2012 Subaru Outback
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 292 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 12th highest complaint count among 26 Outback model years with reports.
Of the 2012 reports, 15 involved a crash and 6 involved a fire. 11 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
Visibility/wiperMar 5, 2013
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2012 Outback and Legacy vehicles manufactured from April 6, 2011, through May 12, 2011. Components inside the wiper motor bottom cover may overheat.
If the components overheat, the wiper motor bottom cover may melt and potentially catch fire.
Subaru has notified all affected owners, and dealers will replace the front wiper motor bottom cover assembly free of charge. The safety recall began February 22, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
Campaign 13V078000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, sun/moon roof assemblyMar 5, 2013
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2012 Outback and Legacy vehicles manufactured from April 6, 2011, through May 12, 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 has notified the affected 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 began February 22, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
Campaign 13V077000 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
Air bags, side/windowFeb 9, 2012
SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 LEGACY AND OUTBACK VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 1, 2011, THROUGH DECEMBER 23, 2011. THESE VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS THAT CONTAIN AN INCORRECT PROPELLANT MIXTURE FOR THE INITIATOR COMPONENT USED, RESULTING IN INSUFFICIENT OUTPUT OF COMPRESSED GAS.
THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS MAY NOT DEPLOY, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
SUBARU WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ONE OR BOTH SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG MODULES, FREE OF FEBRUARY 21, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
Campaign 12V047000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, pedals and linkagesNov 29, 2011
SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 IMPREZA SEDANS AND WAGONS (EXCEPT WRX/STI MODELS), MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 21, 2011, THROUGH NOVEMBER 15, 2011, AND LEGACY AND OUTBACK VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 17, 2011, THROUGH NOVEMBER 23, 2011. THESE VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH A BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER THAT COULD MALFUNCTION AND CAUSE AN INCREASE IN THE AMOUNT OF BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL DISTANCE REQUIRED TO SLOW OR STOP THE VEHICLE.
THE DRIVER MIGHT MISJUDGE THE AMOUNT OF BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL REQUIRED TO ACHIEVE THE DESIRED STOPPING DISTANCE. THIS COULD OCCUR UNEXPECTEDLY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
SUBARU WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE IT, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING DECEMBER 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
Campaign 11V562000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: service brakes
38 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Aug 17, 2017
THE REAR 3RD HIGH BRAKE LIGHT LEAKS EVERY TIME IT RAINS. THIS HAPPENS BOTH WHEN THE CAR IS STATIONARY OR MOVING. IT HAS BEEN DOING THIS EVERY TIME THAT IT RAINS FOR ABOUT THE LAST 6 MONTHS. I HAVE SEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON FORUMS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM.
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Sep 2, 2016
WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED AND THE CAR COMES TO A STOP LIGHT OR STOP SIGN, THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF ('STALLS WHEN IDLING OR SLOWING DOWN'). THE VEHICLE THEN MUST BE PUT INTO 'PARK' MODE IN ORDER TO RE-START. THIS OCCURS NEARLY EVERYDAY OF THE WEEK, AND HAS CREATED MANY, MANY DANGEROUS SITUATIONS FOR US AND THE DRIVERS AROUND US. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP IN MAY CONCERNING THIS ISSUE, AND THEY STATED THAT THEY HAD NOT HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM, AND THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE AGAIN THIS WEEK, AND THE DEALERSHIP MENTIONED THAT A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN HAD BEEN ISSUED FOR THIS PROBLEM. THE TSB WAS APPARENTLY ISSUED IN JAN 2014, BUT CUSTOMERS WERE NOT NOTIFIED IN SPITE OF THE FACT THAT THE DEFECT POSES DIRE SAFTEY RISKS. WE ARE BEWILDERED GIVEN THAT THIS ITEM IS CLEARLY A RECALL-WORTHY DEFECT THAT PLACES THE VEHICLE OWNER, AND THE CARS AROUND THEM, IN FORESEEABLE AND CONSIDERABLE DANGER. WE ARE VERY CONCERNED THAT OTHER CUSTOMERS ARE ALSO BEING TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP AND MANUFACTURER THAT THERE IS 'NOTHING WRONG WITH THEIR VEHICLE' IN SPITE OF THE TSB ISSUED IN JAN '14. A CYNICAL PERSON MIGHT CONCLUDE THAT AN EFFORT IS BEING MADE TO OBFUSCATE THIS SAFETY DEFECT UNTIL CUSTOMER'S WARRANTIES RUN OUT. SIMILARLY, THE MANUFACTURERS TSB LANGUAGE APPEARS TO OBFUSCATE THE DEFECT WITH EUPHEMISTIC LANGUAGE. TO BE CLEAR --- THE VEHICLE SHUTS OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WHEN SLOWING DOWN FOR A STOP LIGHT OR STOP SIGN. IT WOULD APPEAR THAT AN EFFORT IS BEING MADE TO AVOID A RECALL. ACCORDING TO THE TSB, SUBARU MODIFIED PRODUCTION IN OCTOBER 2013 TO ACCOUNT FOR AND CURE THIS SAFETY ISSUE. AGAIN, CUSTOMERS HO WERE SOLD VEHICLES WITH THE SAFETY DEFECT HAV NOT BEEN NOTIFIED.
Service brakes, Engine, Jun 27, 2016
I PURCHASED VEHICLE BRAND NEW, OVER THE COURSE OF 4 YEARS HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS UNTIL BRAKE MASTER WENT BAD AFTER 2 AND A HALF YEARS, OIL NOT LASTING UNTIL THE NEXT OIL CHANGE AND FINALLY THE HEAD GASKET. THE VEHICLE'S A/C DIED AND WAS TAKEN TO THE MECHANIC, HE FOUND THE COMPRESSOR HAD GONE. WE ORDERED A NEW ONE. TOOK THE VEHICLE OUT THE NEXT DAY TO RETURN IT TO MECHANIC AND IN ROUTE, THE VEHICLE BEGAN SMOKING PROFUSELY AND DIED ON THE ROAD 2 MINUTES AFTER IT BEGAN SMOKING. THE VEHICLE IS THEN TOWED TO MECHANIC TO FIND THAT THE OIL AND COOLANT WERE MIXING, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED AND DAMAGED HEAD GASKET. THIS MAKE & MODEL HAS ALSO BEEN FOUND TO HAVE ISSUES WITH "FAULTY BRAKE MASTERS & LEAKING OIL LEADING TO COOLANT AND HEAD GASKET" ISSUES. NO RECALL, SAFETY OR ADVISEMENT INFORMATION HAS EVER BEEN SENT OR CORRESPONDED TO US REGARDING THIS MATTER. THERE IS HOWEVER AN OPEN CLASS ACTION SUIT IN NEW JERSEY FOR THE ISSUE OF LEAKING OIL AND COOLING ISSUES.
Service brakes, May 17, 2016
ON MAY 15TH, WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET, DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON INDICATING "BRAKE" AND "CHECK ENGINE". TOOK IT TO A SUBARU DEALER IN BERLIN CT WHO FOUND THE FOLLOWING: "TROUBLE CODE P0171/SYSTEM TO LEAN BANK 1, FAULT TRACED AND FOUND VACUUM LEAK AROUND BRAKE BOOSTER CHECK VALVE. VACUUM VALVE CRACKED. RECOMMEND REPLACING BRAKE BOOSTER ASSEMBLY". THIS VEHICLE HAS ONLY 39,120 MILES. THIS PART IS WELL PROTECTED WITHIN THE ENGINE AREA. SERVICE REPAIR DESCRIBED THE PART AS A SMALL PLASTIC PIECE AND STATED HE'S NEVER SEEN THIS HAPPEN BEFORE. TO MY WAY OF THINKING, THE PART HAD TO BE DEFECTIVE WHEN THE ENGINE WAS BUILT. CAR WAS NEVER IN AN ACCIDENT AND HAS ALWAYS BEEN MAINTAINED BY SUBARU DEALERS. COST IS A LITTLE OVER $700.00. I HAVE THE WORK ORDER IF YOU NEED IT; BUT THE WORDING ABOVE IS DIRECTLY FROM THE ORDER. IS THERE A WAY TO START AN INVESTIGATION SHOWING THIS IS A MANUFACTURERS FAULT? IS THERE ANY WAY I CAN FORCE SUBARU TO PAY FOR THIS?
Service brakes, Nov 27, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND HESITATED TO RESPOND WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ABS MASTER CYLINDER WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Jun 10, 2015
WHILE DRIVING WITH CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, SUDDENLY THE CRUISE CONTROL DISENGAGED, THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT AND THE ABS WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. THE REQUIRED REPAIR WAS ONLY THE FORWARD OXYGEN SENSOR, A NON-EMERGENCY REPAIR. YET CRUISE CONTROL AND ABS WERE DISABLED, ABS BEING AN IMPORTANT SAFETY FEATURE. I WAS TOLD SUBARU HAS PURPOSELY PROGRAMED THE CAR THIS WAY. NOT ONLY WAS I UNABLE TO MAKE A DECISION AS TO THE CRITICAL NATURE OF THE ACTUAL REPAIR BUT HAD AN IMPORTANT SAFETY FEATURE DISABLED UNNECESSARILY.
Service brakes, Jan 28, 2015
RECALL WVY-35 APPLIES TO SOME 2012 SUBARU OUTBACKS. MY 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK HAS THIS DIFFICULTY YET IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR THE BRAKE PEDAL HAS BEEN SOFT AND MUSHY. I NEED TO PRESS THE PEDAL VERY HARD FOR A LONG DISTANCE ALMOST TO THE FLOOR OF THE CAR TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE STOPPING DISTANCE AS A RESULT IS OFTEN MUCH LONGER THAN EXPECTED. THIS IS THE EXACT PROBLEM IDENTIFIED IN THE RECALL BELOW. I HAVE BROUGHT THIS INTO MY SUBARU DEALER SERVICE CENTER AND I AM TOLD THE BRAKES ARE OPERATING NORMALLY, BUT THEY ARE NOT. SUBARU CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS TELLS ME THAT MY 2012 OUTBACK IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. RECALL WVY-35 SEEMS NOT TO APPLY TO VERY MAY CARS AND FOR OUTBACKS IS NARROWLY FOCUSED ON DATES OF MANUFACTURE SPANNING ONLY 36 DAYS, WHEN IT CLEARLY RELATES TO A FAULTY MASTER CYLINDER USED IN THOSE CARS AND MY CAR IS AFFECTED BUT IS NOT RECALLED. WHY ISN'T THIS RECALL MORE BROAD AND RELATE TO ALL CARS WITH THESE MASTER CYLINDERS. WE'RE TALKING ABOUT BRAKES HERE. DO PEOPLE HAVE TO DIE BEFORE BAD BRAKE SYSTEMS ARE REPAIRED? RECALL WVY-35 IS CUT AND PASTED BELOW: SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 IMPREZA SEDANS AND WAGONS (EXCEPT WRX/STI MODELS), MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 21, 2011, THROUGH NOVEMBER 15, 2011, AND LEGACY AND OUTBACK VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 17, 2011, THROUGH NOVEMBER 23, 2011. THESE VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH A BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER THAT COULD MALFUNCTION AND CAUSE AN INCREASE IN THE AMOUNT OF BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL DISTANCE REQUIRED TO SLOW OR STOP THE VEHICLE. CONSEQUENCE: THE DRIVER MIGHT MISJUDGE THE AMOUNT OF BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL REQUIRED TO ACHIEVE THE DESIRED STOPPING DISTANCE. THIS COULD OCCUR UNEXPECTEDLY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. *TR
Service brakes, Nov 25, 2014
REAR BRAKE PADS NEEDED REPLACED AT 21000 MILES( HIGHLY UNUSUAL WEAR). FRONT PADS AT 50%--REAR PADS LESS THAN 10%. REQUESTED DEALER TO REPLACE PADS AND ROTORS. THEY REFUSED TO REPLACE ROTORS AND INFORMED ME THAT ALL THEY WOULD DO WOULD BE RESURFACE ROTORS AND REPLACE PADS. WORK ORDER STATES THAT ROTORS WERE RESURFACED. INSPECTION OF ROTORS AFTER, DETERMINED THAT THE ROTORS HAD NOT BEEN RESURFACED. I SUGGESTED TO DEALER TO CHECK ABS AND EBD SYSTEM TO DETERMINE IF THEY BIAS OF THE BRAKES WAS CORRECT DUE TO THE UNUSUALLY LOW MILEAGE ON REAR PADS AND NORMAL WEAR ON FRONT PADS .THEY REFUSED TO CHECK THIS AND NOW THE REAR BRAKES ARE MAKING A GRINDING NOISE. *TR
Electrical system, Service brakes, Aug 5, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A ROUTINE INSPECTION, THE MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT ALL FOUR BRAKES WERE RUSTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THREE OTHER MECHANICS WHO DID NOT INDICATE THAT THE BRAKES NEEDED REPLACING. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT SOMEONE UNPLUGGED AND MISPLACED THE WIRING UNDER THE HOOD AND THE CLIP WAS FRACTURED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CLIP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THE WIRES RE-ADJUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,000. UPDATED 9/18/14*CN UPDATED 02/12/2015 *JS
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 15, 2014
ON MAY 2, 2014, ATTEMPTED TO MOVE THE SUBJECT VEHICLE FROM THE GARAGE AND THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD OR REVERSE, AS THE BRAKES WHERE TOTALLY LOCKED. THE CAR WAS MOVED TO LEE SUBARU, FORT WALTON BEACH, FL BY CAR TRANSPORT, WHERE I WAS TOLD THE PARKING BRAKE MODULE WAS DEFECTIVE DUE TO DAMAGE AND WAS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY. IN MAY 2012, I WAS FORCED TO DRIVE OVER A TIRE TREAD IN ORDER TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT AT 70 MPH. THE TREAD BOUNCED OFF THE UNDER CARRIAGE OF THE CAR. THE BRAKES WORKED FOR 24 MONTHS AFTER THIS INCIDENT WITHOUT PROBLEM UNTIL MAY 2, 2014. THERE HAD BEEN HEAVY RAIN IN THE AREA AT THIS TIME (APRIL 29-30, 2014) AND POSSIBLY WATER HAD ENTERED THE MODULE CAUSING THE PROBLEM. I CONSIDER THIS A PROBLEM DUE TO SUBARU LOCATING A DELICATE ELECTRONIC COMPONENT CONTROLLING BRAKE FUNCTION IN A LOCATION SUBJECT TO ALL NORMAL ROAD HAZARDS, ROCKS, ICE, SNOW, RAIN, DEBRIS, ETC., ESPECIALLY SO DESPITE MARKETING IMAGES OF A "RUGGED OUTDOORS OFF ROAD AUTO" CROSS COUNTRY IN AUSTRALIA, DRIVING OVER RIVERBED ROCKS AND GRAVEL, SNOW, ICE, ETC. THIS COMPONENT SHOULD BE LOCATED WITHIN THE AUTO ENVELOPE, UNDER THE SEAT NOT EXPOSED UNDER THE AUTO, PROTECTED BY A PIECE OF "DOLLAR STORE" PLASTIC. I HAVE BEEN INFORMED BY THE LEE SUBARU SERVICE MANAGER THAT THIS MODULE AFFECTS ONLY THE PARKING/EMERGENCY BRAKE. I CANNOT VERIFY THIS CLAIM WITHOUT A DETAILED SCHEMATIC. NEVER THE LESS, I HAVE RESERVATIONS CONCERNING THE BRAKES BEING APPLIED WITH NO DRIVER INPUT WITH A POTENTIALLY DISASTROUS EFFECT.
Service brakes, Jun 5, 2013
I HAVE HAD THE CAR A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AND HAVE HAD TROUBLE WITH THE BRAKES SINCE THE BEGINNING. SEVERAL TIMES UPON COLD STARTUP THE BRAKES BARELY WORK. NOT ALWAYS BUT FREQUENTLY. I HAVE TO USE BOTH FEET TO PUSH THE PEDAL DOWN TO THE FLOOR AND IT TRAVELS SEVERAL FEET BEFORE STOPPING. I HAVE BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERS ATTENTION SEVERAL TIMES, THIS LAST TIME, PUSHING THEM TO KEEP THE CAR TO DUPLICATE THE RESULTS. THEY TOLD ME THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEMS WITH IT AND SUGGEST THAT I WARM THE CAR UP BEFORE MOVING IT. I WAS NOT SATISFIED WITH THAT ANSWER, T IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE, AND SUGGEST THEY TAKE IT HIGHER UP THE CHAIN. THEY KEPT IT FOR A FEW MORE DAYS AND WAS ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM WITH MY CAR AND SEVERAL ON THEIR LOT. THEY TELL ME IT IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE AND IT IS JUST THE WAY THE CAR HANDLES. THE SUBARU NATIONAL TECH WAS OUT OF THE STATE AND THEY TOLD ME THEY COULD NOT KEEP MY CAR ANY LONGER TO WAIT ON THE TECH.THEY ARE CLOSING THE ORDER AND TOLD ME TO COME PICK UP MY CAR AT MY CONVENIENCE. I TOLD THEM I WAS NOT SATISFIED AND THAT I CONSIDERED IT A SAFETY CONCERN. THEY SAID I COULD PAY EXTRA AND HAVE SOME OTHER BRAKE OPTIONS BUT ON, BUT THAT THE WAY IT PERFORMS NOW IS THE WAY IT IS DESIGNED. JUST IN MY DRIVEWAY I COULD EASILY GO OVER THE HILLSIDE OR HURT SOMEONE IF THE CAR WOULD BEHAVE THAT WAY AT AN INOPPORTUNE MOMENT. *TR
Service brakes, Jan 31, 2013
DROVE DOWN A SHORT HILL UNDER ICY ROAD CONDITIONS. VEHICLE ACCELERATED TOWARD THE BOTTOM OF THE HILL. APPLIED BRAKES BUT THE ANTI-LOCK SYSTEM DID NOT WORK TO STOP THE CAR. LUCKILY, DID NOT CRASH INTO THE APPROACHING BARRIER. HAD TWO (2) CHILDREN WITH ME. NO ONE WAS INJURED. TOLD DEALER ABOUT THIS AND THAT THERE WAS A SERVICE BULLETIN. WAS TOLD THAT THEY DID NOT RECEIVE ONE FROM NHTSA. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 27, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V562000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES) AND HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. AFTER THE REPAIRS, THE VEHICLE WOULD EXHIBIT AN ABNORMAL CLICKING NOISE WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIR TO THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,464 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1,500.