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, Apr 18, 2014
SINCE MAY OF 2012, MY WIFE HAS HAD TO REPLACE THE LOW BEAM LIGHT BULBS ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE NO FEWER THAN SIX TIMES. THIS IS A TERRIBLE ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE, AS DRIVING WITH ONE BULB IS BOTH DANGEROUS AND ILLEGAL. IT IS ALSO PROHIBITIVELY EXPENSIVE TO CONTINUE REPLACING THESE BULBS AS THE ACCESS TO THEM IS CONVOLUTED AT BEST. SUBARU NEEDS TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THIS IS A RECURRENT PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE, AND THAT IT PUTS ITS CUSTOMERS AT RISK. A RECALL MUST BE ISSUED BEFORE THERE IS A FATALITY, NOT AFTERWARDS. *TR
Exterior lighting, Apr 5, 2014
BOTH OF MY HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT AT THE SAME TIME. HIGH BEAMS, FOG LIGHTS STILL WORK. TRIED REPLACING THE BULBS WITH GLOVED HANDS AND STILL NOT WORKING. I HAVE SEEN MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS ON ONLINE FORUMS ABOUT THE SAME THING. COULD BE A WIRING OR FUSE ISSUE? *TR
Air bags, Mar 26, 2014
THE PASSENGER AIR IS DISABLED WHEN MY WIFE OR DAUGHTER SITS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. BOTH WEIGHT APPROXIMATELY 120 LBS. WE HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAY IT WORKS AS DESIGNED BUT THAT MEANS MY WIFE AND DAUGHTER HAVE NO AIR BAG PROTECTION. SUBARU STATES THEY FIXED THE PROBLEM IN THE 2012 MODEL. THAT IS NO CONSOLATION TO ME. I READ THE AIR BAG SHOULD BE DISABLED FOR A 5TH PERCENTILE WOMEN WHICH IS 107 LBS. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN THE 2011 OUTBACK. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Mar 24, 2014
I WOULD LIKE TO REPORT AN ABNORMAL BEHAVIOR IN MY CAR ON JANUARY 13, 2014 AS THIS IS A SAFETY MATTER. THE ROAD CONDITION WAS DRY AND THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS ABOUT 40 DEGREES. FIRST I BACKED OUT OF MY GARAGE ONTO THE ROAD, THEN SHIFTED TO THE D POSITION AND DROVE ABOUT HALF A MILE FORWARD. I NOTICED THAT THE CAR DID NOT SLOW DOWN AS USUAL WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES AS I WAS APPROACHING THE FIRST INTERSECTION. I HAD TO PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL MUCH FURTHER THAN USUAL. I DID NOT SLOW DOWN TO A COMPLETE STOP, MADE A RIGHT TURN AND CONTINUED TO DRIVE. I DECIDED TO PAY CLOSER ATTENTION TO THE BEHAVIOR OF THE CAR DURING THE NEXT BRAKING PERIOD. I DROVE ANOTHER QUARTER MILE AND I HAD TO APPLY THE BRAKES AGAIN AS I WAS APPROACHING A STOP SIGN. THE CAR DID NOT SLOW DOWN AS USUAL AGAIN, SO I HAD TO PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR TO MAKE A COMPLETE STOP. WHEN THE CAR FINALLY STOPPED MOVING I HEARD A LOUD SQUEAKING NOISE AND THE TACHOMETER ARROW WAS MOVING BACK AND FORTH BETWEEN 2000 AND 5000 RPM. IT SEEMED AS THOUGH THE CLUTCH WAS STILL ENGAGED EVEN THOUGH THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED AND THE CAR WAS NOT MOVING. THIS CONTINUED FOR 5-10 SECONDS UNTIL I SHIFTED INTO THE N POSITION AS I CONTINUED TO HOLD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE SQUEAKING SOUND DISAPPEARED AND THE TACHOMETER ARROW WENT DOWN IMMEDIATELY. I SHIFTED BACK INTO THE D POSITION AGAIN WITH MY FOOT STILL ON THE BRAKE AND THE CAR BEHAVED NORMALLY. THIS PROBLEM HAS NOT APPEARED SINCE THAT TIME. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO A SUBARU SERVICE DEALER AT NORWOOD, MA 02062 ON JAN. 27, 2014, BUT THEY DID NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG (CUSTOMER #[XXX], INVOICE [XXX], MILES 31340). I WOULD LIKE TO GET TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PROBLEM SINCE THIS COULD BE A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. I HAVE FILED A COMPLAINT TO SUBARU WEBSITE ON JANUARY 28, 2014 BUT DID NOT HEAR A WORD FROM THEM SINCE THAT. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Exterior lighting, Mar 17, 2014
LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT BULBS BURN OUT APPROXIMATELY EVERY 3 MONTHS REQUIRING EXPENSIVE REPLACEMENTS. COMBINED WITH AN OVERLY DIFFICULT ACCESS TO REPLACE THEM, IT'S EFFECTIVELY AN EXTORTION SCHEME BY SUBARU TO FORCE YOU TO THE DEALERSHIP. *TR
Air bags, Seats, Mar 17, 2014
AIR BAG IS NOT BEING TURNED ON WHEN A PASSENGER IS IN THE SEAT. THEY MEET THE 80+ WEIGHT REQUIRMENT. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Mar 9, 2014
I WAS ON VACATION DRIVING HOME. WAS AT ABOUT 300 MILES INTO A 400 MILE TRIP. DRIVING 68 MPH ON A DIVIDED HIGHWAY. TEMP APPROX. 85 DEGREES, SUNNY DAY. ATTEMPTED TO PASS A VEHICLE ON A HILL. ACCELERATED ABOUT MAX ACCELERATION AND VEHICLE COMPLETELY CUT OFF ALL POWER WHEN ACCELERATION ATTEMPT OCCURRED. I HAD TO PULL OVER IMMEDIATELY W/O ANY POWER. TRIED TO RE-START THE VEHICLE WITHOUT SUCCESS. CAR DID TURN OVER FOR ABOUT ONE SECOND THEN SHUT OFF COMPLETELY. RESULT WAS A NEED TO TOW THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER. VEHICLE SAT OVERNIGHT. WHEN THE DEALER TRIED TO START THE VEHICLE IT STARTED. AT THIS POINT I HAVE NOT HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS SITUATION. BUT I HAVE NOT BEEN IN A SITUATION OF BEING ON A LONG TRIP, IN 85 DEGREE TEMP AND ATTEMPTING A HARD PASSING ACCELERATION ON A STEEP HILL. *TR
Exterior lighting, Feb 27, 2014
I HAVE REPLACED SIX HEADLIGHT BULBS SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR IN JULY 2011. I DON'T EVEN DRIVE THAT MUCH AFTER DARK. I DON'T USE THE AUTO HEADLIGHT FEATURE EITHER. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Feb 3, 2014
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
Exterior lighting, Feb 3, 2014
IT IS NOW THREE HEADLIGHTS IN 24 MONTHS HAVE BURNT OUT. I WOULD JUST LIKE TO KNOW WHAT THE ISSUE IS WITH MY CAR. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jan 25, 2014
PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT HAS BURNT OUT 6 TIMES; SUBARU DENIES ANY UNDERLYING ISSUES, KEEP REPLACING THE HEADLIGHT; NO MORE WARRANTY AS THIS POINT; MAIN CONCERNS ARE SAFETY AND NUISANCE. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jan 21, 2014
LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ONLY ILLUMINATE ROAD TO ABOUT 15 FEET IN FRONT OF CAR. HEADLIGHTS WERE THEN ADJUSTED BY SUBARU DEALER WHO STATED THEY WERE AT THE MAX HEIGHT. LIGHTS NOW ILLUMINATE TO ABOUT 25 FEET IN FRONT OF CAR. EXTREMELY POOR VISIBILITY AT NIGHT. SUBARU DEALER SAID THERE IS NOTHING MORE HE CAN DO. *TR
Service brakes, Jan 8, 2014, crash
I PULLED UP INTO MY DRIVEWAY COMING HOME FROM SHOPPING AS USUAL, IT WAS APPROXIMATELY 5:45PM ON JAN 7, 2014. THE ROAD TO MY HOUSE AND MY DRIVEWAY HAVE AN INCLINE. I PULLED IN MY DRIVEWAY WHICH WAS DRY (THE STREET WAS ICY) STOPPED, TURNED OFF CAR, PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. MY FOOT BRAKE WENT TO THE FLOOR, NO TENSION, I TRIED IT OVER AND OVER AS MY CAR WAS ROLLING BACKWARDS, WENT TO HIT THE ELECTRONIC EMERGENCY BRAKE, NOTHING HAPPENED MY CAR WAS OFF ROLLING BACKWARDS OUT OF CONTROL PICKING UP SPEED, I THOUGHT THE ONLY THING THAT WILL STOP THIS CAR IS WHEN IT HITS SOMETHING, AND THANK GOD NO ONE WAS HURT! IT HIT THE ELECTRICAL BOX AND MAILBOX AND KNOCKED POWER OUT IN MY CUL-DE-SAC. THE ELECTRIC BOX FLIPPED OVER AND CAUGHT MY REAR TIRE AND STOPPED THE CAR! THIS WAS A COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE, NO WAY TO STOP THE CAR!! VERY SCARY! I HAVE BEEN DRIVING A MANUAL TRANSMISSION SINCE I WAS A TEENAGER AND I AM 59. I HAVE VIDEO OF THE OFFICER PUSHING THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE NOT ENGAGING! *TR
Seats, Jan 6, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE, HE HEARD AN ABNORMALLY LOUD POPPING NOISE FROM THE SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,000.
Visibility, Seat belts, Equipment, Dec 23, 2013
2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE BACK UP CAMERA DEFECT AND REQUESTS REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE BACK-UP CAMERA WAS NOT CENTERED PROPERLY, THE DRIVERS SIDE SHOULDER HARNESS INTERMITTENTLY WOULD NOT RETRACT FULLY. THEREFORE, CAUSING IT TO GET STUCK IN THE CLOSING DOOR AND THE HEAT REGISTER AT THE DRIVERS FOOT SEEMED TO BE PARTIALLY BLOCKED. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THE REASON WHY THE CAMERA WAS NOT CENTERED, WAS BECAUSE IT HAD BEEN HIT, AND IT WOULD COST $99.00 TO REPAIR IT.
Exterior lighting, Dec 20, 2013
I HAVE TO REPLACE THE LOW BEAM HEAD LIGHTS ALL THE TIME ( 6 TIMES SINCE BUYING CAR) DRIVER SIDE 4 TIMES PASSENGER SIDE 2 TIMES. *TR
Service brakes, Nov 26, 2013
MY 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK EXHIBITS BRAKE FAILURE INTERMITTENTLY UPON FIRST START OF THE ENGINE. ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS, THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP WHILE I WAS APPLYING HEAVY PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES. AFTER A SERIES OF ACTUATIONS, THE BRAKES BEGIN TO WORK NORMALLY. TO DATE, THIS HAS NOT LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO REPLICATE THE FAILURE AND AS A RESULT, HAVE INDICATED THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. THE FAILURE DOES NOT OCCUR EVERYDAY, SO IT IS NOT SURPRISING THAT THE DEALER CANNOT REPLICATE. DURING THE FIRST VISIT, THEY INDICATED THEY FOUND A LEAKING HOSE THAT WAS THE CAUSE, BUT THEN THE ISSUE RETURNED. AT MY REQUEST, THEY REPLACED THE BRAKE FLUID, BUT THIS ISSUE RETURNED ONCE AGAIN. I HAVE CONTACTED SUBARU USA WHO ALSO STATED THAT THERE IS NOTHING THAT CAN BE DONE. *TR
Service brakes, Nov 3, 2013
WHILE TRAVELING AT 70 MPH ON I-65 THE CAR SUDDENLY SLOWED DOWN, THE CHECK ENGINE AND BRAKE LIGHTS BEGAN BLINKING. AND AS WE PULLED INTO THE EMERGENCY LANE THE CAR CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP, THE BRAKES HAVING SEIZED. THE CAR WAS STARTED AGAIN BUT COULD NOT MOVE. THE CHECK ENGINE AND BRAKE LIGHT KEPT BLINKING. AFTER ABOUT AN HOUR, THE BRAKES UNLOCKED AND THE CAR WAS ABLE TO BE TOWED TO THE SUBARU DEALER IN NASHVILLE. THE SERVICE DEPT. TECHNICIAN PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. WHILE THE TEST SHOWED THAT A "BRAKING EVENT" HAD OCCURRED, THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF A CURRENT PROBLEM. THE TECHNICIAN DROVE THE CAR 50 MILES WITH A MONITOR, BUT EVERYTHING WORKED FINE. WE DID NOT WANT TO DRIVE THIS CAR ANYMORE SINCE THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DETECTED, AND BOUGHT A NEW OUTBACK TO DRIVE HOME. NEEDLESS TO SAY, IF OUR CAR HAD STOPPED IN A MIDDLE OR LEFT LANE OF THE EXPRESSWAY, WITH LARGE TRUCK TRAFFIC GOING 70 MPH., A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT MOST LIKELY WOULD HAVE OCCURRED. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Vehicle speed control, Sep 12, 2013
DURING THE 2 YEARS SINCE I PURCHASED MY 2011 OUTBACK 2.5I (CVT), THERE HAVE BEEN ABOUT 15 OCCASIONS WHERE I WAS GOING DOWNHILL, USING ENGINE BRAKING, WITH MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR, CRUISE CONTROL NOT ENGAGED, BUT GAS WAS FED TO THE ENGINE, RESULTING IN SPEEDS OF 45 TO 50 MPH (4500 RPM) IN 2ND GEAR. ONE INDICATOR THAT GAS IS BEING FED TO THE ENGINE IS THE FUEL ECONOMY GAUGE SHOWS POOR GAS MILEAGE. THIS DEFINITELY DOES NOT FEEL LIKE ENGINE BRAKING WHEN THE ENGINE IS SCREAMING AS YOU ARE SPEEDING DOWNHILL. USUALLY WHEN I DRIVE THE SAME STRETCH OF ROAD USING ENGINE BRAKING MY SPEED IS 30 TO 35 MPH IN 2ND GEAR AND THE FUEL ECONOMY GAUGE SHOWS NO FUEL IS BEING CONSUMED. SUBARU REFUSES TO COMMENT ON THIS PROBLEM SINCE I CANNOT REPRODUCE IT FOR THEM. I ASKED THE SERVICE MANAGER ABOUT THE SIMILAR BUT LESS SEVERE, REPEATABLE BEHAVIOR, OF CYCLING BETWEEN ACCELERATING TO OVER 2000 RPM AND DECELERATING TO ABOUT 1200 RPM. HE SAID THIS IS DONE TO MEET EMISSION STANDARDS. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jul 30, 2013
WE ARE EXPERIENCING CHRONIC HEADLIGHT, TAILLIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT BURN OUT ISSUES. WE HAVE HAD THE RIGHT HEADLIGHT REPLACED TWICE AND THE LEFT HEADLIGHT REPLACED ONCE AS WELL AS THE TAILLIGHT AND BREAK LIGHTS REPLACED ONCE SINCE NOVEMBER OF 2012. WE DO NOT LIVE ON A BUMPY ROAD OR HAVE ANY OTHER ODD DRIVING CONDITIONS. WE DRIVE OUR CAR ONLY ON NORMAL PAVED ROADS IN A SUBURBAN ENVIRONMENT. OUR SUBARU DEALER HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM. WE BELIEVE THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AS WE NEVER KNOW WHEN THE LIGHTS ARE GOING TO BURN OUT. *TR
Power train, Engine, Jul 24, 2013
THIS VEHICLE IS HESITATING FROM A START, POSING A HIGH RISK OF CAUSING A SERIOUS ACCIDENT WHEN ENTERING TRAFFIC. THE HESITATION OCCURS, ON AVERAGE, ONCE EVERY 300 MILES UNDER DIFFERING CONDITIONS. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO SUBARU SERVICE FOUR TIMES BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. THEY STATE THEY CAN?T SOLVE THE ISSUE BECAUSE THEY CAN?T ?DUPLICATE? IT. I HAVE INFORMED THEM OVER AND OVER AGAIN THAT IT IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM BUT THEY REFUSED TO KEEP THE CAR LONG ENOUGH TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. I HAVE ASKED SUBARU FOR A REPLACEMENT BUT ALL THEY WILL OFFER IS YET ANOTHER APPOINTMENT ?TO ATTEMPT TO DUPLICATE THE CONCERNS?. IN THE MEANTIME, I AM FORCED TO DRIVE A VEHICLE WITH A SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM, WHICH OCCURS RANDOMLY WITHOUT WARNING. THIS HESITATION DEFECT APPEARS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS POWER TRAIN, PLACING NUMEROUS DRIVERS AT RISK. PLEASE SEE THE FOLLOWING ASSOCIATED COMPLAINTS: 10290805 10297490 10307668 10343600 10346037 10346648 10347133 10351374 10354541 10355908 10355908 10356951 10358243 10411748 10413779 10448621 10505368 10515376 THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *TR
Electrical system, Jun 21, 2013
I RECEIVED A RECALL FROM SUBARU, ON APRIL 2013, THAT REQUIRE TO REPLACE IMMEDIATELY MY REMOTE STARTER. I CONTACTED TWICE THE DEALER, SUBARU OF EVANSTON, SKOKIE, ILL AND AFTER 2-3 MONTHS THEY DID NOTHING. SUBARU OF AMERICA HAS A WEB ADDRESS WHERE A CUSTOMER CAN NOT REACH THEM. *TR
Steering, Jun 21, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE STEERING ASSIST FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 600. *TR
Electrical system, Structure, Jun 19, 2013, fire
ON JUNE 30, 2011 AT 11PM I LOOKED OUT OF MY WINDOW AND OUR ENTIRE GARAGE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THIS BUILDING WAS NOT COMPLETED AND HAD NO ELECTRICAL OR HEATING SYSTEM. I BELIEVED AT THAT TIME THAT IT WAS THE CAR(SUBARU) THAT STARTED THE FIRE. ,AS THE INTENSITY OF THE FIRE WAS ON THE SIDE OF THE GARAGE WHERE IT WAS PARKED.I HAD JUST HAD IT DETAILED THE DAY BEFORE THE FIRE, AS THE DEALERSHIP HAD DONE SOME EXTRA ELECTRICAL WORK AND THE CAR WAS RETURNED TO US FILTHY. I HAD ALWAYS SUSPECTED THAT IT WAS THE SUBARU THAT STARTED THAT FIRE AND A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO I RECEIVED A LETTER FORM SUBARU STATING THAT THE "PUDDLE LIGHTS" WIRING COULD OVER HEAR AND START A FIRE. GUESS WHERE I HAD ELEC. WORK DONE?I HAD THE LIGHTED FLOOR BOARD LIGHTS INSTALLED (RIGHT ABOVE THE PUDDLE LIGHTS) THIS FIRE HAS LEFT MY HUSBAND(STILL) VERY DEPRESSED AS WE LOST ALL HIS TOOLS AND EVERYTHING IN THAT GARAGE WHICH INCLUDED ITEMS TO FINISH THE CONSTRUCTION AND MANY VALUABLE PERSONAL ITEMS. I REALIZE THIS IF AFTER THE FACT, BUT AFTER RECEIVING THAT LETTER FORM SUBARU, I FEEL THAT MY SUSPICION IS JUSTIFIED AND THINK THAT SUBARU SHOULD MAKE THIS RIGHT.THIS BUILDING WAS ERECTED FOR OVER FIVE YEARS AND THERE WASN'T ANYTHING IN THERE THAT WOULD OF STARTED THAT FIRE, OTHER THAN THAT CAR. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jun 18, 2013
THE PASSENGER'S-SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT BURNED OUT A WEEK AGO AND WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER. ONE WEEK LATER, THE DRIVER'S-SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT BURNED OUT. THE CAR ONLY HAS 15,000 MILES PRESENTLY. THE DEALER REPORTS THAT THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE IN LATE-MODEL OUTBACKS. I LIVE IN ALASKA WHERE THE USE OF HEADLIGHTS IS MANDATORY ON SOME ROADS. FREQUENT AND UNANTICIPATED LOSS OF THE HEADLIGHTS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AS WELL AS COSTLY. *TR