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.
Air bags, Mar 18, 2019
TAKATA RECALL I RECEIVED NOTICE OF THE RECALL ON 3/15 AND CALLED FOR AN APPOINTMENT TODAY (3/18). I WAS TOLD THE FIRST APPOINTMENT IS 6/11-3 MONTHS OUT. HOW AM I TO DRIVE A VEHICLE WITH MY WIFE AND KIDS IF WE CANNOT USE THE PASSENGER SEAT FOR 3 MONTHS-ABSURD. THE NOTICE SAYS HOW DANGEROUS IT COULD BE IF THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG INFLATES- WHAT DOES SUBARU EXPECT ITS OWNERS TO DO FOR 3 MONTHS WHILE WE WAIT? MY DEALER IS (XXXX) IN MADISON WI. (XXXXX) PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Air bags, Mar 18, 2019
TAKATA RECALL RECEIVED NOTICE OF THIS RECALL ON MARCH 16. CONTACTED SELLING DEALER (LOU FUSZ SUBARU, ST. PETERS, MO) ON MARCH 18 AND THE SOONEST DEALER WOULD SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR IS ON JUNE 12. A WAIT OF THREE MONTHS IS NOT A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME TO PERFORM THIS RECALL REPAIR.
Air bags, Mar 18, 2019
"TAKATA RECALL" CALLED DEALER-(GUSTMAN SUBARU, APPLETON, WI) TRIED TO MAKE EARLY APPOINTMENT TO REPLACE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG. DEALER IS SWAMPED AND MY SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT IS FOR SEPTEMBER 25, 2019, WHICH IS A LONG WAY OFF FROM TODAY MARCH 18, 2019. WANT TO MAKE SURE SOMEONE KNOWS ABOUT THE DELAY IF SOMETHING HAPPENS TO ME OR MY FAMILY. CONSIDER THIS SITUATION UNACCEPTABLE!!!!!
Air bags, Mar 18, 2019
WE GOT A RECALL NOTICE ON FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2018 CONCERNING THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG THAT SAID NO ONE SHOULD RIDE IN THAT SEAT UNTIL FIXED. WE IMMEDIATELY CALLLED FITGERALD SUBARU IN ROCKVILLE AND WERE TOLD THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE PROPER PARTS AND WE COULD NOT SCHEDULE A TIME UNTIL MAY! THIS IS ABSURD TO ISSUE A SAFETY RECALL AND NOT BE ABLE TO FIX IT. RECALL NOTICE TXB18; NHTSA ID: 19V008
Air bags, Mar 16, 2019
TAKATA RECALL - RECEIVED LETTER FOR RECALL ON MARCH 15, 2019. CALLED SAME DAY TO LOCAL DEALER - WILDE SUBARU IN WAUKESHA, WI. WAS TOLD THAT THE EARLIEST APPOINTMENT THAT THEY HAVE TO REMEDY THIS RECALL IS JULY 25, 2019. I DO NOT FEEL THAT THIS IS TIMELY AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT CAN BE DONE TO REMEDY SOONER.
Power train, Mar 15, 2019
MY CAR HAS BEEN CONSUMING OIL TO THE POINT WHERE IT HAS A D MINUS ACCORDING TO THE DEALERSHIP BUT HAS NOT FIXED THE PROBLEM AND IT KEEPS HAPPENING. THE FIRST TIME THEY SAID IT WAS ALMOST AN F. I HAVE ABOUT 3000 MILES ON IT WHEN IT NEEDS OIL .
Power train, Service brakes, Mar 15, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE BRAKES SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. LAST WEEK, THE TRANSMISSION SEIZED WHILE IN TRAFFIC ON THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE. ON BOTH OCCASIONS, THE CONTACT HAD TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER TO PREVENT A CRASH. THE TRANSMISSION WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED THREE TIMES TO MARIN SUBARU (595 FRANCISCO BLVD E, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901, (415) 454-9240) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A NEW TRANSMISSION WAS NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FIVE ADDITIONAL TIMES, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 250,000.
Power train, Electronic stability control (ESC), Mar 14, 2019
LOUD NOISE WHEN MAKING A SHARP TURN DOWN HILL TO THE RIGHT. ALSO TRACTION CONTROL/CVT FAILS ON WET SURFACE OR SNOW.
Air bags, Mar 13, 2019
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V009000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. BURLINGTON SUBARU (351 SHELBURNE RD, BURLINGTON, VT 05401) CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE AT LEAST UNTIL JUNE OF 2019 TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Power train, Mar 4, 2019
AT 107K MILES MY TRANSMISSION FAILED. ONLY CERTAIN VIN #'S ARE RECALLED. MINE NOT BEING ONE OF THEM. ALTHOUGH THERE IS A KNOWN TRANSMISSION PROBLEM WITH 2013 SUBARU OUTBACKS. I HAVE TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION.
Other or unspecified, Mar 2, 2019
I HAVE NOTICED MANY COMPLAINTS AND PERSONALLY HAVE, S NON WORKING HORN AND S NON OPENING GAS COMPARTMENT IN MY SUBARU. I BELIEVE THE NON FUNCTIONING HORN PRESENTS A SAFETY HAZARD IN ALL THE SUBARU MODELS WHO HAVE IT/ WHICH THROUGH RESEARCH ARE MANY. NO CONSUMER SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO CORRECT A DEFECT THST IS IN FACT PRESENT IN SUBARU VEHICLES THROUGH NO EAR AND REAR OR CAUSE OF THE CONSUMER. I EXPECT THIS TO BE REPAIRED VIA RECALL . ALSO IT IS KNOWN THAT THE GAS COMPARTMENT DOES NOT OPEN IN VEHICLES AS WELL- THROUGH NO CAUSE BY THE CONSUMER.
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.
Power train, Feb 14, 2019
THE TRANSMISSION JERKS AND STUTTERS AND WHILE IN TRAFFIC THE CAR LOST POWER FOR APPROXIMATELY 5 SECONDS AND I WAS ALMOST HIT. IT HAPPENS AT LOW AND HIGH SPEEDS. IT HAS HAPPENED ON CITY STREETS AND THE LATEST WAS ON THE HIGHWAY. I HAVE ALSO HAD IT STALL COMPLETELY AT LOW SPEEDS. I'VE HAD IT IN THE DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES AND THEY SAY THEY CAN'T REPLICATE IT. I HAVE HAD THE TRANSMISSION FLUSHED. IT STILL CONTINUES. IT FEELS UNSAFE TO DRIVE.
Structure, Feb 9, 2019
DRIVER'S DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE DURING SUB-FREEZING TEMPERATURES. FRONT PASSENGER DOOR AND REAR DOORS ARE NOT AFFECTED AND OPERATE AS DESIGNED. THE DANGER, OF COURSE, IS NOT BEING ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE WHEN SAFETY REQUIRES AN EXIT. CYCLING THE POWER LOCKS DOES NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. HAVE NOT TRIED THE BACK-UP METAL KEY THAT FITS THE EXTERIOR LOCK ONLY. DRIVER'S DOOR WILL EITHER NOT OPEN AT ALL OR MAY OPEN ONLY 3" OR SO. IF IT DOES OPEN 3", THEN REPEATED ATTEMPTS MAY CAUSE IT TO FULLY OPEN.
Parking brake, Feb 4, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER FAILED TO PROVIDE THE PART WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V626000 (PARKING BRAKE). THE CONTACT HAD BEEN WAITING OVER THREE MONTHS FOR THE PART. THE RECALL LETTER STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. GROOVE SUBARU (5300 S BROADWAY, ENGLEWOOD, CO 80113, (720) 279-9409) AND THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT KNOW WHEN THE PART WOULD BE AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT WAS WAITING ON THE MANUFACTURER TO DETERMINE A SOLUTION AND PROVIDE THE PART. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Power train, Jan 17, 2019
I WAS DRIVING EARLY IN THE MORNING WHEN THE CAR, A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK, STARTED TO ACT UNPREDICTABLY;REVVING AND JUMPY. I WAS SCARED TO CONTINUE DRIVING IT IN THAT STATE AND PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT. IT SEEMED CLEAR IT WOULD NOT MAKE IT UP THE 8 % GRADE HILL THAT WAS 1/4 MILE OR SO FURTHER DOWN THE ROAD. I HAD TO BE TOWED OUT OF THE LOT TO THE LOCAL SUBARU DEALER. I UNDERSTAND SUCH TOTAL FAILURE TRANSMISSION EVENTS ARE A KNOWN SUBARU ISSUE FOR MY MODEL AND YEAR. I AM VERY UPSET THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL AND NOW SUBARU IS SAYING THEIR VOLUNTARY EXTENSION OF THE WARRANTY EXPIRED AND THEY WON'T PAY FOR THE NEW TRANSMISSION. THEY HAVE OFFERED $2500 IN A GESTURE OF GOOD WILL, BUT THAT WILL NOT COME CLOSE TO COVERING THE COST OF REPLACING THIS DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION. SUBARU SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL FOR THESE DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSIONS THAT WERE INCLUDED IN THE "CUSTOMER SATISFACTION" EXTENDED WARRANTY BEFORE SOMETHING DISASTROUS OCCURS.
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
Power train, Jan 3, 2019
GRINDING COMING FROM TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE STALLS OR DELAYS IN THE TRANSMISSION WHEN TAKING OFF FROM STOPS. IN ONE PARTICULAR INSTANCE, THE CAR HAD SUCH A DELAY IN HEAVY TRAFFIC THAT WE COULD HAVE HAD AN SERIOUS ACCIDENT IF HUSBAND HAD NOT PULLED OVER TO GET OUT OF THE WAY. ANOTHER TIME IT DELAYED FOR OVER 20 SECONDS AT A STOP LIGHT AND SOMEONE NEARLY REAR ENDED US. 2 SEPARATE TECHNICIANS FROM TWO SEPARATE DEALERSHIPS RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT OF TRANSMISSION. DURING THEIR TEST DRIVE BOTH FELT A SHUDDER AROUND 25 MPH AND REPORTED A NOISY TRANSMISSION. OTHER DIAGNOSIS WAS PERFORMED FINDING NO OTHER ISSUES. THE ISSUE STARTED 120,000 MILES BUT TECHNICIAN SEEN UNIT AT 128,572 MILES IN WHICH HE STATED REPAIRS FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION WOULD BE BETWEEN 8,000 AND 10,000. THIS IS OUR MAIN VEHICLE AND IS UNSAFE AND UNRELIABLE TO CONTINUE TO USE.
Service brakes, Dec 28, 2018
WAS DRIVING SOUTH ON I-5 NEAR ORLAND, CA ON 12/26/18 WHEN MY OUTBACK BEGAN SHAKING AND ATTEMPTING TO "BRAKE" (I WAS DOING BETWEEN 65 - 70 MPH). I LOOKED DOWN AND THE PARKING BRAKE SIGNAL WAS ILLUMINATED. (I HAD NOT ENGAGED THE BRAKE.) I WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I DISENGAGED THE BRAKE AND RESUMED. IT HAPPENED AGAIN. I PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND CALLED MY SUBARU DEALERSHIP, CARLSEN SUBARU, REDWOOD CITY, CA. I DISENGAGED THE BRAKE -- BUT THE BRAKE KEPT TRYING TO RE-ENGAGE. I COULD DRIVE BUT ONLY HAVE CONSISTENTLY AND CONSTANTLY MAKING SURE THE BRAKE WAS NOT ENGAGED. THE BRAKE LIGHT WOULD FLASH ON AND OFF PERIODICALLY. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP ON 12/27/18. AS SUSPECTED, THE DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS THE PARKING BRAKE MODULE. THE CHARGE WAS $185 FOR DIAGNOSIS AND ANOTHER ESTIMATED $1,250 FOR THE REPAIR. (SEE ATTACHED DIAGNOSTIC/ESTIMATE) ONE OF THE SERVICE TECHNICIANS GAVE ME THE NATIONAL SUBARU CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER -- I CALLED AND ALERTED THEM. THEY ARE INVESTIGATING. HOWEVER, LATER THAT EVENING I DISCOVERED SUBARU HAS RECALLED 27,000 2010-2014 OUTBACKS & LEGACYS WITH FAILING PARKING BRAKES. THE SUBARU RECALL IS OFFERING REPLACEMENT OR EXTENDED WARRANTY PROVISIONS DEPENDING ON WHETHER THE CAR IS MANUAL OR AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (WITH AFFECTED VIN NUMBERS). (RECALL BEGAN IN OCT 2018. I HAVE RECEIVED NO NOTIFICATION.) THE NATIONAL SUBARU REPRESENTATIVE MADE NO MENTION OF THE CURRENT RECALL TO ME. I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN THIS MORNING (12/28/18)--GOT A COPY OF THE DIAGNOSIS/ESTIMATE. THE SERVICE TECHNICIANS DO NOT SEE THE RECALL IN THEIR SYSTEM WITH MY VIN NUMBER. THIS APPEARS TO BE A SIMILAR ISSUE TO OTHERS REPORTED IN THE RECALL -- SUBARU SHOULD LOOK CAREFULLY AT OTHER VEHICLES WITHIN THOSE SAME YEAR/MODEL RANGES. I FEEL THE CAR MAY BE DANGEROUS TO DRIVE.
Power train, Nov 30, 2018
NOISE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH VEHICLE WHEN ACCELERATING THAT I NOTICED IN FEB 2017. TOOK THE CAR IN TO SUBARU DEALER AND ALL THEY DID WAS REPLACE THE DIFFERENTIAL FLUID AND SAID "NOISE WILL GO AWAY WITH TIME." LIKE ANY CAR ISSUE, IT DID NOT GO AWAY ON ITS OWN. OCT 2018 TOOK THE CAR IN TO LOCAL MECHANIC AND THEY SAID IT NEEDED A NEW CVT TRANSMISSION. ALSO SAID THAT MY CAR COULD STALL AT ANY TIME SO I DID NOT DRIVE IT. TOOK IT TO SUBARU FOR A SECOND OPINION AND THEY AGREED, NEW CVT TRANSMISSION. THEY ALSO INFORMED ME THAT THERE WAS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THE TRANSMISSION THAT ENDED JULY 2018, BUT I WAS NEVER INFORMED OF THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. SUBARU OFFERED TO PAY 50% OF A $10,000 REPAIR SO WE PAID $5,000. STILL A VERY UNACCEPTABLE AMOUNT OF MONEY FOR A CAR ONLY WORTH $10,000. THIS PART SHOULD BE RECALLED AS IT CAN CAUSE STALLING AT ANY TIME. VERY DISAPPOINTED IN SUBARU AT THIS TIME.
Power train, Nov 29, 2018
FOR SEVERAL MONTHS, SUBARU OF AMERICA WAS MADE AWARE OF OUR VEHICLE'S DANGEROUS PERFORMANCE. STALLING WHILE COMING TO A STOP, TURNING AS WELL AS A NOTICEABLE WHINING NOISE FROM THE CVT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN INTO GILLMAN SUBARU SW DUE TO THESE ISSUES IN JULY, 2018, BEFORE THE END OF THE "EXTENDED WARRANTY". THE VEHICLE WAS MISDIAGNOSED AS HAVING BAD WHEEL BEARINGS AND POSSIBLY BAD SPARK PLUGS. BOTH ENDED UP TURNING OUT TO BE WRONG. WHEEL BEARINGS WERE CHANGED, SPARK PLUGS AS WELL. IN EFFECT, THE DEALERSHIP STALLED AND SOA EFFECTIVELY TOOK ADVANTAGE OF THIS TO DENY THE CLAIM. SHOULD THE NHTSA CARE TO HAVE AUDIO RECORDINGS OF VARIOUS CALLS THAT DEMONSTRATE THIS, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US. WE ARE NOW FORCED TO SEEK LEGAL RECOURSE AS SOA HAS DECIDED TO ACT IN BAD FAITH WITH A VERY DANGEROUS SYMPTOM. A RECALL, THAT FORCES THE MANUFACTURER TO ACT IN GOOD FAITH IS NEEDED. WE'RE FORTUNATE TO HAVE RECORDED CONVERSATIONS, TEXTS, E-MAILS THAT HOPEFULLY WILL SERVE US WELL. HOWEVER, THE IDEA THAT LEGAL RECOURSE IS REQUIRED IN AN EFFORT TO MOTIVATE OR FORCE A MANUFACTURER TO PERFORM IN GOOD FAITH IS UNREASONABLE AND ENTIRELY UNSAFE. HOW MANY OTHERS DO NOT HAVE THE PERTINENT CONVERSATIONS ON TAPE? A RECALL IS WARRANTED. AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION THAT DIES WHILE TURNING NEED NOT BE THE STANDARD OF WHAT'S APPROPRIATE ON THE ROAD.
Engine, Nov 28, 2018
LEAKING SEAL ON ENGINE
Engine, Nov 8, 2018
THE ENGINE MAKES A PINGING TYPE NOISE WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIX. I GUESSING ITS A POSSIBLE BAD VALVE SPRING.
Power train, Oct 16, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND VIBRATED. NUMEROUS UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. PERIODICALLY, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Power train, Oct 15, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL FOUR WHEELS SEIZED INTERMITTENTLY AND THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD GRINDING NOISE PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. SENDELL SUBARU (5085 US-30, GREENSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA 15601, (724) 837-1600) REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED THE CONTACT WITH CASE NUMBER: SR#: 1-35673914925. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 119,000.