2010 Subaru Outback
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 360 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 9th highest complaint count among 26 Outback model years with reports.
Of the 2010 reports, 12 involved a crash and 3 involved a fire. 8 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, 2019
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester 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 is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-19.
Campaign 19V009000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 9, 2019
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, and Legacy vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester 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 is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-19.
Campaign 19V008000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 9, 2019
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Forester, 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, Legacy, and 2010-2011 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 has notified owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-19.
Campaign 19V007000 on NHTSA.gov
Parking brakeSep 13, 2018
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with a manual transmission. The electronic parking brake (EPB) may not engage as intended, allowing the vehicle to rollaway if the transmission is not in the proper gear when parked.
A vehicle rollaway can increase the risk of a crash.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPB actuator assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 19, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTV-81.
Campaign 18V626000 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 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
Visibility, windshield wiper/washer, motorSep 27, 2016
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Legacy vehicles manufactured November 26, 2008, to June 7, 2013, and 2010-2014 Outback vehicles manufactured January 9, 2009 to June 7, 2013. Due to contamination, components within the windshield wiper motor bottom cover may interfere with each other. If an obstruction, such as a buildup of snow or ice prevents the wiper arms from being able to stop in the parked position, the wiper motor may overheat and the bottom cover may melt.
If the windshield wiper motor overheats, the wipers may fail, reducing driver visibility and increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, the wiper motor cover may melt, increasing the risk of a fire.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor bottom cover assembly, free of charge. The recall began October 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTK-71. Note: This recall supersedes recall 11V-469. All vehicles that were remedied under that campaign are affected by this campaign, and need to have their wiper motor bottom cover replaced again.
Campaign 16V694000 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
Electrical systemFeb 25, 2013
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, certain model year 2012-2013 Impreza vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, and certain model year 2013 XV Crosstrek vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory. Additionally included are certain model year 2013 Legacy and Outback vehicles that may have received replacement RES fobs. If the RES fob is dropped, the fob may malfunction and randomly transmit an engine start request without pressing the button.
The engine may inadvertently start and run for up to fifteen minutes. The engine may continue to start and stop until the fob battery is depleted, or until the vehicle runs out of fuel. If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area, there is a risk of carbon monoxide build-up which may cause headaches, dizziness or, in extreme cases, unconsciousness and/or asphyxiation.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RES key fobs, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.
Campaign 13V061000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingDec 26, 2012
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010 and 2011 Legacy and Outback vehicles, certain model year 2006 through 2012 Tribeca vehicles sold before January 2012, and certain model year 2009 through 2012 Forester vehicles sold before January 2012. Up to 78,650 of these vehicles may have been equipped with accessory puddle lights that, when illuminated, brighten the area under the doors of the vehicle. A short circuit can develop when either the puddle light or connector are exposed to an electrolytic moisture source (such as road spray that has road salt in it) and it penetrates the circuit board of the puddle light or the pins of the puddle light connector(s).
Over time, migration of the moisture into the circuit board and/or into the connector cavity, may result in a short circuit of the puddle light system. This may generate heat which may melt the plastic resulting in smoke or fire.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional fused-harness, free of charge. The recall began February 19, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.
Campaign 12V602000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, manual transmissionJul 20, 2010
SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 AND 2011 OUTBACK AND LEGACY PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 28 THROUGH JUNE 23, 2010. DUE TO A PROGRAMMING ERROR, A LUBRICATION HOLE WITHIN THE 6-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION WAS OMITTED.
IF THE TRANSMISSION GEARS ARE NOT PROPERLY LUBRICATED, A GROANING SOUND MAY BEGIN TO DEVELOP ALERTING THE DRIVER OF A PROBLEM. IF THE SOUND IS IGNORED AND NO ACTION IS TAKEN, THE GEARS WILL EVENTUALLY BREAK AND THIS CONDITION WILL LEAD TO VEHICLE POWER LOSS, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
SUBARU WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES BY DRILLING AN OIL LUBRICATION HOLE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE INTERNAL PARTS WITH NEW ONES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
Campaign 10V326000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, columnJun 24, 2010
SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 OUTBACK AND LEGACY PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 16, 2009 THROUGH APRIL 12, 2010. THE WIRING IN THE STEERING COLUMN ELECTRICAL ROLL CONNECTOR LOCATED BEHIND THE VEHICLE'S STEERING WHEEL MAY DEVELOP STRESS CRACKS AND EVENTUALLY BREAK. IF THIS WERE TO HAPPEN CERTAIN ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS MAY NOT OPERATE AS INTENDED.
POSSIBLE CIRCUITS AFFECTED ARE THE DRIVER'S FRONTAL AIRBAG, PADDLE SHIFTER FUNCTION, CRUISE CONTROL, HORN CONTROL AND RADIO FUNCTIONS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL CHECK LOT NUMBER OF THE STEERING ROLL CONNECTOR. THE ROLL CONNECTOR WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE IF THE LOT NUMBER SHOWED ANY AFFECTED RANGE OF THE FAILURE OCCURRENCE. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 7, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
Campaign 10V283000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, cooling system, hoses/lines/piping/fittingsMay 7, 2010
SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 OUTBACK AND LEGACY PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 31 THROUGH DECEMBER 1, 2009. A CRACK OR SPLIT CAN OCCUR IN THE CVT COOLER HOSE RESULTING IN A FLUID LEAK.
IF THE FLUID IS COMPLETELY LEAKED DURING DRIVING, THE VEHICLE WILL COME TO A STOP, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
SUBARU WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY AFFECTED COOLER HOSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 8, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-SUBARU3 (1-800-782-2783).
Campaign 10V196000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: air bags
44 reports, newest first. Show all
Air bags, Oct 4, 2014
THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG DOES NOT INDICATE 'ON' PREDICTABLY WHEN I AM SEATED. I AM A 125LB WOMAN. THE AIRBAG SENSOR SOMETIMES COMES ON. OTHER TIMES IT REMAINS OFF. BEING AN ENGINEER, I SPEND TIME MOVING MY WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION, SEAT BACK POSITION, PICKING MY WEIGHT UP AND RESEATING MYSELF, AND OTHER FACTORS TRYING TO GET THE AIRBAG LIGHT TO TURN ON DURING LONG CAR TRIPS. SOMETIMES THIS WORKS, BUT IT IS UNPREDICTABLE. ON THE LAST CAR TRIP THE AIRBAG REMAINED OFF FOR OUR 4 HOUR DRIVE EVEN THOUGH I TRIED VARIOUS POSITIONS. IT SCARES ME TO THINK THAT THE AIRBAG IS PROBABLY NOT GOING TO WORK IF WE ARE EVER INVOLVED IN A CRASH. WE HAVE BROUGHT THE CAR INTO THE DEALER AND THEY SAY THE AIRBAG IS WORKING PROPERLY. *TR
Steering, Air bags, Other or unspecified, Apr 16, 2014, crash
WAS DRIVING ON WHAT APPEARED TO BE A CLEAR, CLEAN ROAD AT ABOUT 8 AM THE DAY AFTER A SNOWSTORM. MY CAR STARTED SKIDDING OFF TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY, WHEN TRYING TO TURN WHEEL TOWARDS THE LEFT TO STRAIGHTEN THE CAR OUT, THE CAR THEN STARTED SPINNING AROUND 360 DEGREES A FEW TIMES UNTIL THE CAR THEN ROLLED OVER TO THE LEFT DOWN THE 100 FOOT DITCH ABOUT 3 OR 4 ROLLS BEFORE STOPPING. THE DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG NEVER DEPLOYED DESPITE SEVERE FRONTAL AND SIDE DAMAGE. THE CAR WAS TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. I STILL HAVE NO EXPLANATION AS TO WHY THIS ALL HAPPENED. IN SEARCHING THE INTERNET FOR ANSWERS, I FOUND 2 RECALLS ONE DATED 6/24/2010 WHICH COULD INVOLVE THE AIRBAG, AND ONE DATED 5/11/2010 WHICH INVOLVED THE CVT COOLER HOSE LEADING TO A CRASH. IF SOMETHING FAILED IN THE CAR LEADING TO MY CRASH, I HAVE THE RIGHT TO KNOW. I HAVE SOME INJURIES AND AM STILL NOT BACK TO WORK. ARE THERE ANY OTHER CASES SIMILAR TO MINE? *TT
Air bags, Structure, Engine, Jan 5, 2013, crash
TRAVELING ON ICY ROAD APPROX. 20MPH OR LESS IN 2010 OUTBACK 3.6 LTD. VERY ACCUSTOMED TO DRIVING SEVERE MOUNTAIN WINTER CONDITIONS & 8TH SUBARU AMONG FAMILY MEMBERS. SEATBELT, SHOULDER RESTRAINT IN PLACE ON DRIVER. ONCOMING DRIVER IN MID-SIZE TO LARGE TRUCK LOST CONTROL AT HIGH SPEED, CROSSED CENTER LINE AND IMPACTED SUBARU HEAD-ON, OFFSET TO LEFT SIDE OF OUTBACK & 2010 OUTBACK WAS TOTALED. SUBARU AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. IMPACT INTO FRONT LEFT SIDE, CRUMPLED HOOD UP TO WINDSHIELD, WHICH SHATTERED. HIS HOOD WAS INSIDE SUBARU ENGINE COMPARTMENT, REMAINED UNDER SUBARU HOOD ALONG WITH OTHER PARTS OF HIS VEHICLE AFTER VEHICLES WERE TOWED. SUBARU RADIATOR WAS PUSHED IN AT APPROX 45 DEGREE ANGLE, LEFT WHEEL BENT INWARDS, LEFT FRONT BUMPER GONE BACK TO TIRE AND MUCH MORE DAMAGE. HIS AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AND SUBARU'S DID NOT. SUBARU DRIVER HIT HEAD, KNEES, SHINS ON INTERIOR PARTS OF SUBARU: BLACK EYE, FOREHEAD HEMATOMA, INDENTATION & SCRAPED, KNEES/SHINS BRUISED AND SCRAPED PLUS BACK/NECK PLUS MORE SCRAPES/BRUISES AND CONCUSSION. THANKFUL THAT HIS TRUCK STOPPED UP AGAINST DRIVER SIDE DOORPOST AND DIDN'T ENCROACH INTO DRIVER COMPARTMENT BUT UNBELIEVABLE THAT SUBARU AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. 5'6" & APPROX. 135 POUNDS. FIRST OF OUR SUBARUS TO BE IN A CRASH AND HAD NO IDEA AIRBAGS WOULDN'T DEPLOY. *TR
Air bags, Sep 15, 2012
THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG OF OUR 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK WILL INTERMITTENTLY TURN OFF WHEN THERE IS AN ADULT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. WE'VE BROUGHT THE CAR TO TWO SUBARU DEALERS AND THEY BOTH HAVE TOLD US THERE'S NOTHING THEY CAN DO UNLESS THE SYSTEM IS BROKEN WHEN WE BRING THE CAR TO THE SHOP BECAUSE THE CAR DOESN'T SHOW A FAULT CODE. *TR
Air bags, Sep 8, 2012, crash
I WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION, TRAVELING AT 40 MPH AND THE VEHICLES AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. *TR
Air bags, Feb 28, 2012
THE 'FRONT PASSENGER'S FRONTAL AIRBAG OFF INDICATOR' REMAINS ILLUMINATED WHILE MY WIFE (WHO WEIGHS MORE THAN 100 POUNDS) RIDES IN THIS SEAT. (I.E., THE AIRBAG IS NOT ARMED.) AT BEST, THE INDICATOR (AND THE AIR BAG) IS INTERMITTENT, GOING ON AND OFF WHILE WE DRIVE. DEALER HAS REPEATEDLY TESTED THE AIR BAG SENSOR SYSTEM AND STATES IT'S WORKING WITHIN SPECIFICATION. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE THAT SEEMS TO BE DUE TO A FAULTY DESIGN, NOT A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. *TR
Air bags, Nov 29, 2011
ALMOST EVERY TIME I SIT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT THE AIRBAG SENSOR DOES NOT COME ON AT FIRST. I AM A 5'2", 120LB WOMAN. I HAVE TO WIGGLE AND SET ON ONE CHEEK JUST RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SEAT, SOMETIMES LIFT MYSELF UP AND THEN SIT BACK DOWN AGAIN TO GET THE PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR TO SHOW ON. WHEN THIS HAPPENS THERE IS NOTHING UNDER THE PASSENGER SEAT AS THE DEALERSHIP HAS BLAMED IT ON THAT. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAS RE-CALIBRATED THE SENSOR BUT I STILL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. HEAVIER PEOPLE DO NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM. *KB
Air bags, Dec 3, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT ACTIVATE WHEN SOMEONE WAS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TWICE BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THE SEATS WERE SET TO ACTIVATE THE AIR BAGS AT 125 LBS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200.
Air bags, Aug 19, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE WHEN THE SEAT WAS OCCUPIED. THE DEALER MADE REPAIRS TO THE AIR BAG COMPONENT AND THE BOTTOM OF THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,700 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 3,500.
Air bags, Aug 12, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR OPERATED NORMALLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE HAD OCCURRED SINCE THE PURCHASE DATE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNAVAILABLE.
Air bags, Aug 11, 2010
THE INCIDENT INVOLVES A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK AND DEALS WITH SRS AIRBAG SYSTEM. WE WILL BE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WITH A PERSON IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AND THE PASSENGER AIRBAG IS ON. THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE PASSENGER AIRBAG WILL SHUT OFF. THEN THE SRS AIRBAG SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASH WILL COME ON. READING THE OWNERS MANUAL THERE IS A MALFUNCTION IN THE AIRBAG SYSTEM AND IT MAY NOT FUNCTION CORRECTLY. WE ARE SUPPOSE TO TAKE IT TO A DEALER IMMEDIATELY BUT EVERYTIME IT HAS OCCURRED WE HAVE NOT BEEN CLOSE TO A DEALER OR THEY ARE CLOSED. WE HAVE OWNED THE CAR FOR 9 MONTHS AND IT HAS OCCURRED 5 OR 6 TIMES SO FAR. THE ISSUE HAS ALWAYS SEEMED TO GO AWAY WHEN IT IS SHUT OFF AND SETS OVERNIGHT. THE COMPUTER HAS NEVER RECORDED A ERROR CODE UNTIL THIS LAST TIME. THE ERROR CODE THAT THE DEALER RETRIEVED WAS CODE 29 ODS FAULT. THEY CHECKED OUT THE AIRBAG COMPONENTS AND SYSTEM AND EVERYTHING CHECKED OUT OK. THEY OPENED A CASE WITH THE TECH LINE AND ALL THEY SEEM TO WANT TO DO AT THIS TIME IS CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE SITUATION. I HAVE REPORTED THE PROBLEM AND MY CONCERNS WITH THE SAFETY OF THE CAR TO SUBARU CUSTOMER SERVICE SEVERAL TIMES AND IT IS BE HANDLED BY A SENIOR REP. MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT SUBARU SWITCHED FROM A WEIGHT SENSOR TO A GEL PACK IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. I AM AWARE OF ONE OTHER 2010 OUTBACK THAT HAS HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM BUT NOT SURE IF IT WAS RESOLVED YET OR NOT. *TR
Air bags, Jun 29, 2010
WE RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK FOR IT'S SAFETY RATING. MY WIFE HAS BEEN IN TWO BAD ACCIDENTS AND NEEDED A CAR SHE FEELS SAFE IN. WE PURCHASED THIS CAR IN MARCH AND RECENTLY NOTICED THAT WHEN I AM DRIVING AND SHE IS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT THAT THE AIRBAG INDICATOR GOES ON AND OFF. SHE WEIGHS 125 POUNDS AND IS 5'3" TALL. WE CONTACTED THE DEALER AND ARE GETTING THE RUN AROUND. THEY SAY THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. THEY TELL US THE SEAT BELT WORKS FINE AND NOT TO WORRY. I DIDN'T BUY THIS CAR FOR A SEAT BELT. I WANTED THE BEST SAFETY EQUIPMENT AND IF IT DOESN'T WORK, I DO NOT WANT THIS CAR. THIS NEEDS TO BE FIXED BEFORE A PASSENGER IS KILLED IN A WRECK. I WOULD RATHER THE AIRBAG IS ON ALL THE TIME. ON THE TOYOTA MY WIFE JUST WRECKED THERE WAS AN ON AND OFF SWITCH. *TR
Steering, Air bags, May 19, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE ALSO PULLED FROM LEFT TO THE RIGHT NO MATTER WHAT SPEED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG OFF LIGHT WAS ALWAYS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WAS AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT, AWAITING A RESPONSE FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THIS VISIT WOULD BE THE FOURTH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND HAD BEEN KEPT FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 10,000.
Air bags, May 19, 2010
LOW WEIGHT ADULT PASSENGERS (85 - 100 LBS) WILL NOT CAUSE THE PASSENGER AIRBAG TO ENGAGE. WARNING LIGHT DISPLAYS SHOWING AIRBAG IS DISABLED WHILE MY WIFE IS RIDING WITH ME. *TR
Air bags, May 17, 2010
2010 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5I PREMIUM, PURCHASED 3/23/10. WHEN MY WIFE, WHO WEIGHS 130 POUNDS, SITS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, MOST OF THE TIME THE AIRBAG LIGHT SAYS "OFF", ONLY OCCASIONALLY AND UNPREDICTABLY DOES IT SAY "ON". I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE SEVERAL TIMES. THE SENSOR WAS RECALIBRATED, AND THE SEAT BOTTOM WAS REPLACED. BOTH THE DEALERSHIP AND SUBARU OF AMERICA SAY THE SYSTEM IS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. I SAY I PAID FOR AN AIRBAG THAT WORKS AND I WANT AN AIRBAG THAT WORKS. *TR
Air bags, May 14, 2010
RE: SUBARU OUTBACK 2010. PASSENGER FRONT AIRBAG. MY WIFE IS 5'5' AND 108LB. THE PASSENGER FRONT AIRBAG IS "DEACTIVATED" OR "ACTIVATED" BASED ON THE WEIGHT OF THE FRONT PASSENGER. WHEN MY WIFE IS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, APPROXIMATELY 75% OF THE TIME, THE DASH INDICATES THE PASSENGER AIRBAG IS OFF, AND THIS IS IRREGARDLESS OF HER SITTING POSITION. I CALLED SUBARU DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID IT WAS WORKING PROPERLY AND NOTHING COULD BE DONE. THEN I CALLED SUBARU AMERICA AND THE REPRESENTATIVE SAID THAT IS LIKELY WORKING PROPERLY AND SHE IS NEAR THE CUT-OFF IN WEIGHT TO SET OFF THE AIRBAG. THE RECOMMEND I BRING IT TO THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP TO INSPECT THAT IT IS INFACT WORKING PROPERLY. MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT THE AIRBAG SHOULD BE DEPLOYED FOR ANY PERSON OVER 100LB AND 5'0'. SUBARU WOULD NOT RELEASE THE INFORMATION TO WHAT THEY SET THE AIRBAG WEIGHT LIMIT FOR ACTIVATION. THEY SAID THAT IF THE INSPECTION SHOWS THE SYSTEM IS WORKING PROPERLY THAT NOTHING FURTHER CAN BE DONE. 1) WHAT IS THE WEIGHT LIMIT RECOMMENDED FOR PASSENGER AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT? 2) IS SUBARU COMPLAINT WITH THIS SAFETY STANDARD? *TR
Air bags, Apr 29, 2010
MY WIFE AND I OWN A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DOES NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY OR HAS A FAULTY DESIGN. THE WEIGHT SENSOR IS SUPPOSED TO TURN ON THE AIR BAG WHEN ANYONE OVER 100 POUNDS SITS IN THE SEAT. MY WIFE WEIGHS 130 POUNDS. THE AIR BAG DOES NOT BECOME ACTIVE MORE THAN 50% OF THE TIME WHEN SHE IS SITTING IN THE SEAT. SUBARU TELLS US THAT THE SENSOR IS FUNCTIONING PROPERLY AND IS CALIBRATED CORRECTLY, YET MY WIFE CONTINUES TO BE UNPROTECTED MORE THAN HALF OF THE TIME. THEY OFFER NO RESOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM OTHER THAN RECOMMENDING THAT SHE SIT UPRIGHT IN THE SEAT. THE 2010 OUTBACK IS ALL NEW THIS YEAR AND I BELIEVE THAT THIS AIR BAG DESIGN IS A FLAW WITH CATASTROPHIC POTENTIAL. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY RISK FOR PEOPLE IN OR NEAR THIS WEIGHT RANGE. THE AIR BAG IS SUPPOSED TO COME ON FOR ANYONE OVER 100 POUNDS, BUT IN REALITY ISN'T RELIABLY ENGAGING UNLESS YOU ARE ABOUT 150 POUNDS OR MORE. OUR LOCAL DEALER HAS ADMITTED TO SEVERAL COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME ISSUE. THE INTERNET ALSO REVEALS OTHERS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. SUBARU NEEDS TO INVESTIGATE THE PROBLEM AND PROBABLY INITIATE A RECALL IN ORDER TO REPLACE THE SENSOR THRESHOLD WITH A LOWER WEIGHT LIMIT SO AVERAGE SIZE PEOPLE WILL BE PROTECTED. THIS TOP SAFETY PICK VEHICLE HAS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Air bags, Apr 3, 2010
NO INJURIES OR ACCIDENTS BUT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG DOES NOT STAY ACTIVATED CONSISTENTLY IN MY 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK WHEN A FEMALE ADULXT PASSENGER WEIGHING APPROX 125 LBS SITS IN IT. I WAS TOLD BY SUBARU MECHANIC THAT THERE HAVE BEEN PROBLEMS WITH THIS SENSOR BUT THERE ARE NO RESET SPECS OR RECALL FOR THE SEAT FROM CORPORATE YET.
Air bags, Feb 19, 2010
I HAVE A NEW 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK THAT SEEMS TO BE A FINE AUTOMOBILE EXCEPT FOR ONE SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT. WE NOTICED SOON AFTER STARTING TO DRIVE THE OUTBACK THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT SHOWED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG STAYS OFF WHEN MY 140-POUND WIFE OR 135-POUND DAUGHTER RIDE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. WE TOOK IT TO A DEALER WHO SAID THERE IS NO ADJUSTMENT THAT CAN BE MADE, BUT THEY RE-CALIBRATED THE AIRBAG ELECTRONICS TO SEE IF THAT HELPED. IT DID NOT. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE SAME DEALER A COUPLE OF WEEKS LATER AND WAS AGAIN TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THAT COULD BE DONE TO MAKE THE PASSENGER AIRBAG WORK PROPERLY AND THAT THEY HAVE SEVERAL OF THE NEW OUTBACKS IN FOR THE SAME PROBLEM AND NOTHING CAN BE DONE TO FIX IT. JUST AS A TEST I TOOK MY WIFE OUT TO THE LOT AND HAD HER SIT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT OF ANOTHER OUTBACK TO SEE IF THAT ONE WORKED. IT DID NOT . I CONCLUDE THAT THERE IS A DESIGN FLAW IN THE AIRBAG SENSORS IN THE NEW OUTBACKS THAT KEEP THE PASSENGER AIRBAGS FROM TURNING ON WHEN 135 TO 140-POUND ADULTS SIT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. *TR