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
129 reports, newest first.
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 13, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN REFUELING THE VEHICLE, THE FUEL WOULD SPILL BACK OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEY ADVISED HER THAT THE VENT VALVES IN THE DUEL FUEL CANISTER SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 49,000. UPDATED 07/21/11 *BF MECHANIC STATED THE EVAP WAS FROZEN SO GAS COULD NOT GO IN AND FUMES COULD NOT PASS THROUGH. UPDATED 08/05/11
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
Air bags, Dec 23, 2010, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNED A 2007 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH IN WHICH THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED BUT THE DRIVER WAS INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT MOVED FROM THE LOCATION OF THE CRASH AND WAS NOT EXAMINED FOR THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 39,000.
Visibility, Oct 17, 2010
AUDIO/HVAC CONTROLS FLASH OR CUT OUT ALTOGETHER. PROBLEM STARTED INTERMITTENTLY IN JAN. 2010 AT ABOUT 15,000 MILES BUT HAS NOW BECOME CONSISTENT AS OF OCTOBER 2010 AT ABOUT 22,000 MILES. 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://LEGACYGT.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP/LOSS-OFF-POWER-RADIO-AND-CLIMATE-CONTROL-3459.HTML?P=2220291&POSTCOUNT=114 [SEE #114 AND #137, IN PARTICULAR] AND HTTP://WWW.SUBARUOUTBACK.ORG/FORUMS/80-ELECTRICAL-ELECTRONICS/23909-08-O-B-RADIO-HVAC-CONTROL-LIGHTING-PROB.HTML). PROBLEM SEEMS TO STEM FROM A POORLY MANUFACTURED CIRCUIT BOARD. HONDA HAS A SIMILAR ISSUE WITH POORLY MADE CIRCUIT BOARDS, BUT HAS ISSUED A TSB THAT NOW COVERS THESE UNITS FOR 7 YEAR/100,000 MILES. IT WOULD BE NICE IF SOMETHING SIMILAR WOULD BE ISSUED FOR SUBARUS AS OWNERS EXPERIENCES WITH DEALERSHIPS HAVE RANGED FROM THEN NEVER HEARING OF THIS PROBLEM BEFORE AND NOT BEING ABLE TO CORRECTLY DIAGNOSE IT TO HAVING IT BE A KNOWN ISSUE THAT THEY WORK WITH SOA TO PROMPTLY ADDRESS AT NO EXPENSE TO THE OWNER. *TR
Air bags, Seat belts, Oct 5, 2010, crash
DRIVER SIDE IMPACT TO 07 SUBARU OUTBACK DAMAGED FRAME, INSURANCE TOTALED VEHICLE, SEATBELT DID NOT HOLD DRIVER IN SEAT AND NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED RESULTING IN PERMANENT INJURIES TO NECK AND LOWER BACK AS WELL AS HEAD HITTING ON DRIVER SIDE FROM BEING RAG DOLLED. I BELIEVE IF FRONT AIRBAG DEPLOYED OR SEATBELT LOCKED, THE INJURIES WOULD HAVE BEEN LESS SEVERE. *TR
Air bags, Sep 1, 2010
AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINED ON. WHEN ANALYZED, THE STEERING ROLL CONNECTOR FAILED TEST. PARTS HAD TO BE REPLACED. AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY WITHOUT REPLACEMENT PARTS ACCORDING TO SERVICE DEPT. THIS IS FAIRLY EXPENSIVE $387 AND I SUSPECT SOME PEOPLE WITH SAME PROBLEM WILL NOT FIX. *TR
Wheels, Aug 23, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE WHEN HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE LUG STUDS EXHIBITED STRESS FRACTURES. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO HAVE THE DEALER PERFORM A DIAGNOSTIC TO DETERMINE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE HAD ALREADY BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE PREVIOUS AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000.
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.
Vehicle speed control, Mar 10, 2010
INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). 2007 SUBARU OUTBACK WAGON [XXX] PURCHASED CAR NEW. HAD WHAT I CALLED ENGINE 'REVVING' OR INCREASED ACCELERATION FROM FIRST WEEK OF DRIVING CAR. REPORTED PROBLEM TO DEALER AND THEY WENT THROUGH A SERIES OF REPAIRS WITH NO CHANGE IN PERFORMANCE. THEY SENT A 'CORPORATE' MECHANIC TO TEST THE CAR. HE EXPERIENCED THE INCREASED RPM'S WITHOUT STEPPING ON THE GAS PEDAL BUT STATED THE CAR WAS NORMAL. HE THEN TOLD ME TWO THINGS, THEY HAD FOUND THE SAME PROBLEM IN ANOTHER CAR AND THEY HAD A FIX FOR THE PROBLEM FOR THE 2008 BUT NOT 2007. 1) WHEN FOOT IS OFF GAS, THE CAR ACCELERATES. 2) COMMONLY OCCURS ALMOST EVERY TIME I PRESS CLUTCH AND TURN. HAS ONLY HAPPENED 2 TIMES WHILE IN GEAR AND DRIVING. APPLICATION OF THE BRAKE DID SLOW THE CAR 3) CORRECTIONS INCLUDE: GAS/AIR RATIO SENSOR REPLACED, SUGGESTED I RUN 3 TANKS OF PREMIUM GAS, REPLACED POWER STEERING PUMP, REPLACED THROTTLE BODY AND ACCELERATOR PEDAL, DISCONNECTED IDLE SWITCH FROM POWER STEERING PUMP AND SUGGESTED I LEAVE THIS DETACHED WHICH I DID NOT FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH, I HAVE TRIED FOR A RESOLUTION THROUGH THE DEALER, THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU AND SUBARU CORPORATE WITH NO RESULTS. *TR
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
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
Power train, Aug 6, 2009
VERY INTERMITTENT VIBRATION FROM THE TRANSMISSION OR DRIVE-TRAIN THAT STARTED ABOUT SIX WEEKS AGO, CULMINATING WITH THE CAR SHAKING VIOLENTLY AND THE DRIVE-TRAIN SUDDENLY LOCKING UP ALL FOUR WHEELS WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING NORMALLY. OF COURSE, VEHICLE CONTROL IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH ALL FOUR WHEELS LOCKED. VERY FORTUNATELY, THERE WERE NO VEHICLES FOLLOWING OR THE CONSEQUENCES COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. I"M HAVING THE CAR TOWED TO OUR LOCAL DEALER ON THURSDAY MORNING. *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
Exterior lighting, Jan 4, 2009
THERE IS MOISTURE IN THE HEADLIGHTS OF MY 2007 SUBARU OUTBACK. *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
Tires, Nov 3, 2008
I EXPERIENCED AIR LOSS IN A TIRE. WAS UNABLE TO FIND ANY PUNCTURE. TOOK IT TO A TIRE DEALER WHO FOUND A BROKEN VALVE STEM. THIS IS THE SENSOR TYPE OF VALVE STEM. IT APPEARED TO BE BROKEN IN HALF. THE SUBARU DEALER DIDN'T SEEM SURPRISED, AND AFTER CHECKING SAID THERE SEEMED TO BE A RUN ON THEM AND IT MIGHT BE A COUPLE OF WEEKS BEFORE THEY COULD OBTAIN ONE TO REPLACE THE BROKEN PART. THE OLD PART IS AVAILABLE. I ASKED IF THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL AND HE SEEMED ALARMED AND VERY DEFENSIVE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 19, 2008
HESITATION ON ACCELERATION,BETWEEN 1500 AND 2800 RPMS .WHILE ACCELERATING QUICKLY AT AN INTERSECTION OR ROLLING STOP. *TR
Power train, Jan 14, 2008
ON 2 LANE HWY, HAD TO BRAKE SHARPLY ( 60 TO 10) FOR DEER. SEMI BEHIND ME, NOT CLOSE. DEER CROSSED. FLOORED ACCELERATOR, ENGINE SAT AT REDLINE 3 SEC BEFORE TRANSMISSION ENGAGED. SEMI JACKNIFED BEHIND US, BUT DID NOT HIT US. THIS ACTION IS REPEATABLE. I SUSPECT IT'S RELATED TO THE CRUISE CONTROL DOWNHILL FAILURE (UN-COUPLING THE TORQUE CONVERTER???). *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
Air bags, Jan 8, 2008, crash
2007 SUBARU OUTBACK AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE WENT THROUGH A GUARDRAIL ROLLED DOWN AN EMBANKMENT AND ENDED UP ON ITS TIRES AND THE DRIVER WAS SEVERELY INJURED AND AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *KB THE PASSENGER WAS ALSO INJURED.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 9, 2007
THIS IS A 2007 OUTBACK 2.5I PZEV WITH 5-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION. WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, THE ENGINE WILL BOG DOWN UNLESS THE ENGINE IS REVVED HIGH PRIOR TO RELEASING THE CLUTCH. WHEN IT BOGS DOWN, THE RESULT IS VERY SLOW ACCELERATION. THIS IS ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS WHEN TURNING LEFT IN TRAFFIC. TO GET THE CAR OUT OF THIS MODE, THE CLUTCH NEED TO BE PUSHED IN AGAIN AND THE ENGINE REVVED TO A HIGHER RPM. ONCE THE CLUTCH IS RELEASED, THE CAR LUNGES FORWARD AND ACCELERATES QUICKLY. THERE SEEMS TO BE NO WAY TO ACCELERATE SMOOTHLY AND QUICKLY. THIS PROBLEM ONLY OCCURS WHEN USING GASOLINE WITH 10% ETHANOL AND IS MUCH WORSE WITH MOBIL REGULAR GAS. *JB
Power train, Sep 22, 2007
THE LATEST INCIDENT DATE IS SHOWN BELOW, THE FIRST TIME OF THE INCIDENT WAS IN FEB 07. THERE HAVE BEEN FOUR OCCURRENCES. IN EACH EVENT THE AUTOMOBILE WAS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND HAD BEEN DECELERATING FOR A PERIOD OF TIME PRIOR TO AN IMMEDIATE NEED TO ACCELERATE TO AVOID A RAPIDLY APPROACHING VEHICLE WHILE EITHER MAKING AN EVASIVE MANEUVER DUE TO ROAD OBSTACLES OR WHILE MERGING IN CONGESTED HIGH SPEED TRAFFIC. UPON DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR, THE ENGINE SPEEDS UP TO NEAR "RED LINE" WITH NO ACCOMPANYING ACCELERATION OR ENGAGEMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION. AFTER A PERIOD OF TIME IN EXCESS OF ONE FULL SECOND TO AN ESTIMATED THREE SECONDS THE TRANSMISSION ENGAGES AND THE VEHICLE BEGINS TO ACCELERATE. IN EACH INSTANCE, THERE WAS A GREAT DEAL OF CONCERN ON THE PART OF THE DRIVERS (THREE DIFFERENT ONES) THAT A "NEAR ACCIDENT" OCCURRED. WHEN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT WAS FIRST NOTIFIED AT THE DEALERSHIP, AN EXPLANATION OF THE LATEST "DRIVE BY WIRE" TRANSMISSIONS WITH "FUZZY LOGIC", ANTICIPATING COMPUTER PROGRAMMING WAS OFFERED. THOUGH PLAUSIBLE, IT DID NOT SEEM A VERY LIKELY "NORMAL" EXPECTATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DECLARED THAT ONLY THE LOCAL SERVICE DEPARTMENT SHOULD BE TROUBLE SHOOTING THE SYSTEMS. I WAS ASSURED THAT THEY HAD THE ABILITY TO WORK THROUGH THE MANUFACTURING TECHNICAL DEPARTMENTS, AND I HAD NO NEED TO CONTACT THEM. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT THOROUGHLY TESTED THE SYSTEMS, DROVE IT AT LENGTH, AND AGAIN ASSURED ME THAT THIS WAS A KNOWN CONDITION AND WE SHOULD BE CAREFUL TO AVOID ANY SITUATION WHERE ANY UNANTICIPATED RAPID CHANGES FROM DECELERATION TO ACCELERATION WOULD BE NEEDED. *TR
Equipment, Aug 23, 2007
I PURCHASED THE CAR IN FEBRUARY. UP UNTIL LATE MAY, THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM WAS WORKING FLAWLESSLY. IT THEN STARTED BLOWING COLD FOR ABOUT TEN SECONDS AND THEN WARM FOR FIVE. THIS PROBLEM CAUSES THE CRUISE CONTROL TO BEHAVE ERRATIC, THE TRANSMISSION TO SHIFT ERRATICALLY AND THE ENGINE TO SURGE BECAUSE THE COMPRESSOR IS ENGAGING AND DISENGAGING. I HAVE HAD THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE FOR THIS ISSUE FOUR TIMES. THE FIRST THREE DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS OVERCHARGING OF THE AC SYSTEM. THE LAST ONE I WAS TOLD THIS WAS NORMAL OPERATION (BUT WHY JUST ALL OF A SUDDEN START AT 4000 MILES?) *TR
Vehicle speed control, Aug 20, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE VEHICLE GAINED SPEED DOWN HILL AND ACCELERATED TO 80 MPH. THE CONTACT DISENGAGED THE CRUISE CONTROL BY APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE DEALER FOUND NO FAILURES AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESIGNED IN THAT MANNER. THE MECHANIC AT THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL COMPONENTS DID NOT APPEAR TO HAVE FAILED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 19,751 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,841. UPDATED 01/02/08. *LJ
Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 14, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT DOOR WOULD NOT UNLOCK. THE KEY FOB AND THE INNER BUTTONS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY TO LOCK AND UNLOCK THE DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER APPROXIMATELY SIX TIMES AND THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 6,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5. UPDATED 09/12/07 *TR