2014 Subaru Outback
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 208 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 16th highest complaint count among 26 Outback model years with reports.
Of the 2014 reports, 14 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire. 21 people were injured.
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
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
Power train, automatic transmissionAug 1, 2013
Subaru of America is recalling certain model year 2014 Legacy 3.6R and Outback 3.6R and 2013 Tribeca vehicles manufactured June 12, 2013, through June 28, 2013 and equipped with 5-speed automatic transmissions. In the affected vehicles, the parking rod may come loose inside the automatic transmission.
As a result of the parking rod detaching, the transmission may not be able to be moved from the "park" position preventing the vehicle from being moved or driven. Furthermore, even with the transmission shifted into the 'park' position, the parking mechanism may not engage, and the vehicle may roll away while in the "park" position, increasing the risk of a crash.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission, free of charge. The recall began during August 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall number is WQJ-46.
Campaign 13V336000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
208 reports, newest first.
Air bags, Mar 20, 2019
TAKATA RECALL - MY LOCAL DEALER (KOPPEL SUBARU - QUEENS, NY) CANNOT REPLACE MY PASSENGER AIRBAG PER THE RECALL UNTIL JUNE 14, 2019 - THE EARLIEST THEY CAN FIX - WHICH IS COMPLETELY INSANE SINCE I MADE THE APPOINTMENT TODAY ON MARCH 20TH SO I TECHNICALLY AM BEING ASKED TO WAIT ALMOST 3 MONTHS TO GET IT FIXED.
Air bags, Mar 19, 2019
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V008000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. FIRST TEAM SUBARU (6520 PETERS CREEK RD, ROANOKE, VA 24019, (540)362-4800) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Air bags, Mar 19, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V008000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. DEVOE SUBARU OF NAPLES WAS CONTACTED BY PHONE AT (866) 982-1252 (LOCATED AT 1411 SOLANA RD, NAPLES, FL 34103) AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD BE REPAIRED ON APRIL 9, 2019. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Air bags, Mar 18, 2019
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V009000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. PREMIER SUBARU (LOCATED AT 150 N MAIN ST, BRANFORD, CT 06405, (203) 481-0687) WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Air bags, Mar 18, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V009000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. WALSER SUBARU (600 W 121ST ST, BURNSVILLE, MN 55337, (952) 314-1391) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Air bags, Mar 16, 2019
MY 2014 SUBARU OUTBACK HAS BEEN RECALLED "TAKATA RECALL". UNFORTUNATELY, SUBARU OF AMERICA FAILED TO NOTIFY ME OF THIS RECALL AND WHEN I INQUIRED AT THE LOCAL DEALER, JIM KERAS SUBARU OF MEMPHIS, I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS NOT THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO NOTIFY ME OF ANYTHING...IN OTHER WORDS, TOO BAD, SO SAD, WE DON'T GIVE A HOOT! VERY DISAPPOINTING RESPONSE! AND TO MAKE MATTERS WORSE, THE DEALERSHIP CANNOT MAKE TO REQUISITE REPAIRS UNTIL 08 MAY. IN THE MEANTIME, I'LL BE DRIVING AT MY OWN RISK.
Air bags, Mar 14, 2019
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V009000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. SHORELINE SUBARU (LOCATED AT 17225 AURORA AVE N, SEATTLE, WA 98133, (206) 542-1166) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. *TT CONSUMER RECEIVED THE AIRBAG RECALL NOTICE STATING NOT TO ALLOW PASSENGERS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT UNTIL THE AIRBAG WAS REPAIRED. CONSUMER WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER "NOT TO WORRY". CONSUMER WAS TOLD REPAIRS COULD NOT BE MADE UNTIL JULY - 4 MONTHS LATER.*JB
Air bags, Mar 13, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V009000 (AIR BAGS) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR REPAIR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTIFICATION ON MARCH 11, 2019. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH AN UNKNOWN SUBARU DEALER WHO STATED THAT THEY WERE ONLY SERVICING ONE VEHICLE PER DAY. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL AUGUST OF 2019 TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Air bags, Mar 13, 2019
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V009000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED PRIME SUBARU HYANNIS (24 RIDGEWOOD AVE, HYANNIS, MA 02601, 508-778-5066) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE ON BACKORDER UNTIL APRIL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 11, 2019, fire
SPONTANEOUS ENGINE FIRE WHILE DRIVING - MAR 07,2019 - 2014 SUBARU OUTBACK WITH CURRENT MAINTENANCE AND NO PRIOR HISTORY OF MALFUNCTION. DURING A 2.1 MILE DRIVE ON CITY STREETS ELECTRICAL DISTURBANCES OF THE RADIO/MEDIA CONSOLE WERE NOTED, FOLLOWED SHORTLY THEREAFTER BY BLACK SMOKE FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CAR WAS IMMEDIATELY PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. UPON EXITING THE CAR, THE SMOKE HAD BECOME WHITE AND FLAMES WERE NOTED UNDER THE CAR. THE FRONT OF THE CAR SOON BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE ENTIRE FRONT OF THE CAR WAS BURNT/MELTED. NO ONE WAS INJURED.
Air bags, Mar 11, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V009000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. SOUTHERN OREGON SUBARU (3103 BIDDLE RD, MEDFORD, OR 97504, (541) 245-2000) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Feb 28, 2019
ON FEB 28, 2019 I WAS DRIVING MY 2014 SUBARU OUTBACK ON INTERSTATE 64 ON A STRAIGHT STRETCH AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH GOING UPHILL WHEN ACCELERATOR BECAME SUDDENLY AND COMPLETELY UNRESPONSIVE. I WAS IN THE FAR LEFT LANE OF 3 LANES OF TRAFFIC ALSO TRAVELING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED AND HAD TO TRY TO GET TO THE EMERGENCY LANE TO THE RIGHT OF THE 3 LANES. I HAD ABSOLUTELY NO RESPONSE WHEN PUSHING ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND COULD HAVE BEEN HIT BY NUMEROUS SEMI TRAILER TRUCKS. I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE RIGHT INTO THE EMERGENCY LANE WHICH WAS A MIRACLE BECAUSE I WAS ON A STEEP UPHILL INCLINE. WHEN I REACHED THE EMERGENCY LANE, I STOPPED THE CAR, SHIFTED INTO PARK, AND BACK INTO DRIVE MODE AND THE ACCELERATOR DID ENGAGE AT THAT POINT. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE CAR TO A SUBARU DEALER BUT THEY HAVE NOT DIAGNOSED IT AS OF YET. I HAVE BEEN RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET TO SEE IF OTHER 2014 OUTBACK OWNERS HAVE THE SAME COMPLAINT AND CAME ACROSS NUMEROUS OTHER COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME PROBLEM ON THE WEBSITE WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM. THOSE COMPLAINING OF THE SAME PROBLEM HAVE NOT HAD ANY SUCCESS WITH A FIX FROM SUBARU. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS BEFORE SOMEONE IS INJURED OR KILLED AS I COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN TODAY.
Visibility/wiper, Feb 17, 2019
BACKUP CAMERA ALLOWS WATER TO SEEP IN AND FRY THE CAMERA WHICH PRESENTS A SAFETY HAZARD WHEN BACKING UP (SMALL CHILDREN, PETS, ETC YOU COULDN'T SEE OTHERWISE IF DIRECTLY BEHIND -IN THE MOST DANGEROUS PLACE). SUBARU IS AWARE OF THIS DEFECT BUT HAS NOT CORRECTED IT, SO IF YOU HAVE THEM INSTALL A NEW CAMERA FOR APPROXIMATELY $350.00) YOU'RE GETTING ANOTHER LEAKY CAMERA THAT IS DOOMED TO FAIL. THE DEALER SAID REPLACEMENT CAMERA IS THE SAME ONE AS ORIGINAL.
Structure, Feb 11, 2019
HOOD LATCH IS NOT HOLDING AT SPEEDS ABOVE 45 MPH EFFECTIVE 1/20/2019. OVER THE PAST WEEKS IT IS POPPING UP MORE FREQUENTLY. SO FAR SAFETY LATCH APPEARS TO BE HOLDING BUT DUE TO FREQUENT POP UPS, I HAVE SECURED MY HOOD WITH DUCT TAPE UNTIL I GET TO THE DEALER. IN CROSSING A BRIDGE ON 02/09/19 IN WINDY CONDITIONS, I BECAME VERY CONCERNED THAT THE LIFTING OF THE HOOD WOULD CAUSE A SAFETY ISSUE UNTIL I COULD SECURE IT. I HAVE AN APPT ON FRIDAY, 02/15,2019 BUT THEY INDICATE MY VIN IS NOT PART OF A SAFETY RECALL.
Steering, Feb 8, 2019
CAN BE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND GO TO MAKE A LEFT OR RIGHT HAND TURN AND WILL LOOSE ALL POWER STEERING ABILITY AND THE NEXT TIME THE STEERING WILL WORK FINE. I HAVE ALMOST HAD ACCIDENTS DUE TO THIS BECAUSE YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN. THIS ALWAYS HAPPENS IN CITY STREETS OR TURNING OFF HIGHWAY.ALSO HAS HAPPENED WHEN PULLING OUT OF A PARKING STALL. SEEMS TO ALWAYS HAPPEN WHEN AT LOWER SPEEDS. HAVE HAD IT IN THE SHOP FOR REPAIR AND THEY CAN'T SEEM TO FIND THE PROBLEM. I WILL NOT LET MY WIFE DRIVE MY CAR BECAUSE SHE DON'T HAVE THE STRENGTH TO QUICKLY TURN THE WHEEL WHEN YOU DON'T KNOW WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN. ONE MINUTE IT WILL WORK THEN IT WON'T. IT DOES GIVE YOU A WORK OUT WHEN YOU LOOSE STEERING ABILITY FOR A LENGTHY PERIOD BUT YOU ALWAYS HAVE TO PAY ATTENTION WHEN YOU TURN LEFT OR RIGHT BECAUSE YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN YOU WILL LOOSE YOUR POWER STEERING. MY WIFE HAS REFUSED TO DRIVE MY CAR BECAUSE IT HAS HAPPENED TO HER ONCE AND DOESN'T FEEL COMFORTABLE WHICH IS SAD WHEN YOU SPEND THAT MUCH MONEY ON A CAR. WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE USED AND WITHIN A VERY SHORT PERIOD OF TIME AFTER PURCHASE THIS PROBLEM CAME ABOUT. I JUST HOPE THIS PROBLEM CAN BE RESOLVED.
Power train, Feb 8, 2019
CAR HESITATES/DOES NOT RESPOND, INTERMITTENTLY BUT OFTEN, WHEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS PUSHED TO THE FLOORBOARD FROM A STOP. LAG/NO RESPONSE TIME IS ABOUT ABOUT 1 1/2 SECONDS. THIS RESULTS IN NEAR ACCIDENTS WHEN PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC AT AN INTERSECTION. CAR HAS BEEN TAKEN TO DEALER TWICE TO HAVE THIS ISSUE RESOLVED WITH NO SUCCESS.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 3, 2019
3 TO 15 SECOND HESITATION IN THROTTLE RESPONSE. LAST INCIDENT NEARLY RESULTED IN A COLLISION. I STOPPED WAITING FOR TRAFFIC TO CLEAR BEFORE MAKING AN LEFT TURN. MADE THE LEFT TURN, GENTLY APPLIED THE THROTTLE PEDAL, NO RESPONSE, PUSHED IT TO MAXIMUM TRAVEL, STILL NO RESPONSE, CAR COMING TOWARD ME IN ONCOMING LANE, THEN MY CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED SO THAT A COLLISION WAS AVOIDED. CITY 2 LANE STREET, TURNING LEFT.
Engine, Jan 16, 2019
AT 70,000 MILES (ROUNDED) ENGINE BEGAN LEAKING OIL FROM BOTH CAM CARRIERS AND THE UPPER OIL PAN. OIL LEAKS ON EXHAUST SYSTEM CAUSING A BURNING OIL SMELL AND CAN SEE SMOKE EMITTING FROM UNDER THE CAR. ESTIMATE TO REPAIR IS $2050 FROM SUBARU DEALERSHIP. HAVE HEARD RUMORS OF OTHER 2.5I ENGINES HAVING SAME PROBLEM. VERY DANGEROUS, CAN CAUSE ENGINE FIRE AS OIL LEAKS DIRECTLY ON EXHAUST PIPE. PROBLEM (BURNING SMELL) IS MOST NOTICEABLE FIRST THING IN THE MORNING WHEN OIL HAS HAD CHANCE TO LEAK OVERNIGHT. MORE PREVALENT IN COLD WEATHER (WHEN METAL AND GASKETS CONTRACT FROM THE COLD).
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Dec 13, 2018
REAR TAIL RUNNING LIGHT BULBS INSIDE THE LIFT/TAIL GATE WERE BURNT OUT AND WHEN REPLACING THE BULBS THE PLASTIC HOUSING THE BULBS PRESS INTO WERE CHARRED AND CRACKED. I FEAR THIS IS A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD GIVEN THE STATE OF CHARRING. MY VEHICLE DID NOT EXPERIENCE A FIRE, BUT I AM SUBMITTING THIS COMPLAINT IN CASE SIMILAR VEHICLES HAVE CAUGHT FIRE FROM THIS AREA.
Air bags, Seat belts, Nov 26, 2018
THE SEAT SENSOR FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE IS NOT WORKING IN COLD WEATHER, CAUSING THE AIRBAG TO BE DEACTIVATED. THE SEATBELT INDICATOR SIGNAL BEEPS REGARDLESS OF WHETHER SOMEONE IS SITTING IN THE SEAT WITH THE SEATBELT ON OR NO ONE IS SITTING IN THE SEAT. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AND HAPPENS ANY TIME THE TEMPERATURE IN THE VEHICLE IS BELOW FREEZING.
Steering, Nov 13, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO EXIT A PARKING SPACE, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. PRESTIGE SUBARU (LOCATED AT 585 TUNNEL RD, ASHEVILLE, NC 28805, (888) 854-4293) WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000.
Other or unspecified, Nov 11, 2018
MY CAR IS USING WAY TOO MUCH OIL FOR A 4 YEAR OLD CAR. SOMETHING IS WRONG AND TWO PLACES I'VE GONE HAVE SUGGESTED IT COULD BE SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE PISTOLS IN THE ENGINE. I'VE READ ABOUT OTHER OWNERS OF THIS MODEL EXPERIENCING THE SAME TROUBLE. THIS IS HIGHWAY AND STREET DRIVING.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Nov 5, 2018
ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE ACTUATOR FAILED. WHEN THIS OCCURS YOU CAN'T USE THE PARKING BRAKE AND THE EYESIGHT SAFETY EQUIPMENT DOES NOT WORK. THIS OCCURS AT STARTUP, WHEN THE VEHICLE GOES THROUGH IT'S DIAGNOSTIC CHECKS. CAR HAS STRANDED US TWICE WITH THE BRAKE NOT ALLOWING US TO DISENGAGE. EVENTUALLY, AFTER STARTING CAR MULTIPLE TIMES OR REMOVING BATTERY, IT WILL WORK BRIEFLY TO ALLOW TO DISENGAGE. NOW WE DON'T SET THE PARKING BRAKE, OR USE THE EYESIGHT. SUBARU HAS RECALLED THEIR MANUAL TRANSMISSION MODELS WITH THIS ISSUE, BUT NOT THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MODELS.
Visibility/wiper, Oct 27, 2018
I BOUGHT OUTBACK FROM DEALER ON 9/26/2018, AND WHEN WEATHER TURNED COOL, WINDSHIELD CRACKED. I HAD SAFELITE/LIBERTY REPLACE ON 10/22/2018, AND DIDN'T DRIVE UNTIL WEDNESDAY, 10/24/2018 WHEN I DROVE ON I81. TRUCK THREW STONE AND I CALLED TO REPAIR, BUT THEY COULDN'T FIX IN AFTERNOON. THURSDAY AT 8 A.M. THE WINDSHIELD WAS ALREADY CRACKED BEYOND REPAIR. HAD TO CALL INSURANCE COMPANY AND REPLACE AGAIN ON 10/25/2018. SEEMS WINDSHIELDS ARE DEFECTIVE ONLY ON HIGHWAY TWICE, CRACKED TWICE! I HAD MY PREVIOUS CAR 17 YEARS AND NEVER CHANGED WINDSHIELD. I HAVE ONLY PUT APPROXIMATELY 500 MILES ON CAR AND HAVE TO CHANGE TWICE. AFRAID TO GO ON HIGHWAY. THANK YOU
Engine, Sep 26, 2018
MY VEHICLE KEEPS BURNING ENGINE OIL AFTER 3,000 TO 4,000 MILES DRIVING. I HAVE HAD THE ISSUE SINCE NOVEMBER 2017 AND WENT TO SUBARU DEALER TO CHECK IT AND THEY SAID AS LONG AS ENGINE OIL IS THE SAME LEVEL AFTER 1,200 MILES, ENGINE OIL BURNING IS NORMAL. WHEN I ASKED SUBARU DEALER TO ADD THE OIL, THEY CHANGED THE ENGINE OIL AND CHARGED ME BY SAYING THAT IT IS A NORMAL CONDITION. EVEN SUBARU ISSUED TECHNICAL BULLETIN FOR THE ENGINE OIL BURNING ISSUE, THEY TREAT THE COMPLAINING CUSTOMERS IN A SNEAKY WAY. THE SYNTHETIC OIL SHOULD RUN OVER 5,000 MILES WITHOUT BURNING IN THE ENGINE AND I HAD NO ISSUES WITH OTHER BRAND CARS SUCH AS FORD. NHTSA SHOULD WARN SUBARU TO MANAGE CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS IN A PROPER WAY. IT IS RELATED TO DRIVER'S SAFETY AS I FIND ONLY 1/4 QUART OIL LEFT AFTER 4,000 MILES DRIVING, WHICH I DON'T THINK IS NOT A NORMAL CONDITION FOR THE PASSENGER VEHICLES. THANKS FOR HELPING IN ADVANCE.