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, May 17, 2013
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 RELATIVELY MILD. HOWEVER, I BECAME ALARMED WHILE CROSSING A BRIDGE WITH A GRATED DECK. THE VEHICLE SWERVED SIDE TO SIDE DRAMATICALLY REQUIRING SIGNIFICANT STEERING CORRECTION AND IMMEDIATE REDUCTION IN SPEED TO MAINTAIN THE LANE OF TRAVEL SAFELY. 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 EXCEPT THEY RECOMMENDED THAT WE INFLATE THE TIRES 5 PSI ABOVE MANUFACTURER'S RECOMMENDATIONS. THE EXTRA PRESSURE IMPROVED THE STEERING SOMEWHAT, BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. I HAVE NOT YET DRIVEN THE VEHICLE IN CHALLENGING WINTER CONDITIONS SUCH AS STANDING WATER OR SLUSH ON THE HIGHWAY. HOWEVER, AFTER MY EXPERIENCE ON THE GRATED BRIDGE, I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT THIS CAR WOULD POSE A SAFETY HAZARD IN THESE CONDITIONS. I FEEL THIS VEHICLE HAS A SIGNIFICANT DESIGN OR MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT DIRECTLY AFFECTS MY SAFETY. *TR
Steering, Apr 14, 2013
CAR DOES NOT TRACK STRAIGHT DURING HIGHWAY DRIVING. CAR VEERS TO ONE SIDE OR THE OTHER NEEDING CONSTANT CORRECTING. WHEN YOU DO MAKE A CORRECTION IT NORMALLY OVER CORRECTS. THIS IS INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS! I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST ME BUT MY HUSBAND HAS ALSO HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND I SEE MANY COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET. SUBARU MUST BE MADE TO FIX THIS. THIS IS AN EXPENSIVE CAR. *TR
Suspension, Apr 4, 2013
VEHICLE SWAYS AND DRIFTS IN LANE ON NON-WINDY DAY. WINDY DAYS MADE IF IMPOSSIBLE TO STAY IN LANE PROPERLY. 50+ MPH SPEEDS SEEMED TO BE WHERE/WHEN AFFECTED. I LATER TRADED THIS VEHICLE IN ON ANOTHER OUTBACK WITH MORE OPTIONS. THAT OUTBACK DOES THE VERY SAME THING. IT IS AS IF A DRUNK DRIVER IS BEHIND THE WHEEL. *TR
Suspension, Apr 4, 2013
VEHICLE DOES NOT HANDLE WELL ON THE HIGHWAY/INTERSTATE. SEEMS TO DRIFT AND WANDER. I HAVE DRIVEN MANY VEHICLES AND THIS IS THE FIRST VEHICLE THAT I HAVE OWNED THAT I HAVE HAD THIS EXPERIENCE WITH. I PURCHASED MY FIRST 2013 THAT WASN'T WHAT I WANTED SO THEY ORDERED THE SAME VEHICLE WITHE EVERYTHING I WANTED. BOTH OF THESE OUTBACKS DID THE VERY SAME THINGS SINCE DAY ONE. ON A NON-WINDY DAY IT IS IF A DRUNK DRIVER IS DRIVING, ALWAYS HAVING TO CORRECT THE STEERING. ON A WINDY DAY IT IS NEAR IMPOSSIBLE TO STAY IN YOUR OWN LANE PROPERLY. *TR
Suspension, Apr 2, 2013
DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SEEMS TO DRIFT BACK AND FORTH IN THE LANE, FORCING THE DRIVER TO CONTINUALLY MAKE STEERING CORRECTIONS, NEVER DRIVING IN A COMPLETELY STRAIGHT LINE. THIS HAS HAPPENED SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW. *TR
Suspension, Apr 1, 2013
VEHICLE SUSPENSION DOES NOT CONTROL VEHICLE DURING FREEWAY SPEED DRIVING. VEHICLE EXPERIENCES LARGE LEFT-RIGHT SWAY MOTIONS ON WAVY PAVEMENT AT FREEWAY SPEEDS AND LARGE UNCONTROLLED VEHICLE MOTIONS UP-DOWN AT FREEWAY SPEEDS. VEHICLE IS HARD TO CONTROL DURING OCCURRENCES AND NEEDS CONSTANT STEERING CORRECTIONS AS RESULT OF LARGE SUSPENSION MOTIONS. ALSO DUE TO THE POORLY DAMPED SUSPENSION, BRAKING DISTANCES ARE LONG. CAR DOES NOT SLOW DOWN AS EXPECTED, ESPECIALLY WHEN VEHICLE IS UNDERGOING A LARGE SUSPENSION ARTICULATION. SEVERAL MONTHS AGO, MY VEHICLE WAS INITIALLY TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP TO VERIFY PROBLEM, BUT, DEALERSHIP MECHANIC SAID VEHICLE BEHAVES W/ IN SPEC AND LIKE OTHER VEHICLES. I RECENTLY TOOK MY VEHICLE IN FOR ANOTHER ISSUE, BUT, RECEIVED A LOANER VEHICLE IDENTICAL TO MY VEHICLE. THE LOANER VEHICLE DOES NOT RESPOND IN THE SAME MANNER AS MY VEHICLE. LOANER VEHICLE EXHIBITS WELL DAMPED SUSPENSION CONTROL AND NEGLIGIBLE BODY MOTIONS. BRAKING DISTANCES ARE MUCH BETTER ON THE LOANER VEHICLE LARGELY DUE TO THE WELL DAMPED SUSPENSION. THE LOANER VEHICLE IS SIGNIFICANTLY EASIER TO DRIVE THAN MY VEHICLE. MY VEHICLE IS STILL CURRENTLY AT THE DEALERSHIP BEING REVIEWED BY SUBARU OF AMERICA'S TECHNICAL ADVISOR. *TR
Suspension, Mar 26, 2013
VEHICLE WANDERS AT HIWAY SPEEDS REQUIRING CONSTANT CORRECTION. WILL NOT DRIVE A STRAIGHT PATH WITHOUT VEERING OFF. VERY UNSTABLE AND UNPREDICTABLE. DEALERSHIP CLAIMS VEHICLE IS WITHIN SPECIFICATIONS. I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS ISSUE. AS OF NOW MANUFACTURER HAS NOT ACKNOWLEDGED ISSUE AND THERE IS NO EFFECTIVE SOLUTION. THIS IS A LINK TO A FORUM WHERE MANY OTHER OWNERS OF THE SAME VEHICLE ARE MAKING THE SAME COMPLAINTS. HTTP://WWW.SUBARUOUTBACK.ORG/FORUMS/104-GEN-4-2010-PRESENT/31638-OB-LANE-WANDERING.HTML. *TR
Steering, Mar 14, 2013
THIS VEHICLE PRESENTED ISSUES AFTER THE FIRST 500 MILES OF OWNERSHIP. AFTER 1 REPAIR ATTEMPT IT IS STILL THE SAME. THIS VEHICLE REPLACED A 2012 OUTBACK WHICH HAD THE SAME ISSUES. THE PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING IN THE 2012 AND THE 2013 IS THAT BOTH THE VEHICLES WANDER ALL OVER THE ROAD. YOU NEED TO KEEP ALL YOUR ATTENTION ON KEEPING IT FOLLOWING THE ROAD CAUSING EXTREME FATIGUE. IT IS DESCRIBED BY ME AS HEAVY, DOES NOT RETURN TO CENTER AND IN EVEN SLIGHT TURNS THE CAR SUDDENLY PULLS IN THE DIRECTION YOU ARE TRAVELING WHICH IS STARTLING LIKE HITTING BLACK ICE. TAKING YOUR EYES TO EVEN THE SIDE MIRRORS FOR LANE CHANGES OFFERS THE VEHICLE TO INVITE ITSELF INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THIS REPLACEMENT 2013 I NOW HAVE STARTED PRESENTING THESE SYMPTOMS AFTER ABOUT THE FIRST 500 MILES. THERE IS A THREAD ON THE MATTER ON THE SUBARUOUTBACK.ORG FORUM WITH OVER 670 REPLIES ON THE MATTER. HTTP://WWW.SUBARUOUTBACK.ORG/FORUMS/104-GEN-4-2010-PRESENT/31638-OB-LANE-WANDERING.HTML THE RESPONSES ON PAGE 45 DESCRIBE THE PROBLEM PRETTY WELL. MY RESPONSES ARE UNDER [XXX]. ONE RESPONSE #442 WAS "AND NOW, AT 17 MONTHS & 25K MIS, WE STILL HAVE A 'NEW' CAR THAT STEERS LIKE A DRUNK PUSHING A SHOPPING CART WITH A BAD WHEEL..." HOW SAD IS THAT? PLEASE, LOOK INTO THE MATTER BECAUSE IF SOMEONE DIDN'T GET HURT ALREADY SOMEONE WILL. ALL MY DRIVES ARE VERY EXHAUSTING. THIS IS NOW MY THIRD SUBARU SO I AM NOT NEW TO SUBARU AND/OR AWD. I STILL OFFER YOUR ORGANIZATION THE OPPORTUNITY TO INSPECT AND DRIVE MY VEHICLE TO PERSONALLY EXPERIENCE WHAT I AM DESCRIBING. I DO NOT WANT TO SEE ANYONE TO GET HURT OF LOSE THEIR LIFE. THANK YOU INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR THE CONSUMER REFERENCED RECALL # 13V194000.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Seats, Mar 8, 2013
WITH THE EYESIGHT SYSTEM, OUTBACK MAY START BRAKING WHEN YOU ARE COMING UP ON ANOTHER CAR OR TRYING TO PASS IT, EVEN THOUGH YOU ARE MOVING AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE TO PASS IT AND ARE NOT ENDANGER OF AN ACCIDENT. VERY ANNOYING AT TIMES AND FORCES YOU TO DISABLE IT BUT MIGHT BE WORTHWHILE IF IT DIDN'T GO OFF JUST FROM COMING NEAR VEHICLES. I SUPPOSE THEY DON'T WANT IT TO GO OFF TOO LATE. THE SEAT/HEADREST IS THE BIGGER PROBLEM. *TR
Seats, Mar 8, 2013
SEAT HEAD REST IS TOO FAR FORWARD AND UPPER SEAT CONTOURS BACKWARD, PUTTING PRESSURE ON NECK AND AFFECTING SPINE. SEAT NEEDS ADDED SUPPORT (WITH A SMALL UPPER BACK SUPPORT AND PROBABLY A LUMBAR SUPPORT) TO TAKE PRESSURE OFF THE NECK AND GET THE HEAD FREE FROM BEING PUSHED. NECK SHOULD BE STRAIGHT. OVER TIME THIS WILL DAMAGE THE SPINE IF THE HEADREST ISN'T MADE ADJUSTABLE OR SUPPORT ADDED TO THE SEAT. I'M ADDING SUPPORT TO THE SEAT FROM AFTERMARKET CUSHIONING TO GET THE PRESSURE OFF MY HEAD/NECK. WOULD LIKE AN ADJUSTABLE HEADREST AS WAS INCLUDED IN THE 2013 SUBARU IMPREZA TO GET THE HEADREST OFF THE HEAD (AND THE PRESSURE OFF THE NECK, TO GET MY NECK AND BACK STRAIGHT). --- I AM WORRIED ABOUT RECEIVING SPAM SO DIDN'T WANT TO FILL OUT SOME OF THE EXTRA INFO ASKED FOR. *TR
Steering, Mar 4, 2013
VEHICLE DRIFTS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, REGARDLESS OF HOW DILIGENT YOU ARE IT WILL START DRIFTING OFF, AND REQUIRES CONSTANT CORRECTION. *TR
Structure, Back over prevention, Feb 23, 2013
BACKUP CAMERA GETS BLOCKED COMPLETELY BY A LARGE "CONNECTED TO MOBILE PHONE" MESSAGE BOX WHEN IN REVERSE AFTER RECENTLY STARTING CAR. CAN HAPPEN WHEN YOU'RE HALF WAY IN THE ROAD AND SHOULD BE FIXED. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Equipment adaptive/mobility, Service brakes, Feb 22, 2013
EYE SIGHT SYSTEM. WHEN USING CRUISE CONTROL THE ADAPTIVE SYSTEM SENSES THE AUTO IN FRONT OF YOUR CAR AND MAINTAINS A SET DISTANCE. THE AUTO THAT WAS IN FRONT OF ME MOVED INTO A LEFT TURN LANE AND SLOWED TO TURN. MY CARS EYE SIGHT SYSTEM DETECTED THE CAR WAS STILL IN FRONT OF MINE AND EVEN THOUGH IT WAS NOT, INITIALED A HARD STOP AUTOMATICALLY. LUCKY FOR ME THE CAR BEHIND ME WAS ALERT AND WAS ALSO ABLE TO STOP BEFORE REAR ENDING MY CAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AFTER WITH CARS MOVING EITHER INTO LEFT OR RIGHT TURN LANES OR MERGING OFF INTERSTATES ON THE EXIT RAMP. SUBARU HAS NO IDEA HOW TO FIX THIS ISSUE. THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE SITUATION. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS OCCURRENCE OF THE EYE SIGHT SYSTEM THAT COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THERE IS NO MENTION OF THIS POSSIBILITY IN THE EYE SIGHT MANUAL. I DISABLE THE SYSTEM NOW TO PREVENT IT FROM HAPPENING TO ME, BUT OFTEN MY WIFE FORGETS. SUBARU NEEDS TO FIND A SOLUTION. I AM HOPING YOU CAN HELP. *TR
Electrical system, Equipment, Feb 19, 2013
THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM OVERRIDES THE SAFETY BACKUP CAMERA WITH MESSAGES WHEN THE CAR IS IN REVERSE. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS SINCE THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM CAN DISPLAY A MESSAGE ON THE SCREEN AND COMPLETELY OBSCURE THE BACKUP CAMERA DISPLAY WHILE BACKING UP. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME I START MY CAR AND BEGIN TO BACKUP. THE BACKUP CAMERA COMES ON WHEN I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE BUT AS I'M BACKING UP, THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM DISPLAYS MESSAGES FROM MY BLUETOOTH PHONE CONNECTION AND I CAN'T SEE WHAT IS BEHIND ME VIA THE BACKUP CAMERA. NOTHING SHOULD OVERRIDE THE BACKUP CAMERA WHEN THE CAR IS IN REVERSE. *TR
Structure, Feb 11, 2013
2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO POOR QUALITY MADE TIE DOWNS IN CARGO AREA OF VEHICLE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE TOOK THE VEHICLE FOR ITS 7500 MILE SERVICE, HE SHOWED THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE THE BROKEN TIE DOWN. THE CONSUMER STATED IT BROKE, WHEN HE TIED HIS 50LB DOG TO IT. THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE STATED THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE IT, BECAUSE IT WAS NOT DESIGNED TO HANDLE THE TREMENDOUS STRESS OF A 50LB DOG. AFTER SOME DISCUSSION, THE CONSUMER SHOULD THE REPRESENTATIVE WHERE HE COULD EASILY BREAK THE TIE DOWN WITH HIS HAND. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE TIE DOWNS WERE ONLY DESIGNED TO HOLD A NET PUT OVER GROCERIES TO KEEP THEM FROM SLIDING, CERTAINLY NOT FOR ANYTHING OF SUBSTANTIAL WEIGHT OR STRESS.
Steering, Jan 22, 2013
THIS NEW VEHICLE HAS STEERING THAT TENDS TO WANDER FROM SIDE TO SIDE WHILE DRIVING ON VARIOUS TYPES OF ROADS. ON URBAN INTERSTATE TRAVEL IT IS NECESSARY TO BE VERY VIGILANT WHEN DRIVING IN THE LANES AS THE CAR WILL OFTEN HEAD FOR THE EDGE OF THE LANE WITHOUT WARNING. THIS TENDENCY IS BALANCED BETWEEN BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT, AND DOES NOT SEEM TO BE PREDICTABLE. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THE HEAD MECHANIC DROVE THE CAR. THEY SPECIFIED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TO MANUFACTURER'S SPECIFICATIONS. I FIND THAT THE ATTENTION THAT MUST BE PAID TO MAINTAIN THE VEHICLE WITHIN THE ROADWAY LANES IS TIRING AND FAR EXCEEDS ANY OTHER VEHICLE I HAVE DRIVEN. *TR
Tires, Jan 20, 2013
AFTER TWO MONTH OF USING A NEW CAR MODEL OUTBACK 2013 THE LEFT FRONT TIRE HAD EMPTIED AT THE PARKING LOT. AN INVISIBLE CUT WAS FOUND THAT IT WAS NECESSARY TO BOUGHT A NEW TIRE. A WEEKS LATER OF THIS EVENT THE BACK LEFT TIRE IS BEEN EMPTYING VERY FREQUENTLY SINCE. APPARENTLY THE ORIGINAL TIRES OF THE CAR HAS INVISIBLE DEFECTS THAT GET THE TIRE TO EMPTY WITH THE NORMAL ROAD USE. THIS CAR HAS A FREQUENTLY SIGNAL FOR VERIFICATION AND FILLING OF THE TIRES. *TR
Suspension, Wheels, Jan 9, 2013
WHEN I MAKE A HARD RIGHT TURN, SUCH AS PULLING OUT INTO THE NEAR LANE OR PARKING, MY FRONT PASSENGER TIRE COMES IN CONTACT WITH MY FENDER WELL - SPECIFICALLY THE BODY MOLDING AND VIOLENTLY. WHEN MEASURING MY HUB (CENTER) TO HUB (CENTER), THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR IS A FULL .5 INCH CLOSER THAN THE DRIVER SIDE. YOU CAN ALSO MEASURE THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE FRONT TIRE TO FENDER WELL AND SEE THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE IS CLOSER TO THE BACK OF THE FENDER WELL THAN THE DRIVER SIDE. I NOTIFIED WEST HOUSTON SUBARU IN LATE DEC. 2012 OF THE PROBLEM SO THEY CHECKED THE ALIGNMENT & MEASURED THE AFOREMENTIONED HUB/TIRE/FENDER DISTANCES. THEY ACKNOWLEDGED A DISCREPANCY BETWEEN THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE; SAID THEY WOULD CONTACT SUBARU OF AMERICA (SOA) AND FOLLOW UP... UNFORTUNATELY I HAD TO CONTACT THEM BACK... THEN IT WAS SUGGESTED I CONTACT SOA MYSELF SO I DID ON JANUARY 8, 2013. AT THIS TIME SOA NOR THE DEALERSHIP IS WILLING TO ADDRESS MY PROBLEM HOWEVER MANY PEOPLE IN THE WWW.SUBARUOUTBACK.ORG FORUM ARE DESCRIBING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. [XXX] FROM SOA HAS TOLD ME THEY ARE WAITING FOR SOMETHING BUT IT IS NOT CLEAR... IN THE MEANTIME I CONTINUE TO DRIVE MY 3 YEAR OLD SON AND WIFE IN A CAR WHOSE TIRE IMPACTS THE BODY OF THE CAR!! THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE!! PLEASE HELP ME! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). 8TR
Steering, Jan 9, 2013
OUR COMPLAINT IS THAT THIS 2013 OUTBACK SUBARU CONTINUES TO DRIFT. IT DOES NOT JUST DRIFT ONE WAY. YOU ARE CONSTANTLY CORRECTING TO KEEP IT IN THE CENTER OF THE ROAD. THE FIRST TIME WE COMPLAINED THEY DID AN ALIGNMENT. THAT DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. WE THEN ASK IF THEY CHECK THE TIRES. THEY CLAIMED THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH THEIRS BUT THEY LOWERED THE AIR PRESSURE AND THAT MADE IT WORSE. TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND HAD THEM INCREASE THE AIR PRESSURE. THE SERVICE MANAGER KEEPS TELLING US THERE IS NO MECHANICAL ISSUES. YOU CANNOT RELAX DRIVING THIS CAR. I HOPE I NEVER HAVE TO DRIVE IT IN A SNOW STORM BECAUSE OF THE LACK OF THE STEERING CONTROL. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Service brakes, Nov 25, 2012
MADE A TURN AND WAS HALFWAY DOWN THE BLOCK GOING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH WHEN THE ENGINE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. THE INSTRUMENT GAUGE LIT UP WITH ALL SORTS OF ANNUNCIATORS. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO A SAFE LOCATION AND PARK. THE FOLLOWING ANNUNCIATORS WERE FLASHING; AT OIL TEMP, CRUISE CONTROL INDICATOR, AND THE BRAKE LIGHT. THE FOLLOWING ANNUNCIATORS WERE LIT SOLID; CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT /MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT AND THE VEHICLE DYNAMICS CONTROL WARNING LIGHT. TURNED OFF VEHICLE. WAITED. TURNED ENGINE ON AND THE ANNUNCIATORS WERE STILL PRESENT AND THE INSTRUMENT GAUGE REMAINED UNCHANGED. *TR
Steering, Nov 6, 2012
DRIVING 55-60 MPH CAR CONTINUALLY "DRIFTED" OFF OF CENTER WHEN DRIVING, MOST NOTICEABLE ON A STRAIGHT STRETCH OF ROAD. CONSTANT CORRECTION AND RECORRECTION NEEDED TO KEEP VEHICLE IN ITS OWN DRIVING LANE. DEALER INSPECTED VEHICLE AND CLAIMED THERE ARE NO MECHANICAL ISSUES HOWEVER MANY ONLINE COMPLAINTS EXIST ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. I TOOK A BIG LOSS BUT I IMMEDIATELY TRADED THIS BRAND NEW CAR IN - I WAS TERRIFIED TO DRIVE IT AND CONSIDER THIS LACK OF STEERING CONTROL WILL GET SOMEONE KILLED. *TR
Power train, Oct 25, 2012
I BOUGHT A SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5 LIMITED ON 9/29/12. THERE HAS BEEN INTERMITTENT CLICKING NOISES DURING ACCELERATION AND WHEN TAKING FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL, USUALLY WHEN NEAR OR ABOVE 38 MILES PER HOUR. THE CLICKING NOISES RANGE FOR LOW TO LOUD. MY CAR HAS NOW BEEN IN THE DEALER FOR OVER 1 WEEK. THE FIRST TIME I TOOK IT IN THEY SAID IT WAS DUE TO A LOOSE PANEL BEHIND THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT AND THEY "SCREWED" IT IN PLACE. THE SAME NOISE CONTINUED TO OCCUR WITHOUT IMPROVEMENT. I THEN WENT ON RIDE WITH THE SERVICE CLERK AND HE THOUGHT HE HEARD IT WHEN HE WAS DRIVING BUT NOT WHEN HE WAS A PASSENGER. THEN I LEFT THE CAR WITH THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE AND THE SERVICE MANAGER DROVE IT TODAY AND DENIES HE HEARS ANY ABNORMAL NOISES. EVEN BEFORE THE SERVICE MANAGER DROVE THE CAR, HE SAID HE SPOKE TO THEIR CORPORATE TECHNICIAN AND WAS TOLD IT WAS LIKELY JUST A NORMAL CVT NOISE, ESSENTIALLY DISMISSING MY CONCERN. SO I WASN'T SURPRISED WHEN HE DENIED HEARING IT. NOW THE GENERAL MANAGER IS TAKING MY CAR HOME FOR A TEST DRIVE TODAY. I AM GOING TO RECORD THE NOISE FOR THEM AND THEIR CORPORATE AND AN ATTORNEY IF THEY STILL DENY HEARING IT. *TR