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: engine
93 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Aug 18, 2020
HEAD GASKET BLEW, OUT OF NOWHERE, NO ISSUES LEADING UP TO THIS. CAR WAS WELL MAINTAINED. IT HAD AROUND 108,000 MILES. COST CLOSE TO 2,800 TO REPAIR, NOT WORTH IT. DEALER SEEMED TO KNOW ABOUT THIS ISSUE PRIOR TO CHASE IN GASKET PLATE STARTING IN 2012, BUT DOESN'T HELP PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN. NO RECALL OR CLASS ACTION SUIT, WHICH IS SAD.
Power train, Engine, Aug 3, 2020
WHEN AM DRIVING AND I NEED TO STOP FOR ANY EMERGENCY AND I HIT THE BRAKES THE ENGINE WILL STALL DUE A FAILURE TORQUE CONVERTER MANUFACTURE, IT IS REALLY DANGEROUS AND AFTER A SUDDEN STOP I WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO DRIVE AWAY AND I WAS ABOUT TO INVOLVE IN A MAJOR ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THIS STALLING ISSUE.
Power train, Engine, Jul 17, 2020
NOVEMBER 2019, AT 115,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING REQUIRING A REPLACEMENT. I WAS TOLD BY SUBARU OF AMERICA CORPORATE THAT "SUBARU DOESN'T HAVE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS." THERE IS A LOT OF EVIDENCE OUT THERE TO THE CONTRARY. MAY OF 2020 THE VEHICLE STARTED OVERHEATING. IT WAS DIAGNOSED BY A MECHANIC THAT THE HEAD GASKET WAS FAILING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS ANOTHER KNOWN ISSUE WITH SUBARUS. A $28,000 2011 AUTO IS ONLY SUPPOSED TO LAST 120,000 MILES?
Power train, Engine, Jul 1, 2020
6 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION - WHEN COMING TO STOP QUICKLY FROM HIGH SPEED, CLUTCH IS FULLY DEPRESSED (AND EVEN SOMETIMES IN NEUTRAL), THE ENGINE RPMS DROP VERY LOW CAUSING THE ENGINE TO SHUDDER. THIS HAS BEEN OCCURRING CONSISTENTLY FOR OVER 1 YEAR BUT DEALERSHIP HAS CLAIMED THEY ARE UNABLE TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THIS IS VERY CONCERNING DUE TO THE FACT THE ENGINE COULD STALL CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL. THIS SEEMS VERY SIMILAR TO THE SYMPTOMS OF A BAD TORQUE CONVERTER AS RECALLED ON THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, HOWEVER, OBVIOUSLY THIS CAN'T BE THE CASE FOR A MT. *TR
Steering, Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jun 6, 2020
I HAVE BEEN REPORTING PROBLEMS WITH MY TRANSMISSION SINCE 2012 TO MY REGULAR DEALERSHIP, STAR SUBARU WHEN THE CAR HAD JUST 23,472 MILES ON IT. AT THIS POINT, I BELIEVE THAT I HAVE BEEN WRONGFULLY DENIED WARRANTY COVERAGE. THEN AGAIN, IN 2017, WHILE STILL UNDER WARRANTY, I BROUGHT MY OUTBACK TO STAR SUBARU COMPLAINING THAT WHILE DRIVING SLOW, THE CAR TENDS TO 'JUMP' MID-DRIVE, ALMOST LIKE SOMEONE REAR ENDED YOU. THE CAR AT THIS POINT WAS AT ABOUT 94,467 MILES, UNDER THE 100,000 MILE WARRANTY LIMIT. AFTER NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS I FINALLY RECEIVED A TEST DRIVE WITH A SUBARU MECHANIC AT STAR SUBARU IN BAYSIDE, QUEENS, NY. HE CONCLUDED THAT IT NEEDED TRANSMISSION PARTS, A TORQUE CONVERTER/VALVE BODY. AT THAT POINT I WAS SET TO HAVE IT REPLACED ONCE THE PARTS CAME IN. WEEKS WENT BY AND I HEARD NOTHING. I CONTACTED SUBARU OF AMERICA WHO WAS ABLE TO SET ME UP WITH EAST HILLS SUBARU. THE SOA PERSON WAS VERY HELPFUL WITH THE TRANSITION. THEY PERFORMED THEIR OWN DIAGNOSTIC, AND THE CONDITION AT THE TIME WOULD NOT REPLICATE. UNFORTUNATELY, WHEN THIS 'JUMP/SLAM' HAPPENS, IT DOES SPONTANEOUSLY. WE CANNOT MAKE IT HAPPEN, NOR DO WE EVEN KNOW WHEN IT IS GOING TO HAPPEN. IT WAS ALWAYS VERY SPORADIC. SOMETIMES IT WOULD HAPPEN ON THE HIGHWAY GOING 65, OR SOMETIMES LESS THAN 5MPH. ON A LONG TRIP BACK FROM VERMONT, THERE WOULD BE A LARGE REVVING SOUND, AND THEN IT FELT AS IF SOMEONE HIT US FROM BEHIND. ONCE AGAIN, I TOOK THE CAR TO SUBARU, ONLY TO BE TOLD THEY SIMPLY COULDN'T 'REPLICATE THE PROBLEM', AND THEREFORE WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING TO HELP US. ON APRIL 3RD 2019, I BRING MY CAR IN AGAIN TO EAST HILL SUBARU. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. THEY DO RECALL. THEY ALSO TROUBLESHOOT THE CHECK ENGINE CODE, WHICH NOW COMES UP CLEARLY AS P1710 TORQUE CONVERTER TURBINE 2 SPEED SIGNAL CIRCUIT MALFUNCTION. NOW IT'S NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY.THE PRICE TAG IS VERY HIGH, ALMOST $6,000! *TR
Engine, Jun 5, 2020
IM APPALLED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER HAS NOT BEEN CONSIDERED A RECALL CONSIDERING ALL THE COMPLAINTS FILED ON IT. I WAS QUOTED $1900 TO HAVE THIS REPLACED ! THIS IS ABSURD AND I CAN NOT AFFORD THIS REPAIR AND BELIEVE SUBARU SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE CONSIDERING THE AMOUNT OF COMPLAINTS ON THIS. NOW I RISK ACCIDENT EVERYTIME NEED TO GO OUT .CAR STALLS WHEN COMING TO A STOP . *TR
Engine, May 12, 2020
NO INCIDENT WHILE DRIVING....YET. WANT TO REPORT A COMMON AND KNOWN PROBLEM WITH SUBARU'S, THE HEAD GASKET. DEALER JUST QUOTED ME $2000 ON THIS, AND MOST FOLKS KNOW THIS IS DUE TO A POOR DESIGN. THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE IF THE CAR STOPS DUE TO OIL AND COOLANT ISSUES WHILE TRAVELING FAST. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Apr 23, 2020
THE CVT TRANSMISSION IS DEFECTIVE AND EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. THE VEHICLE WILL SUDDENLY STALL WHEN DECELERATING QUICKLY. THERE IS HIGH POTENTIAL TO CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THE MANUFACTURER KNOWS OF THE ISSUE BUT WILL WAIT FOR THE DEFECT TO OCCUR RATHER THAN FIXING THE TRANSMISSION.
Engine, Apr 14, 2020
DUE TO A WELL-KNOWN DESIGN FLAW THE ENGINE HAD A SEVERE HEAD GASKET LEAK. THE LEAK LEAD TO A FOAMING OF THE COOLANT AND A PRESSURE BREAK IN THE COOLANT RESERVOIR. THE CAR HAD A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE ON THE FREEWAY AND COULD HAVE LEAD TO A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THE CAR WAS SERVICED THE PREVIOUS AUGUST BY A DEALER. THEY HAVE REFUSED TO ANSWER MY DIRECT QUESTION IF THEY DID A FLUSHING OF THE SYSTEM WHICH COULD HAVE LED TO THE DAMAGE BUT, IT IS A WELL-KNOWN PROBLEM THAT THE SUBARU 4 CYLINDER 2.5 L ENGINE HAS HAD A SEVERE FLAW IN ITS DESIGN. *TR
Service brakes, Engine, Feb 12, 2020
CAR STALLS OUT WHEN I COME TO A COMPLETE STOP, ESPECIALLY IF I HAVE TO STOP SHORT DUE TO BEING CUT OFF. CAR IS AN AUTOMATIC, SO THIS IS NOT SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN AND IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN CARS ARE COMING BEHIND ME. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER 3 TIMES OVER THE YEARS AND EACH TIME THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND THUS NO DIAGNOSIS. AFTER READING ONLINE, IT SEEMS TO BE A KNOWN PROBLEM TO SUBARU WITH A FAULTY TORQUE CONVERTER.
Engine, Jan 12, 2020
THE HEAD GASKET BLEW WITH ONLY 61,000 MILES ON THE ENGINE WHILE DRIVING ON A RURAL ROAD IN OREGON AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH.
Power train, Engine, Dec 5, 2019
MY VEHICLE ACCUMULATES A LOT OF HIGHWAY MILES. THESE ARE EASY AND UNSTRENUOUS TO AND FROM WORK. OVER THE PAST 3 MONTHS I HAD MY VEHICLE MISDIAGNOSED THREE TIMES WHEN I WAS COMPLAINING OF TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. AS I HAVE JUST BROKEN 125,000 MILES MY VEHICLE GETS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING A NEW HEAD GASKET AND A NEW TRANSMISSION. COSTING EASILY MORE THAN THE VEHICLE IS WORTH. SUBARU IT NOT WILLING TO BACK THEIR VEHICLES. THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE LASTING WELL PAST 125,000 WITHOUT MAJOR MECHANICAL PROBLEMS LIKE THESE THAT COULD HAVE ENDED IN SERIOUS INJURY. AT THIS POINT NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO RECTIFY WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN AN UNSAFE SITUATION HAD I NOT CONTINUALLY PROMPTED THEM TO PROPERLY DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. AT THIS TIME MY VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND HAS BEEN OVER THE PAST FEW MONTHS DUE TO THESE ISSUES.
Engine, Oct 28, 2019
COOLANT IS LEAKING ONTO TOP OF ENGINE BLOCK IN TWO PLACES. IT LOOKS TO BE LEAKING WHERE THE COOLANT CROSSOVER PIPE CONNECTS TO THE ENGINE BOTH SIDES.
Power train, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Oct 21, 2019
THE CAR ENGINE CUTS OFF WHEN SUDDENLY DECELERATING. MY WIFE AND CHILD STALLED TWICE ALREADY IN TRAFFIC, ONCE AT A BUSY INTERSECTION. ALSO WATER LEAKS INTO THE CENTER BRAKE LIGHT. PARKING BRAKE DOES NOT WORK.
Engine, Oct 10, 2019
WE'VE ATTEMPTED TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE WITH SUBARU AMERICA, BUT THEY DON'T RESPOND. 2011 PURCHASED NEW SUBARU OUTBACK. ALL REQUIRED SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE & SERVICES PERFORMED ON TIME AT AUTHORIZED PROVIDER. 2019 THE TIMING BELT, WATER PUMP AND THERMOSTAT REPLACED PER MFG STDS. DEALER ADDED COOLANT & BLED THE SYSTEM. 3 MONTHS LATER THE RADIATOR BLEW. A CHEMICAL BLOCK WAS DONE & ALL WAS FINE PER DEALER. 3 MONTHS LATER ENGINE OVERHEATED. ANOTHER DEALERSHIP DISCOVERED THE HEAD GASKET & CAT WERE CRACKED WHICH SHOULD HAVE BEEN DISCOVERED BY THE PREVIOUS DEALER. SUBARUS ARE NOTORIOUS FOR HEAD GASKET & COOLANT SYSTEM ISSUES FROM 100,000 ' 120,000 MILES. SUBARU SLIGHTLY REDESIGNED THE HEAD GASKETS, BUT THE INDUSTRY AS A WHOLE IS AWARE THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. THE PROBLEMS WITH THE HEAD GASKET, CAT AND RADIATOR ARE WELL DOCUMENTED ON THE INTERNET FOR 1990 TO 2011 MODELS. ISSUE STEMS FROM MANAGEMENT DECISION TO UTILIZE A COMPOSITE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE HEAD GASKET TO SAVE MONEY; HOWEVER, THE LONG TERM EFFECTS OF HEAT ON COMPOSITE METAL PRODUCTS WOULD SURMISE THIS WOULD LEAD TO WARPING, CRACKING OR OTHER RELATED PRODUCT FAILURES. THE DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION OF THE SUBARU HEAD GASKET WAS INEPT AT BEST. THE DEVICE FEATURES A MULTI-LAYER STEEL SHIM COATED WITH A GRAPHITE LAYER. IT WAS NOT UP-TO-THE-MARK & ALLOWED COOLANT TO LEAK INTO THE EXHAUST PRESSURE &/OR COMBUSTION CHAMBER. THERE WAS NO SUBARU HEAD GASKET RECALL BUT THE COMPANY REDESIGNED THE CYLINDER HEADS & CONFIGURATIONS OF THE CAMSHAFT. HOWEVER, IT ONLY LED TO THE COOLANT A&ND OIL LEAK AT THE EXTERNAL HEAD GASKET. THIS SYSTEM DEFECT ADDS TO THE COOLANT SYSTEM FAILURE NOTED. WE REQUEST SUBARU AMERICA REIMBURSE US FOR THE TOTAL COST OF THE RADIATOR, THERMOSTAT & HEAD GASKET REPLACEMENT AT $4,013.80. PLUS OTHER COST ASSOCIATED WITH THE BREAKDOWNS AT $1,236.20 FOR A TOTAL OF $5,250.00
Engine, Oct 9, 2019
THERE IS A COOLING SYSTEM PROBLEM (KNOWN BY REPAIR TECHS FOR YEARS, ALTHOUGH NOT DISCLOSED BY SUBARU OF AMERICA). THEIR HEADGASKETS FAIL UNNECESSARILY. IT IS AN ENGINEERING FLAW THAT COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO LOCK UP WHILE DRIVING, LEADING TO A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. IT APPEARS TO BE A PROBLEM LASTING 16 OR MORE YEARS OF PRODUCTION. THERE IS NO WARRANTY COVERING SUCH FAILURES, NOR A WARNING LIGHT THAT INDICATES A PROBLEM IS IMMINENT EXCEPT FOR WHEN THE CAR ACTUALLY OVERHEATS AND "BLOWS." THE DANGER INVOLVED IS SERIOUS, ESPECIALLY WHILE DRIVING HIGHWAY SPEEDS.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Aug 12, 2019, crash
NOTICED THAT DOME/MAP LIGHTS NOT WORKING AND FRONT TIME CLOCK OUT. THEN WHEN GOING TO PUT IT IN PARK THE ENGINE REVVED AND THE BRAKES WOULD NOT ENGAGE AND RAN INTO A FENCE CAUSING DAMAGE TO FRONT END OF VEHICLE. PARKING BREAK HAS NOT WORKED FOR SOME TIME EITHER.
Engine, Aug 3, 2019
ENGINE COMPLETELY SHUTS DOWN WITH OUT WARNING DUE TO FAULTY TORQUE CONVERTER CAUSING A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION WITH NOT MUCH CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE THIS COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR EVEN DEATH NO WARNING OR INDICATION THAT THE PART IS FAULTY UNTIL IT'S TO LATE. I BELIEVE THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT SUBARU SHOULD HAVE TO RECALL BECAUSE FROM WHAT I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH CERTAIN MAKE AND MODELS AND I AM SURPRISED THAT THEY HAVE NOT BEEN AT FAULT FOR INJURY OR EVEN A DEATH MY WIFE AND TWO KIDS WHERE IN THE VEHICLE WHEN THIS OCCURRED
Engine, Jul 24, 2019
AROUND 130,000 MILES CAR BEGAN TO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH SHUDDERING - WILL SOMETIMES SHUDDER AND STALL WHEN COMING TO A STOP. VERY DANGEROUS AT INTERSECTIONS WHEN SLOWING DOWN TO TURN AND IN TRAFFIC. CONCERNED THAT THIS COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT- BEING HIT OR STALLING IN THE PATH OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. IN RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET IT APPEARS THAT SUBARU OUTBACKS FROM 2010-2015 ARE EXPERIENCING THIS AND THERE HAVE BEEN NO RECALLS NOR ANY WARRANTIES TO COVER REPAIRS. REPAIRS TO TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH - WHICH IS INDICATED BY MY DEALERSHIP CAN RUN UPWARDS OF $1500.
Engine, Jul 15, 2019, fire
2011 SUBARU OUTBACK WAS CONSUMED BY FIRE PLEASE SEE ATTACHED DOCUMENTATION AND PHOTO.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Apr 23, 2019
I WAS DRIVING HOME TONIGHT AND THE CAR STALLED EVERYTHING QUIT WORKING, THE CAR JUMPED A FEW TIMES AND TURNED BACK ON. I LOST BRAKES AND NO STEERING COMING DOWN A 8 % GRADE. I TURNED THE CAR BACK ON AND IT KEPT DOING IT. I WAS OUT OF CELL SERVICE RANGE SO I COULD NOT CALL FOR HELP. IT WAS SCARY. I GOT HOME AND I SEE THERE WAS A RECALL BUT MY CAR IS OUT OF THAT RECALL RANGE AT 100000 MILES. I JUST PAID 11,000 FOR THIS CAR. I BELIEVE I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS KNOWN ISSUE.
Power train, Engine, Mar 25, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. AFTER THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO SHUTTER AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. ONCE RESTARTED, THE VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY. HARLEY SWAIN SUBARU (1915 N 1ST ST, HERMINSTON, OR) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 142,000.
Engine, Feb 23, 2019
DRIVING UP A GRADUAL HILL ON INTERSTATE. ENGINE WARNING AND MULTIPLE OTHER LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING. ENGINE LOST ALL POWER. COASTED OVER TO GET OUT OF TRAFFIC AND STOP. TURNED OFF ENGINE. TRIED TO RESTART CAR AND IT WOULD NOT. SUBARU OUTBACK HAD 125,000 MILES AND ONE OWNER WHO HAD ALL MAINTENANCE SERVICES DONE, AT SUBARU DEALER, BY THE BOOK. HAD DRIVEN DOWN INTERSTATE AN HOUR BEFORE WITH NO INDICATION OF ANY CONCERN. I AM TOLD IT HAD THREE VALVE FAILURES.
Engine, Jan 30, 2019
ENGINE OVERHEATING/LOW COOLANT LIGHT BEGAN ON HIGHWAY AT 86,000 MILES. REPAIRS NEEDED STATED IT WAS A CRACKED RADIATOR. AFTER REPAIR OF RADIATOR AT 800 MILES LATER, SAME LOW COOLANT LIGHT APPEARED WHILE DRIVING IN CITY ON SIDESTREETS AND ENGINE BEGAN MAKING 'SLOSHING' SOUND. REPAIRS NEEDED STATED IT WAS A DAMAGED WATER PUMP. AFTER REPAIR OF DAMAGED WATER PUMP, ENGINE STILL MADE 'SLOSHING' SOUND. FINAL REPAIR RECOMMENDATION WAS A BLOWN HEAD GASKET WITH POSSIBLE ENGINE RE-WORK REQUIRED AS ENGINE HAD PROBABLY OVERHEATED.
Power train, Engine, Jan 2, 2019
ALL OF THE LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING ON MY DASH. THE CAR HAS 114,000 MILES. IT IS A FAULTY VALVE BODY AND THE TRANSMISSION IS SHOT. THERE ARE METAL SHAVINGS IN THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. SUBARU QUOTED ME $7000 TO FIX IT. THE CARS NOT EVEN WORTH $5000. I AM OUT OF WARRANTY AND THERE'S NOTHING THEY CAN DO. I AM DONE WITH SUBARUS.