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.
Engine, Oct 9, 2019
THERE IS A COOLING SYSTEM PROBLEM (KNOWN BY REPAIR TECHS FOR YEARS, ALTHOUGH NOT DISCLOSED BY SUBARU OF AMERICA). THEIR HEADGASKETS FAIL UNNECESSARILY. IT IS AN ENGINEERING FLAW THAT COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO LOCK UP WHILE DRIVING, LEADING TO A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. IT APPEARS TO BE A PROBLEM LASTING 16 OR MORE YEARS OF PRODUCTION. THERE IS NO WARRANTY COVERING SUCH FAILURES, NOR A WARNING LIGHT THAT INDICATES A PROBLEM IS IMMINENT EXCEPT FOR WHEN THE CAR ACTUALLY OVERHEATS AND "BLOWS." THE DANGER INVOLVED IS SERIOUS, ESPECIALLY WHILE DRIVING HIGHWAY SPEEDS.
Power train, Oct 7, 2019
I PURCHASED MY 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK AT 75,000 MILES FROM HANSEL SUBARU IN SANTA ROSA,CA IN APRIL OF 2017 FROM A SALESMAN NAMED ANDRE. A COUPLE WEEKS AFTER PURCHASING IT I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP TO GET THE TRANSMISSION INSPECTED BECAUSE IT WAS NOT DRIVING PROPERLY (COMPLAINING OF HARD SHIFTING). AFTER THEY INSPECTED IT THEY ASKED ME IF THIS WAS MY FIRST CVT AND I SAID YES, THEY TOLD ME THAT THE CAR NEEDED TO LEARN MY DRIVING HABITS SO THEY DID A 'RE-LEARN' ON THE CVT WHICH I HAD TO PAY FOR OUT OF POCKET. AT THIS TIME I HAD NO KNOWLEDGE OF THE EXTENDED WARRANTY OR THE CVT TRANSMISSION THE SUBARU RELEASED IN 2014. THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN DISCLOSED WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR. WHEN I TOOK IT IN FOR THE INSPECTION THEY SHOULD HAVE REPLACED THE CVT ACCORDING TO THEY SERVICE BULLETIN WITH THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. A COUPLE WEEKS AGO I'M DRIVING HOME FROM VENTURA AT NIGHT, TRAVELING 70MPH IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND OUT OF NOWHERE ALL THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS START FLASHING AND THE CAR SUDDENLY LOOSES POWER, ALMOST CAUSING THE VEHICLE BEHIND ME TO REAR-END ME. THE VEHICLE IS AT 125,000 MILES (JUST OUTSIDE THE 100,000 MILE EXTENDED WARRANTY) AND SUBARU IS REFUSING TO PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE WITH A NEW TRANSMISSION. NOW I'M STUCK WITH A REPAIR BILL OF $8000 ON A VEHICLE I STILL OWE $10,000 ON. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL, THE PASSENGER AND I COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED OR KILLED IN A FREEWAY PILEUP.
Exterior lighting, Oct 6, 2019
MAIN HEADLAMPS BURN OUT EVERY 9 TO 10 MONTHS CAUSING A DANGEROUS DRIVING SITUATION. REPLACEMENT OF THESE BULBS IS UNNECESSARILY CUMBERSOME FOR THE OWNER AND SUBARU DEALERS CHARGE $150 TO REPLACE A $15 DOLLAR BULB. IF NOT INSTALLED CORRECTLY YOU RISK A FIRE HAZARD. THIS SEEMS TO BE OUTSIDE OF REASON, AND A POOR DESIGN THAT RISKS LIVES. I HAVE FOUND MYSELF AWAY FROM HOME WITH NO WORKING HEADLIGHTS SEVERAL TIMES NOW.
Other or unspecified, Oct 3, 2019
SHUTTERS WHEN YOU PUT IT IN REVERSE. ALSO, WILL SHUTTER AND STALL WHEN COMING TO A STOP. VERY DANGEROUS WHEN AT A BUSY INTERSECTION AND I HAVE TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND RESTART IT!! 123,000 MILES, SO NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. I'VE SEEN MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS OF THE EXACT SAME ISSUE, BUT SUBARU HAS NEVER ACKNOWLEDGED THERE IS A PROBLEM! WE BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE USED AS WE CANNOT AFFORD BRAND NEW CAR PAYMENTS AND WERE TOLD BY MANY THAT SUBARU IS A VERY RELIABLE VEHICLE. WILL DEFINITELY NOT BY ANOTHER SUBARU AND WILL DISCOURAGE ANYONE ELSE FROM DOING SO!!
Power train, Sep 23, 2019
CAR HAS BEEN EXHIBITING INTERMITTENT LOW IDLING WHILE PARKED OR WHILE STOPPED AT RED LIGHT AND STOP SIGNS. ABOUT 3 DAYS AGO, ON THREE SEPARATE TRIPS MY OUTBACK SHUDDERED AND SHAKED QUITE VIOLENTLY WHEN STOPPING FOR ONCOMING TRAFFIC AS I WAS ATTEMPTING TO TURN. WHEN I DEPRESSED THE GAS PEDAL TO MAKE THE TURN, THE CAR CONTINUED TO SHUDDER AND STALLED AMIDST THE THREE LANE ONCOMING TRAFFIC. I RESTARTED THE CAR AND GENTLY DEPRESSED THE GAS PEDAL TO HOBBLE MY WAY INTO A PARKING LOT. I MADE MY WAY BACK HOME FULLY AWARE OF HOW THE CAR BEHAVED TO AVOID INCIDENT, BUT ALSO LEAVING ME AFRAID FOR MY FAMILY'S SAFETY. I IMMEDIATELY SCHEDULED A SERVICE APPT AT THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP. THE CAR DIDN'T EXHIBIT ANY OF THE PREVIOUS ISSUES ON MY DRIVE TO THE DEALERSHIP. AFTER AGREEING TO PAY FOR THE DIAGNOSIS FEE, THE SERVICE REP EXPLAINED TO ME THAT I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE TORQUE CONVERTER, WHICH WOULD COST ME OVER $2000. I FELT LIKE I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO AUTHORIZE THE REPAIR, SO I DID. AFTER LEAVING MY CAR AT THE SHOP TO RETURN HOME I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONDUCT SOME QUICK RESEARCH ABOUT THE TORQUE CONVERTER AS IT PERTAINS TO MY MODEL YEAR CAR. THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FILED TO NHTSA AND SUBARU OF AMERICA ABOUT THIS ISSUE. I RECENTLY PURCHASED MY OUTBACK USED (SECOND OWNER) AT 145,000 MILES IN LATE MAY 2019. EXTENDED WARRANTY EXPIRED 8 MONTHS PRIOR TO MY PURCHASE. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP TO CHECK FOR ANY OUTSTANDING RECALLS UPON MY PURCHASE. BUT SINCE THE EXTENDED WARRANTY (AS A RESULT OF TECHNICAL BULLETIN 16-90-13R) ISN'T AN ACTUAL RECALL, NOTHING WAS FLAGGED. THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO WAY FOR ME TO BE AWARE OF THIS UNTIL THE PROBLEM REVEALED ITSELF, NOW LEAVING ME WITH A POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS (IF NOT DEADLY) SITUATION IF NOT ADEQUATELY REMEDIED BY THE DEALERSHIP. I'M CURRENTLY WORKING WITH SUBARU OF AMERICA TO SEE IF THEY'LL COVER THE EXPENSE.
Power train, Sep 10, 2019
AROUND 12PM ON 8/28/19, MY 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION AS I WAS COMING TO A FAST STOP TO ALLOW AN APPROACHING AMBULANCE TO TURN. I COULD NOT RESTART MY CAR BEFORE THE LIGHT CHANGED, LEAVING ME STRANDED IN THE FLOW OF THE INTERSECTION, UNSURE WHETHER TO CONTINUE THROUGH AGAINST THE RED LIGHT OR STAY PUT AS CARS DROVE BY FROM BOTH SIDES, A FRIGHTENING AND DANGEROUS EXPERIENCE THAT LEFT ME SHAKEN. AS MY SAFETY WAS THREATENED BY THIS INCIDENT, I NOTIFIED SUBARU OF AMERICA BY PHONE ON 9/6/19. I WAS CONTACTED BY ANTOINE LAVAL (CUSTOMER/RETAILER SERVICES DEPT.) AND WILL HAVE AN APPOINTMENT WITH MY SUBARU DEALERSHIP AT 1PM ON 9/13/19 TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION EVALUATED. MY CAR HAS BEEN SHUDDERING/STALLING INTERMITTENTLY FOR MONTHS, AND IT IS NOW CLEAR THAT THIS IS DUE TO THE FAULTY CVT ISSUE REFERENCED IN THE LETTER SENT TO ME JUNE 2017. ALTHOUGH THE LETTER STATES THAT "FOR VEHICLES THAT ARE MORE THAN TEN (10) YEARS OLD OR HAVE MORE THAN ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND (100,000) MILES, INSPECTIONS OR REPAIRS UNDER THIS ONE YEAR COVERAGE PERIOD MUST BE COMPLETED ON OR BEFORE JULY 31, 2018," I AM PETITIONING SUBARU OF AMERICA TO FULLY COVER THE COST OF REPAIR/REPLACEMENT OF THE FAULTY TRANSMISSION IN MY SUBARU AS COMPENSATION FOR BEING PLACED IN THE DANGEROUS SITUATION OF BEING STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION IN CROSS TRAFFIC.
Power train, Sep 10, 2019
MY CAR STALLS WHEN I BRAKE SUDDENLY. THIS HAPPENS RANDOMLY AND HAS ALMOST CAUSED BE TO BE INVOLVED IN SEVERAL ACCIDENTS. JUST THIS MORNING MY CAR DIED AFTER BRAKING ON THE HIGHWAY AND I WAS NEARLY REAR-ENDED.
Power train, Aug 24, 2019
WHEN BRAKING THE CAR STARTS TO SHAKE AND THEN STALLS. YOU THEN NEED TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND RESTART. IF YOU APPLY THE BRAKES AND FEEL THE CAR SHAKING, SOMETIMES LETTING OFF OF THE BRAKE IT WILL KEEP IT FROM STALLING. IT IS STILL AN UNSAFE SITUATION.
Power train, Aug 19, 2019
THIS IS A NEW COMPLAINT AFTER SUBARU AGREED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AT NO COST TO US, THE ORIGINAL OWNERS. THE CAR WAS DROPPED FOR DIAGNOSIS ON 7/29-TOLD THAT IT NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSIONS, PARTS ORDERED, AND SERVICE SCHEDULED. SUBARU HAD THE CAR FOR JUST OVER TWO WEEKS. PICKED UP ON 8/13 AND EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUES THAT WE HAD PRIOR TO DROPPING IT OFF. HESITATION AND STALLING, ETC. SEE PREVIOUS COMPLAINT. NOW THEY WANT US TO DROP IT OFF FOR SERVICE AGAIN.
Power train, Aug 15, 2019
THE CAR STALLS WHEN COMING TO A FAST STOP AND SOMETIMES SHUDDERS LIKE IT IS GOING TO STALL WHEN SLOWING DOWN. THIS WAS HORRIBLE ON THE FREEWAY DURING TRAFFIC AS I HAD TO RESTART MY CAR NUMEROUS TIME. GOT CLOSE TO GETTING REAR ENDED A FEW TIMES. I TOOK MY CAR TO SUBARU AND IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM BUT INSTEAD OF DOING A RECALL THEY EXTENDED THE WARRANTY TO 100,000 MILES. MY CAR NOW HAS 103425 AND NOT COVERED. IT STARTED AROUND 102250 MILES WHILE IN CALIFORNIA ON MY WAY BACK HOME. I HAD TO PAY $2490.59 TO HAVE A SAFE CAR TO DRIVE. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE WHEN IT COMES TO TRANSMISSION STALLING WHILE DRIVING. HOW IS IT EVEN LEGAL THAT THIS ISN'T A RECALL.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Aug 12, 2019, crash
NOTICED THAT DOME/MAP LIGHTS NOT WORKING AND FRONT TIME CLOCK OUT. THEN WHEN GOING TO PUT IT IN PARK THE ENGINE REVVED AND THE BRAKES WOULD NOT ENGAGE AND RAN INTO A FENCE CAUSING DAMAGE TO FRONT END OF VEHICLE. PARKING BREAK HAS NOT WORKED FOR SOME TIME EITHER.
Power train, Aug 8, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO VIBRATE ABNORMALLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED SUBARU DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY DIAGNOSED AT HERITAGE SUBARU OWINGS MILLS (LOCATED AT 9808 REISTERSTOWN RD, OWINGS MILLS, MD 21117, (866) 738-1475); HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO RETRIEVE A FAULT CODE OR DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Power train, Aug 8, 2019
WITHIN OWNING THE VEHICLE FOR APPROXIMATELY 6 MONTHS, THE VEHICLE BEGAN SHUDDERING WHEN COMING TO ABRUPT STOPS. THIS CONTINUED AND BY APPROXIMATELY 11 MONTHS, THE SHUDDERING HAD BECOME MORE COMMON IN LESS ABRUPT STOPS AND IN SOME CASES WOULD STALL THE CAR. THE ISSUE REMAINS PERSISTENT, HOWEVER INTERMITTENT. THE MOST RECENT TIME OF IT STALLING WAS TWO DAYS AGO, APPROXIMATELY 18 MONTHS INTO OWNING THE CAR. I'VE HELD UP TRAFFIC NUMEROUS TIMES DUE TO THIS ISSUE WHILE HAVING TO RESTART THE CAR, HOWEVER THIS MOST RECENT TIME, IT OCCURRED ON A STEEPER HILL AND, HAD I NOT REACTED QUICKLY WITH THE BRAKES, I COULD HAVE ROLLED BACK INTO A CAR AND POTENTIALLY INJURED THE OCCUPANTS AND MYSELF.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 5, 2019
P0420 CODE O2 SENSORS. I HAD THIS PROBLEM BACK IN 2017. CRUISE, SKID CONTROL, BRAKE LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COME ON. SUBARU SAID IT WAS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, 02 SENSORS AND ASSOCIATED PIPING. SUBARU REPLACED IT FOR FREE IN 2017. NOT EVEN 2 YEARS LATER 8/2019, I AM DEALING WITH THE SAME ISSUE AGAIN. SAME DIAGNOSES. I HAVE SEEN A MULTITUDE OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE. SAW A REPORT OF A RECALL FOR THE FRONT 02 SENSOR ON REPAIRPAL BUT IT IS NOT LISTED ON SUBARU'S WEBSITE. SUBARU WANTS TO CHARGE 1900 TO FIX AND MAKE ME PAY 500.00 FOR A REPAIR THAT'S SHOULD NOT NEED TO HAPPEN IN LESS THAN TWO YEARS TIME!
Power train, Aug 4, 2019
CAR WOULD SHUDDER WHEN COMING TO A STOP OCCASIONALLY AND FEEL LIKE IT WAS GOING TO STALL. I BROUGHT IT TO A MECHANIC WHO COULDN'T REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. AFTER MONTHS OF THIS HAPPENING RANDOMLY, THE CAR SUDDENLY LIT UP WITH ALL THESE DASH WARNING LIGHTS, I TRIED TURNING THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON BUT THE LIGHTS REMAINED ON, AFTERWARDS THE CAR WOULD SUDDENLY LOSE POWER. AS IT WAS LATE IN THE EVENING, I DROVE HOME, WITH THE CAR ALTERNATING BETWEEN LURCHING FORWARD AND LOSING POWER. THE NEXT MORNING THE PROBLEMS CONTINUED. I TOOK MY CAR TO MY MECHANIC WHO SAID IT WAS A TRANSMISSION ISSUE AND I NEEDED A TRANSMISSION SHOP. MY CAR HAS BEEN THERE FOR OVER 2 WEEKS. THEY SAID THAT THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION AND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE CARS, I HAVE YET TO RECEIVE AN ESTIMATE FOR REPAIRS. THE DAY BEFORE THE ISSUES STARTED I HAD TO DRIVE AN HOUR AND A HALF AWAY, SHOULD THESE ISSUES HAD HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY, THE CAR COULD HAVE STALLED OUT DOING HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT. FURTHERMORE, I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THE WARRANTY EXTENSION. I PURCHASED THE CAR IN DECEMBER 2017, THE SHUDDERING OCCURED AT RANDOM SINCE I PURCHASED IT, I KNOWN THE SHUDDERING WAS A SYMPTOM OF A IMPENDING LARGE, CATASTROPHIC ISSUE, I WOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO BRING IT TO A DEALER TO HAVE IT REPAIRED AS THE WARRANTY EXTENSION EXPIRED JULY 2018.
Engine, Aug 3, 2019
ENGINE COMPLETELY SHUTS DOWN WITH OUT WARNING DUE TO FAULTY TORQUE CONVERTER CAUSING A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION WITH NOT MUCH CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE THIS COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR EVEN DEATH NO WARNING OR INDICATION THAT THE PART IS FAULTY UNTIL IT'S TO LATE. I BELIEVE THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT SUBARU SHOULD HAVE TO RECALL BECAUSE FROM WHAT I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH CERTAIN MAKE AND MODELS AND I AM SURPRISED THAT THEY HAVE NOT BEEN AT FAULT FOR INJURY OR EVEN A DEATH MY WIFE AND TWO KIDS WHERE IN THE VEHICLE WHEN THIS OCCURRED
Power train, Jul 31, 2019
CAR HESITATED WHILE DRIVING, RPMS SOARED. LIGHTS CAME ON DASHBOARD-CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, BRAKE LIGHTS, TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM LIGHTS AS WELL AS OTHER LIGHTS. TOOK TO LOCAL MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THE CODE RELATED TO TRANSMISSION ISSUES, HE RESET CODE AND ASKED US TO DRIVE FOR A FEW DAYS TO SEE IF IT WOULD COME ON AGAIN. IT DID. SAME CODE. CONTACTED SUBARU OF AMERICA WHO ADVISED IT WOULD NEED TO GO TO A "AUTHORIZED SUBARU DEALER" FOR DIAGNOSIS BEFORE THEY COULD HELP US. RESEARCH INDICATES THAT SUBARU EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON THESE VEHICLES FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM TO 10 YEARS, 100,000 MILES. THE PERSON I SPOKE TO AT SUBARU, MARTINA BROWN INDICATED THAT ONCE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THEY WOULD BE ABLE TO REVIEW THE CLAIM AND HELP US OUT, SO WE DROVE THE CAR TO OUR LOCAL SUBARU DEALER. CAR WAS DRIVING FINE WHEN IT WAS DROPPED THERE. AFTER DIAGNOSIS, IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, BUT THEY REFUSED TO DO IT AT NO COST. IN FACT, THEY OFFERED US 1K TOWARD THE PURCHASE OF A NEW SUBARU. WHAT A JOKE, I CAN'T EVEN BELIEVE THEY WOULD HAVE THE AUDACITY TO MAKE AN OFFER LIKE THAT. WE'D ALREADY BEEN OFFERED WAY MORE THAN THAT AS A TRADE FOR A NEW VEHICLE ELSEWHERE, BUT DIDN'T TAKE THE OFFER BECAUSE WE WERE UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT SUBARU WOULD DO THE RIGHT THING AND FIX IT. THE CAR IS UNDER THE 10 YEARS, BUT OVER THE 100,000 MILES. I FEEL THAT SUBARU SHOULD FIX IT AT NO COST SINCE THEY KNEW THIS WAS AN ISSUE. THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE AS IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. THEY SHOULD BE MADE TO PAY FOR THESE REPAIRS. PLEASE ADVISE WHAT OPTIONS I CAN PURSUE TO GET THIS FIXED AT NO COST TO ME, THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE VEHICLE.
Power train, Jul 31, 2019
WHEN COMING TO SUDDEN STOP VEHICLE STALLS. IT'S DUE TO A FAULTY TORQUE CONVERTER.
Power train, Jul 29, 2019
WHEN DRIVING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT/TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON WHILE THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THE PARKING BREAK LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING. LATELY I'VE NOTED THE VEHICLE SHUTTERING WHEN SLOWING AND ALMOST STALLING OUT. THIS IS AT STOP LIGHTS/STOP SIGNS OR DRIVING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY. AFTER TAKING IT TO THE DEALER THEY CONFIRMED THE VALVE BODY NEEDED REPLACEMENT...AND THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH OVER 1.5 MILLION SUBARUS AFFECTED. COULD ALSO BE A TORQUE CONVERTED ISSUES, HOWEVER, MY DEALER DIDN'T MENTION THIS. I'VE CONTACTED SUBARU AS THERE WAS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY TO 100K MILES HOWEVER, MY CAR HAS JUST SLIGHTLY MORE THAN THAT. IT SOUNDS LIKE THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND CREATES ANXIETY TO DRIVE IN TRAFFIC NOT KNOWING IF YOUR CAR WILL SIMPLY STALL OUT AND HAVE SOMEONE HIT YOU. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR A LITTLE BIT OF TIME (MAYBE 6 MONTHS?) WITH NO LIGHTS SHOWING ISSUES. THE CAR HAS BEEN MAINTAINED CONSISTENTLY AND ON TIME SINCE I BOUGHT IT NEW.
Engine, Jul 24, 2019
AROUND 130,000 MILES CAR BEGAN TO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH SHUDDERING - WILL SOMETIMES SHUDDER AND STALL WHEN COMING TO A STOP. VERY DANGEROUS AT INTERSECTIONS WHEN SLOWING DOWN TO TURN AND IN TRAFFIC. CONCERNED THAT THIS COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT- BEING HIT OR STALLING IN THE PATH OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. IN RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET IT APPEARS THAT SUBARU OUTBACKS FROM 2010-2015 ARE EXPERIENCING THIS AND THERE HAVE BEEN NO RECALLS NOR ANY WARRANTIES TO COVER REPAIRS. REPAIRS TO TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH - WHICH IS INDICATED BY MY DEALERSHIP CAN RUN UPWARDS OF $1500.
Power train, Jul 23, 2019
ENGINE WILL ABRUPTLY STALL DUE TO LOW IDLE WHEN COMING TO A STOP OR STARTING FROM A STOP. ADDITIONALLY, WHEN STARTING FROM A STOP, VEHICLE WILL SHUDDER AND LOSE POWER AS IF THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT SHIFTING. DTC CODES 2762, 2764, AND 0700 ARE PRESENT INDICATING A PROBLEM WITH THE UNLOCKING OF THE TORQUE CONVERTER. VEHICLE HAS 152,000 MILES. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE WHEN THE CAR STALLS UNEXPECTEDLY IN TRAFFIC. IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE TO SUBARU, AND IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE SOMEONE IS INJURED OR KILLED BECAUSE OF THIS MANUFACTURING DEFECT. A RECALL NEEDS TO BE ISSUED!
Power train, Jul 22, 2019
TRANSMISSION FAILED - LOSS OF POWER WHILE DRIVING
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jul 22, 2019, crash
DRIVER WAS ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A TURN AROUND IN A DRIVEWAY AND NEEDED TO STOP AND SWITCH REVERSE. THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP AND DRIVER WAS NOT ABLE TO SWITCH GEARS AND HIT GARAGE WALL.
Engine, Jul 15, 2019, fire
2011 SUBARU OUTBACK WAS CONSUMED BY FIRE PLEASE SEE ATTACHED DOCUMENTATION AND PHOTO.
Power train, Jul 12, 2019
WHEN TRAVELING WITH CRUISE SET CAR HAS STALLED/STUTTERED. IT ALSO HAS AN EXTREME STALL/STUTTER WHEN COMING UP TO A STOP OR TAKING OFF FROM A STOP. THIS HAS BEEN A SAFETY CONCERN DUE TO DRIVERS AROUND ME NEEDING TO REACT TO THE SUDDEN CHANGE OF SPEED.