2007 Subaru Outback
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 129 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 20th highest complaint count among 26 Outback model years with reports.
Of the 2007 reports, 9 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire. 6 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
Electrical systemOct 13, 2016
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2008-2014 Impreza vehicles and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, all equipped with turbo-charged engines. The relay that controls the secondary air injection pump may fail, causing the pump to continuously operate and overheat.
If the air injection pump overheats, it may melt and increase the risk of a fire.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary air injection pump relay, free of charge. The recall began December 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTM-73.
Campaign 16V738000 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: electrical system
20 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Dec 1, 2021
All rear lights, rear hatch lock, brake lights all failed due to wiring going from the body to the hatch getting cut from the action of opening and closing the hatch door. This seems to be a pretty common thing with at least the 2005-2007 models years.
Electrical system, Apr 21, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE NOTICED THAT THERE WERE FOUR WIRES NEAR THE REAR DEFROSTER THAT WERE CUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRES CONTROLLED THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, HATCH DOOR LOCK, DEFROSTER, AND REAR STOP LIGHTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 181,313.
Electrical system, Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Aug 10, 2020
AS I'M DRIVING MY AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON AND ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH STARTS FLASHING AND CRUISE CONTROL GETS DISCONNECTED ONE DAY IT WILL HAPPEN NEXT DAY IT WON'T
Electrical system, Air bags, Feb 1, 2020
I BOUGHT THE 2007 SUBARU OUTBACK LL BEAN NEW. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THAT THE AIRBAG LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY. THE FIRST TIME I REPLACED THE OVERHEAD CIRCUIT BOARD. THIS TIME I AM HAVING TROUBLE FINDING ONE. THE SOLDER JOINTS IN THE CIRCUIT BOARD ARE FAULTY, CAUSING LOOSE CONNECTIONS. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION THAT HAS BEEN REPORTED TO NHTSA MANY TIMES BY OTHER OWNERS. WHEN THE AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON, THE AIR BAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY. SOME PEOPLE HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED BECAUSE OF THIS. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM. THERE IS CURRENTLY A SECOND RECALL ON THE AIR BAGS THEMSELVES, BUT NOT ON THE CIRCUIT BOARD. HOW MANY ACCIDENTS DOES THERE HAVE TO BE FOR YOU TO DEMAND A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM?
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 2, 2019
I WAS DRIVING DOWN A STREET WHEN MY CAR ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING BUT I HAD NO GAS PEDAL RESPONSE .SO L COASTED TO SIDE OF ROAD AN SHUT IT OFF AN STARTED IT .THEN AFTER I DID THAT I GOT GAS PEDAL RESPONSE .THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON AFTER RESTARTING VECHILE SO I HAD A CODE SCAN CHECK IT,AN A CODE P2138 SHOWED . THE CODE IS FOR THE THROTTLE/PEDAL SENSOR. I'M JUST GLAD I WAS NOT DOING 65 ON A HIGHWAY AN A SEMI WASN'T BEHIND ME OR ANY OTHER VEHICLE
Electrical system, Air bags, Jul 18, 2019
WE HAVE EXPERIENCE A MULTITUDE OF ELECTRICAL ISSUES WITH THE LL BEAN VERSION OF THE 2207 OUTBACK. MOST RECENTLY THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYING ON CONSISTENTLY, WHICH APPEARS TO BE A REPORTED ISSUE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE THE AIR BAG WILL NOT FUNCTION WITH THE LIGHT ON, IT IS COSTLY TO REPAIR OVER $400 + DIAGNOSTIC OF $115. SEVERAL WEEKS AGO, IT WOULD COM EON INTERMITTENTLY, NO IT REMAINS ON 100% OF THE TIME. I COMMUTE 100 MILES EACH DAY 5 DAYS A WEEK ON A TWO-LANE, RURAL HIGHWAY AND WORRY I NEED TO GET RID OF THE VEHICLE SOONER THAN LATER DUE TO A SAFETY ISSUE. THIS ONLY PASSING THE SAFETY ISSUE TO A NEW OWNER. THIS SAFETY ISSUE SHOULD BE SUBARU'S RESPONSIBILITY TO FIX AS THERE ARE MANY THAT CANNOT AFFORD SUCH A FIX AND IS NOT REGULAR MAINTENANCE. THIS SHOULD NEVER BE AN ISSUE. NOT SURE IF I WOULD BUY A SUBARU AGAIN AFTER OWNING THIS ONE. THE OTHER ISSUE IS WITH THE REAR WIRE HARNESS THAT CONTROLS THE REAR DEFROSTER, ETC. $800 TO REPLACE THIS AFTER WE HAD DIAGNOSTICS COMPLETED DURING OUR LAST TUNE UP. SEEMS AS THOUGH THERE ARE MANY FAULTY ELECTRONIC ASSEMBLY ISSUES THAT WERE NOT OF THE HIGHEST QUALITY - MAYBE A TAPING OR SOLDERING ISSUE. HOPEFULLY IT DOESN'T SPARK AND START A FIRE....
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 14, 2019
WELL I LOST ALL THROTTLE CONTROL FOR THE FIRST TIME. ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON WHICH DISABLED THE VDC AND CRUISE AND THE GAS PEDAL. IT HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES SINCE THEN. WHEN SHUTTING THE CAR OFF IT IS VERY HARD TO RESTART. WHEN THIS HAPPENS AND YOU TRY TO STOP THE CAR DOESN'T WANT TO IT JUST PULSES FORWARD SO MORE BRAKE PEDAL IS NEEDED. IF YOU PUT IT IN PARK THE ENGINE REVS HIGH. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE TPS NOT BEING ABLE TO COMMUNICATE WITH THE THROTTLE SERVO VIA THE TCM. THIS ISSUE HAPPENS AT RANDOM. USUALLY WHEN I'VE BEEN DRIVING IT FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Nov 24, 2018
MY 2007 OUTBACK WAGON TAILGATE LIGHTS, LOCK FAILED TO WORK. SOME OF THE WIRING WITHIN THE FLEXIBLE RUBBER CONDUIT BROKE AND SHORTED OUT THE FUSE. THE WIRES COULD NOT ENDURE THE REPEATED MOTION OF THE TAILGATE MOVEMENT. I HAVE NOW LEARNED THAT SEVERAL OTHERS HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE. THE UPPER BRAKE LIGHT, REVERSE LIGHTS, TAILGATE LOCK ARE AFFECTED. I BELIEVE THE REAR WIPER MOTOR WIRING IS IN THE SAME HARNESS. A PREVIOUS OWNER MADE A REPAIR OF ONE WIRE AS SEEN IN THE PHOTO. REPAIR DID NOT HOLD UP. SUBARU SHOULD CORRECT THE CONDITION AT NO CHARGE.
Electrical system, Jul 4, 2017
AUDIO/HVAC CONTROLS FLASH AND DO NOT RESPOND TO ATTEMPTS TO CHANGE MODES OR CUT OUT ALTOGETHER. PROBLEM STARTED ON A VERY HOT SUMMER DAY FOUR YEARS OR SO AGO. WHEN CONTROLS ARE ACTING UP, NOT ONLY DOES THE PANEL NOT DISPLAY PROPERLY, BUT ALSO FAILS TO RESPOND TO ANY ADJUSTMENTS. NOT BEING ABLE TO ADJUST THE AUDIO OR CLIMATE CONTROL IS AN INCONVENIENCE. HOWEVER, NOT BEING ABLE TO DEFROST FRONT OR REAR WINDOWS WHEN NEEDED IS A SAFETY HAZARD. PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED ON SUBARU FORUMS (FOR EXAMPLE, HTTP://WWW.SUBARUOUTBACK.ORG/FORUMS/80-ELECTRICAL-ELECTRONICS/23909-08-O-B-RADIO-HVAC-CONTROL-LIGHTING-PROB.HTML). PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED BOTH WHILE DRIVING AND IMMEDIATELY AFTER IGNITION. GOES AWAY SOMETIMES ON ITS OWN, SOMETIMES WHEN TURN OFF CAR AND TURN BACK ON, SOMETIMES DOESN'T RESOLVE EVEN WITH RE-IGNITION. HAPPENS ON CITY STREETS AND ON HIGHWAYS BUT I SPEND MORE TIME ON CITY STREETS.
Electrical system, Equipment, Oct 12, 2016
2007 SUBARU OUTBACK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SERVICE DEPARTMENT REFUSES TO REPAIR/REPLACE VEHICLE RADIO. *SMD THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED IT WOULD COST $1,00 TO REPLACE THE RADIO. *JB
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 8, 2016
THIS IS MY SECOND COMPLAINT TO BE FILED. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM SINCE 2013. MY 2007 SUBARU OUTBACK LOSES VEHICLE POWER AS THE ACCELERATOR STOPS RESPONDING. THE CRUISE CONTROL, TRACTION, AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS ALL BECOME ILLUMINATED OR FLASHING. THIS IS ESPECIALLY COMMON UPON RESTARTING THE CAR AFTER A SHORT DRIVE, COMING TO A STOP, OR AFTER 5-10 MINUTES FROM A COLD START. RESTARTING THE VEHICLE UNTIL THE VEHICLE WILL NOT RESTART AND THEN RESTARTING ONCE MORE RESETS THE ISSUE FOR APPROXIMATELY 24 HOURS. CLEANING THE CONNECTOR PLUG TO THE ACCELERATOR TEMPORARILY RESOLVES THE ISSUE ANYWHERE FORM 6 MONTHS TO ONE WEEK. SUBARU HAS BEEN CONTACTED AND ISSUED A GENERIC RESPONSE MOSTLY DEALING WITH AIR BAG SAFETY CONCERNS. THIS IS A VERY HAZARDOUS DEFAULT IN THE VEHICLE WHICH IS BEING IGNORED.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Traction control system, Mar 10, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THE CRUISE CONTROL AND TRACTION LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AFTER A COUPLE OF MINUTES. THE CONTACT DROVE HOME AND CALLED AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 249,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Visibility/wiper, Jun 28, 2015
WIRE HARNESS, THAT PASSES THROUGH RUBBER ARTICULATED GASKET THAT CONNECTS BETWEEN VEHICLE BODY AND REAR HATCH DOOR OF WAGON, SUFFERS FROM WIRE FATIGUE THAT CAUSES INDIVIDUAL WIRE INSULATORS TO CRACK AND CONDUCTING WIRES TO BREAK, LEADING TO FAILURE OF CRITICAL AUTOMOBILE SAFETY EQUIPMENT; NAMELY, REAR WIPER MOTOR, REAR BACK-UP LIGHTS, REAR MIDDLE BRAKE LIGHT, REAR LICENSE PLATE LIGHTS, REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER. THIS DESIGN DEFECT HAS BE REPORTED BY NUMEROUS OWNERS AND HAS BEEN DOCUMENTED ON YOUTUBE (HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=AMEKPTVGMHS) AND OUTBACK OWNERS' BULLETIN BOARD WEBSITES (HTTP://WWW.SUBARUOUTBACK.ORG/FORUMS/66-PROBLEMS-MAINTENANCE/20718-REAR-WIPER-DOES-NOT-RETURN-PARK-HOME-POSITION.HTML). PROBABLE MANUFACTURING DEFECTS INCLUDE: (I) ORIENTATION OF RUBBER ARTICULATED GASKET THROUGH WHICH REAR DOOR WIRING HARNESS PASSES IS SUCH THAT IT CAUSES UNDUE FLEXING OF WIRE HARNESS WIRES UPON OPEN / CLOSE SEQUENCE OF REAR TAILGATE, AND (2) DEFECTIVE AND/OR UNDERSIZED WIRE HARNESS WIRES UNABLE TO WITHSTAND THE OPEN / CLOSE SEQUENCE OF REAR TAIL GATE.
Electrical system, Air bags, Feb 26, 2015
DASHBOARD AIRBAG LIGHT TURNED ON. AIRBAG SAFETY SYSTEM IS SUBSEQUENTLY DISABLED, EVEN IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. SOURCE OF PROBLEM IS TRACED BACK TO INDICATOR LIGHT IN THE OVER HEAD CONSOLE. THE WARNING LIGHTS DO NOT LIGHT UP AS THEY SHOULD. THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT OR OFF LIGHTS DO NOT APPEAR WHEN THEY SHOULD SOMETIMES THEY ARE DIM AND RESOLVE WITH A LIGHT TAP OR CHANGE IN AMBIENT TEMPERATURE. BRIEF INTERNET SEARCH REVEALS THIS IS COMMON AND IS THE RESULT OF FAULTY SOLDER IN THE OVERHEAD CONSOLE. DEALERSHIP ADVISES REPLACE THE ENTIRE CONSOLE AT OWNER EXPENSE. PART COSTS $130, LABOR IS EVEN MORE. I AM NOT AN ELECTRICAL ENGINEER AND HAVE NO IDEA IF SOLDERS SHOULD FAIL AT 8 YEARS. THIS PARTICULAR SOLDER IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE AIRBAG SYSTEM AND RENDERS THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. SUBARU SHOULD REMEDY THIS WITH A RECALL OR AT LEAST REIMBURSE MY COST. I WILL PROVIDE THE DEALERSHIP WITH A COPY OF THIS REPORT.
Electrical system, Jan 3, 2015
SEVERAL BROKEN WIRES IN THE PASSENGER SIDE FLEXIBLE JOINT WHERE THE ELECTRICAL WIRING TRAVELS BETWEEN THE REAR CARGO AREA AND THE TAILGATE WERE DISCOVERED. IT APPEARS THAT INFERIOR WIRE INSULATION BECOMES BRITTLE OVER TIME AND LEADS TO BROKEN WIRES. SYMPTOMS WERE THAT THE REAR WINDOW WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILS SPORADICALLY / DOES NOT RETURN TO HOME LOCATION, AND THERE IS NO POWER AT THE LICENSE PLATE LIGHT. WIRING FOR REAR BRAKE LIGHTS AND LOCKS ALSO TRAVEL THROUGH THIS JOINT AND CAN BE AFFECTED. MANY SUBARU OUTBACK OWNERS ARE DISCOVERING THIS ISSUE AND DISCUSSING ONLINE. SINCE THIS CAN AFFECT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER AND THE REAR LIGHTS, THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. GIVEN THE NUMBER OF OWNERS DISCOVERING THE ISSUE, THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ISSUED TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jul 5, 2014
HATCH WON'T LOCK, AND BACKUP LIGHTS DON'T WORK. FOUND 2 BROKEN WIRES ON RIGHT SIDE WIRE HARNESS, I HAVE READ LOTS OF OTHER POSTINGS ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Apr 3, 2013
VEHICLE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT DURING RUSH HOUR. TRIED TO ACCELERATE FOR RIGHT TURN, HOWEVER THERE WAS NO ACCELERATION WHEN THE GAS PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. CHECKED THE DISPLACE FOR INDICATOR LIGHTS AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS WERE ON STEADILY WHILE CRUISE CONTROL WAS BLINKING. IMMEDIATELY TURNED OFF HEATER, SEAT HEATER, AND RADIO, AND PROCEEDED TO COAST DOWN A HILL AT IDLE. GAS PEDAL WAS UNRESPONSIVE, BUT I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PULL OFF THE ROAD AFTER 0.3 MILES. RESTARTED THE CAR TWICE AND THE WARNING LIGHTS WERE STILL ON AND GAS PEDAL STILL DID NOT WORK. A THIRD ATTEMPT TO RESTART RESULTED IN THE ENGINE TURNING OVER BUT NO IGNITION. AFTER SEVERAL MORE RESTARTS THE GAS PEDAL WAS RESPONSIVE BUT INDICATORS LIGHTS WERE STILL PRESENT. DROVE TO AUTO REPAIR SHOP WITH NORMAL SPEED CONTROL WHERE THE INDICATOR LIGHTS PROMPTLY TURNED OFF. SENSOR HISTORY INDICATED P2138 CODE FOR THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Mar 11, 2012
WHILE DRIVING OUR 2007 SUBARU OUTBACK SW ON A 6 LANE DIVIDED HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH, THE CAR SUDDENLY DECELERATED AND LOST ALL GAS PEDAL RESPONSE. MY WIFE WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD ALTHOUGH SHE ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT DUE TO SURROUNDING TRAFFIC. THE CAR STARTED FLASHING THE CRUISE CONTROL, TRACTION CONTROL, AND CHECK ENGINE DASH LIGHTS. AFTER ALLOWING THE CAR TO SIT FOR A FEW MINUTES, MY WIFE WAS ABLE TO START THE CAR AGAIN AND GET HOME. I CHECKED THE ERROR CODES AND GOT A P02138. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND NUMEROUS OTHER PEOPLE EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE ON THE SUBARU BLOGS. ALL OF THE OTHER REPORTS POINTED TO THE SAME SOURCE(S) THE GAS PEDAL POSITION SENSOR OR THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR. MOST REPORTED SUBARU SERVICE DEPARTMENTS CLAIMING NO KNOWLEDGE OF THE ISSUE EVER HAPPENING BEFORE. BOTH MY WIFE AND I HAVE HAD THE SAME THING HAPPEN SEVERAL TIMES SINCE IN BOTH LOCAL AND HIGHWAY TRAFFIC. I HAVE CLEANED THE TERMINALS ON BOTH SENSORS AND THIS SEEMS TO HELP, BUT THE PROBLEM ALWAYS RETURNS. I READ WHERE SEVERAL OTHER DRIVERS HAD THE GAS PEDAL ASSEMBLY CHANGED AND THE ISSUE SEEMED TO BE RESOLVED. THIS SEEMS TO BE A SEVERE SAFETY ISSUE. HAVING A CAR SUDDENLY BECOME DEAD ON THE ROAD IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC IS DANGEROUS TO ANYONE AROUND. *TR *JS
Power train, Electrical system, Feb 24, 2010
MY SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK BUCKS, SURGES WHEN GOING ON ANY SMALL OR BIG INCLINE. IT OCCURS ALL THE TIME.IT TENDS TO MAKE ME SLIDE MORE CAUSE OF THE SURGES ESPECIALLY WHEN ICY OR WET. I TOOK IT IN 3 TIMES TO A DEALERSHIP TO FIX THE PROBLEM BEFORE THE WARRANTY RAN OUT. THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE 07,08'S HAVING THIS PROBLEM. IT WAS IN THE COMPUTER/ELECTRONICS. THEY DID NOTHING TO FIX IT. I SEE THAT TOYOTA IS HAVING PROBLEMS AND IGNORED THIS PROBLEM. SO IS SUBARU. IT IS A COMPUTER DEFECT THAT SUBARU SAID THEY WOULD EVENTUALLY FIX. IT WAS THE COMPUTER HOOKED TO THE DRIVER'S PEDAL AND GAS. I SENT LETTERS TO THE MAIN SUBARU OFFICE, TALKED TO THE DEALERSHIP. I DIDN'T KNOW WHERE TO GO AFTER THIS. *TR
Electrical system, Jan 10, 2008
THE 2007 SUBARU OUTBACK (MANUAL) PULSATES AND SURGES WHEN DRIVING ON FLAT SURFACES OR WHEN GOING DOWNHILL AND WHILE LIGHTLY PUSHING ON THE ACCELERATOR. CONCERN EXISTS FOR WHEN DRIVING ON WET OR ICE/SNOW PACKED ROADS AND THE VEHICLE SURGES WITH THE POTENTIAL TO THROW IT INTO A SPIN OR OTHERWISE OUT-OF-CONTROL. MANUFACTURER HAS INDICATED IT IS AN INHERENT CHARACTERISTIC OF THE VEHICLE WITH NO FIXES AVAILABLE, ALTHOUGH THEY HAVE A QUALITY MONITORING REPORT IN PLACE TO HOPEFULLY IMPROVE IN FUTURE YEARS. *TR