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, Oct 15, 2019
MY 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK SOMETIMES SHUDDERS WHILE SLOWING DOWN AND HAS STARTED STALLING OUT AT STOPS. I FEEL THIS IS QUITE UNSAFE. I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL SUBARU DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME IT NEEDS A TORQUE CONVERTER. THEY QUOTED $1459.45 FOR THE REPAIR. THE MAN AT SUBARU TOLD ME IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE, AS IT MAY FAIL WHILE DRIVING AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
Power train, Oct 7, 2019
I PURCHASED MY 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK AT 75,000 MILES FROM HANSEL SUBARU IN SANTA ROSA,CA IN APRIL OF 2017 FROM A SALESMAN NAMED ANDRE. A COUPLE WEEKS AFTER PURCHASING IT I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP TO GET THE TRANSMISSION INSPECTED BECAUSE IT WAS NOT DRIVING PROPERLY (COMPLAINING OF HARD SHIFTING). AFTER THEY INSPECTED IT THEY ASKED ME IF THIS WAS MY FIRST CVT AND I SAID YES, THEY TOLD ME THAT THE CAR NEEDED TO LEARN MY DRIVING HABITS SO THEY DID A 'RE-LEARN' ON THE CVT WHICH I HAD TO PAY FOR OUT OF POCKET. AT THIS TIME I HAD NO KNOWLEDGE OF THE EXTENDED WARRANTY OR THE CVT TRANSMISSION THE SUBARU RELEASED IN 2014. THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN DISCLOSED WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR. WHEN I TOOK IT IN FOR THE INSPECTION THEY SHOULD HAVE REPLACED THE CVT ACCORDING TO THEY SERVICE BULLETIN WITH THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. A COUPLE WEEKS AGO I'M DRIVING HOME FROM VENTURA AT NIGHT, TRAVELING 70MPH IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND OUT OF NOWHERE ALL THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS START FLASHING AND THE CAR SUDDENLY LOOSES POWER, ALMOST CAUSING THE VEHICLE BEHIND ME TO REAR-END ME. THE VEHICLE IS AT 125,000 MILES (JUST OUTSIDE THE 100,000 MILE EXTENDED WARRANTY) AND SUBARU IS REFUSING TO PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE WITH A NEW TRANSMISSION. NOW I'M STUCK WITH A REPAIR BILL OF $8000 ON A VEHICLE I STILL OWE $10,000 ON. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL, THE PASSENGER AND I COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED OR KILLED IN A FREEWAY PILEUP.
Power train, Sep 23, 2019
CAR HAS BEEN EXHIBITING INTERMITTENT LOW IDLING WHILE PARKED OR WHILE STOPPED AT RED LIGHT AND STOP SIGNS. ABOUT 3 DAYS AGO, ON THREE SEPARATE TRIPS MY OUTBACK SHUDDERED AND SHAKED QUITE VIOLENTLY WHEN STOPPING FOR ONCOMING TRAFFIC AS I WAS ATTEMPTING TO TURN. WHEN I DEPRESSED THE GAS PEDAL TO MAKE THE TURN, THE CAR CONTINUED TO SHUDDER AND STALLED AMIDST THE THREE LANE ONCOMING TRAFFIC. I RESTARTED THE CAR AND GENTLY DEPRESSED THE GAS PEDAL TO HOBBLE MY WAY INTO A PARKING LOT. I MADE MY WAY BACK HOME FULLY AWARE OF HOW THE CAR BEHAVED TO AVOID INCIDENT, BUT ALSO LEAVING ME AFRAID FOR MY FAMILY'S SAFETY. I IMMEDIATELY SCHEDULED A SERVICE APPT AT THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP. THE CAR DIDN'T EXHIBIT ANY OF THE PREVIOUS ISSUES ON MY DRIVE TO THE DEALERSHIP. AFTER AGREEING TO PAY FOR THE DIAGNOSIS FEE, THE SERVICE REP EXPLAINED TO ME THAT I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE TORQUE CONVERTER, WHICH WOULD COST ME OVER $2000. I FELT LIKE I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO AUTHORIZE THE REPAIR, SO I DID. AFTER LEAVING MY CAR AT THE SHOP TO RETURN HOME I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONDUCT SOME QUICK RESEARCH ABOUT THE TORQUE CONVERTER AS IT PERTAINS TO MY MODEL YEAR CAR. THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FILED TO NHTSA AND SUBARU OF AMERICA ABOUT THIS ISSUE. I RECENTLY PURCHASED MY OUTBACK USED (SECOND OWNER) AT 145,000 MILES IN LATE MAY 2019. EXTENDED WARRANTY EXPIRED 8 MONTHS PRIOR TO MY PURCHASE. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP TO CHECK FOR ANY OUTSTANDING RECALLS UPON MY PURCHASE. BUT SINCE THE EXTENDED WARRANTY (AS A RESULT OF TECHNICAL BULLETIN 16-90-13R) ISN'T AN ACTUAL RECALL, NOTHING WAS FLAGGED. THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO WAY FOR ME TO BE AWARE OF THIS UNTIL THE PROBLEM REVEALED ITSELF, NOW LEAVING ME WITH A POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS (IF NOT DEADLY) SITUATION IF NOT ADEQUATELY REMEDIED BY THE DEALERSHIP. I'M CURRENTLY WORKING WITH SUBARU OF AMERICA TO SEE IF THEY'LL COVER THE EXPENSE.
Power train, Sep 10, 2019
AROUND 12PM ON 8/28/19, MY 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION AS I WAS COMING TO A FAST STOP TO ALLOW AN APPROACHING AMBULANCE TO TURN. I COULD NOT RESTART MY CAR BEFORE THE LIGHT CHANGED, LEAVING ME STRANDED IN THE FLOW OF THE INTERSECTION, UNSURE WHETHER TO CONTINUE THROUGH AGAINST THE RED LIGHT OR STAY PUT AS CARS DROVE BY FROM BOTH SIDES, A FRIGHTENING AND DANGEROUS EXPERIENCE THAT LEFT ME SHAKEN. AS MY SAFETY WAS THREATENED BY THIS INCIDENT, I NOTIFIED SUBARU OF AMERICA BY PHONE ON 9/6/19. I WAS CONTACTED BY ANTOINE LAVAL (CUSTOMER/RETAILER SERVICES DEPT.) AND WILL HAVE AN APPOINTMENT WITH MY SUBARU DEALERSHIP AT 1PM ON 9/13/19 TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION EVALUATED. MY CAR HAS BEEN SHUDDERING/STALLING INTERMITTENTLY FOR MONTHS, AND IT IS NOW CLEAR THAT THIS IS DUE TO THE FAULTY CVT ISSUE REFERENCED IN THE LETTER SENT TO ME JUNE 2017. ALTHOUGH THE LETTER STATES THAT "FOR VEHICLES THAT ARE MORE THAN TEN (10) YEARS OLD OR HAVE MORE THAN ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND (100,000) MILES, INSPECTIONS OR REPAIRS UNDER THIS ONE YEAR COVERAGE PERIOD MUST BE COMPLETED ON OR BEFORE JULY 31, 2018," I AM PETITIONING SUBARU OF AMERICA TO FULLY COVER THE COST OF REPAIR/REPLACEMENT OF THE FAULTY TRANSMISSION IN MY SUBARU AS COMPENSATION FOR BEING PLACED IN THE DANGEROUS SITUATION OF BEING STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION IN CROSS TRAFFIC.
Power train, Sep 10, 2019
MY CAR STALLS WHEN I BRAKE SUDDENLY. THIS HAPPENS RANDOMLY AND HAS ALMOST CAUSED BE TO BE INVOLVED IN SEVERAL ACCIDENTS. JUST THIS MORNING MY CAR DIED AFTER BRAKING ON THE HIGHWAY AND I WAS NEARLY REAR-ENDED.
Power train, Aug 24, 2019
WHEN BRAKING THE CAR STARTS TO SHAKE AND THEN STALLS. YOU THEN NEED TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND RESTART. IF YOU APPLY THE BRAKES AND FEEL THE CAR SHAKING, SOMETIMES LETTING OFF OF THE BRAKE IT WILL KEEP IT FROM STALLING. IT IS STILL AN UNSAFE SITUATION.
Power train, Aug 19, 2019
THIS IS A NEW COMPLAINT AFTER SUBARU AGREED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AT NO COST TO US, THE ORIGINAL OWNERS. THE CAR WAS DROPPED FOR DIAGNOSIS ON 7/29-TOLD THAT IT NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSIONS, PARTS ORDERED, AND SERVICE SCHEDULED. SUBARU HAD THE CAR FOR JUST OVER TWO WEEKS. PICKED UP ON 8/13 AND EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUES THAT WE HAD PRIOR TO DROPPING IT OFF. HESITATION AND STALLING, ETC. SEE PREVIOUS COMPLAINT. NOW THEY WANT US TO DROP IT OFF FOR SERVICE AGAIN.
Power train, Aug 15, 2019
THE CAR STALLS WHEN COMING TO A FAST STOP AND SOMETIMES SHUDDERS LIKE IT IS GOING TO STALL WHEN SLOWING DOWN. THIS WAS HORRIBLE ON THE FREEWAY DURING TRAFFIC AS I HAD TO RESTART MY CAR NUMEROUS TIME. GOT CLOSE TO GETTING REAR ENDED A FEW TIMES. I TOOK MY CAR TO SUBARU AND IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM BUT INSTEAD OF DOING A RECALL THEY EXTENDED THE WARRANTY TO 100,000 MILES. MY CAR NOW HAS 103425 AND NOT COVERED. IT STARTED AROUND 102250 MILES WHILE IN CALIFORNIA ON MY WAY BACK HOME. I HAD TO PAY $2490.59 TO HAVE A SAFE CAR TO DRIVE. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE WHEN IT COMES TO TRANSMISSION STALLING WHILE DRIVING. HOW IS IT EVEN LEGAL THAT THIS ISN'T A RECALL.
Power train, Aug 8, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO VIBRATE ABNORMALLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED SUBARU DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY DIAGNOSED AT HERITAGE SUBARU OWINGS MILLS (LOCATED AT 9808 REISTERSTOWN RD, OWINGS MILLS, MD 21117, (866) 738-1475); HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO RETRIEVE A FAULT CODE OR DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Power train, Aug 8, 2019
WITHIN OWNING THE VEHICLE FOR APPROXIMATELY 6 MONTHS, THE VEHICLE BEGAN SHUDDERING WHEN COMING TO ABRUPT STOPS. THIS CONTINUED AND BY APPROXIMATELY 11 MONTHS, THE SHUDDERING HAD BECOME MORE COMMON IN LESS ABRUPT STOPS AND IN SOME CASES WOULD STALL THE CAR. THE ISSUE REMAINS PERSISTENT, HOWEVER INTERMITTENT. THE MOST RECENT TIME OF IT STALLING WAS TWO DAYS AGO, APPROXIMATELY 18 MONTHS INTO OWNING THE CAR. I'VE HELD UP TRAFFIC NUMEROUS TIMES DUE TO THIS ISSUE WHILE HAVING TO RESTART THE CAR, HOWEVER THIS MOST RECENT TIME, IT OCCURRED ON A STEEPER HILL AND, HAD I NOT REACTED QUICKLY WITH THE BRAKES, I COULD HAVE ROLLED BACK INTO A CAR AND POTENTIALLY INJURED THE OCCUPANTS AND MYSELF.
Power train, Aug 4, 2019
CAR WOULD SHUDDER WHEN COMING TO A STOP OCCASIONALLY AND FEEL LIKE IT WAS GOING TO STALL. I BROUGHT IT TO A MECHANIC WHO COULDN'T REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. AFTER MONTHS OF THIS HAPPENING RANDOMLY, THE CAR SUDDENLY LIT UP WITH ALL THESE DASH WARNING LIGHTS, I TRIED TURNING THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON BUT THE LIGHTS REMAINED ON, AFTERWARDS THE CAR WOULD SUDDENLY LOSE POWER. AS IT WAS LATE IN THE EVENING, I DROVE HOME, WITH THE CAR ALTERNATING BETWEEN LURCHING FORWARD AND LOSING POWER. THE NEXT MORNING THE PROBLEMS CONTINUED. I TOOK MY CAR TO MY MECHANIC WHO SAID IT WAS A TRANSMISSION ISSUE AND I NEEDED A TRANSMISSION SHOP. MY CAR HAS BEEN THERE FOR OVER 2 WEEKS. THEY SAID THAT THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION AND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE CARS, I HAVE YET TO RECEIVE AN ESTIMATE FOR REPAIRS. THE DAY BEFORE THE ISSUES STARTED I HAD TO DRIVE AN HOUR AND A HALF AWAY, SHOULD THESE ISSUES HAD HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY, THE CAR COULD HAVE STALLED OUT DOING HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT. FURTHERMORE, I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THE WARRANTY EXTENSION. I PURCHASED THE CAR IN DECEMBER 2017, THE SHUDDERING OCCURED AT RANDOM SINCE I PURCHASED IT, I KNOWN THE SHUDDERING WAS A SYMPTOM OF A IMPENDING LARGE, CATASTROPHIC ISSUE, I WOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO BRING IT TO A DEALER TO HAVE IT REPAIRED AS THE WARRANTY EXTENSION EXPIRED JULY 2018.
Power train, Jul 31, 2019
CAR HESITATED WHILE DRIVING, RPMS SOARED. LIGHTS CAME ON DASHBOARD-CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, BRAKE LIGHTS, TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM LIGHTS AS WELL AS OTHER LIGHTS. TOOK TO LOCAL MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THE CODE RELATED TO TRANSMISSION ISSUES, HE RESET CODE AND ASKED US TO DRIVE FOR A FEW DAYS TO SEE IF IT WOULD COME ON AGAIN. IT DID. SAME CODE. CONTACTED SUBARU OF AMERICA WHO ADVISED IT WOULD NEED TO GO TO A "AUTHORIZED SUBARU DEALER" FOR DIAGNOSIS BEFORE THEY COULD HELP US. RESEARCH INDICATES THAT SUBARU EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON THESE VEHICLES FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM TO 10 YEARS, 100,000 MILES. THE PERSON I SPOKE TO AT SUBARU, MARTINA BROWN INDICATED THAT ONCE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THEY WOULD BE ABLE TO REVIEW THE CLAIM AND HELP US OUT, SO WE DROVE THE CAR TO OUR LOCAL SUBARU DEALER. CAR WAS DRIVING FINE WHEN IT WAS DROPPED THERE. AFTER DIAGNOSIS, IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, BUT THEY REFUSED TO DO IT AT NO COST. IN FACT, THEY OFFERED US 1K TOWARD THE PURCHASE OF A NEW SUBARU. WHAT A JOKE, I CAN'T EVEN BELIEVE THEY WOULD HAVE THE AUDACITY TO MAKE AN OFFER LIKE THAT. WE'D ALREADY BEEN OFFERED WAY MORE THAN THAT AS A TRADE FOR A NEW VEHICLE ELSEWHERE, BUT DIDN'T TAKE THE OFFER BECAUSE WE WERE UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT SUBARU WOULD DO THE RIGHT THING AND FIX IT. THE CAR IS UNDER THE 10 YEARS, BUT OVER THE 100,000 MILES. I FEEL THAT SUBARU SHOULD FIX IT AT NO COST SINCE THEY KNEW THIS WAS AN ISSUE. THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE AS IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. THEY SHOULD BE MADE TO PAY FOR THESE REPAIRS. PLEASE ADVISE WHAT OPTIONS I CAN PURSUE TO GET THIS FIXED AT NO COST TO ME, THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE VEHICLE.
Power train, Jul 31, 2019
WHEN COMING TO SUDDEN STOP VEHICLE STALLS. IT'S DUE TO A FAULTY TORQUE CONVERTER.
Power train, Jul 29, 2019
WHEN DRIVING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT/TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON WHILE THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THE PARKING BREAK LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING. LATELY I'VE NOTED THE VEHICLE SHUTTERING WHEN SLOWING AND ALMOST STALLING OUT. THIS IS AT STOP LIGHTS/STOP SIGNS OR DRIVING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY. AFTER TAKING IT TO THE DEALER THEY CONFIRMED THE VALVE BODY NEEDED REPLACEMENT...AND THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH OVER 1.5 MILLION SUBARUS AFFECTED. COULD ALSO BE A TORQUE CONVERTED ISSUES, HOWEVER, MY DEALER DIDN'T MENTION THIS. I'VE CONTACTED SUBARU AS THERE WAS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY TO 100K MILES HOWEVER, MY CAR HAS JUST SLIGHTLY MORE THAN THAT. IT SOUNDS LIKE THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND CREATES ANXIETY TO DRIVE IN TRAFFIC NOT KNOWING IF YOUR CAR WILL SIMPLY STALL OUT AND HAVE SOMEONE HIT YOU. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR A LITTLE BIT OF TIME (MAYBE 6 MONTHS?) WITH NO LIGHTS SHOWING ISSUES. THE CAR HAS BEEN MAINTAINED CONSISTENTLY AND ON TIME SINCE I BOUGHT IT NEW.
Power train, Jul 23, 2019
ENGINE WILL ABRUPTLY STALL DUE TO LOW IDLE WHEN COMING TO A STOP OR STARTING FROM A STOP. ADDITIONALLY, WHEN STARTING FROM A STOP, VEHICLE WILL SHUDDER AND LOSE POWER AS IF THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT SHIFTING. DTC CODES 2762, 2764, AND 0700 ARE PRESENT INDICATING A PROBLEM WITH THE UNLOCKING OF THE TORQUE CONVERTER. VEHICLE HAS 152,000 MILES. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE WHEN THE CAR STALLS UNEXPECTEDLY IN TRAFFIC. IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE TO SUBARU, AND IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE SOMEONE IS INJURED OR KILLED BECAUSE OF THIS MANUFACTURING DEFECT. A RECALL NEEDS TO BE ISSUED!
Power train, Jul 22, 2019
TRANSMISSION FAILED - LOSS OF POWER WHILE DRIVING
Power train, Jul 12, 2019
WHEN TRAVELING WITH CRUISE SET CAR HAS STALLED/STUTTERED. IT ALSO HAS AN EXTREME STALL/STUTTER WHEN COMING UP TO A STOP OR TAKING OFF FROM A STOP. THIS HAS BEEN A SAFETY CONCERN DUE TO DRIVERS AROUND ME NEEDING TO REACT TO THE SUDDEN CHANGE OF SPEED.
Power train, Jul 10, 2019
WHILE SLOWING DOWN THE CAR STARTS TO SHUTTER THEN STALLS OUT WHEN MY SPEED IS UNDER 15 MPH. I BELIEVE IT'S THE TORQUE CLUTCH CONVERTER. I HAVE TO RESTART CAR IN TRAFFIC. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME I SLOW DOWN WEATHER ITS AT A STOP LIGHT OR JUST TURNING.
Power train, Jul 9, 2019
STALLED AT HIGHWAY SPEED CAUSING VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT, STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT AND AT TEMPERATURE LIGHTS FLASHING. READ SO MANY KNOWN ISSUES OF THIS HAPPENING TO OTHERS. WE ARE UNDER THE 10 YEARS BUT SLIGHTLY OVER THE 100,000 MILES. I WOULD THINK THEY WOULD BE WILLING TO FIX THE ISSUE AT NO CHARGE. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF VEHICLE. ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACED 4YEARS AGO. THAT WAS COVERED UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT WE HAD PURCHASED. I WOULD LIKE TO SAY GOOD THINGS ABOUT SUBARU, BUT WILL BE UNABLE TO DO SO IF THEY DON'T FIX THIS ISSUE AT N/C. TRANSMISSION PROBLEM PROBABLY
Power train, Jul 3, 2019
WAS DRIVING MY OUTBACK IN INTERSTATE TRAFFIC GOING THE SPEED LIMIT. ACCELERATED SLIGHTLY TO GO UP A HILL AND THE CAR "LOST POWER". WOULDN'T ACCELERATE. SPEED DROPPED FAST AND I HAD TO QUICKLY PULL OVER TO KEEP FROM BEING "RUN OVER" BY VEHICLES BEHIND ME
Power train, Jun 19, 2019
MY VEHICLE WILL STALL AND TURN OFF WHEN COMING TO A STOP. THIS HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES WHILE ON THE CITY STREETS AND WHEN ON THE HIGHWAY ONCE DURING TRAFFIC. THIS COULD OF BEEN A DEADLY SITUATION. THE CAR ALSO STALLS AND SLIPS GEARS WHEN GOING FROM 1ST GEAR TO 2ND CAUSING A JERKING MOTION LIKE AN MANUAL TRANSMISSION WOULD DO.
Power train, May 23, 2019
UNDER SUDDEN BREAKING VEHICLE STALLS. ENGINE STOPS AND HAS TO BE RESTARTED. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT STOP LIGHTS OR IN INTERSECTIONS IF ANOTHER VEHICLE IN FRONT STOPS SUDDENLY. HAVE HAD THIS DIAGNOSED AS A FAULTY TORQUE CONVERTER. THIS COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS IF THE CAR NEEDS TO GET OUT OF THE WAY AND IS STALLED! SUBARU HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS FOR YEARS YET DOES NOT CONSIDER IT A SAFETY ISSUE. I UNDERSTAND THIS HAS TO DO WITH THEIR CVT TRANSMISSION. A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED.
Power train, May 22, 2019
VEHICLE STALLS WHEN COMING TO A RAPID STOP. THE RPM PLUMETS DURING THE STOPPING ACTION AND DOES NOT RECOVER IN TIME, THEREFORE CAUSING THE ENGINE TO STALL. THE VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE TO BE TRAVELING PARTICULARLY FAST EITHER. 15MPH OR ABOVE WILL CAUSE THIS TO HAPPEN. IT DOES NOT OCCUR ALL THE TIME, BUT THE FREQUENCY DOES INCREASE OVER TIME. IT IS BELIEVED THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH THE CVT TORQUE CONVERTER.
Power train, May 14, 2019
A FEW WEEKS AGO, MY CAR STARTED STALLING OUT AT LOW SPEEDS WHILE TRYING TO ACCELERATE. THE CAR LOSES POWER AND FORWARD MOMENTUM AND THEN CATCHES UP AGAIN. STARTING FROM A STOP LIGHT AND ENTERING AN INTERSECTION, THE CAR LURCHES UNEXPECTEDLY, CAUSING A DISRUPTION IN FORWARD MOMENTUM-- WHICH IS VERY ALARMING FOR ME AND THE CARS BEHIND ME. I TOOK IT TO THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE AND WAS TOLD IT NEEDED A VALVE BODY REPLACEMENT FOR THE CVT. I ASKED SPECIFICALLY IF THE CODES THAT CAME BACK SAID IT NEEDED A VALVE BODY REPLACEMENT AND WAS TOLD, YES.
Power train, Apr 16, 2019
STATIONARY, STARTED CAR AND WENT TO PUT IN REVERSE GEAR (MANUAL TRANSMISSION) ONLY TO HAVE IT GRIND AND POP OUT. UNABLE TO PUT IN REVERSE, NOW THE OTHER GEARS HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY A DAMAGED REVERSE SYNCHRO BREAKING UP. EARLIER MODEL YEAR 2011 OUTBACKS WERE PART OF A TRANSMISSION (MANUAL 6 SPEED) RECALL FAILURE FOR LACK OF LUBRICATION- THIS IS A LATER IN THE YEAR MODEL SO NOT COVERED UNDER OTHER RECALL.