2011 Subaru Outback
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 652 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 5th highest complaint count among 26 Outback model years with reports.
Of the 2011 reports, 23 involved a crash and 6 involved a fire. 6 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 2009-2013 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
Visibility, sun/moon roof assemblySep 7, 2011
SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 OUTBACK AND LEGACY VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 3, 2010, THROUGH JULY 1, 2011. THE MOONROOF GLASS MAY COME LOOSE OR DETACH. THE AMOUNT AND POSITION OF THE ADHESIVE BETWEEN THE GLASS AND RETAINER WAS INADEQUATELY APPLIED.
THE MOONROOF GLASS CAN LOOSEN AND DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE DURING DRIVING, RESULTING IN A POTENTIAL ROAD HAZARD FOR OTHER VEHICLES, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
SUBARU WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE GLASS ADHESION CONDITION AND EITHER APPLY ADDITIONAL ADHESIVE OR REPLACE THE MOONROOF GLASS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING OCTOBER 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
Campaign 11V467000 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
Representative owner complaints: air bags
73 reports, newest first. Show all
Air bags, Seats, Mar 17, 2014
AIR BAG IS NOT BEING TURNED ON WHEN A PASSENGER IS IN THE SEAT. THEY MEET THE 80+ WEIGHT REQUIRMENT. *TR
Air bags, Mar 18, 2013
WE HAVE A SUBARU OUTBACK THAT WE PURCHASED IN MAY 2011. IN JANUARY 2013 THE AIRBAG INDICATOR BEGAN TO TURN OFF RANDOMLY WHILE I WAS SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. IT HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY AND WITHOUT ANY CHANGE IN BEHAVIOR OR MOVEMENT ON MY PART WE HAVE BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAY THERE IS NOT A PROBLEM WITH THE SYSTEM. I HAVE CALLED THE SUBARU COMPANY AND THEY SAY THE SYSTEM IS OPERATING AS DESIGNED AND SINCE THE DEALER CANNOT FIND THE PROBLEM THERE IS NONE. THE COMPANY ALSO STATE THERE HAVE BEEN COMPLAINTS BY OTHER PEOPLE MY WEIGHT. (117 LBS.) THEY ALSO STATE THAT THE AIRBAG WILL NOT INFLATE IF THE INDICATOR FOR THE AIRBAG IS OFF. I HAVE EXPRESSED MY FEAR OF NOT HAVING AN AIRBAG IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT TO NO AVAIL. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED . *TR
Air bags, Feb 8, 2013
FIRST I WILL SAY I AM AN ADULT FEMALE WEIGHING 120 LBS, SUFFICIENT WEIGHT TO ACTIVATE AIRBAGS. WE JUST PURCHASED THIS CAR AND WENT FOR LONG TRIP AND I NOTICED MY AIR BAG LIGHT WAS OFF. I TRIED TO ADJUST POSITIONS AND SOMETIMES I COULD GET IT TO COME BACK ON, ONLY TO FIND A FEW MINUTES LATER THAT IS OFF AGAIN, THIS PROCESS WAS REPEATED THE WHOLE 7 HOUR TRIP. WE WERE TRAVELING ON SNOW COVERED ROADS SO THIS WAS VERY UPSETTING TO NOT HAVE THE AIR BAGS WORKING. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEMS THAT NEEDS TO BE FIXED. WHAT GOOD ARE SAFETY FEATURES IN A CAR IF THEY DO NOT WORK PROPERLY. *TR
Air bags, Dec 20, 2012, crash
THE VEHICLE IN QUESTION WAS MOVING AT ABOUT 35 MPH WHEN ITS FRONT END COLLIDED WITH THE SIDE OF A CAR MOVING SLOWLY ACROSS ITS PATH. THE DRIVER'S SEATBELT WORKED PROPERLY. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR
Air bags, Service brakes, Nov 13, 2012, crash
I BELIEVE MY ANTI-LOCK BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED ON MY 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK AND IF THIS IS THE CASE THEN SOMEONE IN AUTO SAFETY DATA COLLECTION NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT IT. I WAS DRIVING DOWN AN OFF RAMP DURING SNOWY CONDITIONS. I APPLIED MY BRAKES AT AROUND 35 MPH AND THEY ABRUPTLY LOCKED UP. THERE WAS NO SHUTTER/SHIMMER EFFECT THAT I MIGHT EXPECT WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKES AS THEY GO ON AND OFF WHILE TRYING TO GRIP THE ROAD. I APPLIED THEM AGAIN WITH THE SAME JOLT FOLLOWED BY SLIDING. I TRIED THIS SEVERAL TIMES AS I APPROACHED THE INTERSECTION. THOUGH THE LONG OFF RAMP DID SLOW ME DOWN, AT ABOUT 15 MPH (I THINK) I PLOWED THE LEFT FRONT OF MY CAR INTO THE FORD RANGER IN FRONT OF ME. THIS IMPRESSIVELY CRUSHED THE LEFT FRONT SIDE OF MY CAR AND MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE POINT OF IMPACT WAS THE LEFT SIDE OF THE FRONT BUMPER, BUT IT HIT AT THE UPPER 2-3 INCHES OF THE BUMPER. I'M NOT SURE IF THE AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED WITH THIS TYPE OF IMPACT, BUT IF THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO DEPLOY THEN SOMEONE NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT IT TOO. *TR
Air bags, Feb 14, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT WOULD INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATE WHEN SOMEONE WAS SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE REPAIRED UNLESS THE FAILURE WAS DUPLICATED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE 11,500. UPDATED 03/14/12*LJ
Electrical system, Air bags, Seats, Feb 1, 2012
THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG FAILS TO ACTIVATE OR CYCLES ON AND OFF WHILE THE ADULT PASSENGER REMAINS SEATED IN THE PROPER POSITION. DEALER CLAIMS NO DEFECTS DETECTED YET IS UNABLE TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. MANUFACTURER REPRESENTATIVE IS ALSO UNABLE TO PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE IN THE RESOLUTION OF THE PROBLEM EVEN TO THE POINT OF NOT ACKNOWLEDGING THAT A PROBLEM EXISTS. I FEEL THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AS YOU CANNOT RELY ON WHETHER OR NOT THE AIRBAG WILL BE PROPERLY ACTIVATED OR EVEN DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Air bags, Jan 13, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE BODY TYPE OF THE SEAT OCCUPANT WAS CAUSING THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE INTERMITTENTLY AND THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THAT COULD BE DONE TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 2,300.
Air bags, Jan 3, 2012
A LONGER VERSION OF THE FOLLOWING LETTER WAS SENT TO SUBARU ON 1/3/2012: THE PURPOSE OF THIS LETTER IS TO FILE AN OFFICIAL COMPLAINT REGARDING THE OPERATION OF THE PASSENGER AIRBAG FOR OUR 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK AND TO REQUEST YOUR HELP IN RESOLVING THIS PROBLEM. WE PURCHASED OUR OUTBACK IN SEPTEMBER 2010 FROM STEVEN'S CREEK SUBARU IN SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA. THE AIRBAG SENSOR HAS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY SINCE WE FIRST TOOK OWNERSHIP OF THE VEHICLE. SPECIFICALLY, IT TURNS ON AND OFF FREQUENTLY WHEN MY WIFE (APPROXIMATELY 120 POUNDS) IS SEATED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. OVER THE PAST YEAR, WE HAVE MADE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS TO THE SERVICE TECHNICIANS WITH NO RESOLUTION. WE HAVE SERIOUS CONCERNS FOR MY WIFE'S SAFETY AND IT IS UN-EXCUSABLE THAT SUBARU DOES NOT HAVE A RESOLUTION TO THIS LIFE-SAFETY ISSUE. I AM EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED THAT SUBARU DID NOT DISCLOSE THIS ISSUE BEFORE WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. I HAVE PROVIDED SUBARU WITH A SERIES OF EMAIL CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN THE DEALERSHIP AND MYSELF REGARDING THE ISSUE FROM LATE 2010 AND EARLY 2011. IN ONE OF THE EMAILS I PROVIDED LINKS TO YOUTUBE VIDEOS DOCUMENTING THE ISSUE. WE WAITED UNTIL THIS TIME TO FILE OUR FORMAL COMPLAINT AS WE WERE HOPEFUL THAT STEVEN'S CREEK SUBARU COULD HELP US TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM. UNFORTUNATELY THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO RESOLVE OUR CONCERNS AND HAVE DIRECTED US TO CONTACT SUBARU HEADQUARTERS DIRECTLY. *TR
Air bags, Nov 29, 2011
THERE SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG ACTIVATION SENSOR. MY WIFE, WHO WEIGHS APPROX. 125 LBS, OFTEN SITS IN THAT SEAT. THE AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT MIGHT GO ON, OR IT MIGHT NOT. SOMETIMES SHE CAN SHIFT HER WEIGHT AND HAVE IT COME ON. OTHER TIMES IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT SHE DOES, IT WILL NOT GO ON. WE CAN BE RIDING ALONG WITH THE AIR BAG LIGHT ON AND ALL OF A SUDDEN, FOR NO REASON, IT WILL GO OFF. THEN, INEXPLICABLY, IT MIGHT, OR MIGHT NOT, COME BACK ON. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO A LOCAL SUBARU DEALER WHO INFORMED ME THAT THIS IS THE WAY THE AIR BAG SYSTEM IS MADE AND THAT THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO ABOUT IT. THEY SAID THAT IT IS AGAINST FEDERAL LAW FOR THEM TO MAKE ANY ADJUSTMENTS AND THAT I SHOULD JUST MAKE SURE MY WIFE WEARS HER SEAT BELT WHEN WE'RE DRIVING. THIS IS A MAJOR IRRITANT, SINCE NEITHER OF US CAN BE SURE IF THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WILL ACTUALLY DEPLOY SHOULD WE BE IN AN ACCIDENT. IT SEEMS LIKE SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE ABOUT THIS, ESPECIALLY NOW THAT I'VE SEARCHED THIS SITE AND FOUND THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE TO EXPERIENCE THIS PROBLEM WITH THE PASSENGER AIR BAG SENSOR. I JOKE WITH MY WIFE THAT WE MIGHT NEED TO FATTEN HER UP TO SAVE HER LIFE, BUT FOR SOME REASON SHE JUST DOESN'T THINK IT'S FUNNY. MAYBE YOU FOLKS CAN LOOK INTO THE PROBLEM AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. *KB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Air bags, Oct 10, 2011
I HAVE TOLD THE SUBARU DEALER(S) THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR LIGHT SAYS "OFF" UNLESS THE PASSENGER WEIGHS OVER 150 LBS OR SO. THE DEALER(S) DENY KNOWING ANYTHING ABOUT IT. HOWEVER, IT IS ON A SUBARU BLOG AND THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT IT. THE DEALER IS UNABLE TO TELL ME IF THE AIRBAG IS WORKING OR NOT. MY BRAKE PEDAL MAKES A CLICKING NOISE WHEN I RELEASE THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE SUBARU DEALER TOLD ME HE KNEW THIS HAPPENED TO ALL OF THE 2010 MODELS BUT DIDN'T REALIZE IT WAS HAPPENING TO THE 2011 MODELS AND HE SAID THERE IS NOTHING HE CAN DO ABOUT IT UNTIL SUBARU COMES OUT WITH A RECALL. SO FAR I HAVEN'T HEARD BACK FROM SUBARU, IT'S BEEN 5 MONTHS. *KB
Air bags, Sep 13, 2011
THE SENSOR TURNS OFF INTERMITTENTLY WHEN MY WIFE SITS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT (5 FT, 4 INCHES, 110 LBS). IT WILL ALSO TURN OFF WHEN SHE SHIFTS HER SITTING POSITION. THE SENSOR WILL REMAIN OFF, REGARDLESS OF HOW SHE IS SITTING, FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME (80+ MILES) OR UNTIL I RESTART THE CAR. I SPOKE WITH TWO SUBARU DEALERS AND THEY SAID THAT THEY HAVE SEEN THIS ISSUE WITH LIGHTER PASSENGERS AND DON'T THING A RECALIBRATION WILL HELP DUE TO THE SENSOR'S SENSITIVITY. *TR
Air bags, Aug 26, 2011
WE RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. WE BOUGHT IT DUE TO HIGH SAFETY RATINGS AND OTHER FEATURES. THE PROBLEM IS THAT WHILE MY WIFE (WHO IS 115 LBS) SITS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, THE FRONT AIRBAG SENSOR SWITCHES THE AIRBAG ON AND OFF RANDOMLY. WE TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND HAD IT INSPECTED. THEIR FINDINGS WERE THAT THE CAR IS WORKING AS DESIGNED. THE AIRBAG IS TURNING OFF WHEN HER WEIGHT IS NOT IN AN EXACT SPOT. I LOOKED UP THE PROBLEM ONLINE AND HAD MULTIPLE HITS FOR COMPLAINTS FROM OWNERS OF THE SAME CAR (AND THE 2010 MODEL). WE WERE INSTRUCTED TO MAKE SURE MY WIFE SITS UP STRAIGHT WITH HER LEGS EXTENDED AND THE SEAT FULLY UPRIGHT AND BACK TO HELP THE AIRBAG SENSOR GET A MORE ACCURATE READING. OBVIOUSLY IT IS NOT REASONABLE TO EXPECT A PERSON TO SIT UNMOVING FOR AN EXTENDED LENGTH IN A CAR. ALSO, IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION, HER WEIGHT WOULD NATURALLY SHIFT AND THUS THE AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY. TO ME, THIS NEGATES THE SAFETY RATING FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DISCRIMINATES AGAINST SMALLER ADULTS WHO RIDE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. MANY OF THE COMPLAINTS I READ HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH ADULTS UP TO 140 LBS, AND THE DEALERSHIP REPLICATED THE PROBLEM WITH A MAN WEIGHING 125 LBS. *TT
Air bags, Aug 15, 2011
THE PASSENGER AIRBAG DOES NOT TURN ON WHEN ADULT FEMALE ~120LBS IS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. MINIMUM WEIGHT TO CONSISTENTLY ACTIVATE AIRBAG SEEMS TO BE ABOUT 140LBS. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY RE-CALIBRATED THE PASSENGER SEAT WEIGHT SENSOR BUT THIS DID NOT RESOLVE THE ISSUE. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEY WERE AWARE OF OTHER CUSTOMERS COMPLAINING OF THIS ISSUE BUT THEY DID NOT HAVE A SOLUTION (AND DID NOT THINK THE RE-CALIBRATION WOULD HELP). THEY ALSO STATED THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM FOR OTHER CUSTOMERS. *TR
Air bags, Aug 11, 2011
PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF RANDOMLY WHEN I AM SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. I AM 5'3 110LBS. THE SENSORS WERE RECALIBRATED WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THE FIRST TIME. THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. EVEN IF YOU SIT IN ONE SPOT AND NOT MOVE THE SENSOR WILL TURN ON AND OFF RANDOMLY. THE DEALERSHIP STILL DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD THE SENSORS HAVE TROUBLE SENSING 70-90LBS OF WEIGHT. I AM OVER THAT THEREFORE THERE SHOULD BE NO ISSUE. I NOW OWN A CAR THAT THE AIRBAG MIGHT BE ON OR OFF IF I WAS EVER IN A COLLISION. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN! *TR
Air bags, Jul 22, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF INDICATOR WOULD ILLUMINATE INTERMITTENTLY WHENEVER THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANTS WEIGHT WAS 100 POUNDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOUR DIFFERENT TIMES FOR THE IDENTICAL FAILURE; HOWEVER THERE WAS NOT A REMEDY FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Air bags, Jul 6, 2011
THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AIR BAG INDICATOR RANDOMLY SHOWED THE STATUS 'ON' OR 'OFF' WHEN THE SEAT WAS OCCUPIED BY AN ADULT PASSENGER. NO PATTERN COULD BE IDENTIFIED FOR THE INDICATION ALTHOUGH WE TRIED EVERY PERTURBATION OF SITTING, FASTENING SEAT BELT, CLOSING DOOR, STARTING ENGINE, ETC. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR(S) WAS REPLACED AS DEFECTIVE, NOW THE INDICATOR NEVER INDICATES 'ON', ALWAYS 'OFF' REGARDLESS OF ACTIONS AS ABOVE. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED A SECOND TIME, THIS TIME IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE SENSOR(S) WERE BEING INHIBITED BECAUSE OF SEAT COVERS DISTRIBUTING THE WEIGHT IN SUCH A WAY AS TO 'FOOL' THE SENSORS. IT TOOK A 180 LB. PERSON TO ACTIVATE THE SENSOR, [A 170 LB. PERSON DID NOT] WITH THE SEAT COVERS ON, THE SENSORS APPEARED TO OPERATE CORRECTLY WITHOUT THE SEAT COVERS. THIS RAISES THE QUESTION OF WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION, ARE LARGE BUTTOCKS REQUIRED GIVEN THAT THERE ARE MULTIPLE WEIGHT SENSORS IN THE SEAT, HOW ABOUT A SMALL FRAMED 120 LB ADULT. THE ANSWER IS CLEAR, THE PASSENGER AIR BAG SHOULD ALWAYS BE ON UNLESS MANUALLY TURNED OFF BY THE USER. SUBARU MUST PROVIDE A PROGRAMMING OPTION TO THE OWNER TO DEFAULT THE AIRBAG STATUS TO ALWAYS 'ON'. MY TOYOTA AND HONDA BOTH PROVIDES A KEY LOCK OPTION TO DISABLE THE UNIT, DEFAULT IS, AND SHOULD BE REQUIRED, TO BE 'ON'. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, AND SUBARU IS OPENING THEMSELVES TO CLASS ACTIONS, AND HEAVEN FORBID THE FIRST ACCIDENT WHEN THE UNIT FAILS TO DEPLOY BECAUSE IT WAS NOT ARMED BECAUSE OF QUIRKY WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION REQUIREMENTS. I BELIEVE THAT A PREVENTIVE RECALL SHOULD BE ORDERED IF SUBARU DOES NOT UNILATERALLY PROVIDE AN ALWAYS 'ON' DEFAULT OPTION FOR THE VEHICLE.
Electrical system, Air bags, Apr 10, 2011
FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG SWITCH IRREGULARLY CHANGES STATE WITH LIGHTER OCCUPANT. THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT SHOWS OFF EVEN THOUGH OCCUPANT IS WITHIN LIMITS STIPULATED VERBALLY BY SUBARU SALESMAN. THE INDICATOR LIGHT CHANGES STATE WITH OCCUPANT IN SEAT, EVEN THOUGH THE OCCUPANT REMAINED COMPLETELY STILL.
Air bags, Nov 28, 2010
2011 SUBARU OUTBACK LIMITED 2.5 PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG NOT ACTIVATED. I AM 130 LB AND THE AIRBAG SYSTEM DOES NOT GO ON WHEN I SIT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. ACCORDING TO THE DEALER AND SUBARU NOTHING CAN BE DONE, BUT I DON'T FEEL SAFE. *TR
Air bags, Nov 16, 2010
SOMETIMES THE RIGHT FRONT AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT IS "OFF" DESPITE A FULL-SIZED ADULT SITTING IN THAT SEAT. *TR
Air bags, Oct 18, 2010
OCCUPANT SENSING AIRBAG WON'T TURN ON FOR MY WIFE WHO WEIGHS 110 POUNDS. THIS IS A NEW 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE DEALERSHIP ARGUED AND WAS EVASIVE ABOUT MY COMPLAINT; AND SAID THE SEAT WAS CALIBRATED TO ACTIVATE WITH A 120 POUND PERSON. THEY WERE "INSTRUCTING" ME ON THE PROPER SEATING POSITION. I TOLD THEM I DIDN'T WANT THE VEHICLE IF THE AIR BAG WOULDN'T OPERATE FOR MY WIFE. I HAVE AN APPT. THIS WEEK . STAY TUNED. *TR
Air bags, Sep 29, 2010
2011 SUBARU OUTBACK - PASSENGER AIRBAG INDICATING "OFF", NOT TURNING ON WHEN 140LB PERSON IS IN THE SEAT. SUBARU OF AMERICA STATES THAT THIS IS NORMAL AND THERE IS NO FIX. SUBARU DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR NEW DOES NOT AGREE AND STATES SOMETHING IS WRONG. HE HAS ANOTHER OWNER WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. PASSENGER AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IN AND ACCIDENT WITH A 140LB PERSON IN THE SEAT! *TR
Air bags, Sep 9, 2010
PASSENGER AIRBAG IS OFTEN TURNED OFF, EVEN THOUGH A PERSON IS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THIS IS REPEATABLE. OFTEN, WHEN MY PASSENGER (120 LBS, 5'7" TALL) SITS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, THE AIRBAG REMAINS IN THE OFF POSITION (AS IF NO ONE IS SITTING IN THAT SEAT). I'VE NOTICED THAT WHEN THE PASSENGER SITS, AND PUTS THEIR FEET DIRECTLY ON THE FLOOR, THE PASSENGER'S KNEES AND UPPER THIGH RIGHT ABOVE THE KNEE DO NOT MAKE CONTACT WITH THE SEAT. WHEN SITTING IN THIS POSITION, THE AIRBAG WILL REMAIN IN THE OFF POSITION. WHEN THE PASSENGER SITS, WITH LEGS FULLY EXTENDED, SO THAT THE KNEE AND UPPER THIGH MAKE BETTER CONTACT WITH THE SEAT, THE AIRBAG IS ENABLED. WITH THE RIGHT COMBINATION OF PASSENGER LENGTH, AND POSITION OF THE PASSENGER'S LEGS WHILE SITTING, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE AIRBAG TO REMAIN IN THE OFF POSITION, EVEN THOUGH THERE IS A FULL-SIZED ADULT SITTING IN THAT SEAT. I BELIEVE THE AIRBAG (WEIGHT ON SEAT) SENSOR, MAY BE LOCATED TOO FAR FORWARD ON THESE SEATS. *TR