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: suspension
14 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Suspension, Power train, Jan 22, 2023, crash
Driving down the freeway, snowy conditions, going roughly 50 mph in a straight line, no curves or turns in sight, hit a very small hump in the road and suddenly I found myself sideways from what seems like a rear steer situation, i corrected as best i could and luckily i was in the only section of the road that didn't have a wall, ended up backwards in a shallow ditch. No immediate damage noted, I was able to drive away, but confidence with driving in snowy and icy conditions has been severely diminished (been driving in snow and ice for 20+ years). My previous vehicle, 1988 chevy s10 was WAY more reliable in the snow that this thing. I have since felt this car try and "kick out" while going well under the speed limit but in slightly icy conditions. The only reason I can think that this hasnt happened again is due to myself being aware of the isssue, new struts and brand new $600 dollar tires i recently purchased. This is a huge issue, and Subaru needs to own up to it, I know i'm not the only one who's experienced this.
Suspension, Structure, Jun 16, 2021
The contact owns a 2007 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle went over a bump in the roadway and went sideways. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and it was diagnosed that the rear stabilizer bar had detached. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 190,000.
Suspension, Jan 1, 2018
VEHICLE WAS MOVING AT LESS THAN NORMAL SPEED, STRAIGHT HIGHWAY DRIVING THIS MORNING ON I-69, SOUTH OF LANSING, AND ON I-94, BETWEEN I-69 AND M131. ROAD HAD NO SNOW, BUT PATCHY ICE CONDITIONS. BACK OF VEHICLE WAS LOADED WITH SUITCASES AND TELESCOPE. DRIVER AND PASSENGERS FELT MULTIPLE, SLIPPAGE IN CONTROL OF VEHICLE = UNSAFE. OTHER VEHICLES DRIVING AT GREATER SPEEDS THAN OURS WERE NOT EXPERIENCING ISSUES. CONFIDENCE WAS LOST IN THE ABILITY TO MAINTAIN TRACTION. DRIVER FEEL WAS THAT TWO REAR TIRES WERE ALTERNATING WHICH TIRE HAD MORE AUTHORITY IN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. FELT AS UNNERVING AS PRIOR DRIVER EXPERIENCE WITH BLOWING OUT THE REAR TIRE ON A GOLDWING MOTORCYCLE. DRIVER FOUND THIS ON INTERNET, AND IT DESCRIBES EXPERIENCE WE HAD TODAY: "SUMMARY OF THE GHOSTWALKING SYMPTOMS: IN WINTER DRIVING CONDITIONS AND ESPECIALLY ON ICE, SOME USA 2005-2009 OUTBACKS APPEAR TO HAVE A CHASSIS TUNING ISSUE WHERE THE REAR SUSPENSION OSCILLATES IN SUCH A WAY TO CAUSE REAR-STEER. THIS IS NOT FISHTAILING DUE TO USING TOO MUCH GAS, LIFTING OFF THE GAS MID-CORNER, OR HITTING THE BRAKES TOO ABRUPTLY. THIS CAN OCCUR DURING STRAIGHT LINE DRIVING AT MODERATE SPEEDS. ROAD FEEL AND HANDLING CONFIDENCE IS TOTALLY LOST WHEN THIS OCCURS. THE SYMPTOMS ARE NOT 100% REPRODUCIBLE AND SUBARU HAS NOT ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THERE IS ANY PROBLEM. SUBARU DID REVISE THE REAR WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS FOR THESE CARS IN 2007 DUE TO REAR TIRE WEAR COMPLAINTS. THE CHANGE TO ALIGNMENT SPEC TIGHTENS THE TOLERANCE FOR REAR TOE."
Suspension, Sep 22, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR SHOCK SUPPORT WAS FRACTURED AND SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. BILL MCBRIDE SUBARU (5105 U.S. AVE, PLATTSBURGH, NY 12901, (518) 561-7400) WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000.
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, May 9, 2014
IN JUNE OF 2013 I TOOK MY CAR TO THE SUBARU DEALER FOR SERVICE AFTER NOTICING A BURNING SMELL. I WAS TOLD MY FRONT RIGHT AXLE WAS BROKEN. SEVEN MONTHS LATER (JANUARY 2014) I RETURNED TO THE DEALER WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT. THIS TIME THE LEFT AXLE AND LEFT WHEEL BEARING WERE BROKEN. TWO MONTHS LATER (MARCH 2014) I WAS BACK AT THE DEALER AND MY RIGHT AXLE AND RIGHT AXLE SEAL WERE BROKEN AGAIN. THAT IS THREE AXLES IN NINE MONTHS! THE ASSISTANT SERVICE MANAGER AT SUBARU TOLD ME THIS WAS NOT ABNORMAL; THAT THE CAR HAS A "DESIGN FLAW" WHERE THE AXLE BOOT SITS VERY CLOSE TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER SO IT HEATS UP, WHICH CAUSES THE AXLE TO CRACK AND BREAK. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Air bags, Electronic stability control (ESC), Feb 5, 2014, crash
REFER TO NHTSA COMPLAINT 10558038 VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN A COUPLE OF TIMES ON GOOD DRY ROADS AFTER DECEMBER COMPLAINT ABOUT REAR END STABILITY AND TRACTION PROBLEMS. ON JAN 29TH, MID MORNING DRIVER WAS DRIVING WITH 1 PASSENGER ON A SLIGHTLY SNOW COVERED GRAVEL ROAD. VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HIM TURNED OFF AND WHEN HE ACCELERATED TO APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH WITH SLIGHT THROTTLE PRESSURE, HE STATED "THE CAR STARTED DRIVING ITSELF AND BECAME TOTALLY UNCONTROLLABLE." HE SAID "IT SPUN AROUND ONE WAY THEN THE OTHER" BEFORE GOING THROUGH A DITCH, RUNNING THROUGH A FENCE AND INTO A RAILROAD TIE POST. HE SAID THAT HE HAD TRIED EVERY THING POSSIBLE TO AVOID THE CRASH AND COULD NOT FIGURE OUT WHAT HAD HAPPENED. THIS IS THE SAME DRIVER IN PREVIOUS COMPLAINT THAT IS A EX-RACE CAR DRIVER, HAS HAD NUMEROUS SPIN OUTS AT HIGH SPEEDS ON THE TRACK AND IS ALSO A PROFESSIONAL TRUCK DRIVER. HE DROVE AN OLD 2 WHEEL DRIVE PICKUP TRUCK LATER THAT DAY UNDER WORSE ROAD AND WEATHER CONDITIONS AND DID NOT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS. THE CAR WAS DRIVABLE TO GET IT HOME. ON THE WAY TO THE BODY SHOP, 40 MPH IT AGAIN STARTED SWAYING BACK AND FORTH ERRATICALLY WHEN HE DROVE OVER A PATCH OF ICE ON THE ROAD. THE CAR IS AT THE BODY SHOP WITH OVER $3000 DAMAGE. *AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Jan 29, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR END SWERVED WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. A LOCAL AUTO SPECIALIST PERFORMED AN ALIGNMENT AND THE TIRES WERE REPLACED HOWEVER THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 92,000. ..UPDATED 08/11/14 *BF
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Jan 10, 2014
WHILE DRIVING ON SNOW COVERED ROADS WITH THREE PEOPLE AND SKI EQUIPMENT IN THE VEHICLE, I EXPERIENCED DANGEROUS, ABNORMAL HANDLING. THIS PHENOMENON HAS BEEN REPORTED BY MANY OTHER 2005-2009 SUBARU OUTBACK OWNERS, AND IS BELIEVED TO BE CAUSED BY A DESIGN FLAW IN THE VEHICLES SUSPENSION SYSTEM. SPECIFICALLY, THE OUTBACKS APPEAR TO HAVE A CHASSIS TUNING ISSUE WHERE THE REAR SUSPENSION OSCILLATES IN SUCH A WAY TO CAUSE REAR-STEER. WHEN THIS OCCURS ROAD FEEL AND HANDLING CONFIDENCE ARE COMPLETELY LOST. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS DANGEROUS DESIGN FLAW AND SEE THAT IT IS PROPERLY ADDRESSED BY THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER. *TR
Suspension, Sep 17, 2012
MY 2007 OUTBACK WITH LESS THAN 85,000 MILES ON IT HAS REQUIRED 2 WHEEL BEARINGS PREVIOUSLY. TODAY THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT IT NEEDED TWO MORE, REPLACING ONE THAT HAD LESS THAN 6 MONTHS ON IT. SUBARU EXTENDED THEIR WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THE 2006 MODELS BECAUSE OF THE SAME ISSUE. FROM REVIEWING THE FORUMS IT SEEMS THIS PART IS PRONE TO EARLY FAILURE. I THINK IT SHOULD BE RECALLED AT WARRANTIED TO AT LEAST 100,000 MILES AS THEY DID WITH THE 2006 MODEL YEAR. *TR
Suspension, Traction control system, Feb 10, 2011
OUR 2007 SUBARU OUTBACK FISHTAILS ALL OVER THE PLACE ON ICY ROADS THAT ALL OTHER VEHICLES SAFELY TRAVEL ON AT TWICE THE SPEED AS WE ARE ABLE TO DO IN OUR OUTBACK. THIS ISN'T THE DRIVER OR THE TIRES. THIS IS THE CAR. I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS ISSUE WITH ANY OTHER CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED (HONDA CRV, SATURN SW2, 2WD GMC S-15, CHEVY CORSICA) AND I HAVE DRIVEN IN SIMILAR CONDITIONS MANY TIMES. IT IS MISERABLE AND FEELS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN YOU DON'T FEEL IN CONTROL OF YOUR VEHICLE AT 30 MPH ON ICY ROADS THAT EVERYONE ELSE IS TRAVELING 50-60 MPH ON. I'VE ONLY EXPERIENCED THE PROBLEM WHEN THE CAR IS FULLY LOADED. THE CAR FEELS EXTREMELY STABLE ON SNOWPACK AND DRY/WET PAVEMENT. BUT AS SOON AS ROADS HAVE SOME ICE ON THEM, THIS CAR BECOMES GARBAGE (JUST WHEN YOU NEED A CAR TO BE AT IT'S BEST). I HAVE WITNESSED THIS EVENT TWICE NOW IN LESS THAN 2 YEARS OF OWNERSHIP. ONCE IN CENTRAL ILLINOIS, AND ONCE IN NORTHERN COLORADO. THESE ARE ALSO THE ONLY TWO ICY ROAD CONDITIONS THAT THIS CAR HAS BEEN ON. I WOULD EXPECT THIS VEHICLE TO BEHAVE THIS SAME MISERABLE WAY EVERY TIME AS IT HAS EXHIBITED THIS CHARACTERISTIC 100% OF THE TIME ON ICY HIGHWAY ROADS. *TR
Suspension, Apr 2, 2010
I OWN A 2007 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5I WITH A MANUAL TRANSMISSION. THIS VEHICLE IS AN EARLY WARNING INDICATOR FOR BLACK ICE ON THE ROAD SURFACE. THE OUTBACK VEHICLE HAS A STABILITY CONTROL PROBLEM IN CERTAIN CONDITIONS. WHILE DRIVING AT CONSTANT SPEED (CONSTANT AND LOW THROTTLE POSITION) ON A FLAT ROAD, THE BACK END OF THE VEHICLE TENDS TO OSCILLATE FROM SIDE TO SIDE IN ICY CONDITIONS. THE VEHICLE FEELS LIKE IT IS GOING TO SPIN OUT, ALTHOUGH THAT HASNT HAPPENED TO ME YET. OTHER VEHICLES ON THE ROAD AT THE SAME TIME SEEM TO HAVE ADEQUATE TRACTION (2WD, AWD, 4WD). THE PROBLEM IS NOT TRACTION WHILE: 1) CORNERING UNDER SLIPPERY CONDITIONS, 2) HARD ACCELERATION ON ICE, OR 3) BRAKING ON ICE. ROAD CONDITIONS THAT I HAVE EXPERIENCED THE OSCILLATION ON ARE VERY THIN ICE (BLACK ICE). I SUSPECT THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE REAR SUSPENSION DESIGN ON MY 05-09 OUTBACKS. THE PROBLEM IS MORE PREVALENT AND PRONOUNCED WHEN THE VEHICLE HAS OCCUPANTS IN THE REAR SEATS. THE STABILITY OF THIS VEHICLE SEEMS TO BE MARGINAL AND IT ONLY TAKES CERTAIN CONDITIONS (ROAD AND VEHICLE PARAMETERS) TO BE ON THE EDGE OF DISASTER. SUBARU RELEASED TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 05-36-07 WHICH ELIMINATED THE POSITIVE SIDE OF THE ORIGINAL TOE TOLERANCE FOR REAR TIRE ALIGNMENT. I THINK THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCES LARGE REAR TIRE TOE IN WHEN WEIGHT IS ADDED. I SUSPECT THIS LARGE REAR TIRE TOE IN WHEN WEIGHT IS ADDED CONTRIBUTES TO THE STABILITY PROBLEM IN ICY CONDITIONS I HAVE BRAND NEW (JAN 2010) HANKOOK IPIKE W409 STUDLESS WINTER TIRES. ITS NOT THE TIRES. THOSE WHO HAVE NOT EXPERIENCED THIS SITUATION NATURALLY RESPOND BY SAYING IT IS ICE, WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTING, JUST SLOW DOWN. I HAVE LIVED IN COLORADO SINCE 1981 AND CONSIDER MYSELF A COMPETENT DRIVER IN ALL WEATHER CONDITIONS. WITHOUT A DOUBT, I WOULD ACTUALLY FEEL SAFER AND MORE IN CONTROL DRIVING MY 2WD MINIVAN (OR ANY OTHER CAR I HAVE OWNED) IN THESE CONDITIONS. I IMPLORE YOU TO RECALL THIS VEHICLE. IT IS UNSAFE.
Suspension, Mar 6, 2010
2007 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5I WITH SNOW TIRES (SNOW FLAKE SYMBOL). I FIRST NOTICED THE OCCURRENCE LAST YEAR WHEN DRIVING SLIGHTLY SNOWY ROADS IN COLORADO,. THE BACK END OF MY CAR WOULD WOBBLE SIDE TO SIDE AT A HIGH RATE -- PROBABLY 5 INCHES TO EACH SIDE. IT FELT AS IF THE CAR WAS SENDING POWER TO EACH WHEEL INDEPENDENTLY. THE FASTER I WOULD GO, THE MORE VIOLENTLY IT WOULD WOBBLE SIDE TO SIDE. I WAS SUDDENLY HAVING TO DRIVE 20MPH ON INTERSTATE 70, I WAS BEING PASSED BY LARGE SEMI- TRUCKS AND LITTLE MIATAS. SINCE THEN, I HAVE FELT THE WOBBLE ON GROOVED CONCRETE SURFACES, BUT MOSTLY ROADS THAT HAVE A LITTLE SNOW ON THEM, BUT I CAN STILL SEE THE ROAD SURFACE. ONE TIME, THE CAR WOBBLED SO VIOLENTLY THAT IT SWUNG INTO ANOTHER LANE. I'VE CONTACTED SUBARU AMERICA, BUT THEY HAVE BEEN VERY LITTLE HELP AND DO NOT SEEM TO TAKE IT SERIOUSLY. I KNOW SEVERAL OTHER 2005-08 SUBARU OUTBACK DRIVERS THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO. OUR BEST THEORY IS THAT THE SUSPENSION IS TOO SOFT AND WHEN IT GETS WEIGHTED DOWN (WITH TWO OR MORE PEOPLE IN THE CAR) IT CHANGES THE GEOMETRY OF THE SUSPENSION AND THE ALIGNMENT WITH SOME HOW PLAYS WITH THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Tires, Jan 8, 2009
2007 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5I, 4 SNOW TIRES, 5MT. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE STRAIGHT (NO TURNS) ON SLIGHTLY ICY OR BLOWING SNOW ROADS, THE REAR END BEGINS TO WOBBLE APPROXIAMTLEY 3INCHES SIDE TO SIDE. I AM GIVING THE CAR LITTLE TO NO THROTTLE AND IT WILL STILL SWAY. THE SWAYING BECOMES MUCH WORSE WITH MORE WEIGHT IN THE CAR (1 FOOT SIDE TO SIDE). THE SWAYING IS SO BAD THAT I OFTEN HAVE TO DRIVE 15-20MPH SLOWER THAN GENERAL TRAFFIC. I HAVE HAD NEW TIRES PUT ON (SNOW TIRES) AND HAD THE CAR ALIGNED. IT STILL OCCURS. *TR
Suspension, Dec 4, 2008
2007 SUBARU OUTBACK DOES NOT HANDLE PROPERLY ON ICY ROADS. THE AWD FAILS OR PULLS, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL AT SPEEDS OVER 35-40MPH. OTHER 2WD CARS ON THE ROAD PASS AND HANDLE THE SAME CONDITIONS BETTER WITH NO APPEARANCE OF SLIDING. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. WE HAVE ALSO REPLACED THE TIRES AND HAD TWO ALIGNMENTS IN THE PAST YEAR. THE PROBLEM PERSISTS WHENEVER WE ARE ON AN ICE PACKED ROAD, BUT DOES NOT PRESENT IN SNOW OR WHERE THE ROAD HAS BEEN TREATED WITH ADEQUATE MAG CHLORIDE. *TR