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
281 reports, newest first.
Vehicle speed control, Apr 26, 2014
I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS TWICE IN THE PAST 3 MONTHS. BOTH TIME MY CAR GOES TO LIMO MODE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT FLASHES. THE PEDAL DOES NOT REV THE ENGINE. AFTER A NUMBER OF TRIES, THE PEDAL WILL BECOME RESPONSIVE AGAIN. AFTER ABOUT 3 RESTARTS ONCE THE ENGINE IS REVING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND CRUISE WILL GO OUT AND THE CAR WILL BE NORMAL UNTIL IT DOES IT AGAIN. WHEN I READ THE CODE, IT'S P2138 INDICATING IT'S AN ISSUE WITH THE 2 REDUCENT SENSORS ON THE PEDAL DISAGREEING ABOUT WHERE THE PEDAL IS. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS DEFECT! CALL SOA AND ASKED TO TAKE IT TO THE AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP. BOUGHT THE CAR AT WEST SUBARU HERR BUFFALO,LIVE IN CANADA NOW. *TR
Engine, Apr 14, 2014
SUBARU HEAD GASKET HAS FAILED. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE ACROSS JUST ABOUT ALL SUBARU MODELS WITH 2.5 ENGINE. IF YOU CONTACT VARIOUS SUBARU OWNERS YOU WILL SEE THAT THIS HEAD GASKET FAILURE IS HIGH AT AN ABNORMAL RATE. I AM HOPING THAT YOU INVESTIGATE AND HOLD THE RESPONSIBLE AND ACCOUNTABLE. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. *JS
Fuel system, Gasoline, Vehicle speed control, Apr 10, 2014
I WAS PARKED IN A SHOPPING MALL PARKING LOT. WHEN I STARTED THE ENGINE AND PULLED OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE THE GAS PEDAL WAS UNRESPONSIVE. I JUST ROLLED ALONG WITH NO POWER. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND I ROLLED INTO ANOTHER PARKING SPACE. I READ IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL THAT IT COULD BE AN EMISSION CONTROL PROBLEM OR SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE GAS CAP. I TOOK THE GAS CAP OFF AND RE-SEATED IT AND WHEN I TRIED TO START THE CAR AGAIN ON THE THIRD TRY, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT OFF AND THE CAR HAD POWER AGAIN AND THE GAS PEDAL WAS RESPONSIVE. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND HE FOUND THE CODE TO BE P3128. I WAS FORTUNATE THAT THIS DID NOT HAPPEN WHILE I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY OR ANYWHERE IN BUSY TRAFFIC. I HAD THE ENTIRE THROTTLE/PEDAL ASSEMBLY REPLACED AT A COST OF APROX. $500 AND HOPE THAT THIS SOLVES THE PROBLEM. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Apr 6, 2014
I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT A STEADY RATE OF 50MPH. SUDDENLY THE CRUISE CONTROL INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND BEGAN TO FLASH AS WELL AS THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR LIGHT. THE VEHICLE ALSO BECAME UNRESPONSIVE TO THE ACCELERATOR WHEN PRESSED OR DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WOULD MAINTAIN A SPEED ABOUT 20MPH EVEN AFTER COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. AFTER PULLING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND ENGAGING THE HAZARD LIGHTS, I PUT THE CAR IN PARK. THE RPM GAUGE THEN SKYROCKETS TO 3000-4000 RPM AND THE ENGINE BECOMES REALLY LOUD. I TURN THE KEY OFF AND LET THE CAR SIT FOR A FEW MINUTES. NEGLECTING TO SIT FOR A FEW MINUTES RESULTS IN THE SAME BEHAVIOR. AFTER STARTING THE CAR AGAIN THE CRUISE CONTROL INDICATOR LIGHT STILL FLASHES AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR LIGHT REMAINS ON. AFTER 3 RESTARTS BOTH INDICATOR LIGHTS ARE OFF AND ALL SEEMS FINE. AFTER TAKING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY TOLD ME IT IS A "BAD ACCELERATOR AND IT HAS BEEN REPLACED RECENTLY". THE DEALERSHIP THEN RESET THE CODE. THIS HAS HAPPENED OVER 10 TIMES IN THE LAST 3 MONTHS AND CONTINUES TO HAPPEN ON A RANDOM BASIS. LOSS OF POWER AND CONTROL IS UNSAFE AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Vehicle speed control, Mar 5, 2014
SUDDEN LOSS OF ACCELERATOR CONTROL IN TRAFFIC. CANNOT REV ENGINE OR MAINTAIN SPEED ABOVE 600 RPM/5 MPH; BARELY IDLING. CODES ON ECU INDICATE THROTTLE BODY POSITIONING SENSOR FAILURE. EVENTUALLY HAD TO REPLACE THROTTLE BODY TO RESOLVE PROBLEM. *TR
Wheels, Feb 20, 2014
FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS FAILED. INITIALLY, THE NOISE HAPPENED AROUND 30-40 MPH. THEN THE NOISE (GRINDING/ROTATIONAL) GOT PROGRESSIVELY LOUDER AND STARTED HAPPENING EVEN AT LOW SPEEDS (UNDER 20 MPH). EVENTUALLY, THE NOISE WAS ACCOMPANIED BY VIBRATIONS/SHUDDERING WHEN THE BROKEN BEARING SUPPORTED THE LOAD OF THE CAR ON EVERY ROTATION OF THE WHEEL. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Feb 17, 2014
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY I LOST THE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE FORWARD, MEANING MY GAS PEDAL STOPPED WORKING AND I BEGAN TO COAST. AT THE MOMENT I LOST THE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE, MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED AND MY CRUISE CONTROL BECAME DISABLED. LUCKILY, I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. AFTER TURNING ON AND OFF THE ENGINE SEVERAL TIMES, I WAS THEN ABLE TO ACCELERATE AGAIN. I THEN WENT TO O'REILLY'S TO HAVE A DIAGNOSTICS PERFORMED, WHICH RESULTED IN CODE P2138 (THROTTLE PEDAL POSITION SENSOR D-E VOLTAGE RATIONALITY). THIS PROBLEM CONTINUES TO OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Wheels, Jan 14, 2014, crash
SUBARU OUTBACK BEGAN TO EXHIBIT "GHOST WALKING" WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT DURING A WINTER STORM. REAR END ATTEMPTED TO RACE THE FRONT END, AND COULD NOT REGAIN CONTROL. THIS "GHOST WALKING" IS WELL DISCUSSED IN THE ONLINE FORM AT SUBARUOUTBACK.ORG. CAR EVENTUALLY MADE IT TO THE EDGE OF THE ROAD WHERE IT THEN PROCEEDED TO ROLL 3 TIMES. THE EXPERIENCE WAS NOT THE NORMALLY SLIDING ON ICE. THE REAR END SEEMED TO HAVE A MIND OF ITS OWN. *TR
Engine, Jan 14, 2014
BOTH HEAD GASKETS FAILED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 78,063 MILES. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Vehicle speed control, Jan 14, 2014
SAME SYMPTOM HAPPENED TWICE: ONCE JUST AFTER STARTING FROM A SERVICE AREA ON THE INTERSTATE, THE SECOND ON SUBURBAN ROADS I DESCRIBE HERE. DURING A NORMAL 30 MILE SUBURBAN TRIP, AFTER ABOUT 20 MILES THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST POWER AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE ENGINE CONTINUED RUNNING BUT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SEEMED TO HAVE NO CONTROL OVER THE ENGINE SPEED OR POWER. AFTER COASTING TO A STOP AND TURNING THE ENGINE OFF FOR A MINUTE THE CAR STARTED AND RAN NORMALLY, THOUGH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYED ON FOR A DAY OR SO. WHEN WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AFTER THE FIRST INCIDENT THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO INTERPRET THE CHECK ENGINE CODES; AFTER THE SECOND INCIDENT THEY FOUND A P2138 CODE -- "ACCELERATOR POSITION SENSOR" FAILURE. THEY REPLACED THE ACCELERATOR ASSEMBLY AND THE VEHICLE SEEMS TO BE RUNNING CORRECTLY AGAIN. AS I UNDERSTAND IT THE ISSUE IS A FAILURE IN THE ACCELERATOR POSITION SENSOR: THERE ARE DUAL SENSORS IN THE ASSEMBLY AND IF THEIR READINGS DIFFER THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS EFFECTIVELY "DISCONNECTED" AND THE DRIVER LOSES ALL POWER. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE: THE FAILURE COULD JUST AS WELL HAVE TAKEN PLACE AT HIGH SPEED ON THE INTERSTATE WITHOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF A SAFE STOP, AND HAVING THE FIRST INDICATION OF TROUBLE BEING "LOSING ALL POWER" IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Dec 9, 2013
VEHICLE LOST THROTTLE RESPONSE SUDDENLY. WAS ABLE TO COAST AT ABOUT 20MPH OFF OF AN INTERSTATE TO A SAFE LOCATION CODE CHECK INDICATED P2138 THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR FAULT. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Nov 19, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR FAILED TO RESPOND TO ACCELERATION ATTEMPTS. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT AND THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE ALSO ERRONEOUSLY DECELERATED WHILE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS BEING DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000. UPDATED 12/30/13*CN
Engine, Nov 18, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOSS OF ENGINE POWER AS THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE REPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 125,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
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
Fuel system, Gasoline, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Nov 8, 2013
HAPPENED TWICE IN ONE WEEK. ALL OF SUDDEN, ACCELERATOR NOT RESPONSIVE AND LOST OF POWER. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND CRUISE FLASHING. AFTER TURNING ON AND OFF OR STAY OFF FOR A NIGHT, LIGHTS WENT OUT THEMSELVES. ERROR CODE P2138 ACCELERATOR POSITION SENSOR. CHECK SENSOR NO OBVIOUS LOOSE ON CONNECTOR. PRESS CONNECT ON AND NO ISSUE SO FAR. IT SEEMS THE CONNECTOR TOO CLOSE TO THE FLOOR AND EASY TO KICKED OR TOUCHED BY FOOT. \ CAR WAS BOUGHT IN BUFFALO WEST HERR SUBARU AND USED IN TORONTO. *TR
Engine, Oct 30, 2013
NO WARNING LIGHTS. NO PRECUSSORS. VEHICLE PURCHASED 5/13 W 86K ON IT. DEALER HIDES BEHIND 'AS IS' OR EXPENSIVE WARRANTY AFTER BRAGGING ABOUT 'AWARD WINNING DEALERSHIP'. FIRST OIL CHANGE AT 90896 IN 8/13= FORCED DEALER TO REPLACE HEAD GASKET-LEAKING-SMELLED OIL ON TEST DRIVE-DEALER POO-POO'D AS RECENT OIL CHANGE PRIOR TO SALE. I PAID FOR TIMING BELT. 10/13-CAR DIED PULLING INTO DRIVEWAY WITH HORRENDOUS KNOCKING SOUND. 2 QUALIFIED MECHANICS CHECKED MY CAR IN DRIVEWAY-SAW METALLIC SHEEN IN OIL, OIL DIPSTICK AT PROPER LEVEL. CAR TOWED BACK TO ABOVE 'AWARD WINNING DEALER'. SERVICE ACCUSES ME OF OVER FILLING OIL- IT WAS NEVER TOUCHED BY ANYONE OTHER THAN THEM ON 8/13, THEN TELLS ME ENGINE MUST HAVE BEEN RUN WITH NO OIL CAUSING DAMAGE.(CAR DUE NOW FOR NEXT OIL CHANGE) HAVE FORCED THEM TO RECHECK TIMING BELT FUNCTION-THEY HAVE RULED THAT OUT AND STATE MOST LIKELY A ROD OR TWO SHOT IN LOWER ENGINE. NO HELP OFFERED TO ME. POSSESSION OF CAR BY ME-LESS THAN 6 MONTHS &LESS THAN 10K MILES, PAID 11THOUSAND. TOWING IT TO A NON-DEALER DEPENDABLE LOCAL SUBARU GUY FOR REPLACEMENT ENGINE. DO NOT BUY AS IS. DO NOT BUY EXPENSIVE EXTENDED WARRANTIES. INSIST GREEDY DEALERSHIPS PUT THEIR MOUTHS WHERE THERE TROPHY SHOWCASES ARE AND MAKE IT RIGHT!!! I HAVE OWNED SUBARUS FOR OVER 2 DECADES....NO MORE IF THEIR ENGINES CONTINUE TO FAIL LEAVING LOYAL CUSTOMERS HIGH AND DRY. GOING BACK TO TOYOTA, OR MAYBE EVEN HYUNDAI! I WORK IN THE MEDICAL FIELD AND I WILL NEGATIVELY SPEAK LOUD AND OFTEN ABOUT THIS DEALER TO HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE WHETHER DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY SO ANYONE AND EVERYONE CAN HEAR. NOW OFF TO SOCIAL MEDIA TO DISSEMINATE MY TREATMENT THERE AS WELL. *TR
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Oct 29, 2013
FOUR TIMES IN ONE MONTH PRIOR THE ABOVE DATE, THIS VEHICLE STOPPED RUNNING IN TRAFFIC. IT WOULD NOT RESTART. MOST IMPORTANTLY, THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION COULD NOT BE TAKEN OUT OF GEAR AND PUT INTO PARK!! IN ADDITION, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE FAILED TO PROPERLY KEEP THE VEHICLE FROM ROLLING IN TRAFFIC. THE MOST RECENT TIME THIS HAPPENED, THE DRIVER WAS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC ON A HILL AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AGAIN DID NOT PROPERLY HOLD THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER HAD TO OPEN HER DOOR, EXIT THE VEHICLE IN ORDER TO PHYSICALLY STOP IT FROM ROLLING DOWNHILL IN TRAFFIC AND WAS NEARLY RAN OVER BY A PASSING SEMI TRAILER TRUCK. THIS IS A WELL MAINTAINED VEHICLE, OFTEN THROUGH THE DEALER IT WAS PURCHASED FROM. DURING THIS TIME, THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TWICE TO THE DEALER. THEY DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS BEING CAUSED BY ELECTRONIC COMPUTER PARTS MALFUNCTION. AFTER THESE EXPENSIVE AND POSSIBLY UNNECESSARY REPAIRS THE PROBLEM STILL PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO STOP FOR NO REASON IN TRAFFIC AND WOULD NOT RESTART. EACH TIME THIS HAPPENED, THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE TAKEN OUT OF GEAR AND PUT INTO PARK!! I KNOW OF NO OTHER VEHICLE WHERE THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED. AFTER THE LATEST BREAKDOWN, UPON INSPECTION, THE DEALER LOCATED A SECTION OF WIRE LOOM THAT HAD WORN BARE AND POSSIBLY HAD CAUSED A SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THIS WORN SPOT IN THE WIRE LOOM MAY HAVE TRIPPED UP THE LOGIC IN THE VEHICLE COMPUTER AND BEEN THE REASON THE DRIVER COULD NOT PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK AFTER BREAKING DOWN IN TRAFFIC. IF THIS ELECTRICAL WIRE LOOM CAUSED THIS "MALFUNCTION", IT WOULD PUT ANYONE IN THIS VEHICLE IN A POSITION WHERE THERE IS GREAT POTENTIAL FOR SERIOUS INJURY, OR DEATH. THIS PROBLEM SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO BY YOUR DEPARTMENT IN ORDER TO MAKE SURE THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN AGAIN TO SOMEONE ELSE. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Oct 29, 2013
WHILE DRIVING 70MPH IN THE FAST LANE DOWN THE HIGHWAY I TURNED CRUISE CONTROL ON. AS SOON AS THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ENGAGED ALL THROTTLE WAS LOST. WHILE IN MOTION I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL THEN BACK INTO DRIVE AND NOTHING HAPPENED. THE CAR WAS DECELERATING SO I PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY. ONCE SAFELY ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD I TURNED THE CAR OFF FOR SEVERAL MINUTES AND THEN BACK ON. THE ACCELERATION CAPABILITY RETURNED BUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. I TOOK THE CAR TO A MECHANIC TO READ THE CODE WHICH CAME BACK AS THE THROTTLE CONTROL SENSOR. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS DEFECT AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY SUBARU AMERICA. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Oct 25, 2013
I WAS ACCELERATING TO GET ON THE FREEWAY ENTRANCE IN MY SUBARU OUTBACK (WITH MY WIFE AND TWO SMALL CHILDREN) WHEN I NOTICE A COMPLETE LOSS IN THROTTLE RESPONSE. THE CAR WAS JUST BARELY MOVING DUE TO THE ENGINE IDLE. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I DROVE AT THAT PACE TO A PARKING LOT TO CHECK MY OPTIONS. I HAD NOT NOTED, UNTIL NOW, THAT THIS CAR HAS NO THROTTLE CABLE AND IS COMPLETELY DRIVE-BY-WIRE. I LOOKED AT THE CONNECTION OF WIRE HARNESS TO THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY AND DID NOT SEE ANY RED FLAGS - NO CORROSION, ETC. IT APPEARED TO BE IN GOOD SHAPE. I SHUT THE CAR OFF, WAITED ABOUT 30 SEC, AND RESTARTED IT. IT THEN GOT US HOME. WHEN I GOT HOME TONIGHT, I RAN MY OBD DIAGNOSTIC TOOL AND GOT A P2138 ERROR CODE. THIS IS LISTED AS "THROTTLE/PEDAL POSITION SENSOR/SWITCH "D"/"E" VOLTAGE CORRELATION" TROUBLE CODE DESCRIPTION. I AM GOING TO CHECK INTO MY OPTIONS TOMORROW, BUT FELT THIS WAS WORTH REPORTING SINCE IT APPEARS THERE ARE OTHERS OUT THERE THAT HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM AS WELL. THERE IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY CONCERN WITH A FAILURE OF THIS NATURE AS I WAS TRAVELING AT A GOOD RATE AND IN TRAFFIC. LUCKILY, EVERYONE IS OK - BUT MY WIFE AND I WORRY WHEN THIS WILL HAPPEN AGAIN. THANKS. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Sep 30, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 60 MPH WHEN THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND HE HAD NO ACCELERATOR CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND REPAIR. THE DEALER REPLACED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE INCIDENT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000. UPDATED 11/15/13*CN THE DEALER REPLACED THE ACCELERATOR ASSEMBLY.
Air bags, Aug 20, 2013, crash
WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION AND MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I'VE READ ONLINE AFTER THE ACCIDENT OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME THING. I COULD OF BEEN KILLED IF I WAS DRIVING ANY FASTER. *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
Vehicle speed control, May 15, 2013, crash
2006 SUBARU OUTBACK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AN ACCIDENT THAT WAS CAUSE BY VEHICLE SUDDEN ACCELERATION . *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE, WITH HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE, WHEN SUDDENLY THERE WAS A JERKING FEELING AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED, WITH THE ENGINE REVVING. WHEN SHE APPLIED THE BRAKE MORE FIRMLY, THE VEHICLE WENT EVEN FASTER, AND CONSEQUENTLY, SHE HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE, WHICH WAS THEN PUSHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. EARLIER IN THE MONTH, THE CONSUMER AND HER HUSBAND NOTICED THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK OCCASIONALLY AND THE SHIFTING WAS ERRATIC.
Engine, May 6, 2013
TURBO ENGINE ON OUTBACK CEASED TO WORK- COULD HAVE CAUSED A CAR FIRE. UNABLE TO ACCELERATE ABOVE 30 MPH. *TR
Suspension, Apr 12, 2013
THANK YOU FOR CONSIDERING MY CONCERN; ANY SUDDEN TWITCH OF THE STEERING WHEEL, SUCH AS TRYING TO AVOID A POTHOLE, OR HITTING A BUMP IN THE ROAD WILL CAUSE THE CAR TO OSCILLATE WILDLY FROM SIDE TO SIDE WITH FEAR OF LOOSING CONTROL AND ROLLING OVER. I AM A VERY EXPERIENCED DRIVER BUT MY ONLY RESPONSE IS TO SLOW DOWN AND TAKE MY HANDS OFF THE WHEEL TO LET THE ROLLING SETTLE DOWN. I HAVE REPLACED ALL FOUR STRUTS AND HAD THE CAR ALIGNED. THIS IS GOING TO KILL SOMEONE, IF IT HAS NOT ALREADY. I HOPE ITS NOT ME BUT I FEEL SORRY FOR THE PERSON WHO BUYS MY CAR. I HAVE READ MANY OTHER IDENTICAL COMPLAINTS AND CAN NOT BELIEVE SUBARU OR THE GOVERNMENT HAS NOT RESPONDED. BOTH WILL HAVE BLOOD ON THEIR HANDS WHEN AN INNOCENT PERSON LOOSES THEIR LIFE. IT WOULD BE VERY EASY TO SEE HOW SERIOUS THE PROBLEM IS. JUST COME DRIVE MY CAR FOR YOURSELF AND YOU WILL KNOW TRUE FEAR. PLEASE HELP US BEFORE ITS TOO LATE! [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR