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.
Service brakes, Mar 15, 2021
A BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER MALFUNCTION. IT CAUSES AN INCREASE IN THE AMOUNT OF BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL DISTANCE REQUIRED TO SLOW OR STOP THE VEHICLE. 2012 SUBARUS WERE RECALLED. IS MY 2011 RECALLED? IT'S VERY DANGEROUS.
Power train, Mar 6, 2021
2011 SUBARU OUTBACK WITH CVT TRANSMISSION STALLS WHEN COMING TO AN ABRUPT STOP. SUBARU HAS A TSB AND KNOWS THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE TORQUE CONVERTERS IN THESE CARS. THE VEHICLE STALLED COMING TO AN ABRUPT STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE CORRECTED VIA RECALL OF CVT MODEL 2011 OUTBACKS.
Power train, Engine, Mar 2, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH APPROACHING AT A RED LIGHT, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND WAS ALMOST REAR-ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND DRIVEN TO THE RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE PERSISTED WHILE DRIVING TO HER RESIDENCE. AN UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO BOWSER AUTOMOTIVE - POWER OF BOWSER (1001 CLAIRTON BLVD, PLEASANT HILLS, PA 15236) AND WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A TORQUE CONVERTER FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000.
Power train, Feb 17, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER COMING TO A STOP, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUDDERED AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER GLANZMANN SUBARU LOCATED AT 95 OLD YORK RD B, JENKINTOWN, PA 19046 WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V326000 (POWER TRAIN). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.
Power train, Feb 3, 2021
WHEN DRIVING THE 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK AND COMING TO A STOP, THE VEHICLE WILL SHAKE AND/OR SHUDDER AND WILL OFTENTIMES STALL OUT. THE DEALER CLAIMS THAT WE NEED TO REMOVE THE ENGINE AND REPLACE THE TORQUE CONVERTER. THIS SEEMS TO BE A KNOWN ISSUE ON THE 2011 OUTBACK AND THERE HAS BEEN A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ISSUED FOR THIS. THIS IS NOT SAFE AS THIS CAN HAPPEN ON HILLS OR IN WINTER ON SNOWY/ICY ROADS SO SHOULD BE ELEVATED TO A RECALL. NOT TOO MENTION THE COST OF THIS REPAIR IS OUTSIDE THE REALM OF REALISM AND LANDS IN THE ZONE OF CRUEL AND UNUSUAL PUNISHMENT.
Power train, Jan 26, 2021
WHEN TURNING SHARPLY OR COMING TO A QUICK STOP, THE CAR SHUDDERS AND STALLS. SUBARU ACKNOWLEDGED THE PROBLEM ONCE AND REPLACED THE TORQUE CONVERTER, BUT THE PROBLEM IS BACK AND THEY WILL NOT PAY FOR ANY FURTHER REPAIRS FOR THIS ISSUE, WHICH HAS BEEN ONGOING. IT'S DANGEROUS TO HAVE THE CAR STALL SUDDENLY!
Power train, Jan 14, 2021
VEHICLE REPEATEDLY STALLS ABRUPTLY WHILE SLOWING DOWN OR TURNING. PLEASE SEE ATTACHED DOCUMENTS FOR FURTHER DETAILS. THE CONSUMER STATED THE POWER TRAIN HAD A FAILED PART THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED.*JS
Air bags, Jan 11, 2021
MY 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK IS PART OF THE AIRBAG RECALL. I HAVE PHONED SUBARU 6 TIMES AND THEY REFUSE TO FIX MY AIRBAGS. THE REASON IS THAT I LIVE ON A SMALL ISLAND IN HAWAII THAT DOES NOT HAVE A DEALERSHIP OR EVEN A CAR REPAIR SHOP. THE VEHICLE MUST BE SHIPPED TO OAHU TO BE FIXED AND SUBARU REFUSES TO DO THIS.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jan 6, 2021
LOW HEADLAMP BULB HOUSING MELTED SO BAD IT MUST BE REPLACED AT ESTIMATED DEALER COST OF $650. THERE IS AN EXTENDED WARRANTEE FOR REPLACING THE BULBS THAT HAVE BEEN BURNING OUT EVERY 6-9 MONTHS. I BELIEVE THEY HAVE BEEN BURNING UP DUE TO A MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN THE HOUSING THAT IS NOT BEING ADDRESSED. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THE LOW-BEAM HOUSING UNIT AS IT POSES A FIRE RISK. THE EXTENDED BULB REPLACEMENT WARRANTEE IS A BAND-AID THAT DID NOT ADDRESS THE UNDERLYING ISSUE.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jan 5, 2021
OCCASIONALLY, PERHAPS 4 TIMES IN THE LAST YEAR, WHEN I PUT MY CAR INTO 'DRIVE', THE ENGINE ENGAGES AND LURCHES FORWARD. IT FEELS AS THOUGH THE CAR WITH TAKE OFF FORWARD AT A HIGH SPEED.
Power train, Engine, Dec 10, 2020
DURNING HARD/QUICK STOPS THE CAR WILL SHAKE JUST BEFORE STOPPING AS IF THE ENGINE WANTS TO STALL. MORE THEN HALF OF THE TIME THE CAR WILL STALL. IT WILL START RIGHT BACK UP BUT THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE HAVING YOUR CALL STALL IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. SUBARU HAS ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN 16-90-13R FOR THIS ISSUE. BASICALLY THEY NEED TO REPLACE THE TORQUE CONVERTER. THEY ALSO EXTENDED THE POWER TRAIN WARRANTY TO 100,000MI FROM 60,000MI. CARS THAT ARE OUTSIDE THE EXTENDED WARRANTY ARE OUT OF LUCK FOR ANY NO FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM SUBARU FOR A KNOWN SAFETY ISSUE. MY LOCAL SABARU DEALER JUST QUOTED ME $2500 TO FIX A KNOWN SAFETY ISSUE. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR THE ESTIMATED 1.5 MILLION SUBARU'S THAT THE SERVICE BULLETIN ADDRESSES.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 6, 2020
ENGINE STALLING. WHEN STOPPING AT RED LIGHT, ENGINE SHUT DOWN A FEW TIMES. ONCE I LOST ALL ELECTRICITY AND MANEUVERABILITY OF THE CAR. I ALSO HAD IGNITION PROBLEMS. THE CAR WON'T START SOMETIMES. I BROUGHT TO DEALERSHIP 4-5X AND MY CAR SPENT A MONTH AT DEALER. THEY CANNOT FIND THE CAUSE. I READ THIS COULD BE DUE TO CVT TRANSMISSION. I BOUGHT MY CAR FROM A SUBARU DEALER TWO AND A HALF YEARS AGO AND ONLY DROVE 7K MILES. CURRENT MILEAGE IS 95K. SUBARU EXTENDED WARRANTY OF MY MODEL TO 10 YEARS FOR TRANSMISSION. BUT SO FAR THEY COULDN'T DO ANYTHING. I THINK THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL. WHEN MY CAR STALLED, I HAD TO CALL POLICE AS MY CAR BLOCKED THE ROAD AND CAUSE TRAFFIC JAM. THIS IS A ROAD HAZARD. THANK YOU.
Service brakes, Nov 6, 2020
ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION WHILE BRAKING OVER POTHOLES, IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE ABS WAS ACTIVATED (AND ONCE JUST DRIVING DOWN A HILL TOWARD A STOP SIGN), THE BRAKE PEDAL BECOMES VERY SOFT AND IS ALMOST TO THE FLOOR BEFORE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED, RESULTING IN AN INCREASE OF TRAVEL DISTANCE BEFORE THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE FIRST SEVERAL TIMES THE ISSUE SEEMED TO RESOLVE ITSELF AND I FIGURED IT WAS JUST A RESULT OF THE ROAD CONDITIONS. WHEN IT CONTINUED TO OCCUR I DECIDED TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER. THE ISSUE AGAIN RESOLVED ITSELF BEFORE THE TECHNICIAN WAS ABLE TO LOOK AT IT AND THEREFORE NOTHING WAS DONE AND THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO ME. SEVERAL MONTHS LATER IT OCCURRED AGAIN, AND AGAIN THE ISSUE RESOLVED ITSELF BEFORE THE TECHNICIAN WAS ABLE TO LOOK AT IT. HOWEVER, THEY PERFORMED A BRAKE SYSTEM FLUSH AS A PRECAUTION. THREE MONTHS LATER IT HAPPENED AGAIN WHILE ENTERING THE ON-RAMP TO A MAJOR HIGHWAY AND PERSISTED FOR SEVERAL DAYS. I ONCE AGAIN BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN WAS FINALLY ABLE TO VERIFY THE CONCERN. THEY RE-FLUSHED THE SYSTEM AND ALSO REPLACED THE MASTER CYLINDER (WHICH WAS A RECALL ISSUE IN OTHER MODELS) AS A FORM OF GOOD WILL. WE ALL ASSUMED THE ISSUE WAS RESOLVED AND I ONCE AGAIN TOOK POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE. EXACTLY TWO WEEKS LATER IT HAPPENED AGAIN. I IMMEDIATELY DROVE IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND IT ONCE AGAIN RESOLVED ITSELF BEFORE A TECHNICIAN COULD LOOK AT IT, THEREFORE NOTHING MORE WAS TO BE DONE. I AM NOT DRIVING THIS VEHICLE ROUGHLY. THERE ARE SOME ROADS IN OUR AREA THAT ARE JUST POORLY MAINTAINED AND THERE WAS ONE OCCASION WHERE SIMPLY PULLING OFF THE ROAD AND INTO THE GRASS TRIGGERED THE ISSUE. I NO LONGER FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE AND I'M TOLD THERE ISN'T MUCH ELSE THAT CAN BE DONE AT THIS TIME.
Power train, Oct 26, 2020
I PURCHASED THIS AS A USED VEHICLE AS IS WITH 130,000 MILES. IT WAS WITHIN A COUPLES WEEKS THAT I NOTICED THE VEHICLE WOULD DIE EVERY TIME I WOULD BRAKE AT AN INTERSECTION OR STOP SIGN/LIGHT. THANKFULLY, I LIVE IN A SMALL TOWN, BUT DO OCCASIONALLY TRAVEL TO LARGER CITIES. AS YOU COULD IMAGINE, THIS IS QUITE DANGEROUS AT BUSY INTERSECTIONS!!! I JUST RECENTLY HIT 135,000 MILES AND NOW HAVE ANOTHER ISSUE! AT HIGHWAY SPEED, IT WILL INTERMITTENTLY HESITATE, THE RPM GAUGE JUMPS UP AND IT MAKES A SCREECHING NOISE. AFTER RESEARCHING ON LINE, IT APPEARS THAT SEVERAL CONSUMERS HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT BOTH ISSUES. THEY ARE BOTH CAUSED BY A PROBLEM WITH THE CVT AND THAT SUBARU HAS MADE NO ATTEMPT TO CORRECT THE ISSUE? I AM A MIDDLE-CLASS CONSUMER AND CAN NOT AFFORD A BRAND NEW VEHICLE, SO WHEN I DO PURCHASE A USED VEHICLE, I TRY TO FIND SOMETHING THAT HAS A HISTORY OF BEING RELIABLE AND LONG-LASTING. THIS VEHICLE IS NEITHER!!!
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 26, 2020
WHEN STOPPING THE CAR STALLS AND DIES ON STREETS, HIGHWAYS, ETC. I HAVE ALMOST BEEN REAR ENDED AND IT EVEN DIED WHILE OBSTRUCTING ONCOMING TRAFFIC. SUBARU ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICES BULLETIN (TSB 16-90-13R) WHICH DESCRIBES THE ISSUE PERFECTLY, HOWEVER DUE TO MILAGE (40K OVER 100K) THEY WILL NOT CORRECT THE BAD PART, WHICH IS NO LONGER EVEN AVAILAABLE TO PURCHASE THROUGH THEM! PART # 31100AB170. THE NEW PART 31100AB171 AND 31100AB172 SHOULD BE ISSUED TO ALL 2010-2012 OUTBACK OWNERS AS A RECALL. IF THEY WILL NOT EVEN SELL THE ORIGINAL PART ANYMORE BECAUSE THEY KNOW IT IS GARBAGE AND THEN PLAY THE FEEL GOOD BEST CAR EVER COMMERCIALS, THAT IS MISLEADING AND FRAUDULENT. HELP NHTSA, YOU ARE OUR ONLY HOPE.
Service brakes, Oct 12, 2020
I WAS DRIVING THIS VEHILCE WHILE COMING TO A STOP THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND THE VEHICLE WOULDNT STOP COMPLETLY, I HAD TO SHIFT THE TRANSMISSION INTO PARK,, PERHAPS CAUSING DAMAGE TO MY TRANSMISSION, UPON INVESTIGATION I FOUND THE REAR BRAKE LINE FAILURED DUE TO RUST AND CORROSION UNDER FUEL TANK SHIELD. BRAKE LINES HAVE A PROTECTIVE COATING TO HELP PREVENT THIS, HOWEVER WHERE THE LINES EXIT THE BODY OF THE CAR UNDER THE REAR SEAT THEY CONNECT INTO A JUNCTION BLOCK THEN PROCEED TO EACH REAR WHEEL, AT THIS JUNCTION THE PROTECTIVE COATING WAS REMOVED ALLOWING SALT SPRAY FROM OUR WINTER ROAD CONDITIONS TO LEAD TO CORROSION AND FAILURE OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM.. PREVIOUS MODELS HAD A RECALL WQK-47 THAT EXPERIENCE THE SAME FAILURE, BUT THIS VEHICLE WASN'T INCLUDED,
Power train, Sep 1, 2020
WHILE ENTERING AN INTERSECTION, UPON BREAKING THE SUBARU UNEXPECTEDLY STALLED OUT. WE WERE VERY STARTLED BECAUSE THE CAR BEHIND US HONKED THE HORN FOR US TO MOVE ON. WE FEEL VERY UNSAFE NOW WITH OUR EVERYDAY DRIVING.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 28, 2020, fire
MY CAR WENT IN FOR REPAIRS FOR STALLING AT A LIGHT OR STOP SIGN, THE DAY AFTER I GOT THE CAR BACK IT STALLED AGAIN AND THIS TIME CUT OUT THE ELECTRICITY TO THE VEHICLE , I COULD NOT ENGAGE THE EMERGENCY BREAK NOR COULD I PUT THE CAR IN PARK. I HELD MY FOOT ON THE BREAK BECAUSE OF A SMALL DOWNHILL AND I WAS AFRAID THE CAR MIGHT RUN INTO OTHER CARS AT THE INTERSECTION. THE PERSON AT SUBARU WAS WALKING ME THROUGH THE PROCESS OF HOW TO MANUALLY PUT THE GEAR IN PARK,WHILE I WAS ATTEMPTING TO DO THIS A WOMAN YELLED AT ME TO GET OUT OF THE CAR BECAUSE IT WAS ON FIRE,ACCORDING TO SUBARU'S INVESTIGATION, THE FIRE STARTED AT THE LEFT REAR OF THE ENGINE.
Air bags, Aug 24, 2020
I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE SUBARU IN MISSOULA, MT IN OCTOBER OF 2019 TO FIX THE TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL. IN JULY OF 2019 I RECEIVED A RECALL FOR THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. I CALLED THE NUMBER ON THE RECALL NOTICE 855-371-5406. I WAS INFORMED THAT SUBARU HAD PUT IN THE SAME NON-WORKING, UNSAFE PARTS THAT WERE IN THE AIRBAG PRIOR TO THE 2019 RECALL. SUBARU DID THIS TO BUY TIME TO GET THE PARTS NEEDED TO ACTUALLY FIX THE PROBLEM IN STOCK. TAKATA TOLD ME THIS. FOR NEARLY A YEAR I HAVE BEEN DRIVING AROUND THINKING THAT MY PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG WAS SAFE. SUBARU WILL NOT ADDRESS THIS BUT THEY DO WANT TO INCONVENIENCE THEIR CUSTOMERS A SECOND TIME. SUBARU CUSTOMERS SHOULD HAVE BEEN INFORMED. INSTEAD, SUBARU WAS DECEITFUL AND NOW INTEND TO STEAL MORE TIME FROM THE CUSTOMERS TO FIX THIS PROBLEM THAT THEY SAID WAS 'LIFE THREATENING.'
Engine, Aug 18, 2020
HEAD GASKET BLEW, OUT OF NOWHERE, NO ISSUES LEADING UP TO THIS. CAR WAS WELL MAINTAINED. IT HAD AROUND 108,000 MILES. COST CLOSE TO 2,800 TO REPAIR, NOT WORTH IT. DEALER SEEMED TO KNOW ABOUT THIS ISSUE PRIOR TO CHASE IN GASKET PLATE STARTING IN 2012, BUT DOESN'T HELP PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN. NO RECALL OR CLASS ACTION SUIT, WHICH IS SAD.
Power train, Aug 7, 2020
THE RANDOMLY STALLS WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE AFTER COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS, AND HAS LEFT ME AND MY SON STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION ON A FEW OCCASIONS. ON ONE OCCASSION, WE WERE ALMOST HIT BY A CAR ENTERING THE INTERSECTION. IN ADDITION TO THIS, THE AT OIL LIGHTS UP WHENEVER TRAVELING LONGER DISTANCES. THE MECHANIC HAS SAID THE CAR HAS A FAILING TRANSMISSION. I CONTACTED SOA DUE TO THE THE EXTENDED WARRANTY THEY HAVE ON THE VEHICLE. THE CAR MEETS THE 10 YEAR TIME-FRAME OF THE EXTENDED WARRANTY BUT THEY WILL NOT HONOR THE EXTENSION BECAUSE OF THE MILES WHICH WERE 132,000. I JUST BOUGHT THE CAR PUT MAYBE $1000 MILES ON IT BEFORE THE TRANSMISSION STARTED GIVING US PROBLEMS. THERE IS A DOCUMENTED ISSUE WITH THE SUBARU 2011 CVT THAT REQUIRES A RECALL, NOT AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. LOOK ALL OF THE INTERNET ON CUSTOMERS HAVING THEIR CVT TRANSMISSION FAIL AT JUST OVER 100,000 MILES AND BEING STUCK WITH $7000 REPAIR BILLS.
Wheels, Aug 7, 2020
I PURCHASED A PRE-OWNED 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK FROM A LICENSED AUTO DEALER, AND THE VEHICLE WAS DELIVERED TO ME ON MONDAY, JULY 27TH, 2020. 8 DAYS AFTER RECEIVING DELIVERY OF THE VEHICLE, AND AFTER DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 500 MILES, THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL FELL OFF OF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 4TH, 2020. I WAS ABLE TO AVOID OTHER VEHICLES, AND STEER TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD. I CONTACTED THE DEALER IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE INCIDENT. AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A REPAIR FACILITY NEAR MY RESIDENCE, THE DEALERSHIP'S GENERAL MANAGER ASKED ME TO DELIVER THE DEFECTIVE WHEEL AND HUB BEARING TO HIM FOR INSPECTION BY HIS TECHNICIANS. MY FATHER DELIVERED THE REQUESTED PARTS ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 6TH, 2020. ON FRIDAY, THE GENERAL MANAGER NOTIFIED MY FATHER THAT THEY WOULD NOT ACCEPT ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE WHEEL FALLING OFF THE VEHICLE. I BELIEVE THIS INCIDENT WAS CAUSED BY IMPROPER FASTENING OF THE LUG NUTS, DURING THE PRE-DELIVERY INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE.
Power train, Engine, Aug 3, 2020
WHEN AM DRIVING AND I NEED TO STOP FOR ANY EMERGENCY AND I HIT THE BRAKES THE ENGINE WILL STALL DUE A FAILURE TORQUE CONVERTER MANUFACTURE, IT IS REALLY DANGEROUS AND AFTER A SUDDEN STOP I WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO DRIVE AWAY AND I WAS ABOUT TO INVOLVE IN A MAJOR ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THIS STALLING ISSUE.
Power train, Engine, Jul 17, 2020
NOVEMBER 2019, AT 115,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING REQUIRING A REPLACEMENT. I WAS TOLD BY SUBARU OF AMERICA CORPORATE THAT "SUBARU DOESN'T HAVE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS." THERE IS A LOT OF EVIDENCE OUT THERE TO THE CONTRARY. MAY OF 2020 THE VEHICLE STARTED OVERHEATING. IT WAS DIAGNOSED BY A MECHANIC THAT THE HEAD GASKET WAS FAILING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS ANOTHER KNOWN ISSUE WITH SUBARUS. A $28,000 2011 AUTO IS ONLY SUPPOSED TO LAST 120,000 MILES?
Service brakes, Jul 13, 2020
ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREETS AND FREEWAYS, WITHOUT ANY WARNING, I HAVE NO BRAKES. NO BRAKE LIGHT OR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT (CEL) ON THE DASH. THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FIREWALL. THE CAR EVENTUALLY STOPPED WITHOUT INCIDENT; A VERY STRESSFUL AND ABSOLUTELY TERRIFYING MOMENT. SHORTLY THEREAFTER, BRAKES ARE NORMAL. THEN, IT HAPPENS AGAIN A COUPLE OF WEEKS LATER. IN TOTAL, IT HAS HAPPENED SEVEN TIMES. I CONTACTED MY LOCAL SUBARU DEALER AND EXPLAINED MY CONCERNS. THE SERVICE WRITER INITIALLY RESPONDED THAT HE HAD NEVER HEARD OF SUCH A PROBLEM AND DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO DO (THE CONDITION CANNOT BE RECREATED; IT JUST HAPPENS UNEXPECTEDLY AND WITHOUT WARNING). I ASKED IF HE WOULD INQUIRE WITH OTHER SERVICE WRITERS TO SEE IF THEY WERE AWARE OF SUCH AN ISSUE. IRONICALLY, ANOTHER CUSTOMER'S CAR WAS THERE AT THAT VERY TIME, WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT/PROBLEM BEING DIAGNOSED. AFTER DIAGNOSTICS; IT WAS RECOMMENDED THE MASTER CYLINDER BE REPLACED. I HAD THEM REPLACE IT WITH OEM PART 26401AJ001 AS WELL AS DOING A BRAKE SYSTEM FLUSH AND FILLING WITH NEW BRAKE FLUID. THIS WAS IN NOVEMBER 2019. SINCE THEN, THE PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED THREE MORE TIMES (MOST RECENTLY, TWO DAYS AGO). I RECENTLY DISCOVERED THERE WAS A RECALL ON 2012 OUTBACK MASTER CYLINDERS DUE TO THE SAME PROBLEM AS DESCRIBED ABOVE. WHY ISN'T THIS RECALL BROADER AND RELATED TO ALL CARS WITH THESE IDENTICAL (SAME PART NUMBER) MASTER CYLINDERS? DO PEOPLE HAVE TO DIE BEFORE BAD BRAKE SYSTEMS ARE REPAIRED? I'VE RESEARCHED AND COLLECTIVELY FOUND NUMEROUS OTHERS THAT ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. I QUESTION THE CREDIBILITY OF DEALERSHIP SERVICE WRITERS WHEN THEY SAY THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE LOVED MY SUBARU; HOWEVER, MY VEHICLE NEEDS TO STOP WHEN MY BRAKES ARE APPLIED-EVERY TIME; NOT WITH THE FEAR OF; IS TODAY GOING TO BE THE DAY OF FAILURE YET AGAIN?