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.
Exterior lighting, Jun 26, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE IGNITION WAS STARTED ONE OF THE TWO LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE UPON ACTIVATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TWICE WHERE THE HEADLIGHT BULB WAS REPLACED EACH TIME. THE CONTACT HAD ALSO REPLACED NUMEROUS HEADLIGHT BULBS HIMSELF. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.
Steering, Jun 13, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SHAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS STATED THE TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 800. *TR
Seat belts, Jun 12, 2013
2010 SUBARU OUTBACK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE REAR SEAT BELTS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE REAR SEAT BELTS BECAME FRAYED AT THE POINT WHERE THEY ENTERED THE CAR WALL.
Seats, May 1, 2013, crash
********** NOTIFICATION OF CASE CHANGE (ALL TIMES ARE GMT-0500) PROJECT: NHTSA HOTLINE CENTER CASE: 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK CRASH CASE NUMBER:[XXX] ESCALATION: NONE STATUS: OPEN DATE: 11/15/2011 TIME: 22:14:06 CREATION DATE: 11/10/2011 CREATION TIME: 07:50:07 DESCRIPTION: ENTERED ON 11/15/2011 AT 22:14:06 EST (GMT-0500) BY [XXX]: THANK YOU BUT I AM NOT SURE WHAT THIS EMAIL IS TELLING ME. PLEASE EXPLAIN AND LET ME KNOW IF I NEED TO DO OR SEND SOMETHING. [DUPLICATE MESSAGE SNIPPED] ENTERED ON 11/15/2011 AT 17:43:19 EST (GMT-0500) BY TBENT: THANK YOU FOR CONTACTING THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE INFORMATION CENTER. FOR CRASH TESTS INFORMATION THAT IS NOT AVAILABLE ON THE NHTSA WEB SITE OR IN THE HOTLINE DATABASE, PLEASE SEND AN E-MAIL TO CRASH.TEST@DOT.GOV WITH THE YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL OF THE VEHICLE. WE HOPE THAT YOU FIND THIS INFORMATION HELPFUL. HOWEVER, IF YOU NEED ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON OUR SERVICES PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US AT 1-888-327-4236. THANK YOU, NHTSA.DOT.GOV RESPONSE TEAM ENTERED ON 11/10/2011 AT 07:50:06 EST (GMT-0500) BY NHTSA.WEBMASTER@DOT.GOV: SENDER NAME: [XXX] SUBJECT: 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK CRASH COMMENTS: A MONTH AGO I WAS DRIVING A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK AND WAS REAR-ENDED WHILE I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AFTER BEING HIT I WAS PUSHING INTO ANOTHER STOPPED VEHICLE I WAS INJURED QUESTION ~~ THE SEAT I WAS IN BENT BACKWARDS IN THE MIDDLE I CAN SEND A PICTURE IS SOMETHING LIKE THIS USUAL? HOW CAN I FIND OUT IF IT IS THE RESULT OF SUCH AN IMPACT OR IF IT IS A DESIGN FLAW IN THE SEAT? I HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU THANK YOU [XXX] CONTACT INFORMATION: NHTSA ID: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *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
Exterior lighting, Mar 14, 2013
LOW BEAM HEADLAMPS ARE BURNING OUT RIDICULOUSLY FAST, AND WITH LOWEST BRIGHTNESS BULBS (LONGER LASTING YOU'D THINK) THEY ARE SO DIM, I HAVE GREAT VISION AND FIND THEM INCREDIBLY UNSAFE FOR VEHICLE SPEEDS ABOVE 25MPH WHICH IS APPALLING FOR HIGHWAY VISIBILITY AND DOWN RIGHT DANGEROUS! *TR
Exterior lighting, Feb 13, 2013
WITHOUT WARNING, BOTH OF THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS BLEW OUT WITHIN MOMENTS OF EACH OTHER. REPLACEMENTS DON'T LAST MORE THAN 3-6 MONTHS AFTER BEING REPLACED. DEALERSHIP WILL NOT ADDRESS ISSUE WITHOUT CHARGING EXORBITANT SERVICE FEES. RESEARCHED ONLINE AND DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT. REQUEST YOUR ASSISTANCE IN HAVING SUBARU ADDRESS THE UNDERLYING FAULT(S) LEADING TO THESE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS EVENTS. THANK YOU *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
Vehicle speed control, Dec 6, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES WERE RELEASED AND THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE RAPID ACCELERATION BY APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,386.
Exterior lighting, Dec 2, 2012
CONSTANT LOW BEAM BURNOUT I NOW HAVE 49,000 MILES ON THIS VEHICLE AND AM ON MY SEVENTH HEAD LIGHT. *TR
Structure, Seats, Oct 19, 2012
WHILE AT A STOP LITE OR STANDING THE CAR SEND A VIBRATION THROW THE DOOR PANELS BRAKE PEDAL, BACK OF DRIVER SEAT HAD IT BACK TO DEALER AND THEY RAN CHECK ON IT AND CAME UP WITH NORMAL I THINK THEY ARE WRONG IT SCARES ME THAT IT COULD START ON FIRE. *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
Air bags, Sep 15, 2012
THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG OF OUR 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK WILL INTERMITTENTLY TURN OFF WHEN THERE IS AN ADULT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. WE'VE BROUGHT THE CAR TO TWO SUBARU DEALERS AND THEY BOTH HAVE TOLD US THERE'S NOTHING THEY CAN DO UNLESS THE SYSTEM IS BROKEN WHEN WE BRING THE CAR TO THE SHOP BECAUSE THE CAR DOESN'T SHOW A FAULT CODE. *TR
Air bags, Sep 8, 2012, crash
I WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION, TRAVELING AT 40 MPH AND THE VEHICLES AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 5, 2012
WHEN TRYING TO SPEED UP FROM A ROLLING STOP/YIELD THE CAR HESITATED TO SHIFT AND WOULD NOT GO FORWARD. THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE TRANSMISSION MADE A LOUD "CLUNK" AND QUICKLY SHOT FORWARD. THE PROBLEM AFFECTED MY ABILITY TO SAFELY MERGE INTO TRAFFIC. THIS HAS BEEN AN ON-GOING PROBLEM AND THE DEALER WILL NOT ADMIT THIS IS A DEFECT. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Aug 24, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE GEARS WOULD SHIFT INDEPENDENTLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WOULD LUNGE FORWARD ABNORMALLY WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE SAME FAILURE WHERE THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Aug 16, 2012
THE FRONT END OF THE CAR SHAKES ON SMOOTH ROADS (RECENTLY REPAVED ROAD) AND IT TENDS TO PERSIST WHETHER YOU ARE ACCELERATING OR DECELERATING. PREVIOUSLY TOOK CAR IN FOR THE DEALERSHIP TO LOOK AT THIS ISSUE AND THEY STATED IT WAS A WHEEL BALANCE ISSUE. THEY ROTATED MY WHEELS, STATED THEY BALANCED THE WHEELS AND ALSO STATED THAT I NEEDED NEW TIRES EVEN THOUGH THERE IS PLENTY OF WEAR LEFT ON THE TIRES. THE ISSUE NEVER WENT AWAY ON THE SHAKING FRONT END OF MY CAR AND CONTINUES TO BE AN ISSUE TODAY. *TR
Electrical system, Interior lighting, Equipment adaptive/mobility, Jul 3, 2012
WE PURCHASED OUR 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK IN DECEMBER 2009. BY SPRING OF 2010 I HAVE NOTICED THAT AT RANDOM TIMES I WILL TURN THE CAR ON AND MY INTERIOR LIGHTS WILL NOT WORK, MY HEATING/AC WILL BE BLASTING HOT AIR AT ME FROM THE DASH VENTS WHEN IT IS IN THE OFF POSITION, RADIO WILL NOT TURN ON AND CAN NOT SEE MY MILEAGE DISPLAY. ALSO AT RANDOM TIMES MY GAUGES WILL NOT REGISTER. I HAVE TAKEN IT SEVERAL TIMES TO THE DEALERSHIP. EACH TIME THEY HAVE INFORMED ME THAT NOTHING IS WRONG WITH IT, THEY CAN NOT RECREATE IT AND TO NEXT TIME DRIVE IT THERE WHEN IT DOES IT SO THEY CAN SEE IT IN ACTION. EACH TIME IF I SHUT OFF THE CAR AND TURN IT BACK ON IT GOES BACK TO NORMAL. I HAVE ALSO HAD INSTANCES WHERE I HAVE FELT LIKE I WAS GOING TO STALL. I MUST SAY I AM EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED IN THIS CAR. I WAS FINALLY IN A POSITION WHERE I COULD AFFORD ONE AND IT ENDS UP BEING WORSE THAT THE CRAPPY CAR I HAD IN COLLEGE. WE PURCHASED A SUBARU BECAUSE OF ITS REPUTATION FOR SERVICE AND SAFETY. I FELT MORE SAFE IN MY SATURN THAT I DO THIS CAR. IT DOES NOT HELP THAT THE DEALER SHIP LOOKS AT ME LIKE I'M NUTS WHEN I TAKE IT IN. I FEEL LIKE THEY DON'T WANT TO HONOR MY WARRANTY. NOW IT SUMMER 2012 AND IT IS DOING THIS SEVERAL TIMES A WEEK AND STILL I AM GETTING NO WHERE WITH THE COMPANY. WILL NEVER OWN ONE AGAIN. I SHOULD NOT BE LOOKING AT TRADING IN A 2 1/2 YEAR OLD $30000 CAR THIS SHOULD BE LASTING ME YEARS AND I AM AFRAID TO KEEP IT PAST THE EXTENDED WARRANTY PERIOD. *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
Power train, May 2, 2012, crash
VEHICLE PLACED IN PARK AND IGNITION TURNED OFF. ENGINE WOULD NOT RESTART. TOWED TO MECHANIC. MECHANIC RESTARTED AFTER SENSING LOOSE IGNITION CONNECTION AND NOTED NO OTHER PROBLEMS. RETURNED VEHICLE TO OWNER, PARKED IN GARAGE IN PARK AND IGNITION TURNED OFF. ENGINE WOULD NOT RESTART. MECHANIC CAME TO HOME AND RESTARTED AS BEFORE. DRIVING TO REPAIR SHOP, STOPPED AND PLACED IN PARK, BUT LEFT RUNNING AND EXITED VEHICLE. APPARENTLY TRANSMISSION NOT ACTUALLY IN PARK BUT IN REVERSE AND TRAVELED A DISTANCE BEFORE HITTING A TREE CAUSING AN ESTIMATED $9,000 DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. APPARENTLY SHIFTER IN PARK BUT TRANSMISSION IN REVERSE AND LOOSE CONNECTION IN TRANSMISSION/IGNITION COMMUNICATION. SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASE AND DELIVERY OF VEHICLE IN 2010, EXPERIENCED SIGNIFICANT RECURRENT PROBLEM BELIEVED TO BE TRANSMISSION RELATED THOUGHT TO BE FIXED.
Air bags, Feb 28, 2012
THE 'FRONT PASSENGER'S FRONTAL AIRBAG OFF INDICATOR' REMAINS ILLUMINATED WHILE MY WIFE (WHO WEIGHS MORE THAN 100 POUNDS) RIDES IN THIS SEAT. (I.E., THE AIRBAG IS NOT ARMED.) AT BEST, THE INDICATOR (AND THE AIR BAG) IS INTERMITTENT, GOING ON AND OFF WHILE WE DRIVE. DEALER HAS REPEATEDLY TESTED THE AIR BAG SENSOR SYSTEM AND STATES IT'S WORKING WITHIN SPECIFICATION. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE THAT SEEMS TO BE DUE TO A FAULTY DESIGN, NOT A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. *TR
Power train, Feb 21, 2012
ENGINE ALMOST STALLS WHEN COMING TO A STOP OR (NOT AS OFTEN) ACCELERATING FROM A STOP. I HAVE SPOKEN WITH SUBARU TECHNICIANS AT TWO DEALERS AND BOTH ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THIS IS A NONE ISSUE WITH NO KNOWN FIX. THE FREQUENCY OF THE PROBLEM IS INCREASING ON MY CAR AND MAY BECOME DANGEROUS IF A SUDDEN ACCELERATION IS REQUIRED. *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
Air bags, Nov 29, 2011
ALMOST EVERY TIME I SIT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT THE AIRBAG SENSOR DOES NOT COME ON AT FIRST. I AM A 5'2", 120LB WOMAN. I HAVE TO WIGGLE AND SET ON ONE CHEEK JUST RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SEAT, SOMETIMES LIFT MYSELF UP AND THEN SIT BACK DOWN AGAIN TO GET THE PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR TO SHOW ON. WHEN THIS HAPPENS THERE IS NOTHING UNDER THE PASSENGER SEAT AS THE DEALERSHIP HAS BLAMED IT ON THAT. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAS RE-CALIBRATED THE SENSOR BUT I STILL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. HEAVIER PEOPLE DO NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM. *KB
Steering, Suspension, Sep 25, 2011
WHILE DRIVING DOWNHILL IN THE SUMMER ON A DRY ROAD AT AROUND 60 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL EXCESSIVELY BEGIN TO VIBRATE/SHAKE AROUND 55MPH AND HIGHER SPEEDS LEFT TO RIGHT AND RIGHT TO LEFT EXCESSIVELY. THE VIBRATION/SHAKING WAS ALMOST UNCONTROLLABLE AS IF IT WERE ON BLACK ICE. THE VIBRATION ONLY BECAME CONTROLLABLE IF I SLOWED DOWN. THIS SHAKING/VIBRATION ONLY SEEMS TO OCCUR AT HIGHER SPEEDS AND OCCURS QUITE OFTEN. *TR