2013 Subaru Outback
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 297 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 10th highest complaint count among 26 Outback model years with reports.
Of the 2013 reports, 18 involved a crash and 6 involved a fire. 13 people were injured and 1 person died.
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
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
SteeringMay 13, 2013
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2013 Outback and Legacy vehicles manufactured from February 15, 2012, through June 15, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the inner and outer shafts of the steering column assembly may become disengaged from one another.
If the shafts become disengaged, the driver would lose the ability to steer the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering column assembly with a new one, free of charge. The recall began on May 14, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall campaign number is WQI-45.
Campaign 13V194000 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
Representative owner complaints: steering
34 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Suspension, May 29, 2024
* I detected a noise in the front end and an instability in the handling. My independent service mechanic found the cradle on the right front severely rusted out at the point where the control arm attaches. He had to condemn the vehicle. * My mechanic says that it could have resulted in a total loss of ability to steer. He says that he is unable to order the part from the manufacturer because so many are on back order. He is also unable to find any used ones. Finally, he says that in the last 3 months he has had to condemn 3 other Outbacks due to the same problem. THIS SOUNDS LIKE A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE TO ME. *Problem confirmed by my independent service center *No *No
Steering, Jul 10, 2021
Power steering failed while driving. Power steering fluid had all leaked out. Luckily car was at a very low speed as steering was quite difficult. Repaired at Subaru dealer who discovered a leak in a metal high pressure line. There was no evidence of external damage to pressure line. Photo showed a hairline crack at the outside of a 90° bend, thus probably a manufacturing defect. Dealer replaced entire steering rack.
Steering, Mar 27, 2020
DIRECTIONAL STABILITY; DIFFICULT TO KEEP CAR CENTERED IN LANE; WANDERS OFF FROM WHERE STEERING IS SET; STEERING WILL NOT CENTER, BUT WILL STAY IN A GENTLE CURVE BY ITSELF UNTIL CORRECTED, THEN WILL WANDER OFF CENTER AGAIN. CONTRIBUTING TO PROBLEM IS TOO MUCH FORCE IS REQUIRED IN A STEERING ACTION TO CORRECT A WANDER CAUSING A SLIGHT OVERSHOOT WHICH NO MATTER HOW CAREFULLY CONTROLLED, CANNOT KEEP THE CAR GOING IN THE CORRECT DIRECTION, WHETHER IN A CURVE OR KEEPING STRAIGHT. THE FASTER THE CAR IS GOING, NATURALLY THE MORE INTENSE THE PROBLEM BECOMES. THE CONSTANT ATTENTION REQUIRED TO ADJUSTING STEERING IS FATIGUING AND HENCE THE CAR IS INHERENTLY UNSAFE. DEALER AND INDEPENDENTS HAVE ALWAYS SAID NO PROBLEM FOUND; ALIGNMENTS MAKE NO DIFFERENCE, NEW TIRES MAKE NO DIFFERENCE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, AN ENGINEERING FLAW, AND/OR AN ATTEMPT TO HIDE ANOTHER MORE SERIOUS SAFETY OR DRIVABILITY ISSUE. SUBJECTIVELY IT SEEMS TO BE GETTING WORSE OVER TIME.
Steering, Suspension, Vehicle speed control, Aug 4, 2019
WHEN DRIVING OVER 40MPH THE CAR SEEMS TO JERK OUT OF THE BLUE IT EVEN SEEMS LIKE ONE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE LIFTS OR TILTS AS IF IT HAS HYDRAULICS MAKES IT HARD TO CONTROL CONTINUOUSLY GRIP THE STEERG WHEEL IN ORDER TO KEEP CONTROL IS UNBEARABLE. THERE IS SOMETHING SERIOUSLY WRONG AFTER READG ONLINE&ON THIS WEBSITE OBVIOUS SOMETHINGS WRONG. WHY R U WAITING FOR CRASHES& POSSIBLE DEATHS TO RAISE THIS ISSUE? WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT NORMAL HIGHWAY SPEEDS ALL OF A SUDDEN YOU FEEL A QUICK PULL AS IF A MAGNET JUST PULLED YOUR CAR AND IT ALSO STARTS TO LIFT WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT NORMAL SPEEDS. CAR LIFTS THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE OF SUSPENSION AS IF IT'S GOING TO ROLL OVER AND AT THE TIME IT DROPS LIKE IT'S GOING TO FOLD UNDER AND YOU'RE GOING TO CRASH. LIKE IT HAS HYDRAULICS BUT ONLY ON ONE SIDE. THIS IS VERY SCARY WHEN YOUR DRIVING AT NORMAL HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THIS MAKES YOU SLOW DOWN OUT OF NOWHERE AND CAUSING OTHERS AROUND YOU TO SUDDENLY AVOID YOU. THIS IS A NIGHTMARE. SUBARU NEEDS TO ACKNOWLEDGE THERE IS A PROBLEM. SEE ALL THE OTHER COMPLAINTS AND THERE IS A LOT MORE ONLINE BY OTHERS THAT DON'T KNOW HOW TO GO TO THIS WEBSITE AND PLACE A FORMAL COMPLAINT BECAUSE I DID NOT EVEN KNOW ABOUT IT. CAME ACROSS BY MISTAKE. THIS CAR IS MEANT FOR DRIVING LONG DISTANCES AND I AM AFRAID TO DO SO. WHEN YOUR AFRAID TO DRIVE YOUR OWN CAR SCARRED OF THE QUICK JERK AND THE POSSIBLE ROLLING OF YOUR CAR DUE TO THE "REAL" ACTIONS THE CAR IS PERFORMING WHILE DRIVING IS AND SHOULD BE A VEHICLE SAFETY CONCERN PRIOR TO ACCIDENTS AND DEATHS TAKING PLACE. JUST BECAUSE THE "MANUFACTURER" SAYS IT'S IN SPECS DOES'T MEAN NOTHG WRONG PLUS ITS THE MANUF SAYG THIS, NOT AN INDEPENDENT COMPANY.BOWEING THEIR AIRPLANE HAD HARD TIME STATING PLANE'S FAULT. YOU CAN NOT PUT THE MANUF IN CHARGE OF MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE WHEN IT COMES TO MONEY.
Steering, Feb 22, 2019
FROM THE DAY WE BOUGHT IT, THE CAR WANDERS LEFT AND RIGHT, NOTICEABLY AT SPEEDS ABOVE 40 MPH, REQUIRING CONSTANT STEERING WHEEL CORRECTIONS IN BOTH DIRECTIONS.
Steering, Jan 14, 2019
MY ORB WAS WORKING FULL TIME THAN JUST QUIT WITH WHEELS STRAIGHT, BUT WOULD WORK WITH QUARTER TURN AND NOW WON'T WORK AT ALL
Steering, Other or unspecified, Sep 4, 2018
STEERING WHEEL VISIBLE VIBRATES AT 70+ MPH ON THE HIGHWAY DESPITE MULTIPLE REALIGNMENTS AND MECHANIC VISITS TO VARIOUS DEALERS. CAR SOMETIMES FIGHTS DRIVER TO VEER LEFT/RIGHT. IT IS DIFFICULT TO DRIVE (SOMETIMES EVEN EXHAUSTING). HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE FOR LAST 5 YEARS, PROGRESSIVELY GETTING WORSE. CAR HAS NEVER BEEN INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND HAS BEEN MAINTAINED PROPERLY.
Steering, Apr 11, 2018
OUR 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK WAS TWO YEARS OLD WHEN THE TILT STEERING FEATURE WOULD NOT STAY LOCKED INTO PLACE. THE STEERING COLUMN FOR THE TILT STEERING WOULD NOT STAY LOCKED AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD DROP WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR WHERE WE WERE TOLD THAT INTERNAL LOCKING MECHANISM HAD BROKEN AND THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. WHICH IT WAS REPLACED AND HAD HELD IN PLACE. IN MARCH OF 2018 THE TILT STEERING WOULD ONCE AGAIN NOT STAY LOCKED INTO PLACE CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO DROP WHILE IN MOTION. IT WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME DEALERSHIP, WHERE WE WERE TOLD THE SAME EXACT THING HAD HAPPENED AGAIN AND WOULD REQUIRE THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN TO BE REPLACED. THE BIGGEST CONCERN HERE IS SAFETY. THE STEERING COLUMN DROPPING WHILE THE CAR IS MOVING PUTS THE DRIVER AND ANYONE ELSE ON THE ROAD AT RISK. WE WERE NEVER PROVIDED A PLAUSIBLE EXPLANATION AS TO WHY THIS HAPPENED TO THE CAR NOT ONCE BUT TWICE. THE EXPLANATION GIVEN FOR THE REOCCURRING PROBLEM WAS 'NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR FROM USING THE TILT FEATURE TOO MUCH.' WE HAVE HAD OTHER SUBARU OUTBACKS WITH THE TILT STEERING FEATURE AND HAVE NOT EXPERIENCED ANY PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING WHEEL NOT LOCKING INTO PLACE.
Steering, Mar 1, 2016
WE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE 2-7-16 USED WITH 28,000 MILES.WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY OVER 50 VEHICLE WANDERED ALL OVER THE ROAD WE CONSTANTLY HAD TO CORRECT THE STEERING TO KEEP BETWEEN THE WHITE LINES.DEALER SAID THIS WAS THE WAY RACK AND PINION STEALING WORKED.AFTER DOING SOME INVESTIGATION ON YOUR WEB SITE THIS SEEMS TO AFFECT MANY OF THESE VEHICLES.SEEMS THAT SUBARU HAS DENIED ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE 3013 OUTBACK.WE PUT UP WITH THIS PROBLEM FOR TWO WEEKS AND TRADED THIS LEMON IN AT THE SAME DEALER THAT SOLD US THIS JUNK.WE LOST ABOUT 5 K IN THIS TRANSACTION BUT OUR SAFETY IS MUCH MORE INPORTANT THEN THE MONEY.IN 40 YEARS PURCHASING AND DRIVING ALL TYPES OF VEHICLES THIS IS BY FAR THE WORST EVER.WE WILL NEVER LOOK FOR A SUBARU AGAIN. HOPEFULLY OUR GOVERNMENT WILL LOOK INTO THIS SERIOUS SAFETY SITUATION.
Steering, Traction control system, Service brakes, Nov 20, 2015, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLIDE WHILE DRIVING DOWNHILL. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO CONTROL THE STEERING, BUT IT WOULD NOT MOVE. THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND AND STRUCK A DELINEATOR POST, SLID IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION TOWARDS A CONCRETE WALL, AND SUDDENLY STOPPED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,000.
Steering, Jul 2, 2015
STEERING ON THIS VEHICLE IS SO HEAVY THAT IT CAUSES ORTHOPEDIC PROBLEMS. THE STEERING DRAG TENSION IS SET SO HIGH THAT IT IS DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, AND DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE INTO PARKING PLACES AT LOW SPEEDS. PARALLEL PARKING IS PAINFUL. I HAD OTHER PEOPLE DRIVE IT TO ELIMINATE MY SUBJECTIVE VIEW OF THIS, AND EVERY PERSON THOUGHT IT WAS HARD TO DRIVE. SUBARU THINKS THIS IS NORMAL, AND REFUSES TO ALLOW ITS SERVICE DEPARTMENTS TO ADJUST THE TENSION IF IT'S WITHIN IT'S "SPECS" EVEN WHEN THE DRIVER OF THIS EXPENSIVE VEHICLE DOES NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING IT. SUBARU SERVICE DEPARTMENT'S REASONING WAS THAT "IT FELT LIKE EVERY OTHER SUBARU OUTBACK." THIS DOESN'T MAKE IT OK; IT JUST CONFIRMS THAT SUBARU IS SELLING MORE THAN ONE DANGEROUS CAR. THIS IS AN UNSAFE CONDITION THAT SUBARU IS ALLOWING TO PERSIST RATHER THAN ACTUALLY ADDRESSING THE OTHER ISSUE THE UNREASONABLY TIGHT TENSION IS MASKING - STEERING WHEEL SHAKES. THIS IS MY SECOND SUBARU AND IS THE LAST ONE I WILL EVER PURCHASE - NOT BECAUSE THE CAR COULDN'T OTHERWISE BE A GOOD VEHICLE, BUT BECAUSE THIS IS A LEGITIMATE SAFETY ISSUE THAT SUBARU IS IGNORING AND WILL CONTINUE TO IGNORE UNTIL FORCED TO CHANGE, PROBABLY AFTER A LARGE LAWSUIT BROUGHT BY THE ESTATE OF A SUBARU OWNER WHO WAS KILLED IN THEIR VEHICLE. AND, BECAUSE SUBARU HAS SUCH TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE THAT IT THINKS IT'S FINE TO TELL SOMEONE WHO JUST BOUGHT A $30K+ CAR THAT THEY JUST HAVE TO LIVE WITH AN UNSAFE CONDITION BECAUSE SUBARU DOESN'T SEE FIT TO FIX IT.
Steering, Jun 5, 2015
STEERING WAS MAKING A NOISE (AS IF STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED ALL OF THE WAY TO ONE SIDE) WITH ONLY SLIGHT MOVEMENT BUT IT WORKED. THIS NOISE OCCURRED WITH EVERY TURN. AFTER RUNNING AN ERRAND WITH APPROXIMATELY 5 MILES OF USE, I RETURNED TO THE PARKED CAR AND BACKED OUT OF PARKING TO FIND THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNING BUT THE WHEELS WERE NOT! I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. NOTE: A RECALL OF THE STEERING WAS DONE BY THE DEALERSHIP IN OCT 2013 AND NO ISSUES HAD OCCURRED WITH THAT REPAIR UNTIL NOW.
Steering, Suspension, Mar 22, 2015
WONDERS FROM SIDE TO SIDE. TOOK BACK TO DEALER THEY CHECK ALIGNMENT. SAID EVERYTHING WAS IN SPECTS. THERE WAS NO CHARGE THIS TIME FOR ALIGNMENT BUT WOULD NOT DO IT AGAIN FOR FREE. WE PURCHASED EXTENDED WARRANTY AT TIME OF PURCHASE. WHAT A WASTE! MY DAUGHTER AND SON-IN-LAW BORROWED IT LAST SUMMER. PUT 8000 MILES ON IT DRIVING ACROSS COUNTRY. HAD A TERRIBLE TIME KEEPING IT ON THE ROAD. THEY WHERE GOING TO BUY A OUTBACK BUT QUICKLY CHANGED THEIR MIND. CALLED DEALER AGAIN AND THE SERVICE MANGER TOLD ME TO CHANGE TIRES AND CROSS ROTATE THEM. I TOLD HIM WE ALREADY DID THAT AND MY HUSBAND CROSS ROTATED THEM. HE SAID THAT THERE WOULD BE A CHARGE TO LOOK AT IT. SINCE THEY DIDN'T DO ANYTHING THE FIRST TIME WHY PAY THEM MORE TO TELL ME IT IS IN SPECTS? I THINK THEY ARE WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO GET KILLED OR BE KILLED. THIS IS MOST DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Steering, Sep 8, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL DRIFTED TO THE LEFT AND HAD TO BE CONSTANTLY TURNED TO THE RIGHT IN ORDER TO KEEP THE VEHICLE IN ITS APPROPRIATE LANE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH AND ALSO AT LOCAL SPEEDS. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED AND THE ALIGNMENT WAS NORMAL. THE DEALER DID NOT REPLACE ANY PARTS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,500. UPDATED 10/22/14*CN UPDATED 08/28/2017*CT
Steering, Suspension, Jul 30, 2014
WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OVER 40 IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO KEEP THE CAR CENTERED IN A LANE. THE DEALER CHECKED AND CORRECTED THE ALIGNMENT WITH LITTLE OR NO IMPROVEMENT. THE SERVICE REP DID ADMIT THAT OUTBACKS DO WANDER. EMAIL SENT TO SUBARU HAS APPARENTLY BEEN IGNORED. THIS IS AN UNSAFE CONDITION IN OUR CROWDED INTERSTATES. *TR
Steering, Jun 30, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS EXTREMELY UNSTABLE AND NEEDED CONSTANT ADJUSTMENT. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE, BUT PERFORMED A FOUR WHEEL ALIGNMENT AND INCREASED THE TIRE PRESSURE. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V194000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000.
Steering, Feb 4, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THE HE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE 2012. HE NOTICED HIS STEERING WHEEL WOULD DRIFT WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT TOOK HIS VEHICLE TO A SUBARU DEALERSHIP FOR A DIAGNOSIS AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE PROBLEM PERSISTED AFTER THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS PERFORMED. THE CONTACT LOCATED RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V194000 (STEERING); HOWEVER, HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL ALTHOUGH IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME DEFECT LISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1000 MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. ..UPDATED 04-23-14 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TO BE REPAIRED UNDER WARANTY. UPDATED 04/25/2014 *JS.. UPDATED01/20/15 *BF *TR
Steering, Dec 26, 2013
SHORTLY AFTER I PURCHASED VEHICLE I NOTICED DIFFICULTY KEEPING IT CENTERED IN LANE. CONTINUOUSLY HAVING TO CORRECT STEERING AND HARD STEERING. I DRIVE ON INTERSTATE OFTEN AND I HAVE CHECKED TIRES CONTINUOUSLY AND NO DIFFERENCE IN THE HANDLING OF THE OUTBACK. ON FIRST SERVICE I TOLD THE SERVICE REP ABOUT IT AND SAID THEY WOULD CHECK IT OUT, I BELIEVE THEY CHECKED THE ALIGNMENT, WHEN PICKED UP THE VEHICLE AND WAS TOLD EVERYTHING WAS NORMAL. IS IT UNSAFE, YES. NOW I HAVE 25000 MILE ON IT AND STILL CONTINUES. STILL MENTION IT AT SERVICE TIME BUT THEY DON'T REALLY EVEN RESPOND ANYMORE. *TR
Steering, Nov 1, 2013
THE NEW OUTBACK IS EXHIBITING LANE WANDERING AS OTHERS DESCRIBED IN GOOD DETAIL. OTHER VEHICLES I'VE DRIVEN GO IN A (MORE-OR-LESS) STRAIGHT LINE WITH MINIMAL EFFORT AND MINIMAL CORRECTIONS. THE OB IS ALL OVER THE ROAD, ABLE TO STAY IN THE LANE WITH A LOT OF EFFORT AND CORRECTION. THERE IS A BIG FLAW IN THE STEERING (MAYBE NOT ALL BUT A LOT OF THEM) AND IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. IS IT GOING TO TAKE A MAJOR ACCIDENT AND/OR A DEATH BEFORE NHTSA AND SUBARU TAKES A LOOK AT THIS ISSUE?? *TR
Steering, Oct 4, 2013
I HAVE OWNED OVER 20+ CARS RANGING FROM 4RUNNERS, S2000, TO LANCER EVO. MY 2013 OUTBACK IS BY FAR THE HARDEST CAR TO STEER ON THE HIGHWAY. IT WANDERS TO BOTH DIRECTIONS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND ITS DIFFICULT TO CORRECT IT BACK TO CENTER. SOME OWNERS HAVE BEEN ACCUSED OF DRIVING DRUNK IN A OUTBACK, SUBARU NEEDS TO FIX THIS BEFORE LOOSING YOUR MOST LOYAL OWNERS! MANY 2012 2013 OUTBACK OWNERS HAVE BEEN CALLING THIS ISSUE STIFF, HEAVY, HARD, NOT RETURN TO CENTER STEERING. HERE ARE MY OBSERVATIONS AFTER SOME RESEARCH: -2013+ NEW FB25 ENGINE 2ND GEN CVT RETURNED SUSPENSION -I ALSO OWN A 2014 FORESTER WITH ELECTRIC STEERING (DRIVES NORMAL), OUTBACK HAS HYDRAULIC STEERING -I TEST DROVE COUPLE OTHER 2013 OUTBACK 2.5I SAME FIRM STEERING -I TEST DROVE A 2013 OUTBACK 3.6R (STEERING FEELS NORMAL MUCH SOFTER) -CHECK STEERING EFFORT SHOULD NOT HAVE MORE THAN 6.6 LB (MEASURED WITH SCALE) -SOME OWNERS HAD SUCCESS READJUSTING THEIR GEARBOX BACKLASH TO LESS THAN 3 LBS GO TO: HTTP://WWW.SUBARUOUTBACK.ORG/FORUMS/104-GEN-4-2010-PRESENT/31638-OB-LANE-WANDERING-122.HTML -ON PAGE 114 THERE ARE 3 PICTURE ATTACHMENTS POSTED BY J DELMAN -STEERING COLUMN RECALL FOR 2013 LEGACY/OUTBACKS MANUFACTURED FROM 2012 FEB15-JUN15 (I DON'T THINK THIS WILL FIX THE WANDERING ISSUE) *TR
Steering, Sep 24, 2013
2013 SUBARU OUTBACK 3.6R W/SAP I AM EXPERIENCING A HEAVY STEERING ISSUE. WHERE THE RETURN TO CENTER DOES NOT HAPPEN UNLESS I MANUALLY STEER IT BACK TO CENTER. STEERING IS SO HEAVY THAT AFTER 3000 MILES. (PURCHASED IN JUNE 2013), BOTH OF MY WRISTS ARE IN PAIN, MY RIGHT ELBOW IS IN PAIN, AND MY RIGHT HAND FEELS LIKE IT HAS CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME. CONSTANT CORRECTIONS ARE NEEDED TO KEEP TRACKING STRAIGHT. I INCREASED TIRE PSI TO 34/32, AND IT HELPED A LITTLE, BUT STEERING STILL DOES NOT RETURN TO CENTER. HERE ARE 2 LINKS TO SIMILAR ISSUES: HTTP://WWW.SUBARUOUTBACK.ORG/FORUMS/104-GEN-4-2010-PRESENT/73034-NEED-RETURN-CENTER-TEST-2013-OUTBACK.HTML HTTP://WWW.SUBARUOUTBACK.ORG/FORUMS/104-GEN-4-2010-PRESENT/31638-OB-LANE-WANDERING.HTML *JS
Steering, Aug 23, 2013
STEERING ISSUE. THE CAR WANDERS, LEFT AND RIGHT. AT FREEWAY SPEED YOU MUST HOLD ON WITH BOTH HANDS AND MAKE CONSTANT CORRECTIONS. THE DEALER VERIFIED THAT EVERYTHING IN THE STEERING AND SUSPENSION WAS TIGHT, BUT THIS DID NOT HELP THE PROBLEM. I'VE HAD THE VEHICLE FOR A YEAR NOW WITH NO CHANGE, EXCEPT I'VE LEARNED HOW TO CONTROL IT BETTER. I FOUND MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET AND GAVE THESE TO THE DEALER. THEY DID NOT SEEM TO BE AWARE OF THE ISSUE PREVIOUSLY. I'VE BEEN TO THE DEALER FOR SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE JUST TWICE, AND HAVE HAD THEM LOOK AT THE ISSUE BOTH TIMES. I WAS HOPING THERE WOULD BE A RECALL TO FIX WHATEVER THE UNDERLYING ISSUE IS. THIS IS MY SECOND OUTBACK (PREVIOUS WAS A 2005) AND MY THIRD SUBARU (I ALSO HAVE A 2009 IMPREZA). *TR
Steering, Jul 30, 2013
VEHICLE TRACKING ISSUES SAME OR SIMILAR TO ALL THE OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WANDERS FROM SIDE-TO-SIDE AT SPEEDS OF 40-70 MPH REQUIRING CONSTANT CORRECTION. IT SOMETIMES SEEMS THAT IT TAKES MORE EFFORT (ONLY SLIGHTLY) THAN SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO GET IT TO CORRECT AT FIRST BUT THEN GOES QUICKLY AND EASILY. I NOTICED IT THE FIRST TIME I HAD IT ON THE HIGHWAY AND IT HAS BEEN THE SAME EVER SINCE, 10 MONTHS LATER. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Jul 17, 2013
THE STEERING OF MY NEW SUBARU OUTBACK SEEMS TO WANDER ON THE ROAD. IT IS A CHALLENGE TO KEEP THIS BRAND NEW VEHICLE BETWEEN THE LINES OR IN A PARTICULAR LANE OF THE ROAD. VEHICLE WANDERS / DRIFTS TO LEFT AND / OR RIGHT, WILL NOT TRACK STRAIGHT AND DOES THIS WHEN EVER DRIVING BUT IS MORE NOTICEABLE ABOVE SPEEDS OF 35 MPH. THE DRIVER HAS TO MAKE CONSTANT CORRECTIONS WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE STRAIGHT, THIS CAUSES FATIGUE IN THE ARMS AND IS EXHAUSTING TO THE OPERATOR. ONE CAN NOT SAFELY OPERATE A VEHICLE LIKE THIS. A SEMI-TRACTOR TRAILER RIG WAS ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF MY LANE (WE WERE IN THE NUMBER 1 LANE OF THE HIGHWAY) AND MY OUTBACK WANDERED TO THE RIGHT, WE ALMOST WENT INTO / UNDER THE TRAILER OF THE "BIG RIG". I LATER I CONTACTED THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP AND ARRAIGNED TO BRING VEHICLE BACK TO HAVE THEM LOOK AT IT. WHEN I RETURNED WITH THE VEHICLE, THEY CHECKED ALIGNMENT AND SAID IT WAS OK. THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO WANDER WHENEVER I DRIVE IT AND DAILY WHILE I DRIVE TO AND FROM WORK. AGAIN, I DROVE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAVE BEEN TALKING WITH SUBARU OF AMERICA, RECEIVING DIFFERENT SPECS AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN DOING SOME WORK ON THE VEHICLE. I HAVE NEVER OWNED A VEHICLE, NEW OR OLD (USED) THAT HANDLED THIS WAY. THERE ARE SEVERAL FORUMS WITH PAGES OF INFORMATION, DATA AND COMPLAINTS BY PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER THE COUNTRY. PLEASE ACT NOW TO RESOLVE THESE ISSUES BEFORE SOMEONE'S LOOSES THEIR LIFE DUE TO THE UNSAFE FAULTY VEHICLES. *TR
Steering, Jun 15, 2013
DANGEROUS! THE VEHICLE DOES NOT TRACK WELL AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. IT WANDERS SIDE TO SIDE IN THE LANE OF TRAVEL REQUIRING CONSTANT CORRECTION TO STAY IN THE CENTER OF THE LANE. ON SMOOTH ROAD SURFACES, THE WANDERING IS STILL VERY NOTICEABLE. HIGH CROSSWINDS EXPERIENCED DRIVING IN THE PLAINS OR CROSSING BRIDGES WITH A GRATED DECKS MAKES THE VEHICLE A CHALLENGE TO CONTROL THE WANDERING AND STAYING WITHIN MY LANE. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND REPORTED THE PROBLEM. THEY INSPECTED THE STEERING, WHEEL ALIGNMENT, WHEEL BALANCE, AND TIRES. THEY DIDN'T FIND ANY PROBLEMS. THERE IS NO TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THIS ISSUE AND THE INTERNET BULLETIN BOARDS ARE FULL OF COMPLAINTS WITH THE SAME TYPE OF ISSUE. I PERSONALLY FEEL THE VEHICLES ARE NOT ENGINEERED CORRECTLY OR THEY ARE LEAVING THE FACTORY WITH INADEQUATE ALIGNMENTS OR THE ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS ARE NOT CORRECT IN GENERAL. I LOVE MY VEHICLE UNTIL I DRIVE FASTER THAN 45MPH. SAFETY IS MY #1 CONCERN AND IT NEEDS TO BE SERIOUSLY ADDRESSED. LONG TRIPS ARE WAY MORE FATIGUING THAN THEY SHOULD BE AND INTERSTATE DRIVING IS SCARY FOR MOST OF THE DRIVE. THIS IS THE LINK THAT DISCUSSES THE SAME PROBLEMS I'VE ADDRESSED HERE HTTP://WWW.SUBARUOUTBACK.ORG/FORUMS/104-GEN-4-2010-PRESENT/31638-OB-LANE-WANDERING.HTML. *TR