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: power train
216 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Dec 8, 2021
When coming to a stop, the transmission's torque converter does not disengage, causing the engine to stall. This was diagnosed by two independent repair shops and there is an open TSB from Subaru that addresses this problem. However, when slowing down at an intersection, the sudden stop can be dangerous.
Power train, Nov 9, 2021
I have a 2011 Subaru Outback with ~`40k miles. After buying the vehicle in late 2020 I began to notice the vehicle shuttering and shaking when coming to a complete stop or when I begin to reverse and when the vehicle shutters there is a significant RPM drop. The shuttering issue occurs randomly and is concerning but the bigger issue is that the vehicle has also stalled after coming to a hard stop twice in the last year. When braking hard from 60 mph to avoid vehicle the vehicles engine stalled out. When this occurred I had to place the vehicle in park then restart the engine. As of today I have never seen a warning message or anything that would let me know that there was an issue. When researching the topic I found that this is a known issue by Subaru related to a faulty thrust washer in the CVT and a TSB, 16-90-13r was issued but was not directly communicated to the customer. The warranty was extended to 100k miles but the vehicle was purchased at 128k miles and I was told that the repair would not be covered since it fell outside the extended warranty. Thankfully when the car stalled there was not a vehicle behind me and I was visible on the road but this issue poses great risk to safety since one loses power to the vehicle. Also, the symptoms of the failure would leave the average driver to think it was a more common issue ( pad, caliper, tire balance) which would be misdiagnosed.
Power train, Sep 2, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and then had her brother-in-law continue driving manually to an independent mechanic. The mechanic inspected the vehicle and diagnosed the failure as a faulty transmission and torque converters. The mechanic replaced the transmission with a used transmission with lower miles. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Power train, Aug 9, 2021
I was driving at 65mph on highway in a like new 2011 Subaru Outback with 146,000 miles when the transmission valve body crapped out. This caused a severe shutter and loss of power like a missed gear, but thankfully I was able to coast off the highway without using the gas or without crashing. The drivetrain lost power unexpectedly again pulling into the parking lot off the highway. This action appears to be a major safety issue. I believe there is a manufacturing defect in one of the closed system parts that caused this perfectly maintained & repaired, vehicle in immaculate baby'd condition to fail. Vehicle is in perfect condition, and all maintenance in manual have been done as outlined by Subaru. My concern is the safety. Warning Lights were: Blinking Park Light Blinking AT Oil Temp Blinking Cruise Solid Check Engine Solid Traction Control The codes that were pulled were: P0700, P2764, C0057, C0054 Subaru of America has been notified of the issue.
Power train, Aug 9, 2021
Torque Converter failure. When trying to stop, the car would stall out (not safe in busy intersections or when cars are behind you). No warning came up except momentarily when the stalling occurred. I have taken my car in to Subaru for all recommended servicing and repairs and directed based on mileage and service team recommendations. My vehicle was taken to my local Subaru service facility (Bruce Titus Subaru of Tacoma) for inspection after the stalling issue. Dealer confirmed the problem prior to repair (torque converter failure necessitating replacement). Torque converter failure is an all too common problem with the year and make of my car (2011 Subaru Outback) and Subaru of America put out an extended warranty coverage to rectify the complaints I presume. This was extended out to 10 yrs past the manufacture date or up to 100,000 miles. By car is ~ 7 months past the 10 year mark but still under 100,000 miles. Subaru of Americal is only willing to repay me $1000 back as a good will gesture (total pre tax was $2,321). This is a problem with so many of the Subaru's out there with CVTs. This was frightening to have happen and is beyond frustrating that people are having to pay out of pocket for issues that Subaru is well aware of but only willing to fix if a car has a failure in there extended warranty time frame. This SHOULD have been a recall for all cars due to safety!!!
Power train, Aug 2, 2021
When coming to a stop the motor almost dies. When I went to start going into a roundabout the engine stalled and chugged like I wasnt in the right gear. It is an automatic... No warning lights or anything.
Power train, Jul 27, 2021
Transmission was repaired with a new valve body at 119,000 miles. This was as a result of the TSB 16-90-13R released by subaru. The car now has 137K miles on it, and in researching the issue, the torque converter was not replaced when the work was done. Now the torque converter has fully failed and has damaged the transmission to where it needs replaced. The vehicle cannot be repaired under warranty despite the release;atively recent partial warranty repair. This car was stalling multiple times before it finally failed. We were quoted $6936 to replace transmission, but this is more than the car is worth.
Power train, Jul 5, 2021
This past week, I purchased a 2011 Subaru Outback for my daughter to have what I have always understood as a safe car. The car is nearly stalling on occasions when you come to a complete stop and at times when you are nearly stopped. The major incident is the engine shut off with me when I had to stopped quickly, nearly causing an accident when I had to put the car in neutral to start it back up. I was able to replicate it several times since then in places like empty parking lots....going as slow as 10 mph before putting on the brakes. No warning lights associated with this issue. I have not been to a dealer, but through research, I have seen that there is a faulty design in the transmission/torque converter (thrust bushing). I understand there is a TSB showing that Subaru would fix this problem, but only for vehicles under 100k miles (extended warranty). Our vehicle has 156k, but I don't see why mileage has to determine if a faulty design from the factory is replaced or not. It appears the original owner (I don't know them) either didn't have it fixed before 100k, it was fixed and has reoccured again, or the problem didn't manifest itself until after 100k and they decided to just sell/trade it. Nonetheless, this is not an acceptable problem for a car to have...especially for new drivers. I don't want to have to sell this car, because I really like Subaru's products, but I cannot have my children driving/riding in a car with this potential for causing a preventable accident. Thank you for your time.
Power train, Jun 6, 2021
2010-15 Legacy/ Outback 2.5L CVT Garavel Subaru dealer expensive fixing and some cars have recalls.
Power train, May 5, 2021
THE INSTALLED CVT TRANSMISSION HAS DEVELOPED A LEAK AT 115,000 MILES OR LESS. THE ONLY SOLUTION OFFERED BY SUBARU AS A MEANS TO REPAIR THE SEAL LEAK IS TO INSTALL AND ENTIRELY NEW TRANSMISSION AT A COST OF $7,000. THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT BAD - THE SEAL IS. THERE WAS A WARRANTY EXTENSION SPECIFICALLY DUE TO THIS ISSUE WITH THIS CVT TRANSMISSION AND MODEL YEAR - AND WE ARE ONLY JUST OUT OF THE COVERED PERIOD. THE CVT WAS INCORRECTLY DESIGNED INITIALLY, AND THE POTENTIAL FOR INJURY OR ACCIDENT DUE TO NOT ADDRESSING THE ISSUE IS HIGH. SUBARU HAS NOT OFFERED ANY SOLUTION AT THIS POINT, AND HAS SUGGESTED THAT WE 'BUY ANOTHER MODEL'. THANKS FOR NOTHING. A POWERTRAIN ON A SUBARU SHOULD LAST - AND IS REPUTED TO LAST - UPWARDS OF 200,000 MILES. WE GOT A LEMON.
Power train, Engine, May 2, 2021
OUR 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK HAD A RADIATOR LEAK WITH NO WARNING SIGNAL. THE CAR OVERHEATED, THE RADIATOR CRACKED, AND WE BLEW THE HEADGASKET. ONLY AFTER THE DAMAGE WAS DONE DID A WARNING LIGHT COME ON. THE CAR ONLY HAS 100K MILES AND HAS BEEN CAREFULLY MAINTAINED.
Power train, Mar 30, 2021
MY VEHICLE LOSES POWER AND STALLS IN TRAFFIC WHEN SLOWING DOWN ON A CITY STREET. THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THE TORQUE CONVERTER IN SUBARUS MADE AROUND THIS YEAR. SUBARU IS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE AND HAS EVEN ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN REGARDING THIS PROBLEM. THEY ALSO EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON THE CVT BECAUSE OF SO MANY COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS ISSUE BUT HAVE NOT ISSUED A RECALL. THIS IS EXTREMELY UNSAFE AND STALLING IN TRAFFIC COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY AND DEATH. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS DEFECTIVE TORQUE CONVERTER.
Power train, Mar 16, 2021
VEHICLE ENGINE STALLS AND SHUTS DOWN WHEN I BRAKE AT INTERSECTIONS/LIGHTS. I HAVE TO PUT CAR IN P-ARK AND RESTART THE ENGINE. THIS STARTED HAPPENING WITHIN LAST TWO MONTHS AND IS INCREASING IN FREQUENCY; CAR NOW HAS 121 000 MILES. IT IS A VERY UNNERVING EXPERIENCE AND RAISES SAFETY CONCERNS. I HAVE SCHEDULED A SERVICE CALL WITH LOCAL DEALERSHIP TOMORROW BUT NOTICED ON SUBARU'S SITE SIMILAR CONCERNS FROM OTHER DRIVERS.
Power train, Mar 6, 2021
2011 SUBARU OUTBACK WITH CVT TRANSMISSION STALLS WHEN COMING TO AN ABRUPT STOP. SUBARU HAS A TSB AND KNOWS THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE TORQUE CONVERTERS IN THESE CARS. THE VEHICLE STALLED COMING TO AN ABRUPT STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE CORRECTED VIA RECALL OF CVT MODEL 2011 OUTBACKS.
Power train, Engine, Mar 2, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH APPROACHING AT A RED LIGHT, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND WAS ALMOST REAR-ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND DRIVEN TO THE RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE PERSISTED WHILE DRIVING TO HER RESIDENCE. AN UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO BOWSER AUTOMOTIVE - POWER OF BOWSER (1001 CLAIRTON BLVD, PLEASANT HILLS, PA 15236) AND WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A TORQUE CONVERTER FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000.
Power train, Feb 17, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER COMING TO A STOP, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUDDERED AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER GLANZMANN SUBARU LOCATED AT 95 OLD YORK RD B, JENKINTOWN, PA 19046 WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V326000 (POWER TRAIN). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.
Power train, Feb 3, 2021
WHEN DRIVING THE 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK AND COMING TO A STOP, THE VEHICLE WILL SHAKE AND/OR SHUDDER AND WILL OFTENTIMES STALL OUT. THE DEALER CLAIMS THAT WE NEED TO REMOVE THE ENGINE AND REPLACE THE TORQUE CONVERTER. THIS SEEMS TO BE A KNOWN ISSUE ON THE 2011 OUTBACK AND THERE HAS BEEN A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ISSUED FOR THIS. THIS IS NOT SAFE AS THIS CAN HAPPEN ON HILLS OR IN WINTER ON SNOWY/ICY ROADS SO SHOULD BE ELEVATED TO A RECALL. NOT TOO MENTION THE COST OF THIS REPAIR IS OUTSIDE THE REALM OF REALISM AND LANDS IN THE ZONE OF CRUEL AND UNUSUAL PUNISHMENT.
Power train, Jan 26, 2021
WHEN TURNING SHARPLY OR COMING TO A QUICK STOP, THE CAR SHUDDERS AND STALLS. SUBARU ACKNOWLEDGED THE PROBLEM ONCE AND REPLACED THE TORQUE CONVERTER, BUT THE PROBLEM IS BACK AND THEY WILL NOT PAY FOR ANY FURTHER REPAIRS FOR THIS ISSUE, WHICH HAS BEEN ONGOING. IT'S DANGEROUS TO HAVE THE CAR STALL SUDDENLY!
Power train, Jan 14, 2021
VEHICLE REPEATEDLY STALLS ABRUPTLY WHILE SLOWING DOWN OR TURNING. PLEASE SEE ATTACHED DOCUMENTS FOR FURTHER DETAILS. THE CONSUMER STATED THE POWER TRAIN HAD A FAILED PART THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED.*JS
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jan 5, 2021
OCCASIONALLY, PERHAPS 4 TIMES IN THE LAST YEAR, WHEN I PUT MY CAR INTO 'DRIVE', THE ENGINE ENGAGES AND LURCHES FORWARD. IT FEELS AS THOUGH THE CAR WITH TAKE OFF FORWARD AT A HIGH SPEED.
Power train, Engine, Dec 10, 2020
DURNING HARD/QUICK STOPS THE CAR WILL SHAKE JUST BEFORE STOPPING AS IF THE ENGINE WANTS TO STALL. MORE THEN HALF OF THE TIME THE CAR WILL STALL. IT WILL START RIGHT BACK UP BUT THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE HAVING YOUR CALL STALL IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. SUBARU HAS ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN 16-90-13R FOR THIS ISSUE. BASICALLY THEY NEED TO REPLACE THE TORQUE CONVERTER. THEY ALSO EXTENDED THE POWER TRAIN WARRANTY TO 100,000MI FROM 60,000MI. CARS THAT ARE OUTSIDE THE EXTENDED WARRANTY ARE OUT OF LUCK FOR ANY NO FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM SUBARU FOR A KNOWN SAFETY ISSUE. MY LOCAL SABARU DEALER JUST QUOTED ME $2500 TO FIX A KNOWN SAFETY ISSUE. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR THE ESTIMATED 1.5 MILLION SUBARU'S THAT THE SERVICE BULLETIN ADDRESSES.
Power train, Oct 26, 2020
I PURCHASED THIS AS A USED VEHICLE AS IS WITH 130,000 MILES. IT WAS WITHIN A COUPLES WEEKS THAT I NOTICED THE VEHICLE WOULD DIE EVERY TIME I WOULD BRAKE AT AN INTERSECTION OR STOP SIGN/LIGHT. THANKFULLY, I LIVE IN A SMALL TOWN, BUT DO OCCASIONALLY TRAVEL TO LARGER CITIES. AS YOU COULD IMAGINE, THIS IS QUITE DANGEROUS AT BUSY INTERSECTIONS!!! I JUST RECENTLY HIT 135,000 MILES AND NOW HAVE ANOTHER ISSUE! AT HIGHWAY SPEED, IT WILL INTERMITTENTLY HESITATE, THE RPM GAUGE JUMPS UP AND IT MAKES A SCREECHING NOISE. AFTER RESEARCHING ON LINE, IT APPEARS THAT SEVERAL CONSUMERS HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT BOTH ISSUES. THEY ARE BOTH CAUSED BY A PROBLEM WITH THE CVT AND THAT SUBARU HAS MADE NO ATTEMPT TO CORRECT THE ISSUE? I AM A MIDDLE-CLASS CONSUMER AND CAN NOT AFFORD A BRAND NEW VEHICLE, SO WHEN I DO PURCHASE A USED VEHICLE, I TRY TO FIND SOMETHING THAT HAS A HISTORY OF BEING RELIABLE AND LONG-LASTING. THIS VEHICLE IS NEITHER!!!
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 26, 2020
WHEN STOPPING THE CAR STALLS AND DIES ON STREETS, HIGHWAYS, ETC. I HAVE ALMOST BEEN REAR ENDED AND IT EVEN DIED WHILE OBSTRUCTING ONCOMING TRAFFIC. SUBARU ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICES BULLETIN (TSB 16-90-13R) WHICH DESCRIBES THE ISSUE PERFECTLY, HOWEVER DUE TO MILAGE (40K OVER 100K) THEY WILL NOT CORRECT THE BAD PART, WHICH IS NO LONGER EVEN AVAILAABLE TO PURCHASE THROUGH THEM! PART # 31100AB170. THE NEW PART 31100AB171 AND 31100AB172 SHOULD BE ISSUED TO ALL 2010-2012 OUTBACK OWNERS AS A RECALL. IF THEY WILL NOT EVEN SELL THE ORIGINAL PART ANYMORE BECAUSE THEY KNOW IT IS GARBAGE AND THEN PLAY THE FEEL GOOD BEST CAR EVER COMMERCIALS, THAT IS MISLEADING AND FRAUDULENT. HELP NHTSA, YOU ARE OUR ONLY HOPE.
Power train, Sep 1, 2020
WHILE ENTERING AN INTERSECTION, UPON BREAKING THE SUBARU UNEXPECTEDLY STALLED OUT. WE WERE VERY STARTLED BECAUSE THE CAR BEHIND US HONKED THE HORN FOR US TO MOVE ON. WE FEEL VERY UNSAFE NOW WITH OUR EVERYDAY DRIVING.
Power train, Aug 7, 2020
THE RANDOMLY STALLS WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE AFTER COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS, AND HAS LEFT ME AND MY SON STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION ON A FEW OCCASIONS. ON ONE OCCASSION, WE WERE ALMOST HIT BY A CAR ENTERING THE INTERSECTION. IN ADDITION TO THIS, THE AT OIL LIGHTS UP WHENEVER TRAVELING LONGER DISTANCES. THE MECHANIC HAS SAID THE CAR HAS A FAILING TRANSMISSION. I CONTACTED SOA DUE TO THE THE EXTENDED WARRANTY THEY HAVE ON THE VEHICLE. THE CAR MEETS THE 10 YEAR TIME-FRAME OF THE EXTENDED WARRANTY BUT THEY WILL NOT HONOR THE EXTENSION BECAUSE OF THE MILES WHICH WERE 132,000. I JUST BOUGHT THE CAR PUT MAYBE $1000 MILES ON IT BEFORE THE TRANSMISSION STARTED GIVING US PROBLEMS. THERE IS A DOCUMENTED ISSUE WITH THE SUBARU 2011 CVT THAT REQUIRES A RECALL, NOT AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. LOOK ALL OF THE INTERNET ON CUSTOMERS HAVING THEIR CVT TRANSMISSION FAIL AT JUST OVER 100,000 MILES AND BEING STUCK WITH $7000 REPAIR BILLS.