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.
Power train, Dec 2, 2017
CAR STALLS WHEN COMING TO A STOP. THIS STALLING IS GETTING MORE FREQUENT AT BOTH INTERSECTIONS AND AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS(BOTH CITY STREETS AND DRIVING ON HIGHWAYS WITH TRAFFIC LIGHTS) AND IS MORE PRONOUNCED WHEN COMING TO A HARD STOP. THIS IS BECOMING A DANGEROUS SAFETY HAZARD AND SHOULD BE RECALLED FOR CORRECTION. THIS STARTED OCCURRING IN MY ARE IN SEPT 2017 AND HAS NOW TO THE POINT I CAN NOT DRIVE THE CAR SAFELY. I HAVE BROUGHT THE SUBARU OUTBACK TO THE DEALER FOR A REPAIR UNDER THE SUBARU TSB 06-107-17 AND THEY ARE TELLING ME IT IS NOT ELIGIBLE UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY AND THE REPAIR IN APPROX $2000.00
Other or unspecified, Nov 28, 2017
CAR STALLS WHEN YOU COME TO A STOP. DOES NOT HAPPEN IF YOU STOP SLOWLY. HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES.
Exterior lighting, Nov 10, 2017
WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK 11-09-2017 AT AROUND 6:30 PM BOTH MY HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT. I COULD NOT SEE THE ROAD AND I DROVE OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND SLAMMED MY BRAKES ON. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND GOT OUT AND LOOKED AT MY HEADLIGHTS. THEY WERE BOTH OUT. THE HIGH BEAMS DID WORK. I HAD TO KEEP HIGH BEAMS ON SO I COULD MAKE IT HOME.
Power train, Nov 10, 2017
MY VEHICLE SHUTTERS AND DIES WHEN STOPPING AT INTERSECTIONS. TOOK TO LOCAL DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSTIC SERVICE . TOLD ME THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE ISSUE. SAID THEY COULD NOT FIX UNLESS THEY COULD KEEP MY VEHICLE AND RECREATE THE ISSUE. I WORK FULL TIME AND CANNOT LEAVE MY VEHICLE WITH THEM. I WAS NOT OFFERED A LOANER VEHICLE WHILE THEY TRIED TO TROUBLESHOOT MY VEHICLE ISSUE. MY CAR IS COMING UP ON 100,000 MILES. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE THAT SUBARU DOES NOT SEEM TO WANT TO FIX . THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. PLEASE ISSUE A RECALL BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT.
Engine, Oct 27, 2017
CAR STALLED OUT WHEN I CAME TO AN ABRUPT STOP. CAR HAD TO BE PUT IN PARK TO RESTART CAR. WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THIS HAPPENED
Engine, Oct 27, 2017
CAR STALLED OUT WHEN I CAME TO AN ABRUPT STOP ON THE HIGHWAY DURING HEAVY TRAFFIC. IT SPUTTERED AND THEN THE CAR SHUT OFF. HAD TO BE PUT IN PARK AND RESTART CAR.
Electrical system, Oct 26, 2017
THE SUBARU OUTBACK FRONT HALOGEN HEAD LAMP BULBS KEEP GOING OUT. HAVE HAD TO REPLACE BOTH SIDES WITHIN THE LAST 8 MONTHS. NOW FRONT LEFT LAMP IS OUT AGAIN AND NEEDS REPLACEMENT.
Air bags, Oct 23, 2017
2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE RECALL EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME. UPDATED 10/23/2017*JS
Engine, Oct 21, 2017
FOR THE LAST FEW WEEKS, CAR HAS DROPPED RPMS AT HARD STOPS. IT WOULD JERK LIKE COMING TO A FULL STOP IN A MANUAL TRANSMISSION CAR WITHOUT PRESSING THE CLUTCH. MY CAR IS AN AUTOMATIC WITH A CVT. THEN IT STARTED JUST STALLING OUT AT HARD STOPS OR TURNS WITH SIGNIFICANT DECREASED SPEED. THAT IS NOT SAFE. IT HAS BEEN VERY SCARY. MY MECHANIC CONNECTED MY CAR TO THE COMPUTER AND NO CODES MATCHED THE PROBLEM. THEN I STARTED DOING RESEARCH ONLINE AND SAW SO MANY OTHERS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. THAT TOOK ME TO A SERVICE BULLETIN PUT OUT BY SUBARU IN JULY 2017 FOR THIS VERY CVT PROBLEM CAUSED BY A FAULTY TORQUE CONVERTER. I HAVE THAT SERVICE BULLETIN BUT NOWHERE ON THERE DOES IT DESCRIBE THESE SYMPTOMS SO I NEVER WOULD HAVE KNOWN THIS WAS THE SAME ISSUE. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD IT WOULD BE COVERED BY THE EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THE SERVICE BULLETIN. HOURS LATER I WAS TOLD IT WOULD COST ME $1500 IN A PARTS AND $1060 IN LABOR (PLUS TAX). SUBARU IS NOT COVERING THIS CLEARLY DANGEROUS PROBLEM. I CAN'T DRIVE MY CAR WITHOUT FEAR. I MAINTAIN MY CAR AND AM VERY CAREFUL WITH IT. SUBARU PROFESSES TO BE ABOUT SAFETY AND TAKING CARE OF CUSTOMERS. THIS IS NOT RIGHT.
Vehicle speed control, Oct 18, 2017, crash
ON JUNE 9TH, 2017: WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE IN CHURCH PARKING LOT AT 11 AM IN THE MORNING. IT WAS A CLEAR DAY. AS I EASED INTO THE SPACE, I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE, AND INSTEAD OF COASTING INTO THE PARKING SPACE, THE CAR SUDDENLY SURGED FORWARD (MY FOOT WAS NOT ON THE ACCELERATOR AT ALL). THERE WAS NOTHING I COULD DO!! CAR LUNGED FORWARD, JUMPED THE PARKING CURB AND HIT THE TREE THAT WAS IN THE MEDIAN. THERE WAS MAJOR DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END ($7500). AFTER REPAIR, THE DEALER AND SUBARU CORPORATE TESTED OUT THE CAR AND COULD FIND NO ERRORS IN THE CODE RESULTS BUT DID NOTE THAT THERE WERE DOUBLE FLOOR MATS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE (ONE CARPET AND ONE RUBBER). THEY THINK THIS MIGHT HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE PROBLEM AND THEY RECOMMEND THAT ONLY ONE FLOOR MAT BE IN PLACE. OF NOTE IS THE FACT THAT THE CAR CAME WITH THE TWO FLOOR MATS INSTALLED. WE DID NOT ADD AN EXTRA ONE.
Other or unspecified, Oct 9, 2017
PRETTY MUCH SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE THE ANTI-SKID LIGHTS, CRUISE CONTROL, PARKING BRAKE & CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS WILL FLASH AND WILL NOT GO OFF. I WAS TOLD TO MAKE SURE THE GAS CAP WAS TIGHT AND WAS ALSO TOLD TO CHECK THE BATTERY. ONCE WHEN IT WAS ON I TRIED TO PRESS THE PARKING BRAKE TO RELEASE AND COULD NOT GET IT OFF AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND WAS NEARLY REAR ENDED. IT WILL RANDOMLY COME ON AND SOMETIMES STAY ON FOR WEEKS THEN GO OFF AND STAY OFF FOR A FEW DAYS. IT COMES ON WHEN CAR IS STARTED AND DOES NOT USUALLY GO OFF.
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Sep 26, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO VIBRATE AND SHOOK VIOLENTLY WHILE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GREGORIS NISSAN (555 W MERRICK RD, VALLEY STREAM, NY 11580 (516) 825-8700), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,000.
Power train, Engine, Aug 30, 2017
I HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING ABOUT MY CAR'S SYMPTOMS TO DEALERS AND SERVICE MECHANICS SINCE AUGUST 2014 (90,000+MILES) WITH NO DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIR. SYMPTOMS COULD NOT BE REPLICATED OR WHEN LOW RPMS WERE NOTED, IT WAS JUST THAT - NOTED. MY VEHICLE SHUDDERS, HEADLIGHTS DIM, AND DIPS TO LOW RPMS WHEN APPROACHING A STOP OR WHEN IN REVERSE AT LOW SPEEDS. IT HAS STALLED 4 TIMES SINCE I HAVE BROUGHT IT UP. THE FIRST FEW WERE IN A PARKING LOT AND AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS. THIS MORNING WAS SCARY (143,000MILES)- I WAS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND COULD NOT PLACE THE VEHICLE IN PARK, REMOVE MY KEY OR RESTART MY CAR. I HAD TO RUN OUT OF MY CAR AND LEAVE IT THERE MOMENTARILY TO GET HELP. FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND, SUBARU HAS AN EXTENDED CVT WARRANTY TSB 16-107-17. IN IT, TSB 16-90-13R - DESIGN CHANGE TO LOCK-UP TYPE TORQUE CONVERTER IS REFERRED TO. I BELIEVE THIS IS MY PROBLEM. BUT I'M GETTING THE RUNAROUND FROM DIFFERENT SUBARU DEALERS AND SUBARU OF AMERICAS HOTLINE ON HOW THIS IS ADDRESSED SINCE I HAVE OVER 100K MILES AND WHETHER OR NOT THE TORQUE CONVERTER IS COVERED IN THIS WARRANTY. SINCE IT IS "NOT A RECALL, AS IT DOES NOT IMPACT THE SAFETY OF YOUR VEHICLE", I CANNOT GET IT LOOKED AT RIGHT AWAY NOR AM I OFFERED A RENTAL WHILE WAITING TO DO SO. PLEASE - STALLING IN TRAFFIC RANDOMLY IS A SAFETY HAZARD! I HAVE TO WAIT A WEEK BEFORE I CAN GET AN APPOINTMENT TO JUST CHECK THIS AND HOPE THIS TIME THEY DISCOVER THE SAME THINGS I HAVE - MEANWHILE I'M NOT OFFERED A RENTAL AND HAVE TO DRIVE THIS ONE THAT MAY STALL AT ANY TIME. PLEASE CONSIDER HAVING THE FAULTY TORQUE CONVERTER ASSEMBLY RECALLED. THOSE WHO HAVE SYMPTOMS OF RANDOMLY STALLING IN TRAFFIC - OUR LIVES ARE IN DANGER AND IT'S ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE TRAGEDY OCCURS.PERHAPS UNRELATED - MY VEHICLE HAS ALSO STALLED ON THE FREEWAY GOING 65MPH... LOST ACCELERATION AND I HAD ENOUGH MOMENTUM TO PULL TO THE SHOULDER.
Air bags, Aug 28, 2017
TAKATA RECALL : MULTIPLE DEALERS HAVE REPORTED THAT THEY DO NOT HAVE THE PARTS TO FIX THIS AIRBAG RECALL. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO MORE THAN ONE DEALER IN MORE THAN ONE CITY WHO HAS GIVEN ME THE SAME RESPONSE. I AM CURRENTLY DRIVING AROUND WITH THESE FAULTY AIRBAGS WHICH POTENTIALLY COULD HARM ME IN THE CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. I WOULD LIKE THEM REPLACED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
Power train, Aug 28, 2017
CAR ABRUPTLY SHIFTS, LOSES POWER, AND INTERMITTENTLY STALLS IN LOWER GEARS DURING OPERATION. THIS MAY OCCUR DURING BRAKING, IDLING, OR ACCELERATION. THREE TIMES THE ENGINE SHUT OFF COMPLETELY WHILE DRIVING AT LOWER SPEEDS. ALL CHECK ENGINE DASH LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE AND THE CAR WOULD HAVE TO BE PLACED BACK INTO PARK AND THE IGNITION TURNED OFF AND BACK ON TO RESTART. IT SOMETIMES TOOK SEVERAL TRIES. THIS CREATES A SIGNIFICANT HAZARD FOR BEING STRUCK IN INTERSECTIONS, OR FROM BEHIND IN MOVING TRAFFIC. CAR WAS IN THE SHOP FOR 2 WEEKS. SUBARU MECHANICS CONFIRMED A DEFECTIVE TORQUE CONVERTER AND RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT. MY MILEAGE WAS 114K AT ONSET. CAR IS AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5 I. I HAD CAR MAINTAINED PROPERLY AT ALL RECOMMENDED SERVICE INTERVALS. THESE PROBLEMS STARTED AFTER 100K AND OCCURRED WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. ESSENTIALLY, THE AUTOMOBILE WENT FROM FULLY FUNCTIONAL TO THIS SITUATION (SUDDEN STALLING DURING OPERATION) WITHIN A WEEK. THIS SITUATION IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND THE TRANSMISSIONS SHOULD BE RECALLED AND REPLACED IMMEDIATELY. THERE IS A SAFETY BULLETIN RELATED TO THIS ISSUE (TSB NO. 16-101-16) AND A WARRANTY EXTENSION IS NOT ENOUGH. CARS BEYOND 100K MILES MAY NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR COVERAGE OF THE REPAIRS, WHICH MAY INCUR COSTS OF SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS. MANUFACTURERS MUST BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR DEFECTIVE PRODUCT.
Exterior lighting, Aug 22, 2017
THE HEADLIGHTS DO NOT COVER ENOUGH VISIBILITY WHILE MOVING FORWARD DOWN ROAD. THERE IS A NOTICEABLE LINE WHERE THE HEADLIGHTS SHINE. THEY BEAM VERY LOW TO THE ROAD SURFACE. WE BROUGHT TO DEALER BECAUSE OF CONCERN THE RESPONSE WAS THAT THAT IS THE WAY THEY ARE. NO RESOLVE. DIFFICULT TO SEE DRIVING IN DARK UNLESS HIGH BEAMS ARE ON. HIGH BEAMS ARE VERY NICE. THE LINE OF DARKNESS TO LIGHTED ROAD IS NOT PREVALENT. OTHER DRIVERS OFTEN SHINE BRIGHTS ON ME WHEN I HAVE MY LIGHTS ON REGULAR LOW BEAM.
Other or unspecified, Aug 12, 2017
OUR SUBARU OUTBACK (2011) HAS BEEN SHUDDERING AND DYING WHEN COMING TO STOPS. IT BEGAN DOING THIS APPROXIMATELY MARCH/APRIL OF 2016, AND THE ISSUE IS STILL NOT RESOLVED. WE TOOK IT TO THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP'S SERVICE CENTER IN MADISON, WISCONSIN, VERY CONCERNED, IN MAY OF 2016, BUT THEY TOLD US THEY COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM. (HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE, SINCE IT DOES IT SO OFTEN?) WE TOOK IT IN AGAIN IN WINTER/SPRING 2016, AND THEY FINALLY ACKNOWLEDGED WE HAD AN ISSUE AND TOLD US THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED TO THE TUNE OF $1500-$1800! WE WERE CONCERNED, ESPECIALLY, BECAUSE OF THE SAFETY ISSUE, AND, FURTHER, BECAUSE OF THE COST TO US TO FIX IT. IF SUBARU HAD IDENTIFIED AND DEALT WITH THE ISSUE WHEN IT FIRST STARTED, WE MIGHT HAVE BEEN UNDER SOME KIND OF WARRANTY. WE TOOK THE CAR HOME, DID SOME RESEARCH AND DISCOVERED THAT LOTS AND LOTS OF OTHER OWNERS OF THIS MAKE AND MODEL HAVE BEEN HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WE DESCRIBED TO THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP OVER A YEAR AGO. HOW COULD SUBARU NOT KNOW THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE? THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS OUT THERE! WE HAVE SINCE BEEN BORROWING MY PARENTS' CAR FOR LONGER DRIVES AND HAVE BEEN TRYING TO FIGURE OUT A WAY TO COVER THE COST OF THE REPAIR. TODAY WE RECEIVED A LETTER FROM SUBARU INDICATING THEY WERE GIVING US A WARRANTY EXTENSION FOR THE CAR'S CVT. GUESS WHAT? IT COVERS THE OUTBACK 2010-2015, THEY WROTE. HOW LONG HAS SUBARU KNOWN THIS WAS AN ISSUE WHILE FAMILIES LIKE MINE WERE DRIVING A CAR WITH A MAJOR SAFETY FLAW? I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP'S SERVICE DESK IMMEDIATELY AND TALKED WITH A REP WHO WANTED TO BE CLEAR THAT THIS ISN'T A RECALL, (REALLY?) AND THAT I'D HAVE TO CALL BACK TO FIND OUT IF IT'LL BE COVERED BY THIS WARRANTY EXTENSION SINCE, APPARENTLY, THE TORQUE CONVERTER, THOUGH RELATED, ISN'T "TECHNICALLY" THE CVT. HE SAID THEY HAD DONE A SIMILAR REPAIR, THOUGH, AND THE WARRANTY HAD COVERED IT.
Air bags, Aug 9, 2017
TAKATA RECALL
Exterior lighting, Aug 1, 2017
WHEN PUT INTO GEAR, AND YOU TURN ON HEADLIGHTS LOW BEAM, THEY ARE NOT WORKING. CAR CAN BE STATIONARY OR MOVING. THE HIGH BEAMS WORK. FOG LIGHT WORK. LOW BEAMS ARE THE PROBLEM. WHILE DRIVING, IN MOTION THE SENSOR LIGHT WILL BLINK ON & OFF, THEN HEADLIGHTS GO OUT. HAVE REPLACED THE HEADLIGHTS MULTIPLE TIMES WITHIN PAST YEAR. WAS ALREADY IN FOR SERVICE, BUT NOW PROBLEM IS BACK
Power train, Jul 21, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE RPMS DECREASED TO LESS THAN 500. THE CONTACT PLACED THE GEAR SHIFTER INTO PARK AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC (CHIPP AUTO IN FAIRMONT, WV) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
Power train, Jul 11, 2017
VERY LOW ENGINE RPM WHEN COMING TO A STOP.IT, ONCE IN A WHILE WITH A/C RUNNING, KILLED THE ENGINE WHILE AT TRAFFIC LIGHT. IT CERTAINLY IS SCARY TO ALMOST HAVING AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF IT. PERFORMED RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE BY THE DEALERSHIP (TRANS FLUID REPLACEMENT, NEW SPARK PLUGS, NEW AIR FILTER), HOWEVER, IT DIDN'T FIX THIS VERY LOW IDLE ISSUE.
Tires, Jul 10, 2017
THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE STARTED TO DEFLATE, WHETHER IN MOTION OR WHEN PARKED. THIS WAS A SLOW LEAK. THE TIRES HAD 6/32 TREAD REMAINING. THE PROBLEMATIC TIRE WOULD HOLD PRESSURE FOR ABOUT 40 MILES OF HIGHWAY DRIVING, OR SEVERAL HOURS WHEN PARKED, BEFORE THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR LIGHT WOULD COME ONE. THE TIRE WAS REPEATEDLY FILLED WITH AIR DURING THE COURSE OF THE ROAD TRIP. UPON ARRIVAL AN APPOINTMENT WAS MADE FOR IT TO BE CHECKED AND REPAIRED AT A LOCAL SHOP. TURNS OUT THE BELT WAS PARTIALLY SEPARATED. GIVEN THE CAR IS ALL WHEEL DRIVE I NEEDED TO REPLACE ALL FOUR TIRES.
Visibility/wiper, Jul 5, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE MOON ROOF GLASS INDEPENDENTLY DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER (IRVINE SUBARU, LOCATED ON 23663 ROCKFIELD BLVD, LAKE FOREST, CA 92630) WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V467000 (VISIBILITY). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Power train, Jun 26, 2017
2011 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.51 PREMIUM ENGINE STUTTERS AND QUITS UPON HARD/QUICK BRAKING. HARD/QUICK BRAKING FOLLOWED BY VEHICLE ENGINE QUITTING TYPICALLY OCCURS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, RESULTING IN NEAR ACCIDENTS. AFTER RESEARCH: CLEANED THE MASS AIR INTAKE SENSOR AND THROTTLE SENSOR. NO IMPROVEMENT. UPON FURTHER RESEARCH, APPEARS TO BE A FAULTY TORQUE CONVERTER.
Air bags, May 23, 2017
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V014000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER (LITHIA RENO SUBARU 2270 KIETZKE LN, RENO, NV 89502 (775) 800-5534) WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.