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.
Electrical system, Oct 25, 2017
ELDERLY WOMAN NEARLY RAN US OFF THE ROAD. HORN WOULDN'T WORK. BARELY AVOIDED CRASH. RELIABLE SUBARU IN SPRINGFIELD, MO CHARGED US $117 FOR DIAGNOSTIC AND DIDN'T FIX: NO PART ON HAND. IF I HAD OKAYED, IT WOULD HAVE COST ANOTHER $548 TO REPAIR, TOTAL OF $665 TO FIX WHAT I REGARD AS A SAFETY ISSUE. ART FLETCHER SUBARU IN JOPLIN, MO REPAIRED FOR $237. MY OPINION: THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT SUBARU SHOULD PAY FOR. HORN PROBLEMS WITH SUBARU ARE COMMONPLACE.
Power train, Oct 9, 2017
WHILE DRIVING AT VERY LOW SPEEDS BETWEEN 10-20 MPH, USUALLY IN FRONT OF A SCHOOL IN SESSION, THE SPEED SURGES FROM THE CURRENT SPEED TO A LOWER SPEED BACK TO THE SAME SPEED. IT IS NOT CONSISTENT BUT IT OCCURS AT LEAST 3-5 TIMES PER WEEK. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR ALMOST A YEAR BUT OVERTIME IT IS TAKEN IN TO THE SUBARU DEALER, THEY ARE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE ISSUE AND ALWAYS STATE THAT THEY HAVE FOUND NOTHING WRONG. AFTER INVESTIGATING ON THE INTERNET CONCERNING THIS ISSUE, OTHER INDIVIDUALS HAVE A SIMILAR EXPERIENCE, SOME EVEN WORST AND THEY ALL STATE THAT THE DEALER ALWAYS TELLS THEM THE SAME THING: THEY FIND NO ISSUES.
Power train, Sep 28, 2017
SABARU HAS A PROBLEM WITH THEIR AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS IN 2010 THO 2015 VEHICLES. I HAVE 2013. IT HAS BEEN DETERMINED THAT MY TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACE. I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR OVER A MONTH NOW AND PARTS ( A NEW TRANSMISSION} ARE STILL NOT AVAILABLE. I'M COMPLAINING SO IT IS NOTED THAT SABARU IS DRAGGING THEIR FEET ON GETTING THIS PROBLEM RESOLVED. THE LEAST SABARU COULD DO IS INFORM THE CUSTOMER AS TO A DATE WHEN THE PARTS WILL AVAILABLE. I NEED TO USE THE CAR.
Power train, Aug 29, 2017
VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AT AT A CONSISTENT SPEED OF AROUND 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND SUDDENLY STOPPED. THE GAS PEDAL WAS UNRESPONSIVE AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. HAD TO STOP, PUT THE TRANSMISSION BACK IN PARK, RESTART THE VEHICLE, AT WHICH POINT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO MOVE AGAIN.
Exterior lighting, Aug 29, 2017
VARIOUS EXTERNAL LIGHTS (EIGHT) HAVE NEEDED TO BE REPLACE. CAR HAS ONLY 50K MILES ON IT. UNSAFE TO DRIVE CAR AT NIGHT WHEN ONE OF THE HEADLIGHTS IS NON FUNCTIONAL. FLASHERS NOT FUNCTIONING IS NOT SAFE WHEN MAKING A TURN.
Visibility/wiper, Aug 17, 2017
I HAVE A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK PURCHASED CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED FROM SUBARU DEALERSHIP IN SACRAMENTO IN APRIL 2014. THE FRONT WINDSHIELD HAS CRACKED THREE TIMES IN LESS THAN TWO YEARS. I'VE REPLACED IT TWICE, ALL PAID OUT OF POCKET. WHILE THERE APPEARS TO BE A POINT WHERE THE CRACK STARTS, IF A ROCK OR DEBRIS HIT THE WINDOW IT WASN'T OBSERVED OR HEARD. ALL CRACKS HAVE OCCURRED ON THE OUTSIDE EDGE OF THE WINDOW AND SPLINTER INWARD. HERE IS THE HISTORY OF THE DAMAGE: OCTOBER 8, 2015 - REPLACED CRACKED WINDSHIELD (PD $324.87) JUNE 15, 2016 - REPLACED CRACKED WINDSHIELD (PD $326.80) AUGUST 7, 2017 - NEW CRACK APPEARED WHILE DRIVING OUT OF COSTCO PARKING LOT (BEGAN INVESTIGATING ISSUE) AUGUST 14, 2017 - ANOTHER CRACK APPEARED WHILE LEAVING PUBLIC PARKING LOT IN DOWNTOWN SACRAMENTO I HAVE YET TO REPLACE THE CURRENT DAMAGED WINDSHIELD. I VISITED THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE THIS AFTERNOON AND SPOKE TO THE SERVICE MANAGER. I WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULDN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT AND TO CONTACT THEIR CUSTOMER DEALER SERVICES NUMBER (OFFICE IN NEW JERSEY).
Air bags, Aug 13, 2017, crash
TAKATA RECALL- WE HAD A CAR ACCIDENT 4-4-2016. WE WERE TURNING INTO A PARKING LOT AND ANOTHER CAR DID NOT STOP AT THE STOP LIGHT AND HIT OUR CAR ON THE LEFT SIDE. POLICE WERE CALLED AND A REPORT WAS FILED. OUR AIR BAGS DID NOT OPEN UP.
Power train, Aug 11, 2017
TRANSMISSION BEARING FAILURE AFTER 70,00 MILES
Power train, Engine, Aug 5, 2017
ABOUT EVERY 3,000 MILES, I HAVE REFILL ENGINE OIL TO REQUIRED LEVEL. ALL HAPPENED ON HIGHWAY - THE ENGINE CONSUMES TOO MUCH OIL
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jul 31, 2017
HAVE REPLACED THE LOW BEAM H7 BULB 5 TIMES THIS YEAR AND HAS EVEN BLOW LESS THAN 1 HOUR AFTER FIXED BY A SUBARU DEALERSHIP. TAIL LIGHTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES IN 8 MONTH. HIGH BEAM LIGHTS 3 TIMES IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS. FIXTURES TWICE. CHARRED FROM EXTREME AMP SPIKES IN WIRES. NOW TO TOP IT ALL OFF ENTIRE WIRING HARNESS FOR PASSENGER SIDE IS OUT.
Other or unspecified, Jul 5, 2017
THE LIGHTS ON MY DASH BOARD CAME ON AND STAYED ON. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO SUBARU AND THEY SAID THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEED TO BE REPLACED. ESTIMATE COST FOR PARTS AND LABOR IS $1500.00.
Visibility/wiper, May 27, 2017
WHILE DRIVING THE COVER OF THE SUNGLASS HOLDER POPPED OPEN. THE OUTBACK HAS A SUNGLASS HOLDER LOCATED RIGHT BELOW THE CENTER REAR VIEW MIRROR. THERE ARE TWO TINY CLIPS THAT HOLD THE COVER OF THIS THIS HOLDER CLOSED. THE CLIPS HAVE FAILED AND THE COVER REMAINS OPEN. THIS MAY SEEM LIKE A TRIVIAL PROBLEM, BUT IT OBSTRUCTS PART OF THE MIRROR. THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ON THIS CONDITION. IF YOU DO A GOOGLE SEARCH ON <SUBARU "SUNGLASS HOLDER" PROBLEM>, YOU WILL FIND PAGES OF COMPLAINTS FOR THE OUTBACK, LEGACY AND FORESTER MODELS.I AM NOT SURE WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN I FLIP THE MIRROR TO NIGHT MODE, BUT I THINK IT WILL OBLITERATE THE VIEW ENTIRELY. EXAMPLES CAN BE SEEN AT: HTTP://WWW.SUBARUOUTBACK.ORG/FORUMS/66-PROBLEMS-MAINTENANCE/79345-2013-SUNGLASS-HOLDER-NOT-WORKING.HTML
Seats, May 12, 2017, fire
I TOOK THE CAR INTO DEALERSHIP SERVICE TO REPORT AN ELECTRICAL DRAIN ON THE BATTERY, REQUIRING THE CAR TO BE JUMPED STARTED IF LEFT SEVERAL DAYS PARKED. SERVICE DEPARTMENT TESTED ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND REPLACED THE BATTERY. CAR WAS PARKED IN THEIR LOT FOR SEVERAL HOURS AND ON RETURN THE CAR WAS WAS FOUND TO BE HEAVILY DAMAGED BY SMOKE AND FIRE FROM PASSENGER SEAT. THE CAR WAS TOTALED BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY.
Engine, May 7, 2017
EVER SINCE WE BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE, ABOUT EVERY 2,000 MILES THE ENGINE OIL SEEMS TO VANISH, AND I HAVE TO ADD ABOUT A QUART. I RUN THROUGH ABOUT 7 QUARTS A YEAR. WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR, I ASKED THE DEALER WHY THE OIL DIPSTICK INDICATED THE OIL LEVEL WAS WAY ABOVE THE FULL LEVEL. THE DEALER JUST SAID IT MUST HAVE BEEN FILLED TOO MUCH IN THE LAST OIL CHANGE. I THINK IT WAS OVER FILLED SO I WOULDN'T NOTICE IT LEAKING OUT UNTIL A FEW MONTHS AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR. I HAVE TO KEEP A SPARE QUART IN THE CAR AT ALL TIMES. IF THE DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHT EVER FAILS, I'M WORRIED I COULD SEIZE THE ENGINE.
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 7, 2017
ISSUE: OCCASIONAL NON-RESPONSE WHEN DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR. 1ST OCCURRENCE ABOUT THREE WEEKS AGO HAPPEN WHEN I STOPPED FOR A LIGHT AND THEN ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE. DEPRESSING THE PEDAL HAS NO RESPONSE, ATTEMPTED THIS THREE TIMES. THE RPM GAUGE REFLECTED IT WAS RUNNING. I TURNED ON THE CAR AND STARTED IT AGAIN AND IT WORKED. 2ND OCCURRENCE HAPPENED AGAIN AFTER A STOP. SAME AS ABOVE. 3RD OCCURRENCE MAY 6 2017 RETURNING FROM BWI IN BALTIMORE ON THE INTERSTATE, I WAS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. I HAD TO SLOW QUICKLY FOR A TRUCK AND THEN SAW AN OPENING IN THE LEFT LANE AND PULLED OUT INTO THE LEFT LANE AND ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE WITH NO RESPONSE. A CAR MOVING FAST IN THE LEFT LANE ALMOST HIT ME SINCE I COULD NOT ACCELERATE. I PUMPED THE ACCELERATOR TWICE AND IT THEN ACCELERATED. 4TH OCCURRENCE MAY 6TH 2017 DEPARTING A PARKING LOT I WAS MOVING SLOWLY THEN ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE AND EXPERIENCED A DELAYED RESPONSE. PUMPED THE PEDAL TWICE TO GET THE RESPONSE. WENT TO A SUBARU DEALER AFTER THE FIRST TWO OCCURRENCES AND THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM. THE DEALER CALLED AGAIN AND REQUESTED WE BRING THE CAR IN AGAIN APRIL11TH. A WEB SEARCH REVEALED ABOUT 24 OTHER LIKE OCCURRENCES WITH OUTBACK ABOUT THE SAME YEAR AND MAKE.
Exterior lighting, Apr 5, 2017
EXCESSIVE HEADLIGHT BULB FAILURE. REPLACEMENT OF BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES ON A MORE THAN ACCEPTABLE FREQUENCY. THIS HAS BEEN REPORTED TO DEALERSHIP VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED FROM NEW. BULBS HAVE BEEN REPLACED BY THEM AND ALSO BY MYSELF NUMEROUS TIMES SINCE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED OCTOBER 2012.
Other or unspecified, Mar 8, 2017
I HAVE ONE OF THE SURRAUS THAT HAVE THE OIL CONSUMPION PROBLEM. HAVE HAD 2 OIL CONSUMPION TEST AT 2 DIFFERENT SUBARU DEALERS AND HAVE PROVED THAT THEY OVERFILLED THE OIL INTO MY CAR. HOW DO I GET A FAIR TEST. WHY ISN'T THIS PROBLEM A SAFETY RECALL? THE PROBLEM AFFECTS THE OIL RINGS, PISTONS AND SMALL BLOCK OF ENGINE. OIL IS BEING WASTED FROM THIS PROBLEM ACROSS THE US. MY CAR LOSS SO MUCH VALUE BECAUSE OF THIS I CAN'T SELL IT. PROBLEM WILL IN TIME CAUSE PROBLEMS WHEN DRIVING. HELP
Exterior lighting, Mar 6, 2017
SINCE OWNING THIS VEHICLE, I HAVE REPLACED THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS FIVE TIMES, HIGH BEAMS THREE TIMES, FRONT RUNNING LIGHTS FOUR TIMES, REAR BRAKE LIGHTS TWICE, AND REAR RUNNING LIGHTS FIVE TIMES. SUBARU HAS OFFERED TO REIMBURSE ME FOR THE LIGHTS, BY SENDING THEM THE RECEIPTS. ALTHOUGH THIS IS ADMIRABLE, I'M WORRIED ABOUT ELECTRICAL FAILURES AND SMALL FIRES FROM SHORT CIRCUITS.
Visibility/wiper, Feb 1, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V694000 (VISIBILITY) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Power train, Jan 25, 2017
ON 11/24/16 WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, (60- 65 MPH), ON THE PA.TURNPIKE MY 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5I, WITH THE CVT TRANSMISSION AND 94,000 MILES ON THE CAR, SUFFERED A CATASTROPHIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE. WITH NO WARNING, OTHER THAN SOMEWHAT HIGHER THAN NORMAL ENGINE RPMS, THE TRANSMISSION, WITH VERY LOUD NOISES AND SHAKING THE CAR, ALL 4 WHEELS LOCKED UP. THIS RESULTED IN THE CAR SKIDDING SOMEWHERE BETWEEN 200 AND 300 FEET. JUST BEFORE THE CAR STOPPED SKIDDING, THERE WAS ONE LAST LOUD BANG/CLANGING/ SHAKING OF THE CAR. WE WERE EXTREMELY FORTUNATE IN THAT THERE WAS LITTLE TRAFFIC AT THE TIME, AND WE AVOIDED ANY COLLISION DAMAGE OR PERSONAL INJURIES. THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED OFF THE HIGHWAY. WHILE BEING LOADED ONTO THE FLATBED TRUCK, THE FRONT WHEELS WERE LOCKED UP, WHILE THE REAR WHEELS WERE TURNING. THIS WAS WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING, AND THE TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL. I HAD TO HAVE MY CAR TOWED 300 MILES BACK HOME TO A LOCAL SUBARU DEALERSHIP. ( NOT WHERE I HAD PURCHASED THE CAR NEW) THE INITIAL DIAGNOSIS FROM THE DEALER WAS THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID HAD BEEN CONTAMINATED BY GEAR LUBE. THEY BASED THIS ON A VISUAL EXAMINATION OF THE CVT FLUID FROM MY CAR. THIS WAS DISPROVED BY MY HAVING THE CVT FLUID ANALYZED BY AN INDEPENDENT LAB. THEIR CONCLUSIONS WERE THAT THE FLUID HAD BEEN SEVERELY OVERHEATED, AND THE VISCOSITY CHANGED TO WHERE IT NO LONGER PROVIDED PROPER LUBRICATION AS OF 1/24/17, SUBARU OF AMERICA,(CORPORATE OFFICES) HAS DENIED MY CLAIM OF A DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION, AND WILL NOT ASSIST ME WITH ANY REPAIR COSTS, OR REPLACEMENT. THE LOCAL DEALER AND SERVICE DEPARTMENT ARE STILL AMAZED WITH WHAT HAPPENED, AND THE RESULTS OF THE CVT FLUID REPORT. THEY HAVE NOT HEARD OF THIS TYPE OF FAILURE VERY OFTEN. *TR
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 17, 2017
ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE STALLED, AS IN THE ENGINE DIED. THIS IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. USUALLY IT HAPPENS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED, THE ENGINE WILL DIE, THIS WILL HAPPEN 2-3 TIMES ON EACH OCCURRENCE. IT DOES EVENTUALLY START AND RUN CORRECTLY. A SIMILAR ISSUE OCCURS WHEN COMING TO A STOP. THE ENGINE WILL "FLUTTER" ALMOST DIE AND THEN RESUME NORMAL OPERATION. SO FAR IT HAS NOT LEFT US STRANDED, HOWEVER, I AM CONCERNED AS TO WHAT THE PROBLEM MIGHT BE AND AT WHAT POINT WILL IT STALL AND NOT START AGAIN. I PLAN ON TAKING IT TO MY DEALERSHIP AND HAVE THEM LOOK AT IT, HOWEVER, THE ENGINE LIGHT HAS NOT COME ON SO I DON'T EXPECT THE COMPUTER HAS STORED ANY CODES FOR THE MECHANIC TO BE ABLE TO TROUBLESHOOT.
Suspension, Power train, Dec 28, 2016
EXCESSIVE OIL USAGE, REGULARLY OCCURS WITHIN 6000 MILES OF OIL CHANGE BURNS ONE QUART OF SYNTHETIC ENGINE OIL. ALSO NOTE BUSHING IN DRIVERS SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM HAS FAILED AS OF 50,000.
Visibility/wiper, Dec 7, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHEN THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE ACTIVATED, THE WIPERS FAILED TO OPERATE. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V694000 (VISIBILITY). THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 45,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Engine, Sep 22, 2016
2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEMS AFTER REPLACEMENT OF OIL SENDING UNIT. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE WAS EXPERIENCING EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION, BEFORE THE OIL SENDING UNIT WAS REPLACED. OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS, THE OIL LIGHT ILLUMINATED AT AN INCREASING RATE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER ATTEMPTED TO MASK THE PROBLEM BY OVER-FILLING THE RESERVOIR, TELLING THE AMOUNT OF OIL CONSUMER WAS NORMAL, ETC.*JB
Vehicle speed control, Aug 11, 2016
CRUISE CONTROL BUG. IF I DECREASE MY SPEED BY 3 OR MORE MPH IN RAPID SUCCESSION, THE CRUISE CONTROL RESETS TO THE ORIGINAL SPEED, I.E. THE CRUISE CONTROL SPEED CHANGES FROM 60 TO 59 TO 58 TO 57 TO 56 TO 60. THIS SEEMS LIKE A DANGEROUS BUG SINCE IT CAUSES UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. I HAVE A VIDEO THAT I CAN SHARE FOR DOCUMENTATION.