2008 Subaru Outback
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 230 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 15th highest complaint count among 26 Outback model years with reports.
Of the 2008 reports, 12 involved a crash and 3 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
230 reports, newest first.
Tires, Apr 13, 2011
TPMS VALVE STEM BROKE OFF WHILE CHECKING TIRE PRESSURE. *TR
Suspension, Mar 12, 2011
2008 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5I DRIVING STRAIGHT ON COMPACTED SNOW OR ICY ROADS STARTING AT APPROX. 35MPH. REAR OF VEHICLE FEELS AS IF TRACTION IS BREAKING LOOSE AND FISHTAILING. TIRES ARE 1 YEAR OLD AND MADE FOR SNOW/ICE CONDITIONS AND ALIGNMENT WAS DONE 2 WEEKS PRIOR. PROBLEM IS EXACERBATED WHEN ADDITIONAL PASSENGERS OR WEIGHT IS ADDED TO VEHICLE. UNABLE TO DRIVE OVER 40-45 MPH; 2-WHEEL DRIVE COMPACTS PASSING ME IN AN OUTBACK ON A FLAT SNOW COVERED ROAD DUE TO INABILITY TO MAINTAIN CONTROL AT SPEED. ALIGNMENT WAS DONE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM FROM A ROAD TRIP ONE MONTH PRIOR TO THIS OCCURRENCE. NO SIMILAR ROAD CONDITION DRIVING BETWEEN THE TWO. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Mar 1, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HOOD LATCH WOULD OPEN INDEPENDENTLY CAUSING THE HOOD TO MOVE WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 20 MPH AND OVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THE RECURRING FAILURE AND THE HOOD WAS REPLACED TWICE BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO RECUR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 44,000. UPDATED 03/31/11*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE HOOD LATCH WAS REPLACED TWICE. UPDATED 04/28/11
Power train, Jan 22, 2011
COMPLAINT FOR A 2008 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5I WITH A MANUAL TRANSMISSION. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE HAS A MAJOR STABILITY CONTROL ISSUE AND IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. WHILE DRIVING AT CONSTANT SPEED (CONSTANT AND LOW THROTTLE POSITION) ON A FLAT, GOOD ROAD, WITH THE STEERING WHEEL POINTED STRAIGHT AHEAD, THE BACK END OF THE VEHICLE TENDS TO OSCILLATE FROM SIDE TO SIDE OR "GHOST WALK" WHEN THE ROAD HAS ICE ON IT. THE VEHICLE DOES NOT EVER LOSE TRACTION PER SE; IT JUST STEERS ITSELF ALL OVER THE ROAD. TIRES ARE AT THE PROPER PRESSURE, TIRES ARE ALL BRAND NEW (ALTHOUGH THE PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED FOR THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE WITH DIFFERENT SETS OF TIRES. THE ISSUE IS NOT TRACTION ON DEEP SNOW, NOR IS IT A PROBLEM WHEN CORNERING, BRAKING, OR ACCELERATING. I AM A VERY EXPERIENCED DRIVER IN SNOW/ICE AND HAVE OWNED SEVERAL SUBARUS. THIS PARTICULAR MODEL HAS MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH DRIVING ON ICE AND VERY HARD-PACK SNOW. NOTE THAT HAVING ADDITIONAL WEIGHT IN THE CARGO AREA OR REAR PASSENGERS MAKES THE PROBLEM MUCH WORSE. I HAVE BEEN FORCED TO DRIVE ON THE INTERSTATE AT 20 MPH WITH REAR-WHEELED DRIVE CARS BLOWING BY ME BECAUSE OF THE GHOST WALKING ISSUE. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL NEAR-ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. THIS VEHICLE. IS UNSAFE AND SHOULD BE RECALLED IMMEDIATELY. *TR
Wheels, Jan 5, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU OUTBACK. DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE SNOW BECAME PACKED INTO THE WHEEL WELL AND MADE IT DIFFICULT FOR THE WHEEL TO TURN NORMALLY. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,300.
Suspension, Dec 25, 2010
GHOSTWALKING SUBARU OUTBACK, 2008. DRIVING MY FAMILY (2 ADULTS, 2 TEENS) TO A FAMILY EVENT, ALONG WITH LUGGAGE, EXPERIENCED REAR END SWAY BACK AND FORTH UNCONTROLLABLY WHILE DRIVING ON SLIGHTLY SLICK ROADS (SLUSHY CONDITIONS). IT FELT LIKE REAR END WAS SWAYING INTO TRAFFIC IN ADJACENT LANE. IT WAS EXTREMELY UNNERVING. OCCURS IN SPEEDS ABOVE 50 KM/H. PROBLEM CONTINUED WHILE DRIVING ABOVE 50 KM/H WITH SLICK ROAD. HAD TO SLOW DOWN BELOW 50 KM/H ON HIGHWAY (WHICH IS ILLEGAL). *TR
Traction control system, Nov 23, 2010
I HAVE A 2008 SUBARU OUTBACK EQUIPPED WITH GOOD WINTER TIRES. AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS ON WINTER ROADS MY CAR IS EXTREMELY UNSTABLE. FOR NO APPARENT REASON THE REAR END OF THE CAR STARTS TO SWAY AND I AM ONLY ABLE TO BRING IT UNDER CONTROL BY BRINGING DOWN MY SPEED, AND I END UP TRAVELING MUCH SLOWER THEN THE TRAFFIC FLOW. MY BROTHER IN LAW HAS THE SAME CAR AND EXPERIENCES THIS PROBLEM AS WELL WITH HIS VEHICLE. THERE IS A DESIGN AND ENGINEERING FLAW WITH THIS CAR AND SUBARU NEEDS TO COMES TO GRIPS WITH IT AND COME UP WITH A SOLUTION. THIS CAR IS UNSAFE ON SLICK WINTER ROADS. *TR
Suspension, May 24, 2010
2008 SUBARU OUTBACK WAGON SWAYS DANGEROUSLY ON ROUGH ROADS. THE SENSATION IS THAT WHEN ONE HITS A BUMP THE REAR END BOUNCES/KICKS/WALKS OUT TO THE RIGHT. WHILE THERE HAVE BEEN NO ACCIDENTS WITH THIS VEHICLE, IT DOES NOT FEEL SAFE TO DRIVE. THE CAR HAS BEEN SERVICED REGULARLY, HAS NEWER TIRES, AND HAS BEEN ALIGNED SEVERAL TIMES. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, May 3, 2010
THE PROBLEM IS THE CAR SUDDENLY LOOSING POWER AT VARIOUS SPEEDS FOR NO APPARENT REASON. HAS OCCURRED OVER 6 TIMES IN THE PAST MONTH, 4 TIMES IN THIS LAST WEEK. THE MOST RECENT ON 4/30/10 THE CAR COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING AT A SPEED OF 20 MPH. NO WARNING INDICATORS CAME ON THE DASHBOARD. FIRST TIME WAS WHEN ACCELERATING UP AN ON RAMP AND SEVERAL MORE TIMES ON OTHER INCLINED RAMPS, THEN LEAVING A STREET TO ENTER A HWY 4/28/10, ANOTHER AT A COMPLETE STOP THE CAR SHUDDERED 4/29/10, SAME DAY TRAVELING AT 60 MPH LOST POWER FOR A BRIEF MOMENT THEN RESUMED, THESE TWO INCIDENTS WERE WITHIN 5 MINUTES. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER WHERE PURCHASED AND SERVICED TO HAVE THEM LOCATE AND REPAIR THE PROBLEM. HAVE NOT RECEIVED INFORMATION AS YET. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Apr 29, 2010, crash
S10 APPROPRIATE HANDLING-LETTER REGARDING SUBURU PROBLEMS *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A LEFT TURN AND WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE SPEED OF THE VEHICLE AND SUBSEQUENTLY HE SCRAPED A GUARDRAIL, WHICH RESULTED IN OVER $5,000 IN BODY DAMAGE TO HIS VEHICLE. HE STATED EVERY TIME HE APPLIED THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE CONSUMER HAS SINCE TRADED THE VEHICLE. *JB
Suspension, Tires, Mar 22, 2010
EXPERIENCED SEVERE FISHTAILING ON SLIGHTLY SLIPPERY ROADS WITH A 2008 SUBARU OUTBACK. THIS WAS HIGHLY UNUSUAL FOR AN ALL WHEEL DRIVE CAR AND I DIDN'T HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH MY WIFE'S HONDA CR-V THAT I DROVE ON THE SAME DAY ON THE SAME ROADS.
Suspension, Mar 5, 2010, crash
SUBARU OUTBACK 2008 2.5I SIDE-TO-SIDE MOTION: RECURRING ISSUE IS CONSIDERABLY DANGEROUS AND PRESENTS ITSELF WHEN DRIVING ON WET AND OR SLIPPERY ROADS. YES, ALTHOUGH THE CONDITIONS ARE LESS THAN IDEAL THEY ARE NORMAL DRIVING SITUATIONS. TESTING HAS BEEN CONDUCTED WITH IDENTICAL CONDITIONS AND OTHER VEHICLES AND SIMILAR BEHAVIOR WAS NOT EXPERIENCED. THIS TESTING HAS BEEN REPEATED WITH IDENTICAL RESULTS. ISSUE: WHEN TRAVELING ON SLIPPERY ROADS - RAIN, SNOW, ICE THE SUBARU ALL WHEEL DIRVE/SUSPENSION CONFIGURATION CREATES SIDE TO SIDE "FISH-TAIL" LIKE BEHAVIOR. THIS MOTION CAN CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO SPIN-OUT. OTHER DIRVERS HAVE EXPERICED OVER CORRECTION ISSUES WHEN DEALING WITH THIS UNEXPECTED BACK-END MOTION. THE SIDE TO SIDE MOTION DOES NOT SEEM TO BE A RESULT OF APPLICATION OF POWER. WTH POWER APPLIED OR COASTING THE MOTION IS STILL EVIDENT. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Dec 12, 2009, crash
MY WIFE HAD AN UNCONTROLLED ACCELERATION EVENT IN HER 2008 SUBARU OUTBACK WHEN SHE WAS TRYING TO PARK BEHIND ANOTHER CAR. SHE DIDN'T THINK THE FLOOR MAT WAS INVOLVED. SHE HAD WINTER BOOTS ON AND THOUGHT SHE WAS ONLY PRESSING ON THE BRAKE. HER FRONT LICENSE PLATE WAS TORN AND SHE DID ABOUT $700 OF DAMAGE TO THE OTHER CAR'S REAR BUMPER. *TR
Air bags, Nov 19, 2009, crash
I WAS INVOLVED IN AN INTERSECTION ACCIDENT WHERE MY VEHICLE HIT THE OTHER CAR. THE IMPACT WAS QUITE SEVER AND THE DAMAGE WAS ABOUT $11,000. HOWEVER, THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND I HIT MY HEAD ON THE WINDSHIELD. I REPORTED THIS TO THE MANUFACTURER SO THAT ANY DEFECT THAT MAY HAVE CAUSED THE FAILURE MIGHT BE DISCOVERED AND THEIR ACTION MIGHT PREVENT WORSE INJURY TO THE NEXT PERSON. HOWEVER, THEY SEEM TO BE TOTALLY UNINTERESTED AND TOLD ME TO CALL MY INSURANCE COMPANY. *TR
Exterior lighting, Aug 21, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 2008 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH ON A RURAL ROAD AFTER THE SUNSET WITH THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ENGAGED, THEY FAILED TO FULLY ILLUMINATE THE ROAD. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DOES COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS; WHICH WAS A MANUFACTURER DESIGN WITH NO MODIFICATIONS. THE CONTACT IS AWARE OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 103,000. THE VIN WAS REJECTED FROM THE SYSTEM AND WILL BE UPDATED UPON RECEIPT OF THE SAFETY COMPLAINT.
Air bags, Aug 6, 2009
AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON AFTER STARTING, INDICATING MALFUNCTION IN AIRBAG SYSTEM. 2008 SUBARU OUTBACK STATION WAGON. UNDER WARRANTY. HAS BEEN TO DEALER SEVERAL TIMES, THEY ARE UNABLE TO FIX THE CONDITION. *TR
Wheels, Jul 3, 2009
SUBARU OUTBACK 2008 FRONT-WHEEL BEARING, SECOND TIME NEED TO BE CHANGE AFTER 25000 MILES. *TR
Seat belts, Jun 4, 2009, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR-ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED TO WORK PROPERLY AND THE CONTACT STRUCK THE STEERING COLUMN AND WINDSHIELD. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BACK AND ARM INJURIES. SHE FEELS THAT THE SEAT BELTS DO NOT RETRACT AND SECURE AN OCCUPANT IN PLACE WHEN A CRASH OCCURS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE SEAT BELTS WERE FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 14,002. UPDATED 08/04/09 *BF UPDATED 08/11/09.*JB
Seat belts, May 15, 2009, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER VEHICLE WAS REAR-ENDED AND THE SEAT BELT DID NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE RESTRAINT. SHE STRUCK HER CHEST ON THE STEERING WHEEL, WHICH CAUSED INJURIES TO HER CHEST AND BACK. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. SHE WILL HAVE SURGERY ON MAY 15, 2009 ON HER BACK. A REPORT WAS FILED WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY STATED THAT A REPRESENTATIVE WILL INSPECT THE SEAT BELTS. TWO WEEKS LATER, THE CONTACT STILL HAS NOT HEARD BACK FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,900.
Suspension, Jan 20, 2009
VEHICLE SWAYING WHILE DRIVING AT HWY SPEEDS ON ICY ROADS. SUBARU OUT BACK 08. I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS SWAYING BACK AND FORTH WHILE DRIVING ON SLIPPERY ROADS. I WILL BE DRIVING AT 30-50% THEN ALL OTHER TRAFFIC TO MAINTAIN SAFE CHARACTERISTICS. THE TERM "GHOST WALKING" HAS BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH IT. SOA AND THE DEALERSHIP DENIES ANY ISSUES OR PROBLEMS. THE CARE IS COMPLETELY UNSAFE DURING ICE CONDITIONS. *TR
Power train, Equipment, Oct 15, 2008
2008 OUTBACK SUBARU - DROVE THE CAR FOR OVER 1 YEAR WITH THE TRANSMISSION JERKING INTO GEARS. I HAD THE DEALER/MECHANICS CHECK IT 4 TIMES WITHIN THE FIRST 2 MONTHS OF THE PURCHASE. THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. I HAVE HAD THE 3,000 MILE OIL CHANGE SERVICED BY THE DEALER - 6X AND COMPLAINED ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION. ON 10/9/08 TOOK TO THE DEALER AGAIN FOR A OIL CHANGE AND THE TRANSMISSION. THEY FIND THE PROBLEM - I THINK THEY CALLED IT - A REFLASH - A COMPUTER ADJUSTMENT. THE CAR NOW DRIVES GREAT. WHY DID IT TAKE SO LONG FOR THIS ADJUSTMENT? I THINK THAT SUBARU SHOULD HAVE CALLED A RECALL. I AM ALSO CONCERNED IF IT DID ANY DAMAGE TO MY TRANSMISSION. *TR
Steering, Oct 6, 2008
2008 SUBARU OUTBACK WITH 11,000 MILES HAS HAD A PERSISTENT PROBLEM PULLING TO THE RIGHT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. REPEATED ATTEMPTS AT ALIGNING THE VEHICLE HAVE NOT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. RECENTLY THE FACTORY REP HAS ADVISED THE DEALER TO ADJUST THE CAMBER UNTIL THE VEHICLE WILL TRACK STRAIGHT. THIS HAS ONLY MADE THE PULLING TO THE RIGHT WORSE AND MADE THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *TR
Exterior lighting, Sep 24, 2008
I PURCHASED A 2008 SUBARU OUTBACK AND THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ARE DANGEROUS WHEN TRAVELING ON HILLY ROADS. THE HEADLIGHTS DO NOT ILLUMINATE THE ROAD PROPERLY AND HAVE A HORIZONTAL LINE TO THE BEAM. NOTHING CAN BE SEEN UNDER THIS LINE. NO PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED WITH HIGH BEAMS. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Jul 8, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH AND GREATER, THE VEHICLE WOULD TEND TO PULL TO THE RIGHT. THE CONTACT DID NOT NOTICE ANY DIFFERENCES IN THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR AN ALIGNMENT, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 21,000. UPDATED 07/29/08 *BF UPDATED 08/05/08. *JB
Structure, Equipment, May 1, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH WITH A KAYAK STRAPPED TO THE ROOF OF THE VEHICLE, THE KAYAK FLEW BACKWARDS AND DETACHED FROM THE ROOF. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND RETRIEVED THE KAYAK WITH THE AERIAL BAR STILL ATTACHED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 176,00. UPDATED 5/20/08 *CN THE CARRIER THAT ATTACHED TO THE CROSS BAR OF THE ROOF RACK BROKE. UPDATED 05/20/08