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.
Air bags, May 16, 2017
TAKATA RECALL. MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED US IN JULY 2016 ABOUT INFLATORS RECALL. THEY KEEP TELLING US THAT THEY ARE ON ORDER. SO THEY KEEP SELLING NEW CARS ALL THE TIME SO THEY ARE AVAILABLE TO THEM. WHY CAN'T WE GET OURS FIXED?
Power train, May 12, 2017
TRANSMISSION SHUDDERS INTENSELY WHEN COMING TO A STOP AROUND 5 MPH. ALSO SHUDDERS WHEN STOPPED, RPMS DIP TO ABOUT 500. CAR STALLED TWICE IN THE LAST FEW DAYS.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, May 9, 2017
TWO LOW BEAM HIGHLIGHTS BURNED OUT AT SAME TIME AFTER STARTING CAR AT NIGHT AROUND 10:00 PM. AFTER THAT, THE BATTERY WAS GETTING WORSE AND DEAD AT THE SERVICE CENTER JUST BEFORE REPLACING THE HIGHLIGHT BULBS. THE MANAGER SAID THAT THE BATTERY'S SITUATION WAS NOT RELATED WITH THE PROBLEM OF THE HIGH LIGHT, AND THERE WAS NO CLUES.
Visibility/wiper, May 2, 2017
THE WINDSHIELD WIPER STARTED WORKING WHILE IN THE OFF POSITION, THE WIPER MAKES 1 OR 2 SWIPES AND THEN DOES IT AGAIN AFTER A FEW SECONDS. IT MAKES A "CLICKING" OR BUZZING SOUND IN THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN IT HAPPENS. THE ONLY WAY TO STOP ITS OPERATION WAS TO PULL THE 30 A FUSE. VERY FRUSTRATING. THERE IS NO APPARENT REASON FOR THIS TO HAPPEN, IT JUST STARTED DOING IT ON IT'S OWN.
Power train, Apr 21, 2017
THE TORQUE CONVERTER ON THE 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK IS DEFECTIVE WHEN IT REACHES HIGHER MILEAGE AND CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO STALL OUT WHEN STOPPING ABRUPTLY (HARD BRAKING). I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30-40MPH IN SUBURBAN TRAFFIC WHEN I NEEDED TO ABRUPTLY BRAKE. MY VEHICLE STALLED OUT TWICE IN TRAFFIC AFTER HARD BRAKING, BOTH TIMES WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT. THIS IS DANGEROUS IN TRAFFIC AS YOU MUST RESTART THE VEHICLE FROM THE STALL OUT AND COULD BE HIT BY OTHER VEHICLES WHILE DOING SO. FOR SAFETY, IT IS NECESSARY TO REPLACE THIS DEFECTIVE PART, WHICH IS RIDICULOUSLY EXPENSIVE FOR THE OWNER. OWNERS ARE LOOSING OUT; SUBARU SHOULD RECALL THIS PART AND REPLACE FREE OF CHARGE.
Power train, Apr 17, 2017
CAR STALLS AT WHEN COMING TO A HARD STOP (SOMETIMES THIS HAPPENS IN TRAFFIC WHICH IS REALLY DANGEROUS). AFTER THE STALL, THE CAR STARTS UP FINE. BUT THEN STALLS WHEN COMING TO A HARD STOP.
Engine, Apr 13, 2017
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. OXYGEN SENSOR PROBLEM.
Power train, Apr 13, 2017
MY 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK IS EXPERIENCING SHUDDERING & STALLS WHEN COMING TO A STOP RESULTING IN THE ENGINE SHUTTING OFF. IT OCCURS RANDOMLY, AND NEARLY GOT IN ACCIDENTS WITH DRIVERS BEHIND ME HAVING TO REACT TO THE SUDDEN FULL STOPS. THE VEHICLE IS AT A SUBARU DEALERSHIP NOW FOR REPAIRS TO THE TORQUE CONVERTER AS WELL AS THE VALVE BOX AND VALUE BOX WIRING HARNESS. THERE IS A SUBARU TECHNICAL BULLETIN #16-90-13R REGARDING A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE TORQUE CONVERTER: "2010-12 MY LEGACY AND OUTBACK MODELS EQUIPPED WITH CVT TRANSMISSION", SUBJECT "DESIGN CHANGE TO LOCK-UP TYPE TORQUE CONVERTER". GIVEN THE DANGER OF RANDOM STALLING EVENTS, THE NUMBER OF REPORTED INCIDENTS, AND THE ~$4400 REPAIR EXPENSE BEING PUT ON ME FOR A KNOWN DESIGN PROBLEM, I WOULD THINK THIS SHOULD BE STRONGLY CONSIDERED FOR A RECALL.
Power train, Apr 10, 2017
MY 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK IS EXPERIENCING SHUDDERING & STALLS WHEN COMING TO A STOP RESULTING IN THE ENGINE SHUTTING OFF. IT OCCURS RANDOMLY, AND NEARLY GOT IN ACCIDENTS WITH DRIVERS BEHIND ME HAVING TO REACT TO THE SUDDEN FULL STOPS. THE VEHICLE IS AT A SUBARU DEALERSHIP NOW FOR REPAIRS. THERE IS A SUBARU TECHNICAL BULLETIN #16-90-13R REGARDING A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE TORQUE CONVERTER: "2010-12 MY LEGACY AND OUTBACK MODELS EQUIPPED WITH CVT TRANSMISSION", SUBJECT "DESIGN CHANGE TO LOCK-UP TYPE TORQUE CONVERTER". GIVEN THE DANGER OF RANDOM STALLING EVENTS, THE NUMBER OF REPORTED INCIDENTS, AND THE ~$1500 REPAIR EXPENSE BEING PUT ON THE CONSUMER FOR A KNOWN DESIGN PROBLEM, THIS SHOULD BE STRONGLY CONSIDERED FOR A RECALL.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Apr 10, 2017
MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER WQE41; NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 12V602000.PUDDLE LIGHTS FOR 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. IN JANUARY 2013, I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM SUBARU. . SINCE RECEIVING THE RECALL NOTICE, I HAVE MADE NUMEROUS, REALLY, NUMEROUS, ATTEMPTS TO HAVE THIS RECALL ADDRESSED BY MY LOCAL SUBARU DEALER. ALL ATTEMPTS TO HAVE THIS RECALL ADDRESSED HAVE BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL. I HAVE BEEN REPEATEDLY TOLD THAT THE PARTS ARE ON BACK ORDER. MY PUDDLE LIGHTS HAVE CEASED WORKING WHICH IS AN INDICATOR OF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT WITHIN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WHICH MAY RESULT IN SMOKE OR FIRE ACCORDING TO THE NTSB. ON APRIL 8, 2017 MY LATEST ATTEMPT TO GET A DEFINITIVE ANSWER FROM MY LOCAL SUBARU CONCERNING REPAIR OF THE PUDDLE LIGHTS AND COMPLETION OF THE RECALL WAS AGAIN UNSUCCESSFUL.
Power train, Apr 6, 2017
I HAD NOTIFIED YOU ABOUT MY SUBARU OUTBACK AND THE STALLING PROBLEM WE WERE HAVING WHENEVER WE WOULD COME TO A QUICK STOP. SUBARU MECHANIC SAID THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $11,000. WE HAD A LOCAL TRANSMISSION SHOP LOOK AT IT AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE TORQUE CONVERTER. THEY REPLACED THE CONVERTER AT A MUCH CHEAPER COST AND THE VEHICLE SO FAR HAS PERFORMED WELL. I HAVE TALKED TO OTHER OWNERS THAT ARE EXPERIENCING THE STUTTER PROBLEM WHENEVER THEY COME TO A STOP BUT THE VEHICLE HAS NOT STALLED. I AM CONFIDENT THAT IT WILL IN TIME JUST AS OURS DID. SHOULD SUBARU ISSUE A RECALL ON THESE CONVERTERS?
Power train, Apr 5, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUDDERED AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE TECHNICIAN COULD NOT IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,500.
Structure, Wheels, Engine, Apr 4, 2017
PURCHASED MY 2011 SUBARU NEW AND HAVE ALWAYS KEEP THE UPKEEP. ABOUT A YEAR AGO MY TIEROD IN THE FRONT WENT BAD AND RUINED MY TIRES SO HAD TO GET NEW TIRES. THEN IT STARTED STALLING ALL THE TIME, AND NO ONE SEEMED TO WHY. ONCE AT AN INTERSECTION WHICH I WAS ALMOST HIT. THEN HAD TO CHANGE THE TIMING BELT, BUT KNEW THIS WHEN I BOUGHT IT. THEN THE MUFFLER RUSTED AND NOW I WILL HAVE TO CHANGE THE HEAD GASKETS. I PURCHASED THIS CAR BECAUSE EVERYONE SAID IT WOULD LAST FOREVER. WELL I GUESS IT WILL IF YOU KEEP FIXING EVERYTHING THAT IS WRONG WITH IT. THIS IS MY FIRST AND LAST SUBARU I WILL EVER BUY. HAD BETTER LUCK WITH MY OLD DODGE CARAVAN.
Power train, Apr 4, 2017
TORQUE CONVERTER IS MALFUNCTIONING. THIS IS A KNOWN SUBARU DEFECT, I BELIEVE. THE CAR DIES IF I MAKE A SUDDEN STOP- DEFINITELY A SAFETY HAZARD. THIS HAPPENS ON HIGHWAYS AND SURFACE STREETS.
Power train, Mar 30, 2017
THE TORQUE CONVERTER LOCKS UP AT LOW RPMS AND CAUSES THE CAR TO STALL. THIS IS PROBLEMATIC AT INTERSECTIONS AND IN TRAFFIC (WHICH WE EXPERIENCE A LOT OF IN AUSTIN, TEXAS). IT IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM THAT STARTED RECENTLY.
Power train, Mar 27, 2017
ENGINE STALLS WHEN THE CAR COMES TO A QUICK STOP. SIMILAR TO WHEN YOU FAIL TO PUSH IN THE CLUTCH ON A STANDARD TRANSMISSION, BUT IN THIS CASE, THIS IS CAR HAS AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.
Air bags, Mar 25, 2017
"TAKATA RECALL", NO NOTIFICATION FOR REPLACEMENT APPOINTMENT, CANNOT USE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT.
Exterior lighting, Mar 24, 2017
I HAVE REPLACED HEADLIGHTS IN THIS VEHICLE FIVE TIMES AND THEY KEEP BURNING OUT. THE DRIVERS SIDE HEADLIGH IS OUT AGAIN AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.
Power train, Mar 23, 2017
MY CAR STALLS REGULARLY WHEN BRAKING QUICKLY, LIKE WHEN SOMEONE STOPS SUDDENLY IN FRONT OF ME. IT ALSO STALLS WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKE TO STOP AT A LIGHT ON A HILL. THIS FAULT HAS PLACED ME IN SEVERAL HAZARDOUS SITUATIONS, INCLUDING STALLING ON RAILROAD TRACKS, AND IN BUSY INTERSECTIONS. WHEN I FIRST COMPLAINED ABOUT IT TWO YEARS AGO, SUBARU TOLD ME THAT IT WAS AN OXYGEN/FUEL MIXTURE ISSUE AND WANTED TO CHARGE ME $1200 TO FIX IT. BUT WHEN I SEARCHED ON LINE, OTHER SUBARU OWNERS WERE COMPLAINING OF THE SAME ISSUE AND THE OXYGEN/FUEL FIX DIDN'T WORK FOR THEM AFTER SPENDING ALL THE MONEY TO FIX IT. AFTER LIVING WITH THIS FAULT FOR NEARLY TWO YEARS, I WENT TO ANOTHER REPAIR SHOP WHO TOLD ME ABOUT THIS TSB: DATE: 01/06/14 REVISED: 05/07/14 APPLICABILITY: 2010-12 MY LEGACY AND OUTBACK MODELS EQUIPPED WITH CVT TRANSMISSION SUBJECT: DESIGN CHANGE TO LOCK-UP TYPE TORQUE CONVERTER INTRODUCTION THIS BULLETIN ANNOUNCES THE AVAILABILITY OF A COUNTERMEASURE TORQUE CONVERTER ASSEMBLY TO ADDRESS A CUSTOMER CONCERN OF VERY LOW ENGINE RPM WHEN COMING TO A STOP. THE CONDITION IS SIMILAR TO COMING TO A STOP IN A MANUAL TRANSMISSION EQUIPPED VEHICLE WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE CLUTCH PEDAL. THRUST WASHER WEAR INSIDE THE TORQUE CONVERTER CAN CAUSE RESTRICTION OF THE OIL PASSAGE USED TO BLEED OFF LOCK-UP CLUTCH APPLICATION PRESSURE. THE RESULT IS EITHER A DELAYED (MOMENTARY LOW ENGINE RPM) OR NO LOCK-UP PRESSURE RELEASE. THE THRUST WASHER HAS BEEN CHANGED FROM A SOLID BUSHING-TYPE TO A NEEDLE BEARING TYPE. SUBARU WANTS $1500 FOR THIS TORQUE CONVERTER ASSEMBLY TO BE REPLACED. IF YOU SEARCH ON LINE, YOU'LL DISCOVER THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE. THIS NEEDS TO BE UPGRADED TO A VEHICLE RECALL, NOT JUST A TSB. THIS IS A FAULT IN SUBARU'S CVT TRANSMISSION DESIGN THAT IS A DANGER TO EVERYONE DRIVING ONE. PLEASE HELP US IN ENFORCING THIS RECALL. THANK YOU.
Power train, Mar 22, 2017
OUR 2011 OUTBACK WOULD STUTTER AT A STOP, SUBARU SAID THIS WAS THE WAY IT WAS DESIGNED TO CONSERVE FUEL. THE VEHICLE NOW STALLS, ALWAYS STARTS BACK UP BUT THIS IS NOT COMFORTING ESPECIALLY WHEN MY WIFE IS DRIVING BY HERSELF. THIS BEGAN SOMETIME IN JANUARY 2017 SUBARU TECH SAID NEED TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION AT A COST OF $11,000. THAT'S CRAZY. WAS REFERRED BY A FRIEND TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP IN BAYTOWN, SAYS IT IS THE TORQUE CONVERTER AND CAN EITHER BE REBUILT OR REPLACED. I TOOK IT IN YESTERDAY AND HOPEFULLY WILL PICK IT UP FRIDAY. I HAVE MADE SEVERAL TRIPS TO THE SUBARU DEALER AND CALLED THE HEADQUARTERS. I AM NOT PLEASED WITH MY FIRST SUBARU. SHOULD HAVE STAYED WITH A TOYOTA WHICH I HAVE HAD GREAT SUCCESS WITH. OUR FAMILY OF 4 HAD 4 CAMRY'S AND GOT A COMBINED TOTAL OF OVER 1,200,000 MILES ON THEM.
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 22, 2017
WHEN COMING TO A STOP, THE CAR STALLS SHUDDERS AND QUITS, THIS HAPPENS MORE OFTEN WHEN BRAKING HARDER THAN STANDARD. THE CAR CAN BE WARM OR COLD IT CAN BE REPLICATED ON COMMAND MOST OFTEN GOING UPHILL BUT WILL ALSO DO SAME ON LEVEL GROUND. DEALER REFERENCED POSSIBLY BAFFLE IN GAS TANK HAS DETACHED ALLOWING GAS TO SLOSH AWAY FROM PICK UP AREA IN TANK. SUGGESTED 200.00 TO DROP TANK INVESTIGATE AND 4-500 TO REPLACE TANK. ALSO REPORTED IN COMPLAINT 10966670 UNDER DRIVE TRAIN. TRIED LIQUID HEET FUEL ADDITIVE TO REMOVE POSSIBILITY OF WATER POOLING IN TANK. THE STALL HAPPENS MOST ON CITY STREET WITH DAUGHTER OR WIFE DRIVING.
Power train, Mar 22, 2017
I HAVE EXPERIENCED A DRIVER SAFETY CONCERN THAT CAN EASILY CAUSE A COLLISION TO OCCUR. WHEN COMING TO A STOP THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DOES NOT GO TO NEUTRAL AND THE ENGINE HALTS. I HAVE TO RESTART THE CAR. THIS IS DANGEROUS AS IT MAY CAUSE A REAR END COLLISION AND HAS ALMOST DONE SO ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THIS IS RELATED TO BULLETIN NUMBER 16-90-13R THAT HAS ALREADY BEEN OPENED WITH SUBARU ON 01/06/2014. THE REMEDY IS TO REPLACE TORQUE CONVERTER THRUST WASHER FROM A SOLID BUSHING-TYPE TO A NEEDLE BEARING TYPE. I STRONGLY BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ISSUE AND NOT BE PASSED ONTO TO THE CUSTOMER. THIS CAN EASILY ESCALATE TO A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT IF A SERIOUS COLLISION WERE TO HAPPEN. HERE IS THE COMPLAINT PRESENTED TO SUBARU BULLETIN NUMBER 16-90-13R; DATE: 01/06/14 REVISED: 05/07/14 APPLICABILITY: 2010-12 MY LEGACY AND OUTBACK MODELS EQUIPPED WITH CVT TRANSMISSION SUBJECT: DESIGN CHANGE TO LOCK-UP TYPE TORQUE CONVERTER INTRODUCTION THIS BULLETIN ANNOUNCES THE AVAILABILITY OF A COUNTERMEASURE TORQUE CONVERTER ASSEMBLY TO ADDRESS A CUSTOMER CONCERN OF VERY LOW ENGINE RPM WHEN COMING TO A STOP. THE CONDITION IS SIMILAR TO COMING TO A STOP IN A MANUAL TRANSMISSION EQUIPPED VEHICLE WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE CLUTCH PEDAL. THRUST WASHER WEAR INSIDE THE TORQUE CONVERTER CAN CAUSE RESTRICTION OF THE OIL PASSAGE USED TO BLEED OFF LOCK-UP CLUTCH APPLICATION PRESSURE. THE RESULT IS EITHER A DELAYED (MOMENTARY LOW ENGINE RPM) OR NO LOCK-UP PRESSURE RELEASE. THE THRUST WASHER HAS BEEN CHANGED FROM A SOLID BUSHING-TYPE TO A NEEDLE BEARING TYPE.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Mar 22, 2017, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE REVERSING THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKES FAILED. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT AND TURN OFF THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, IT WOULD NOT POWER DOWN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT OF THE BRAKE FAILURE, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE STRUCK A TREE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. AFTER RESTARTING THE VEHICLE, IT WAS FULLY FUNCTIONAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED ONCE PREVIOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.
Air bags, Mar 20, 2017
TAKADA INFLATORS. I RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM SUBARU OF AMERICA THAT "PARTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE" TO REPLACE MY FAULTY PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG. PUTNAM SUBARU OF SAN FRANCISCO WILL NOT MAKE AN APPOINTMENT FOR THIS RECALL- THEY SAY I AM #80 ON A WAITING LIST AND THEY ARE ON #11. I TRIED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT THE FIRST WEEK IN MAY AND THEY SAID I WOULD HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL THEY CALLED ME. I'VE BEEN WAITING A YEAR. I HAVE RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM SUBARU NOT TO USE THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT UNTIL THE REPAIR IS COMPLETED (??!!) WHY AM I GETTING A LETTER SAYING "PARTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE" WHEN THEY ARE NOT?
Exterior lighting, Mar 10, 2017
LOW BEAM HEADLAMPS BURN OUT VERY QUICKLY - WITHIN 3-6 MONTHS, REPEATEDLY. ALSO, THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ONLY COME ON AFTER DARK. AS DAY-TIME RUNNING LIGHTS THEY FAIL TO COME ON. THIS OCCURS AT ALL TIMES REGARDLESS OF SPEED, TEMP, OR DRIVING CONDITIONS.