2006 Subaru Outback

What owners report most often

1. Vehicle speed control98
2. Engine44
3. Air bags42
4. Electrical system42
5. Suspension37
6. Fuel/propulsion system29
7. Service brakes20
8. Power train18

Recalls and investigations

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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.

1. Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Visibility/wiper, Feb 18, 2013

   REAR WIPER CEASED FUNCTIONING. THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO BROKEN WIRE(S) IN A WIRING HARNESS THAT PASSES THROUGH A RUBBER ACCORDION BOOT BETWEEN THE CAR BODY AND THE TAIL-GATE (NEAR THE RIGHT-HAND TAILGATE HINGE). MANY OF THE OTHER WIRES, AFFECTING UPPER BRAKE LIGHT, LICENSE PLATE LIGHTS, BACKUP LIGHTS, AND TAILGATE LATCH/LOCK, WERE FRAYED AND WERE REPLACED DUE TO IMMINENT FAILURE OF THE ABOVE LISTED COMPONENTS. RESEARCH AT AN ONLINE FORUM FOR SUBARU OWNERS SHOWED THAT MANY OTHER OWNERS (OF 2005 AND 2006 SUBARU OUTBACKS) HAVE EXPERIENCED SIMILAR FAILURES DUE TO BROKEN WIRES IN THIS WIRING HARNESS. I SUSPECT THAT IT IS AN UNDER-REPORTED PROBLEM. I BELIEVE THAT SUBARU SHOULD BE ASKED TO ISSUE A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE. *TR

2. Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 16, 2013

   THERE HAVE BEEN TWO INCIDENTS SO FAR. ONE WAS TRAVELING ON THE FREEWAY AT 65MPH WHEN THE THROTTLE COMPLETELY STOPPED RESPONDING. THE OTHER INCIDENT OCCURRED AT MUCH LOWER SPEEDS WHEN TURNING A CORNER AND THE THROTTLE NO LONGER RESPONDED. IN BOTH CASES THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE OR MAINTAIN SPEED. PRESSING ON THE ACCELERATOR DID NOT HAVE ANY EFFECT AT ALL. IN BOTH CASES THE CAR WOULD "COAST" ALONG AT WHATEVER SPEED THE ENGINE IDLING WOULD MOVE IT - ROUGHLY 15 MPH. *TR

3. Vehicle speed control, Feb 11, 2013, crash

   2006 SUBARU OUTBACK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE SUDDEN ACCELERATION. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED ON THE MORNING OF NOVEMBER 26, 2012, WHOLE PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE IN A PUBLIC GARAGE, THE VEHICLE BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE AND SMASHED INTO A CONCRETE GARAGE POST AND THEN THE GARAGE WALL. THERE WAS SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE CAR AND TO AREAS IN THE GARAGE. THE CONSUMER STATED AS SHE STARTED TO LEAVE THE PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED BACKWARDS AND HIT A POST. NOT KNOWING WHAT CAUSED THE PROBLEM, SHE PUT THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE IN ORDER TO MOVE AWAY FROM THE POST. THE VEHICLE INSTANTLY ACCELERATED, AND HER EFFORTS TO CONTROL IT THROUGH APPLYING THE BRAKE AND STEERING WERE UNSUCCESSFUL. THE CONSUMER SOLD THE VEHICLE TO THE BODY REPAIR SHOP FOR $500 AFTER NO LONGER FEELING COMFORTABLE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. *JB

4. Vehicle speed control, Jan 20, 2013

   I WAS DRIVING AT 60 MPH WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL STOPPED RESPONDING. I COULDN'T ACCELERATE OR MAINTAIN SPEED. HAD TO COAST TO THE SHOULDER THRU TRAFFIC. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS NOW ON AND THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT WAS FLASHING. THE IDLE WAS AT 2,000 RPMS AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS STILL NOT RESPONDING. I TURNED OFF THE ENGINE FOR ABOUT 2 MINUTES. WHEN I TURNED IT BACK ON, THE ACCELERATOR WAS WORKING BUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS STILL ON AND THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT WAS FLASHING. READ OBD CODE P2138, RESET CODE AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT OUT. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS CONDITION AND SHOULD BE RECALLED BY SUBARU. *TR

5. Steering, Suspension, Jan 11, 2013

   I SEE THE SAME COMPLAINT SEVERAL TIMES ON THIS SITE. THIS WAS NOT THE FIRST INSTANCE FOR US EITHER, IT HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE WE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE WITH ONLY 17,000 MILES. IT HAS BEEN CHECKED BY BOTH SUBARU AND PRIVATE REPAIR SHOPS SEVERAL TIMES. THE CAR WONDERS / GHOST WALKS / SWERVES UNEXPECTEDLY ON SLIPPERY ROAD CONDITIONS, YOU DROP REAL FAST FROM 65 TO 40 - 45 MPH OR YOU FEEL AS THOUGH YOU WILL GO OUT OF CONTROL OFF THE ROAD, INTERMITTENT SLIPPERY CONDITIONS ARE THE WORST. WE HAVE HAD NUMEROUS ALIGNMENTS DONE - 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENT PERHAPS HELPS ONLY SLIGHTLY. WE HAVE HAD NEW TIRES ETC. WE ARE TIRED OF BEING TOLD THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR, ITS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN, PROBABLY HAS. WHERE OTHERWISE IN GOOD SHAPE IT IS A CAR THAT WE CANNOT EVEN TRANSFER TO OUR CHILDREN. *TR

6. Vehicle speed control, Dec 20, 2012

   I WAS DRIVING AT 55 MPH IN MY 2006 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHEN I BRAKE FOR SLOWING TRAFFIC, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT STARTED TO BLINK. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME UNRESPONSIVE AND IT APPEARED THAT THE CAR'S ENGINE WENT INTO IDLE MODE. I WAS LOSING SPEED AND PULLED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. I SHUT OFF MY ENGINE AND A FEW MINUTES LATER I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE CAR. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SEEMED TO FUNCTION NORMALLY, ALTHOUGH THE TWO WARNING LIGHTS WERE STILL ILLUMINATED. THE NEXT DAY I STARTED THE CAR A COUPLE OF TIMES, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FUNCTIONED NORMALLY AND BOTH WARNING LIGHTS WERE NO LONGER LIT. MY CODE READER FOUND AN ERROR CODE OF P2138, (UNRECOGNIZED CODE), THE CAR OPERATED NORMALLY UNTIL 12/18/2012. THIS IDENTICAL PROBLEM RECURRED AND I AGAIN READ THE ERROR CODE AS P2138. THIS IS A POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE. ALTHOUGH BOTH TIMES THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME UNRESPONSIVE, I WAS ON A ROAD WITH VERY FEW CARS AND HAD NO DIFFICULTY GETTING SAFELY TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE SITUATION COULD HAVE BEEN MORE DANGEROUS IF I WAS AT FREEWAY SPEED WITH TRAFFIC AROUND ME. *TR

7. Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 1, 2012

   WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY, VEHICLE LOST ENGINE POWER. ELECTRIC WAS STILL ON. GAS PEDAL DID NOT WORK. CEL AND CRUISE CONTROL LIGHTS BOTH BLINKING. WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN 15 MPH ON FLAT ROAD, AND BARLEY ANY SPEED ON INCLINE. GOT OFF HIGHWAY NEAR HOME AND SHUT OF ENGINE. WAITED AND TRIED TO START BACK UP. 30 SECONDS OF CRANKING, AND NOTHING. WAITED ANOTHER MINUTE AND IT STARTED. GOT HOME AND PULLED A P2138 CODE. PULLED WIRING HARNESS OFF GAS PEDAL AND RESEATED IT. RESET THE CEL AND EVERYTHING HAS BEEN FINE SINCE. SCARY SITUATION, ESPECIALLY AT 65MPH DURING THANKSGIVING EVE RUSH-HOUR. *TR

8. Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 12, 2012

   I WAS DRIVING WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL STOPPED RESPONDING. I COULDN'T ACCELERATE OR MAINTAIN SPEED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS NOW ON AND THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT WAS FLASHING. I PULLED OVER AND THE IDLE WAS AT 2,000 RPMS AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS STILL NOT RESPONDING. I TURNED OFF THE ENGINE FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES. WHEN I TURNED IT BACK ON, THE ACCELERATOR WAS WORKING BUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON AND THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT WAS FLASHING. *TR

9. Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 29, 2012

   MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE CRUISE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING. THE GAS PEDAL WAS NON FUNCTIONING. SHE WAS ABLE TO COST TO A SAFE PLACE. WHEN I ARRIVED THE CAR WAS RUNNING. THE GAS PEDAL WAS UNRESPONSIVE. I SHUT THE CAR OFF AND TOOK HER TO WORK. AN HOUR LATER I RETURNED TO THE CAR AND TRIED TO START IT. IT TOOK SEVERAL SECONDS TO START, BUT DID. THE GAS PEDAL WORKED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON STEADY AND THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS FLASHING. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR HOME. TODAY 10/20/12 THE CAR HAS NO SYMPTOMS. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN VERY SCARY AS MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ON THE BUSIEST STREET IN MONTANA DURING THE MORNING COMMUTE. *TR

10. Suspension, Engine, Sep 7, 2012

    CHECK ENGINE LIGHT NO. 1 PISTON DEFECTIVE ENGINE REPLACED COVERED BY WARRANTY. 2ND ENGINE & TURBO FAILURE AT 94,591 MILES NOV 10 2010 NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY WE PAID $5005.00 IN REPAIR BILLS THERE WAS COOLANT, OIL, & OTHER FLUID LOSS & A LOT OF SMOKE. THE 3RD ENGINE & TURBO FAILURE AUGUST 2012 DIAGNOSIS BY INTERNATIONAL AUTO/SUBARU SHOWED NO.1 PISTON CAME LOOSE ALSO THERE WAS CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IN ALL 3 INCIDENTS WE WERE TOLD $9000.00 TO START WE SAID NO HAD IT TOWED TO OUR DRIVEWAY WHERE IT SITS NOW IT HAS 136,000 MILES ON IT. ALSO THERE WAS AN OIL PUMP FAILURE 121,115 MILES $495.00 11/22/2011. ALSO $853.87 TO REPAIR A SERIOUS OIL LEAK AT 96,650 MILES 11/26/2010,FRONT & REAR CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS REPLACED SPLIT 96,647 MILES $482.33 ,RIGHT & LEFT REAR WHEEL BEARINGS FAILURE REPLACED 118,072 MILES 10/12/2011 $897.49. *TR

11. Vehicle speed control, Aug 14, 2012

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 55 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE DECELERATED DESPITE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE AND CRUISE CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TWICE. ALSO, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,052 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 45,078.

12. Suspension, Jul 13, 2012

    I TOOK MY 2006 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5 IN FOR ROUTINE SERVICE AND TIRE ROTATION. WAS TOLD THAT MY LEFT OUTER CV BOOT WAS TORN. TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO VERIFIED THE PROBLEM AND WAS GIVEN A PRICE TO REPAIR, WHICH I COULD NOT AFFORD. SINCE THE CAR ONLY HAD APPROX. 55,000 MILES, AND MY EXTENDED WARRANTY HAD JUST LAPSED, I CONTACTED SUBARU AND WAS TOLD THEY WOULD REIMBURSE ME FOR HALF OF THE COST OF THE REPAIRS IF THEY WERE MADE AT A SUBARU AUTHORIZED MECHANIC, I.E. DEALERSHIP. THE COST MY MECHANIC OF CHOICE QUOTED WAS LESS THAN HALF OF THE DEALERSHIP FEE, SO I DECLINED THE OFFER FROM SUBARU. JULY 2012, 60,000 MILES, TOOK CAR IN FOR ROUTINE SERVICING AGAIN AND WAS TOLD THE RIGHT INNER CV BOOT IS TORN AND THE LEFT REAR STRUT IS LEAKING. I CANNOT AFFORD THESE REPAIRS AND HAVE DONE RESEARCH TO FIND OUT THAT CV BOOT TEARS ARE QUITE COMMON IN SUBARU'S. THEY WILL NOT COVER THE COST OF REPAIR OR DO A RECALL EVEN THOUGH SINCE MY EXPERIENCES, I HAVE TALKED TO MANY SUBARU OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD CV BOOT ISSUES. AS IT STANDS NOW, I DO NOT FEEL THE CAR IS SAFE TO DRIVE, SO IT SITS IN THE GARAGE WHILE MY FRIENDS PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION. I PAID MORE THAN $20,000 TO BUY A CAR THAT SITS IN THE GARAGE. *TR

13. Power train, Engine, May 21, 2012

    I HAVE 2006 SUBARU OUT BACK SPORT WAGON WHICH IS A BASIC SUBARU IMPREZA WAGON WITH DUAL PAINT. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. WHILE ON ROAD CAR BEGIN TO CHOKE AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND CRUISECONTROL LIGHT CAME ON AND START BLINKING. THE CAR ENGINE WANTS TO CUT OFF WHENEVER IN STOP SO IN LOW IDLE AND IT DID CUT OFF ON THE DRIVE WAY. FROM THE SHOP DIAGNOSE RETRIVED DTC P0304 CYLIDER #4 MISFIRE CHECK IGNITION, FUEL SYSTEM OK, CHECK COMPRESSION 25PSI RECOMMEND ENGINE SHOP, POSSIBLE VALVE PROBLEM. I ALSO HAD SAME CAR TRANSMISSION REBUILD ON THE CAR 97XXX MILES AGO. COST $3589.XX. NOW I NEED TO REBUILD THE ENGINE, MAN THIS SUBARU IS A NIGHTMARE. *TT

14. Vehicle speed control, Apr 24, 2012

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

15. Suspension, Feb 29, 2012

    I WAS DRIVING ON HWY 287 FROM CASPER BACK TO LARAMIE, WY AT AROUND 40 MPH, WHICH IS LOWER THAN THE SPEED LIMIT OF 65 MPH, THE CAR STARTED FISHTAILING BY ITSELF SUDDENLY AND SPAN 360 TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, THERE'S BLACK ICE ON THE ROAD BUT OVERALL CONDITION WAS GOOD. THE REASON WHY I DROVE MUCH SLOWER THAN OTHER CARS (FWD CARS) WAS THAT I DON'T HAVE ANY CONFIDENCE WITH THE SUBARU, IT FEELS LIKE THE CAR IS 'FLOATING' ON THE ROAD, THE REAR END TENDS TO SLIDE TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT ALL BY ITSELF, WITHOUT ANY HARD BRAKING, FAST STEERING, OR SUDDEN PUSHING ON THE THROTTLE. I BOUGHT THIS CAR USED LAST YEAR WITH ABOUT 84K MILES ON IT, IT CAME WITH A SET OF SNOW TIRES, I HAD THIS PROBLEM ONCE WHILE THE CAR SKIDDED AND SPAN 360 ON THE INTERSTATE AT 45 MPH ( I WAS MUCH SLOWER THAN MOST OF THE CARS ON THE HIGHWAY), I CHANGED THE TIRED AND HAD IT RE-ALIGNED AFTER THE WINTER, AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN THIS WINTER, ALL PARTS ON THE SUSPENSION ARE FROM STOCK, NO AFTERMARKET PARTS WERE EVER ADDED TO THE CAR EXCEPT FOR THE TIRES, SO I THINK THERE MAY BE SOME ISSUES WITH THE SUSPENSION DESIGN OF MY CAR THAT'S BEEN THERE FROM THE FACTORY. I DID SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND FOUND THE TERM 'GHOSTWALKING', IT APPEARS TO BE PRETTY COMMON ON OUTBACK FROM 05 TO 09, I WONDER IF SUBARU HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THIS ISSUE AND HOW CAN I GET THIS FIXED. *TR

16. Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Feb 16, 2012

    SUBARU HAS RECALL ON WHEEL BEARINGS AND STATE MY OUTBACK DOES NOT FIT INTO RECALL. HOWEVER IT IS THE SAME PART THAT HAS FAILED, YET THEY STATE THEY FIXED THE PROBLEM. HEADGASKET IS LEAKING AT 125,000, SUBARU STATES REPLACEMENT GASKETS ARE BETTER HOWEVER I AM EXPECTED TO PAY 2000 FOR THE REPAIR. *TR

17. Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Feb 6, 2012

    ENGINE LOST POWER AND HAD TO PULL TO SIDE OF ROAD. RETRIEVED ERROR CODE P2138 (ACCELERATOR PEDAL POSITION SENSOR) FROM (DLC) DATA LINK CONNECTOR IN CAR. *TR

18. Steering, Suspension, Power train, Jan 28, 2012

    STRAIGHT LINE DRIVING ON FLAT CONCRETE HIGHWAY, REAR END OF VEHICLE MAY START TO WANDER WHEN ROAD IS SLIPPERY. THIS OCCURS GENERALLY OVER 25MPH, WHEN ALL OTHER VEHICLES ARE ABLE TO TRAVEL AT A HIGHER RATE OF SPEED THAN THE 2006 SUBARU OUTBACK 3.0R IS ABLE TO. CARS WILL PASS WHILE I AM WHITE KNUCKLED, CONCERNED THE REAR END IS GOING TO BREAK LOOSE AND CAUSE COMPLETE CONTROL FAILURE. I HAVE FOUND OTHER INSTANCES OF THIS ISSUE FROM OTHER SUBARU DRIVERS, AND THIS IS BEING REFERRED TO AS "GHOST WALKING" - THIS IS A VERY GOOD DESCRIPTION AS THIS IS WHAT IT FEELS LIKE. ESSENTIALLY, THE ALL WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM FEELS LIKE IT IS SENDING TOO MUCH POWER TO THE REAR END, UNDER EVEN/CONSTANT SPEED, AND CAUSING THE REAR TO BREAK LOOSE. OR, THERE IS A ALIGNMENT GEOMETRY PROBLEM. VERY UNSETTLING AND VERY UNEXPECTED FOR A HIGHLY REGARDED ALL WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL ALL WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEMS AND NONE HAVE DONE THIS IN THE SAME CONDITIONS. VERY HARD TO RECREATE FOR DEALERSHIP OR MANUFACTURE, AS IT REQUIRES PRECISE ROAD CONDITIONS. JUST SO HAPPENS IT IS PRECISELY THE ROAD CONDITIONS THAT MOST PEOPLE MIGHT BUY A SUBARU (IN MN OR CO). VERY DANGEROUS. *TR

19. Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jan 21, 2012

    FIRST OCCURRENCE 12/5/11. I WAS DRIVING THROUGH A PARKING LOT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AS I LOST THE ABILITY ACCELERATE. I COASTED TO A PARKING SPACE, SHUT MY CAR OFF AND WAS WAITING FOR A TOW TRUCK. AFTER AND HOUR I TURNED MY CAR BACK ON AND ALL SEEMED FINE. I TOOK IT STRAIGHT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY FOUND PROBLEM P2138, ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY PROBLEM. THEY REPLACED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. ALL SEEMED TO BE WORKING FINE. SECOND OCCURRENCE 1/21/12. I WAS DRIVING ALONG A SIDE ROAD, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AS I ONCE AGAIN LOST THE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE. SHUT THE CAR OFF, SAT FOR A FEW MINUTES AND TURNED IT BACK ON. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE BUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS STILL ON. I GOT MY CAR HOME AND HOOKED UP THE DIAGNOSTIC COMPUTER TO IT AND GOT THE SAME P2138 CODE. I READJUSTED THE WIRES CONNECTING THE ACCELERATOR AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT OFF. MY CONCERN IS THAT THIS PROBLEM IS GOING TO OCCUR WHEN I AM DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. OBVIOUSLY THE REPLACEMENT OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS NOT THE SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM. *TR

20. Vehicle speed control, Dec 19, 2011

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY DECELERATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LAMP AND CRUISE CONTROL WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT A SENSOR ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 58,000.

21. Wheels, Dec 19, 2011

    REAR WHEEL BEARINGS ON BOTH SIDES HAD TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM (FAULTY WHEEL BEARINGS) IN 2005 AND 2006 OUTBACKS AND SUBARU HAS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERING CERTAIN VINS UNDER 100K, BUT MY VIN WAS NOT IN THAT LIST. *TR

22. Vehicle speed control, Nov 29, 2011

    I WAS DRIVING AT NIGHT AT 55 MPH IN MY 2006 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT STARTED TO BLINK. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME UNRESPONSIVE AND IT APPEARED THAT THE CAR'S ENGINE WENT INTO IDLE MODE. I WAS LOSING SPEED AND DECIDED TO MOVE MY CAR TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. I SHUT OFF MY ENGINE AND WAITED A MINUTE OR TWO AND TRIED TO RESTART THE CAR WITHOUT SUCCESS. A FEW MINUTES LATER I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE CAR AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SEEMED TO FUNCTION NORMALLY, ALTHOUGH THE TWO WARNING LIGHTS WERE STILL ILLUMINATED. THE NEXT DAY I STARTED THE CAR A COUPLE OF TIMES, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FUNCTIONED NORMALLY AND BOTH WARNING LIGHTS WERE NO LONGER LIT. THE CAR OPERATED NORMALLY FOR ABOUT ONE WEEK. THIS INDENTICAL PROBLEM RECURRED AGAIN ONE WEEK AFTER THE FIRST INCIDENT. I DROVE MY 2006 OUTBACK TO MY INDEPENDENT SUBARU MECHANIC WHO READ THE ERROR CODE AS P2138. HE HAS SEEN SEVERAL OF HIS CLIENT'S CARS WITH THIS PROBLEM RECENTLY AND RECOMMENDED THAT I TAKE MY CAR TO A SUBARU DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND REPAIR. A FEW DAYS LATER I HAD MY OUTBACK SERVICED AT MY LOCAL SUBARU DEALER. THEY DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A FAULTY ACCELERATOR PEDAL SENSOR (INTEGRAL TO THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY) AND CONFIRMED THE P2138 ERROR CODE. THE PEDAL SENSOR WAS REPLACED AND (TWO DAYS LATER) THE CAR APPEARS TO BE FUNCTIONING NORMALLY AGAIN. THE REPAIR BILL WAS ABOUT $320 FOR THE PARTS AND LABOR. I DO BELIEVE THIS IS A POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE. ALTHOUGH BOTH TIMES THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME UNRESPONSIVE I WAS ON A ROAD WITH VERY FEW CARS AND HAD NO DIFFICULTY GETTING SAFELY TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE SITUATION COULD HAVE BEEN MORE DANGEROUS IF I WAS TRYING TO CHANGE LANES AT HIGH SPEED WITH LOTS OF TRAFFIC AROUND ME. *KB

23. Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Nov 28, 2011

    WHILE DRIVING ON A LIMIT ACCESS HIGHWAY, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY WENT INTO "LIMP HOME" MODE. THIS EVENT NEARLY RESULTED IN A HIGH SPEED REAR END COLLISION. *KB

24. Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Oct 21, 2011

    INCIDENT HAPPENED AT A RED LIGHT IN TRAFFIC AT RUSH HOUR. AFTER PULLING UP TO A RED LIGHT TO A FULL STOP, THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN AND THE THROTTLE STUCK OPEN AT EXACTLY 2500RPM. THE CAR ACCELERATED FROM A DEAD STOP AND CONTINUED TO DO SO WITH NO INPUT FROM ME. THE GAS PEDAL DOES NOTHING AT ALL. I HAD TO APPLY BRAKES AND MOVE OFF THE ROAD TO AVOID TRAFFIC. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS SOLID AND THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT FLASHES. *TR

25. Engine and engine cooling, Jun 20, 2011

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 2006 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LOSE POWER. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE CRUISE CONTROL INDICATOR STARTED TO FLASH. THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL GEAR AND DROVE THE VEHICLE ONTO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND IT BEGAN TO FUNCTION NORMALLY BUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT REMAINED ON. THE CONTACT HAS SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE COULD HAVE CAUSED A CRASH TO OCCUR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,731. UPDATED 07/26/11 *BF UPDATED 3/20/12 *CN