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.
Suspension, Jun 17, 2013
2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO EXCESSIVE FRONT END VIBRATION. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAD ALL FOUR TIRES ROTATED AND BALANCED, BUT THE FRONT END VIBRATION CONTINUED. THE FRONT END WAS ALIGNED, BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. AT THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE DEALER, THE CONSUMER PURCHASED FOUR NEW TIRES, BUT TO NO AVAIL.
Steering, Jun 12, 2013
HIGH WINDS CAUSED A LOSS OF STEERING AND THE ENTIRE CAR WAS MOVED AND I ALMOST BLEW INTO A SEMI.THIS ALWAYS HAPPENS IN HIGH WINDS (25- 30MPH AND ABOVE ). INTERNET BLOGGERS CALL THIS " LANE WANDERING" SUBARU REFUSES TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM. I FILED A CLAIM WITH SUBARU OF AMERICA AND THEIR RESPONSE WAS "IT HAS BEEN DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE IS OPERATING AS DESIGNED". I AM PAST THE DATE OF BEING ABLE TO USE THE LEMON LAW. THE ONLY OPTION SUBARU HAS GIVEN ME IS TO TRADE-IN THE CAR WITH A $1500 DISCOUNT TOWARD A NEW ONE. I HESITATE TO DO BUSINESS WITH THEM AGAIN AS THERE IS A TRUST ISSUE AND I CANNOT, IN GOOD CONSCIENCE,SELL THE CAR TO SOMEONE ELSE. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS AND I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT.I DID SPEAK TO A GENTLEMAN WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND HE SAID SUBARU BOUGHT BACK THE CAR FROM HIM, HOWEVER THEY REFUSED TO DO THAT FOR ME. I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM WITH SUBARU FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS WITH NO SATISFACTION. HERE IS A LINK THAT MAY BE HELPFUL. HTTP:/WWW.SUBARUOUTBACK.ORG/FORUMS/104-GEN-4-2010-PRESENT/31638-OB-LANEWANDERING.HTML. *TR
Electrical system, Jun 10, 2013
THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM AND RADIO BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS WITH THE VOLUME CONTROL. THE SYSTEM REFUSED TO CHANGE CHANNELS OR ALLOW YOU TO CONTROL THE VOLUME. IT EITHER BLASTED TO EAR-SPLITTING VOLUMES OR STOPPED WORKING ALL TOGETHER. *TR
Power train, May 16, 2013
WHILE DRIVING AT 40 OR 50 MILES AN HOUR, MY HUSBAND TRIES TO SHIFT TO 4TH OR 5TH GEAR AND THE GEAR SLIPS INTO REVERSE. THEN THE CAR CAN'T GO IN REVERSE. WE BOUGHT THE CAR IN JUNE 2011. THIS FIRST HAPPENED WHEN THE CAR WAS ABOUT 8 MONTHS OLD. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED BUSHINGS. THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN A FEW MONTHS LATER, ON THE HIGHWAY, WITH MY TWO KIDS IN THE CAR, WHEN MY HUSBAND WAS SHIFTING FROM 5TH TO 6TH. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED BUSHINGS. THE SAME THING HAPPENED ON MAY 11, 2013, WHILE WE WERE ON THE HIGHWAY AND MY HUSBAND WAS SHIFTING FROM 4TH TO 5TH; THE GEAR SLIPPED INTO REVERSE. THE CAR THEN CAN'T GO IN REVERSE. *TR
Service brakes, May 7, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE BRAKING, THE TRACTION CONTROL AND ABS SYSTEM WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE ENGINE MADE A KNOCKING NOISE AND VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE OVER 5 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE FAILURE AND A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED THAT WAS UNABLE TO GENERATE A FAILURE CODE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION DRIVE BELT HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Exterior lighting, Apr 30, 2013
I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE NEW FROM DEALER 18 MONTHS AGO MY VEHICLE REQUIRES A LOW BEAM BULB REPLACEMENT EVERY 6 WEEKS TO 3 MONTHS. I HAVE BEEN PULLED OVER BY THE POLICE ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS DUE TO THIS DEFECT. POOR ACCESS FOR HEADLIGHT REPLACEMENT IS ANOTHER SAFETY ISSUE THAT COMPOUNDS THIS PROBLEM. I'VE ALWAYS KEPT A REPLACEMENT HEADLIGHT IN MY PREVIOUS CARS FOR SUCH THE RARE OCCASION THAT A BULB BURNED OUT I COULD EASILY PULL OVER AND IN 2-3 MINUTES BE BACK ON THE ROAD WITH FUNCTIONING LIGHTS. I HAVE NEVER OWNED A VEHICLE THAT REQUIRED LAYING ON THE GROUND, HAVING TO REMOVE THE INNER FENDER AND LIKELY IF YOU AREN'T A PETITE 5 FOOT TALL INDIVIDUAL SUCH AS MYSELF YOU MAY ALSO HAVE TO REMOVE THE TIRE TO ACCESS A HEADLIGHT. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND THE DEALERSHIP TELLING ME THERE ARE NO SERVICE BULLETINS PERTAINING TO SUCH A PROBLEM. ALL THEY(SUBARU DEALER) CAN DO IS GIVE ME A NEW BULB AND THAT I AM NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY FOR A BULB IF ANYONE OTHER THAN THEY (SUBARU DEALER)INSTALLS THE BULBS. RIDICULOUS! I FEEL A GREATER CONCERN ABOUT THE BULB BURNOUT SHORTOUT OR WHATEVER IT IS ISSUE DUE TO THE FACT THAT YOU JUST CAN'T FIX IT ALONG SIDE THE ROAD IF YOU HAD TO. ALL CAR HEADLIGHTS SHOULD BE EASY TO GET TO AND REPLACE THEY ARE JUST THAT IMPORTANT. ESPECIALLY WHEN A CAR HAS REALLY QUESTIONABLY OPERATING HEADLIGHTS SUBARU. *TR
Exterior lighting, Apr 30, 2013
I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE NEW FROM DEALER 18 MONTHS AGO MY VEHICLE REQUIRES A LOW BEAM BULB REPLACEMENT EVERY 6 WEEKS TO 3 MONTHS. I HAVE BEEN PULLED OVER BY THE POLICE ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS DUE TO THIS DEFECT. POOR ACCESS FOR HEADLIGHT REPLACEMENT IS ANOTHER SAFETY ISSUE THAT COMPOUNDS THIS PROBLEM. I ALWAYS LEAP A REPLACEMENT HEADLIGHT IN MY PREVIOUS CARS FOR SUCH THE RARE OCCASION THAT A BULB BURNED OUT I COULD EASILY PULL OVER AND IN 2-3 MINUTES BE BACK ON THE ROAD WITH FUNCTIONING LIGHTS. I HAVE NEVER OWNED A VEHICLE THAT REQUIRED LAYING ON THE GROUND, HAVING TO REMOVE THE INNER FENDER AND LIKELY IF YOU AREN'T A PETITE 5 FOOT TALL INDIVIDUAL SUCH AS MYSELF YOU MAY ALSO HAVE TO REMOVE THE TIRE TO ACCESS A HEADLIGHT. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND THE DEALERSHIP TELLING ME THERE ARE NO SERVICE BULLETINS PERTAINING TO SUCH A PROBLEM. ALL THEY(SUBARU DEALER) CAN DO IS GIVE ME A NEW BULB AND THAT I AM NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY FOR A BULB IF ANYONE OTHER THAN THEY (SUBARU DEALER)INSTALLS THE BULBS . RIDICULOUS! I FEEL MORE CONCERNED ABOUT THE BULB BURNOUT SHORTOUT OR WHATEVER IT IS ISSUE DUE TO THE FACT THAT YOU JUST CAN'T FIX IT ALONG SIDE THE ROAD IF YOU HAD TO. *TR
Tires, Wheels, Apr 29, 2013
MY 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK CAME WITH OE CONTIPROCONTACT P225/60R17. THIS IS A TIRE OF CONTINENTAL THAT HAS AN 80000 MILE WARRANTY. THESE TIRES ON MY CAR WORE DOWN TO THE TIRE REPLACEMENT INDICATOR AT 36750 MILES. . I CALL CONTINENTAL AND WAS TOLD THAT OE TIRES ON NEW CARS ARE FOR DEFECT ONLY, NOT MILEAGE. I FEEL THIS IS A TOTAL RIPOFF ON THE PART OF CONTINENTAL TIRES AND A TOTAL MISREPRESENTATION OF MATTER. WHEN THE RETAIL TIRE HAS THE 80K WARRANTY. I FEEL CONTINENTAL SHOULD REIMBURSE ME THE PRO RATED AMOUNT ON THE $724 SPENT ON THE EXACT REPLACEMENT TIRES I PURCHASED. *TR
Exterior lighting, Apr 23, 2013
DRIVER SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT FAILED AT ABOUT 29,000 MILES. PASSENGER SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT FAILED AT ~32,000 MILES (ROUGHLY 3 MONTHS TIME ELAPSED BETWEEN EVENTS). *TR
Power train, Apr 23, 2013
THE ISSUE STARTED AT AROUND 25,000 MILES. MY 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK, UPON SHIFTING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE OR FROM PARK TO DRIVE FROM A COLD START, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD PAUSE FOR A SECOND OR TWO THEN WOULD EXHIBIT A LOUD BANG/CLUNK AND THE CAR WOULD LURCH FORWARD. WARMING THE CAR FOR SEVERAL MINUTES (~5-10 MINUTES) DID NOT SOLVE THE ISSUE. I READ OTHERS WHO HAD THE SAME ISSUE SO AT 28,622 MILES (~1.5 MONTHS FROM THE FIRST INCIDENT) I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE SUBARU SERVICE/DEALER. UNFORTUNATELY THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE THE ISSUE, LIKELY DUE TO THE FACT THAT THEY DID A TRANSMISSION RELEARN BEFORE TRYING TO TEST THE TRANSMISSION. THE CAR WAS FINE FOR ABOUT 2 DAYS AFTER RECEIPT FROM SERVICE, BUT THEN THE BANG/CLUNK/LURCH BEGAN AGAIN, ON AND OFF, UNDER THE SAME CONDITIONS MENTIONED EARLIER (I.E., COLD START, SHIFTING INTO DRIVE, ETC.) UNTIL ITS FAILURE ON APRIL 22 (MILEAGE ~33,400, ~3 MONTHS AFTER BRINGING THE CAR TO THE SUBARU SERVICE/DEALER NOTED ABOVE). THE TRANSMISSION FAILED WHILE I WAS DRIVING 45 MPH, AFTER I HEARD A BANG FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS STILL CONTROLLABLE, BUT ONLY FIRST GEAR WORKED. THE CAR TODAY (APRIL 23) IS AT THE SERVICE STATION TO DETERMINE IF IT IS A TRANSMISSION ISSUE OR A COMPUTER ISSUE. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 9, 2013
THIS CAR IS A SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5I MANUAL 6SPD TRANSMISSION. WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT WITH CAR IDLING, THE RPM'S GET VERY LOW AND CAR DIES. STARTS BACK UP RIGHT AWAY, BUT THEN AFTER IDLING FOR 15-20 SECONDS, THE CAR WILL DIE AGAIN. CONCERNED THAT THIS MAY HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING AS I HAVE READ REPORTS OF MANY OTHER MODELS OF THE SAME CAR DOING THE SAME THING WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALER SAYS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG AND THEY WILL CHARGE A TON OF MONEY TO COME BACK AND TELL ME THERE IS NOTHING WRONG. IT IS A CLEAR SAFETY ISSUE IF THE CAR CANNOT HOLD AN IDLE AND/OR DIES WHILE DRIVING. *TR
Wheels, Mar 27, 2013
REPEATED SEVERE SHIMMING OF CAR WHEN DIRT OR MUD GETS IN WHEEL WELLS. IN WINTER ANY SLUSH OR SNOW ON THE WHEELS CAUSES A CONTROL PROBLEM. CAR AND STEERING WHEEL SHAKE SEVERELY. ONCE INSIDE OF WHEELS ARE PRESSURE WASHED PROBLEM DISAPPEARS, ONLY TO REAPPEAR WHEN DIRT AGAIN GETS INTO THE WHEELS. DISCUSSION WITH THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ESPECIALLY IN WINTER. INTERNET SEARCH INDICATES THIS ALSO IS A COMMON PROBLEM ESPECIALLY IN THE 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK'S. THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW IN THE DESIGN OF THE WHEELS WHICH PICK UP DEBRIS ON A LARGE FLAT LEDGE. I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS CONTROL OF VEHICLE IS COMPROMISED WHEN YOU HAVE SEVERE SHAKING. *TR
Exterior lighting, Mar 25, 2013
THE CAR'S HEADLIGHTS BURN OUT AT A VERY FREQUENT RATE. REPLACING THEM IS VERY INCONVENIENT AND TIME CONSUMING SINCE YOU HAVE TO REMOVE THE WHEELS IN ORDER TO GET ACCESS. DEALER CHARGES $100.00 TO REPLACE. SOMETHING MUST BE WRONG WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SINCE MY OTHER SUBARU HAS NEEDED ONLY ONE REPLACEMENT SINCE 2004. *TR
Air bags, Mar 18, 2013
WE HAVE A SUBARU OUTBACK THAT WE PURCHASED IN MAY 2011. IN JANUARY 2013 THE AIRBAG INDICATOR BEGAN TO TURN OFF RANDOMLY WHILE I WAS SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. IT HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY AND WITHOUT ANY CHANGE IN BEHAVIOR OR MOVEMENT ON MY PART WE HAVE BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAY THERE IS NOT A PROBLEM WITH THE SYSTEM. I HAVE CALLED THE SUBARU COMPANY AND THEY SAY THE SYSTEM IS OPERATING AS DESIGNED AND SINCE THE DEALER CANNOT FIND THE PROBLEM THERE IS NONE. THE COMPANY ALSO STATE THERE HAVE BEEN COMPLAINTS BY OTHER PEOPLE MY WEIGHT. (117 LBS.) THEY ALSO STATE THAT THE AIRBAG WILL NOT INFLATE IF THE INDICATOR FOR THE AIRBAG IS OFF. I HAVE EXPRESSED MY FEAR OF NOT HAVING AN AIRBAG IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT TO NO AVAIL. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED . *TR
Exterior lighting, Mar 12, 2013
I HAVE NOW REPLACED 3 LOW BEAM LIGHT BULBS IN MY CAR WITHIN THE LAST 6 MONTHS. TWO ON THE LEFT AND ONE ON THE RIGHT. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. BULBS SHOULD NOT BURN OUT THIS QUICKLY AND REPEATEDLY. *TR
Exterior lighting, Mar 11, 2013
DRIVER SIDE HEADLAMP BURNED OUT, REPLACED AT DEALERSHIP AND 12 WEEKS LATER THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLAMP BURNED OUT. I AM SHOCKED THAT A VEHICLE WITH ONLY 20,000 MILES WOULD ALREADY HAVE TWO HEADLAMPS BURN OUT WITHIN WEEKS OF EACH OTHER. DEALERSHIP DENIES ANY KNOWLEDGE OF A PROBLEM WITH HEADLAMPS EVEN THOUGH INTERNET IS FLOODED WITH SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Mar 4, 2013
SUBARU OUTBACK LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS GOING OUT IS A DANGEROUS SAFETY ISSUE. PURCHASED 2011 OUTBACK IN NOV 2010. JULY 2011 DRIVER SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT REPLACED AT DEALER. NOV 2011 PASSENGER SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT REPLACED AT DEALER. JULY 2012 DRIVER SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT REPLACED AT DEALER. DEALER CHECKED OUT LIGHTING SYSTEM AND FOUND NO PROBLEMS. DEC 2012 BOTH LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS OUT. CALLED SUBARU CORPORATE AND THEY SAID THEY HAD NO REPORTS OF THIS PROBLEM (EVEN THOUGH THERE ARE LOTS OF DISCUSSIONS ONLINE). REPLACED AT LOCAL MECHANIC BECAUSE IT WAS 17 DEGREES OUT AND THESE BULBS ARE NOT EASY OR CHEAP TO CHANGE (MY COST WAS $40+ FOR 2 BULBS PLUS $38 FOR MECHANIC INSTALL). IDENTIFIED THAT DEALER BULBS REMOVED WERE PHILIPS. REPLACED WITH SYLVANIA. MARCH 2013 DRIVER SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT OUT AGAIN. CALLED CORPORATE AGAIN. THEY SUGGESTED TAKING TO LOCAL DEALER (45 MINUTES AWAY) TO HAVE THEM CHECK THE CAR OUT. CORPORATE AND DEALER ARE SORRY TO HEAR OF PROBLEM AND WILL CHANGE THE BULB ... BUT THAT DOESN'T ELIMINATE THE SAFETY ISSUE. IN ADDITION, IT DOESN'T TAKE CARE OF THE HASSLE OR THE COSTS. IF YOU NEED MORE EXAMPLES OF THIS SAME PROBLEM (TO PROVE IT IS NOT JUST MY CAR), CHECK OUT THESE OTHER CASES LISTED ON THIS NHTSA WEBSITE: 2011 ------------------------- DATE OF INCIDENT: 03/01/2013 NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10500919 DATE OF INCIDENT: 05/03/2012 NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10487940 DATE OF INCIDENT: 09/13/2012 NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10475296 DATE OF INCIDENT: 08/17/2012 NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10471366 2010 ---------------------------- DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/01/2011 NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10498055 DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/01/2010 NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10486749. *TR
Exterior lighting, Mar 1, 2013
THE LOWBEAM HEADLAMPS ON THIS VEHICLE HAVE AN UNUSUALLY SHORT LIFESPAN. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE HEADLAMPS HAVE FAILED WITHIN A FEW DAYS OF ONE ANOTHER LEADING TO AN UNSAFE VEHICLE CONDITION. THE DEALER AND SUBARU HAVE REFUSED TO PERFORM FREE DIAGNOSTIC TESTS TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE HEADLAMP FAILURES AND SHORT LIFESPAN. *TR
Air bags, Feb 8, 2013
FIRST I WILL SAY I AM AN ADULT FEMALE WEIGHING 120 LBS, SUFFICIENT WEIGHT TO ACTIVATE AIRBAGS. WE JUST PURCHASED THIS CAR AND WENT FOR LONG TRIP AND I NOTICED MY AIR BAG LIGHT WAS OFF. I TRIED TO ADJUST POSITIONS AND SOMETIMES I COULD GET IT TO COME BACK ON, ONLY TO FIND A FEW MINUTES LATER THAT IS OFF AGAIN, THIS PROCESS WAS REPEATED THE WHOLE 7 HOUR TRIP. WE WERE TRAVELING ON SNOW COVERED ROADS SO THIS WAS VERY UPSETTING TO NOT HAVE THE AIR BAGS WORKING. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEMS THAT NEEDS TO BE FIXED. WHAT GOOD ARE SAFETY FEATURES IN A CAR IF THEY DO NOT WORK PROPERLY. *TR
Service brakes, Jan 9, 2013
I PURCHASED A SUBARU OUTBACK (2011). SINCE THAT TIME, I HAVE COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER OF "SOFT BRAKES." THE CAR DOES NOT STOP IN A TIMELY, OR EFFECTIVE MANNER. I HAVE TO OVERCOMPENSATE FOR ROUTINE STOPPING DISTANCES; AND, YOU CANNOT PANIC STOP. THERE IS AT LEAST 2 INCHES OF PLAY IN THE BRAKE; IT FAILS TO STOP ADEQUATELY IN A SAFE MANNER; AND THE BRAKES ARE SIMPLY UNRESPONSIVE IN AN EMERGENCY STOP. *TR
Air bags, Dec 20, 2012, crash
THE VEHICLE IN QUESTION WAS MOVING AT ABOUT 35 MPH WHEN ITS FRONT END COLLIDED WITH THE SIDE OF A CAR MOVING SLOWLY ACROSS ITS PATH. THE DRIVER'S SEATBELT WORKED PROPERLY. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Dec 17, 2012
I WAS DRIVING AT 65 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ON AND ALL OF SUDDEN THE CRUISE DISENGAGED, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, BRAKE, AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS LIT UP ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CAR'S LOSS OF SPEED COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT AS THE LOSS OF SPEED WAS FAIRLY DRAMATIC. DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY TO SEE IF THAT WOULD HELP, IT DID, BUT ONLY FOR A DAY. IT HAPPENED AGAIN TODAY 12/17/2012. *TR
Exterior lighting, Dec 11, 2012
THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS HAVE BURNED OUT TWICE. THE CAR IS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK, AND IT HAS LESS THAN 30,000 MILES ON IT. THE HEADLIGHT SETTING IS NOT KEPT ON THE "AUTO" SETTING. (SOME CLAIM USING THE AUTO SETTING CAUSES THE LIGHTS TO SWITCH ON-AND-OFF MORE CAUSING ADDITIONAL WEAR TO THE HEADLIGHT.) THE HEADLIGHTS WERE INSTALLED BY A DEALER, SO IT CAN BE ASSUMED THEY WERE INSTALLED TO CORRECT SUBARU SPECIFICATIONS. THE COMMUTE TO AND FROM WORK EVERY DAY IS A SINUOUS, TREE-LINED ROAD, WITH THE OCCASIONAL DEER CROSSING. DURING THIS TIME OF YEAR, THE COMMUTE TO AND FROM WORK IS IN THE DARK. HAVING ONE OR BOTH HEADLIGHTS BURN OUT IS A SAFETY ISSUE; DRIVING WITH THE HIGH-BEAMS ON JUST TO SEE THE ROAD IS ALSO A SAFETY ISSUE AND IS ILLEGAL. *TR
Electrical system, Dec 5, 2012
AS I WAS PASSING ANOTHER VEHICLE THE CAR MADE A LOUD CLUNK AND I LOST POWER TO THE ENGINE. I WAS IN THE OPPOSITE LANE OF A TWO LANE ROAD AND HAD TO SQUEEZE MY WAY BACK INTO MY LANE BEFORE A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH AN ON COMING CAR. AFTER I SAFELY GOT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE CAR HAD NO IGNITION CONNECTION. THE CAR WOULD TURN OVER BUT NOT RUN. WHEN THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND TESTED IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE SIGNAL BETWEEN THE KEY AND THE IGNITION SYSTEM HAD BEEN BROKEN. AFTER THE KEYS WERE REPROGRAMMED THE CAR RAN JUST FINE. HOWEVER, I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT THIS COULD HAPPEN AGAIN AND PLACE MY FAMILIES LIVES IN DANGER AGAIN. I HAVE RECEIVED NO ASSURANCES THAT THIS WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN. *TR
Air bags, Service brakes, Nov 13, 2012, crash
I BELIEVE MY ANTI-LOCK BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED ON MY 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK AND IF THIS IS THE CASE THEN SOMEONE IN AUTO SAFETY DATA COLLECTION NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT IT. I WAS DRIVING DOWN AN OFF RAMP DURING SNOWY CONDITIONS. I APPLIED MY BRAKES AT AROUND 35 MPH AND THEY ABRUPTLY LOCKED UP. THERE WAS NO SHUTTER/SHIMMER EFFECT THAT I MIGHT EXPECT WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKES AS THEY GO ON AND OFF WHILE TRYING TO GRIP THE ROAD. I APPLIED THEM AGAIN WITH THE SAME JOLT FOLLOWED BY SLIDING. I TRIED THIS SEVERAL TIMES AS I APPROACHED THE INTERSECTION. THOUGH THE LONG OFF RAMP DID SLOW ME DOWN, AT ABOUT 15 MPH (I THINK) I PLOWED THE LEFT FRONT OF MY CAR INTO THE FORD RANGER IN FRONT OF ME. THIS IMPRESSIVELY CRUSHED THE LEFT FRONT SIDE OF MY CAR AND MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE POINT OF IMPACT WAS THE LEFT SIDE OF THE FRONT BUMPER, BUT IT HIT AT THE UPPER 2-3 INCHES OF THE BUMPER. I'M NOT SURE IF THE AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED WITH THIS TYPE OF IMPACT, BUT IF THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO DEPLOY THEN SOMEONE NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT IT TOO. *TR