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
292 reports, newest first.
Air bags, Mar 24, 2015, crash
TRAFFIC STOPPED ABRUPTLY AND MY CAR (SUBARU OUTBACK) CAME TO A STOP. I WAS REAR-ENDED BY A SEMI (SPEED UNKNOWN BUT DID SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE) THAT PUSHED ME INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME WAS THEN PUSHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF ME (FORD FREE STAR)HAD ITS AIR BAG DEPLOY. MY AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND MY HEAD ENDED UP HITTING THE STEERING WHEEL. I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A CONCUSSION. I AM WONDERING IF MY AIR BAG SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED IN THIS TYPE OF SITUATION? *TR
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
Visibility, Sep 23, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE AND THE SUNROOF SHATTERED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,000.
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
Vehicle speed control, Jul 18, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH MALFUNCTIONED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 21,000. UPDATED 10/7/14*CN THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL IS SET AND THE VEHICLE IS TRAVELING FASTER THAN THE SET POINT, UPON SELECTING RESUME THE VEHICLE WILL RESET TO THE CURRENT SPEED. THE DRIVER EXPECTED THE VEHICLE TO DECELERATE TO THE ORIGINALLY SET SPEED. UPDATED 3/25/2015 *JS
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 7, 2014, fire
COOLANT LIGHT THEN CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. AFTER DRIVING 2 1/2 HOURS COOLANT APPEARED TO BE LEAKING SO FILLED COOLANT TO TOP WITH WATER.. 12 MINUTES LATER, WHILE DRIVING, LIGHTS BACK ON/ENGINE REV/ENGINE DIES/ SMOKE. LIFTED HOOD/MANY FLAMES FROM CENTER /SLAMMED HOOD SHUT AND RAN FAR AWAY. SEVERAL SMALL EXPLOSIONS AS CAR BURNED. VOLUNTARY FIRE DEPT. FINALLY ARRIVED BUT CAR ALMOST TOTALLY GONE. ONLY BACK TIRES LEFT USABLE. *JS
Air bags, Jun 29, 2014, crash
MY SUBARU WAS HIT HEAD ON DRIVER'S SIDE BY ANOTHER CAR GOING 35-40 MPH. MY SUBARU'S AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. EXTENSIVE DAMAGE IN 13K RANGE TO FRAME AND LEFT FRONT OF CAR. I HAD EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO RIGHT HAND AND SHOULDER IN ATTEMPT TO BRACE MYSELF. OTHER CAR'S AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. OTHER DRIVER FLED SCENE. OTHER CAR'S INSURED, CALLED CAR IN, AS STOLEN TO POLICE. OTHER PARTY'S INSURANCE IS DENYING COVERAGE FOR ACCIDENT TO ME, AS DRIVER/INSURED LIED TO POLICE. BODILY INJURY OF 50K REQUIRING SURGERY AND ON-GOING PT..... UPDATED 08/05/14 *BF UPDATED 08/19/2014 *JS ..UPDATED 02-10-15 *BF UPDATED 10/2/2015*JS
Steering, May 17, 2014
STEERING WHEEL LOCKED-UP WHILE ATTEMPTING TO TURN LEFT IN AN INTERSECTION. THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN AND MY WIFE PULLED FORWARD ABOUT 10 TO 15 FEET AND BEGAN TURNING THE WHEEL FOR A LEFT TURN. HOWEVER, THE WHEEL WOULD NOT BUDGE TO THE LEFT. SHE SCREAMED OUT (TO ME) THAT THE CAR WOULD NOT TURN LEFT AND WE FOUND OURSELVES PERILOUSLY IN THE CENTER OF THE INTERSECTION WITH CARS BLOWING THEIR HORNS. SHE DID MOVE THE WHEEL TO THE RIGHT AND WE SORT OF CIRCLED IN THE INTERSECTION. FOLLOWING THIS THE CAR DID RESUME NORMAL STEERING AND THE PROBLEM DID NOT REPEAT SINCE. THE NEXT DAY (MONDAY) THE CAR WENT TO THE GARAGE WHERE SUBARU SAID THEY LOOKED IT OVER COMPLETELY BUT COULD NOT FIND A CAUSE OR THE PROBLEM. DESPITE MY CONCERNS THEY INSISTED ALL IS WELL AND TO RETURN IF THIS OCCURS AGAIN. *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.
Electrical system, Mar 28, 2014, fire
I WAS DRIVING INTO WORK ON THE MORNING OF 3/3/14 WHEN I NOTICE A SMOKE/BURNING ODOR. I DISCOUNTED IT BUT KEPT ALERT WAITING FOR A ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON. IT BECAME EVIDENT THAT IT WAS FROM MY OUTBACK. I GOT THE CAR PARKED. SHORTLY AFTER FLAMES ERUPTED FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. I WAS ABLE TO REACH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND PUT THE FIRE OUT. BASED ON CONVERSATIONS WITH FIRE DEPARTMENT AND INSURANCE INVESTIGATORS IT APPEARS THAT THE SOURCE WAS FROM WIND SHIELD WIPER MOTOR. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jan 20, 2014
THE HEADLIGHTS OF MY OUTBACK HAVE BURNED OUT AT LEAST 4 TIMES. THE DEALER CLAIMS THERE IS NO ISSUE WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. *TR
Power train, Dec 11, 2013
WHEN THE CAR IS COLD AND JUST STARTED FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE MORNING, WHEN EXITING A FREEWAY FROM 60 MPH THE TRANSMISSION VERY INTERMITTENTLY WILL ALMOST FREEZE AND IT FEELS LIKE SOMEONE HIT YOU IN THE BACK WITH A BASEBALL BAT. THIS IS EXITING OR DURING THE DE ACCELERATION PROCESS AND IT FEELS LIKE SOMEONE HIT YOU IN THE BACK WITH A BASEBALL BAT. THIS CAN CAUSE WHIP LASH AND CAUSE SERIOUS BACK INJURY AND GIVE A PERSON A FALSE SENSE OF BRAKING ON EXITING THE HIGHWAY AS THE TRANSMISSION FREEZES FOR THE SPLIT SECOND THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND SUBARU OF AMERICA HAS NOT ADDRESSED THIS ISSUE. FROM SUBARU OF AMERICA CALL CENTER TOLD ME THERE ARE SEVERAL TECHNICAL BULLETINS REGARDING POWER TRAIN ISSUES AND WAS NOT SURE IF ANY WERE APPLIED TO MY CAR. TOOK CAR INTO DEALER THEY TRIED TO REPROGRAM THE TRANSMISSION AND STILL HAVE INTERMITTENT ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION LOCKING UP FOR A SPLIT SECOND AND SHAKING THE WHOLE, CAR, WE ARE NOW AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR BECAUSE OF THESE ISSUES AND WE ARE AFRAID THAT WE MIGHT END UP GOING THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS ISSUES THAT ONLY HAPPENS ONCE IN AWHILE AND THERE IS NO WAY TO PREDICT, HOW, WHEN OR WHY THIS IS HAPPENING AND IT IS VERY SCARY TO DRIVE THIS CAR. WE WISH SUBARU WOULD ADDRESS THIS ISSUE AND DO A RECALL OR TECHNICAL BULLETIN DEALER TRIED REPROGRAMMING TRANSMISSION CONTROL AND IT STILL HAS ISSUES AND THESE ARE EXTREMELY INTERMITTENT ISSUES WITH THESE INCIDENTS. *TR
Power train, Dec 11, 2013
WHEN THE CAR IS COLD AND JUST STARTED FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE MORNING, WHEN EXITING A FREEWAY FROM 60 MPH THE TRANSMISSION VERY INTERMITTENTLY WILL ALMOST FREEZE AND IT FEELS LIKE SOMEONE HIT YOU IN THE BACK WITH A BASEBALL BAT. THIS IS EXITING OR DURING THE DE ACCELERATION PROCESS AND IT FEELS LIKE SOMEONE HIT YOU IN THE BACK WITH A BASEBALL BAT. THIS CAN CAUSE WHIP LASH AND CAUSE SERIOUS BACK INJURY AND GIVE A PERSON A FALSE SENSE OF BRAKING ON EXITING THE HIGHWAY AS THE TRANSMISSION FREEZES FOR THE SPLIT SECOND THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND SUBARU OF AMERICA HAS NOT ADDRESSED THIS ISSUE. FROM SUBARU OF AMERICA CALL CENTER TOLD ME THERE ARE SEVERAL TECHNICAL BULLETINS REGARDING POWER TRAIN ISSUES AND WAS NOT SURE IF ANY WERE APPLIED TO MY CAR. TOOK CAR INTO DEALER THEY TRIED TO REPROGRAM THE TRANSMISSION AND STILL HAVE INTERMITTENT ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION LOCKING UP FOR A SPLIT SECOND AND SHAKING THE WHOLE, CAR, WE ARE NOW AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR BECAUSE OF THESE ISSUES AND WE ARE AFRAID THAT WE MIGHT END UP GOING THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS ISSUES THAT ONLY HAPPENS ONCE IN AWHILE AND THERE IS NO WAY TO PREDICT, HOW, WHEN OR WHY THIS IS HAPPENING AND IT IS VERY SCARY TO DRIVE THIS CAR. WE WISH SUBARU WOULD ADDRESS THIS ISSUE AND DO A RECALL OR TECHNICAL BULLETIN. *TR
Power train, Dec 11, 2013
WHEN THE CAR IS COLD THE TRANSMISSION LOCKS UP WHEN EXITING THE FREEWAY FROM 60 MPH TO ABOUT 45 MPH IT IS LIKE THE SCAR SKIPPED A GEAR AND YOU FEEL A BIG CLUNK DURING THE EXITING AND LIKE SOMEONE HIT YOU IN THE BACK WITH A BASEBALL BAT. THIS CAN CAUSE SERIOUS BACK INJURY AND FALSE SENSE OF BREAKING. IT DOES NOT DO THIS ALL THE TIME EXTREMELY INTERMITTENTLY AND ONLY WHEN THE CAR IS COLD AND UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS. OTHER SUBARU PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY SUBARU CORPORATE OF AMERICA. ALSO THE DEALER TRIED TO REPROGRAM THE CAR AND IT DID NOT WORK AND THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED AROUND NOV 27, 2013. COMPUTER REPROGRAMMING OF THE TRANSMISSION DID NOT FIX THIS PROBLEM. NOTE TO NHTSA, THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. *TR
Power train, Dec 11, 2013
THE CAR WAS RUNNING FOR ABOUT 20 TO 30 MINUTES, THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS ABOUT 35 DEGREES AND WINDY. WENT AND PARKED THE CAR, RETURN TO THE CAR, AT NIGHT WHILE IT WAS STILL COLD, STARTED UP AND STARTED DRIVING THE CAR FOR ABOUT A HALF HOUR AND THAT IS WHEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN. WHEN EXITING THE FREEWAY AND THE CAR GOES FROM 60 MPH TO 45 MPH AND IT IS COLD THE TRANSMISSION JERKS AND FREEZES AND LOCKS, AND IT FEELS LIKE SOMEONE HIT YOU IN THE BACK WITH A BASEBALL BAT. THIS HAS NOW HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. THIS CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY ESPECIALLY WHEN THE TRANSMISSION LOCKS UP, AND IT CAN LEAD TO A FALSE SENSE OF BREAKING AND CAN DEPLOY AIR BAGS. *TR
Power train, Dec 8, 2013
THIS VEHICLE HAS ONE OWNER, WHICH IS ME, AND THE TRANSMISSION, DOWNSHIFTS AND SKIPS A GEAR WHEN COLD AND ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. PEOPLE WERE ALMOST INJURED AND SOMEONE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. WHEN THE TRANSMISSION IS COLD, AND ON A FREEWAY AND THAN EXITING, AND SLOWING DOWN TO 35 TO 45 MPH ON EXIT THE CAR TRANSMISSION KICKS AND LIKE SOMEONE IS HITTING YOU IN THE BACK, AND SKIPS A GEAR. SUBARU HAS A PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR AND THEY NEED TO ADDRESS. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THEY REPROGRAMMED THE TRANSMISSION DID NOT WORK. I WILL BE FILING LEMON LAW IN MY NEXT TWO VISITS IF IT IS NOT FIXED. *TR
Steering, Sep 11, 2013
STIFF/TIGHT STEERING WITHOUT MUCH FEEL, AND LANE WANDERING, AND TROUBLE KEEPING THE CAR CENTERED IN THE LANE DUE TO BAD CENTER FEEL. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Visibility, Aug 25, 2013
SINCE I BOUGHT THIS CAR, WHILE DRIVING FOR 15-60 MINUTES WITH THE WINDOWS ROLLED UP AND DEPENDING ON CONDITIONS, MYSELF AND/OR ANOTHER PASSENGER WILL BEGIN TO FEEL VERY LIGHT HEADED, IRRITATED EYES, HARD TO FOCUS, AND NEARLY PASS OUT. IT'S A FORCED SITUATION LIKE BEING PUT IN A CHOKE HOLD OR SUFFOCATED GENTLY NOT JUST FEELING RELAXED OR COMFY. THE EFFECTS LAST FOR SOME TIME DEPENDING ON EXPOSURE TOO. WE COULD BE LIVELY WITH GOOD ENERGY, BUT USING THE CAR AS SAID WILL KILL IT. IT ALSO OCCURS FASTER THE MORE YOU BREATHE. THE ONLY CURE IS FRESH AIR. I THOUGHT IT WAS THE HVAC SYSTEM FIRST, BUT THE FAN SPEED DOESN'T SEEM TO AFFECT IT SO I'D GUESS IT'S SOMETHING ELSE. MY BEST GUESS IS IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE REAR TAIL GATE SEAL NOT SEALING RIGHT SUCKING IN EXHAUST. THE REASON WE CAN'T READILY IDENTIFY A SMELL IS PROBABLY BECAUSE IT'S A PZEV SYSTEM, AND IT REALLY DOESN'T HAVE A TYPICAL EXHAUST ODOR. SUBARU REFUSED TO HELP AND SAID "IT SMELLS FINE". AFTER A MONTH OF TRYING THEY FINALLY AGREED TO DO A RIDE ALONG FOR JUST 30 MINUTES. AFTER COMPLETION ONE SAID "I DON'T FEEL ANYMORE TIRED THAN USUAL" AND THE OTHER AGREED. THEY ALSO TOLD ME AT ONE POINT AUTO NATION'S SUBARU REGIONAL REP SAID "YOU CAN PUT YOUR MOUTH ON THE TAIL PIPE AND SUCK ON IT AND YOU'LL BE FINE"... IN THE END I JUST TRADED IT IN FOR A 2013 OUTBACK BUT SOMEONE ELSE WILL OWN THIS CAR SOON. THIS CAR NEEDS A REAL INSPECTION BEFORE SOMEONE ACTUALLY DIES FROM IT. I'M LUCKY ENOUGH TO HAVE SURVIVED BECAUSE PROLONGED USE OVER A FEW WEEKS MAKES THE EFFECTS WORSE BUT IF DRIVEN SOMEONE WHO ISN'T VERY ALERT PROBABLY WILL FALL ASLEEP AND CRASH. I ALMOST DID A FEW TIMES AND WHY I SPENT THIS SUMMER WITHOUT AC EXCEPT IN MY TESTS, ALL BAD. AGAIN, I'M NOT THE ONLY PERSON TO HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS, OTHER PASSENGERS HAVE TOO. MY NEW OUTBACK DOESN'T HAVE THIS ISSUE EITHER. PLEASE KEEP ME UPDATED. *TR
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
Power train, Jun 4, 2013
THE 2012 OUTBACK WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTED FROM DRIVE TO 1ST GEAR WITHOUT MOVING THE GEAR LEVER FROM DRIVE TO MANUAL. THIS HAS OCCURRED 10 TIMES IN 18 MONTHS, THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED ABOUT 2 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE NEW. THE PROBLEM HAS ALWAYS OCCURRED AFTER COMING TO A STOP AT A STOP SIGN, THEN, AS I ACCELERATE FROM THE STOP, THE TRANSMISSION GOES INTO 1ST GEAR AND THE CAR IMMEDIATELY STOPS ACCELERATING BECAUSE IT IS STUCK IN 1ST GEAR. THE GEAR LEVER IS ALWAYS IN DRIVE WHEN THIS OCCURS, BUT THE DASH DISPLAYS THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS IN 1ST GEAR. TO RESOLVE IT, I HAVE MOVED THE GEAR LEVER FROM DRIVE TO MANUAL AND THEN BACK TO DRIVE WHICH PUTS THE TRANSMISSION BACK INTO DRIVE. ON ONE OCCASION, LEAVING A STOP SIGN TO ENTER A FREEWAY RAMP, THE TRANSMISSION WENT INTO 2ND GEAR. AGAIN, THE GEAR LEVER WAS IN THE DRIVE POSITION. I IMMEDIATELY APPLIED THE BREAKS AND JUST BEFORE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP ON THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY ON-RAMP, I WITNESSED THE "2" ON THE DASH DISPLAY CHANGE TO "D" AND THE CAR WAS IN DRIVE AGAIN - WITHOUT TOUCHING THE GEAR LEVER. SUBARU FIRST SAID THAT THIS WAS IMPOSSIBLE, NOW THEY SAY THEY CANNOT VERIFY IT. THIS IS A VERY INTERMITTENT PROBLEM AND SO FAR CANNOT BE MADE TO OCCUR. THIS IS ALSO A POTENTIALLY VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM SHOULD ANOTHER DRIVER NOT SEE THAT MY CAR HAS SUDDENLY STOPPED ACCELERATING AND COLLIDE WITH MY VEHICLE. *TR
Power train, Structure, May 14, 2013
2012 SUBARU OUTBACK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO A HIGH PITCH SQUEAL IN VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 20 MPH. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE NOISE ONLY OCCURRED WHEN THE TEMPERATURE DROPPED INTO THE 40'S AND LOWER. SUBARU OF AMERICA DECLARED THE NOISE AS NORMAL WITHOUT EVEN EXAMINING THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER, HOWEVER, DID HEAR THE NOISE, BUT IT WAS DIFFICULT TO PINPOINT THE LOCATION. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE PROBLEM WAS THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OR THE DRIVE MECHANISM.
Seats, Apr 26, 2013
WE OWNED THE CAR ONLY 2 DAYS AND WAS OUT FOR OUR FIRST DRIVE OWNING OUR FIRST BRAND NEW CAR. THINGS SEEMED ALL GOOD UNTIL WE STOPPED AT A BANK AND I PUT MY LEFT FOOT ON THE FOOT REST AND PRESSED MY BACK INTO THE SEAT TO RELEASE THE TENSION IN MY PANTS SO I COULD PULL OUT MY WALLET WHEN ALL THE SUDDEN CATCHING ME BY TOTAL SURPRISE THE SEAT GAVE WAY. A SHOCK WENT UP AND DOWN MY SPINE AS I GOT OUT OF THE CAR IN AWE OF WHAT JUST HAPPENED AN THE CONDITION I WAS IN I HAD TO SIT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT TO SEE IF IT WAS JUST A FLUKE OR IS THIS A REAL PROBLEM AND I JUST GOT THE WORST OF IT. WITH A LITTLE PRESSURE LEANING BACK IN THE SEAT FOR A FEW MOMENTS AND SNAP ALL THESE SEATS CAN BE BROKEN. I WAS DOING GREAT AND NOW EVERYDAY I HAVE NERVE PROBLEMS AND BACK ISSUES I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED IN MY LIFE. I AM HEIGHT WEIGHT PROPORTIONAL AND ACTUALLY A LITTLE ON THE THIN SIDE. THE DEALERSHIP AND SUBARU OF AMERICA SWORE THIS NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE. GOOGLE AND YOUTUBE "SUBARU OUTBACK LUMBAR SUPPORT BROKE" I FOUND PROBLEMS GOING BACK TO 2008!! I ASKED THEM TO BUY THE CAR BACK BUT THEY "BENT THE CLIP A LITTLE EXTRA" AS A FIX AND INSISTED I TAKE IT HOME. IT BROKE AGAIN WHILE JUST DRIVING 40MPH DOWN THE ROAD NORMALLY SO I CONVINCED THEM BY TALKING TO THE OWNER TO GIVE ME A TRADE UP TO THE ELECTRIC SEAT. LITTLE TO KNOW THE PASSENGER SEAT IS THE SAME SEAT AS IN THE BASIC MODEL. I OWN THE PREMIUM NOW AND I WILL DO A REPORT ON IT AS WELL AS I HAVE OWNED MANY FOREIGN CARS AND NOT ONE SEAT HAS EVER BROKE ON ME. TOYOTA SEAT HOLDS UP TO ANYTHING I PUT IT THROUGH AND I HAVE 300K MILES ON IT!!! SAME WITH MY HONDA CIVIC. BOTH BOUGHT USED... PLEASE MAKE THEM FIX THIS PROBLEM! I BEG YOU. I HOPE NO ONE ELSE EVER HAS TO DEAL WITH THE PAINS I HAVE HAD FROM THIS ALONG WITH STRESS EXPLAINING THE SITUATION TO THE DEALER AND DUE TO SUCH A SIMPLE LITTLE CLIP AND STUPIDITY. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 16, 2013
UPDATE I TOOK THE 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK TO THE DEALER, ABOUT THE KEY FOB NOT WORKING IN A CERTAIN AREA. NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE KEY FOB UNTIL RECENTLY. THE KEY FOB WILL NOT WORK IN ONE PARTICULAR AREA WHERE IT DID WORK BEFORE WITH NO PROBLEM. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER FOR EVALUATION AND THIS PERSON SAID HE WAS WITH SUBARU CORPORATE AND HE INFORMED ON APRIL 16 2013, THAT RFID INTERFERENCE DOES HAPPEN WITH THESE VEHICLES AND THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. HE INFORMED ME THAT THOUGH THE KEY FOB MAY NOT WORK IN ONE AREA. THIS IS CRAZY, NEVER HEARD THAT SUBARU CARS SHOULD BE SUBJECT TO RFID INTERFERENCE. THOUGH THIS DOES HAPPEN ACCORDING CORPORATE REP AT THE DEALERSHIP. SO NOW MY SUBARU OUTBACK 2012 IS NOW SUBJECTED TO RFID INTERFERENCE AND THE CORPORATE REP SAYS THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 12, 2013
RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE IS AFFECTING THE SECURITY SYSTEM ON THE CAR. IMAGINE IF THE RFID INTERFERENCE COULD AFFECT STEERING AND BRAKING CONTROLS, THIS IS JUST THE START. THE KEY FAB DOES NOT WORK IN CERTAIN AREA, AND YOU HAVE TO MANUALLY UNLOCK THE CAR WHICH SETS OFF THE SECURITY SYSTEM. WE HAVE TRIED TWO DIFFERENT KEY FABS AND THEY WORK IN MANY AREAS BUT WHEN STANDING RIGHT NEXT TO THE CAR IN A CERTAIN AREA THE DOORS WILL NOT UNLOCK, AND OR LOCK. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THIS SERIOUSLY NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED WITH SUBARU. WE ARE TAKING THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE KEYS REPROGRAMMED, BUT IT IS VERY WORRISOME TO KNOW THAT RFID INTERFERENCE IS AFFECTING THE SECURITY FEATURE ON THE CAR WHICH BECOMES A SAFETY ISSUE, IF THE KEYS DO NOT WORK, AND YOU ARE STRANDED OUTSIDE THIS IS NOT SAFE. THE SECURITY FEATURE WAS BUILT IN DURING PRODUCTION FROM SUBARU. THIS COULD LEAD TO ANOTHER MASSIVE RECALL LIKE TOYOTA, SUBARU ENGINEERS NEED TO ENSURE MEASURES ARE IN PLACE AS NOT TO ALLOW RFID INTERFERENCE HAPPEN IN THEIR VEHICLES. THE DEALER HAS NOT ENCOUNTERED THIS ISSUE. WE WILL SEE IF THIS GETS FIXED. *TR