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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 360

Of the 2010 reports, 12 involved a crash and 3 involved a fire. 8 people were injured.

Primary concernPower train94 reports · 26% of complaints
Owner complaints360Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship18 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Power train94
  2. Air bags44
  3. Engine44
  4. Steering41
  5. Service brakes38
  6. Exterior lighting35
  7. Electrical system33
  8. Suspension26

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. 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

  13. 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

  14. 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

  15. 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

  16. 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

  17. 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

  18. 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: engine

67 reports, newest first. Show all

  1. Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Mar 12, 2026

    This car is a very well-maintained, low-use vehicle with regular oil changes and routine maintenance performed on schedule. Early in this drive, I noticed an unusual hissing sound as I approached a stop. When I tried to brake, I realized my brakes didn't seem to be responding. I pressed the brake pedal harder and realized that with 50-100 pounds of pressure (guess), I could slow the car down. As I came to a stop, the engine died. I restarted the car, and it died again immediately. After the following restart, I realized I could manually keep the RPM up in neutral while at stops, and press with significant force to get the car to stop. Had I not been comfortable two foot driving or understood the issue, this surely would have resulted in a crash of some sort. The car indicated a check engine light, loss of traction control, a flashing BRAKE light, and a flashing cruise control light. I took the car immediately to a local shop where they identified the problem as a vacuum leak at the brake booster. The plastic piece that the hose clamps onto had cracked off, leading to this problem. This make and model does not seem to have a check valve downstream of this component.

  2. Engine, Sep 9, 2024

    I see many many complaints about the head gasket material Subaru used was not compatible with the very fluid that is needed for the cars engine to not blow up.....coolant. Subaru knows the head gasket material is ruined by the coolant it needs but has left us consumers to deal with a very costly, devastating issue such as what I just want through and am still in the middle of a fight with dealer who sold me a car for 10995 and I had it 2 weeks....coolant blew everywhere had to fight with dealership to get them to tow it. I was yelled at, hung up on, calls not returned all while I have no car no way to work and as a [XXX] and a child to raise, I do not have options and live by a thread and paycheck to paycheck.....It should not be allowed that Subaru doesn't fix that since it is a manufacturing defect that they made it incompatible with the coolant it needs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

  3. Power train, Engine, Feb 3, 2024

    Vehicle has an automatic transmission and it stalls when stopping. There is no warning light on the dash. This happens more frequently when the vehicle is warm, in early operation it may only hesitate or run rough while stopping. A warm a stop is more likely to stall the vehicle than a slow stop. Hard braking at operating temperature will stall the vehicle without fail. This has been happening since I bought it and it occurs with each drive every day.

  4. Engine, May 24, 2023

    All instrument and waning lights illuminated and the engine shut down while driving. Took to the Subaru dealer repair shop and the vehicle was diagnosed with a head gasket leak that caused oil to mix with the coolant. This is a low mileage vehicle, 67,597 miles, that has been maintained by Subaru certified mechanics.

  5. Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 5, 2021

    Total engine failure at just 75k miles. Barely driven, maintenance schedule always kept up to date, out of nowhere engine stopped and I was told the oil was completely empty. They were unable to resolve by adding oil. Also, transmission light has been on for 3+ years. Have been told by every repair shop who has checked this that it’s just a glitch in the electrical system and the transmission is fine. A few weeks prior to engine failure, the car began to have trouble accelerating and made a sort of “race car” sound. Barely could go past 40 mph without slamming on gas. Finally, doors have randomly decided to stop locking and unlocking while using key fob. Batteries have been replaced. Some doors work, some do not (namely, the driver side door). Other misc electrical issues like USB failure.

  6. Engine, Apr 20, 2021

    MY VEHICLE STALLS WHEN I SLOW DOWN FOR A STOP SIGN OR TRAFFIC LIGHT. IT'S BEEN OCCURRING FOR MONTHS.

  7. Suspension, Engine, Feb 9, 2021

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE CONTROL ARM AND ECM HAD MALFUNCTIONED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING A CONTROL ARM AND ECM TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AS OF YET. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 268,000.

  8. Engine, Oct 26, 2020

    FAILED HEAD GASKET. THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE FAILED AT AROUND 112K. THIS IS A 2.5 LITRE 4 CYLINDER ENGINE. ENGINE STARTED TO OVERHEAT. I BELIEVE THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR.

  9. Engine, Sep 21, 2020

    CAR ENGINE STOPS UNEXPECTEDLY FOR NO REASON WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, CAUSING THE STEERING TO LOCK UP. THIS HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES IN THE LAST FIVE DAYS. ONE TIME NEARLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT.

  10. Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 16, 2019

    MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE - VEHICLE HAS STARTED STALLING WHEN COMING TO A STOP OR SLOWING DOWN WHILE STARTING TO TURN. THIS HAS ALMOST CAUSED SEVERAL ACCIDENTS FOR MY WIFE TURNING OUT ONTO THE HIGHWAY. I WAS TOLD BY A SUBARU MECHANIC THAT SUBARU ISSUED A RECALL, BUT I CAN'T FIND IT. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR ABOUT 2 MONTHS NOW.

  11. Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 6, 2019

    MY COOLING SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK CORRECTLY, WE HAVE CHANGED THE RADIATOR TWICE AND THE THERMOSTAT TWICE. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO SUBARU OF CHERRY HILL AND ALSO TO SUBARU OF JAX WHERE MY FATHER IN LAW IS A SENIOR MASTER TECH. MY CAR HAS EVERYONE BAFFLED. EVERYTHING IN MY COOLING SYSTEM BACKS UP INTO MY OVERFLOW AND THAN I LOSE ALL MY COOLANT. I SEE THERE WAS A RECALL IN 2010 FOR MY YEAR OUTBACK MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JULY 31 TO DEC 2009 AND MY CAR FALLS IN THOSE DATE RANGES BUT WAS NEVER INCLUDING IN THIS COOLING SYSTEM RECALL. I HAVE CONTACTED SUBARU OF AMERICA AND THEY SAID THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO FOR ME. THE ISSUE ONLY HAPPENS WHEN DRIVING ON BOTH CITY STREETS AND HIGHWAYS. BC OF THE ISSUE MY CAR HAS JUST SHUT DOWN ON ME LUCKILY IT WAS WHEN I WAS PULLING INTO PARKING LOTS AND NOT HIGHWAYS.

  12. Power train, Engine, Jul 15, 2019

    MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE - VEHICLE HAS STARTED STALLING WHEN COMING TO A STOP OR STARTING TO TURN. THIS HAS ALMOST CAUSED SEVERAL ACCIDENTS TURNING OUT ONTO THE HIGHWAY. SUBARU ISSUED A RECALL, BUT MY CAR IS NOT COVERED DUE TO MILEAGE, WHICH IS PROBLEMATIC.

  13. Engine, Apr 11, 2019

    THE CVT TRANSMISSION IS NOT OPERATING PROPERLY. THE CAR STALLS JUST PRIOR TO COMING TO A STOP. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS IN TRAFFIC. THIS IS A KNOW PROBLEM BY SUBARU TO THE POINT THAT THEY ISSUED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. THE PROBLEM IS THAT IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO FIND ANY SUBARU DEALER WHO WILL PROPERLY DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM TO ALLOW FOR WARRANTY COVERAGE. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL GIVEN THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES REPORTING THIS PROBLEM AND THE UNSAFE CONDITION THAT IS CREATED.

  14. Service brakes, Engine, Apr 7, 2019

    WHEN COMING TO A STOP ON ANY ROAD THE VEHICLE STALLS, UPHILL OR DOWNHILL. THE CAR THEN NEEDS TO BE RESTARTED AFTER PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN PARK THEN TURNING THE KEY TO RESTART, AS VEHICLES ARE COMING QUICKLY FROM BEHIND. THIS COULD BE A POTENTIALLY DEADLY VEHICLE FAILURE AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND RECALLED. IT STARTED ABOUT A WEEK AGO AND CONTINUES TO HAPPEN.

  15. Power train, Exterior lighting, Engine, Mar 16, 2019

    MY VEHICLE HEAD LIGHTS HAVE BURNT OUT AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR SINCE I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR. THE ENGINE HAS BEGAN STALLING WHEN I COME TO A FULL STOP. IT IS EQUIPPED WITH A CVT AND IT FEELS LIKE COMING TO A STOP IN A MANUAL TRANSMISSION WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE CLUTCH. IF I LET OFF THE BRAKE QUICKLY IT WILL CONTINUE IDLING BUT COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP KILLS THE ENGINE. I GUESS SUBARU HAS ISSUED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY BUT I NEVER RECIEVED THE NOTIFICATION AND MY VEHICLE IS PAST THE MILEAGE FOR THE WARRANTY ANYWAY.

  16. Engine, Jan 28, 2019

    DURING BRAKING, THE CAR OFTEN SHUTTERS AS IF IT IS GOING TO STALL, AND SEVERAL TIMES HAS STALLED COMPLETELY WHEN COMING TO A STOP. THIS OCCURS ESPECIALLY IF BRAKING HARD. THIS OCCURS ONLY WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION AND BEING BROUGHT TO A STOP. HOWEVER, WHEN IDLING, THE CAR OFTEN WILL SHUDDER AS WELL.

  17. Power train, Engine, Jan 9, 2019

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED BACK AND FORTH. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE ENGINE REVVED, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT MOVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 114,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

  18. Service brakes, Engine, Dec 7, 2018

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AND DRIVE NORMALLY, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED HERITAGE SUBARU CATONSVILLE AT (844) 224-1954 (LOCATED AT 6624 BALTIMORE NATIONAL PIKE, CATONSVILLE, MD 21228) AND WAS INFORMED TO SCHEDULE A DIAGNOSTIC APPOINTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,204. *DT CONSUMER STATED DEALER FIXED THE TRANSMISSION.*JB

  19. Engine, Oct 25, 2018

    FROM 2010 - 2014, SUBARU REMOVED ENGINE TEMP. GUAGE FROM DASH SO THERE IS NO WAY TO MONITOR HIGH NORMAL TEMPS OF ENGINE. AT ONLY 93,770 MILES, MY 2010 OUTBACK 2.5L DASH COOLANT LIGHT FLICKERED ON A SLIGHT DOWNHILL. I HAD NEVER HAD AN ENGINE OR TRANSMISSION ISSUE WITH THIS CAR IN OVER 8 YEARS! TURNS OUT COOLANT WAS LOW DUE TO IT OVERHEATING AND BOILING OUT. TURNS OUT IT WAS THE BEGINNING OF A HEAD GASKET FAILURE! I COULD HAVE ENDED UP STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF A HILLY ROAD, WITH A BLOWN ENGINE! SUBARU HAS NOT FIXED THEIR CHRONIC HG FAILURE ISSUE!!! TO VERIFY/REPLICATE THE OVERHEATING, I TURNED ON THE A/C AND TOOK A 20 MILE OUT AND BACK ON A HILLY PORTION OF THE 5 FWY IN NORTHERN CA AT THEBEND OF SUMMER, 2018.

  20. Engine, May 16, 2018

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO OVERHEAT AND THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS FUEL LEAKING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VIC BAILEY MAZDA SUBARU (400 E DANIEL MORGAN AVE, SPARTANBURG, SC 29302, (864) 568-3338) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEAD GASKET WAS LEAKING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 220,000.

  21. Exterior lighting, Engine, Apr 30, 2018

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS SUDDENLY FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT BULBS HAD BEEN REPLACED ON SIX SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (ULTIMATE AUTOMOTIVE SUBARU, 5150 JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY, FREDERICKSBURG, VA) AND WAS REPAIRED PER THE MANUFACTURER'S CUSTOMER SATISFACTORY EXTENDED WARRANTY PROGRAM. THE DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHEN MAKING AN ABRUPT STOP AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY TURN OFF. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME DEALER ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.

  22. Engine, Mar 6, 2018

    WHEN MY I BRAKE MY VEHICLE TO A COMPLETE STOP AT RED LIGHTS, INTERSECTIONS, ETC THE ENGINE STALLS, WHICH MAKES ME HAVE TO PUT IT BACK IN PARK AND RESTART THE ENGINE. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME I STOP MY VEHICLE.

  23. Vehicle speed control, Engine, Feb 12, 2018

    GAS PEDAL GOES LIMP AND/OR WORKS INCONSISTENTLY/ERRATICALLY; THIS CAUSES THE CAR TO BECOME UNRESPONSIVE, CREATING POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE AT STOPLIGHTS/INTERSECTIONS, ON HIGHWAY, ISSUE MANIFESTS AS ACCELERATING IRREGULARLY AND LURCHING FORWARD UNPREDICTABLY; HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AT SPEED ON A HIGHWAY, WHILE STATIONARY AT STOPLIGHT, IN MOTION ON CITY STREETS, ETC.

  24. Power train, Engine, Dec 14, 2017

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WHILE APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND REVERSE OUT OF TRAFFIC. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER (JOHN HOWARD SUBARU, 1730 MILEGROUND RD, MORGANTOWN, WV 26505) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD BE REPAIRED UNDER THE WARRANTY EXTENSION. THE NEXT DAY, THE DEALER CALLED AND STATED THAT SINCE THE VEHICLE HAD A NEW TITLE, IT NO LONGER COULD BE REPAIRED UNDER THE WARRANTY EXTENSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AT 1-800-782-2783 AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. *TT UPDATED 8/22/18*JB

  25. Power train, Engine, Oct 16, 2017

    OCCASIONALLY THE 2.5 L ENGINE WITH CVT WILL APPEAR TO ALMOST STALL UPON DECELERATING AND COMING TO A STOP (AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, STOP SIGN, ETC.). THE ENGINE WILL SHUDDER, THE RPMS WILL DROP BELOW 700 AND THEN QUICKLY RETURN TO NORMAL IDLE (ABOUT 800 OR SO). HAVE NOT YET EXPERIENCED A STALL BUT HAVE COME CLOSE. OUR CAR HAS ABOUT 87000 MILES AND IS OTHERWISE IN GOOD CONDITION. OUR MECHANIC HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THIS IS AN INTERMITTENT ISSUE, IT CANNOT BE DUPLICATED AND THERE ARE NO CODES. OTHER SIMILAR POSTS HAVE INDICATED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTOR MAY BE THE CULPRIT. CONSIDERING THE QUANTITY OF POSTS, AN INVESTIGATION SHOULD BE UNDERTAKEN. STALLING CAN BE A SAFETY PROBLEM.