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, Vehicle speed control, Jan 22, 2015
AT A HARD, FAST BRAKE TO AVOID TRAFFIC CONGESTION ON THE FREEWAY, THE CAR STALLED AND DIED. IT LOST ALL POWER AND HAD TO BE RESTARTED. A FAULTY TORQUE CONVERTER IS THE CULPRIT. THE TORQUE CONVERTER FAILURE IN THE SUBARU (NOT JUST OUTBACKS) HAS BEEN SHOWN TO RESULT IN A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER / STALLED ENGINE, WHICH CAN ENDANGER THE DRIVER AND OTHER DRIVERS. *TR
Power train, Nov 23, 2014
SERVICE BULLETIN # 16-90-13 DESIGN CHANGE TO LOCK-UP TYPE TORQUE CONVERTER WHEN I HAVE TO COME TO A STOP OR IF I GO UP A HILL SLOW, OR IF I HAVE TO STOP QUICK MY VEHICLE WILL STALL. THIS IS DANGEROUS, ESPECIALLY IN TRAFFIC. I HAVE CHECKED EVERY OTHER POSSIBLE PROBLEM AND THEY ALL CHECK OUT FINE. I DO NOT FEEL THAT THE CONSUMER SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR A DEFECTIVE PART. IF I HAD TO STOP QUICK IN TRAFFIC IT WOULD BE VERY DANGEROUS. I HAVE ALREADY HAD THIS PROBLEM WHERE THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH TRAFFIC BEHIND ME. I FEEL THIS IS A "RECALL" AND NOT A ROUTINE MAINTENANCE PROBLEM. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Aug 28, 2014
THE ENGINE SHUTS DOWN WHENEVER YOU BRAKE SUDDENLY OR USE ANY PRESSURE TO BRAKE (NOT COAST TO A STOP). THE CAR SHAKES AND THEN DIES AND YOU HAVE TO RESTART THE CAR. THIS HAPPENS ALMOST DAILY AND AFTER TAKING IT TO SEVERAL SHOPS IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER IS BAD AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN OUT ABOUT FIXING THIS SO IT APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM. EVEN A QUICK SEARCH ONLINE PRODUCES HUNDREDS OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FOR THIS MAKE & MODEL. GIVEN THAT THIS CAN STALL OUT AT ANY SPEED WITH ANY PRESSURE IN APPLYING THE BRAKES WITH THE TORQUE CONVERTER, THIS SHOULD BE AN IMMEDIATE RECALL FOR SAFETY CONCERNS!!! IT'S A FAULTY PART ON THE CAR, NOT A WEAR & TEAR ITEM. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jul 22, 2014
I BACKED OUT OF A PARKING SPOT, STOPPED AND, WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, SHIFTED TO DRIVE TO PULL FORWARD. THE CAR SURGED FORWARD RAPIDLY. I STOOD ON THE BRAKES, THE SURGE CONTINUED VERY BRIEFLY AND THEN THE CAR FINALLY STOPPED. THIS WAS THE FIRST INCIDENT OF THIS KIND IN THE THREE YEARS I HAVE OWNED THE CAR. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Apr 20, 2014
SAFETY CONCERNS WITH HESITATION ISSUE WITH TRANSMISSION AT SLOW SPEEDS WHEN APPLYING /GIVING MORE GAS. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Mar 24, 2014
I WOULD LIKE TO REPORT AN ABNORMAL BEHAVIOR IN MY CAR ON JANUARY 13, 2014 AS THIS IS A SAFETY MATTER. THE ROAD CONDITION WAS DRY AND THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS ABOUT 40 DEGREES. FIRST I BACKED OUT OF MY GARAGE ONTO THE ROAD, THEN SHIFTED TO THE D POSITION AND DROVE ABOUT HALF A MILE FORWARD. I NOTICED THAT THE CAR DID NOT SLOW DOWN AS USUAL WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES AS I WAS APPROACHING THE FIRST INTERSECTION. I HAD TO PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL MUCH FURTHER THAN USUAL. I DID NOT SLOW DOWN TO A COMPLETE STOP, MADE A RIGHT TURN AND CONTINUED TO DRIVE. I DECIDED TO PAY CLOSER ATTENTION TO THE BEHAVIOR OF THE CAR DURING THE NEXT BRAKING PERIOD. I DROVE ANOTHER QUARTER MILE AND I HAD TO APPLY THE BRAKES AGAIN AS I WAS APPROACHING A STOP SIGN. THE CAR DID NOT SLOW DOWN AS USUAL AGAIN, SO I HAD TO PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR TO MAKE A COMPLETE STOP. WHEN THE CAR FINALLY STOPPED MOVING I HEARD A LOUD SQUEAKING NOISE AND THE TACHOMETER ARROW WAS MOVING BACK AND FORTH BETWEEN 2000 AND 5000 RPM. IT SEEMED AS THOUGH THE CLUTCH WAS STILL ENGAGED EVEN THOUGH THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED AND THE CAR WAS NOT MOVING. THIS CONTINUED FOR 5-10 SECONDS UNTIL I SHIFTED INTO THE N POSITION AS I CONTINUED TO HOLD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE SQUEAKING SOUND DISAPPEARED AND THE TACHOMETER ARROW WENT DOWN IMMEDIATELY. I SHIFTED BACK INTO THE D POSITION AGAIN WITH MY FOOT STILL ON THE BRAKE AND THE CAR BEHAVED NORMALLY. THIS PROBLEM HAS NOT APPEARED SINCE THAT TIME. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO A SUBARU SERVICE DEALER AT NORWOOD, MA 02062 ON JAN. 27, 2014, BUT THEY DID NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG (CUSTOMER #[XXX], INVOICE [XXX], MILES 31340). I WOULD LIKE TO GET TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PROBLEM SINCE THIS COULD BE A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. I HAVE FILED A COMPLAINT TO SUBARU WEBSITE ON JANUARY 28, 2014 BUT DID NOT HEAR A WORD FROM THEM SINCE THAT. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Power train, Engine, Jul 24, 2013
THIS VEHICLE IS HESITATING FROM A START, POSING A HIGH RISK OF CAUSING A SERIOUS ACCIDENT WHEN ENTERING TRAFFIC. THE HESITATION OCCURS, ON AVERAGE, ONCE EVERY 300 MILES UNDER DIFFERING CONDITIONS. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO SUBARU SERVICE FOUR TIMES BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. THEY STATE THEY CAN?T SOLVE THE ISSUE BECAUSE THEY CAN?T ?DUPLICATE? IT. I HAVE INFORMED THEM OVER AND OVER AGAIN THAT IT IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM BUT THEY REFUSED TO KEEP THE CAR LONG ENOUGH TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. I HAVE ASKED SUBARU FOR A REPLACEMENT BUT ALL THEY WILL OFFER IS YET ANOTHER APPOINTMENT ?TO ATTEMPT TO DUPLICATE THE CONCERNS?. IN THE MEANTIME, I AM FORCED TO DRIVE A VEHICLE WITH A SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM, WHICH OCCURS RANDOMLY WITHOUT WARNING. THIS HESITATION DEFECT APPEARS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS POWER TRAIN, PLACING NUMEROUS DRIVERS AT RISK. PLEASE SEE THE FOLLOWING ASSOCIATED COMPLAINTS: 10290805 10297490 10307668 10343600 10346037 10346648 10347133 10351374 10354541 10355908 10355908 10356951 10358243 10411748 10413779 10448621 10505368 10515376 THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *TR
Power train, May 16, 2013
WHILE DRIVING AT 40 OR 50 MILES AN HOUR, MY HUSBAND TRIES TO SHIFT TO 4TH OR 5TH GEAR AND THE GEAR SLIPS INTO REVERSE. THEN THE CAR CAN'T GO IN REVERSE. WE BOUGHT THE CAR IN JUNE 2011. THIS FIRST HAPPENED WHEN THE CAR WAS ABOUT 8 MONTHS OLD. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED BUSHINGS. THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN A FEW MONTHS LATER, ON THE HIGHWAY, WITH MY TWO KIDS IN THE CAR, WHEN MY HUSBAND WAS SHIFTING FROM 5TH TO 6TH. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED BUSHINGS. THE SAME THING HAPPENED ON MAY 11, 2013, WHILE WE WERE ON THE HIGHWAY AND MY HUSBAND WAS SHIFTING FROM 4TH TO 5TH; THE GEAR SLIPPED INTO REVERSE. THE CAR THEN CAN'T GO IN REVERSE. *TR
Power train, Apr 23, 2013
THE ISSUE STARTED AT AROUND 25,000 MILES. MY 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK, UPON SHIFTING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE OR FROM PARK TO DRIVE FROM A COLD START, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD PAUSE FOR A SECOND OR TWO THEN WOULD EXHIBIT A LOUD BANG/CLUNK AND THE CAR WOULD LURCH FORWARD. WARMING THE CAR FOR SEVERAL MINUTES (~5-10 MINUTES) DID NOT SOLVE THE ISSUE. I READ OTHERS WHO HAD THE SAME ISSUE SO AT 28,622 MILES (~1.5 MONTHS FROM THE FIRST INCIDENT) I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE SUBARU SERVICE/DEALER. UNFORTUNATELY THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE THE ISSUE, LIKELY DUE TO THE FACT THAT THEY DID A TRANSMISSION RELEARN BEFORE TRYING TO TEST THE TRANSMISSION. THE CAR WAS FINE FOR ABOUT 2 DAYS AFTER RECEIPT FROM SERVICE, BUT THEN THE BANG/CLUNK/LURCH BEGAN AGAIN, ON AND OFF, UNDER THE SAME CONDITIONS MENTIONED EARLIER (I.E., COLD START, SHIFTING INTO DRIVE, ETC.) UNTIL ITS FAILURE ON APRIL 22 (MILEAGE ~33,400, ~3 MONTHS AFTER BRINGING THE CAR TO THE SUBARU SERVICE/DEALER NOTED ABOVE). THE TRANSMISSION FAILED WHILE I WAS DRIVING 45 MPH, AFTER I HEARD A BANG FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS STILL CONTROLLABLE, BUT ONLY FIRST GEAR WORKED. THE CAR TODAY (APRIL 23) IS AT THE SERVICE STATION TO DETERMINE IF IT IS A TRANSMISSION ISSUE OR A COMPUTER ISSUE. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Oct 2, 2012, crash
2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE ROLLED DOWN THE STREET WITHOUT THE KEY IN IGNITION AND ENGINE OFF *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE FINALLY CAME TO REST IN HIS NEIGHBOR'S YARD. THE CONSUMER THEN NOTICED THE GEAR SHIFT WAS IN DRIVE. THE CONSUMER STATED ACCORDING TO THE MANUAL, THE KEY WAS NOT SUPPOSED TO COME OUT OF THE IGNITION, UNLESS THE GEAR SHIFT WAS IN PARK AND THE ENGINE WAS OFF. THE CONSUMER STATED ON AUGUST 6, 2011, WHEN HE RETURNED TO HIS VEHICLE, HE ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE, BUT THE ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN OVER. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED SUBARU. THE SUBARU EMPLOYEE STATED THERE MAY HAVE BEEN A PROBLEM THE KEY OR THE SECURITY SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER, THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE BATTERY HAD BEEN REPLACED AND THE VEHICLE WAS READY TO BE PICKED UP. ABOUT TWO MONTHS LATER, THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED A SIMILAR PROBLEM, BUT AFTER THREE ATTEMPTS, THE VEHICLE STARTED. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD NOT GO OUT, UNLESS THE KEY WAS REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION.
Steering, Suspension, Power train, Aug 22, 2012
EVEN AFTER ALL THE SOA (SUBARU OF AMERICA) "FIXES" / SERVICE BULLETINS I STILL HAVE A VIBRATION ISSUES AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, FEEL IT IN THE SEAT AND IN STEERING WHEEL. IT GETS WORSE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IF YOUR GOING AROUND A CURVE ON IT TENDS TO GET WORSE. EVEN AFTER THROUGH THE CURVE.. ALSO NOTED IT DOESN'T MATTER WEATHER CONDITIONS HOT, COLD RAINING OR DRY. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Apr 24, 2012, crash
I PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY (RELATIVELY LEVEL) AND PARKED MY CAR. AS I EXITED THE VEHICLE I NOTICE THAT MY CAR WAS ROLLING FORWARD (I HAVE A MANUAL TRANSMISSION) AND ATTEMPTED TO SET THE ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE BY PUSHING REPEATEDLY ON THE BUTTON TO THE LEFT OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THE PARKING BRAKE DID NOT SET AND MY CAR GAINED SPEED AND CONTINUED DOWNHILL INTO THE WOODS BEHIND MY HOME. I AM NOT SURE IF I WAS DRAGGED OR PARTIALLY IN THE CAR, BUT WAS ABLE TO CLEAR THE VEHICLE BEFORE IT HIT A FENCE, A TREE AND EVENTUALLY COME TO A STOP. THIS HAS HAPPENED IN MY GARAGE ONCE AND AT A GAS STATION, BUT I WAS ABLE TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE BY HITTING THE PARKING BRAKE BUTTON. I DO NOT KNOW IF I AM NOT SETTING THE BRAKE BEFORE EXITING OR AM NOT DEPRESSING IT FULLY BEFORE EXITING OR WHY IT DID NOT STOP WHEN I HIT IT REPEATEDLY. I TYPICALLY SET THE CAR IN GEAR, BUT OBVIOUSLY DID NOT DO THIS ON THESE OCCASIONS. *TR
Power train, Feb 11, 2012
CAR WAS BRAND NEW AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS JERKING WHEN I SLOWED DOWN FOR A RED LIGHT AND THEN HAD TO START AGAIN BEFORE THE CAR CAME TO A FULL STOP. THIS WAS A CONSTANT ISSUE AND ALSO DID THE SAME THING WHEN CAR WAS DOWNSHIFTING DURING TRAFFIC. *TR
Power train, Wheels, Jan 23, 2012
I HAVE A SUBARU BECAUSE I LIVE OFF THE PAVED ROAD AND IT IS AN OFF-ROAD CAR. TWO PROBLEMS: 1) IF DRIVING IN SNOW, SNOW PACKS INTO THE WHEEL WELL AND PREVENTS FRONT WHEELS TURNING PROPERLY. I CARRY A WEEDOUT, OTHER PEOPLE I HAVE TALKED TO CARRY ICE PICKS AND TROWELS FOR GETTING THE SNOW OUT. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME SINCE DEC 2010, WHENEVER DRIVING IN WET SNOW. I HEARD IT DISCUSSED ON CAR TALK, SO I KNOW IT IS A COMMON COMPLAINT. 2) MANUAL TRANSMISSION LINKAGE IS NOW EXPOSED ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE 2011. THE CAR GETS STUCK IN ONE GEAR AND WILL NOT SHIFT. HAPPENED IN 2ND AND 4TH. I GOT IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY REMOVED STICKS AND GRAVEL FROM THE LINKAGE. THEY SAID THEY HAD MANY 2011 MANUAL TRANSMISSION SUBIES IN THAT WEEK WITH STICKS AND GRAVEL IN THE LINKAGE DUE TO THE BAD WEATHER. I COULD NOT GO UP HILLS OR START FROM A STOP WHEN IT WAS STUCK IN 4TH. I COULD NOT DRIVE OVER 20MPH WHEN STUCK IN 2ND. I COULD NOT REVERSE EITHER WAY. THIS IS NOT SAFE, ESPECIALLY WHEN DRIVING IN SNOW AND TRAFFIC IN THE MOUNTAINS. I ASKED THE DEALER IF THEY COULD PUT ON SOMETHING TO COVER AND PROTECT THE LINKAGE AND THEY SAID NO, EVER SINCE SUBARU WENT TO 6 FORWARD GEARS THE LINKAGE IS EXPOSED AND THEY CANNOT ADD ANYTHING TO COVER IT. I THINK THE 6 FORWARD GEAR MANUAL TRANSMISSION OUTBACKS SHOULD BE RECALLED, AND THEY SHOULD GO BACK TO 5 GEARS FORWARD AND PROPERLY COVER UP THE LINKAGE. *TR
Parking brake, Power train, Jul 29, 2011
I TURNED RIGHT INTO A DRIVEWAY WITH A STEEP UPWARD INCLINE AND HAD TO STOP MY CAR BRIEFLY TO SPEAK TO A PERSON HELPING WITH PARKING FOR AN EVENT. MY CAR HAS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION, SO I ENGAGED THE ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE TO HOLD THE CAR SO I COULD GET MOVING AGAIN WITHOUT ROLLING BACKWARDS. HOWEVER, THE PARKING BRAKE ON MY CAR AUTOMATICALLY DISENGAGES AS SOON AS THE GAS PEDAL IS DEPRESSED (OR EVEN, ACTUALLY, TOUCHED AT ALL). BECAUSE OF THE VERY STEEP INCLINE, BY THE TIME I HAD ENOUGH REVS TO ENGAGE THE CLUTCH, MY CAR HAD ROLLED BACK INTO THE STREET BEHIND ME. FORTUNATELY NO VEHICLE WAS PASSING AT THE TIME, THOUGH A SERIOUS ACCIDENT COULD HAVE OCCURRED. I HAVE NOTICED THAT THE ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE NEEDS TO BE MANUALLY DISENGAGED IF THE DRIVER SEATBELT IS UNFASTENED, PRESUMABLY AS A REMINDER TO FASTEN THE SEATBELT. IN THE FUTURE IN A SIMILAR DRIVING SITUATION I WOULD BE TEMPTED TO UNFASTEN MY SEATBELT BEFORE ATTEMPTING THE STEEP HILL START, WHICH WOULD BE THE LESS DANGEROUS OF TWO DANGEROUS OPTIONS. I EMAILED SUBARU TO POINT OUT THE PROBLEM AND ASK WHETHER IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE TO MODIFY THESE VEHICLES SUCH THAT THE PARKING BRAKE IS ALWAYS CONTROLLABLE BY THE DRIVER. MY CONCERN WAS DISMISSED, SEEMINGLY WITHOUT MUCH CONSIDERATION. I LIVE IN AN AREA WHERE STEEP HILLS ARE THE NORM, AND HAVE ALWAYS DRIVEN A MANUAL TRANSMISSION CAR WITHOUT INCIDENT, BUT THE ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE ON MY NEW CAR PRESENTS A SERIOUS HAZARD. I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THIS ADDRESSED BEFORE SOMEONE IS INJURED OR KILLED. *TR
Power train, Aug 23, 2010
WHEN COMING TO A ROLLING STOP AND THEN STEPPING ON THE ACCELERATOR AS OUR 2011 OUTBACK WAS TURNING, THE NEW VEHICLE, WITH 9 MILES ON THE ODOMETER, EXPERIENCED A BRIEF HESITATION FOLLOWED BY A HARD TRANSMISSION CLUNK AND THE VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD A FEW FEET BEFORE DRIVING NORMALLY. THIS OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES DURING ROLLING STOPS BOTH WHEN GOING FORWARD AND WHEN TURNING A CORNER. WE FEEL THIS IS EXTREMELY UNSAFE AND COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. WE RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT WITHIN 17 HOURS OF PURCHASE AND, AFTER THEY HAD THE CAR FOR 10 DAYS, WE WERE INFORMED THAT, WHILE THEY ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM, THERE IS NO CURRENT FIX FOR THE ISSUE AND HAVE NO ESTIMATE AS TO WHEN THERE MIGHT BE ONE. IN RESEARCHING ONLINE, WE DISCOVERED THAT A VERY SIMILAR, IF NOT IDENTICAL, PROBLEM WAS REPORTED BY OWNERS OF THE 2010 OUTBACK MODEL AND A SUBARU SERVICE BULLETIN (11-94-09R) DATED 01/05/10 WAS ISSUED ANNOUNCING THAT 'ECM' REPROGRAMMING FILES' WERE AVAILABLE TO RECTIFY THE PROBLEM. *TR