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
652 reports, newest first.
Engine, Dec 1, 2018
OUR OUTBACK HAS THE CVT TRANSMISSION AND CAN SWITCH BETWEEN MANUAL AND AUTOMATIC. WHEN IN AUTOMATIC IT WILL OFTEN SHUDDER WHILE STOPPED AND SOMETIMES STALL WHEN STARTING OFF (SIMILAR TO WHEN YOU YOU ARE IN 1ST GEAR IN A MANUAL AND YOU DON'T WORK THE CLUTCH CORRECTLY). WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD IT WOULD COST $2500 TO FIX. AFTER SEARCHING THE INTERNET, WE FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR CARS WITH THE CVT TRANSMISSION AND THUS FAR, SUBARU HAS REFUSED TO FIX IT AT THEIR COST. IN LIEU OF A RECALL (WHICH IS WHAT THEY SHOULD DO) THEY OFFERED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY, HOWEVER THAT DOESN'T HELP US SINCE THE EXTENSION EXPIRED AT THE END OF JULY 2018. THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT PROBLEM AND COULD CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH IS THE CAR STALLS AS THE DRIVER IS TRYING TO PULL OUT IN TRAFFIC. SUBARU IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND SHOULD FIX IT AT THEIR COST.
Engine, Nov 29, 2018
MY DASH LIGHTS ALL STARTED BLINKING. THE CAR ALSO LOST SOME POWER. I WAS TOLD I HAD TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION VALVE BODY ASSEMBLY REPLACED. THE EXTENDED WARRANTY ENDED IN JULY 2018, CONVENIENTLY FOR SUBARU. THE DEALER SHOULD HAVE NEVER SOLD ME THE CAR LAST YEAR.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Electronic stability control (ESC), Nov 14, 2018
MY DASH LIGHTS CAME ON SUDDENLY.. AFTER RESEARCHING STATES TYPE TORQUE CONVERTER FOR TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.. SUBARU WANTS ME TO PURCHASE WHOLE NEW TRANSMISSION, LOSS OF POWER AND GAS MILEAGE. THE CAR WAS RUNNING WHEN THESE LIGHTS CAME ON.
Engine, Nov 8, 2018
CAR HAD BEEN HAVING TROUBLE STARTING LATELY SO BROUGHT CAR TO LOCAL SUBARU DEALERSHIP. THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR FIX THE STARTING ISSUE SO I LEFT THE DEALERSHIP. ON THE WAY HOME I WAS ON A BUSY HIGHWAY AND HAD COME TO A GRADUAL STOP AT A STOP LIGHT, AND WAS JUST GOING TO TAKE OFF ON A GREEN LIGHT WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR STALLED. ALL OF THE DASH BOARD LIGHTS WERE FLASHING AND I IMMEDIATELY PUT ON MY HAZARD LIGHTS AS A SEMI WAS COMING UP BEHIND ME. I PUT MY THE CAR IN PARK AND STARTED IT UP AGAIN AND WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND DROVE MY CAR BACK TO THEM TO BE CHECKED THEY KEPT MY CAR FOR A DAY AND TRIED TO RE-CREATE THE STALLING EPISODE WHICH WAS UNSUCCESSFUL.
Service brakes, Nov 2, 2018
BRAKES FADE AND FAIL TO STOP VEHICLE. ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION CAUSING NEAR COLLISIONS WITH OTHER VEHICLES.
Power train, Nov 2, 2018
RECENTLY WHILE BRAKING HARD, MY CAR SHUDDERS AND STALLS. IT HAS HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY AND ON SIDE STREETS. IT CAN ALSO HAPPEN WITH REGULAR TO LIGHT BRAKING ESPECIALLY IF IT IS COLD. AFTER DIAGNOSING MY ISSUE, MY MECHANIC PRODUCED THE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 16-90-13R WHICH DETAILS THE PROBLEM OCCURRING. HE AND SUBARU CONFIRMED THE REPAIR IS AT LEAST $6100. WHEN I CALLED SUBARU CUSTOMER SERVICE THEY TOLD ME THAT LETTERS WENT OUT TO ALL OWNERS LAST YEAR, BUT I NEVER RECEIVED THE LETTER, AND OF COURSE I AM PAST THE JULY 31, 2018 DEADLINE,SO THEY SAY I AM OUT OF WARRANTY. I HAVE SPOKEN TO CUSTOMER SERVICE SEVERAL TIMES AND AM NOW CONSULTING WITH MY DEALER TO SEE WHAT THEY CAN DO FOR ME. I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL AND NOT A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TO DEALERS AND A NOTICE TO OWNERS. I AM ALSO MAILING A CERTIFIED LETTER TO THOMAS J. DOLL, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. DETAILING MY SITUATION AND MY CONCERNS. I AM ATTACHING A COPY OF THE NOTICE TO OWNERS AND THE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN MY MECHANIC PRINTED FOR ME. *JS
Power train, Service brakes, Nov 1, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND COMING TO A STOP, EXCESSIVE FORCE HAD TO BE APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, IN ORDER TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE INTERMITTENTLY OCCURRED. THE CRUISE CONTROL, OVERHEAT, BRAKE AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN AT A STOP SIGN IF THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS NOT STEADILY BEING DEPRESSED THE BRAKE WOULD DISENGAGE AND THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE ELECTRONIC EMERGENCY BRAKE FAILED TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER AND VALVE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED CONTINENTAL SUBARU DEALER (907) 562-2722, 4900 OLD SEWARD HWY, ANCHORAGE, AK 99503) WHERE IT WAS RECOMMENDED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AND TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Service brakes, Nov 1, 2018
THE GREEN LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND WOULD NOT UNLOCK . I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET AND THE RED BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON. AFTER AN ATTEMPT TO RELEASE THE GREEN LIGHT IT CAME OFF ON ITS OW. THE SAME THING HAS OCCURRED, BOTH THE RED AND GREEN LIGHT ARE ON AND NOT GOING OFF.
Power train, Oct 25, 2018
BULLETIN NUMBER 16-90-13R. SUBARU IS AWARE THAT 2010-2012 OUTBACK AND LEGACY MODELS HAVE A FAULTY TORQUE CONVERTER WHICH CAUSES THE CAR TO SHUT DOWN/STALL WHENEVER YOU ARE BRAKING. I FOUND THIS OUT THE HARD WAY WHEN BRAKING ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY AND THE CAR SHUT OFF WHILE IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. I WAS BRAKING AND THE CAR SHUTTERED AND THEN TURNED OFF COMPLETELY. I ALMOST GOT REAR ENDED. I ALSO FOUND THROUGH RESEARCH THAT IT COULD RUIN MY CVT TRANSMISSION. WHEN CONTACTING SUBARU THEY STATED THAT BECAUSE THE PART IS NOT A RECALL PART THERE IS NOTHING THAT CAN BE DONE AND I WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR THE PART OUT OF POCKET. THIS IS A DANGEROUS PROBLEM AS THE PART WAS KNOWN TO BE FAULTY AND TO CAUSE THE CAR TO SHUT OFF. HAD I GOTTEN HIT WHOSE FAULT WOULD IT HAVE BEEN.....
Other or unspecified, Oct 22, 2018
I OBSERVE EVERYTIME MY CAR IS COMING TO STOP IT WILL SHRUD LIKE THE ENGINE GOIN TO DIE OR STALLED. THEN OUT OF NOWHERE THE ENGINE ICON, ABS LIT-UP AND CRUISE CONTROL FLASHING
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Engine, Oct 21, 2018
TAKATA RECALL" I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE HWY. THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME SLAMMED ON BRAKES, SO I STEPPED ON MY BRAKES, CAR TURKED TO A STOP WHILE ENGINE STALLED. DEAD STOP ON INTERSTATE. NOT A GOOD THING. I STARTED IT BACK UP, KEPT DRIVING, WHEN , I CAME TO A SAFER STOP SIGN. I TRIED TO STEP ON BRAKES LIKE I HAD DONE ON INTERSTATE AND IT TURKED TO A STOP AGAIN STALLING. IT DOESN'T SEEM SAFE TO ME. I AM GLAD NO ONE WAS BEHIND ME ON INTERSTATE OR I AM AFRAID IT WOULD NOT HAVE ENDED WELL.
Power train, Oct 9, 2018
MY VEHICLE HAS HAD TRANSMISSION RELATED ISSUES SINCE I PURCHASED IT. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES TO HAVE IT ADDRESSED AND WAS ALWAYS TOLD IT WAS NOTHING. IN DEC. 2017 MY CAR BROKE DOWN WHILE ON VACATION IN FL, IT HAD 131,500 MILES AT THE TIME. AFTER HAVING IT TOWED IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS A VALVE BODY FAILURE. 10 MONTHS AND 7K MILES LATER IT IS NOW STALLING AND SHUTTING DOWN WHEN I BRAKE AND I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT I NEED A NEW TORQUE CONVERTER. I NEVER RECEIVED THE LETTER ABOUT THE CVT TRANSMISSION ISSUES AND EXTENDED WARRANTY, NOR WAS THIS COVERED WHEN I HAD THE VALVE BODY REPLACED. THE CAR STALLING WHEN BRAKING IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE A RECALL. I LUCKILY HAVE NOT HAD TO BRAKE TO THE POINT OF THE CAR SHUTTING DOWN WHEN DRIVING ON A ROAD WITH HIGHER SPEED LIMITS, IT HAS ONLY HAPPENED IN TOWN WHEN APPROACHING STOP LIGHTS OR STOP SIGNS.
Power train, Exterior lighting, Oct 5, 2018
CVT FAILURE. WHILE DRIVING..CAR SHUDDERED, DASH LIGHTS CAME ON AND STALLED OUT. MILEAGE: 115.000...JUST OVER EXTENDED WARRANTY. COST OF REPAIRS 9,597.70 PLUS TAX. CONTACTED SUBARU....THEY WILL NOT HELP.
Power train, Sep 29, 2018
MY VEHICLE WAS COVERED UNDER THE 'EXTENDED WARRANTY' SUBARU OFFERED AFTER MY OEM TRANSMISSION WAS FAILING AND OVERHEATING WITH 154,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. 13 MONTHS, AND 28,000 MILES LATER, MY SECOND TRANSMISSION IS FAILING. I HAVE AN OFFER FROM SUBARU OF AMERICA FOR A $2000 CREDIT TO TRADE IN MY CAR ON A NEW SUBARU. THE DEALERSHIP THAT PERFORMED THE WARRANTY WORK ALSO OFFERED ME %50 COVERAGE SINCE IT WAS CLOSE TO THE 12 MONTH WARRANTY THEY OFFER ON WORK. I DO NOT WANT A NEW CAR, I WANT MY CAR TO BE ABLE TO LAST. 18,000 MILES ON A TRANSMISSION IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH AND A CONSUMER SHOULD BE ABLE TO EXPECT AT LEAST 75,000 MILES OR 3 YEARS. THESE CVTS ARE FLAWED, AND SUBARU CUSTOMERS NEED TO BE TREATED BETTER THAN THIS, AT LEAST FROM CORPORATE. SUBARU DESERVES TO RECALL THIS PART AND TAKE CARE OF THE ISSUE. AT THE VERY LEAST THE CONSECUTIVE TRANSMISSIONS SHOULD BE WARRANTIED AS A NEW PART AND NOT CONSIDERED PART OF THE CURRENT VEHICLE POWER TRAIN MILEAGE WARRANTY. I'VE BEEN A LOYAL SUBARU OWNER FOR 12 YEARS, DRIVING 3 DIFFERENT CARS. I HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO ACCEPT MY LOCAL DEALERSHIPS OFFER TO REPLACE THE PART, AND I'M DISGUSTED BY SUBARU OF AMERICA'S OFFER TO BUY ANOTHER ONE OF THEIR SHODDY VEHICLES FOR A SMALL DISCOUNT. I HOPE THAT THIS COMMENT PERSUADES THE NHTSA TO MANDATE A RECALL, AND THE COMPANY TO CHANGE ITS PRACTICES, I ALSO HOPE THAT READERS WILL RECONSIDER THEIR SUBARU'S, AND GET OUT OF THEIR UNSAFE CARS AS LONG AS THEY CAN DO SO. THIS COMPANY IS NOT WORTH IT, DON'T BE FOOLED BY THEIR MARKETING CAMPAIGNS. CHOOSE A TOYOTA SUV OR TRUCK.
Power train, Sep 29, 2018
TODAY I TOOK IN MY SUBARU OUTBACK 3.6R FOR AN OIL CHANGE WHILE COMING HOME I HAD EXPERIENCED SOMETHING LIKE SOMEONE HAD HIT ME FROM BEHIND. WHAT HAD HAPPEN WAS WHEN I COME TO A STOP OR SLOW TRAFFIC AND BEGIN TO ACCELERATE I GET A MAYBE A LATE/OR A DELAY IN SHIFTING CAUSING THE CAR TO JERK OR A BANG. THIS REALLY CONCERN ME SO I'M TAKING IT IN TODAY.
Power train, Sep 29, 2018
MY 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK IS EXPERIENCING SHUDDERING AND STALLS WHEN GOING DOWNHILL OR UPHILL, COMING TO A STOP AT CITY STREET INTERSECTIONS, RESULTING IN THE ENGINE SHUTTING OFF. IT OCCURS RANDOMLY AND I NEARLY GOT IN ACCIDENTS WITH DRIVERS BEHIND ME HAVING TO REACT TO THE SUDDEN, FULL STOPS. IN ONE WEEK, IT HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES. I FEAR DRIVING IN THE CAR ALONE AND CERTAINLY WITH MY FAMILY IN THE CAR! UPON NOTIFYING MY SUBARU DEALERSHIP OF THIS EXPERIENCE, THEY STATED IT WAS AN UPDATE I NEED. I NEVER RECEIVED ANY NOTICE FROM SUBARU OF SAID UPDATE. I HAVE BEEN DILIGENT WITH SERVICE AND ANY UPDATE/REPAIR SUGGESTED BY SUBARU DEALERSHIP. I FEEL THIS IS AN EMERGENT SAFETY CONCERN AND NOTIFICATION TO SUBARU OWNERS!
Power train, Sep 26, 2018
2011 SUBARU OUTBACK STALLED ON A HILL ON A HIGHWAY WHILE THE CARE WHILE ACCELERATING AND EMERGENCY CODES CAME ON. TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND FOUND OUT THAT THERE ARE MAJOR ISSUES WITH THE CVT TRANSMISSION. FOUND OUT THAT SUBARU HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS STALLING ISSUE FOR SOME TIME NOW AND INSTEAD OF DOING A RECALL; HAS JUST EXTENDED THE WARRANTY FOR SOME TIME. WHEN I VISITED THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP IN THE PAST; NO ONE ALERTED ME TO THINK POSSIBLE ISSUE. THANKFULLY, NO ONE WAS HURT WHEN IT OCCURRED TO ME BUT STALLING ON A HIGHWAY CAN DEFINITELY LEAD TO INJURIES.
Power train, Sep 17, 2018
THE CAR STARTED SHAKING VIOLENTLY ON THE HIGHWAY AND ALL WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON FLASHING, PROMPTING US TO PULL OVER IMMEDIATELY WITH OUR TWO SMALL CHILDREN IN BACK. WE HAD TO GET THE CAR TOWED AND OUR MECHANIC NOTED THE COMPUTER CODES WERE FOR THE TRANSMISSION ISSUE THAT SUBARU WAS EXTENDING THE WARRANTY FOR. WE TOOK IT TO 2 SUBARU DEALERS TO CONFIRM, WHICH THE 2ND ONE DID AFTER THE 1ST ONE REFUSED TO LOOK AT THE CAR. UNFORTUNATELY, SINCE IT HAPPENED 11 DAYS AFTER THEIR WARRANTY EXPIRED THEY WON'T FIX IT UNLESS WE PAY $4000+ OR TRADE IT IN FOR A BRAND NEW CAR WHICH WE CAN'T AFFORD. IF THEY KNEW THIS WAS AN ISSUE TO PROVIDE A WARRANTY ON IT THEN THEY SHOULD REPAIR IT FOR FREE AS THE CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AS-IS. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL.
Power train, Sep 13, 2018
MY HUSBAND AND I WERE DRIVING FROM MARYLAND TO NEW YORK CITY LATE AT NIGHT. ALL OF A SUDDEN, WE HEARD A GRINDING NOISE AND WITHIN 30 MINUTES OUR CAR COMPLETELY BROKE DOWN. NO WARNING LIGHTS EVER CAME ON IN THE CAR INDICATING THERE WAS A SERIOUS ISSUE. WE HAD JUST GOTTEN OFF THE VERRAZANO BRIDGE. HAD THE CAR STOPPED ON THE BRIDGE, WE COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED, IF NOT KILLED. WE CAME TO FIND OUT THAT IT WAS A FULL TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE SUBARU DEALER IN NEW YORK INDICATED THAT THERE WAS NO TRANSMISSION FLUID LEFT IN THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL, BUT THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY SIGNS OF A LEAK. THE VALVE BODY WAS REPAIRED IN SEPTEMBER 2017 AND AT THAT TIME IT WAS COVERED UNDER SUBARU'S EXTENDED CVT WARRANTY. AT THE TIME OF THAT REPAIR WORK, THE SUBARU SERVICE CENTER WHO DID THE WORK CONFIRMED THAT THEY HAD ADDED SOME TRANSMISSION FLUID TO THE CAR. WE CONTACTED SUBARU OF AMERICA TO SEE IF THEY WOULD HELP US WITH THE COST OF A NEW TRANSMISSION, SINCE THE EXTENDED WARRANTY HAD ONLY JUST EXPIRED ON JULY 31, 2018 (OUR CAR BROKE DOWN ON AUGUST 28) AND BECAUSE WE HAD ALREADY HAD TRANSMISSION WORK DONE LESS THAN A YEAR AGO. SUBARU OF AMERICAN VERY RUDELY INFORMED US THAT THEY HAVE "ZERO FINANCIAL OBLIGATION TO US" AND WOULD NOT BE HELPING US WITH THE COST OF REPAIRS ($7000 TO REPAIR). WE ARE BESIDE OURSELVES WITH HOW THIS HAPPENED TO OUR CAR. HOW CAN WE HAVE A FULL TRANSMISSION FAILURE LESS THAN A YEAR AFTER TRANSMISSION WORK WAS DONE ON THE CAR AND HAVE NO WARNING LIGHTS COME ON IN THE CAR INDICATING THERE WAS AN ISSUE? HOW DID ALL OF THE TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK OUT OF OUR CAR WITHOUT US KNOWING, AND HOW IS IT THAT SUBARU IS UNABLE TO FIND THE CAUSE OF THE LEAK? AND WHAT KIND OF COMPANY DOES NOT STAND BY AND HELP A CUSTOMER WITH AN ISSUE THAT THEY CLEARLY KNEW WAS OCCURRING (HENCE EXTENDED THE CVT WARRANTY TO BEGIN WITH)? SUBARU SHOULD HAVE ISSUED A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE.
Power train, Aug 22, 2018
CAR RECENTLY BEGAN TO ALMOST STALL WHILE DRIVING AFTER COMING TO A STOP OR WHILE TRAVELING AT LOW SPEEDS. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT THEN CAME ON AND THE ERROR CODE INDICATES A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION. TOOK THE CAR TO DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS AND THEY SAID THAT THE CAR NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION. CAR WAS DEALER SERVICED FOR THE RECOMMENDED 100,000 MILE SERVICE IN AUGUST '17; NO MENTION OF THE KNOWN TRANSMISSION ISSUES WAS MADE. NOW 3 WEEKS AFTER THE "EXTENDED WARRANTY" PERIOD HAS EXPIRED THE TRANSMISSION APPEARS TO HAVE FAILED. WAS CHARGED OVER $200 FOR THE DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO RESET THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND THE LIGHT CAME BACK ON ON THE WAY HOME FROM THE DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT. CURRENTLY WAITING TO SEE IF SUBARU CORPORATE WILL STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT; IN ANY EVENT THE PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE WIDESPREAD AND POSSES A HAZARD TO MOTORISTS SINCE THE AFFECTED VEHICLES CAN STOP, STALL, OR LOOSE POWER WHILE ON THE ROAD WITH LITTLE TO NO WARNING.
Power train, Aug 15, 2018
TRANSMISSION FAILURE AFTER 135000 M REPLACE WITH USE ONE FOR $3800.00 NEW ONE IS $8000.00 + LABOR = 10000.00 IS TO EXPENSIVE
Vehicle speed control, Aug 15, 2018, crash
UPON PARKING IN A ROUTINE PARKING SPOT IN OUR APARTMENT PARKING GARAGE, I TURNED THE CORNER AND ACCELERATED SOME, AS I ALWAYS DID, TO GET TO THE PARKING SPOT TO BACK IN. AS SOON AS I WENT TO REVERSE IT, THE CAR ACCELERATED FULLY ON ITS OWN ACCORD. I WAS ABLE TO PRESS THE BREAK AND STOP THE VEHICLE BUT SINCE I WAS ONLY ABOUT 10 FEET FROM ANOTHER CAR AND THE WALL OF THE PARKING GARAGE, I WAS NOT ABLE TO STOP IN TIME TO AVOID A COLLISION. I HIT THE CORNER OF THE CEMENT WALL WITH THE FRONT LEFT HEADLIGHT PORTION OF THE VEHICLE.
Power train, Aug 12, 2018
VEHICLE SHUDDERS AND STALLS OUT WHILE DECELERATING ON APPROACH TO INTERSECTION OR TO STOP CREATING A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION WHILE IN TRAFFIC. THIS HAS HAPPENED MOSTLY ON CITY STREETS BUT IN BUSY URBAN TRAFFIC IT IS PARTICULARLY PROBLEMATIC.
Power train, Aug 8, 2018
MY WIFE AND CHILDREN WERE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE CAR BEGAN TO SHIFT HARD, AS MY WIFE SLOWED DOWN THE VEHICLE STALLED OUT STRANDING THEM ON A BUSY HIGHWAY . THEY WERE STUCK ON THE HIGHWAY IN 100 DEGREE TEMPERATURES UNTIL A TOW TRUCK ARIVED. WE HAD THIS TOWED TO A SUBARU DEALER AND WE WERE TOLD IT WAS A TRANSMISSION ERROR THAT WAS A KNOWN ISSUE BY SUBARU. SUBARU ISSUED AN EXTENDED WARRENTY TO CORRECT THE ISSUE HOWEVER WE WERE 3 DAYS TO LATE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS OFFER. I CONTACTED SUBARU TO REQUEST THAT THEY COVER THE COST OF THE REPAIR SINCE IT WAS A KNOWN FAULT IN THE TRANSMISSION PARTS USED IN THE VEHICLE. THEY REFUSED TO HELP WITH ANY OF THE REPAIRS.
Other or unspecified, Aug 6, 2018
TORQUE CONVERTER ISSUE