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: engine
67 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Oct 3, 2017
CAR STALLS ON THE ROAD WHEN YOU COME TO A SUDDEN STOP. THIS PROBLEM IS CONCERNING THE TORQUE CONVERTER AND THIS IS A HAZARDOUS PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A RECALL FOR THESE TYPE OF MODEL CARS.
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Jun 7, 2017
SOFTWARE UPDATE REQUIRED THAT IS NOT COVER BY RECALL. IF NOT UPDATED, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, BRAKE LIGHT, TRACTION CONTROL, AND CRUSE LIGHT BLINK.
Engine, Apr 30, 2017
CAR FEELS LIKE IT'S GOING TO STALL OUT AT A STOP. THIS BEEN OCCURRING NOW FOR A YEAR. THE PROBLEM IS GETTING WORSE. WHEN TO SUBARU, AND, BECAUSE IT DIDN'T HAPPEN WHEN THEY WERE DRIVING THE CAR, THE DIDN'T DO ANYTHING. MY MECHANIC SAYS HE IS SEEING THIS PROBLEM A LOT WITH THIS CAR, AND IT'S A TORQUE CONVERTOR ISSUE. IT'S SCARY AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS.
Engine, Feb 27, 2017
FAULTY TORQUE CONVERTER CAUSING CAR TO STALL AT INTERSECTIONS AND APPLYING THE BRAKES.
Engine, Feb 7, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BE REPAIRED AT THE DEALER. THE SPARK PLUGS WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000. UPDATED 04/05/17 LJ *CN
Power train, Engine, Jan 26, 2017
2010 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5L CVT AUTOMATIC 126,000 MILES. CAR WILL UNEXPECTEDLY SHUDDER THEN ENGINE WILL QUIT AT LOW RPMS EITHER COMING TO A STOP OR UPON INITIAL ACCELERATION FROM A STOP. SYMPTOMS MIMIC A MANUAL TRANSMISSION CLUTCH SLIPPING/STALLING. ENGINE OPERATING TEMPERATURE HAS NO EFFECT, NOR VEHICLE TURNING, OR VARYING ELECTRICAL LOADS. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION AS IT CAN HAPPEN WHEN PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC OR IN HEAVY TRAFFIC (FOR EXAMPLE) AND IT HAPPENS REPEATEDLY, UNEXPECTEDLY AND RANDOMLY. I URGE THE NHTSA IN THE STRONGEST POSSIBLE TERMS TO ISSUE MANDATORY RECALL AND REPAIR ORDER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO PREVENT LOSS OF LIFE AND SERIOUS INJURY. I AM AWARE OF MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS OF THIS PROBLEM. SUBARU HAS ISSUED TSB 16-90-13 WHICH ADDRESSES FAULTY PART REPLACEMENT IN TRANSMISSION TORQUE CONVERTER WITH A NEWLY REDESIGNED PART. HOWEVER, TO MY KNOWLEDGE, OWNERS ARE NOT BEING NOTIFIED OF THIS SERIOUS SAFETY SITUATION, NOR IS SUBURU REPLACING THE PART FREE OF CHARGE IF THE DRIVETRAIN WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED.I HAVE BEEN QUOTED $1200-$ 2000 DOLLARS FOR REPAIRS BY SUBARU. IT IS MY CONCERN THAT SINCE THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT AND EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR, EVEN IF THE OWNERS ARE NOTIFIED BY A VOLUNTARY TSB, THEY MAY NOT GO TO THE EXPENSE TO HAVE IT REPAIRED, RESULTING IN POTENTIAL LOSS OF LIFE AND INJURIES. THIS NEEDS TO BE A MANDATORY RECALL. AS AN ASIDE, I AM AN AIRLINE CAPTAIN AND A FAA CERTIFIED MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN WITH OVER 40 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN MAINTENANCE RELATED SAFETY ISSUES, AND IT IS MY OPINION THAT THIS SITUATION REQUIRES URGENT ACTION ON BEHALF OF NHTSA AND SUBARU. THANK YOU *TR
Engine, Jan 3, 2017
DRIVING AND COMING TO A STOP. AT STOP AND ENGINE IDLING, THE ENGINE MISFIRES (STUMBLES) ON OCCASION. IT FEELS AS THOUGH THE ENGINE WILL DIE, BUT THEN IDLES NORMALLY. THIS IS INTERMITTENT AND NO ENGINE LIGHT OR FAULT CODE COMES UP. DEALER UNABLE TO CORRECT BECAUSE THIS HAS NOT HAPPENED WHEN THE CAR IS TAKEN IN FOR SERVICE. I AM AFRAID THE CAR WILL STALL IN TRAFFIC. THIS HAS OCCURRED OVER THE LAST 3-4 YEARS
Engine, Dec 20, 2016
OVER HEATING MAYBE HEAD GASKET PROBLEM
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Nov 8, 2016
CAR SHUDDERS AND SOUNDS LIKE ENGINE WILL DIE WHEN COMING TO COMPLETE STOP. IF THIS WERE A MANUAL TRANSMISSION, FEELS AS IF CLUTCH SHOULD BE PUSHED IN. PROBLEM OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY. COLD OR HOT ENGINE. PROBLEM BECAME NOTICEABLE AROUND 58,000-60,000 MILE.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 14, 2016
WE BOUGHT OUR CAR IN 2010 ITS A SUBARU OUTBACK. THERE HAS ALWAYS BEEN AN ISSUE WITH A LOSS OF POWER. THE DEALERSHIP AT THE TIME SAID IT WAS CAUSED BY EXCESSIVE CARBON BUILD UP ON THE PISTONS. ITS NOW 2016 AND THE CAR WILL STUTTER AND SHUT OFF WHEN YOU ARE BRAKING AT RED LIGHTS. TO TRY TO BEAT THE STUTTER AND STALL, I FIND MYSELF HAVING TO EASE OFF THE BRAKES AND TRY TO REAPPLY MY BRAKES TO SEE IF IT WON'T SHUT OFF. I'VE AVOID MANY ACCIDENTS BUT ONE OF THESE DAYS I WON'T BE SO LUCKY. I FEEL A REAR END ACCIDENT IS COMING. THIS STUTTER AND STALL HAPPENS ANY TIME DURING THE DAY AND IN ANY WEATHER. THIS MORNING THERE WAS NO ISSUE, THIS AFTERNOON THERE MIGHT BE. USUALLY ONCE THE CAR STUTTERS AND STALLS THE PROBLEM GOES AWAY FOR THE DAY. I READ SOME OTHER COMPLAINTS ON NHSTA AND THEY ARE REPORTING THEIR SIMILAR ISSUE AS IT BEING A POSSIBLE TORQUE CONVERTER PROBLEM. I'M NOT SURE EITHER WAY SINCE MY MILEAGE PUTS ME OVER THE WARRANTY AND I DON'T WANT AN ACCIDENT TO DEAL WITH I WOULD LIKE TO SEE WHAT ARE OPTIONS TO GETTING THIS PROBLEM TAKEN CARE SINCE ITS BEEN DOING THIS SINCE 2010.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 14, 2016
WHEN DRIVING AND APPROACHING A TRAFFIC LIGHT THE CAR WILL BEGIN TO STUTTER AS IF THERE IS A CLOG IN THE SYSTEM. THEN IT WILL SHUT OFF. I CONTACTED SUBARU REGARDING THE ISSUE WHEN WE FIRST HAD THE CAR BECAUSE THERE WAS ALWAYS A LOSS OF POWER. OUR MODEL IS THE OUTBACK 2010. THEY INSPECTED AND SAID IT WAS A CARBON BUILD UP IN THE PISTONS THAT WOULD CAUSE THIS ISSUE. THERE HASN'T BEEN ANY RECALLS OR SUBARU NOTICES ABOUT THIS. NOW WHILE DRIVING AND COMING TO A STOP THE CAR JUST TURNS OFF. ON YOUR SITE NHSTA SOME OTHER CUSTOMERS HAVE BEEN SAYING THAT IT COULD ALSO BE A BAD TORQUE CONVERTER. EITHER WAY THIS ISSUE COULD CAUSE SERIOUS ACCIDENT IF NOT DEALT WITH. THE STUTTER AND SHUTTING OFF HAPPENS ANY TIME OF THE DAY AND COLD OR HOT WEATHER IT DOESN'T MATTER. SOME DAYS IT HAPPENS MORE OFTEN THE OTHERS AND USUALLY AFTER A FEW TIMES OF SHUTTING OFF THE PROBLEM DOES STOP FOR REMAINDER OF THE DAY.
Engine, Jan 12, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S TEMPERATURE GAUGE WAS ABNORMALLY HIGH AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND MORE COOLANT NEEDED TO BE ADDED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BOTH HEAD GASKETS HAD BLOWN, THE RADIATOR WAS CRACKED, AND THE WATER PUMP HAD MALFUNCTIONED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 72,000.
Engine, Oct 28, 2015
THE HEAD GASKETS NEED TO BE REPLACED AT 85,000. THE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN AND THE OVERHEAT LIGHT WENT ON. I PULLED OVER AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. TOOK THE CAR INTO SERVICE AND WAS TOLD THAT THE HEAD GASKETS NEED TO BE REPLACED, SHORT BLOCK REPLACED AND OTHER RELATED ENGINE PARTS. A HEAD GASKET ISSUE SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING AT 85K MILES ON ANY CAR, BUT ESPECIALLY A SUBARU WHOSE REPRESENTATION IS ABOUT DEPENDABILITY AND RUGGEDNESS.
Power train, Engine, Oct 24, 2015
CVT TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE PREDICTABLY STALLS WHILE IN MOTION APPROACHING A STOP ON CITY STREETS OR ON THE HIGHWAY. ELECTRIC SYSTEM REMAINS OPERATIONAL DURING AND AFTER STALLING INDICATING THAT THE ISSUE IS UNRELATED TO ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. MECHANIC BELIEVES ISSUE TO BE NOW-KNOWN AND WIDESPREAD FAULTY TORQUE CONVERTER. VEHICLE STALLING IN TRAFFIC HAS BECOME VERY DANGEROUS AND HAS NEARLY CAUSED SEVERAL ACCIDENTS.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Engine, Sep 18, 2014, crash
AS I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE WITH A FOOT TO GO, GOING LESS THAN 5 MPH, THE ENGINE SURGED AND THE CAR SUDDENLY LUNGED FORWARD, CLIMBED A 6 INCH CURB AND TRAVELED ABOUT 4 FEET AND HIT A WOODEN STAIRCASE OF A BUILDING. THE ENTIRE TIME MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. THIS ENTIRE EVENT TOOK LESS THAN A SECOND. *TR
Power train, Engine, Apr 2, 2013
AFTER DECELERATING TO APPROXIMATED 5-15 MPH AND THEN APPLYING THE ACCELERATOR THERE IS A 1-2 SECOND DELAY BEFORE THE VEHICLE BEGINS TO ACCELERATE. WHEN IT DOES IT TENDS TO BUCK OR ACCELERATE FASTER THAN INTENDED AS THE ACCELERATOR WAS DEPRESSED FURTHER AS THERE WAS NO ACCELERATION. DRIVING IN CITY TRAFFIC THAT HAS ALMOST RESULTED IN A ACCIDENT DOZENS OF TIMES. THERE HAVE BEEN TWO TSB'S ISSUED FOR THIS KNOWN PROBLEM ONE FOR THE ENGINE AND ONE FOR THE TRANSMISSION, NEITHER ONE OF WHICH HAS ADDRESSED THE ISSUE. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS WHO STATE THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND THAT THERE IS NO KNOWN FIX. THIS ISSUE OCCURS EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN AT THE ABOVE STATED SPEEDS. *TR
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
Engine, Sep 16, 2012
CAR STALLS UNEXPECTEDLY WHEN STOPPING/STOPPED. RANDOM OCCURRENCES. GAS TANK CAN BE FULL OR LOW, DOES NOT SEEM TO MATTER. IDLE MAY BE A BIT ROUGH RIGHT BEFORE IT QUITS RUNNING. OCCURS WHEN A/C IS ON OR OFF. HAVE TAKEN TO DEALER FOR SERVICE/EVALUATION, CANNOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. CAR HAS STARTED IMMEDIATELY AFTER OCCURRENCE *TR *JS
Engine, Jun 29, 2012
THE ENGINE STALLS WHILE AT A STOP OR COMING TO A STOP. THE RPMS SUDDENLY DROP AND THE ENGINE STOPS. CAR WILL RESTART AND OPERATE NORMALLY FOR A WHILE BUT THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN PERSISTENT AND IS OCCURRING MORE FREQUENTLY. THE DEALER COULD NOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO US. THE NEXT DAY, IT DID THE SAME THING. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION ESPECIALLY WHEN MAKING A TURN AND EXPERIENCING A STALL, LOSS OF POWER STEERING, AND ACCELERATION. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Jan 28, 2012
I BOUGHT MY OUTBACK IN MARCH 2010. I NOTICED MY DASH LIGHTS FLICKERING EARLY IN MY OWNERSHIP, BUT I THOUGHT THEY FLICKERED BECAUSE MAYBE I WENT INTO A SHADOW AND A SENSOR CAUSED THEM TO GO OFF AND ON. THE FEELING THE CAR IS GOING TO STALL HAS HAPPENED BEFORE, BUT IT WAS AND WOULD ONLY HAPPEN EVERY NOW AND AGAIN. ON A RECENT TRIP, JANUARY 8, 2012, IT DID IT EVERY TIME I SLOWED DOWN FOR 4 OR 5 TRAFFIC LIGHTS . THAT REALLY GOT MY ATTENTION. I THOUGHT MAYBE MY BRAKES WERE CATCHING SO I TOOK IT INTO MY DEALER ON JANUARY 12, 2010. THEY TOLD ME THE BRAKES WERE FINE. AFTER I THOUGHT ABOUT IT, I DECIDED THE "CATCHING FEELING" ACTUALLY FELT MORE LIKE L HAD NOT DEPRESSED A CLUTCH WHEN SLOWING DOWN AND THE CAR WAS GOING TO STALL. THE ONLY PROBLEM WITH THAT THEORY IS THAT I HAVE AN AUTOMATIC I SPOKE TO MY-SON IN-LAW ABOUT THE FEELING THAT THE ENGINE IS GOING TO STALL WHEN I SLOW DOWN AT A LIGHT. HE MENTIONED THAT HE HAD NOTICED THE FLICKERING LIGHTS LAST WINTER WHEN HE DROVE MY CAR. HE EXPLAINED TO ME THAT IT WAS NOT NORMAL FOR THE LIGHTS TO DO THAT. HE TOLD ME TO HAVE THE ALTERNATOR CHECKED OUT. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER ON JANUARY 27, 2012. THEY RAN THREE DIFFERENT DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND EVERYTHING CHECKED OUT FINE. I AM SO AFRAID THE CAR WILL CUT OUT ON ME AND I WILL LOSE CONTROL ON THE ROAD. I THOUGHT I WAS THE ONLY ONE HAVING THIS PROBLEM, BUT AFTER MY SON DID AN INTERNET SEARCH HE FOUND A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. FROM THE COMPLAINTS I READ MOST PEOPLE HAVE A MANUAL TRANSMISSION. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 18, 2011
CAR STALLS AFTER STOPPING AT A STOP SIGN AND HAS TO BE RESTARTED. *KB
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 21, 2010
WE BOUGHT A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION IN JULY 2010. IT HAS STALLED TWICE (ONCE IN SEPTEMBER AND ONCE IN OCTOBER) WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 25 MPH WITH THE CLUTCH DEPRESSED AND MAKING A LEFTHAND TURN INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. IN BOTH INSTANCES OF STALLING, THERE WAS A SLIGHT INCLINE IN THE HILL. SINCE I WAS TURNING INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC THIS WAS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. THE CAR STARTED UP IMMEDIATELY AFTER I PULLED TO SIDE OF ROAD. I AM BRINGING IN THIS CAR FOR SERVICE THIS UPCOMING WEEK. THE SUBARU DEALER I JUST SPOKE WITH SAID THAT THEY HAVE HAD TO SERVICE MULTIPLE CARS WITH THIS STALLING ISSUE FOR THE 2010 MODEL. THIS ISSUE IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND SUBARU NEEDS TO PROVIDE A COMPREHENSIVE FIX BEFORE PEOPLE ARE HURT OR DIE--PERHAPS SOME PEOPLE HAVE BEEN HURT ALREADY? *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 29, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, IT BEGAN TO SHAKE AND THEN STALLED. OTHER THAN THE SHAKING, THERE WAS NO PRIOR WARNING. THE DEALER REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THE PROBLEM TO BE RELATED TO THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 12,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 31, 2010
I HAVE A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK PZEV 6-SP MANUAL. THE ENGINE WILL SOMETIMES STALL (4 TIMES AND COUNTING, IN THE PAST 4 MONTHS) WHEN THE CLUTCH IS DEPRESSED TO SLOW DOWN FOR A STOP SIGN OR LIGHT. ALSO AT TIMES THE ENGINE WILL STUMBLE WHEN THE CLUTCH IS DEPRESSED FOR UPSHIFTS (NUMEROUS TIMES OVER THE MONTHS). THE PROBLEM IS AGGRAVATED WHEN THE A/C IS ON. THIS STALL PROBLEM CAN HAPPEN AT ANY SPEED, MOST NOTABLY AT 70KPH IN 4TH GEAR - SHIFTING TO NEUTRAL WHILE APPROACHING A RED LIGHT. THE ORANGE AND RED DASH LIGHTS WILL COME ON, STEERING AND BRAKING BECOME HEAVY, THE A/C SHUTS OFF WHILE THE FAN CONTINUES TO RUN AND A RESTART WITH THE KEY IS NECESSARY. THANK GOD THIS HAS NOT YET HAPPENED ON AN ON-RAMP OR OFF-RAMP. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 23, 2010
2010 SUBARU OUTBACK, 6 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION. THE CAR HAS STALLED APPROXIMATELY 6 TIMES WHILE STOPPING AT A STOP SIGN WITH BOTH CLUTCH AND BRAKE PRESSED TO GROUND. NOTIFIED DEALER. DEALER LOOKED AT CAR AND SAID THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE ISSUE AND DID NOT KNOW WHAT WAS WRONG WITH IT. SUGGESTED I WAS DOING SOMETHING WRONG TO MAKE IT STALL. *TR