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: exterior lighting
35 reports, newest first. Show all
Exterior lighting, Dec 26, 2022
This is not about my car, but instead many different cars. When a cars lights are set to it's parking lights or running lights position, often located on the turn signal stalk, at night it appears to the driver that their headlights are on, when in fact only the "parking lights are on in front. This is a problem, but not what I'm reporting. When in the parking light position (at night), it appears the headlights are on because there's some light out front AND the instrument cluster is lit up as well. Here's the defect in design, the brake lights are NOT on, completely dark at the rear of the vehicle, so drivers are driving on the highway thinking their headlights and brakes lights are on, when they're not. When the parking light position is active, it should include the brake lights. Can't imagine how many rear-enders are because of this design flaw. *The rotating light switch on turn signal stalks often get unknowingly rotated out of Auto or the headlight position when the turn signal is repeatedly used.
Exterior lighting, Apr 5, 2022
About three years ago; there was a recall for the headlights. Subaru did replace the headlights, but I have replaced the headlights two additional times since then. And I currently have a headlight out a marker light out. I also last year had all of my marker lights burn out.
Exterior lighting, Oct 21, 2020
I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE FOR ABOUT 4 YEARS NOW AND HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY HEADLIGHTS EVERY 2 TO 3 MONTHS.. SOMETHING IS DEFINITELY WRONG. MY HEADLIGHTS ALWAYS JUST GO OUT ESPECIALLY WHEN I'M DRIVING HOME MY HEADLIGHTS WILL JUST BURN OUT AND IT LEAVES ME TRYING TO NAVIGATE HOME IN THE DARK. WHEN I GO TO MY SUBARU DEALER THEY OFFER ME NO SOLUTION. I ASK IF THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH MY CAR THAT MAKES THIS HAPPEN AND THEY TELL ME NOTHING IS WRONG AND THEN CHARGE ME $60+ TO CHANGE THESE HEADLIGHT BULBS. THIS IS UNSAFE AND IT IS EXTREMELY COSTLY. ESPECIALLY SINCE THIS VEHICLE HAS TO BE PUT IN THE SHOP WHEN THE BULBS NEED TO BE CHANGED DUE TO THE WEIRD DESIGN THEY USED. THE DATE FOR THE INCIDENT HAPPENED IS ONLY THE MOST RECENT. THIS HAS HAPPENED EVERY 2 TO 3 MONTHS SINCE THE OWNERSHIP OF THE VEHICLE.
Exterior lighting, Apr 3, 2019
I HAVE HAD TO CHANGE BOTH PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS THREE TIMES WITHIN THE LAST THREE MONTHS. IT'S IS NOT THE LIGHTS THEMSELVES BUT THE VEHICLE. THIS IS COSTLY AS SO MUCH HAS TO BE REMOVED IN ORDER TO REPLACE THE LIGHTS. THIS IS GOING TO BE MY THIRD TIME REPLACING MY LIGHTS SINCE JANUARY.
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.
Exterior lighting, Dec 13, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN, THE LOW BEAM HEADLAMPS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SCHLOSSMANN SUBARU CITY OF MILWAUKEE (LOCATED AT 4640 S 27TH ST, MILWAUKEE, WI 53221, (414) 459-3677) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 148,000.
Exterior lighting, Sep 20, 2018
THE HEADLIGHTS ARE DIM AND DO NOT PROJECT A SAFE BEAM OF LIGHT. THIS ONLY AFFECTS THE NORMAL BEAM. THE HIGH BEAMS WORK WELL.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, May 29, 2018
MY HEADLIGHTS BOTH LOW BEAM AND HIGH GO OUT ON A MONTHLY BASIS. I HAVE A 2 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER AND LIVE IN THE MOUNTAINS OF LAKE TAHOE. THIS IS A NUISANCE AS WELL AS A CONSIDERABLE SAFETY HAZARD AND THE DEALERSHIP SEEMS TO THINK THERE IS NO ISSUE OTHER THAN CONTINUAL BAD BULBS. I AM CONSIDERING FILING A LAW SUIT AGAINST SUBA [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).' *PM
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.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Feb 28, 2018
IN MARCH 2013 AN AUTHORIZED SUBARU SERVICE DEPARTMENT NOTED THERE WAS A RECALL (49 CFR PART 573.6) FOR PUDDLE LIGHTS ON MY CAR AND ORDERED THE PARTS. THIS IS NOTED IN MY FILE AT THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THEY WERE GOING TO CALL ME WHEN THE PARTS CAME IN. THAT DID NOT HAPPEN. NOW MY PUDDLE LIGHTS HAVE FAILED AND THE SHORT MAKES IT SO MANY MORE FEATURES IN MY CAR DO NOT WORK (INTERIOR LIGHTS, GAUGES AND KEY FOB (CURRENTLY USE THE SAME FUSE). FOR SOME REASON MY VIN DOES NOT SHOW ON THE RECALL LOOK UP, BUT IT FITS THE VIN RANGE AS WELL AS MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR. IS IT POSSIBLE THAT SUBARU CAN SKIRT THE RECALL, IF THE PUDDLE LIGHTS WERE INSTALLED AT THE DEALERSHIP AT TIME OF PURCHASE AND NOT AT THE FACTORY (SAME PART, AUTHORIZED SERVICE DEPARTMENT, NEW CAR)? THIS APPEARS TO BE THE CASE.TO DATE, SUBARU USA HAS OFFERED TO PAY HALF THE COST THE REPAIR ($881) IN THE INTEREST OF 'CUSTOMER SATISFACTION' AND NOT PER THE RECALL (SR1-30211430901). MY LOCAL MICHAEL'S SUBARU IN BELLEVUE WASHINGTON (SERVICE ADVISOR [XXX]) HAS NOT OFFERED ANYTHING AND HAD MADE FEW EFFORTS, IF ANY, TO CONTACT ME WITH STATUS. I FEEL THE BELLEVUE SERVICE DEPARTMENT DROPPED THE BALL 5 YEARS AGO WHEN IT WOULD GAVE BEEN EASIER TO ADDRESS (NEW RECALL AND NEWER CAR - 67,000 MILES). THE PROBLEM WAS FIRST NOTED IN DECEMBER 2017 WHEN THE KEY FOB STOPPED WORKING. THAT WAS TRACKED TO A SHORT IN ONE OF THE PUDDLE LIGHTS. I AM TRYING TO UNDERSTAND IF THIS PART SHOULD BE COVERED BY A RECALL AND IF THIS MIGHT ALSO BE RELATED TO THE MAGNUSON-MOSS WARRANTY ACT EVEN THOUGH THUS A A RECALL. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Exterior lighting, Jun 4, 2017
I BOUGHT THIS VECHICLE NEW IN 2010. SINCE THAT TIME I HAVE HAD TO CHANGE THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS 4 TIMES ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND 5 TIMES ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. I CONSIDER THIS A SAFETY HAZARD AS IT TAKES ALMOST 1 1/2 HOURS TO CHANGE THE BULB. YOU MUST REMOVE THE WHEEL, THE WHEEL WELL, THEN THE WATER PROOF COVER, THE SMALL RETAINING BRACKET AND THEN DISCONNECT THE BULB ALL THROUGH AN OPENING ONLY A CHILD HAND COULD FIT THROUGH EASILY. I HAVE NEVER HAD BOTH LIGHTS GO OUT AT THE SAME TIME, HOWEVER, ON A DARK MOUNTAIN ROAD THIS COULD BE LIFE THREATENING. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED WAS ONLY 3 MONTHS AFTER ACQUIRING THE VEHICLE AND THE LAST TIME WAS 2 WEEKS AGO.
Exterior lighting, Jan 11, 2017
THE PASSENGER HEADLIGHT HAS WENT OUT AGAIN. THIS SEEMS TO HAPPEN EVERY THREE TO SIX MONTHS THAT EITHER THE DRIVERS SIDE OR PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT BLOWS OUT.
Exterior lighting, Nov 28, 2016
LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS HAVE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED 4 TIMES NOW (8 BULBS TOTAL). FIRST TIME, IT BLEW OUT ABOUT A YEAR AFTER PURCHASE. THEN THE SECOND 6 MONTHS AFTER THAT. THIRD TIME ABOUT A YEAR AGO AND THE FOURTH TIME THE HEADLIGHT FAILED WAS TODAY (NOVEMBER, 2016). ALSO MY REAR NIGHT TIME LIGHT ALSO BLEW OUT THIS PAST AUGUST, 2016. WORST PART IS THE DIFFICULTY OF REPLACING THE HEADLIGHTS. YOU HAVE TO REMOVE THE FRONT BUMPER TO GET TO THE HEADLIGHT COMPARTMENT WHICH JUST ADDS TO THE AGGRAVATION. SOMETHING LIKE HEADLIGHTS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A SAFETY FEATURE THAT NEEDS TO BE EASILY REPLACEABLE BY THE CAR OWNER. REGARDLESS OF THE DIFFICULTY IN REPLACING THE HEADLIGHTS, THESE LIGHTS SHOULD NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED AS FREQUENTLY AS WHAT I'M EXPERIENCING.
Exterior lighting, Apr 12, 2016
MY LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS LAST 3-6 MONTHS. I'VE REPLACED BOTH DRIVERS SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE FIVE TIMES IN THREE YEARS.
Exterior lighting, Mar 18, 2016
REPLACEMENT OF HEADLIGHT BULB REQUIRES REMOVAL OF WHEEL AND PARTIAL REMOVAL OF WHEEL WELL. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY DESIGN FLAW. HEADLIGHTS ARE OBVIOUSLY A KEY SAFETY FEATURE AND REPLACEMENT OF THE BULBS SHOULD NOT REQUIRE SERVICE AT AN AUTO REPAIR FACILITY. ONE BURNED OUT BULB RENDERS THE CAR UNUSABLE FOR NIGHT AND FOUL WEATHER DRIVING. THIS DESIGN FLAW NEEDS TO BE CORRECTED AND OWNERS SHOULD BE REIMBURSED FOR LABOR CHARGES INCURRED FOR REPLACEMENT OF BULBS.
Exterior lighting, Jan 2, 2016
REPLACEMENT OF HEADLIGHT BULBS REQUIRES REMOVAL OF FRONT WHEELS, WHEEL WELLS, AND BUMPERS. HEADLIGHTS ARE A KEY SAFETY FEATURE ON A VEHICLE. THEY SHOULD BE EASILY ACCESSIBLE FOR MAINTENANCE AND REPLACEMENT AT ANY TIME. AS DESIGNED, IF HEADLIGHTS FAIL WHILE TRAVELING AT NIGHT IT IS ESSENTIALLY IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE DRIVER TO REPLACE THEM TO SAFELY CONTINUE THE VOYAGE. THIS SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL AND DEALERS SHOULD REPLACE BULBS AT NO COST FOR SERVICE (PARTS ONLY).
Exterior lighting, Oct 29, 2015
REPLACING LOW BEAM HEADLAMP BULBS EVERY 15K MILES OR LESS ON THIS VEHICLE. 4TH BULB IN 3 YRS JUST BURNED OUT ON 10/28/15. OCCURS AT RANDOM TIMES - NO PATTERN. DISCONTINUED USING THE HEADLAMP AUTO ON/OFF FEATURE AND STILL NO IMPROVEMENT IN SITUATION. BECOMING A SAFETY ISSUE DUE TO PERIODS OF HAVING TO DRIVE WITH ONE HEADLIGHT. IMPOSSIBLE FOR TYPICAL OWNER TO REPLACE LOW BEAM BULBS ON THEIR OWN DUE TO DIFFICULTY OF ACCESSING HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY.
Exterior lighting, Aug 17, 2015
THE HEADLIGHTS, PARKING LIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS ARE CONSTANTLY GOING OUT ON THIS VEHICLE. THIS BEGAN SHORTLY AFTER I PURCHASED IT IN APRIL 2011 AS A BRAND NEW VEHICLE. SOME LIGHTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED FOUR OR MORE TIMES. SOME HAVE GONE OUT AGAIN A WEEK AFTER THEY ARE REPLACED.
Exterior lighting, Apr 20, 2015
I HAVE 2 CARS, A 2002 CHEV. IMPALA AND A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK. BOTH CARS HAVE AN AUTOMATIC ON HEADLIGHT FEATURE. THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH ON THE IMPALA IS ON THE DASHBOARD AND I HAVE NEVER TOUCHED IT IN THE 13 YEARS I HAVE THE CAR. IT WORKS PERFECTLY, WHEN THE LIGHT LEVEL IS LOW THE HEADLIGHTS COME ON. THE OUTBACK HAS THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH ON THE END OF THE TURN INDICATOR STALK. THE SWITCH HAS A NUMBER OF POSITIONS, THE FIRST 3 BEING HEADLIGHT AUTOMATIC ON, HEADLIGHT MANUAL ON AND PARKING LIGHTS ON. WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS ARE ON, EITHER ON THE AUTOMATIC ON OR HEADLIGHTS MANUAL ON POSITIONS AS WELL AS THE PARKING LIGHTS ON POSITION THERE IS AN INDICATOR LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD AS WELL AS THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS ARE ON. WITH THE INDICATOR LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD AND THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS ON YOU CANNOT TELL WHICH OF THE 3 POSITIONS THE SWITCH IS AT, ALL INDICATORS ARE THE SAME. MANY TIMES, INADVERTENTLY BECAUSE OF USING THE TURN SIGNAL STALK, THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH TURNS TO THE PARKING LIGHT POSITION AND I FIND MYSELF DRIVING WITH THE PARKING LIGHTS ON RATHER THAN THE HEADLIGHTS, A DANGEROUS SITUATION. THERE IS NO INDICATION ON THE DASHBOARD OF THIS DANGEROUS CONDITION. THE LIGHT INDICATOR BULB IS ON AND THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS ARE ON BUT THE HEADLIGHTS ARE OFF. AGAIN A DANGEROUS CONDITION. THE LIGHT SWITCH SHOULD BE RELOCATED FROM THE TURN SIGNAL STALK TO THE DASHBOARD OR THE LIGHT INDICATOR ON THE DASHBOARD SHOULD BE OFF WHEN IN THE PARKING LIGHT POSITION. *TR
Exterior lighting, Mar 31, 2015
PROBLEM STARTED IN ABOUT JULY, 2014 WHEN MY FRONT DRIVERS SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT WENT OUT. I PURCHASED TWO NEW BULBS AND CHANGED THEM (AND THIS IS NO EASY PROCESS WITH THIS VEHICLE). I WORE LATEX GLOVES SO AS NOT TO DAMAGE THE NEW BULBS. APPROXIMATELY A WEEK AFTER INSTALLING THE NEW BULBS, MY DRIVERS SIDE HEADLIGHT WENT OUT AGAIN, BUT WOULD COME ON AND GO OUT SPORADICALLY. IT SEEMED TO COME AND GO WITH DAMP WEATHER OR WHEN I HIT BUMPS WHILE DRIVING, SO I QUESTIONED THE SEAL OF THE FIXTURE COVER AND/OR THE WIRING CONNECTION, SO I WENT THROUGH THE PROCESS AGAIN AND CHECKED THE SEATING OF THE BULB, WIRING CONNECTION, AND SEAL OF THE HOUSING, AND ALL WERE FINE. THE PROBLEM WAS SOLVED FOR A SHORT TIME, BUT THEN STARTED HAPPENING AGAIN. AFTER A COUPLE OF WEEKS OF ON/OFF OPERATION, IT WENT OUT FOR GOOD. I PULLED THE BULB AND CHECKED THE FILAMENT, AND IT WAS FINE, BUT I PUT THE OLD PASSENGER BULB (ORIGINAL TO THE VEHICLE) IN. IT WORKED AND DID NOT FLICKER FOR SEVERAL MONTHS, BUT EVENTUALLY STARTED TO SHOW THE SAME SIGNS AS THE NEWER BULBS I PUT IN. THEN IT STOPPED WORKING ALTOGETHER. THE BULBS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWO MORE TIMES BETWEEN THEN AND NOW, BUT I AM HAVING THE SAME TROUBLE AGAIN, STILL WITH THE DRIVERS SIDE. THIS MANY TIMES IS NOT A COINCIDENCE. I FEEL THIS IS A DEFECT WITH THE WIRING OR WITH THE ACTUAL HEADLIGHT UNIT ITSELF. OF COURSE, THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY, AND I DREAD TAKING IT TO THE DEALER TO HEAR IT WILL BE AN EXPENSIVE FIX. WITH SO MANY DOCUMENTED OCCURRENCES, I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY SUBARU. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Oct 17, 2014
THE OUTSIDE BULBS CONSTANTLY BURN OUT, IT CAN BE A HEADLIGHT, (HIGH BEAM, LOW BEAM) LICENSE PLATE LIGHT, BRAKE LITE, RUNNING LIGHTS....THE INSIDE LIGHTS HAVE BEEN OK THIS BULB ISSUE STARTED AT 27,000 MILES AND HAS BEEN A CONSTANT PROBLEM SINCE. OUT OF 24 SERVICE ORDERS, NINE OF THOSE ORDERS HAVE NEEDED TO HAVE ONE OR MORE BULBS REPLACED. I LIVE IN THE FOOTHILLS OF CALAVERAS COUNTY, CALIFORNIA AND THE EXCUSE THE DEALERSHIP GIVES ME IS THAT WE HAVE ROUGH ROADS IN THESE HILLS. WELL, I SAY, WHAT A LINE OF POOP, I DRIVE A SUBARU, IT'S MADE FOR OUR AREA. EITHER I HAVE AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM THAT OBVIOUSLY STARTED WHEN THE CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY OR THAT THE BULBS THAT ARE BEING USED ARE TOTALLY OF BAD QUALITY. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Oct 8, 2014
HEADLIGHT WENT OUT AFTER REPLACEMENT A YEAR AND 3WKS AGO. THIS IS THE 3RD HEADLIGHT REPLACEMENT ON A 2010 VEHICLE SINCE PURCHASE 3YRS AGO AT 29,500MI AS A CERTIFIED USED SUBARU FROM THE DEALER. *TR
Exterior lighting, Aug 29, 2014
CONDENSATION CONTINUALLY GATHERS INSIDE ONE OF THE LIGHT FIXTURES. THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE BULB AND FIXTURE ARE INSTALLED TO FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS-THE DEALER HAS CHECKED THIS. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE-WITH THE AMOUNT OF CONDENSATION INSIDE THE LIGHT, THE ILLUMINATION OF ONE HEADLIGHT IS GREATLY DIMINISHED MAKING DRIVING AT NIGHT VERY DIFFICULT ESPECIALLY IN DIMLY LIT SITUATIONS. I ALSO DO NOT BELIEVE THAT THE COMBINATION OF ELECTRIC AND WATER INSIDE COMPONENTS IS "NORMAL" UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. I HAVE CONTACTED MY DEALER AND SUBARU-THE COPY OF THE SENT TEXT FOLLOWS-THEY DO NOT RESPOND. I BELIEVE THE MANUFACTURER OF THIS COMPONENT IS MAKING A FAULTY PRODUCT THAT DECREASES SAFETY. I JUST WANT THEM TO REPLACE THE COMPONENT AT NO COST TO ME SINCE I'VE DONE NOTHING WRONG. SENT TO SUBARU OF AMERICA- "THIS IS PERTAINING TO PROBLEMS WITH MY HEADLIGHTS ON MY 2010 OUTBACK. I'VE BEEN TOLD BY MY DEALER-GOLDSTEIN SUBARU-THAT "CONDENSATION IN THE HEADLIGHTS IS NORMAL IN THE NORTHEAST" THEY ALSO TOLD ME I "COULD DRILL A SMALL HOLE IN THE LIGHT TO LET MORE AIR IN". QUESTION-IF IT IS "NORMAL" WHY SHOULD I DRILL A HOLE-THE LIGHT DESIGN SHOULD ACCOUNT FOR PROPER VENTILATION OF THE FIXTURE-SECONDLY HOW COME NO OTHER CARS ON THE LOT HAVE THIS, IT ONLY HAPPENS IN ONE LIGHT AND THERE ARE NUMEROUS OTHER SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER SUBARU OWNERS ONLINE? THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE-ELECTRICITY AND WATER DO NOT MIX-THIS "NORMAL" CONDENSATION GREATLY REDUCES THE ILLUMINATION OF THE HEADLIGHT AND VISIBILITY DURING NIGHT DRIVING-IT'S LIKE DRIVING WITH ONE HEADLIGHT. I BELIEVE THIS IS A MANUFACTURER PROBLEM-MY LIGHT WAS CHECKED BY THE DEALER-THERE IS NO DAMAGE AND ALL THE FACTORY SEALS AND BULBS ARE INTACT, YET WATER CONTINUALLY GETS INSIDE THE FIXTURE. I THINK SUBARU OF AMERICA SHOULD REPLACE THIS SAFETY ITEM AT NO COST TO ME. (MY VIN WAS HERE). *TR
Exterior lighting, Feb 5, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT HAD BEEN REPLACED FOUR TIMES. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE DEFECT WAS A POSSIBLE ELECTRICAL PROBLEM THAT COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.
Exterior lighting, Jan 27, 2014
I HAVE HAD THIS CAR SINCE IT WAS NEW FROM THE DEALER AND UNLIKE ANY OTHER VEHICLE THAT I'VE EVER OWNED THIS ONE HAS TO HAVE THE HEADLIGHTS REPLACED EVERY 3 TO 6 MONTHS. THE FOG LIGHTS, AND CLEARANCE LIGHTS HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES DURING MY OWNERSHIP OF THE CAR, BUT NOTHING LIKE THE HEADLIGHTS. I HAVE SPENT HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS BUYING THE BEST LIGHTS YOU CAN GET BY SYLVANIA AT $70.00 PLUS FOR A SET AND I HAVE GONE THROUGH ABOUT 5 SETS OF THESE LIGHTS. LUCKY FOR ME THAT AFTER HAVING PAID TO HAVE THEM REPLACED BY A MECHANIC THE FIRST FEW TIMES I WAS ABLE TO THEN DO IT MYSELF. THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE OF CAR. I'M 60 YEARS OLD AND HAVE OWNED MANY CARS IN MY LIFE AND I HAVE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS PROBLEM.. I'M SORRY THAT I HAVE NOT KEPT RECORDS OF THE OUTAGES. THANK YOU.. *TR