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.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 15, 2016, crash
ON A CLEAR DRY MORNING I PULLED INTO A PARKING SPACE ON A SLIGHT INCLINE IN FRONT OF A BRICK OFFICE BUILDING. WHEN I RELEASED THE SERVICE BRAKE (HAVING REACHED THE END OF THE PARKING SPACE) THE CAR BOLTED FORWARD, JUMPED THE CURB, CROSSED A SIDEWALK, WENT THRU SHRUBS, AND HIT THE BRICK WALL, CAUSING SEVERE DAMAGE TO THE CAR AND BUILDING. THE DISTANCE TRAVELED WAS ABOUT 10 FEET.
Engine, Jun 14, 2016
VIN: [XXX] YEAR: 2013 VEHICLE: OUTBACK MODEL: 2.5I PREMIUM VEHICLE PURCHASE DATE 08/05/2013 AUGUST 2013 (LESS THAN 2500 MILES IN THE CAR) RETURNING FROM A TRIP PEMBROKE PINES, FL TO CLIFTON, NJ TO PEMBROKE PINES, FL. ON RETURNING TRIP SATURDAY, 11:00 AM OR SO. SOUTHBOUND ON I-95 BEFORE JACKSONVILLE, FL, OIL LIGHT TURN ON. SUBARU ROAD ASSISTANCE RECOMMENDED SUBARU OF JACKSONVILLE, FL. WENT THERE AND THEY POUR SOME OIL AND SAID EVERYTHING WAS FINE. AUGUST 31ST, 2015, STARTED TO TRAVEL TO JACKSONVILLE, TALLAHASSEE AND GAINESVILLE, FL. MORE THAN 3 SIMILAR INCIDENTS IN 2015. JANUARY 2016 SITUATION INCREASES. BETWEEN DEC 2015 AND JAN 2016, CAR REPEATED THE LOW OIL LEVEL SITUATION 3 TIMES. JAN 25, 2016, SUBARU OF JAX RAN A 1200 MILES OIL CONSUMPTION TEST. RESULT WAS NEGATIVE. MISSING OIL WAS BETWEEN SUBARU STANDARDS. WEEKEND ON FRI, 04/08/2016 7:30 PM, DRIVING FROM JAX TO PEMBROKE PINES, FL, LOW OIL LEVEL LIGHT CAME BACK ON. TRIED TO RESET IT SEVERAL TIMES, TURNING THE CAR OFF AND ON. ONLY BY FORT LAUDERDALE LIGHT WENT OFF COMPLETELY. OIL LEVEL CHECKED NEXT DAY 04/09/2016. OIL MISSING ON THE STICK. 2/3 OF QTR. OIL ADDED. MON, 04/11/2016, VISITED SUBARU OF JAX AND REGISTER THE OCCURRENCE. FRI, 05/06/ 2016, FROM JAX TO PEMBROKE PINES, FL AND BACK ON SUN, 05/08/2016. LOW OIL LEVEL LIGHT CAME ON SEVERAL TIMES. NEXT GAS STATION, PURCHASED MOST COMPATIBLE FULL SYNTHETIC QUARTER OIL AND POUR HALF OF THE BOTTLE. LIGHT WENT OFF FOR THE REST OF TRIP. THU, 05/12/2016, WENT TO SUBARU OF JAX TO REPORT PROBLEM EXPERIENCED AND TO MAKE OIL CHANGE AT 49,702 MILES. AGREED WITH SERVICE MANAGER TO USE OIL WITH MORE VISCOSITY, 5W30 INSTEAD OF SUBARU RECOMMENDED 0W20. THEY CHECK OIL LEVEL AND DETERMINE THAT 3/4 OF A QUARTER OF OIL WAS MISSING. SO WE ARE TALKING OF QUARTER OR MORE OF TOTAL OIL MISSING BETWEEN OIL CHANGES. I DIDN'T LIKE THAT. 'INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Visibility/wiper, May 23, 2016, fire
2013 SUBARU OUTBACK FRONT WIPER MOTOR CAUGHT FIRE WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. JUST PRIOR TO FIRE, WIPERS HAD BEEN ACTIVATED BUT WOULD NOT RETURN TO HOME OR STOP WHEN TURNED TO OFF POSITION. VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW IN OCTOBER 2012. ROOT CAUSE OF WIPER MOTOR AS DETERMINED BY SUBARU DEALER SHOP. SUBARU CLAIMS THIS IS UNRELATED TO PRIOR RECALL FOR WIPER MOTORS WVW32 WHICH HAD BEEN EXTENDED TO 2012 MODELS.
Electrical system, May 20, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION, THE CHECK ENGINE, ABS, AND OIL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS A LOCKED UP DUTY SOLENOID CIRCUIT FAILURE. THE PART NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 108,610.
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Apr 29, 2016
THIS VEHICLE HAS SEVERAL ISSUES. I HAD AN OIL CHANGE AND WITHIN 1 WEEK THEY HAD TO ADD 1.3 QUARTS. CAR HAD 23,767 MILES. IN JUST OVER A MONTH I HAVE HAD TO ADD ALMOST 4 QUARTS OF SYNTHETIC OIL AND SPENT CLOSE TO $100 FOR THE OIL. THE CAR IS AN AUTOMATIC WITH A MANUAL OPTION AND I AM ALSO HAVEING PROBLEMS WHERE THE GEARS WON'T CHANGE IN AUTO NOR MANUAL OPERATION. IT REVS THE ENGINE AND I HAVE TO STOP, TURN IT OFF THEN RESTART. IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME BUT THE DEALER SAID THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT..THERE IS ALSO AN ISSUE WITH VIBRATION OF THE STEERING WHEEL ALL THE TIME AND THE BRAKES DON'T WANT TO CATCH ALL THE TIME. SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PUMP THE BRAKES 2 OR 3 TIMES TO GET THEM TO ENGAGE.
Steering, Mar 1, 2016
WE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE 2-7-16 USED WITH 28,000 MILES.WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY OVER 50 VEHICLE WANDERED ALL OVER THE ROAD WE CONSTANTLY HAD TO CORRECT THE STEERING TO KEEP BETWEEN THE WHITE LINES.DEALER SAID THIS WAS THE WAY RACK AND PINION STEALING WORKED.AFTER DOING SOME INVESTIGATION ON YOUR WEB SITE THIS SEEMS TO AFFECT MANY OF THESE VEHICLES.SEEMS THAT SUBARU HAS DENIED ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE 3013 OUTBACK.WE PUT UP WITH THIS PROBLEM FOR TWO WEEKS AND TRADED THIS LEMON IN AT THE SAME DEALER THAT SOLD US THIS JUNK.WE LOST ABOUT 5 K IN THIS TRANSACTION BUT OUR SAFETY IS MUCH MORE INPORTANT THEN THE MONEY.IN 40 YEARS PURCHASING AND DRIVING ALL TYPES OF VEHICLES THIS IS BY FAR THE WORST EVER.WE WILL NEVER LOOK FOR A SUBARU AGAIN. HOPEFULLY OUR GOVERNMENT WILL LOOK INTO THIS SERIOUS SAFETY SITUATION.
Power train, Feb 10, 2016
RANDOMLY, THE FLOOR SHIFT LEVER LOCKS WHILE IN PARK AND I CAN NOT START THE CAR OR TURN THE KEY. I HAVE TO PULL BACK AND FORTH ON THE STEERING WHEEL AND JIGGLE THE SHIFT LEVER UNTIL I AM ABLE TO TURN THE KEY TO START THE CAR. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, I AM STUCK WHERE EVER I HAVE PARKED UNTIL I CAN GET THE KEY TO TURN AND START THE CAR AND SHIFT INTO REVERSE OR DRIVE WHAT EVER THE CASE MAY BE. THERE IS NO TELLING WHEN THIS WILL HAPPEN AS I PARK, JUST RANDOM AND NOTHING SEEMS TO TRIGGER THE LOCKING EVENT.
Visibility/wiper, Feb 2, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE MOON ROOF EXPLODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNDETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATELY MILEAGE WAS 31,000.
Engine, Jan 4, 2016
THIS CAR CONSUMES OIL. IT'S BEEN A CONSISTENT PROBLEM SINCE TURNING 25K, WE HAVE HAD 3 OIL CONSUMPTION TESTS AND SUBARU STATES THAT LOSING BETWEEN 1.1QTS BETWEEN SERVICE INTERVALS IS NORMAL. THIS IS NOT NORMAL. THESE ENGINES ARE FLAWED. NO MODERN CAR SHOULD CONSUME/LOSE OIL. HAVING OWNED A 2009 SUBARU OUTBACK IMPREZA SPORT AND KNOWING OTHERS WITH SUBARU OUTBACKS W/OUT THIS PROBLEM IT IS CLEARLY A MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT SUBARU DOES NOT WANT TO ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR. I URGE THE NHTSA TO INVESTIGATE THESE COMPLAINTS AND FORCE SUBARU TO RECALL THE EFFECTED ENGINES.
Engine, Dec 10, 2015
ENGINE IS BURNING OIL INTO ATMOSPHERE. GETTING LESS THAN 800 MILES BEFORE OIL LIGHT COMES ON. CONSUMES OVER A QUART OF SYNTHETIC MOTOR OIL EVERY TWO WEEKS. SUBARU HAS BEEN REPLACING MOTORS FOR ONLY WHEN PEOPLE COMPLAIN AND ONLY IF THEY ARE IN WARRANTY, I WAS OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY WHEN I EXPERIENCED THIS, THANKFULLY I BOUGHT SOME EXTENDED INSURANCE, HOWEVER THEY ONLY REPLACE THE MOTOR WITH A JUNKYARD MOTOR, WHICH MAY FAIL AGAIN, I ALREADY SUSPECT I AM BURNING OIL AND AM INDEED FACING THE SAME ISSUE AFTER ONLY 4 WEEKS. SUBARU NEEDS TO TAKE OWNERSHIP OF THIS MFGR. DEFECT. THEY ARE POLLUTING THE ATMOSPHERE AND DOING AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE TO RESOLVE. THIS ISSUE APPEARS TO AFFECT A GOOD PORTION OF THESE CARS AS EVIDENCED BY ALL OF THE ONLINE CHATTER ABOUT IT. THEY ARE FULLY AWARE OF THE ISSUE. I ONLY FOUND OUT ABOUT THIS ISSUE UPON NOTICING LACK OF POWER AND HAVING MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACED DUE TO IT BEING CLOGGED. I AM ALREADY NOTICING THIS SAME ISSUE THERE TOO. WHEN I BOUGHT THIS CAR, THE ISSUE WAS ALREADY KNOWN TO SUBARU. YET THEY DID NOT TO RESOLVE THE POLLUTING ISSUE. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS TO PREVENT ANY WORSE DAMAGE TO THE ENVIRONMENT. I AM IN THE PROCESS OF GETTING RID OF THIS VEHICLE, BUT SOMEONE ELSE MAY BE STUCK WITH THE SAME ISSUE. THIS HAPPENS DURING ALL DRIVING SITUATIONS.. EG: HIGHWAY OR ON LOCAL ROADS.
Engine, Dec 3, 2015
SEVERE BURNING OIL ISSUE. RELEASING TOXIC SMOKE INTO ATMOSPHERE. THIS IS A WIDE SPREAD ISSUE WITH SUBARU 2.5 MOTORS. THEY ARE ONLY OFFERING A FIX FOR ANYONE IN WARRANTEE. THIS IS PREVENTING MANY VEHICLES FROM BEING REPAIRED DUE TO COST OF REPAIR. THIS HAPPENS MAINLY ON HIGHWAY DRIVING FOR ME. I HAD MY ENGINE REPLACED OUT OF WARRANTY AND NOW THE JUNKYARD MOTOR THEY GAVE ME IS DOING THE SAME THING. SUBARU NEEDS TO TAKE OWNERSHIP OF THIS ISSUE, AND NEEDS TO FIX ALL OF THESE AFFECTED MOTORS.
Steering, Traction control system, Service brakes, Nov 20, 2015, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLIDE WHILE DRIVING DOWNHILL. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO CONTROL THE STEERING, BUT IT WOULD NOT MOVE. THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND AND STRUCK A DELINEATOR POST, SLID IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION TOWARDS A CONCRETE WALL, AND SUDDENLY STOPPED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,000.
Other or unspecified, Nov 19, 2015
I WAS CHANGING A FLAT TIRE WITH THE JACK PROVIDED BY SUBARU. I WAS ON A FLAT SURFACE ON ASPHALT. THE JACK COLLAPSED UNDER THE WEIGHT OF THE CAR WHILE I WAS CHANGING THE TIRE, CAUSING THE CAR TO CRASH TO THE GROUND. THE JACK COLLAPSED WHEN THE METAL THREADED BAR INT EH MIDDLE OF THE JACK STARTED TO BEND. PLEASE SEE THE PICTURES OF THE JACK AND OF THE SURFACE I WAS ON (IT SHOWS IT WITH THE SPARE TIRE INSTALLED, WHICH WAS DONE ONLY WITH THE HELP OF ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE BECAUSE I NEEDED THEIR JACK TO COMPLETE THE TASK).
Engine, Nov 16, 2015
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ACTIVATED SEVEN TIMES SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THIS SUMMER (2015). LOW ON OIL AT FIRST. DEALER CHANGED PCV VALVE AND TOPPED OFF OIL AT THE TIME OF FIRST ENGINE LIGHT ACTIVATION. NOW, JUST HAD $1200 OF MAINTENANCE ON IT AT DIFFERENT DEALER. INCLUDING CHANGE OF TEMP SENSOR ON NOV 2. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AGAIN TODAY, WITH DIFFICULTY STARTING. DIFFICULTY STARTING WITH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN FOR CHECK ENGINE INDICATIONS FOR LAST MONTH. DEALER IS CONFOUNDED. I AM VERY CONCERNED WITH LESS THAN 71000 MILES. DID PURCHASE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR 80000 MILES. DID HAVE DEALER OF ORIGINAL SALE HAVE HITCH AND REAR VIEW CAMERA INSTALLED PRIOR TO DELIVERY.
Engine, Nov 16, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON OVER TWO OCCASIONS WHERE THE FAILURE WAS ABLE TO BE REPLICATED, BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNDETERMINED. IN ADDITION, THE OIL WARNING LIGHT RANDOMLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE STARTED HESITATING AND, AS THE FAILURE PROGRESSED, CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL SEVERAL TIMES. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO RESTART, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO PROGRESS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
Power train, Nov 12, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO ACCELERATE AND ATTEMPTED TO STALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BURNING EXCESSIVE OIL AND THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE POWER TRAIN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000.
Engine, Oct 20, 2015
SINCE 2013 WE HAVE MADE NUMEROUS TRIPS TO OUR LOCAL SUBARU DEALER COMPLAINING OF 'ENGINE KNOCK'. THE DEALER HAS PROVIDED A WIDE ARRAY OF POTENTIAL 'FIXES' TO STOP THE KNOCKING BUT NONE HAVE WORKED. WE HAVE TRIED EVERYTHING FROM VALVE ADJUSTMENTS TO ADDITIVES TO CHEMICAL 'BATHS' FOR THE ENGINE BUT NOTHING HAS STOPPED THE KNOCKING. MORE THAN ONE SERVICE MANAGER HAS SAID THAT 'KNOCKING' IS NOT GOOD FOR THE ENGINE AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. HOWEVER, FOR ALL THEIR GOOD INTENTIONS THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BE RESOLVED. WHILE WE APPRECIATE THE DEALER'S EFFORTS WE DID NOT PAY CASH (FULL PRICE) TO PURCHASE A VEHICLE THAT DOES NOT PERFORM TO STANDARD. SEEING THAT ALL 'FIXES' BY SUBARU HAVE FAILED WE WOULD LIKE OUR MONEY BACK FOR THE ORIGINAL PURCHASE PRICE OR HAVE THE CAR REPLACED WITH A NEW SUBARU OUTBACK.
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 18, 2015, crash
SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WNED PULLING INTO PARKING SPACE. THE VEHICILE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND RAN INTO STORE FRONT.
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Oct 15, 2015, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE IN THE DRIVEWAY, IT ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING AND CRASHED INTO THE GARAGE DOOR. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES, BUT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000.
Engine, Oct 10, 2015
HAD AN OIL CHANGE DONE AT THE DEALERSHIP IN DANVERS MARCH 2015. IN SEPT. 2015, AFTER TRAVELLING 4,000 MILES, ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. HAD TO ADD 2 QUARTS OF OIL. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THAT WE NEEDED TO ADD OIL BETWEEN SERVICES. ALL SERVICE RECORDS ARE UP TO DATE AND WERE DONE AT THE SAME DEALERSHIP WHERE CAR WAS PURCHASED. THE CAR WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW. AT THIS PRESENT TIME THE CAR HAS ONLY 20,100 MILES. DEALERSHIP KEEPS SAYING THAT THIS IS NORMAL FOR A CAR TO GO THROUGH THIS MUCH OIL. I HAVE HAD FIVE SUBARUS AND NEVER HAVE HAD ONE THAT USED OIL LIKE THIS ONE. THE DAILY DRIVER IS 75 YEARS OLD AND DOES NOT RACE IT OR USE IT AS A TOW VEHICLE (THERE IS NO TOW HITCH). THE ENGINE IS INCREDIBLY ROUGH WHEN STARTING AND CAN HEAR IT IDLING ROUGH AS WELL AS FEELING THE VIBRATIONS IN THE CABIN.
Air bags, Structure, Sep 23, 2015, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT HIS FOOT BECAME WEDGED IN BETWEEN THE ACCELERATOR AND BRAKE PEDALS. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE FRONT OF ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED, BUT WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTO BODY REPAIR CENTER FOR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
Engine, Jul 28, 2015
THE ENGINE OIL LIGHT TURNED ON. STOPPED TO CHECK OIL--WAS VERY LOW. BOUGHT A QUART TO ADD TO THE CAR. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP AND EXPLAINED WHAT HAD HAPPENED. IT HAS OCCURRED TWO TIMES ALREADY--SAME ORDEAL WHERE I HAVE TO ADD OIL TO THE ENGINE. WHEN WILL NHTSA START INVESTIGATING THIS? I HAVE READ AND TALKED TO OTHER OUTBACK OWNERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE. RIGHT NOW THE DEALERSHIP HAS PUT THE CAR ON A 1200 MILE INSPECTION TEST..... UPDATED 09/30/15*BF
Air bags, Seat belts, Seats, Jul 9, 2015
THE PASSENGER OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM (ODS) MALFUNCTIONED OR SHORTED OUT FOR NO APPARENT REASON. AS A RESULT, THE PASSENGER AIRBAG WILL NOT ENABLE EVEN WHEN OCCUPIED BY AN ADULT PASSENGER. THE PASSENGER AIRBAG IS CONSTANTLY IN OFF MODE. IN ADDITION THE ODS APPARENTLY CONTROLS THE SEATBELT WARNING FEATURE. REGARDLESS OF WHETHER OR NOT AN ADULT PASSENGER IS OCCUPYING THE SEAT THE ODS IS CONSTANTLY DETECTING A PASSENGER AND THE PASSENGER SEATBELT WARNING LIGHT AND CHIME CONTINUOUSLY ARE ON. WHEN THE PASSENGER SEATBELT IS BUCKLED THE WARNING LIGHT AND CHIME REMAIN CONTINUOUSLY ON. THE VEHICLE HAS 40,000 MILES AND THIS SYSTEM IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE MANUFACTURES EXTENDED WARRANTY OR THE EXTENDED SERVICE CONTRACT SOLD BY SUBARU THROUGH CNA. THE DEALERSHIP IS RECOMMENDING A NEW ODS BE INSTALLED AND CALIBRATED AT A COST OF $1,200 PLUS APPLICABLE TAX AND FEES.
Steering, Jul 2, 2015
STEERING ON THIS VEHICLE IS SO HEAVY THAT IT CAUSES ORTHOPEDIC PROBLEMS. THE STEERING DRAG TENSION IS SET SO HIGH THAT IT IS DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, AND DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE INTO PARKING PLACES AT LOW SPEEDS. PARALLEL PARKING IS PAINFUL. I HAD OTHER PEOPLE DRIVE IT TO ELIMINATE MY SUBJECTIVE VIEW OF THIS, AND EVERY PERSON THOUGHT IT WAS HARD TO DRIVE. SUBARU THINKS THIS IS NORMAL, AND REFUSES TO ALLOW ITS SERVICE DEPARTMENTS TO ADJUST THE TENSION IF IT'S WITHIN IT'S "SPECS" EVEN WHEN THE DRIVER OF THIS EXPENSIVE VEHICLE DOES NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING IT. SUBARU SERVICE DEPARTMENT'S REASONING WAS THAT "IT FELT LIKE EVERY OTHER SUBARU OUTBACK." THIS DOESN'T MAKE IT OK; IT JUST CONFIRMS THAT SUBARU IS SELLING MORE THAN ONE DANGEROUS CAR. THIS IS AN UNSAFE CONDITION THAT SUBARU IS ALLOWING TO PERSIST RATHER THAN ACTUALLY ADDRESSING THE OTHER ISSUE THE UNREASONABLY TIGHT TENSION IS MASKING - STEERING WHEEL SHAKES. THIS IS MY SECOND SUBARU AND IS THE LAST ONE I WILL EVER PURCHASE - NOT BECAUSE THE CAR COULDN'T OTHERWISE BE A GOOD VEHICLE, BUT BECAUSE THIS IS A LEGITIMATE SAFETY ISSUE THAT SUBARU IS IGNORING AND WILL CONTINUE TO IGNORE UNTIL FORCED TO CHANGE, PROBABLY AFTER A LARGE LAWSUIT BROUGHT BY THE ESTATE OF A SUBARU OWNER WHO WAS KILLED IN THEIR VEHICLE. AND, BECAUSE SUBARU HAS SUCH TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE THAT IT THINKS IT'S FINE TO TELL SOMEONE WHO JUST BOUGHT A $30K+ CAR THAT THEY JUST HAVE TO LIVE WITH AN UNSAFE CONDITION BECAUSE SUBARU DOESN'T SEE FIT TO FIX IT.
Service brakes, Jun 19, 2015
I HAVE 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. COUPLE OF MONTH AFTER BUYING IT I DISCOVERED THE ISSUE WHERE MY FOOT WOULD BE STUCK ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. THERE IS SOME KIND OF A FLAP ABOVE THE PEDAL. THE FLAP NORMALLY JUST TOUCHES THE TOP OF A SHOE. BUT IN SOME SITUATIONS/POSITIONS OF THE PEDAL IT PRESSES ON THE FOOT. WHEN YOU TRY TO MOVE THE FOOT OUT OF THE PEDAL, IT BENDS AND BRACES IT, PRACTICALLY LOCKING THE FOOT. IT DOES NOT HAPPEN CONSISTENTLY, BUT RATHER INFREQUENTLY. WHAT MAKES IT WORSE IS WEARING BULKY SHOES LIKE SNEAKERS, SHOES WITH BUCKLES, OR WITH A MESH TOP. THE MESH ALSO GETS CAUGHT ON THE FLAP. A COUPLE OF TIMES I WAS IN SITUATIONS WHERE IT TOOK 10-15 SECONDS TO GET THE FOOT OUT OF THE BRAKE PEDAL. AT LEAST ONCE I HAVE BEEN NEARLY REAR-ENDED BECAUSE I COULDN?T ACCELERATE IMMEDIATELY AFTER BREAKING. I COMPLAINED ON THIS ISSUE 4 TIMES AT SUBARU SERVICE. THEY TWEAKED IT SOMEWHAT, BUT NEVER COMPLETELY FIXED, AND IT GOT WORSE AGAIN AFTER EVERY MAINTENANCE SERVICE. WHILE TRYING TO UNDERSTAND HOW IT IS REMEDIED, I FOUND THAT THE DEALERSHIP DIDN?T RECORD THESE COMPLAINTS IN MY CAR HISTORY. SO I WROTE AN EMAIL TO SUBARU. SUBARU CUSTOMER SERVICE PERSON TOLD ME TO MAKE ANOTHER APPOINTMENT, AS HE?LL INSTRUCT THE DEALERSHIP HOW TO FIX THE ISSUE. I BROUGHT MY CAR IN, WAITED FOR AN HOUR, BUT THEN WAS TOLD NO INSTRUCTIONS WERE RECEIVED FROM SUBARU. ON THE NEXT CONTACT WITH THE SUBARU CUSTOMER SERVICE I RECEIVED THE FOLLOWING REPLY: ?THERE ARE NO REPAIRS REQUIRED AND NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. WE HAVE NO RECOMMENDATIONS AS THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS FOUND.? HOWEVER, IT APPEARED THAT SUBARU HAS FIXED THE PROBLEM DURING THAT APPOINTMENT, WHILE TELLING ME NOTHING WAS DONE. THE FLAP WAS REPLACED WITH THE LONGER VERSION, SO THAT THE FOOT NEVER GETS UNDER IT, BUT RATHER PUSHES THE FLAP INSIDE. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. IT IS OBVIOUS SUBARU IS AWARE OF IT, BUT DOESN?T ADMIT IT EXISTS. ...UPDATED 07-16-15 *BF MA 07/30/15 UPDATED 10/26/2017*CN