2006 Subaru Outback
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Vehicle speed control is the leading concern among 281 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 13th highest complaint count among 26 Outback model years with reports.
Of the 2006 reports, 7 involved a crash and 3 involved a fire. 3 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
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
Representative owner complaints: fuel/propulsion system
29 reports, newest first. Show all
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 2, 2021
I EXPERIENCED MY GAS PEDAL NO LONGER WORKING WHILE DRIVING, CAR WAS DRIVING WELL, ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET GOING ABOUT 25 MPH, THEN THERE WAS SUDDENLY NO GAS/ACCELERATION, HAD TO COAST TO A STOP. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT WAS FLASHING. ABOUT 2 HOURS LATER THE CAR WAS RUNNING NORMAL AGAIN. THE DIAGNOSIS CODE GIVEN WAS P2138 THROTTLE/PEDAL POSITION SENSOR/SWITCH D/E VOLTAGE CORRELATION. IT IS VERY SCARY AND UNSAFE TO SUDDENLY NOT HAVE POWER WHILE DRIVING, WILL BE DRIVING ON THE OUTSIDE LANE UNTIL THE PROBLEM IS FIXED TO I CAN GET OUT OF TRAFFIC SAFELY.
Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 26, 2020
AT HIGHWAY SPEED THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST POWER. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON SOLID WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT BLINKING. THE CAR DID NOT RESPOND TO ANY INPUTS FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND BEGAN TO DECELERATE. UPON STOPPING AND SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL THE CAR HELD ITSELF AROUND 2800RPM WITH NO ACCELERATOR INPUT FROM THE DRIVER. AFTER READING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CODE, THE CAR GAVE A P2138 INDICATING A PROBLEM WITH THE PEDAL POSITION SENSOR.
Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 16, 2020
GAS PEDAL QUITS WORKING LEAVING MY DAUGHTER STRANDED, MUST BE IN THE DRIVE BY WIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, LOOKING AT FORUMS, THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE. *TR
Air bags, Seats, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 2, 2020
SUBARU DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO DISCUSS SAFETY ISSUE RECALLS SELLING VEHICLE WITH OPEN SAFETY RECALLS AND OTHER SAFETY ISSUES THAT COULD HAVE BEEN EASILY REMEDIED. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN IN FOR SERVICE AND PROBLEMS WERE NOT ADDRESSED. DEALERSHIP CLAIMS "SOLD AS IS" AND BUYER BEWARE, AFTER WE HAD LEASED A NEW 2019 VEHICLE AND PURCHASED A LIKE NEW USED VEHICLE THAT HAD GONE THROUGH THEIR EXTENSIVE MULTIPOINT INSPECTIONS. ISSUES FOR AIR BAGS, FUEL SYSTEM LEAKING, POTENTIAL FIRE AND EXPLOSION, FAULTY SEAT LATCHES AS SAFETY RECALL. DEALERSHIP HAS VIOLATED TRUST AND EXHIBITED NO CONCERN FOR ANYONE'S SAFETY. WE CAN NOT TRUST THIS DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR OR SERVICE OF OUR VEHICLES.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 30, 2020
WHILE MY 2006 SUBARU OUTBACK WAS AT THE DEALER FOR THE EXPANDED TAKATA RECALL, THEY NOTIFIED ME THAT THEY FOUND A LEAK IN MY GAS TANK. I HAVE FOUND SEVERAL PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS ONLINE AND CAN'T IMAGINE WHY THIS IS NOT BEING ADDRESSED AS A SAFETY CONCERN.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 30, 2018
THE CRUISE AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS FLASH. CAR LOOSES POWER AND STALLS WHILE DRIVING.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 12, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE DRASTICALLY DECELERATED ON ITS OWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (GROOVE SUBARU, 5300 S BROADWAY CIR, ENGLEWOOD, CO 80113) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BATTERY FAILED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 23, 2018
WHILE DRIVING LOST ALL POWER, GOT OFF ROAD ,ENGINE STILL RUN BUT WOULD NOT MOVE, FINALLY,RESTARTED AND GOT HOME, CHECKED CODES,P2138 CAME UP.THIS IS A BIG SAFETY CONCERN,HAVE READ REPORTS OF THIS HAPPENING TO OTHERS. WHAT HAS SUBARU DONE TO CORRECT BIG SAFETY PROBLEM!!! HAS THIS BECOME A RECALL.NOW SCARED TO DRIVE.
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 7, 2018
TODAY I CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP AT A RED LIGHT. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN AND I ACCELERATED, MY VEHICLE BEGAN TO SPUTTER OUT. I TRIED TO PULL OVER BUT MY CAR HAD NO POWER. IT BEGAN TO SPUTTER THEN DIED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. I WAS STRANDED AT 9AM ON BROADWAY WITH MY 1.5 YEAR OLD AND 2 WEEK OLD. I TRIED TO START MY CAR MULTIPLE TIMES FOR 8 MINUTES UNTIL ONE ATTEMPT IT TURNED OVER, THIS TIME WITH MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT FLASHING. IT LIMPED AROUND FOR A WHILE AS I TOOK IT TO A SHOP I WAS TOLD THE CODE READ 'THROTTLE POSITIONING SENSOR'. WHICH I CAN'T SEEM TO FIND ANYTHING ABOUT LET ALONE FIND IT IN A STORE OR ONLINE. THIS EXPERIENCE HAS BEEN FRIGHTENING AND DANGEROUS AND I HAVE LOST UTTER FAITH IN MY SUBARU.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 2, 2018
WHILE DRIVING MY 2006 SUBARU OUTBACK DOWN THE HIGHWAY, THE ACCELERATOR BECAME NON-RESPONSIVE. I WAS TRAVELING AT ABOVE 65 MPH AND LOST POWER. THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON (SES) LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT STARTED FLASHING. I HAD TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CAR WAS STILL RUNNING AT IDLE BUT NOTHING WOULD HAPPEN WHEN PUSHING THE ACCELERATOR. I TURNED CAR OFF AND WAITED FOR 15-20 MINUTES AND RESTARTED THE CAR. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL THEN SEEMED TO WORK AS NORMAL. MY HUSBAND READ THE SES CODE (P2138 THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR). HE CHECKED THE WIRING CONNECTION AT THE FOOT PEDAL AND IT SEEMED FINE. HE RESET THE CODE WITH HIS CODE READER. THE CAR DROVE FINE WITH NO ISSUES FOR ABOUT 3-4 WEEKS BUT THEN HAD THE SAME ISSUE RECUR. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS I WAS VERY LUCKY I WASN'T IN THE MIDDLE OF A LOT OF TRAFFIC WHEN THIS OCCURRED. IF I WAS I WAS PRETTY MUCH A SITTING DUCK AS THE CAR WOULDN'T MOVE. I HAD TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THERE ARE QUITE OF FEW OTHER PEOPLE ON THE INTERNET THAT MENTION THEY HAVE ENCOUNTERED THIS ISSUE HOWEVER MOST OF THEM DON'T MENTION THEY REPORTED THE ISSUE.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 8, 2017
UNEXPECTEDLY, WHILE DRIVING, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL COME ON, THE CAR WILL IDLE HIGH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WILL NOT RESPOND, AND THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT WILL ALSO COME ON. THE CAR WON'T MOVE EVEN WHILE PRESSING DOWN ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. I HAVE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD, TURN THE CAR OFF, AND WAIT UNTIL THE CAR STARTS, THE IDLE RETURNS TO NORMAL, AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL RESPONDS. THIS HAS HAPPENED ONCE LAST YEAR AND TWICE THIS YEAR; THE LAST TIME BEING 2/17/17. I WAS LUCKY. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED I WAS ON A COUNTRY ROAD. THE SECOND TIME WAS MORE DIFFICULT AS I WAS ON A BUSY CITY STREET IN WINTER, AND THE LAST TIME I HAD A GREEN LIGHT AND HAD JUST GONE THROUGH AN INTERSECTION IN A SUBURB AND WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD. I DID BRING IT TO MY MECHANIC WHO RAN THE CODE, WHICH WAS P2138, THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR. I WILL BE GETTING THIS REPAIRED. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE SEVERITY OF THIS SAFETY ISSUE WHERE THE CAR JUST STOPS RESPONDING WHILE DRIVING.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 24, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE WHILE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS BEING DEPRESSED. THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, THE CONTACT HAD TO OPEN THE FUEL COVER, OPEN AND CLOSE THE FUEL CAP, CLOSE THE FUEL COVER, AND START THE ENGINE TO CONTINUE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.
Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 27, 2016
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY TRAVELING ABOUT 70 MILES PER HOUR IN THE MOUNTAINS OF COLORADO WHEN MY CAR'S ACCELERATOR STOPPED WORKING. I WAS ON A SHARP DOWNHILL CURVE WHEN I WAS NO LONGER ABLE TO ACCELERATE MY CAR TO KEEP UP WITH TRAFFIC. THIS WAS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AS I WAS ALMOST HIT BY THE CARS BEHIND ME. THERE WAS NO WARNING PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. *TR
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 2, 2016
MY VEHICLE LOST ALL ABILITY TO ACCELERATE WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. I HAD TO COAST INTO THE EMERGENCY LANE, WHICH WAS A WALL OF SNOW IN COLORADO AT THIS TIME OF YEAR. BLOCKING TRAFFIC IN THE SLOW LANE, I WAITED FOR A TOW TO MY SUBARU DEALER. THEY TOLD ME THAT MY PEDAL ACCELERATOR ASSEMBLY HAD FAILED. AFTER REPAIRS, I EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM 2 WEEKS LATER. THIS TIME THEY ARE STATING THAT MY ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY HAS FAILED. I HAVE RESEARCHED CARCOMPLAINTS.COM AND SEE THAT I AM ONE OF OVER 50 CONSUMERS THAT HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 25, 2016
THREE TIMES I HAVE LOST ALL ACCELERATION WHILE IN MOTION, WITH THE CAR AND ENGINE SLOWING TO IDLE SPEED EVEN THOUGH THE ACCELERATOR IS DEPRESSED. THIS OCCURRED TWICE ON TWO-LANE HIGHWAYS AND ONCE IN MY DRIVEWAY. IN ALL CASES, THE CAR RETURNED TO NORMAL AFTER BEING TURNED OFF FOR A SHORT TIME AND RESTARTED. MY MECHANIC IS LOOKING INTO A POSSIBLE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE ISSUE. IN SEARCHING THE INTERNET, I FIND THIS IS NOT AN UNCOMMON PROBLEM WITH 2006 OUTBACKS AND OTHER SUBARUS. THIS IS A DANGEROUS CONDITION THAT COULD PROVE DEADLY IF IT HAPPENS ON A BUSY HIGHWAY AND SUBARU SHOULD ADDRESS IT.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 12, 2015
I RECENTLY HAD P2138.. ONE TIME. NO THROTTLE RESPONSE, STOPPED ON A HILL ON A 2 LANE ROAD, ON A CURVE, IN BIG SUR.. NOT GOOD. ROLLED BACKWARDS DOWN HILL AFTER THE ONES BEHIND HAD ALL PASSED ME. TURNED OFF CAR, WAITED FOR 10 MINUTES, THEN IT FIXED ITSELF AFTER A RESTART. JIGGLED THE PEDAL CONNECTOR AND IT HAS BEEN GONE FOR THE LAST 2 WEEKS WHILE WAITING FOR MY MECHANIC TO HAVE ROOM IN HIS SCHEDULE TO REPLACE MY THROTTLE PEDAL (WHICH HAS A PEDAL POSITION SENSOR), TWO DAYS FROM NOW.
Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 29, 2015
I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND WHEN I GOT ONTO THE EXIT RAMP, THE VEHICLE GAS PEDAL STOPPED WORKING AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON ALONG WITH FLASHING CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT. I COASTED INTO A DEALERSHIP WITH HAZARD LIGHTS ON AT ABOUT 10MPH. DIAGNOSIS WAS A FAULTY ACCELERATOR PEDAL SENSOR. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN VERY DANGEROUS IF I WAS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC OR STILL ON THE INTERSTATE. CAR ONLY HAS 53,000 MILES ON IT.
Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 28, 2015
I WAS TRAVELING ON A 3-LANE HIGHWAY AT THE POSTED MILEAGE (60 MPH). SIMULTANEOUSLY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE GAS PEDAL LOST ALL POWER. THE CRUISE LIGHT WAS ALSO FLASHING. I TRIED FLOORING THE GAS PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO LOSE POWER AND THE SPEED RAPIDLY DECREASED TO LESS THAN 20 MPH. THIS HAPPENED WITH ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING AND NO TIME TO GET OFF A BUSY THOROUGHFARE. THIS OCCURRED AT APPROXIMATELY 3:00 PM, SO FORTUNATELY THE TRAFFIC WAS NOT EXTREMELY HEAVY. I WAS ABLE TO CUT ACROSS 2 LANES OF TRAFFIC THAT WAS GOING 60 MPH +, EXIT ON AN OFF-RAMP, AND GET TO A SAFE LOCATION TO CALL FOR A TOW TRUCK TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. THE OUTCOME WAS CODE P2138 (ACCELERATOR SENSOR). THE SENSOR WAS REPLACED AT A COST OF $340. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE NEW IN 2006, AND HAVE KEPT IT WELL MAINTAINED AT THE DEALERSHIP PER THEIR SERVICE SCHEDULE. HOWEVER, UNTIL THIS PROBLEM OCCURS, THERE?S NO DOUBT IT WOULD HAVE EVER BEEN CAUGHT BY THE DEALER TO REPAIR. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS BECAUSE IT COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS INJURY TO ME AND OTHER DRIVERS. IF IT HAD BEEN AT ANOTHER TIME, I COULD HAVE BEEN REAR-ENDED BY DRIVERS GOING THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 20, 2015
SUDDEN DECELERATION OF VEHICLE. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND THE CAR GOES LIMP. VEHICLE IS RESTARTABLE AFTER 5 MINUTES, HOWEVER THE THROTTLE DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY AFTERWARD AND THE VEHICLE WILL NOT ACCELERATE NORMALLY, THUS IT DRIVES MUCH SLOWER, AND WILL NOT GO ABOVE 60 MPH. PROBLEM COMES AND GOES. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 8, 2014
VEHICLE LOST POWER AND CONTROL ABRUPTLY WHILE DRIVING AT FREEWAY SPEED. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. THIS HAPPENED TWICE OVER A TWO WEEK PERIOD. LUCKY TO HAVE AVOIDED REAR END COLLISIONS BOTH TIMES AS I WAS TRAVELING IN THE RIGHT HAND LANE. IF I HAD BEEN IN MIDDLE OR LEFT LANE THERE WOULD DEFINITELY HAVE BEEN SERIOUS MULTIPLE VEHICLE COLLISIONS ON A DENSELY CROWDED I5 WHERE PEOPLE DON'T LEAVE SAFE FOLLOWING DISTANCES. TOOK VEHICLE TO INDEPENDENT SUBARU SHOP AND FOUND ERROR CODE P2138= ACCEL. PEDAL SENSOR CIRCUIT. REPLACED ACCEL PEDAL SENSOR FOR $269. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 15, 2014
DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON SOON FOLLOWED BY THE FLASHING CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT. AT THE POINT, THE CAR BECAME NO LONGER RESPONSIVE TO THE ACCELERATOR. I WAS FORCED TO PULL OVER BECAUSE AFTER BREAKING, I COULDN'T SPEED BACK UP. TURNING THE CAR OFF AND ON AGAIN DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. WHEN I TURNED THE CAR ON THE ENGINE REVVED AT A HIGH SPEED WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT STILL FLASHING. I EVENTUALLY HAD TO GET THE CAR TOWED. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 1, 2014
THE FIRST INCIDENT WITH THIS CAR WAS ME PUTTING THE TRANSMISSION INTO PARK AFTER STOPPING AT A GAS STATION AND THE RPMS SUDDENLY SHOT UP TO 2000. AFTER FILLING THE TANK, I TRIED TO START IT BUT IT WOULDN'T TURN OVER. I LET IT SIT FOR A MOMENT AND THEN TRIED AGAIN AND IT STARTED WITH NOW THE "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT" ON AND "CRUISE" FLASHING. THE LIGHTS SELF-CORRECTED LATER THAT DAY BEFORE I COULD HAVE THE CODE READ. THE NEXT INCIDENT I WAS IN A LEFT HAND TURN LANE WITH A GREEN ARROW. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND CRUISE CAME ON AND I SUDDENLY LOST THE USE OF THE GAS PEDAL. IT WAS COMPLETELY LIMP. NO MATTER HOW HARD I PRESSED ON IT THE CAR JUST MOVED ALONG AT IDLE SPEED, LESS THAN 5 MPH. I BARELY MADE IT THROUGH THE INTERSECTION BEFORE I LOST THE GREEN ARROW. I PULLED OVER, PUT IT IN PARK, THE RPMS WENT TO 2000, THEN I TURNED IT OFF. TRIED STARTING IT AGAIN AND IT WOULDN'T TURN OVER. TRIED IT A SECOND TIME AND IT FIRED RIGHT UP AND THE GAS PEDAL FUNCTIONED PROPERLY. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND CRUISE WERE ON AGAIN. I TOOK IT TO AN AUTO PARTS STORE TO HAVE THE CODE READ AND IT CAME UP WITH P2138, AN ISSUE WITH THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR. THESE INCIDENTS OCCURRED TWICE MORE BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO GET A PROPER DIAGNOSIS FROM A MECHANIC AND THEY OCCURRED ANYWHERE FROM ONE TO TWO WEEKS APART. THIS IS A POTENTIALLY VERY DANGEROUS ISSUE WITH THESE CARS AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY A RECALL BY SUBARU. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 2, 2014
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, LOST ABILITY TO ACCELERATE, THROTTLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THIS HAS HAPPENED 4 SEPARATE TIMES NOW. REPLACED ACCELERATOR ASSEMBLY, BUT PROBLEM STILL CONTINUES WITHOUT NOTICE. INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 11, 2013
INCIDENT INITIALLY STARTED IN FEBRUARY, WENT TO ACCELERATE AFTER STARTING CAR IN THE AM, DID NOT RESPOND, CEL AND FLASHING CRUISE BUTTON CAME ON, ENGINE SEEMED TO IDLE AND WOULDN'T RESPOND TO TRYING TO ACCELERATE AGAIN. TURNED ENGINE OFF, TRIED TO TURN BACK ON, WOULD NOT START. REPEATED PROCESS WITH STARTING 2-3 TIMES UNTIL STARTED AGAIN. CEL AND FLASHING CRUISE REMAINED ON FOR A COUPLE DAYS, TOOK TO REPAIR GARAGE AND THEY SAID THAT THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG ON THE DIAGNOSTIC RUN. THIS HAS CONTINUED TO OCCUR OFF AND ON FOR THE LAST SEVERAL MONTHS. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO 2 DIFFERENT SHOPS WHO COULD NEVER FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR OR GET IT TO REPRODUCE WHEN THEY DROVE IT, AND THEN TO DEALER 2 WEEKS AGO, THEY REPLACED THROTTLE BODY AND DID A FUEL INJECTOR SERVICE. AGAIN, THIS MORNING, ACCELERATING AT 30-40 MPH IN START/STOP TRAFFIC, COULD NOT ACCELERATE AT 30 MPH, ENGINE STARTED TO REV, PULLED OVER TO SIDE, SHUT OFF ENGINE, REPEATED 2 MORE TIMES, AGAIN CEL AND FLASHING CRUISE. THESE LIGHTS ARE STILL ON BUT CAR DROVE NORMALLY. VERY FRUSTRATED AS I CANNOT GET IT TO REPRODUCE FOR SHOP OR FOR DEALERSHIP BECAUSE IT HAPPENS SO ERRATICALLY. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, May 21, 2013
IN THE 2006 SUBARU OUTBACK 3.0 THE THROTTLE IS CONTROLLED ELECTRONICALLY. THIS FAILED ON ME WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH DOWN THE FREEWAY. THE GAS PEDDLE STOPPED RESPONDING. I COULD NOT ACCELERATE OR MAINTAIN SPEED. I HAD TO PULL OVER. AFTER ABOUT 1 MINUTE I RESTARTED THE CAR AND THE THROTTLE STARTED TO RESPOND AGAIN. MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS NOW ON AND THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT IS BLINKING. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND NEEDS A FIX. AFTER REVIEWING MANY FORUMS, IT DOESN'T SOUND LIKE SUBARU KNOWS WHAT IS CAUSING THE ISSUE. BUT THERE ARE SOME "RECOMMENDATIONS". *TR