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
360 reports, newest first.
Visibility, Aug 28, 2014, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR CAUGHT FIRE AFTER THE HEADLIGHTS WERE ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 20, 2014
2010 SUBARU OUTBACK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO EXCESSIVE BRAKE WEAR, AT LOW MILEAGE. *SMD THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, FOR A BRAKE INSPECTION, DUE TO AN EXCESSIVE NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR BRAKES. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE BRAKE COMPONENTS HAD A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF RUST AS WELL AS BEING WORN OUT. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE REAR BRAKE DESIGN WAS TOO SMALL FOR THE VEHICLE. HE SUSPECTED THE NEWER VERSIONS OF THE OUTBACK'S HAD A MORE HEAVY-DUTY REAR BRAKE DESIGN THAN HIS VEHICLE. THE MATERIALS USED IN THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION WERE EITHER IMPROPERLY SELECTED, INSTALLED OR DEFECTIVE. *JB
Seat belts, Aug 11, 2014
MY SONS (7YRS OLD) WAS SITTING ON PASSENGER SIDE REAR SEAT WITH BOOSTER SEAT AND SEAT BELT ON. WHEN WE GOT HOME, I SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND HE UN-BUCKLE THE SEAT BELT AND WAS PLAYING IN THE CAR. NEXT THING I KNOW THE CAR (UN-BUCKLE) SEAT BELT WRAP HIM AROUND.(I CAN FORWARD PHOTO OF HOW THE SEAT BELT WRAP HIM AROUND(LIKE A KNOT).. HE WAS UNABLE TO FREE HIMSELF. I TRIED AND WAS UNABLE TO PULL THE SEAT BELT LOOSE. I EVEN LET THE SAFETY(SEAT) BELT "RELAX" BUT STILL UNABLE TO PULL EXTRA LENGTH OF BELT FROM THE "C" PILLAR TO LOOSEN THE "KNOT" AROUND MY SON.....AS HE TRIED TO FREE HIMSELF BY "TWISTING HIS BODY AROUND, THE SEAT BELT TIGHTEN WHENEVER THE "KNOT" AROUND HIS BODY GETS SMALLER....I TOOK ME ALMOST 3-5 MINUTES TO FREE HIM FROM THIS "KNOW" BY PUSHING THE KNOT DOWN PASS HIS LEG (LIKE SOMEONE TAKING OFF THEIR PANTS)..... I FELT SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT WITH THIS SEAT BELT AS THERE WERE NO WAY FOR ME TO PULL EXTRA LENGTH OF SEATBELT TO LOOSEN THE "KNOT". AS YOU CAN SEE, IF ANY ADULT NOT AROUND, A CHILD MAY GET PANIC AND TRY TO FREE HIMSELF/HERSELF BY SLIDING DOWN (IE.. LIKE TAKING OFF A T-SHIRT) THAT THIS BELT DESIGN THAT AUTOMATICALLY TIGHTEN (AND DOES NOT LOOSEN WHEN RELAXED) WOULD POST A CHOKING HAZARD, PLEASE LET ME KNOW HOW I CAN UPLOAD/SEND THE PHOTO OF THE "KNOT" TO YOU? *TR
Seats, Aug 7, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SEAT PRESSURE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000. UPDATED 10/28/14 *BF
Vehicle speed control, Aug 5, 2014, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED IT INTO A UTILITY POLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE ACCELERATION FAILURE OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000.
Parking brake, Aug 5, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE PARKING BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND FLASHED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PARKING BRAKE ACTUATOR WAS FAULTY. AFTER LEAVING THE DEALER, THE PARKING BRAKE ENGAGED INADVERTENTLY WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO COME TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.
Steering, Aug 3, 2014
SINCE DELIVERY, CAR HAS HAD SLIGHT SHIMMY OF STEERING WHEEL AT MOST SPEEDS ESPECIALLY WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL. NOW STEERING WHEEL HAS DEVELOPED NOTICEABLE SHAKE ABOVE 60 MILES PER HOUR. DEALER SAYS CAR STEERING IS WORKING NORMALLY, POSSIBLY A TIRE ISSUE BUT I DISAGREE. I NOW SEE MANY OTHERS COMPLAIN OF SAME PROBLEM SO I AM REPORTING MINE AS WELL. *TR
Service brakes, Jul 12, 2014
I HEARD A GRINDING SOUND AND CHECKED THE REAR BRAKES. PAD AND ROTORS WERE WEARING METAL ON METAL. CHECKED FRONT BRAKES AND THEY WERE FINE. CALLED DEALER AS TO WHAT MIGHT BE WRONG WAS TOLD I MUST HAVE DRIVEN THE VEHICLE WITH PARKING BRAKE ON. I ASKED IF THERE WERE PROBLEMS WITH THE PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM AS I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THE BACK BRAKES WEARING OUT BEFORE THE FRONT ESPECIALLY WITH APPROXIMATELY 40K MILE OPEN COUNTRY MILES. I WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE STAFF MEMBER THEY HAVE NEVER ENCOUNTERED THIS BEFORE . UP ON GOOGLING THE PROBLEM I FOUND THAT 2010 OUTBACKS WERE HAVING SIMILAR ISSUES. I WANT TO ADD MINE TO THE DATA BASE. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE BRAKES POSSIBLY ACTIVATING WHILE MOVING OR NOT RELEASING AS DESIGNED. *TR
Steering, Air bags, Other or unspecified, Apr 16, 2014, crash
WAS DRIVING ON WHAT APPEARED TO BE A CLEAR, CLEAN ROAD AT ABOUT 8 AM THE DAY AFTER A SNOWSTORM. MY CAR STARTED SKIDDING OFF TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY, WHEN TRYING TO TURN WHEEL TOWARDS THE LEFT TO STRAIGHTEN THE CAR OUT, THE CAR THEN STARTED SPINNING AROUND 360 DEGREES A FEW TIMES UNTIL THE CAR THEN ROLLED OVER TO THE LEFT DOWN THE 100 FOOT DITCH ABOUT 3 OR 4 ROLLS BEFORE STOPPING. THE DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG NEVER DEPLOYED DESPITE SEVERE FRONTAL AND SIDE DAMAGE. THE CAR WAS TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. I STILL HAVE NO EXPLANATION AS TO WHY THIS ALL HAPPENED. IN SEARCHING THE INTERNET FOR ANSWERS, I FOUND 2 RECALLS ONE DATED 6/24/2010 WHICH COULD INVOLVE THE AIRBAG, AND ONE DATED 5/11/2010 WHICH INVOLVED THE CVT COOLER HOSE LEADING TO A CRASH. IF SOMETHING FAILED IN THE CAR LEADING TO MY CRASH, I HAVE THE RIGHT TO KNOW. I HAVE SOME INJURIES AND AM STILL NOT BACK TO WORK. ARE THERE ANY OTHER CASES SIMILAR TO MINE? *TT
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Apr 16, 2014
ON APPROXIMATELY 04/13/2014 APPROXIMATELY AT 6:00 PM ET, MY SUBURU OUTBACK 2010 RAPIDLY ACCELERATED WHEN MY FOOT WAS CENTERED ON THE BRAKE PETAL AND I MOVED THE GEAR FROM NEUTRAL TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD, ENGINE HIGHLY REVVED. I PUSHED HARD AS POSSIBLE ON THE BRAKE AND SHOVED THE GEAR BACK INTO NEUTRAL. THE ENGINE WAS RACING AND I SWITCHED OFF THE POWER. I POWERED BACK UP AND THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE, GAS MILEAGE CALCULATOR, ETC. WAS OUT. THE AC/HEAT TEMPERATURE AND CONTROL SCREEN WAS OUT. THE FAN CONTROL ONLY WOULD WORK AND PUT OUT EXTREME HEAT. THE OUTSIDE MIRROR MOTORS WOULD NOT WORK. FOR THE NEXT 30 MINUTES ON THE WAY HOME I STOPPED SEVERAL TIMES AND EXPERIENCED THE SAME ELECTRICAL CONDITIONS UPON RESTART. ON APRIL 14, 2014, ALL SYSTEMS WERE NORMAL WHEN I STARTED THE ENGINE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WAS TOLD THEY WOULD REPLACE THE SWITCH (KEYS) BUT HAD NO INFORMATION ON RAPID ACCELERATION OUT OF CONTROL. I AM CONCERNED THIS WILL HAPPEN AGAIN AND RESULT IN WRECK AND/OR INJURY TO MYSELF AND/OR OTHERS. NO MATS WERE IN THE CAR AT TIME OF INCIDENT. *TT
Structure, Mar 6, 2014
FIRST NOTICED IN THE SPRING OF 2013, ONE OF THE SAFETY HAND-HOLDS IN THE BACK SEAT POPPED OUT OF ITS SOCKET AS SOMEONE WAS RIDING IN THE CAR. THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. SIX MONTHS LATER, THE SAFETY HAND-HOLD IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE POPPED OUT AS WELL, WHEN A RIDER WAS USING IT. I NOTICED THAT THE SAFETY HAND-HOLDS CAN BE EASILY POPPED IN AND OUT WITHOUT MUCH FORCE. SINCE THIS IS A SAFETY FEATURE, IT SEEMS THAT THEY SHOULD BE MORE SECURELY FASTENED. *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
Exterior lighting, Jan 20, 2014
I HAVE A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK. BEGINNING IN DECEMBER 2012 I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE BURNED OUT HEADLIGHTS FOUR TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR. BESIDES THE COST... IT IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE CONSIDERING VISIBILITY IS HALF OF WHAT IT SHOULD BE WHEN THEY BLOW OUT. I NEVER KNOW WHEN I'M GOING TO PULL THE SWITCH AND NOT HAVE LIGHTS. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Dec 31, 2013
HEADLIGHTS BURN OUT IN TANDEM. THE FIRST OCCURRENCE WAS IN 2012. IT HAPPENED AGAIN ALMOST EXACTLY ONE YEAR LATER. HEADLIGHTS SHOULDN'T BURN OUT AFTER LESS THAN ONE YEAR OF REGULAR USE. THERE ARE FEW MILES ON THIS VEHICLE AND IT DOES NOT HAVE EXCESSIVE USE (EITHER NIGHT DRIVING OR LEAVING THE HEADLIGHTS ON DURING REGULAR USE). MY MECHANIC FEELS THIS IS A SIGN OF A LARGER ISSUE AND IT LOOKS LIKE IT'S FAIRLY WIDESPREAD. MY MECHANIC ALSO VERIFIED WITH A SUBARU MECHANIC THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BULBS SUPPLIED BY HIS SHOP AND A SUBARU DEALERSHIP. THEY ARE BOTH PHILLIPS BULBS. *TR
Tires, Wheels, Dec 17, 2013
CONTIPRO CONTACT 225/60R17 TIRES WERE MOUNTED AS REPLACEMENTS 11/17/13. TIRES WERE ROTATED AND MAINTAINED BY DEALER ON A REGULAR BASIS. PRIMARILY HIGHWAY/CITY DRIVING. I HAVE NOT HIT ANY FOD OR POTHOLES - THERE HAS BEEN NO UNUSUAL TRAUMA TO THE TIRES. AFTER 13 MONTHS, 18K MILES, THE LEFT FRONT TIRE'S INNER SIDEWALL SUFFERED A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. CONTINENTAL REFUSED TO PRO-RATE OR MAKE ANY ADJUSTMENT FOR THE PREMATURE DEMISE OF THIS TIRE. BECAUSE THE CAR IS AWD, I WAS FORCED TO PURCHASE 4 NEW TIRES. I BELIEVE THERE IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN THIS BRAND/MODEL OF TIRE. LUCKILY, I WAS ONLY DRIVING 25 MPH WHEN THE TIRE FAILED. I HAVE NOW RESEARCHED AND DISCOVERED THAT THERE ARE MULTIPLE REPORTS OF THIS TYPE OF TIRE FAILURE FOR CONTIPRO CONTACT 225/60R17. ONE REPORT INDICATES THAT CONTINENTAL REPLACED THE TIRE UNDER WARRANTY AT 18 MOS, HOWEVER, IT APPEARS THAT CONTINENTAL IS AWARE OF A MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND HAS NOW LIMITED THE WARRANTY PERIOD TO 12 MOS. THEY HAVE APPARENTLY CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS WITH THE INNER SIDEWALL FAILURE BECAUSE THE TIRE IS NO LONGER OFFERED. I BELIEVE THIS TIRE SHOULD BE RECALLED IN THE INTEREST OF CONSUMER SAFETY. *TR
Steering, Power train, Nov 23, 2013
SUBARU OUTBACK STEERING WHEEL SHIMMY AND VIBRATION. I PURCHASED MY 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK NEW IN OCTOBER OF 2010. AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE HOME AND SPENDING A FEW MILES GETTING USED TO THE FEEL AND SENSATION OF A NEW CAR, I NOTICED THAT THE RIDE OF THE CAR WAS SOMEWHAT UNSETTLED, VIBRATING AND SHAKING AT HIGHWAY SPEED. I INITIALLY ATTRIBUTED THIS TO THE NEW TIRES AND SLIGHTLY OVERLY INFLATED TIRE PRESSURE. I PRECISELY ADJUSTED THE TIRE PRESSURE AND SPENT THE NEXT FEW MONTHS WAITING FOR THE TIRES TO "SETTLE IN" AND SMOOTH OUT. MY WIFE STARTED DRIVING THE CAR REGULARLY AND DID NOT MENTION ANY ISSUE ABOUT THE RIDE. I DROVE THE CAR SEVERAL TIMES AFTERWARDS AND ON EACH TRIP FOUND THE CAR VERY VERY UNCOMFORTABLE TO DRIVE. THE RIDE IS NOTICEABLE LEAVING THE DRIVEWAY BUT IS MOST APPARENT AT HIGHWAY SPEED, MOST ESPECIALLY IN LOW POWER SITUATIONS LIKE COASTING DOWN DESCENTS AT GREATER THAN 60MPH. THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES DRAMATICALLY IN THIS SITUATION. THINKING THAT THE CAUSE OF THE SHAKING WAS THE OEM TIRES, I REMOVED THE CONTI CONTISPORT TIRES AND REPLACED THEM WITH MICHELIN DEFENDER XT'S FROM COSTCO. ALMOST IMMEDIATELY, I NOTICED THAT THE TIRES WERE NO SMOOTHER THAN THE OEM'S. I HAD COSTCO REMOVE AND REBALANCE THE TIRES. THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKE AND VIBRATION REMAINED EVEN AFTER THE REBALANCE. I WAS ABOUT TO RETURN THE CAR TO COSTCO WHEN I FOUND THE LINK ON THE SUBARU FORUM ABOUT "SHAKY SUBARUS" AND THAT THE PROBLEM WAS SO WIDESPREAD THAT A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) HAD BEEN ISSUED ABOUT THE PROBLEM, MANDATING THAT MAJOR MODIFICATIONS BE MADE TO THE CAR. I HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED BY SOA ABOUT THE TSB. *TR
Power train, Nov 9, 2013
2010 SUBARU OUTBACK 3.6R LIMITED, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. UPON LEAVING FREEWAY FROM 50-60 MPH AND DECELERATING ON THE OFF RAMP TO APPROXIMATELY 5-15 MPH, THERE IS A DEFINITIVE SLAM AS THE TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTS TO 2ND OR 1ST GEAR. ALSO, WHEN DECELERATING FROM 30-60 MPH AND THEN APPLYING THE ACCELERATOR THERE IS A 1-2 SECOND DELAY BEFORE THE VEHICLE BEGINS TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE THEN TENDS TO BUCK, OR ACCELERATE FASTER THAN INTENDED FROM THE ACCELERATOR BEING DEPRESSED FURTHER DUE TO NO INITIAL ACCELERATION. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO SAID THE VEHICLE "OPERATES AS DESIGNED", BUT RESET THE TRANSMISSION "MEMORY" ANYWAY SO IT WOULD "LEARN" HOW I DRIVE. THIS DID NOT IMPROVE PERFORMANCE. THIS ISSUE OCCURS EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN AT THE ABOVE STATED SPEEDS. *TR
Suspension, Oct 23, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, A WARNING MESSAGE ILLUMINATED, ADVISING THE CONTACT TO MOVE THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROADWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT ALL FOUR STRUTS WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL FOUR STRUTS HAD BEEN PREVIOUSLY REPAIRS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE OCCURRING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 11/29/13*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE ABOVE DESCRIPTION IS WRONG. AT 58,00 MILES THE VEHICLE HAD A 60,00 MILE SERVICE, AND IT WAS DETERMINED ALL OF THE STRUTS NEEDED SUBARU REIMBURSED THE CONSUMER FOR THE REPAIRS. UPDATED 12/2/13
Exterior lighting, Oct 22, 2013
MY HEADLIGHTS (LOW BEAM) BURN OUT AT A VERY FREQUENT RATE. I HAVE CHANGED THEM AT LEAST 4 TIMES IN 3 YEARS. I USE GLOVES AND NEVER TOUCH THE BULB. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE! *TR
Seats, Aug 24, 2013
WE JUST PURCHASED THIS AUTO AND ARE VERY UPSET WITH THE NEW HEAD RESTRAINTS. I HAVE BEEN TO A DOCTOR AND CHIROPRACTOR ALREADY FOR BACK AND NECK PAIN DUE TO THE FORWARD ANGLE OF THE RESTRAINT. MY WIFE HAS SEEN A CHIROPRACTOR ONCE ALSO FOR THE SAME REASON. CAN WE PURCHASE REPLACEMENT HEAD RESTRAINTS SOMEWHERE. THESE NEW RESTRAINTS HAD TO BE REMOVED FROM OUR CAR NOW CAUSING MORE DAMAGE IF WE ARE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE HELP. *TR
Exterior lighting, Aug 15, 2013
APPROXIMATELY 1 YEAR AGO A LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT WAS REPLACED. APPROXIMATELY 1 MONTH LATER THE OTHER LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT WAS BURNED OUT AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. 1 WEEK AGO A LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT WAS REPLACED. TODAY THE OPPOSITE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT IS BURNED OUT. THIS IS ABNORMAL HEADLIGHTS SHOULD NOT BURN OUT THIS OFTEN. THE BULBS WERE NOT TOUCHED ON THE GLASS WHEN REPLACED. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 4, 2013
LOW-BEAM HEADLIGHTS ARE FAILING EVERY 6 MONTHS. THIS IS NOT NORMAL AND IS A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Jul 22, 2013
FOLLOWUP TO NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10525592 THE EFFECTED LOT NUMBER IS 0423SD (YEAR 2010, APRIL 23, LOCATION SD) THIS IS DIFFERENT FROM THE ORIGINAL EFFECTED LOCATION OF 9X13A OR EARLIER (OCT 13, 2009, LOCATION A AND EARLIER). EXHIBITS THE SAME SYMPTOMS. ORIGINAL COMPLAINT: VEHICLE PADDLE SHIFTER FUNCTION, CRUISE CONTROL, HORN CONTROL ARE INTERMITTENT AND VOL UP AND MUTE RADIO FUNCTIONS DO NOT WORK ON THE STEERING COLUMN. THIS IS VERY SIMILAR TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 10V283000. I WILL HAVE THE DEALER PROVIDE THE STEERING ROLL CONNECTOR LOT NUMBER TO DETERMINE IF MY VIN HAS AN OLDER STEERING COLUMN ON TUES. MY VIN IS OUTSIDE OF THE EFFECTED RANGE OF A*310001 TO A*377827. *TR
Steering, Jul 18, 2013
VEHICLE PADDLE SHIFTER FUNCTION, CRUISE CONTROL, HORN CONTROL ARE INTERMITTENT AND VOL UP AND MUTE RADIO FUNCTIONS DO NOT WORK ON THE STEERING COLUMN. THIS IS VERY SIMILAR TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 10V283000. I WILL HAVE THE DEALER PROVIDE THE STEERING ROLL CONNECTOR LOT NUMBER TO DETERMINE IF MY VIN HAS AN OLDER STEERING COLUMN ON TUES. MY VIN IS OUTSIDE OF THE EFFECTED RANGE OF A*310001 TO A*377827. *TR