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: exterior lighting
117 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Feb 22, 2016, fire
ASCENDED STEEP HILL AND STOPPED AT STOP SIGN. PROCESSED TO DRIVE THROUGH INTERSECTION UPHILL. ALL LIGHTS ON DASH BEGAN TO FLICKER ON AND OFF AND CAR STALLED OUT GOING DOWN THE ROAD. AFTER THIS OCCURRED, I LOST ALL ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS OF CAR. I WAS NOT ABLE TO RESTART CAR, PLACE CAR INTO PARK, APPLY EMERGENCY BRAKE, TURN ON HAZARD LIGHTS, AND THE POWER BRAKES AND STEERING WERE NOT PRESENT. I SPENT 5-7 MINUTES TRYING TO RESTART THE CAR AND TRYING TO FIGURE OUT A WAY TO STABILIZE THE CAR SINCE I WAS CURRENTLY GOING DOWN A STEEP HILL WITHOUT ANYWAY OF STABILIZING IT. AFTER THIS TIME, SMOKE BEGAN COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I HAD TO COAST CAR DOWN HILL INTO BUSY INTERSECTION AND TURN IT ONTO NEXT ROAD IN ORDER TO FIND A FLAT AREA TO STABILIZE CAR SO I COULD GET OUT OF IT. WHEN I GOT OUT, I BEGAN SEEING FLAMES DROP DOWN FROM FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF ENGINE AREA. THE CAR QUICKLY CAUGHT ON FIRE AND MOST OF THE ENGINE BURNT OUT BEFORE FLAMES WERE EXTINGUISHED. THE FIRE APPEARED TO START IN COMPUTER AREA. THIS CAR WAS BOUGHT NEW AND HAVE HAD NO PREVIOUS PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR, EXCEPT WE HAVE HAD TO CHANGE THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT BULBS SEVERAL TIMES WHILE OWNING IT. AFTER I WITNESSED MY CAR CATCH ON FIRE AND AFTERWARDS DISCOVERED SUBARU HAS A SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THE TORQUE CONVERTER, I BELIEVE THE HEADLIGHT ISSUE AND THE TORQUE CONVERTER ISSUES ARE ALL CONNECTED. I BELIEVE WHAT HAPPENED TO MY CAR IS THE TORQUE CONVERTER FAILED THAT DAY CAUSING AN OVER VOLTAGE/OVER DRAW OF POWER THAT WAS SO BAD IT TOOK OUT MY COMPUTER UNIT, I THEN BELIEVE THE BATTERY CONTINUED TO FEED THE COMPUTER UNIT, IN ITS UNRESPONSIVE STATE, UNTIL IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE INSPECTOR TOLD ME SOMETIMES BULBS WILL BURNT OUT DUE TO AN OVER VOLTAGE SITUATION. SOMETHING IS DEFINITELY OVERDRAWING POWER AND IT NEEDS TO BE LOOKED INTO BECAUSE IT ENDANGERS EVERY DRIVER, PASSENGER, AND ANYONE AROUND THESE CARS.
Exterior lighting, Feb 1, 2016
THIS IS 4TH TIME THAT THE HEADLIGHT BLOWS OUT. IF IT'S NOT THE HEADLIGHT ITS THE POINT LIGHTS. I FILED A COMPLAINT ON DEC. 04, 2015 ABOUT OTHER COMPLAINTS. JUST NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT BLEW OUT AGAIN WHILE DRIVING ON LOCAL ROAD AT NIGHT THE OTHER NIGHT. JAN. 29, 2016. HIGH BEAMS WORK, LOW BEAM IS OUT. THIS IS GETTING FRUSTRATING AND SUBARU DEALER TELLS ME THERE ARE NOT RECALLS. I AM SICK OF PAYING AND TAKING TIME TO DRIVE 45 MINUTES TO THE DEALER TO GET THIS FIXED ALL THE TIME. PLEASE DO SOMETHING. I HAVE AN APPT. TOMORROW FEB. 2, 2016 WITH THE DEALER AGAIN TO FIX IT. THIS SEEMS TO BE AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM.
Exterior lighting, Jan 23, 2016
PURCHASED SUBARU OUTBACK 2011 NEW. AT APPROXIMATELY 65,000 MILES LOW BEAM FRONT HEADLIGHTS BEGAN TO BURN OUT QUICKLY: 4 REPLACED OVER ABOUT 14 MONTHS. EXPERIENCED AN EPISODE 1/8/16 WHERE ALL FRONT LIGHTS COMPLETELY FAILED IN THE PARK AND DRIVE POSITION BUT LEFT LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT WORKED INTERMITTENTLY WHEN CAR WAS IN REVERSE. ALL FRONT HEADLIGHTS BUT 2 WORKED THE FOLLOWING DAY WHEN AT THE DEALERSHIP. BRAKE/REAR CAR LIGHTS ALSO STOPPED WORKING INTERMITTENTLY DURING THE TIME THE AUTO EXPERIENCED TOTAL FRONT HIGH, PARKING AND LOW BEAM FAILURE. WHETHER OR NOT REAR CAR LIGHTS WORKED WAS ALSO AFFECTED BY WHETHER CAR WAS IN DRIVE, PARK OR REVERSE AT TIMES.THIS DID NOT HAPPEN THE FOLLOWING DAY AT DEALERSHIP. REMEDY :SWITCH FOR BRAKE LIGHTS WAS REPLACED: THEY FELT IT COULD BE STICKING AT TIMES THUS CAUSING THE BACK LIGHTS INTERMITTENT FAILURE AND THE 2 FRONT HEADLIGHT BULBS WHICH WERE BURNED OUT WERE REPLACED.
Exterior lighting, Jan 16, 2016
LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT BULBS FAIL PREMATURELY. NECESSARY TO FREQUENTLY REPLACE (LESS THAN 12 MONTH SERVICE LIFE).
Exterior lighting, Dec 13, 2015
HEADLIGHTS ON 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK CONTINUE TO BLOW. REPLACED ALL FRONT LIGHTS MULTIPLE TIMES. RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT OF THEIR CUSTOMERS AND WILL CAUSE CRASHES AS LIGHTS GO OUT WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE. SO FAR ONLY ONE HAS GONE OUT AT A TIME FOR I AM NOT HOLDING MY BREATH. APPEARS THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON ISSUES THAT SUBARU FAILS TO STAND BEHIND THE ISSUE. CUSTOMERS SHOULD NOT BE FORCED INTO PURCHASING ONLY SUBARU REPLACEMENT PRODUCT TO ACHIEVE SAFETY. THIS SOUNDS LIKE EXTORTION SINCE IT APPEARS THE ONLY ANSWER IS TO PURCHASE SUBARU ORIGINAL BULBS . THIS IS GETTING FRUSTRATED AND I DO NOT HEAR OR SEE OF A RECALL FOR THE PROBLEM. I SEE ALOT OF COMPLAINTS, BUT AGAIN, NO RECALLS TO FIX THE PROBLEM. SUBARU KEEPS TAKING MY MONEY TO FIX THE PROBLEM
Exterior lighting, Dec 4, 2015
HEADLIGHTS ON 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK SINCE OWNING IT HAS BLOWN OUT 3 TIMES AND POINTER LIGHT HAS GONE OUT 1 TIME. I AM NOT SURE IF I AM DRIVING OR IF THEY BLOW WHEN I PUT THE LIGHTS ON. THIS IS GETTING FRUSTRATED AND I DO NOT HEAR OR SEE OF A RECALL FOR THE PROBLEM. I SEE ALOT OF COMPLAINTS, BUT AGAIN, NO RECALLS TO FIX THE PROBLEM. SUBARU KEEPS TAKING MY MONEY TO FIX THE PROBLEM. WILL NOT BE BUYING ANYMORE SUBARU'S.
Exterior lighting, Nov 27, 2015
SUBARU OUTBACK HEADLAMP LIGHT BULBS BURN OUT EVERY 6 WEEKS OR SO EVEN AFTER CAREFUL REPLACEMENT. THERE ARE MANY MANY COMPLAINTS ON THIS SAFETY ISSUE. YET NO RECALLORDERED? I DON'T GET IT!
Exterior lighting, Nov 20, 2015
I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY HEADLIGHT 6 TIMES IN THE PAST 6 MONTHS. I REPLACED IT LAST WEEK AND NOTICED TODAY IT IS ALREADY OUT AGAIN. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE EVERY TIME I HAVE TO REPLACE A BULB IT IS $40 WITH LABOR AND COST OF BULB.
Exterior lighting, Nov 8, 2015
OUR 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK PREMIUM 2.5I HAS HAD TO HAVE BOTH LOW-BEAM HEADLIGHTS REPLACED NUMEROUS TIMES. ONLY THE LOW-BEAM LIGHTS NEED TO BE REPLACED SO OFTEN. I HAVE DONE IT MYSELF SEVERAL TIMES, BUT ACCESSING THE LIGHT BULBS IS A DIFFICULT PROCESS THAT REQUIRES GOING THROUGH THE WHEEL WELL AND DOING EVERYTHING BY FEEL BECAUSE IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE WHAT YOU ARE DOING. NOW I JUST HAVE A REPAIR SHOP DO IT WHEN I HAVE IT IN FOR REGULAR MAINTENANCE. IT IS GETTING OLD SAYING, "OH YEAH, CAN YOU REPLACE MY HEADLIGHT THAT IS OUT, TOO." THERE ARE NUMEROUS REPORTS OF HEADLIGHT ISSUES ON VARIOUS VENUES ON THE INTERNET, AND I HAVE FRIENDS WITH A SLIGHTLY OLDER OUTBACK WHO HAVE HAD BOTH HEADLIGHTS GO OUT AT THE SAME TIME. THIS IS A FUNDAMENTAL PIECE OF SAFETY EQUIPMENT THAT SHOULD NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED MULTIPLE TIMES A YEAR. IN MY 2003 KIA RIO, I HAVE REPLACED HEADLIGHTS A TOTAL OF TWO TIMES IN 12 YEARS. ON MY OUTBACK, I THINK I AM UP TO 8 HEADLIGHT REPLACEMENTS (I HAVE LOST COUNT) IN 5 YEARS. I FEAR THAT SOME NIGHT WHEN MY WIFE AND CHILDREN ARE DRIVING HOME BOTH HEADLIGHTS WILL GO OUT AND THEIR SAFETY WILL BE JEOPARDIZED. I URGE SUBARU TO ISSUE A RECALL FOR THIS DANGEROUS ISSUE.
Exterior lighting, Oct 19, 2015
HEAD LIGHTS CONTINUALLY BURNING OUT
Exterior lighting, Oct 8, 2015
BURNOUT OF FRONT HEADLAMPS....TWICE IN 6 MONTHS....WHEN THEY ARE WORKING THEY DON'T EMIT ENOUGH LIGHT......I HAVE READ MANY COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER OWNERS ABOUT THIS ISSUE.....WHY DOESN'T SUBURU ADDRESS THIS....IT IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE!?
Exterior lighting, Sep 29, 2015
I HAVE REPLACED THE DRIVER SIDE LOW BEAM LIGHT NOW TWICE WITHIN 4000 MILES. THIS IS VERY CONCERNING.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Sep 24, 2015
I PURCHASED THE CAR (2011 OUTBACK) NEW IN OCTOBER OF 2011. SINCE THEN HEADLIGHTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED AT LEAST 4 TIMES AND NOW (SEPTEMBER 2015) OTHER EXTERIOR LIGHTS ARE STARTING TO FAIL. IT APPEARS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. I REPLACED THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT LESS THAN A MONTH AGO AND IT IS ALREADY BURNED OUT AGAIN. THIS IS A REPEATED PROBLEM AND IT SEEMS THAT WE'RE GETTING LESS AND LESS LIFE OUT OF THE HEADLIGHTS AS TIME GOES ON. THE SUBARU DEALER SEEMS TO THINK THIS IS JUST AN EFFECT OF DRIVING WITH THE HEADLIGHTS ON (WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO, DRIVE WITHOUT LIGHT?) AND NOT AN ACTUAL PROBLEM WITH THE CAR.
Exterior lighting, Visibility/wiper, Sep 7, 2015
I HAVE REPLACED MY HEADLIGHT BULBS 3 TIMES FOR EACH HEADLIGHT AND I ONLY HAVE 88,000 MILES ON MY CAR.
Exterior lighting, Aug 19, 2015
MY VEHICLE IS ONLY 4 YEARS OLD AND I'VE REPLACED THE LOW BEAM BULBS 4 TIMES. IT IS NOT DRIVEN IN HARSH CONDITIONS AND I AVERAGE 14-15000 MILES PER YEAR. THE MECHANICS AND SERVICE PERSONNEL AT THE DEALERSHIP ADMIT IT'S A PROBLEM WITH SUBARU OUTBACKS. I'VE FOUND MANY REPORTS AND COMPLAINTS OF OTHER OWNERS EXPERIENCING THE SAME BULB FAILURES. THE FREQUENCY OF THE BULB FAILURE OBVIOUSLY PRESENTS A SAFETY CONCERN WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT. I WOULD LIKE SUBARU TO CORRECT THIS DESIGN FLAW AND REIMBURSE ME FOR PREVIOUS AND FUTURE REPAIRS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ISSUE.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Visibility/wiper, Aug 11, 2015
WE WERE COMING HOME FROM A FIREWORKS DISPLAY AT NIGHT AND MY SON TOLD ME TO TURN ON MY LIGHTS WHICH ALREADY HAD DONE, AND THE LOW BEAMS ON BOTH SIDES AND THE MARKER LIGHTS DIDN'T WORK. I TRIED TURNING SWITCH TO ALL POSITIONS AND THEY STILL DIDN'T COME ON. THE HIGH BEAMS WORK OKAY AND TURN SIGNALS FRONT AND BACK & BRAKE LIGHTS WORK. WE DROVE HOME WITH THE FOG LIGHTS WHICH STILL WORK. WE NEED THE CAR TO GO ON VACATION AND THE DEALER CAN'T FIX IT RIGHT AWAY AS WELL AS WHAT IT WILL COST THERE OR IF I HAVE TO HAVE SOME ELSE FIX IT. IT'S DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE ROAD WE DRIVE HOME ON HAS VERY LITTLE IF ANY LIGHTING AND THERE ARE TWISTS AND TURNS AND YOU COULD EASILY DRIVE INTO A STONE OUTCROPPING OR INTO HE WATER AT ANY POINT. I HAD MY WIFE AND TWO YOUNG NEPHEWS WITH US AS WELL. I CHECKED THE LIGHTS AGAIN TO MAKE SURE WHAT ONES WERE OUT, I CHECKED THE FUSES AS WELL TO SEE IF SOMETHING HAD BLOWN AND THEY WERE OKAY.THERE HAVE BEEN MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS ON THIS AND OTHER WEBSITES ABOUT THE SUBARU LIGHTS. WITH ALL THE RECALLS OF EVERY VEHICLES OF EVERY 'DESCRIPTION, THE WHOLE AUTO INDUSTRY IS TOTALLY OUT OF CONTROL AND NEEDS TO BE REIGNED IN, IT'S A HUGE SAFETY AND OVERALL QUALITY ISSUE NOT TO MENTION THE MILLIONS OF WORK HOURS AND TIME LOST BY TENS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE HAVING TO DEAL WITH PROBLEM
Exterior lighting, Jul 23, 2015
OUR 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK HAS HAD AN EXCESSIVE NUMBER OF HEADLIGHT BULBS BURN OUT OVER THE PAST 18 MONTHS. OVER THE PAST 18 MONTHS I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE 4 HEADLIGHT BULBS, 2 DRIVER SIDE AND 2 PASSENGER SIDE. THEY HAVE ALL OCCURRED AT DIFFERENT TIMES AND THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS BECOMING A SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE AND A COSTLY REPAIR. THERE MUST BE SOMETHING IN THE DESIGN OF THE AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHT SYSTEM DESIGN WHICH IS CAUSING THESE FAILURES.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, May 13, 2015
LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS KEEP BURNING OUT BOTH SIDES. LIGHTS BURN OUT INDEPENDENTLY OF EACH OTHER. SO FAR HAVE REPLACED LIGHTS 3 TIMES 6 IN TOTAL. PROBLEM REPORTED AS AN ISSUE IN SUBARU FORUMN
Exterior lighting, Apr 8, 2015
THE HEADLIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS HAVE FAILED (BURNED OUT) MULTIPLE TIMES IN THE 4 YEARS OF OWNING THE VEHICLE. SOME WITHIN 3 MONTHS OF BEING REPLACED OTHER MIGHT LAST 8 MONTHS TO A YEAR. I AM WONDERING IF THIS IS A WIRING ISSUE CAUSING SUCH SHORT BULB LIFE. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Feb 20, 2015
PURCHASED THIS CAR 7/2011. NO PROBLEM WITH EXTERIOR HEADLIGHTS UNTIL ABOUT ONE YEAR AFTER PURCHASE. HIGHBEAMS ARE FINE. NEVER HAD TO REPLACE THEM. RUNNING LIGHTS HAVE NEVER HAD AN ISSUE. AROUND 11/2012, REGULAR HEADLIGHTS(BOTH BULBS IN THE HEADLIGHT HOUSING )HAVE BEEN REPEATEDLY REPLACED. IN OCT 2013, BOTH BULBS ON DRIVER SIDE WERE REPLACED. WENT SEVERAL WEEKS LATER FOR MY STATE SAFETY STICKER, THE SMALL BULB NEEDED TO BE REPLACED ON THE DRIVER SIDE. THEN IN FEB 2014, THE LARGE BULB ON THE DRIVER SIDE BURNT OUT AND WAS REPLACED. MAY 2014, BOTH LIGHTS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WHERE OUT. REPLACED THEM. THESE NEEDED TO BE DONE AT A GARAGE EACH TIME. JAN 2015, BOTH REPLACED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE.NOW, FEB 12, 2015 AND AGAIN, BOTH ON THE PASSENGER SIDE ARE OUT, AND NEED REPLACING. GOING TO TRY MORE HEAVY DUTY BULBS. HUSBAND HAS LEARNED HOW TO REPLACE THE BULBS THROUGH THE WHEEL WELL. I HAVE PAPERWORK FOR AT LEAST 7- 8 BULBS IN 3 1/2 YRS NEEDING REPLACEMENT. THINK SUBARU NEEDS TO ACKNOWLEDGE A PROBLEM IN EXTERIOR LIGHTS IN THE SUBARU 2011. *TR
Exterior lighting, Feb 16, 2015
I HAVE A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK GREAT CAR THE PROBLEM IS I'M CHANGING A LOW BEAM BULB EVERY 6 TO 8 MONTHS. MY WIFE HAS A 2006 LEGACY WAGON AND I'VE ONLY HAD 1 BULB GO OUT. I CALLED MY SUBARU DEALERSHIP I WAS TOLD IT WAS BECAUSE I HAVE RUNNING LIGHTS ON THE CAR. I TOLD HIM I HAVE RUNNING LIGHTS ON MY 06 LEGACY AND DON'T HAVE THAT PROBLEM. THAT WAS THE END OF OUR CONVERSATION . MAYBE I'LL CALL SUBARU IN NJ. VERY HELPFUL GROUP. I WORKED WITH THEM WHEN I HAD HEAD GASKET ISSUES. *TR
Exterior lighting, Feb 3, 2015
I HAVE HAD THE CAR SINCE AUGUST 2010 AND THE LOW LIGHT BEAMS KEEP BURNING OUT. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE ONE OR THE OTHER THREE TIMES NOW. THIS TIME THE NEW BULB LASTED LESS THAN A YEAR. AND LAST YEAR I ALSO HAD TO REPLACE ONE OF THE HIGH BEAMS. I HAVE NEVER OWNED A CAR THAT NEEDED HEADLIGHTS REPLACED SO OFTEN (ACTUALLY I'VE NEVER HAD TO REPLACE A HEADLIGHT ON ANY OTHER VEHICLE I'VE OWNED). ALSO, I HAVE TO BRING IT TO A DEALER EVERY TIME THIS NEEDS TO BE DONE BECAUSE IT'S TOO DIFFICULT TO CHANGE MYSELF. IT'S VERY INCONVENIENT. THERE ARE MANY OTHER PEOPLE WHO HAVE THE SAME COMPLAINT SO IT LEADS ME TO THINK IT'S A FAULT THAT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED. OTHER THAN THIS, I LOVE MY CAR! *TR
Exterior lighting, Jan 31, 2015
SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN 2011 WE HAVE LOST BOTH DAY TIME RUNNING LIGHTS, ONE TAIL LIGHT AND THE DRIVER SIDE HEAD LIGHT TWICE. THE DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT ISSUE HAPPENED WITHIN THREE MONTHS. THIS SEEMS TO ONLY HAPPEN IN COLD WEATHER (TEENS AND TWENTIES). WE HAVE RECEIVED INSPECTION TICKETS FOR THIS ISSUE FROM THE POLICE. LOOKING ON LINE THERE ARE SEVERAL PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT HEADLIGHT BLOWING VERY QUICKLY. ALSO, SUBARU HAS A VERY POOR DESIGN FOR ALLOWING OWNERS TO REPLACE THEIR OWN HEADLIGHTS. YOU HAVE TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE INNER FENDER WELL HAS TO BE REMOVED AND THEN IT IS A VERY TIGHT SPACE TO REACH THE HEADLIGHT TO REPLACE IT. THIS CAN GET VERY EXPENSIVE TO THE CONSUMER AS WELL AS BEING A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Exterior lighting, Air bags, Jan 24, 2015
THE AIRBAG WARNING LITE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE CAME ON AND STAYED ON FOR SEVERAL MINUTES. AFTER SEVERAL TRIPS THE LITE CAME ON AGAIN AND HAS STAYED ON. THE RESULT IS THAT THE BAG IS NOT ABLE TO DEPLOY IF THERE IS ANY TYPE OF ACCIDENT THAT INVOLVES THE FRONT END. THIS IS VERY CONCERNING TO MY FAMILY , I TRY TO AVOID ANYONE FROM RIDING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jan 19, 2015
AFTER OWNING THIS VEHICLE BARELY 2 YEARS, THE 1ST HEADLIGHT (DRIVER SIDE) BULB BLEW OUT. TO REPLACE IT AT THE DEALERSHIP WAS $90 DUE TO THE DIFFICULTY OF REACHING THE BULB HOUSING - SO I WAS TOLD. THEN ABOUT 3-4 MONTHS LATER THE OTHER HEADLIGHT (PASSENGER SIDE) WENT OUT. THEN ABOUT 6 MONTHS LATER THE REAR LIGHT BULB WENT OUT. AROUND 2 MONTHS AGO (12/20/2014) THE DRIVER SIDE HEAD LIGHT WENT OUT AGAIN AND THEN PASSENGER SIDE WENT OUT LAST FRIDAY (1/17/2015). THIS IS A GREAT VEHICLE OVERALL, BUT I HAVE NEVER OWNED A VEHICLE THAT I'M CONSTANTLY REPLACING HEADLIGHTS (FRONT OR REAR). THIS IS VERY ANNOYING, EXPENSIVE AND DANGEROUS. *TR