2009 Subaru Outback
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 112 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 21st highest complaint count among 26 Outback model years with reports.
Of the 2009 reports, 1 involved a crash and 5 involved a fire. 2 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
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 9, 2018
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009 Tribeca, Impreza, Forester, WRX, Legacy, and Outback vehicles 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. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-18.
Campaign 18V014000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 9, 2018
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2010 Tribeca, Impreza, Forester, WRX, Legacy, and Outback vehicles 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. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-18.
Campaign 18V013000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 9, 2018
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Legacy, Forester, Tribeca, WRX and Outback vehicles, and 2009-2011 Impreza vehicles 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. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-18.
Campaign 18V012000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 11, 2017
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Baja, 2009 Forester, Legacy and Outback and 2006-2009 Impreza (including WRX and STI models) and Tribeca 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. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-17.
Campaign 17V026000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 10, 2017
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Subaru Baja, 2006-2011 Impreza (including WRX and STI models), 2006-2012 Tribeca, 2009-2012 Forester, Legacy, Outback, and 2012 WRX 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. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-17.
Campaign 17V014000 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 25, 2016
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, 2009-2011 Legacy, Outback, Forester, 2006-2011 Impreza, Tribeca, 2003-2006 Baja, and 2006 Saab 9-2x vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in 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 may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 26, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Saab owners may contact GM at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-16.
Campaign 16V358000 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
112 reports, newest first.
Electrical system, Visibility/wiper, Sep 20, 2014
09 OUTBACK WAS BLOWING FUSES ON THE DOOR LOCK CIRCUIT. PUT IN A NEW FUSE AND IT WOULD BLOW IN A FEW DAYS, OFTEN WHEN CAR WASHED OR DRIVEN IN RAIN (OR PERHAPS WHEN REAR HATCH OPERATED). LAST REPLACEMENT FUSE HAS HELD FOR A FEW WEEKS NOW, THROUGH SUMMER. THEN THE REAR WIPER STOPPED WORKING. SAW THIS VIDEO AND THEN PULLED THE WIRING BOOT CONNECTING HATCH WITH BODY (TO RIGHT OF HATCH HINGES) AND SURE ENOUGH FOUR WIRES ARE SNAPPED RIGHT WHERE VIDEO SHOWS - AT BOTTOM OF RIGHT BOOT: HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=AMEKPTVGMHS. *TR
Air bags, Sep 18, 2014
THE AIRBAG FAILURE INDICATOR IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL IS COMING ON INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING. AFTER TURNING OFF THE ENGINE, THE PROBLEM GOES AWAY FOR SOME TIME AND DAYS OR WEEKS LATER COMES ON AGAIN. I AM CONCERNED THAT SHOULD THERE BE A COLLISION WHILE THE CONDITION DESCRIBE ABOVE EXIST, AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT MAY FAIL. THERE SEEMS TO BE THOUSANDS OF THESE INCIDENTS WHILE SEARCHING INTERNET DATABASES AND IT APPEARS ALL SUBARU DEALERS KNOW OF THE PROBLEM AND PRESUMABLY SUBARU AS WELL. SHOULD NOT BE A RECALL FOR THIS POTENTIALLY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE? *TR
Structure, Sep 1, 2014
IN MAY OF THIS YEAR, DASH STARTED TO GET STICK AND ALSO PRODUCES A BAD GLARE ON WINDSHIELD. HAS GOTTEN WORSE AS HEAT HAS PROGRESSED IN SC DURING THE SUMMER. *TR
Service brakes, Aug 20, 2014
CONTACTED DEALER (MIKE SHAW SUBARU, NORTHGLENN, CO) PER THE NHTSA RECALL 14V-311 -- RECALL STATES INSPECT AND REPAIR. INSISTED ON INSPECTION ONLY AND REPLACEMENT IN THE EVENT OF VISIBLE CORROSION ONLY. DID NOT OFFER THE APPLICATION OF ANTI-CORROSIVE MATERIAL IN THE EVENT THAT LINES ARE DEEMED ACCEPTABLE. *TR
Air bags, Interior lighting, Jul 31, 2014, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOME LIGHT WAS BURNED AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000.
Air bags, Jun 19, 2014
THE DRIVER AIRBAG IN MULTIPLE MODELS OF SUBARU ARE DISABLED BECAUSE OF AN APPARENT FAULT IN THE PASSENGER AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT IN THE OVERHEAD CONSOLE.THIS REQUIRES REPLACEMENT OF THE PART. I HAVE RESEARCHED THE TOPIC IN MULTIPLE AUTO WEBSITES AND IT APPEARS TO AFFECT A LOT OF MODEL YEARS OF ALL MAKES OF THE SUBARU.THE PROBLEM IS ALSO INTERMITTENT AND OCCURS WHILE DRIVING . I THINK THAT DISABLING THE AIRBAG IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND THAT SUBARU HAS NOT FESSED UP ABOUT THIS OR FIXED THE PROBLEM. *TR
Air bags, May 23, 2014
THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON THE DASH WOULD INTERMITTENTLY TURN ON. IF I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND THEN RIGHT BACK ON THE LIGHT WOULD GO OUT. EVENTUALLY THE LIGHT WOULD COME BACK ON, SO I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER WHO HAD A TECHNICIAN CHECK THE COMPUTER CODES. IT LISTED (CODE 26-RIGHT FRONT SEAT BELT ERROR). THE TECHNICIAN RESET THE COMPUTER AND THE COMPUTER ERROR CODE WAS CLEARED. THE TECH TOLD ME THAT EVENTUALLY IT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN AGAIN, AS HE HAD SEEN THE PROBLEM SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE IN THE 2008/2009 YEAR RANGE OF OUTBACKS & LEGACY'S AND TOLD ME THAT WHEN THE DASH LIGHT WAS LIT, "NONE OF THE AIRBAGS WOULD WORK IN A COLLISION". ALL WAS WELL FOR A FEW WEEKS AND THE LIGHT DID COME BACK ON, SO THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE REPAIRED. THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE THE MAP LIGHT/PASSENGER SEATBELT LAMP ASSEMBLY (PART # 84621AG53A) THAT IS LOCATED ON THE INTERIOR ROOF DIRECTLY NEXT TO THE REAR VIEW MIRROR. I WAS INFORMED THAT THIS PART IS NOT COVERED BY ANY WARRANTIES, AS THE AIRBAGS ARE A "SUPPLEMENTAL SYSTEM", UNLIKE SEATBELTS WHICH "ARE COVERED" AS THE PRIMARY RESTRAINT SYSTEM. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT SUBARU MUST OBVIOUSLY BE AWARE OF THIS DEFECTIVE PART AS IT IS AN INSTOCK ITEM AT THEIR DEALERSHIPS (AT LEAST IT IS AT MY DEALER). THE BOTTOM LINE IS THAT I HAD TO PAY (ALMOST $200) TO FIX A PROBLEM THAT WILL ALLOW MY VEHICLE'S AIRBAGS TO WORK IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION BECAUSE THE AIRBAGS ARE CONSIDERED A "SUPPLEMENTAL SYSTEM". "LOVE" (PUN INTENDED) TO KNOW WHEN THE RECALL IS GOING TO OCCUR. *TR
Air bags, Seat belts, May 22, 2014
MY SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD WAS COMING ON INTERMITTENTLY BUT USUALLY WENT OFF IF I TURNED THE ENGINE OFF AND RESTARTED IT. BUT NOW IT'S ON CONSTANTLY. THE DEALER SAYS IT'S A MALFUNCTION INVOLVING THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT APPARATUS AND IT'S NOT COVER UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. THE COST OF THE REPAIR IS ESTIMATE TO BE OVER $350. I SEE ONLINE THAT MANY PEOPLE HAVE THIS PROBLEM WITH THE 2005-2009 OUTBACKS. THE MECHANISM IS OBVIOUSLY DEFECTIVE AND SHOULD BE RECALLED. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 7, 2014
2009 SUBARU OUTBACK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN WHILE DRIVING. *SMD THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE VEHICLE SHUTTING DOWN, WAS THE RESULT OF A FAULTY IGNITION. *JB
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Mar 5, 2014
THE HEADLIGHTS ON THIS VEHICLE ARE GROSSLY INADEQUATE WHEN USING LOWER BEAMS. I HAVE CONTACTED SUBARU AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE IS NO PROBLEM. I CONTACTED THE LOCAL DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, BUT NOTHING CAN BE DONE - IT IS A SUBARU ENGINEERING DECISION TO HAVE THAT 'QUALITY' OF HEADLIGHT. *TR
Engine, Feb 26, 2014, fire
SUBARU OUTBACK SPORTS 2009 MODEL, WITH NO PRIOR HISTORY PROBLEM EXCEPT THAT SUBARU RECALLED AN ELECTRONIC BOARD AND IT WAS REPLACED BY SUBARU DEALER. JUST GOT OFF THE HIGHWAY, COMING FROM THE AIRPORT, SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING LIKE WOOD. OPENED THE WINDOW TO MAKE SURE IT IS NOT OUR CAR. SMELL WAS STILL THERE. PULLED OFF THE ROAD. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON, LOTS OF SMOKE FROM HOOD AFTER ONE SECOND THE FIRE STARTED ENGULFING THE HOOD. MY HUSBAND AND I JUMPED OUT OF THE CAR OF FEAR OF AN EXPLOSION AND CALLED 911 RIGHT AWAY. WITHIN 7 MINUTES ABOUT THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY BURNT. FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME WITHIN 10 MINUTES WHILE CAR WAS STILL BURNING., LOST SOME ELECTRONIC GADGETS, CAMERA, TABLET, 2 GPS, ETC., AND SOME CLOTHING AND ODDS AND ENDS BUT EVERYONE WAS SAFE. . THE WOMEN FROM THE CLAIM DEPARTMENT SAID THAT SHE ALSO HAD CALL ABOUT A FIRE IN A SUBARU COMING FROM THE AIRPORT LIKE US. SHE DID NOT WANT TO SAY ANYMORE SINCE SHE ACCIDENTALLY SAID IT. SUBARU REFUSE TO INVESTIGATE THE FIRE UNLESS I PUT A CLAIM AGAINST THEM. *TR
Steering, Feb 1, 2014
OUR 2009 SUBARU OUTBACK IS RADICALLY DANGEROUS WHEN DRIVING ON COMPACTED SNOW OR ICE. THE CAR BECOMES ALMOST UNCONTROLLABLE WITH REAR OVERSTEER ON MODERATELY SLIPPERY ROADS; EVEN AT VERY SLOW SPEEDS WITHOUT APPLYING ANY ACCELERATION. OUR VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS DISPLAYED THESE "QUIRKS" BUT IT IS NOW OUTRIGHT DANGEROUS. THE CAR IS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND HAS BEEN EXTREMELY WELL MAINTAINED. I CERTAINLY HOPE NHTSA IS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE AS THERE IS CLEARLY A DESIGN FLAW. WE HAVE NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT BUT LIVING IN THE MIDWEST DRIVING THIS CAR IT FEELS LIKE IT ONLY A MATTER OF TIME. THE HANDLING IS SO BAD THAT IT BECOMES A DANGER TO OVERCOMING TRAFFIC. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jan 25, 2014
THIS IS THE 4TH HEADLAMP WE HAVE REPLACED WITHIN 12 MONTHS. WE HAVE TRIED PIAA'S, SILVER STAR'S...ALL HAVE THE SAME LIFE SPAN OF APPROX. 3-4 MONTHS...THIS HAS BECOME EXPENSIVE, A SAFETY HAZARD, AND A NUISANCE. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Jan 2, 2014
DRIVING ON STRAIGHT, SEMI-ICY ROADS BETWEEN NORTHERN MICHIGAN AND NORTHERN WISCONSIN AT SPEEDS FROM 40MPH TO 50MPH THE 2009 SUBARU OUTBACK LOADED WITH APPROX 500LBS OF CARGO AND PASSENGERS (DRIVER INCLUDED) WOULD SUDDENLY SWERVE BACK AND FORTH ( REFERRED TO AS GHOST WALKING ). WOULD HAVE TO REDUCE SPEED AND PULL OVER TO SHOULDER NUMEROUS TIMES AND ALLOW ALL TRAFFIC BEHIND VEHICLE TO PASS SINCE NO ONE ELSE WAS HAVING ANY HANDLING PROBLEMS. VEHICLE WOULD REGAIN STABILITY AND WOULD HANDLE FINE FOR SOME TIME AND THEN WOULD REPEAT THE GHOST WALKING SITUATION ONCE AGAIN. THIS HAPPENED APPROX 6 SIX TIMES FOR A TOTAL DRIVE TIME OF 35 MINUTES. CALLED 4 DIFFERENT SUBARU DEALERSHIPS AND SPOKE WITH THEIR SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND ALL TECHNICIANS TOLD ME THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF SUCH A PROBLEM. RESEARCHED THE ISSUE WITH NUMEROUS SUBARU WEBSITE FORUMS AND FOUND MANY COMPLAINTS OF WHAT APPEARS TO BE THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Tires, Nov 14, 2013
ON NOVEMBER 13, 2013 I WAS DRIVING ON ST RT 52 HEADING EAST IN NEW RICHMOND, OHIO AT A SPEED NOT LESS THAT 50 AND NOT GREATER THAN 60 MPH. AT APPROXIMATELY 12:00 NOON MY DRIVER-SIDE REAR TIRE COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE WALL--LUCKILY THIS DID NOT HAPPEN TO ANY OF THE FRONT TIRE OTHERWISE I MIGHT HAVE BEEN KILLED. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jun 18, 2013
STARTED MY CAR AT NIGHT TO FIND OUT MY HEADLIGHTS WOULD NOT TURN ON, BUT THE SAFELY LIGHTS WERE STILL ON. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND REVERSE LIGHTS WOULD NOT WORK EITHER. THE LIGHTS ABOVE MY REAR LICENSE PLATE HAD BEEN OUT FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS ALSO SO I AM NOT SURE IF THAT IS RELATED AS WELL. LOOKED ON-LINE TO FIND OUT MANY OTHER SUBARU OUTBACK OWNERS HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM AND SUGGESTED LOOKING AT THE HARNESS THAT HOUSED MANY ELECTRICAL WIRES ON THE UPPER CORNERS OF THE HATCHBACK. MANY OF THE WIRES WERE EITHER BROKEN OR LOOSE. I HAVE READ THAT BECAUSE OF ITS LOCATION, THE WIRES BECOME BRITTLE AND BREAK BECAUSE THEY ARE CONSTANTLY BEING BENT WHEN YOU OPEN AND CLOSE THE REAR HATCHBACK DOOR. TOOK MY CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAD TO RESOLDER THE WIRES AND CHARGED ME $225 FOR THE LABOR AND PARTS NEEDED. IF I HAD TO REPLACE THIS, IT WOULD HAVE COST ME OVER $600 SO THE DEALERSHIP DISCOURAGED ME FROM DOING THIS. I FEEL THIS SHOULD BE COVERED BY SUBARU SINCE IT IS DUE TO BAD DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE AND THE SERVICE I HAD DONE DOES NOT GUARANTEE THAT THIS WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN. *TR
Power train, Feb 4, 2013
THE VEHICLE IS A STATION WAGON WITH 5-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION, DRIVEN ONLY BY MY WIFE AND I. WITHIN THE FIRST YEAR, WE EXPERIENCED AN OCCASIONAL PROBLEM WHERE IT WOULD POP OUT OF FIRST GEAR WHEN TRAVELLING AT LOW SPEEDS. I DID NOT REPORT THIS PROBLEM DURING THE 3 YEAR, 30,000 LIMITED WARRANTY PERIOD, BECAUSE IT OCCURRED INFREQUENTLY, AND DID NOT APPEAR TO PRESENT A SAFETY HAZARD. FURTHERMORE, IT'S SUBARU'S POLICY, AS STATED BY THE DEALER MOYER SUBARU, TO NOT ACT UNTIL A PROBLEM CAN BE DEMONSTRATED, AND TO CHARGE THE CUSTOMER IF NO PROBLEM IS FOUND. HOWEVER, THE 5-YEAR, 60,000 MILE POWER TRAIN WARRANTY, AND A SUBARU GOLD PLUS, 7-YEAR, 70,000 MILE WARRANTY, ARE STILL IN EFFECT. WITHIN THE LAST YEAR, THE PROBLEM BECAME MORE FREQUENT, PARTICULARLY WHEN GOING DOWN STEEP GRADES, WHICH IS NECESSARY ON ROADS SLICK FROM RAIN, SNOW OR ICE, OR WHEN THERE IS SOME OTHER HAZARD THAT WARRANTS SLOW SPEED. WHEN THE TRANSMISSION POPS OUT TO NEUTRAL, THERE IS AN ALARMING LOSS OF CONTROL, AND YOU MUST BRAKE HARD TO ARREST THE ACCELERATION, WHICH IS LIKELY TO CAUSE SKIDDING AND SLIDING. I ESTIMATE THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 6 TIMES IN PAST TWO MONTHS OF WINTER WEATHER. LAST WEEK (1/30/13), I REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO MOYER SUBARU WHO TOLD ME THERE ARE NO RECALLS, AND WOULD NOT DO A ROAD TEST UNLESS I AGREE TO PAY THE COST IF NO PROBLEM IS FOUND. I AM UNWILLING TO DO THAT, SINCE THERE IS NO GUARANTEE WHEN THIS INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WILL OCCUR AGAIN; ONLY THAT IT WILL OCCUR AGAIN AND LIKELY CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. INSTEAD, I REPORTED THE PROBLEM ON SUBARU WEBSITE, AND THEY HAVE DOCUMENTED MY COMPLAINT (SR # 1-3193753102), BUT MADE NO OFFER TO INVESTIGATE THE PROBLEM. THE SUBARU IMPREZA OWNER'S GROUP REPORTS SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH NUMEROUS IMPREZAS, AND SOME OUTBACKS. WE HAD THIS PROBLEM ON A 2002 OUTBACK THAT WAS FIXED UNDER WARRANTY, ONLY AFTER IT PROGRESSED TO HIGHER GEARS.
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Sep 24, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED FORWARD UNEXPECTEDLY AND THEN IN REVERSE BEFORE CRASHING INTO TWO OTHER VEHICLES AND A BRICK WALL. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT WERE CONTACTED AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 22,000. UPDATED 10/31/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED AS SHE PULLED INTO A VACANT SPOT, WITH HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE VEHICLE EMITTED A ROAR AND SURGED OVER A CURB UPWARDS AND CRASHED INTO A TREE, WITH HER FOOT STILL ON THE BRAKE. THE VEHICLE WENT BACKWARDS AND HIT AN SUV PARKED ILLEGALLY BEHIND HER CAR. THE VEHICLE THEN CONTINUED BACKWARDS, HIT ANOTHER CAR AND FINALLY CRASHED INTO THE OUTSIDE WALL OF A LIBRARY AND STOPPED. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. UPDATED 10/31/12
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 16, 2012
CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. APPARENTLY, A NOT UNCOMMON PROBLEM (ENGINE BEARING). VEHICLE UNDER BOTH FACTORY AND EXTENDED WARRANTY. SUBARU NORTH AMERICA IS TRYING TO AVOID FIXING UNDER WARRANTY (AGAIN, IT SEEMS A NOT UNCOMMON PROBLEM). SUBARU CLAIMS OIL LEAKED OUT, BUT OIL PRESSURE LIGHT NEVER CAME ON. SUBARU IS NOT DEALING ON THE UP AND UP. *JS
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 9, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 55 MPH WHEN THE ENGINE STALLED AFTER THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED.THE VEHICLE LATER RESTARTED AND THE FAILURE CONTINUED UNTIL IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 31,000.
Suspension, Dec 20, 2011
DRIVING ON SLICK ROAD CONDITIONS ICE/SNOW ON FREEWAY WITH LIGHTLY LOADED SUBARU OUTBACK (4 PASSENGERS, WHICH INCLUDED 2 FEMALES IN BACK SEAT AND LIGHT LUGGAGE FOR FOUR). THE REAR OF CAR BEGAN "GHOSTWALKING" OSCILLATING SIDE TO SIDE ABOUT 3-4" AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MILES/HOUR ON STRAIGHT ROAD. PASSED BY NUMEROUS 2 WHEEL DRIVE TRUCKS AND CARS TRAVELING AT MUCH FASTER RATES. NEEDED TO PULL TO SHOULDER BECAUSE THE CARE FELT TOO UNSTABLE/UNSAFE. THIS DID NOT APPEAR TO BE RELATED TO DRIVER ERROR, SLICK ROAD SURFACE OR TIRES. THIS WAS A FIRST EXPERIENCE FOR ME AND FIRST TIME ON SLICK SURFACE WITH VEHICLE LOADED. MANY OTHER PEOPLE REPORT SAME EXPERIENCE WITH THIS PHENOMENON. SPOOKY AND VERY SCARY IS BEST WAY TO DESCRIBE. THIS IS NOT SAFE! *TR
Exterior lighting, Dec 20, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD DIFFICULTY SEEING THE ROAD WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT WITH THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ON. THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE BRIGHTLY ENOUGH TO PROVIDE PROPER VISIBILITY OF THE ROADWAY. AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.
Tires, Jun 1, 2011
2009 SUBARU OUTBACK. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEMS WITH THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM LIGHT ILLUMINATING. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER HE ADJUSTED THE TIRE PRESSURE TO THE COLD PRESSURE OF 32 PSI FRONT AND 30 PSI REAR WHICH WAS LISTED ON THE STICKER ON THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR, THE TPMS LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHEN HE DROVE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR SERVICE AND THE TIRE PRESSURE WAS ADJUSTED TO 30 PSI WHICH CAUSED THE LIGHT TO GO OUT. THE SERVICE TECH RECOMMENDED ALL FOUR TIRES BE ADJUSTED TO 30 PSI FOR A PERIOD OF TIME TO DETERMINE IF THE TPMS WOULD ILLUMINATE AGAIN. THE CONSUMER STATED THE TPMS WAS NOT WORKING AS DESIGNED, DUE TO THE FACT, THE LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE WHEN THE TIRES WERE PROPERLY ADJUSTED. *JB
Power train, May 24, 2011
ABOUT A MONTH OR TWO AGO I WAS PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE - I PUT THE TRANS IN DRIVE AND STARTED TO MOVE WHEN I REACHED OVER TO OPEN THE GLOVE BOX. AS I REACHED MY CUFF CAUGHT ON THE TRANSMISSION KNOB AND PULLED SELECTOR FROM DRIVE TO REVERSE. I NEVER NOTICED IT BEFORE BUT THERE'S NO LOCKING MECHANISM ON THE SHIFT SELECTOR HANDLE. THE OLDER CARS USED TO REQUIRE YOU TO PUSH DOWN OR PULL UP ON THE KNOB AND /OR PULL UP ON AN INTERLOCK HANDLE. LOOKS LIKE I WAS LUCKY GOING SO SLOW.
Power train, May 12, 2011
ABOUT A MONTH AGO (APRIL 2011) WHILE MOVING FORWARD AT AROUND 5 TO 10 MPH I REACHED FOR THE GLOVE BOX AND MY SHIRT CUFF CAUGHT THE SHIFT HANDLE AND THRU THE TRANSMISSION INTO REVERSE. WHILE I WAS LUCKY AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES THIS APPEARS TO BE A SERIOUS SAFETY DEFECT THAT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY SUBARU OF NORTH AMERICA. THERE ARE NO BUILT IN SAFETY LOCKS OR MECHANISMS TO PREVENT THE TRANSMISSION FROM BEING MOVED FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE OR DRIVE TO MANUAL SHIFT OPTION. ACTUALLY YOU CAN SHIFT ANYWHERE FROM REVERSE TO MANUAL AUTO BY BUMPING OR PULLING THE SHIFT HANDLE WITH VERY LITTLE EFFORT. SOMEONE COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED. IS THERE A RECALL AVAILABLE TO CORRECT THIS CONDITION. EVERY AMERICAN MADE CAR I'VE OWNED HAD A BUILT IN MECHANISM THAT REQUIRED THAT YOU PUSH DOWN / PULL UP AND PUSH FORWARD OR PULL BACKWARDS AT THE SAME TIME THRU SOME TYPE OF MANUAL LOCKING MECHANISM...... THANKS I'M STILL DRIVING THE CAR BUT DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION IS UNKNOWN. *TR