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, Engine, Nov 11, 2016
BEGAN NOTICING VEHICLE SHUDDERING AND QUITTING OR ALMOST QUITTING WHEN COMING TO A STOP. HAS CONTINUED TO DO THIS FOR MONTHS NOW AND SEEMS TO BE GETTING WORSE. TOOK IT TO DEALER AND IT WAS DIAGNOSED AT TORQUE CONVERTER STICKING AFTER SEVERAL TESTS. REFERENCED TO SUBARU TSB NO. 16-101-16. DANGEROUS DESIGN FLAW AS IT CAN LEAVE YOU WITHOUT POWER AFTER COMING TO AN ABRUPT STOP SUCH AS BRAKING TO AVOID HITTING A STOPPED VEHICLE LEAVING YOU UNABLE TO MOVE AWAY FROM OTHER CARS WITHOUT RESTARTING VEHICLE. MY VEHICLE IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION ASIDE FROM THIS ISSUE BUT IS OUT OF POWERTRAIN WARRANTY AND THE COST TO REPAIR ARE PROHIBITIVE. REQUEST TO ISSUE RECALL FOR SAFETY ISSUES PRIMARILY AND TO NOT ULTIMATELY CAUSE DAMAGE TO TRANSMISSION IN THE LONG TERM.
Power train, Nov 9, 2016
STALLS WHEN STOPPING OR IDLING. STOPS IN INTERSECTIONS AND COMING TO STOPS.
Power train, Nov 7, 2016
SUBARU HAS A KNOWN TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 16-90-13R THAT IDENTIFIES AN ISSUE THE THE TORQUE CONVERTER THAT IS CAUSING SUBARU VEHICLES TO STALL WHEN BREAKING. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT MUST BE FIXED IN ORDER TO AVOID ACCIDENTS WHILE DRIVING. DESPITE BEING A KNOWN SAFETY ISSUE, SUBARU HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL. RATHER SUBARU OWNERS ARE LEFT TO PAY THE $1500 COST OF CORRECTING THE TORQUE CONVERTER ISSUE. MY 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK IS STALLING OUT WHEN BRAKING AT INTERSECTIONS AND PAR.
Power train, Nov 6, 2016
ENGINE STALLED AT LOW RPMS. SIMILAR TO MANUAL TRANSMISSION WITHOUT ENGAGING CLUTCH. OCCURRED WHEN APPROACHING STOP AT INTERSECTIONS OR SLOWING FOR HEAVY TRAFFIC.
Power train, Oct 27, 2016
MY 2011 OUTBACK HAS RECENTLY STARTED STALLING OUT AT STOP SIGNS. IT WILL STALL 5 TIMES IN 2 MILES. IT STARTS RIGHT BACK UP BUT WILL STALL AGAIN AT THE NEXT LIGHT OR STOP SIGN (LOCAL STREETS). APPARENTLY SUBARU HAS A SERVICE BULLETIN 16-90-13R THAT INDICATES THIS PROBLEM IS A POOR DESIGN OF THE TORQUE CONVERTER. I'VE READ MANY SIMILAR ACCOUNTS ON LINE. SUBARU SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL. IT'S AN EXPENSE REPAIR AND A SAFETY HAZARD.
Power train, Oct 27, 2016
VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY STALLS WHEN COMING TO RAPID STOP SUCH AS AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT RESULTING IN A HAZARDOUS SITUATION.
Power train, Service brakes, Sep 3, 2016
WHILE DRIVING, IF YOU HAVE TO STOP QUICKLY AND STEP ON THE BRAKES HARD THE CAR ENGINE STALLS. THIS PUTS THE CAR IN JEOPARDY OF BEING HIT FROM BEHIND AND INJURY TO THE PASSENGERS. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES OVER THE PAST COUPLE OF MONTHS AT VARIOUS SPEEDS - BOTH LOW SPEED AND HIGHWAY SPEED.
Power train, May 28, 2016
CAR STALLS TO COMPLETE STOP MOTOR STOPS AND CAR IS DEAD LEAVING MY WIFE AND 3 YEAR OLD IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION FOR CARS TO NEARLY HIT TILL SHE PUTS IT IN PARK TO RESTART CAR I HAVE READ, IT IS THE TORK CONVERTER IT NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AS A SAFETY CONCERN !!!!!
Power train, May 15, 2016
VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY SHUDDERS AND STALLS WHEN COMING TO FULL STOP, REQUIRING SHIFT TO PARK OR NEUTRAL TO RESTART. FREQUENCY OF OCCURRENCE IS RAPIDLY INCREASING. DEALER CITED SERVICE BULLETIN 16-90-13R AND REPLACEMENT OF THE TORQUE CONVERTER IS NECESSARY TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM.
Power train, Apr 7, 2016
VEHICLE STALLED ON INCLINES WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED CREATING A VERY DANGERS SITUATION. DEALER SIGHTED SERVICE BULLETIN 16-90-13R FOR DESIGN CHANGE TO THE CVT TORQUE CONVERTER BUT WOULD NOT ABSORB TOTAL COST OF REPAIR SINCE CAR HAS 107102 MILES AND OUT OF WARRANTEE. THIS SITUATION SHOULD CREATE A PRODUCT RECALL BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY INJURED.
Power train, Mar 20, 2016
WHILE DRIVING TO APPROACH A STOP THE CAR STUDDERS, BEGINS TO LOOSE ENGINE POWER AND STALLS. IT THEN REQUIRES THAT THE CAR MUST BE PLACED IN 'PARK', THE KEY TURNED TO THE 'OFF' POSITION AND THEN RESTARTED.
Power train, Feb 28, 2016
WHILE COMING TO AT STOP VEHICLE WILL SHUTTER AND STALL! AT THE BEGINNING OF OUR OWNERSHIP OF THIS VEHICLE IT WOULD SHUDDER AND THE IDLE WOULD GO VERY LOW, ALMOST STALLING. NOW WHEN WE COME TO A STOP IT WILL STALL! THIS HAS BECOME VERY DANGERIOUS. THERE IS A TSB FROM SUBARU TSB 16-90-13, TSB 16-90-13R CHANGE DESIGN OF TORQUE CONVERTER FROM SOLID BUSHING TYPE TO NEEDLE BEARING TYPE. THRUST WASHER WEAR INSIDE THE TORQUE CONVERTER CAUSES RESTRICTION OF OIL PASSAGE USED TO BLEED OFF LOCK-UP CLUTCH APPLICATION PRESSURE.
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.
Power train, Engine, Feb 7, 2016
SERVICE BULLETIN # 16-90-13 CAR STALLS WHEN COMING TO A STOP. THIS HAPPENS IN TRAFFIC AT STOP LIGHTS ANYWHERE I NEED TO MAKE A HARD STOP. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND IT WOULD APPEAR THIS IS A MAJOR ISSUE FOR MANY OWNERS. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL NOT JUST A SERVICE BULLITIN
Power train, Jan 13, 2016
VEHICLE SHUDDERS AND STALLS OUT WHEN COMING TO A STOP AND/OR SLOWING DOWN. THE VEHICLE MUST BE PUT BACK INTO PARK AND RESTARTED BEFORE IT WILL MOVE. THIS HAPPENED TO ME FOUR TIMES TODAY. THIS POSES AN INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS THREAT TO ANYONE IN THIS VEHICLE OR AROUND THIS VEHICLE WHILE IN TRAFFIC. ANYONE IN THIS VEHICLE IS A SITTING DUCK FOR AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN IT WILL STALL OUT. I AM APPALLED AT THE FACT THAT I HAVE SEEN SO MANY OF THESE SAME ISSUES BE REPORTED AND NOT RECALLED YET. OBVIOUSLY THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT MUST BE ADDRESSED...REALLY - DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO DIE OR GET SERIOUSLY INJURED FOR SOMEONE TO TAKE ACTION HERE??
Power train, Jan 5, 2016
MY OUTBACK IS STALLING AT RED LIGHTS AND SUDDEN STOPS. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THE TORQUE CONVERTER IS FAILING. THEY SAID SUBARU IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED DUE TO A SAFETY ISSUE. THERE ARE MANY WHO ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM.
Power train, Dec 31, 2015
VEHICLE STALLS WHEN BRAKING HARD WHEN COMING TO A STOP.
Power train, Dec 8, 2015
THE CAR IS STALLING OUT WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED AS THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME I COME TO A STOP. I HAVE TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC TO RESTART IT. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND CREATES A PUBLIC HAZARD. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED ASAP BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALER AS SOON AS THIS HAPPENED AND THEY TOLD ME THE VEHICLE NEEDS A NEW TORQUE CONVERTER TO THE TUNE OF $2600. UPON RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE, I FOUND SUBARU IS WELL AWARE OF THEIR PROBLEMATIC TORQUE CONVERTER SINCE THEY ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN REGARDING IT. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY FAULTY EQUIPMENT THAT SUBARU IS AWARE OF AND SHOULD MAKE GOOD ON. THIS CAR HAS 80,000 MILES ON IT AND HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AS I BROUGHT IT BRAND NEW IN LATE 2011.
Power train, Oct 10, 2015
CAR HAS A CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION. THE TORQUE CONVERTER WILL NOT DISENGAGE WHEN CAR COMES TO A HARD STOP. THIS CAUSES ENGINE TO DIE. THIS CAN BE DANGEROUS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. SUBARU IS AWARE OF PROBLEM. SUBARU ISSUED TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 16-90-13R TO SPECIFICALLY ADDRESS THIS ISSUE. PROBLEM IS, MY CAR WAS WELL OUT OF WARRANTY BEFORE THIS ISSUE COULD BE IDENTIFIED. IT IS AN EXPENSIVE TRANSMISSION REPAIR. AGAIN, THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. SUBARU SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO RECALL THESE CARS AND FIX THE TORQUE CONVERTER.
Power train, Air bags, Sep 21, 2015, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE CONTACT FORGOT TO SHIFT THE LEVER INTO THE PARK POSITION BUT WAS ABLE TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY AND CRASHED INTO A GATE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESIGNED TO PERFORM IN THAT MANNER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,547.
Power train, Jun 15, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TO MAKE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO RESTART THE VEHICLE EACH TIME THE FAILURE RECURRED AND IT WAS GETTING PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS AN INTERNAL FAILURE WITH THE TORQUE CONVERTER AND THAT THE PART NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000.
Power train, Electrical system, May 18, 2015
DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT APPROX. 65 MILES PER HOUR. HEARD LOUD CLICKING AND ENGINE LOST POWER. I WAS JUST ABLE TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT BEING HIT BY OTHERS. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHTS OR ANYTHING BEFORE THIS HAPPENED. THE CAR HAS RECEIVED REGULAR CHECKUPS/OIL CHANGES AND WAS NOT DUE FOR ANOTHER OIL CHANGE YET.
Power train, Apr 24, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE SLOWING DOWN TO MAKE A TURN, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V326000 (POWER TRAIN). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,750.
Power train, Mar 30, 2015
ABOUT 1 MONTH AGO MY CAR BEGAN TO STALL WHEN COMING TO A STOP IE AT AN INTERSECTION OR STOP SIGN. THE CAR JUST SHUDDERS AND DIES. IT WILL START BACK UP. THE PROBLEM GOT WORSE, HAPPENING 1-2 TIMES PER DAY. AFTER SEARCHING THE INTERNET, I FOUND A SUBARU SERVICE BULLETIN #16-90-13 DESIGN CHANGE TO LOCK-UP TYPE TORQUE CONVERTER LINKED TO A DESCRIPTION OF AN ISSUE LIKE THIS. WHEN I BROUGHT MY CAR IN FOR SERVICE I MENTIONED THE SERVICE BULLETIN TO THE SERVICE COORDINATOR AND HE KNEW ALL ABOUT IT. THEY TESTED THE CAR AND THIS WAS CONFIRMED TO BE THE PROBLEM. MY CAR HOWEVER IS OUT OF WARRANTY. IT IS LESS THAN 5 YEARS OLD - NOT EVEN PAID OFF YET- BUT HAS >60,000 MILES. THE REPAIR IS NOT COVERED AND WILL BE CLOSE TO $1800.00. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE A RECALL. I AM A REPEAT SUBARU BUYER AND IT SHOCKS ME THAT THEY WILL NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR CARS BETTER THAN THIS AND WOULD LET A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION GO ON WITHOUT PUTTING MITIGATION IN PLACE. *TR
Power train, Mar 16, 2015
AFTER BRAKING MODERATE TO HARD WHEN THE VEHICLE COMES TO A STOP THE CAR STALLS WITHOUT FAIL. IT OCCURRED WHILE MY WIFE AND 18 MONTH OLD WERE SLOWING DOWN/STOPPING ON A BUSY ROAD TO YIELD ONCOMING TRAFFIC BEFORE TAKING A LEFT TURN ONTO ANOTHER ROAD. WHEN WE FIRST BROUGHT THE VEHICLE INTO THE LOCAL SUBARU DEALERSHIP THEY RAN DIAGNOSTICS AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG AND SENT US ON OUR WAY. A FEW WEEKS LATER ON MARCH 10, 2015 WE BROUGHT THE CAR BACK AFTER IT OCCURRED SEVERAL MORE TIMES. THE DEALERSHIP DIDN'T EVEN NEED TO DO A ROAD TEST, THEY KNEW THE PROBLEM WAS A FAULTY TORQUE CONVERTER. WE WERE LED TO BELIEVE THIS IS A COMMON DEFECT FOR THIS MODEL. THEY ALSO SAID THE TRANSMISSION (CVT) MAY NEED TO BE REPLACED. THIS SAME PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED TO OTHERS WE KNOW WHO HAVE THE SAME CAR. OUR OUTBACK HAS 74K MILES ON IT NOW. THE WARRANTY EXPIRED AT 70K MILES. WE STILL OWE PAYMENTS ON THE CAR AND NOW WILL NEED TO SPEND THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO FIX IT. THIS CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AND WE HOPE SUBARU RECALLS THIS MODEL TO HAVE THE TORQUE CONVERTER AND CVT REPLACED. AT BEST PEOPLE WILL NEED TO SPEND THOUSANDS TO FIX THE ISSUE. AT WORST THIS PROBLEM COULD LEAD TO SEVERE OR FATAL INJURIES. *TR