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
297 reports, newest first.
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.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 24, 2015
USING EXCESSIVE OIL. THI SI STHE SECON TIME I HAD TO PUT OIL IN APPROXIMATELY 5700 MILEES AFTER AN OIL CHANGE. ITS NOT LEAKEING ANYWHERE.
Engine, May 21, 2015
AFTER 28,000 MILES AND NOTICED AT DRIVE THROUGH LOCATIONS THE SICKLY SWEET SMELL OF ANTIFREEZE WAS NOTICED. I TOOK CAR TO DEALER WHO PRESSURE TESTED AND INSPECTED COOLANT SYSTEM. NOTHING UNUSUAL WAS NOTICED AND NO LEAKS WERE DISCOVERED. DROVE CAR LATER IN THE DAY AND SMELL RETURNED, WILL DRIVE MORE AND IF SMELL IS NOTICED AGAIN WILL RETURN TO DEALER. COULD ARISE FROM OIL CHANGES AND IF LEVELING THE FLUID LEVEL THE SPILL BURNOFF COULD BE WHERE THE SMELL COMES FROM... WHEN STARTING CAR THE ENGINE REVS AT A HIGH SPEED BUT THAT IS NORMAL FROM THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE SO AFTER STARTING I PAUSE A BIT BEFORE SHIFTING AND DRIVING. OTHER THAN THE ANTIFREEZE SMELL THE CAR IS A PLEASURE TO DRIVE.
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
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 2, 2015
OIL LIGHT CAME ON AND HAD TO ADD 1 QUART OF OIL AFTER ABOUT 4000 MILES SINCE PREVIOUS OIL CHANGE. THE CAR TAKES SYNTHETIC OIL AND IS SUPPOSED TO GO 7500 MILES BETWEEN OIL CHANGES. SINCE THEN, WE HAVE HAD TO ADD OIL IN BETWEEN OIL CHANGES SEVERAL TIMES, APPROXIMATELY 1-2 QUARTS EVERY 1500 TO 3000 MILES. SUBARU DEALER SAYS THIS IS NORMAL; HOWEVER, WE HAVE NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH ANY OTHER VEHICLE. WE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT DAMAGE TO THE MOTOR BY THIS CONTINUING TO HAPPEN. THE CAR WAS BOUGHT NEW AND ONLY HAS 23,000 MILES ON IT. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Feb 14, 2015
UPON NOTICING A BLOWN 3RD TAIL LIGHT(ONE OF THE TAIL LIGHTS ON THE REAR HATCH/DOOR OF THE WAGON,) I DISASSEMBLED AND FOUND THAT THE SOCKETS ON BOTH SIDES(LEFT AND RIGHT 3RD TAIL-LIGHT SOCKETS) WERE SCORCHED AROUND WHERE THE BULBS FIT INTO THEM. THE DISCOLORATION WAS BROWN/BLACK AND WAS PRESENT NOT ONLY ON THE SOCKET WITH THE BLOWN BULB BUT ALSO THE OTHER, WORKING SIDE. DEALER REPLACED BLOWN BULB AND MADE NO COMMENT ON SCORCHED BULB SOCKETS. IT ALMOST APPEARS AS IF THEY WERE SO HEATED THEY WERE READY TO MELT OR BURN THE PLASTIC. CAR HAS BEEN IN SERVICE FOR 27 MONTHS AND HAS 27K MOSTLY CITY DRIVING ON IT. HAPPY TO PROVIDE PHOTOS OF THE AFFECTED SOCKETS TO ANYONE INVESTIGATING OR CONCERNED. *TR
Engine, Feb 9, 2015
WE ARE EXPERIENCING EXCESSIVE OIL LOSS (OVER A QUART) FROM A BRAND NEW CAR. A QUART OF OIL MAGICALLY DISAPPEARING. THIS IS NOT RIGHT. *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Jan 23, 2015
PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT AND ALARM GO OFF WHETHER PASSENGER IS IN THE SEAT OR NOT. INTERMITTENTLY, WHEN I START THE CAR, THE INDICATOR LIGHT FLASHES AND THEN REMAINS LIT. IF THE CAR IS DRIVEN IN THIS STATE, THE ALARM SOUNDS AT SPEEDS OVER 25/30 MPH. SUBARU DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO TROUBLE SHOOT. *TR
Engine, Jan 10, 2015
MY 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK PREMIUM 2.5 HAS A CAUTION LIGHT IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL THAT ILLUMINATES AS A REMINDER FOR THE OPERATOR TO CHECK THE ENGINE OIL. THE OWNERS MANUAL STATES THE LIGHT INDICATES LOW ENGINE OIL LEVELS AND RECOMMENDS ADDING OIL TO PREVENT ENGINE DAMAGE. I ADD A MINIMUM 1 QUART OF OIL, ON A RECURRING CYCLE, TO RETURN THE OIL LEVEL TO THE FULL MARK ON THE OIL DIPSTICK. MY SUBARU OUTBACK REQUIRES ADDING APPROX. 1 QUART OF OIL EVERY 1800 MILES BETWEEN OIL CHANGES. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jan 5, 2015, crash
PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT, I HAD NOTICED SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHERE THE ENGINE WOULD SUDDENLY REV FOR NO REASON WHILE I WAS DRIVING AT A SLOW SPEED OR BRAKING. THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED ON DEC 2, 2014 AT APPROX. 7:40AM EASTERN TIME. AS I WAS APPROACHING THE SECURITY CHECK-IN GATE AT MY JOB, TRAVELING ABOUT 10 MPH, I DEPRESSED THE BRAKE TO SLOW DOWN AND WAIT FOR THE GATE TO OPEN. AS I WAS SLOWING DOWN, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY REV'D TO MAXIMUM AND THE CAR ACCELERATED AND LURCHED FORWARD. I WAS NOT ABLE TO STOP OR CONTROL THE CAR AND IT CRASHED THROUGH THE SECURITY BARRIER GATE. NO ONE WAS INJURED AND THERE WAS NO DAMAGE DONE TO THE CAR, BUT THE METAL ARM OF THE GATE WAS SEVERELY BENT. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MY SUBARU DEALER SEVERAL DAYS LATER TO BE INSPECTED AND REPORT THE INCIDENT. THE DEALER SAID THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) AND UPDATED THE SOFTWARE. SINCE THEN, THE CAR HAS RUN SMOOTHLY WITH NO FURTHER ACCELERATION PROBLEMS. THE ECM UPDATE ALSO SEEMED TO SOLVE A PROBLEM I HAD EXPERIENCED WHERE THE CAR HAD DIFFICULTY STARTING UP. *TR
Equipment, Jan 3, 2015
TRAVELING THROUGH DESMOINES IOWA AND NAVIGATION SYSTEM INSTRUCTED ME AUDIBLY TO EXIT HIGHWAY TO LEFT WHEN THERE WAS NO EXIT AND NO REASON FOR ME TO EXIT. THIS HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES AND SUBARU KNOWS THAT ITS NAVIGATION SYSTEM IS/WAS DEFECTIVE. *TR
Engine, Dec 28, 2014
OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEM. OIL LIGHT COMES ON BEFORE RECOMMENDED OIL CHANGE. DID 1200 MILE OIL CONSUMPTION TEST WITH NO OIL BURNED. AT ABOUT 5,000 MILES OIL LIGHT COMES ON AGAIN. I BELIEVE THERE IS A TSB OUT BUT I BELIEVE SUBARU SHOULD FIX PROBLEM REGARDLESS OF EXPENSE. STILL UNDER WARRANTY. STILL WORKING WITH DEALER WHO HAVE BEEN VERY GOOD ABOUT THIS PROBLEM SO FAR. *TR
Engine, Oct 26, 2014
ON 1000 MILE ONE WAY TRIP THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON AND IT COULD CHECKED OUT FOR ANOTHER 100 MILES. THIS WAS NOT TOO DANGEROUS BUT MY WIFE IS 67 YEARS OLD, DOESN'T UNDERSTAND CAR ENGINES AND WAS VERY FRIGHTENED ABOUT WHAT TO DO. THEY STOPPED THE CAR IMMEDIATELY AND CALLED ME, TO ASK WHAT TO DO. FOR ANYONE, ESPECIALLY WOMEN STOPPED AT THE SIDE OF THE INTERSTATE THIS CREATES A DANGEROUS SITUATION. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT NTSB HAS BEEN TOLD OF THE EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION OF SUBARU OUTBACK, LEGACY AND OTHER SUBARU MODELS USING A DEFECTIVE OIL RING. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THIS PRESENTS SEVERAL DANGERS CONSIDERING ESPECIALLY THE COST OF THE REPAIR. BECAUSE OF THIS COST THE REPAIRS WILL PROBABLY GO WITHOUT CORRECTION. THIS SITUATION COULD LEAD TO SEVERE LOSS OF COMPRESSION, POWER AND A DANGEROUS PROBLEM WHEN ACCELERATION IS CRITICAL. *TR
Engine, Sep 23, 2014
EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION: THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW IN DECEMBER 2012. AT MILEAGE 4,682, THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. I TOOK IT TO THE ORIGINAL DEALER AND THEY OBSERVED THAT THE OIL LEVEL WAS LOW AND THEY TOPPED IT OFF. THE NEXT TIME THE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, THE DEALER INITIATED AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST. ACCORDING TO THE TEST PARAMETERS, THE VEHICLE DID NOT CONSUME OIL EXCESSIVELY DURING THE TEST PERIOD. FOLLOWING THE FIRST TEST, THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON 2 OTHER OCCASIONS AND THE DEALER PERFORMED 2 MODIFIED OIL CONSUMPTION TESTS (SEE FB ENGINE OIL CONTROL RING TSB OIL CONSUMPTION TEST). AGAIN BOTH TESTS SHOWED NO OIL CONSUMPTION DURING THE TEST INTERVAL. THE SECOND TEST WAS PERFORMED AT 16,976 MILES AND THE THIRD TEST PERFORMED AT 20,896 MILES. THE LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE PRIOR TO THE NEXT SCHEDULE OIL CHANGE (DEALER RECOMMENDS 5,550 MILES) AT APPROXIMATELY 3,500 MILES. I SUBMITTED A WARRANTY CLAIM WITH SUBARU NORTH AMERICA AND THEY AUTHORIZED A SHORT BLOCK REPLACEMENT AT 22,270 MILES. *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
Power train, Engine, Aug 25, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,500.
Engine, Aug 20, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A COMPLETE STOP, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD AND STALLED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,500.
Engine, Jul 30, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE OIL CHANGE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ADHERED TO THE OIL CHANGE SCHEDULE, BUT THE FAILURE OCCURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000.
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
Vehicle speed control, Jul 11, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKES, THE ENGINE RPMS INCREASED AS THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 3, 2014
APPLY BRAKES WHILE IN MOTION AND CAR DOOR LOCKS OPEN. PASSENGER COMPLAINED WHEN GETTING OUT OF CAR THAT THEY GOT A SHOCK. *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.
Visibility/wiper, Apr 9, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH SHE HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND THE GLASS SHATTERED ALL OVER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE SUNROOF BUT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHAT CAUSED THE FAILURE TO OCCUR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 24,000.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Feb 25, 2014
WHILE TOWING A CAMPER WELL WITHIN THE TOWING CAPACITY OF THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE BEYOND 60 MILES AN HOUR. WE (MYSELF, MY WIFE, AND 6 DOGS) WERE SOUTH OF PUEBLO, COLORADO GOING UP THAT VERY LONG INCLUDE TOWARDS TRINIDAD. THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE WOULD NOT REV AS IF IT'S TRANSMISSION WAS FAILING, BUT IT WOULD ABSOLUTELY NOT ACCELERATE BEYOND 60. WE PULLED OVER AND CONTACTED THE NEAREST SUBARU DEALERSHIP (BACK IN PUEBLO) AND WENT BACK TO PUEBLO AND HAD THEM LOOK IT OVER. THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG AND THEIR TEST DID NOT SHOW ANY PROBLEMS. THEY WERE ONLY ABLE TO SPECULATE THAT IT MAY BE A FAILSAFE FEATURE THAT PREVENTS THE ENGINE FROM BECOMING DAMAGED WHEN IT BEGINS TO OVERHEAT. WE HAD DRIVEN FROM NORTH OF DALLAS TO WEST OF FORT COLLINS, WITH STOPS, WITHOUT PROBLEMS, BUT THIS DAY THE TEMPERATURE WAS 50 DEGREES AND PROBABLY THE WARMEST IT HAD BEEN OUR ENTIRE TRIP. WE HAD PREVIOUSLY STOPPED FOR A FEW HOURS IN GARDEN OF THE GODS, SO IT HAD ONLY BEEN BACK ON THE ROAD FOR AN HOUR WHEN THIS OCCURRED. AFTER THE DEALERSHIP LOOKED AT IT, WE HITCHED IT BACK UP AND CONTINUED ON OUR TRIP. THEY INSTRUCTED US TO JUST DRIVE SLOWER WHEN GOING UP HILLS AND MOUNTAINS. WE EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS AGAIN WHEN WE GOT TO TRINIDAD, BUT DROVE THROUGH IT SINCE THE EXITS ARE RATHER SHARP AND BLACK ICE WAS A CONCERN. ONCE WE STOPPED DRIVING UP INCLINES THE VEHICLE DROVE LIKE NORMAL. AFTER WE STOPPED TOWING THE CAMPER THE VEHICLE STOPPED HAVING ISSUES. *TR
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