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.
Vehicle speed control, Jun 28, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THE PADDLE SHIFTERS FOR THE STEERING WHEEL MALFUNCTIONED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT DECELERATE. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT NOT TO USE THE PADDLE SHIFTERS WHILE USING THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED NOR WAS THE VEHICLE INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 30,000. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,000.
Steering, Suspension, Tires, Equipment, Jun 28, 2011
PURCHASED MY 2011 OUTBACK IN JULY IF LAST YEAR. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS DUE TO A VIBRATION IN THE STEERING AND THUMPING IN THE TIRES...ALMOST LIKE THERE WAS FLAT SPOTS IN THE TIRES. THEY FIRST TOLD ME IT WAS FLAT SPOTS AND IT MAY TAKE UP TO 3000 MILES BEFORE IT WOULD QUIT, HOWEVER IT NEVER DID AND GOT WORSE. I TOOK IT BACK 2 MORE TIMES AND THEY FINALLY DID A FORCE BALANCE AND PUT A VIBRATION KIT ON THE STEERING. MY STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT VIBRATE/SHIMMY ANY LONGER, HOWEVER THE REST OF THE CAR STILL DOES. THEY HAD TO REPLACE 2 OF THE TIRES AFTER SEVERAL FORCE BALANCES. I HAVE TOLD THEM THAT THE CAR STILL HAS THE THUMPING...YOU CAN"T HEAR IT, BUT YOU FEEL IT, AND THE VIBRATION IS STILL THERE. YOU DON'T NOTICE IT AS MUCH AT A LOWER SPEED, BUT WHEN YOUR SPEED INCREASES YOU SURE CAN. THEY ARE TELLING ME THERE IS NOTHING ELSE THEY CAN DO. HOW IS THAT? IT WAS A BRAND NEW CAR, AND I CALLED THEM AND LET THEM KNOW OF THE PROBLEM RIGHT OFF. THEY HAVE TRIED TO FIX THE PROBLEM, BUT IT'S STILL THERE. THIS IS A $30,000 VEHICLE, AND IS A LEMON. I NEED TO KNOW WHAT I CAN DO. I KNOW IT'S BEEN ALMOST A YEAR, BUT AS I SAID EVERY TIME I MENTION IT AT MY OIL CHANGES THEY TELL ME THERE IS NOTHING MORE I CAN DO. I HAVE LISTED MY PERSONAL INFORMATION BELOW. ANY INFORMATION OR SUGGESTIONS WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. [XXX]- CAR IS IN MY HUSBAND NAME [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 23, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO JERK EXCESSIVELY WITH A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE TIMING BELT WAS REPLACED. ALSO, THERE WAS A REPLACEMENT OF THE TIMING BELT TENSIONER AND PULLEYS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY PLANNED TO PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL INVESTIGATION RELATED TO THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,052.
Tires, May 24, 2011
RECENTLY PURCHASED 2011 OUTBACK SUBURU, BRAND NEW. WITH 1500 MILES, THE DEALER INSPECTED OUR TIRES AND FOUND 3 OUT OF 4 TIRES TO HAVE SIDE WALL BULGES. THE TIRES ARE CONTINENTAL TIRES. THE CALL BACK THIS MORNING FROM THE DEALERS SERVICE MANAGER SAID THAT THEY INSPECTED THE NEW CARS ON THEIR LOT AND FOUND SIDEWALL BULGES ALSO SHOWING ON THE TIRES OF NEW INVENTORY. THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID THIS WAS A RESULT OF EXTRA MATERIAL. AS NEW OWNERS WE FEEL THAT THE OPERATIONAL INTEGRITY OF THE VEHICLE IS COMPROMISED WITH AN INTERGRAL PART OF THE VEHICLE SHOWING MANUFACTURING DEFECTS, AND AT THIS PRESENT WRITING, NO AVAILABLE RECOURSE OFFERED FROM SUBURA. *TR
Steering, May 13, 2011
VIBRATION AND SHAKING (PULSING) OF STEERING WHEEL AT SPEEDS OVER 65 MPH. VIBRATION THOROUGH FLOOR OF DRIVERS SIDE VIBRATION THROUGH SEAT OF DRIVERS SIDE. WHEN GOING THROUGH TURNS STEERING WHEEL CAN PULSATE (FEELS LIKE SOMETHING IS CATCHING). THIS CAN HAPPEN ON A RAMP WHERE IT IS NECESSARY TO CORRECT STEERING OR A SWEEPING TURN ON THE HIGHWAY AT SPEED. DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THERE ARE TIMES WHEN THE CAR WILL LOSS CONTROL MOMENTARILY, ALMOST LIKE HITTING A PATCH OF ICE. *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Apr 10, 2011
FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG SWITCH IRREGULARLY CHANGES STATE WITH LIGHTER OCCUPANT. THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT SHOWS OFF EVEN THOUGH OCCUPANT IS WITHIN LIMITS STIPULATED VERBALLY BY SUBARU SALESMAN. THE INDICATOR LIGHT CHANGES STATE WITH OCCUPANT IN SEAT, EVEN THOUGH THE OCCUPANT REMAINED COMPLETELY STILL.
Steering, Jan 15, 2011
2011 SUBARU OUTBACK: I INFORMED THE DEALER THAT THERE WAS A SHAKING AFTER 45 MPH AND A TRAMPING EFFECT AT LOWER SPEEDS. THEY DID A ROAD FORCE BALANCE AND IT WAS BETTER BUT STILL FELT ANNOYING AND UNSAFE. THEY PUT ON NEW STEERING WHEEL AND NOW IT WAS WORSE. I FINALLY TOOK IT TO ANOTHER TIRE/SERVICE DEALER AND THEY IMPROVED THE SHAKING QUITE A BIT BUT I WOULD STILL LIKE IT FIXED. SUBARU STATES THERE WILL BE A FIX IN A FEW WEEKS BUT READING ALL THESE OLD COMPLAINTS MAKES ME DOUBTFUL. SUBARU SEEMS TO BE AWARE CARS ARE DEFECTIVE AND SHIPS THEM TO DEALERS ANYWAY HOPING A FIX WILL BE FOUND. I NOW WOULD LIKE A BUYBACK FROM SUBARU. *TR
Suspension, Jan 3, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS SHAKING ABNORMALLY WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. ON A LATER DATE WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE EXPLODED. THERE WERE DAMAGES TO THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE AS A RESULT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED THAT LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BALL JOINT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS RE-EXAMINED. THE MANUFACTURER DETERMINED THAT THE CONTACT MUST HAVE HIT SOMETHING THAT CAUSED THE BALL JOINT TO FRACTURE AND WOULD NOT TAKE ANY LIABILITY FOR THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 3,000.
Steering, Dec 28, 2010
I PURCHASED A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5I LIMITED ON NOV 30 2010. ON THE DRIVE HOME FROM THE NEW CAR DEALERSHIP THE STEERING WHEEL HAD A SHIMMY AND THE ENTIRE CAR WAS VIBRATING. THE VIBRATION BEGAN 45MPH AND HAD GOTTEN WORSE AT 65/70MPH. I CONTACTED THE DEALER THE NEXT DAY AND THEY DETERMINED BY TEST DRIVING THE CAR THAT THE FOUR CONTINENTAL PRO CONTACT TIRES WERE DEFECTIVE. EVENTUALLY THEY REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES WITH NEW CONTINENTAL PRO CONTACT. THE CAR IS RIDING MUCH BETTER AND SMOOTHER. THE DEALER WANTED TO INSTALL A VIBRATION DAMPER KIT ON THE STEERING WHEEL AND I DECLINED. I PREFER TO KNOW IF THERE IS A PROBLEM RATHER TO COVER IT UP. I HOPE THIS MAY HELP ANYONE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Dec 20, 2010
2011 SUBARU OUTBACK 3.6R - CAR HAS VIBRATION THAT CAN BE MOSTLY FELT IN THE STEERING WHEEL AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. VIBRATION CAN ALSO BE FELT IN THE SEATS AND FLOOR. VIBRATION COMES AND GOES AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. *TR
Steering, Dec 13, 2010
2011 SUBARU OUTBACK 3.6R LIMITED PURCHASED NEW IN OCTOBER 2010. VEHICLE HAD STEERING/HANDLING ISSUES FROM THE START. EXCESSIVE STEERING WHEEL/TIRE VIBRATION/SHIMMY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WAS IMMEDIATELY EVIDENT. IN ADDITION THE CAR HAD A PULSATION IN THE STEERING ASSEMBLY WHEN MAKING SLOW TURNS. AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THE STEERING HAD A "STICK-SLIP" PHENOMENON WHILE NEGOTIATING CURVES IN THE ROAD. THE DEALERSHIP PERFORMED A SERIES OF FIXES RECOMMENDED BY SUBARU OF AMERICA (SOA) INCLUDING NEW TIRES WITH ROAD FORCE BALANCING, STEERING BOX REPLACEMENT BUSHINGS, STEERING HYDRAULIC PUMP REPLACEMENT, REPLACEMENT STEERING WHEEL, AND REPLACEMENT OF STEERING RACK ASSEMBLY. AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE VARIOUS FIXES THE TIRE VIBRATION WAS ESSENTIALLY ELIMINATED. HOWEVER, THE STEERING PULSATION/STICKING WAS ONLY AMELIORATED. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME THAT SOA WAS AWARE OF THE STEERING ISSUE AND WAS WORKING ON A SOLUTION, BUT THAT NOTHING FURTHER COULD BE DONE WITH MY VEHICLE AT THIS TIME. THE CONDITION I HAVE DESCRIBED IS, IN MY OPINION, A DANGEROUS ONE. WHILE DRIVING WINDING COUNTRY ROADS IN THE RAIN THERE IS A DISTINCT LOSS OF FEEL FOR THE ROAD, SIMILAR TO ENCOUNTERING A MOMENTARY PATCH OF ICE. BECAUSE OF THE VARYING RESISTANCE FELT THROUGH THE STEERING WHEEL THE CAR TENDS TO OVERSTEER AND UNDERSTEER IN THE TURNS. IT IS CLEAR THAT SOA'S PIECEMEAL REPLACEMENT OF PARTS TO "FIX" THE PROBLEM IS NOT THE SOLUTION. THERE IS MORE LIKELY A DESIGN ISSUE WITH THE STEERING ASSEMBLY THAT IS MITIGATED BUT NOT CORRECTED WHEN MAJOR PARTS ARE REPLACED, PERHAPS DUE TO COMPONENT TOLERANCES. THIS ISSUE MUST BE RESOLVED BY SOA AND A VEHICLE RECALL ISSUED. *TR
Steering, Nov 30, 2010
1.) 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK PREMIUM - NEW CAR PURCHASE - WITH LESS THAN 300 MILES ON IT. 2.) THE CAR LOSES CONTROL AT UPPER SPEEDS (65MPH+) WHERE IT SWAYS OUT OF CONTROL AS IF AN ICY PATCH WAS HIT. THE STEERING WHEEL ALSO SHAKES AT A RAPIDLY LOW FREQUENCY CREATING A NUMBNESS IN THE DRIVER'S HANDS AND FOREARMS MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS OCCURS EVERY DAY WHEN ABOVE 65MPH. 3.) SUBARU DEALERSHIPS HAVE SAID THEY CAN NOT REPEAT THE ISSUE (HOWEVER THEY DO NOT TAKE THE CAR OUTSIDE THE CITY, THEREFORE THEY ARE NOT DRIVING BEYOND 65MPH). NO PARTS OR REPAIRS HAVE BEEN PROVIDED ALTHOUGH TIRES WERE CHECKED OVER FOR BALANCE. THIS IS AN ON GOING ISSUE WITH SUBARU OWNERS FOR THE 2010 AND 2011 MODEL. I KNOW OF OTHER SUBARU OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD TIRES ROTATED, BALANCED, ETC AND NOTHING HAS CHANGED. THOUSANDS OF FORUMS ARE NOW ONLINE IN REGARDS TO THIS. *TR
Air bags, Nov 28, 2010
2011 SUBARU OUTBACK LIMITED 2.5 PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG NOT ACTIVATED. I AM 130 LB AND THE AIRBAG SYSTEM DOES NOT GO ON WHEN I SIT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. ACCORDING TO THE DEALER AND SUBARU NOTHING CAN BE DONE, BUT I DON'T FEEL SAFE. *TR
Air bags, Nov 16, 2010
SOMETIMES THE RIGHT FRONT AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT IS "OFF" DESPITE A FULL-SIZED ADULT SITTING IN THAT SEAT. *TR
Air bags, Oct 18, 2010
OCCUPANT SENSING AIRBAG WON'T TURN ON FOR MY WIFE WHO WEIGHS 110 POUNDS. THIS IS A NEW 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE DEALERSHIP ARGUED AND WAS EVASIVE ABOUT MY COMPLAINT; AND SAID THE SEAT WAS CALIBRATED TO ACTIVATE WITH A 120 POUND PERSON. THEY WERE "INSTRUCTING" ME ON THE PROPER SEATING POSITION. I TOLD THEM I DIDN'T WANT THE VEHICLE IF THE AIR BAG WOULDN'T OPERATE FOR MY WIFE. I HAVE AN APPT. THIS WEEK . STAY TUNED. *TR
Steering, Oct 2, 2010
PURCHASED NEW SUBARU 2011 OUTBACK ON 07.31.10. IMMEDIATELY NOTICED VIBRATION IN STEERING BEGINNING AT 60MPH AND GRADUALLY GET WORSE AT 70MPH. CONTACTED DEALER AND WAS ADVISED TO HAVE CAR LOOKED AT. ON 08.23.10 THE DEALER TEST DROVE VEHICLE AND CONFIRMED SLIGHT VIBRATION IN STEERING WHEEL. THEY ADJUSTED TIRE PRESSURE BUT DIDN'T CORRECT PROBLEM. ON 08.27.10 LEFT CAR AT DEALER TO HAVE TIRES ROAD FORCE BALANCED. AFTER ROAD FORCE BALANCING THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION IS BETTER BUT STILL NOTICEABLE. THE SERVICE MANAGER CLAIMS SOME VIBRATION IS NORMAL FOR OUTBACK. STILL BELIEVE THERE IS A PROBLEM BUT WILL DRIVE CARE FOR SEVERAL HUNDRED MILES BEFORE RETURNING TO SEE IF PROBLEM GETS WORSE. OPENED CASE WITH SUBARU. EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED IN RESPONSE FROM DEALER AND SUBARU TO THIS PROBLEM SINCE IT'S A VERY EXPENSIVE AUTO. *TR
Air bags, Sep 29, 2010
2011 SUBARU OUTBACK - PASSENGER AIRBAG INDICATING "OFF", NOT TURNING ON WHEN 140LB PERSON IS IN THE SEAT. SUBARU OF AMERICA STATES THAT THIS IS NORMAL AND THERE IS NO FIX. SUBARU DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR NEW DOES NOT AGREE AND STATES SOMETHING IS WRONG. HE HAS ANOTHER OWNER WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. PASSENGER AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IN AND ACCIDENT WITH A 140LB PERSON IN THE SEAT! *TR
Exterior lighting, Sep 29, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE LOW BEAMS MADE IT DIFFICULT TO SEE AT NIGHT WHICH THE CONTACT BELIEVED TO BE A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND BOTH THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS MET GOVERNMENT STANDARDS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS NEEDED TO BE ADJUSTED AND THE MANUFACTURER WOULD PROVIDE NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 5,000.
Steering, Tires, Sep 21, 2010
2011 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5I LIMITED PURCHASED AUG 10, 2010. NOTICED STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION FROM TIME OF PURCHASE, ASSUMED IT WAS JUST ME GETTING USED TO DRIVING THE CAR. A WEEK LATER EVEN MORE NOTICEABLE, BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE DEALER. CHECKED BALANCE, FOUND TWO TIRES OUT OF ROUND. REPLACED THOSE TIRES (TSB 05-50-10), REBALANCED - VIBRATION STILL THERE. DEALER THEN INSTALLED VIBRATION KIT (TSB 05-48-10), VIBRATION PERSISTS. HEAD OF SERVICE STATED HE DID NOT NOTICE VIBRATION AT 65MPH, TECH TAKEN FOR RIDE WITH THIS OWNER (OWNER DROVE CAR - AVERAGE SPEED 70-75MPH). TECH OBSERVED VIBRATION, STATED "THIS SHOULDN'T BE LIKE THAT ON A NEW CAR." AWAITING RESPONSE FROM SERVICE MANAGER ON NEXT STEPS. IN THE COURSE OF A MONTH, MY CAR HAS SPENT 5 DAYS AT THE DEALERSHIP! VERY DISAPPOINTED IN SUBARU AT THIS TIME! *TR
Steering, Suspension, Sep 20, 2010
TEST DROVE 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK 3.6R BEFORE PURCHASE AND VEHICLE HAD FRONT END SHAKE AT FREEWAY SPEED OF 70 MPH OR SO. AS RESULT DID NOT BUY. *TR
Air bags, Sep 9, 2010
PASSENGER AIRBAG IS OFTEN TURNED OFF, EVEN THOUGH A PERSON IS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THIS IS REPEATABLE. OFTEN, WHEN MY PASSENGER (120 LBS, 5'7" TALL) SITS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, THE AIRBAG REMAINS IN THE OFF POSITION (AS IF NO ONE IS SITTING IN THAT SEAT). I'VE NOTICED THAT WHEN THE PASSENGER SITS, AND PUTS THEIR FEET DIRECTLY ON THE FLOOR, THE PASSENGER'S KNEES AND UPPER THIGH RIGHT ABOVE THE KNEE DO NOT MAKE CONTACT WITH THE SEAT. WHEN SITTING IN THIS POSITION, THE AIRBAG WILL REMAIN IN THE OFF POSITION. WHEN THE PASSENGER SITS, WITH LEGS FULLY EXTENDED, SO THAT THE KNEE AND UPPER THIGH MAKE BETTER CONTACT WITH THE SEAT, THE AIRBAG IS ENABLED. WITH THE RIGHT COMBINATION OF PASSENGER LENGTH, AND POSITION OF THE PASSENGER'S LEGS WHILE SITTING, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE AIRBAG TO REMAIN IN THE OFF POSITION, EVEN THOUGH THERE IS A FULL-SIZED ADULT SITTING IN THAT SEAT. I BELIEVE THE AIRBAG (WEIGHT ON SEAT) SENSOR, MAY BE LOCATED TOO FAR FORWARD ON THESE SEATS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 27, 2010
2011 SUBARU OUTBACK WAGON - STALLING PROBLEM. WITH CLUTCH PEDAL DEPRESSED FULLY THE ENGINE STALLED TWICE DURING A TURN AND COMING TO A STOP SIGN. LOST POWER STEERING IN CORNER - THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE! *TR
Power train, Aug 23, 2010
WHEN COMING TO A ROLLING STOP AND THEN STEPPING ON THE ACCELERATOR AS OUR 2011 OUTBACK WAS TURNING, THE NEW VEHICLE, WITH 9 MILES ON THE ODOMETER, EXPERIENCED A BRIEF HESITATION FOLLOWED BY A HARD TRANSMISSION CLUNK AND THE VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD A FEW FEET BEFORE DRIVING NORMALLY. THIS OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES DURING ROLLING STOPS BOTH WHEN GOING FORWARD AND WHEN TURNING A CORNER. WE FEEL THIS IS EXTREMELY UNSAFE AND COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. WE RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT WITHIN 17 HOURS OF PURCHASE AND, AFTER THEY HAD THE CAR FOR 10 DAYS, WE WERE INFORMED THAT, WHILE THEY ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM, THERE IS NO CURRENT FIX FOR THE ISSUE AND HAVE NO ESTIMATE AS TO WHEN THERE MIGHT BE ONE. IN RESEARCHING ONLINE, WE DISCOVERED THAT A VERY SIMILAR, IF NOT IDENTICAL, PROBLEM WAS REPORTED BY OWNERS OF THE 2010 OUTBACK MODEL AND A SUBARU SERVICE BULLETIN (11-94-09R) DATED 01/05/10 WAS ISSUED ANNOUNCING THAT 'ECM' REPROGRAMMING FILES' WERE AVAILABLE TO RECTIFY THE PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Aug 16, 2010
STEERING WHEEL OF THE VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING BAD AROUND 500 MILES. IT IS A CONSTANT PULSATION LEFT/RIGHT. HAND/ARM PAINS AND ACHES WHILE TRYING TO HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS IS ALSO TERMED AS SHIMMY / STEERING WHEEL SHAKE PROBLEM AND SUBARU HAS 2 TSB IN EFFECT 05-50-10 AND 05-48-10. 05-50-10 (RFB) WAS PERFORMED. THAT DID NOT FIX THE ISSUE AND THE STEERING WHEEL STILL CONTINUES TO SHAKE. THEY HAVE NOT YET SCHEDULED 05-48-10 (BUNCH OF PARTS REPLACEMENT) FOR ME, BUT I HAVE A CASE OPENED WITH SOA (SUBARU OF AMERICA) - CASE # [XXX] IN ADDITION, DURING LONG MODERATE-SPEED TURNS LIKE HIGHWAY RAMPS, HIGHWAY ENTRANCES THE STEERING WHEEL PULSATES. IT FEELS LIKE THERE IS A "FREE-PLAY" GOING AROUND MID-TURN. ALSO, I WOULD HAVE TO HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL TIGHT OTHERWISE IT TENDS TO GO AWAY OR FLOAT. FROM WHAT I GET FROM OTHER OWNERS WHO GOT THIS TSB DONE, THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN FIXED. SUBARU SEEMS TO BE MASKING THE PROBLEM RATHER THAN FIXING THE PROBLEM. [REFER LINK : HTTP://WWW.SUBARUOUTBACK.ORG/FORUMS/108-STEERING-WHEEL-SHAKE-ISSUES/] I AM YET TO GET THE MAJOR TSB DONE. SOA SAID PARTS WILL ARRIVE AT DEALER THIS WEEK. I WILL FOLLOWUP WITH MY DEALER ON THIS. I WANTED TO REPORT THIS AS A CRITICAL ISSUE SINCE I DO NOT BELIEVE THIS TSB WILL FIX MY PROBLEM (BASED UPON EXPERIENCE FROM OTHERS). PLEASE HELP TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Steering, Aug 16, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD VIBRATE EXCESSIVELY. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 20.