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.
Exterior lighting, Jun 3, 2016
LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS BURN OUT APPROXIMATELY EVERY 3-6 MONTHS. ABOUT TO REPLACE A BULB FOR THE 6TH TIME.
Service brakes, Jun 3, 2016
ONCE AGAIN THE ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE IS NON-FUNCTIONAL. THE 'BRAKE' LIGHT IS FLASHING ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE [XXX] PARKING BRAKE DOES NOT FUNCTION. MY WIFE SAYS "I NEED A DEPENDABLE VEHICLE". OBVIOUSLY THIS VEHICLE DOES NOT QUALIFY. THE AUSTRALIANS AND RECALLED THIS BRAKE FOR YEAR 2015 AND WILL PROBABLY DO SAME FOR OTHER YEARS. ATTACHED YOU WILL SEE A LIST OF THE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) FOR THIS PROBLEM. IT IS A LONG LIST. THIS IS FAULTY DESIGN, PURE AND SIMPLE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Service brakes, May 30, 2016
ON 5/30/16 THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE WAS NON-FUNCTIONAL AGAIN. IT WOULD NOT ENGAGE. THE "BRAKE" LIGHT WAS FLASHING ON THE DASHBOARD. I WAS PARKED ON A HILL AND COULD NOT ENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE DUE TO MALFUNCTION. WHAT IF THE TRANSMISSION COG COULD NOT HOLD THE CAR? IT WOULD HAVE ROLLED DOWN THE HILL AND DONE UNTOLD DAMAGE. THIS ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE SHOULD BE RECALLED AS IT IS DANGEROUS AS A CRITICAL SAFETY ELEMENT OF THE CAR. THE 2015 OUTBACK HAS BEEN RECALLED IN AUSTRALIA FOR THIS VERY ISSUE.
Service brakes, May 28, 2016
70% OF THE TIME I TRY TO ACTIVATE THE ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE, THE COMPUTER JUST 'CHIRPS' AND THE 'BRAKE' LIGHT ON THE DASH BLINKS. THE PARKING BRAKE IS NOT ACTUATED THUS THE VEHICLE IS AT RISK OF ROLLING DOWN A HILL WITH NOONE AT THE WHEEL. THIS SYSTEM SHOULD BE RECALLED AT LEAST AND REDESIGNED TO A HIGHER STANDARD OF DEPENDABILITY. IT IS A BRAKE FOR GOD'S SAKE!!
Power train, May 28, 2016
CAR STALLS TO COMPLETE STOP MOTOR STOPS AND CAR IS DEAD LEAVING MY WIFE AND 3 YEAR OLD IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION FOR CARS TO NEARLY HIT TILL SHE PUTS IT IN PARK TO RESTART CAR I HAVE READ, IT IS THE TORK CONVERTER IT NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AS A SAFETY CONCERN !!!!!
Service brakes, May 28, 2016
THE ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE ON THIS VEHICLE DOES NOT WORK MOST OF THE TIME. LAST EVENING IS AN EXAMPLE. PARKED ON SLOPE IN DRIVEWAY AND ENGAGED THE PARKING BRAKE. WHEN TIME TO LEAVE THE BRAKE COULD NOT BE DISENGAGED. IT WAS LOCKED UP. HAD TO MANUALLY DECOUPLE THE PARKING BRAKE WITH SPECIAL TOOL. MOST OF THE TIME THIS BRAKE CANNOT BE ENGAGED AS ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IS UNRESPONSIVE. THE "BRAKE" DASH LIGHT JUST FLASHES AND A 'CHIRP' IS HEARD WHEN THE BUTTON IS PUSHED. PARKING BRAKES ARE TERRIBLY IMPORTANT IN HILLY ENVIRONS. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE THUS RECALLED/REDESIGNED TO A MORE DEPENDABLE SYSTEM (IE. MANUAL LEVER/CABLE BRAKE).
Exterior lighting, May 20, 2016
REPLACED LOW BEAM HEAD LIGHT ON PASSENGER SIDE,8MONTHS LATER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. THIS ALSO AFFECTS THE DAYTIME DRIVING LIGHTS EVEN THOUGHT THE HIGH BEAM LIGHTS ARE USED AT A REDUCED POWER FOR DRIVING LIGHTS. HIGH BEAM NOW DOES NOT WORK ON PASSENGER SIDE. THIS HAPPENS IN ALL OPERATING CONDITIONS,WITH OR WITHOUT AUTOMATIC LIGHT CONTROL ON OR OFF.
Exterior lighting, May 19, 2016
THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE FAILED SEVERAL TIMES. THE DEALER HAS REPLACED THEM, BECAUSE, DUE TO THE FRONT END DESIGN, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO DO IT YOURSELF. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS FAIL BECAUSE THE FRONT END DESIGN ALLOWS THE LIGHTS TO OVERHEAT.
Exterior lighting, May 17, 2016
I HAVE TO REPLACE MY LOW-BEAM HEADLIGHT EVERY 3-4 MONTHS AT A VERY EXPENSIVE COST. THIS IS VERY FRUSTRATING AND A SEVERE SAFETY ISSUE.
Exterior lighting, May 16, 2016
WE HAVE OWNED THIS SUBARU SINCE NEW. THE ORIGINAL HEADLIGHT BULBS BURNT OUT AT 58,000 MILES. SINCE THEN I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE BULBS EVERY TWO TO THREE MONTHS, USING THE SUBARU RECOMMENDED H7 BULBS FROM SYLVANIA. THE CAR HAS BURNT THROUGH AT LEAST ONE DOZEN LIGHT BULBS.
Power train, May 15, 2016
VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY SHUDDERS AND STALLS WHEN COMING TO FULL STOP, REQUIRING SHIFT TO PARK OR NEUTRAL TO RESTART. FREQUENCY OF OCCURRENCE IS RAPIDLY INCREASING. DEALER CITED SERVICE BULLETIN 16-90-13R AND REPLACEMENT OF THE TORQUE CONVERTER IS NECESSARY TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM.
Air bags, May 4, 2016
THE PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG INDICATOR, WITH AN ADULT SITTING IN THE SEAT, RANDOMLY SHOWS THE AIRBAG ON/OFF. THERE IS NO CONSISTENCY TO WHETHER THE AIRBAG WILL SHOW AS FUNCTIONING, WHICH MAKES THE SYSTEM NON-FUNCTIONING BY ANY MEASURE. THIS IS A KEY SAFETY FEATURE THAT SUBARU ADVERTISES AND SELLS VEHICLES BY AND IT SIMPLY DOES NOT FUNCTION. SUBARU HAS NOT ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THERE IS AN ISSUE AND THEIR SERVICE DEPARTMENT CLAIMS THAT THEY CANNOT FIND AND ERROR CODE INDICATING THERE IS AN ISSUE. THE IMPLICATION BEING THAT I AM MAKING UP THE ISSUE. THIS SEEMS TO BE A SIMILAR ISSUE TO WHAT WAS OUTLINED IN THE 2012 SUBARU IMPREZA AIRBAG SENSOR RECALL. BOTH CASES INVOLVE THE PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR FAILING WITH AN ADULT SITTING IN THE SEAT. IF YOU NEVER KNOW IF THE AIRBAG IS GOING TO WORK, IT IS A FAILURE OF THE SYSTEM. THIS ISN'T A PROBLEM THAT IS GOING TO BE RECOGNIZED OR FIXED WITHOUT A MANDATORY RECALL OR A LAWSUIT.
Steering, Apr 27, 2016
I CAN NOT KEEP THE VEHICLE CENTERED ON THE HIGHWAY. THE CARS WANDERS RIGHT OR LEFT AND REQUIRES CONSTANT ADJUSTMENT. THE CAR DOES NOT RETURN TO CENTER AFTER A TURN, STEERING ADJUSTMENT IS REQUIRED. THIS IS A CONSTANT PROBLEM.
Power train, Apr 7, 2016
VEHICLE STALLED ON INCLINES WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED CREATING A VERY DANGERS SITUATION. DEALER SIGHTED SERVICE BULLETIN 16-90-13R FOR DESIGN CHANGE TO THE CVT TORQUE CONVERTER BUT WOULD NOT ABSORB TOTAL COST OF REPAIR SINCE CAR HAS 107102 MILES AND OUT OF WARRANTEE. THIS SITUATION SHOULD CREATE A PRODUCT RECALL BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY INJURED.
Electrical system, Apr 6, 2016
STARTED VEHICLE AND CENTER COUNSEL WOULD NOT LIGHT UP. HEADLIGHTS AND FOG LIGHTS WORKED AND ELECTRIC WINDOWS WERE OK. SECOND INCIDENT: SAME AS FIRST - ALSO HEARD SOUND IN DASH THAT ACTED LIKE A LOOSE WIRE OR STRIPPED WIRE THAT HAD TOUCHED METAL AND SHORTED OUT. LATTER ON AFTER RESTING, THE ELECTRICAL CAME BACK TO THE COUNSEL.
Power train, Mar 20, 2016
WHILE DRIVING TO APPROACH A STOP THE CAR STUDDERS, BEGINS TO LOOSE ENGINE POWER AND STALLS. IT THEN REQUIRES THAT THE CAR MUST BE PLACED IN 'PARK', THE KEY TURNED TO THE 'OFF' POSITION AND THEN RESTARTED.
Exterior lighting, Feb 29, 2016
I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE HEADLIGHT BULBS (LOW-BEAMS) REPLACED A MINIMUM OF 4 TIMES OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS. THE PASSENGERS SIDE WAS FIRST...THEN A FEW MONTHS LATER THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THIS CONTINUES FOR NO APPARENT REASON. LAST NIGHT LEAVING WORK...THE PASSENGER SIDE IS OUT AGAIN. I CANNOT BELIEVE I AM THE ONLY SUBARU OWNER WHO HAS EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM. REPLACING THEM IS NO EASY TASK AS AFTER INVESTIGATING, YOU HAVE TO GO THROUGH THE WHEEL WELL TO GET TO IT. AGAIN...BOTH SIDES WILL NOW HAVE BEEN REPLACED 4 TIMES WITHING THE TWO YEARS. MINOR ISSUE COMPARED TO THE OTHER COMPLAINTS, BUT NEVERTHELESS A SAFETY ISSUE.
Power train, Feb 28, 2016
WHILE COMING TO AT STOP VEHICLE WILL SHUTTER AND STALL! AT THE BEGINNING OF OUR OWNERSHIP OF THIS VEHICLE IT WOULD SHUDDER AND THE IDLE WOULD GO VERY LOW, ALMOST STALLING. NOW WHEN WE COME TO A STOP IT WILL STALL! THIS HAS BECOME VERY DANGERIOUS. THERE IS A TSB FROM SUBARU TSB 16-90-13, TSB 16-90-13R CHANGE DESIGN OF TORQUE CONVERTER FROM SOLID BUSHING TYPE TO NEEDLE BEARING TYPE. THRUST WASHER WEAR INSIDE THE TORQUE CONVERTER CAUSES RESTRICTION OF OIL PASSAGE USED TO BLEED OFF LOCK-UP CLUTCH APPLICATION PRESSURE.
Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Feb 22, 2016, fire
ASCENDED STEEP HILL AND STOPPED AT STOP SIGN. PROCESSED TO DRIVE THROUGH INTERSECTION UPHILL. ALL LIGHTS ON DASH BEGAN TO FLICKER ON AND OFF AND CAR STALLED OUT GOING DOWN THE ROAD. AFTER THIS OCCURRED, I LOST ALL ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS OF CAR. I WAS NOT ABLE TO RESTART CAR, PLACE CAR INTO PARK, APPLY EMERGENCY BRAKE, TURN ON HAZARD LIGHTS, AND THE POWER BRAKES AND STEERING WERE NOT PRESENT. I SPENT 5-7 MINUTES TRYING TO RESTART THE CAR AND TRYING TO FIGURE OUT A WAY TO STABILIZE THE CAR SINCE I WAS CURRENTLY GOING DOWN A STEEP HILL WITHOUT ANYWAY OF STABILIZING IT. AFTER THIS TIME, SMOKE BEGAN COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I HAD TO COAST CAR DOWN HILL INTO BUSY INTERSECTION AND TURN IT ONTO NEXT ROAD IN ORDER TO FIND A FLAT AREA TO STABILIZE CAR SO I COULD GET OUT OF IT. WHEN I GOT OUT, I BEGAN SEEING FLAMES DROP DOWN FROM FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF ENGINE AREA. THE CAR QUICKLY CAUGHT ON FIRE AND MOST OF THE ENGINE BURNT OUT BEFORE FLAMES WERE EXTINGUISHED. THE FIRE APPEARED TO START IN COMPUTER AREA. THIS CAR WAS BOUGHT NEW AND HAVE HAD NO PREVIOUS PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR, EXCEPT WE HAVE HAD TO CHANGE THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT BULBS SEVERAL TIMES WHILE OWNING IT. AFTER I WITNESSED MY CAR CATCH ON FIRE AND AFTERWARDS DISCOVERED SUBARU HAS A SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THE TORQUE CONVERTER, I BELIEVE THE HEADLIGHT ISSUE AND THE TORQUE CONVERTER ISSUES ARE ALL CONNECTED. I BELIEVE WHAT HAPPENED TO MY CAR IS THE TORQUE CONVERTER FAILED THAT DAY CAUSING AN OVER VOLTAGE/OVER DRAW OF POWER THAT WAS SO BAD IT TOOK OUT MY COMPUTER UNIT, I THEN BELIEVE THE BATTERY CONTINUED TO FEED THE COMPUTER UNIT, IN ITS UNRESPONSIVE STATE, UNTIL IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE INSPECTOR TOLD ME SOMETIMES BULBS WILL BURNT OUT DUE TO AN OVER VOLTAGE SITUATION. SOMETHING IS DEFINITELY OVERDRAWING POWER AND IT NEEDS TO BE LOOKED INTO BECAUSE IT ENDANGERS EVERY DRIVER, PASSENGER, AND ANYONE AROUND THESE CARS.
Service brakes, Feb 21, 2016
DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH. BRAKE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, BRAKES APPLIED, BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR. VEHICLE PULLED OFF ROAD INTO PARKING LOT. VEHICLE TOWED TO SUBARU DEALER. VEHICLE INSPECTED, DEALER STATES REAR BRAKE LINE SEPARATED FROM COUPLING, DUE TO RUST AND CORROSION. DEALER FURTHER STATES THERE ARE NO REPLACEMENT BRAKE LINES AVAILABLE ANYWHERE IN NORTH AMERICA, NOR DO DEALERS HAVE ANY INVENTORY. D3ALER IS FORCED TO CRAFT BRAKE LINE TO RETURN VEHICLE TO SERVICE.
Engine, Feb 8, 2016
MY VEHICLE HAS HAD 4 OF 6 IGNITION COULD FAIL DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION WITHIN A SPAN OF MONTHS. FAILURE HAS RESULTED IN SUDDEN ENGINE FAILURE AND HESITATIONS CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LOSE POWER UNPREDICTABLY AND FORCED US TO PULL OVER. SUBARU OF AMERICA HAS REFUSED TO REPAIR THESE COMPONENTS BECAUSE THEY ARE BEYOND THE 3 YEAR WARRANTY PERIOD. IT IS UNLIKELY THAT FOUR COMPONENTS WOULD ALL FAIL SIMILARLY WITHOUT A SERIOUS DEFECT IN THE PARTS OR A DESIGN FLAW IN THE AUTOMOBILE. THERE WERE TWO OCCURRENCES OF THIS FAILURE- ONE COIL FAILED IN SEPTEMBER 2014 AND THREE MORE FAILED IN DECEMBER 2015
Power train, Engine, Feb 7, 2016
SERVICE BULLETIN # 16-90-13 CAR STALLS WHEN COMING TO A STOP. THIS HAPPENS IN TRAFFIC AT STOP LIGHTS ANYWHERE I NEED TO MAKE A HARD STOP. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND IT WOULD APPEAR THIS IS A MAJOR ISSUE FOR MANY OWNERS. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL NOT JUST A SERVICE BULLITIN
Exterior lighting, Feb 1, 2016
THIS IS 4TH TIME THAT THE HEADLIGHT BLOWS OUT. IF IT'S NOT THE HEADLIGHT ITS THE POINT LIGHTS. I FILED A COMPLAINT ON DEC. 04, 2015 ABOUT OTHER COMPLAINTS. JUST NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT BLEW OUT AGAIN WHILE DRIVING ON LOCAL ROAD AT NIGHT THE OTHER NIGHT. JAN. 29, 2016. HIGH BEAMS WORK, LOW BEAM IS OUT. THIS IS GETTING FRUSTRATING AND SUBARU DEALER TELLS ME THERE ARE NOT RECALLS. I AM SICK OF PAYING AND TAKING TIME TO DRIVE 45 MINUTES TO THE DEALER TO GET THIS FIXED ALL THE TIME. PLEASE DO SOMETHING. I HAVE AN APPT. TOMORROW FEB. 2, 2016 WITH THE DEALER AGAIN TO FIX IT. THIS SEEMS TO BE AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM.
Exterior lighting, Jan 23, 2016
PURCHASED SUBARU OUTBACK 2011 NEW. AT APPROXIMATELY 65,000 MILES LOW BEAM FRONT HEADLIGHTS BEGAN TO BURN OUT QUICKLY: 4 REPLACED OVER ABOUT 14 MONTHS. EXPERIENCED AN EPISODE 1/8/16 WHERE ALL FRONT LIGHTS COMPLETELY FAILED IN THE PARK AND DRIVE POSITION BUT LEFT LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT WORKED INTERMITTENTLY WHEN CAR WAS IN REVERSE. ALL FRONT HEADLIGHTS BUT 2 WORKED THE FOLLOWING DAY WHEN AT THE DEALERSHIP. BRAKE/REAR CAR LIGHTS ALSO STOPPED WORKING INTERMITTENTLY DURING THE TIME THE AUTO EXPERIENCED TOTAL FRONT HIGH, PARKING AND LOW BEAM FAILURE. WHETHER OR NOT REAR CAR LIGHTS WORKED WAS ALSO AFFECTED BY WHETHER CAR WAS IN DRIVE, PARK OR REVERSE AT TIMES.THIS DID NOT HAPPEN THE FOLLOWING DAY AT DEALERSHIP. REMEDY :SWITCH FOR BRAKE LIGHTS WAS REPLACED: THEY FELT IT COULD BE STICKING AT TIMES THUS CAUSING THE BACK LIGHTS INTERMITTENT FAILURE AND THE 2 FRONT HEADLIGHT BULBS WHICH WERE BURNED OUT WERE REPLACED.
Electrical system, Jan 17, 2016
HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE SINCE NEW. AFTER ONE YEAR OF USE BEGAN HAVING TROUBLE WITH LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS BURNING OUT. AT THIS TIME I HAVE REPLACED AT BOTH SIDES AT LEAST 5 TIMES. I DO NOT HAVE THIS AMOUNT OF TROUBLE WITH ANY OTHER VEHICLES. I ALWAYS USE GLOVES WHEN REPLACING THE LIGHTS. REPLACING THE BULBS IS NOT EASY AS YOU MUST GO THROUGH THE WHEEL WELL. THIS CAN LEAD TO DELAY ON REPLACING THE BULB. GIVEN THAT THEY FAIL FREQUENTLY, MY CONCERN IS THEY WILL BOTH FAIL AT THE SAME TIME. I AM NOT HAVING THIS ISSUE WITH THE HIGH BEAMS.