER NORMAL COLD CONDITIONS. EVERY TIME THAT WE WENT UNDER AN OVERPASS WHERE ICE HAS FORCED ON THE HIGHWAY THE CAR MOMENTARILY LOST CONTROL. IT WAS A GOOD THING THAT THE HAZARD ENDED QUICKLY OTHERWISE WE WOULD HAVE BEEN OFF THE ROAD
Exterior lighting, Nov 2, 2009
WE PURCHASED A USED 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK LTD. WAGON IN AUGUST OF 2008 AND ALMOST IMMEDIATELY HAD TO REPLACE THE LEFT FRONT DRIVER'S LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT BULB. SINCE THAT TIME, WE HAVE REPLACED 3 MORE LEFT SIDE HEADLIGHT LOW BEAM BULBS AND 2 RIGHT SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT BULBS. SUBARU TELLS US THERE ARE NO ISSUES WITH THEIR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, YET THEY CLAIM THAT THEY HAVE REDESIGNED THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT BULBS 3 TIMES NOW AND THAT THEIR BRANDED BULBS SHOULD WORK. AT APPX. $20.00 EACH, THEIR SOLUTION SHOULD NOT BE ACCEPTABLE. WE HAVE SPENT OVER $100.00 REPLACING BULBS THAT SHOULD LAST FOR YEARS AND YEARS, NOT 2-3 MONTHS! WE ARE ASKING FOR ASSISTANCE WITH THIS PROBLEM. WE LIVE IN A RURAL AREA OF COLORADO WHERE THERE ARE FEW STREET OR HIGHWAY LIGHTS AND WILDLIFE IS ALWAYS A CONCERN WHILE DRIVING. YOU NEED PROPER VEHICLE LIGHTING TO REMAIN SAFE ON THE ROAD AND THIS KNOWN DEFECT BY SUBARU NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. HEADLIGHT FAILURE DOESN'T ALWAYS HAPPEN NEAR A SUBARU DEALER. OFF THE SHELF REPLACEMENT BULBS SHOULD DO THE JOB, BUT DON'T BECAUSE SUBARU IS NOT SHARING THE CORRECT LIGHTING TECHNOLOGY WITH THE AFTERMARKET MANUFACTURERS. THIS MAY NOT BE THE FIRST COMPLAINT YOU HAVE RECEIVED. WE SEE MANY 2005-2006 SUBARU'S LIKE OURS WITH BURNED OUT HEADLAMPS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION OF OUR COMPLAINT. *TR
Suspension, Traction control system, Oct 28, 2009
2005 SUBARU OUTBACK SEDAN DRIVEN ON ICY/SNOWY ROAD CONDITIONS EXPERIENCES EXTREME SLIPPAGE IN THE REAR OF THE CAR. HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS ON AT LEAST TWO OTHER OCCASIONS WITH THIS VEHICLE IN SIMILAR CONDITIONS. AWD DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE KEEPING THE REAR OF THE CAR ON THE ROAD OR IN LINE. VEHICLE FISHTAILS OR GHOSTWALKS ON THE ROAD SURFACE IN THESE CONDITIONS. EACH TIME THIS WAS EXPERIENCED WAS WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 30 AND 70 MPH IN ICY/SNOWY CONDITIONS. I HAVE A 1996 SUBARU LEGACY SEDAN AS WELL THAT DOES NOT EXHIBIT THIS TYPE OF UNNERVING WANDERING ON THE ROAD WHEN DRIVEN IN EXACT SAME CONDITIONS. THIS WANDERING MAKES VEHICLE FEEL EXTREMELY UNSTABLE AND THE BACK OF THE CAR FEELS AS THOUGH IT WANTS TO SPIN AROUND OR OFF THE ROAD. *TR
Wheels, Sep 9, 2009
WHEEL BEARING FAILURE. *TR
Wheels, Sep 9, 2009
WHEEL BEARING FAILURE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Other, May 1, 2009
WITH 35,600 MILES ON OUR 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK XT, THE TURBO FAILED. THE DEALER SERVICE TECHNICIAN SAID THIS WAS DO TO THE CONDITION OF THE ENGINE OIL WHICH WAS 7 MONTHS OLD AND HAD 5,400 MILES ON IT. ALL 7 OF THE VEHICLES OIL CHANGES WERE DONE WITHIN THE 7,500 MILE INTERVAL SET FORTH IN OWNERS/VEHICLE MAINTENANCE MANUAL. ACCORDING TO THE SUBARU SERVICE BULLETIN # 02-103-07 (HTTP://STORE.FORCEDPERFORMANCE.NET/MERCHANT2/GRAPHICS/SUBARU_OIL/02-103-07.PDF -- NOT SENT TO OWNERS), THERE APPEARS TO BE A DESIGN DEFECT WITH THE "BANJO BOLT" OIL SUPPLY LINE TO THE TURBO, WHICH MAKE THIS ENGINE UNABLE TO LIVE UP TO THE SPECIFIED MAINTENANCE INTERVALS IN ITS POWER TRAIN WARRANTY. *TR
Power train, Mar 20, 2009
PREMATURE WHEEL BEARING FAILURE OF BOTH FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS. RESULTED IN LOUD HUMMING FROM FRONT END OF VEHICLE BUT WAS REPAIRED PRIOR TO ANY SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Structure, Mar 11, 2009
I OWN A SUBARU OUTBACK AND LIVE IN BEMIDJI MINNESOTA--LAND OF BELOW ZERO WINTER TEMPERATURES. TODAY I WAS NAILED IN THE HEAD YET AGAIN BY THE TAILGATE DOOR OF MY CAR. YOU SEE, THE STRUTS THAT SUPPORT THE TAILGATE DOOR DO NOT FUNCTION WHEN ITS REALLY COLD OUTSIDE--LIKE APPROACHING 0 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT OR LOWER. WHEN TEMPERATURES ARE WARMER--ABOUT 20 DEGREES ABOVE ZERO--THE STRUTS FUNCTION AS USUAL. BUT WHEN IT IS EXTREMELY COLD, THE STRUTS DO NOT WORK AND THE DOOR FALLS FREELY ONTO YOUR HEAD OR WHATEVER IS IN THE WAY. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH THIS CAR SINCE I PURCHASED IT IN JULY 2006. THIS IS AN OBVIOUS DESIGN DEFECT THAT COULD LEAD TO AN INJURY. *TR
Steering, Feb 4, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SWAY FROM SIDE TO SIDE. IF THE CONTACT DROVE MORE THAN 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD FAIL AGAIN. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY BEING INSPECTED BY THE DEALER. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE HAS NOT YET BEEN DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO CURRENT RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE; THEREFORE, NO COMPENSATION WOULD BE PROVIDED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 36,875.
Suspension, Feb 2, 2009
WHILE DRIVING ON ICY ROADS AT SPEEDS OF 40 MPH OR MORE, THE CAR SOMETIMES "FLOATS" TO THE SIDE SEVERAL INCHES. IT FEELS DIFFERENT THAN FISHTAILING -- MORE LIKE THE CAR IS BEING PUSHED BY THE WIND. THIS OCCURS WITH NO CROSS-WIND, NO ACCELERATION, NO CORNERING OR BRAKING, ON FLAT STRAIGHT ICY ROADS WHILE DRIVING AT A CONSTANT SPEED. THE SIDEWAYS SLIP IS SEVERE ENOUGH THAT YOU FEEL YOU MAY LOSE CONTROL AND LEAVE THE ROAD. THE ONLY FIX IS TO SLOW DOWN TO 40 MPH OR LESS, WHILE OTHER CARS ARE PASSING AT 60 MPH OR MORE. AFTER SEVERAL OCCURRENCES, ALWAYS ON ICY OR SLUSHY ROADS, I TOOK THE CAR TO THE SUBARU DEALER, WHO PERFORMED AN ALIGNMENT. THE REPORT SHOWS THAT THE CAR HAD POSITIVE TOE-IN OF 0.23 DEGREES (FRONT LEFT), 0.24 DEGREES (FRONT RIGHT), 0.22 DEGREES (REAR LEFT) AND 0.44 DEGREES (REAR RIGHT). TOO MUCH TOE-IN, I'M TOLD, CAN CAUSE EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR AND CAN ALSO CAUSE POOR HANDLING ON ICY ROADS. PLEASE CONSIDER THAT COMPLAINTS FOR BOTH THESE ISSUES MAY HAVE A COMMON CAUSE. THERE ARE REPORTS THAT TOE-IN INCREASES OVER TIME WITH SUBARU OUTBACKS, AND THAT TOE-IN ALSO INCREASES WHEN THERE IS MORE WEIGHT IN THE BACK END OF THE CAR. THE SUBARU OUTBACK DYNAMICALLY SHIFTS POWER TO NON-SLIPPING WHEELS WHEN ONE OR MORE WHEELS LOSES TRACTION, AND APPORTIONS POWER 60/40 FAVORING THE REAR WHEELS. COULD THESE FACTORS, ALONG WITH EXCESSIVE TOE-IN, CREATE THE KIND OF DANGEROUS FLOATING ON ICY ROADS THAT MANY OUTBACK OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED? PLEASE, PLEASE INVESTIGATE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 2, 2009, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO MOVE FORWARD, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FAILURE OCCURRED A TOTAL OF THREE TIMES. THE MOST RECENT FAILURE WAS ON JANUARY 10, 2009 WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. A REPORT WAS FILED WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 44,000.
Suspension, Feb 1, 2009
2005 SUBARU OUTBACK, 2.5L, 4EAT, AWD VEHICLE FEELS"LOOSE" AT SPEEDS GREATER THAN ~35 ON HIGHWAYS WITH PATCHY ICE, SLUSH, AND OR ICY RUTS. REAR END FEELS LIKE IT WANTS TO COME AROUND. HAS OCCURRED WITH TWO PASSENGERS AND APPROX 250 POUNDS IN CARGO AREA AND WITH ONE PASSENGER AND ~250 POUNDS IN CARGO AREA. *TR
Power train, Jan 19, 2009
I HAVE A 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK WAGON. THIS WEEKEND, ON HARD PACKED ICE ROADS, THE BACK WHEELS WOULD "FLOAT", SWAY OUT FROM UNDER MY VEHICLE. THIS HAS HAPPENED PREVIOUSLY IN BLACK ICE CONDITIONS. I WAS TRAVELING 20 MPH SLOWER THAN THE REST OF TRAFFIC TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE, AND THUS CREATING AN ADDITIONAL HAZARD TO THE VEHICLES THAT COULD HANDLE THE CONDITIONS. THE BELOW EMAIL THREAD IS A GOOD DESCRIPTION OF WHAT I HAVE EXPERIENCED IN THE PAST AND OTHER SUBARU OUTBACK OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING AS WELL. THE VEHICLE HAS NEW TIRES AND THE ALIGNMENT WAS RECENTLY VERIFIED. THANKS, CALE STREETER HTTP://WWW.SUBARUOUTBACK.ORG/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?S=&THREADID=11267&PERPAGE=20&PAGENUMBER=32. *TR
Power train, Dec 12, 2008
BOTH REAR WHEEL BEARING HUBS WENT BAD BETWEEN 55K AND 58K MILES. THEY WERE FIXED WITH A REPLACEMENT PART. THEY CAUSED A LOUD NOISE WHILE DRIVING. *TR
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
Electrical system, Nov 11, 2008
IT STARTED WITH THE DOME LIGHT SOMETIMES WORKING AND OTHER TIMES NOT,THEN THE REMOTE TO OPEN DOORS. I CHANGED BATTERY AND FUSE, DID NOT HELP. SO EVERYTHING IS LOCKED AND UNLOCKED MANUALLY. NEXT IT WAS THE SEAT BELT BELL. IT WILL GO ON WHEN YOUR DRIVING WHEN BELT IS ON. NOW IT WON'T CHIME AT ALL JUST THE LIGHT FLASHES. NEXT IT WAS THE HEAD LAMPS. CHANGED ONE, THEN IMMEDIATELY THE OTHER WENT OUT. THE HEAD LAMPS ARE NOT EQUAL IN POSITIONING. AND NOW THE STEREO ONLY HAS THE RIGHT SIDE WORKING (NOT SURE IF THAT'S CONNECTED TO ELECTRICAL) IT'S BEEN A NIGHTMARE. TODAY THE DOME LIGHT DECIDED TO WORK. I WOULD NEVER BUY ANOTHER SUBARU AGAIN AND WANT TO SPRUCE THIS ONE UP AN GET RID OF IT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 10, 2008
I TOOK A CROSS-COUNTRY TRIP THIS SUMMER FROM LA TO KANSAS CITY, MO. I HAD THE CAR SERVICED AND EVERYTHING CHECKED OUT BEFORE I LEFT BOTH GOING AND COMING BACK. I LEFT KC TO HEAD BACK TO LA. 3 HOURS OUTSIDE OF KC I SAW MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COME ON AND THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE UP TO RED. I PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY. SMOKE POURED OUT OF MY CAR. I PUT COOLANT AND WATER IN IT 3 TIMES. IT SEEMED FINE WHEN I STARTED THE ENGINE, THEN THE NEEDLE WOULD GO UP TO RED. I DIDN'T DARE DRIVE IT, SO I CALLED AAA. THEY TOWED ME TO A SUBARU DEALERSHIP IN KS. I WAS TOLD MY HEAD GASKETS HAD BLOWN. THEY FIXED THEM. I HAD TO STAY THERE OVERNIGHT. THEY CALLED ME THE NEXT MORNING AND TOLD ME BEFORE I WAS TO PICK UP THE CAR THAT THEY HAD TAKEN IT OUT FOR A TEST DRIVE AND IT BROKE DOWN ON THEM. THIS TIME IT WAS THE TENSIONER TO THE TIMING BELT HAD SLIPPED TIME AND THE BELT HAD SHATTERED INTO. OKAY, THAT WAS ANOTHER WEEK AND A HALF STRANDED TO GET THAT FIXED. I FINALLY LEFT TO DRIVE BACK TO LA. THE CAR OVERHEATED ALL THE WAY BACK TO LA. IT WAS THE WORSE TRIP IN MY LIFE. I STOPPED IN CO. THEY TOLD ME IT WAS MY RADIATOR CAP NOT HOLDING PRESSURE AS LONG AS I KEPT THE RPM'S UP THE CAR WOULD STAY COOL. I HAVE TO SAY WITH ALL THAT GOING ON, THE CAR GOT ME HOME. WHEW! IT WAS A NAIL BITER. WHEN I GOT BACK TO LA THE DEALER THERE TOLD ME I HAD TO HAVE NEW HEAD GASKETS. WHAT?! I SAID, I JUST HAD NEW ONES DONE. THEY FOUND OUT THAT THE HEADS WERE WARPED. NO ONE CHECKED. NOW, HERE IS THE CRAZIEST THING. MY CAR HAD ONLY 19,000 MILES ON THE CAR WHEN IT BROKE DOWN. 19,000! IT WAS PRACTICALLY STILL A NEW CAR! IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY FOR THE POWER TRAIN. I HAD THE HEADS PLANED AND NEW GASKETS PUT IN. THE DEALERSHIP IN KS AND LA STARTED POINTING FINGERS AT WHOSE FAULT IT WAS AND MEANWHILE MY CAR IS SITTING AT THE DEALERSHIP, WITH THEM DOING NOTHING TO IT. I FINALLY FOUND SOMEONE AT SUBARU CORPORATE WHO HELPED ME OUT. THEN A COUPLE MONTHS GO BY AND MY CAR STARTS STALLING INTERMITTENTLY. LEMON! *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 18, 2008
I HAD MY 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK SENT TO SHOP FOR TUNE-UP. NOW OVER THE LAST YEAR I HAVE BEEN HAVING GAS FUMES ENTERING THE PASSENGER CABIN WHEN EVER YOU RUN THE A/C OR FRONT WINDOW DEFOGGER WITH THE RECIRCULATION AIR OFF. (MEANING LETTING FRESH AIR IN). WHEN EVER I AM AT A STAND STILL (IE-AT TRAFFIC LIGHT OR IN TRAFFIC OR WHEN I AM DE-ICING OR DE-FOGGING THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WHEN NOT IN MOTION) THE SMELL OF GAS COMES THROUGH THE VENT AND IS MAKING ME SICK AND DIZZY. I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO HAVE TWO DIFFERENT SUBARU DEALERS CORRECT THE ISSUE BUT TO NO LUCK. THEY CANNOT FIGURE IT OUT AND IT SEEMS THAT THIS IS AN ON GOING AND PERSISTENT PROBLEM WITH SUBARU VEHICLES. I AM CONCERNED FOR MY HEALTH AND SAFE OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE. IT SEEMS THAT NO ONE WILL ATTEMPT TO REALLY FIX THE PROBLEM. I HAVE READ ON NUMEROUS FORUMS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH SUBARU'S, YET NOTHING IS EVER DONE TO CORRECT A POSSIBLY FATAL ACCIDENT OR ASPHYXIATION FROM HAPPENING. PLEASE INVESTIGATE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Jun 21, 2008
2005 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CAR WAS IN PARK AND MY RIGHT FOOT WAS TUCKED BACK BEHIND MY LEFT FOOT WHICH WAS RESTING ON THE FOOT REST PAD ON THE FAR LEFT SIDE OF THE FLOOR. THE ENGINE WAS IDLING NORMALLY WHEN SUDDENLY IT WENT TO VERY HIGH REVS FOR 4 TO 5 SECONDS AND THEN RETURNED TO NORMAL IDLE. LATER THE SAME EVENING, AS I SLOWLY ENTERED MY GARAGE AND APPLIED NORMAL BRAKE PRESSURE, THE CAR FIRST SLOWED (AS EXPECTED) THEN SUDDENLY BEGAN TO ACCELERATE. I APPLIED HARD BRAKE PRESSURE AND THE CAR STOPPED. IT DID NOT SEEM LIKE THE ENGINE HAD REVVED AS HIGH AS THE EARLIER INCIDENT AND IT ONLY LASTED FOR A COUPLE OF SECONDS, BUT THERE WAS A DEFINITE, BRIEF SURGE FORWARD AS I ENTERED THE GARAGE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, May 12, 2008
2005 SUBARU OUTBACK WITH A BLOWN HEAD GASKET AT A COST OF $2,000. THIS IS IN ADDITION TO A BAD TURBO CHARGER TWO MONTHS AGO AT ABOUT $1,800. MANY SUBARU'S HAVE THIS HEAD GASKET PROBLEM BUT SUBARU HAS NOT DONE A RECALL. THOUSANDS LISTED ON INTERNET HAVING THIS HEAD GASKET PROBLEM. *TR
Suspension, Mar 13, 2008
ON SNOWY/ICY ROAD, THE HANDLING ON MY 05 OUTBACK XT WAS WORSE THAN EVERYTHING ELSE ON THE ROAD THAT DAY. THE REAR-END OF THE CAR WAS UNSTABLE AND SLIDING SIDE TO SIDE. I HAVE PUT NEW TIRES ON AND HAD AN ALIGNMENT. THIS IS UNSAFE, ESPECIALLY IN A CAR THAT IS THOUGHT TO BE GOOD IN WINTER. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 11, 2008
AT AROUND 14,000 MILES THE DEALER TOLD ME THE ROTORS HAD WARPED AND NEEDED TO BE TURNED. AGAIN AT ABOUT 22,000 I WAS TOLD THE ROTORS HAD WARPED AND NEEDED TO BE TURNED. I WAS TOLD THIS WAS DUE TO HEAVY BRAKING, STOP AND GO TRAFFIC OR RIDING THE BRAKES. I HAVE ANOTHER CAR WITH OVER 100,000 MILES ON IT AND THE ROTORS HAVE NEVER NEEDED TO BE TURNED, MY DRIVING HABITS NOT THE CAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. SUBARU HAS NOT GOTTEN BACK TO ME IN OVER 2 MONTHS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. I THINK THIS COULD BE A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. *TR
Suspension, Feb 29, 2008
CAR IS VERY UNSTABLE ON SNOWY ROAD SURFACES AND FISHTAILS FROM SIDE TO SIDE. OTHER VEHICLES ON THE ROAD DO NOT EXPERIENCE THIS PROBLEM. THIS INCIDENT HAS OCCURRED MANY TIMES DURING WINTER DRIVING CONDITIONS. WE HAVE NEW SNOW TIRES AND FOUR WHEEL ALIGNMENT YET THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. CAR INSTABILITY IS VERY DANGEROUS AND WE ARE CONCERNED FOR OUR SAFETY. WE HAVE CONTACTED THE SUBARU DEALER AND SUBARU DIRECTLY YET NO ONE SEEMS TO KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. *TR
Suspension, Feb 8, 2008
UNSTABLE CAR IS EXTREMELY UNSTABLE ON ICE OR SLUSH COVER ROADS. THIS HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES IN THE PAST 2 YEARS. THE REAR FISHTAILS FROM SIDE TO SIDE. HAD TO SLOW DOWN TO VERY LOW SPEED TO REGAIN CONTROL. OTHER CARS HAD NO TROUBLE AND EASILY PASSED. TIRES ARE GOOD, ALIGNMENT GOOD. CAR ALSO FLOATS FROM RIGHT TO LEFT ON DRY PAVEMENT IF WHEELS HIT POTHOLE OR LARGE CRACK IN PAVEMENT. REAR INSTABILITY. *TR