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, Feb 17, 2015
THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT WENT OFF WHEN NO ONE WAS IN THE SEAT. THE DEALER SAID ALL SYSTEMS WERE FINE AND THAT THIS MIGHT BE DUE TO THE SEAT AND SENSOR BEING WET OR DAMP. THIS IS NOT TRUE AS IT IS A PROBLEM AT LEAST TWICE A WEEK NOW. I WILL RETURN AGAIN TO THE DEALER BUT HAVE NO FAITH IN THEM OR THE CAR. I ALSO WONDER IF THE AIRBAG WILL WORK IN A REAL ACCIDENT. I WOULD LIKE TO DITCH THE CAR AS AN HOUR AND A HALF RIDE WITH A CHIME GOING OFF IS CRAZY AND OF CONCERN. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Feb 8, 2015
I PURCHASED THE OUTBACK 3.6 R LIMITED BRAND NEW AND SOON AFTER I NOTICED THAT VEHICLE PULLED RIGHT AND I HAD TO CONSTANTLY CORRECT IT -WHICH BECAME EXHAUSTING AND A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT WAS RELATED TO ALL WHEEL DRIVE (SINCE I NEVER OWNED AN ALL WHEEL DRIVE). AFTER SOME RESEARCH I REALIZED VEHICLE SHOULD NOT HAVE THIS ISSUE. I REPORTED THE PROBLEM WHEN I TOOK IT TO DEALER FOR ITS FIRST MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE AT 3,000 MILES. I WAS INFORMED THAT IT WAS THE WHEEL ALIGNMENT AND THEY FIXED. THE PROBLEM APPEARED TO BE RESOLVED AT FIRST BUT AFTER 1 WEEK IT STARTED PULLING RIGHT AGAIN -BUT NOT AS NOTICEABLE AS BEFORE. I REPORTED TO DEALER BUT WAS TOLD THAT THAT IS THE WAY ITS SUPPOSE TO DRIVE. PLEASE INVESTIGATE AS MANY OTHERS HAVE HAD THE SAME COMPLAINT AND APPEARS TO BE A REPETITIVE PATTERN AND I AM VERY CONCERNED. *JS
Structure, Feb 3, 2015
THE ISSUE THAT CONCERNS ME INVOLVES THE INITIAL HOOD RELEASE THAT IS LOCATED INSIDE THE CAR ALONG THE LEFT SIDE (DRIVER'S SIDE). SPECIFICALLY, ON NUMEROUS, RANDOM OCCASIONS THE TOE OF MY RIGHT FOOT RELEASED THE HOOD AS I AM PIVOTING TO EXIT THE CAR. A FEW TIMES, I HAVE NOTICED THE HOOD IS SLIGHTLY RELEASED AND I SHUT IT. HOWEVER, MORE OFTEN, I DIDN'T NOTICE THE HOOD UP SLIGHTLY AND STARTED OFF ON MY TRIP. FOR EXAMPLE IN SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER WE MADE A ROUND TRIP FROM MILFORD, CT TO BRADENTON, FL. AND RECENTLY REPEATED THE TRIP FROM MILFORD. AT LEAST 6 OR 8 TIMES ALONG I-95 I-10 OR I-75, I NOTICED THE HOOD WAS RELEASED AND I HAD TO PULL OVER TO THE ROAD SIDE FROM A HIGHWAY WHERE THE SPEED LIMIT RANGES FROM 50-70 MPH. AS I AM SURE YOU KNOW, THERE IS A SECONDARY HOOD RELEASE THAT HAS TO BE MANUALLY RELEASED FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR. HOWEVER, SHOULD THAT SECONDARY RELEASE FAIL, THE HOOD WOULD BLOW OPEN WHILE WE WERE IN MOTION AND EITHER BLIND OUR VISION OR BLOW OFF TO ONLY GOD KNOWS WHERE. I HAVE CALLED THIS MATTER TO THE ATTENTION OF PREMIER SUBARU IN BRANFORD, CT AND ASKED THAT THEY INFORM SUBARU. I HAVEN'T HEARD FROM EITHER COMPANY. *TR
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Jan 4, 2015
CAR STOPS WITHOUT WARNING. A CLICKING SOUND IS HEARD AND THEN THE FRONT DISPLAY PANELS BECOME BLANK. THERE IS NO STEERING OR BRAKES. THIS HAS HAPPENED 10 TIMES. THERE IS NO WAY TO PREDICT WHEN THIS MIGHT HAPPEN AND THERE IS NO PRECIPITATING FACTORS. HAVE HAD THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE, BUT THE PROBLEM CANNOT BE FOUND AND AM STILL DRIVING THIS UNSAFE CAR. *TR
Engine, Dec 27, 2014
BRAND NEW CAR AND ENGINE BURNING OIL ISSUE: SUBARU OF GEORGETOWN, TX, DEALER TOLD ME THAT I DID NOT HAVE TO CHANGE THE OIL UNTIL I REACHED 7500 MILES ON MY BRAND NEW 2014 SUBARU OUTBACK. AT 4900 MILES, OIL PRESSURE AND LOW OIL LIGHTS CAME ON BRIEFLY, THEN TURNED OFF 30 MILES LATER. I DIDN'T CHECK THE LEVEL SINCE THE LIGHTS TURNED OFF. THEN 50 MILES LATER, BOTH TURNED ON AGAIN. I CHECKED THE DIPSTICK, AND THERE WAS APPROX. 1MM OF OIL REGISTERING ON THE BOTTOM OF THE DIPSTICK. THE SUBARU OF BATON ROUGE, LA DEALER TOLD ME THIS WAS NORMAL AND CHANGED THE OIL AT 5400 MILES. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Dec 16, 2014
ENTERING A MAIN STATE HIGHWAY FROM A RURAL ROAD I PRESSED DOWN ON THE ACCELERATOR RESULTING IN NO RESPONSE PLACING MYSELF IN JEOPARDY FOR A A COLLISION FROM RAPIDLY APPROACHING CARS BEHIND ME THIS INTERMITTENT STALLING PROBLEM ALSO OCCURRED PREVIOUSLY AT SLOW SPEEDS UPON EXITING A SHOPPING MALL ON TO A BUSY LOCAL HIGHWAY. *TR
Steering, Nov 15, 2014
DATE COMPLAINT FILED: 10/18/2014 COMPONENT(S): STEERING DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/17/2014 NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10648531 DEAR NHTSA CONCERNING ODI COMPLAINT NUMBER 10648531. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN RESOLVED. AFTER FILING THE COMPLAINT I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP ON 10/23/2014. THEY TEST DROVE THE CAR AND PERFORMED A 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENT WHICH CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. . SO IF OTHERS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE OF WANDERING, ALIGNMENT MAY BE IN NEED OF ADJUSTMENT FOR THEIR VEHICLE AS WELL. *TR
Power train, Nov 11, 2014
MULTIPLE INCIDENTS OF LAG WHEN DRIVING SLOWLY INTO CROSS TRAFFIC OR FROM A DEAD STOP THAT SOMETIMES LAST UP TO SEVERAL SECONDS THAT HAS RESULTED IN SOME VERY CLOSE CALLS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. THE WORST TIMES HAVE BEEN WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN ACROSS TRAFFIC WHEN YOU ARE CREEPING OUT AND TRY TO ACCELERATE AND NOTHING HAPPENS! I HAVE CALLED THE DEALER AND TAKEN IT INTO THE DEALER AND THEY TELL ME IT IS A DESIGN FLAW IN THEIR CVT TRANSMISSION AND THAT THERE IS NO FIX AT PRESENT. THEY DID SOME UPDATES TO THE CARS COMPUTER AND THOUGHT THAT MIGHT HELP BUT ON A TRIP IN ST. GEORGE UT A FEW DAYS LATER WE WERE ALMOST IN AN ACCIDENT MERGING RIGHT INTO HEAVY TRAFFIC WHEN WE WERE LEFT SITTING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET FOR SEVERAL SECONDS BEFORE THE CAR WOULD MOVE. THE SERVICE WRITER SAID HIS 20013 LEGACY DOES THE SAME THING AND THIS IS A COMMON COMPLAINT. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS ON LINE AND CAN'T FIND ANYTHING ABOUT IT, WHY? THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM, WE PURCHASED THIS CAR WITH THE EYESIGHT ACCIDENT PREVENTION SYSTEM BECAUSE WE WANTED ALL THE SAFETY FEATURES IT HAS, NOW WERE TOLD THAT IT'S NORMAL TO LEAVE YOU HANGING IN TRAFFIC WAITING FOR THE CAR TO RESPOND? *TR
Vehicle speed control, Oct 26, 2014
DRIVING WITH CRUISE CONTROL (CC) ENGAGED ON ROLLING TERRAIN, THE VEHICLE SPEEDS UP ON A DOWNHILL SLOPE UNTIL BRAKES ARE APPLIED (BY CC), THEN AT BOTTOM OF HILL PICKUP IS SLUGGISH AND SPEED FALLS OFF 2-3 MPH BELOW SET POINT. THEN THE POWER COMES ON LATE AND HARD, AND THE VEHICLE GOES OVER THE CREST OF THE HILL ACCELERATING AT PEAK POWER LEVEL, 2-3 MPH ABOVE SET POINT. AN ASSOCIATED ISSUE, OBSERVED SINCE THE CAR WAS NEW, IS THAT WHEN CLIMBING A UNIFORM 3-4% GRADE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE ENGINE RPM CYCLES CONSTANTLY OVER A RANGE OF 800-1000 RPM AT A FREQUENCY AROUND 4 CYCLES/MINUTE. THIS IS ANNOYING TO THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS, AND INCREASES THE STRESS LEVEL ON THE DRIVER. WE HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES, AND A FACTORY REP HAS EVALUATED IT, THE RESPONSE WE GET IS THAT THE VEHICLE IS OPERATING WITHIN SPECIFICATIONS, AND NO ACTION WILL BE TAKEN, NOR WILL ANY ADJUSTMENTS BE MADE. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Oct 18, 2014
STEERING NEEDS CONSTANT CORRECTION, IF THE CAR DRIFTS TO THE RIGHT AND YOU CORRECT BY SLIGHTLY TURNING LEFT IT WILL OVER CORRECT & DRIFT TO THE LEFT FORCING THE DRIVER TO CORRECT BY SLIGHTLY TURNING RIGHT, WHICH IS THE CONSTANT CYCLE WHILE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. IT WILL NOT TRACK STRAIGHT DOWN THE ROAD. THIS IS DANGEROUS AS IT CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO WEAVE BACK & FORTH IN THE LANE. YOU CAN NOT GET THE CAR TO TRACK STRAIGHT, IT IS ALWAYS EITHER PULLING RIGHT OR PULLING LEFT. THE DRIFTING IS NOT DRASTIC BUT IT IS CONSTANT. I HAVE OWNED MANY CARS AND TRUCKS INCLUDING 4 WD, THIS IS NOT NORMAL. I AM FILING THIS COMPLAINT IN ORDER TO HEIGHTEN AWARENESS OF THIS HAZARDOUS CONDITION WHICH IS COMPOUNDED BY THE FACT THAT IT CAUSES DRIVER FATIGUE, LESSENING THE DRIVER'S ABILITY TO REACT TO THE VEHICLES CONSTANT NEED FOR STEERING CORRECTION. THE CONSUMER STATED THE ISSUE WAS RESOLVED. THE DEALER PERFORMED A FOUR WHEEL ALIGNMENT. UPDATED 12/02/14*JB
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 15, 2014
THE CAR DOES NOT STAY ON. STARTED THE CAR BY TURNING THE KEY TO THE "START" POSITION FROM THE "ON" POSITION. THE CAR STARTS BUT ONCE THE KEY MOVES BACK TO "ON", THE CAR STOPS. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME I'VE BEEN STRANDED BY THIS OCCURRENCE. AFTER 20-30MINS, THE CAR STARTS AGAIN. BOTH INCIDENTS OCCURRED WHEN IT WAS RELATIVELY HOT (+85 DEGREES F). SEEMS TO BE AN IGNITION ISSUE. *TR
Power train, Engine, Oct 9, 2014, crash
THERE IS A HESITATION WHEN ACCELERATING, IT HAPPENS FROM COMPLETE STOPS BY STEPPING ON THE GAS, AND WHILE TURNING YOUR VEHICLE. I WAS ON A 35MPH. BACK ROAD AND WENT TO TURN LEFT ONTO A SIDE STREET, I YIELDED FOR 2 CARS AND THEN WENT INTO THE TURN AND STEPPED ON THE GAS, IT HESITATED AND THEN I WAS HIT IN THE REAR SIDE OF MY VEHICLE. IF IT WOULD HAVE RESPONDED CORRECTLY I WOULD NOT HAVE GOTTEN INTO THE ACCIDENT. *TR
Air bags, Seat belts, Sep 2, 2014
WITH A PASSENGER IN THE FRONT SEAT AND THE SEAT BELT FASTENED, THE SEAT BELT WARNING CHIME AND LIGHT ACTIVATED AND THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WAS DEACTIVATED. IN A LATER INCIDENT, THE PASSENGER MOVED TO THE BACK SEAT AND THE SEAT BELT WARNING CHIME AND LIGHT CONTINUED TO BE ACTIVATED WITH NO ONE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT (BUCKLING OR UNBUCKLING THE SEAT BELT MADE NO DIFFERENCE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 1, 2014
DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 20MPH, THE CAR SUDDENLY BEGINS TO SMELL OF GASOLINE. SOON THEREAFTER, ACCELERATION BECOMES HESITANT AND THE LOW-FUEL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATES. THE VEHICLE QUICKLY BECAME INOPERABLE IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY ROAD. THE VEHICLE IS A MODEL YEAR 2014 AND WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW, LESS THAN SEVEN [7] MONTHS AGO (FROM THE DATE THIS COMPLAINT WAS POSTED). THE VEHICLE HAS ONLY APPROXIMATELY 9,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER AND HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN UNDER ANY ESPECIALLY SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONS OR THROUGH TREACHEROUS TERRAIN. *TR
Power train, Exterior lighting, Structure, Aug 16, 2014, crash
SUBARU OUTBACK WAS STARTED IN A PARKING LOT IN ORDER TO COOL INTERIOR DOWN. DRIVER EXITED VEHICLE AND WALKED BEHIND AND AROUND TO OTHER SIDE. DRIVE OPENED FRONT PASSENGER DOOR RETRIEVED AN ITEM AND CLOSED DOOR. DRIVER THEN WALKED AWAY A FEW YARDS IN ORDER TO PROVIDE WATER FOR A DOG. DRIVER HEARD A LOUD CRASH AND TURNED AROUND TO FIND CAR HAD ROLLED BACKWARDS OUT OF PARKING SPOT AND HIT A VEHICLE PARKED BEHIND IT. CAR WAS STILL RUNNING AND FOUND TO BE IN REVERSE. NO ONE WAS IN EITHER CAR AND NO INJURIES. BOTH CARS WERE DAMAGED. SUBARU OUTBACK COULD NOT BE DRIVEN. CAR WAS PARKED ON A VERY SLIGHT INCLINE. *TR
Service brakes, Aug 6, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBURU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE PEDAL GOES ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS NORMAL AND WERE UNABLE TO LOCATE A PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,600.
Steering, Jul 22, 2014
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2014 OUTBACK 2.5 LIMITED AND HAVE BEEN HAVING STEERING ISSUES. THE CAR CONSTANTLY PULLS TO THE RIGHT AND LEFT THE STEERING IS VERY STIFF AND HEAVY. THIS CAR IS EXHAUSTING AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE! *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 16, 2014
ZERO OIL PRESSURE (RED) INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED AT SAFE AND PRUDENT OPERATING SPEED. LOW OIL INDICATOR LIGHT (YELLOW) NEVER ILLUMINATED. LIGHT REMAINED ON FOR THREE MILES, ONE AT SPEED 55 MPH TO ZERO AND TWO AT 20 MPH. THEN WENT OUT. INSPECTION OF OIL LEVEL SHOWED LEVEL APPROXIMATELY ONE CENTIMETER ABOVE LOW LEVEL MARKER ON DIPSTICK. ADDITION OF .5 QUART US RAISES LEVEL TO APPROXIMATELY ONE CENTIMETER BELOW FULL LEVEL MARKER ON DIPSTICK. VEHICLE RETURNED TO DEALERSHIP; HAD FULL OIL SERVICE PERFORMED 2,500 MILES AHEAD OF SCHEDULED SERVICE. DEALERSHIP CLAIMS "SENSOR RESISTANCE IS HIGH, WILL R&R." DEALER FAILED TO PROVIDE EMPIRICAL OIL PRESSURE PSI READING DESPITE REQUEST. PART REPLACEMENT YET TO BE DONE. *TR
Steering, Jul 15, 2014
I PURCHASED MY SUBARU OUTBACK 2014 3.6R LIMITED IN MID DECEMBER 2013, I FELT THAT THE CAR PULLS TO THE RIGHT AFTER I DROVE THE CAR TO HOME, I CANNOT BELIEVE THERE IS ANY PROBLEM WITH A NEW CAR, WITH THAT I KEPT TO DRIVE AND MONITOR IT FOR 2 WEEKS THEN I CONFIRMED THIS IS REALLY AN ISSUE AND IT'S VERY EASY TO REPRODUCE. SO I BROUGHT THE CAR TO MY DEALER, THE TECHNICIAN SPENT HALF A DAY TO FIX, ROTATED TIRE, CHECKED PRESSURE AND CHECKED ALIGNMENT, FINALLY THEY REPLACED 4 BRAND NEW TIRES THEN THEY STATED THAT THE ORIGINAL TIRE IS NOT GOOD, THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED BY REPLACING NEW TIRES AND LET ME DROVE THE CAR BACK. AFTER MORE THAN 3000 MILES DRIVING, THE SAME PROBLEM IS GETTING WORSE AGAIN, SO I WENT TO DEALER AND THEY CONFIRMED THIS IS REPRODUCIBLE, IT'S FUNNY THAT THEY REPLACED 4 NEW TIRES INCLUDING WHEEL HUB THIS TIME AGAIN, HOWEVER THIS ISSUE IS STILL NOT BEEN FIXED, THE TECHNICIAN CALLED SUBARU SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE, REPRESENTATIVE SUGGESTED TO LOOSE THE CAP OF SUSPENSION , BOUNCE THE CAR MULTIPLE TIMES THEN INSTALL THEM BACK, TECHNICIAN REPEATED THIS PROCEDURE FOR AT LEAST 2 TIMES, FINALLY THEN MENTIONED THE ALIGNMENT IS WITHIN SPEC, SERVICE ADVISE TOLD ME THE ISSUE IS BEEN FIXED. I DROVE THE CAR FOR 2 WEEKS NOW, I'M STILL FEELING THERE IS SLIGHT PULLING TO RIGHT, AND THE STEERING WHEEL IS KEEPING TURN TO RIGHT BUT NOT BACK TO CENTER. I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH MY DEALER TODAY, TECHNICIAN LEAD TESTED THE CAR WITH ME, HE WAS ABLE TO REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM I REPORTED, BUT HE SAID THIS IS NORMAL FOR SUBARU OUTBACK, AND LET ME CALL CUSTOMER SERVICE FOR FURTHER CHECKING. THIS IS SO BAD, I DROVE SO MANY CARS BEFORE BUT NEVER GOT THE SAME ISSUE, AND THIS IS NOT SAFE IF THE CAR CANNOT GO STRAIGHT. *TR
Electrical system, Jul 2, 2014
UPON INSPECTING THE TRAILER HITCH AND WIRING LOOM THAT THE RENO, NV, SUBARU DEALER INSTALLED FROM THEIR INVENTORY, THE WIRING LOOM AND CONNECTOR WHICH CONNECTS TO A TRAILER'S LOOM WAS FOUND TO BE HANGING FREELY IN THE WIND. THE TRAILER'S LOOM RUNS BOTH BRAKE LIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS. THE LOOM WAS ATTACHED TO THE TRAILER HITCH WITH A SINGLE PLASTIC WIRING TIE WHICH WENT THRU THE WHOLE IN THE TRAILER HITCH INTENDED FOR THE ATTACHMENT OF THE TRAILER'S SAFETY CHAINS. THE PLASTIC TIE USED WAS OF THE TYPE NORMALLY USED TO HOLD A GROUP OF WIRES TOGETHER. UPON ATTACHING THE SAFETY CHAINS, THE PLASTIC TIE WHICH SUPPORTED THE WIRING LOOM, CAME IN CONTACT WITH THE METAL SAFETY CHAIN HOOK. NOWHERE ON THE HITCH WAS THERE ANY METAL BRACKET TO ATTACH THE WIRING LOOM PLUG TO PREVENT THE LOOM FROM SWINGING IN THE BREEZE. IF THE PLASTIC TIE WERE TO BREAK OR BE WORN THRU BY ABRASION OF THE SAFETY CHAIN HOOK THE WIRING LOOM WOULD DRAG OF THE GROUND AND THE BRAKE AND TAIL LIGHTS ON THE TRAILER WOULD NO LONGER FUNCTION. THE PLASTIC TIE WHICH WAS THE ONLY SUPPORT FOR THE WIRING LOOM AND COULD NOT BE EXPECTED TO WITHSTAND THE ENVIRONMENT CONDITIONS IT WOULD BE SUBJECTED TO LIKE; WIND, RAIN, SNOW, MUD, NOR COULD IT WITHSTAND CONSTANT ABRASION FROM THE SAFETY CHAIN HOOK. THE WIRING LOOM WAS ATTACHED TO THE SAFETY CHAIN BRACKET HOLE 3 OR 4 INCHES FROM THE PLUG WHICH TERMINATED THE LOOM. THIS CREATED A PINCH POINT IN THE WIRING LOOM WHERE IT WAS ATTACHED TO THE SAFETY CHAIN BRACKET. AS THE LOOM WOULD SWING IN THE WIND, THE COPPER WIRES WOULD BE CAUSED TO BEND AT THE PINCH POINT AND BREAK. NORMALLY, A PINCH POINT IS AVOIDED BY FIRMLY ATTACHING THE PLUG AT THE END OF THE WIRING LOOM. THE DEFECTS MENTIONED ABOVE WILL CERTAINLY CAUSE UNEXPECTED BRAKE LIGHT AND TAIL LIGHT FAILURE. THIS PRODUCT SHOULD BE RECALLED. *TR
Steering, Jun 20, 2014, crash
THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM FAILED. WHEN CAR STOPPED, THE STEERING CAN NOT TURN. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED A NEW ONE, BUT THE STEERING IS STILL TOO HARD TO TURN AND FEEL EXHAUSTING TO DRIVE. AND THE DEALER SAID IT IS NORMAL. *TR
Service brakes, Jun 6, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 40 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE BRAKE PEDAL REQUIRED SEVERAL PUMPS IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE ON A HILL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON MANY OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1,666. UPDATED 08/11/14*LJ UPDATED 8/30/2017*CN
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, May 29, 2014
THIS IS AN UPDATE: DEALER CALLED US TO HAVE [XXX] DRIVE THE CAR WITH A SERVICE TECHNICIAN PRESENT ( TECH NAMED [XXX]) CAR WAS DRIVEN APROX 5-6 MILES WITHOUT INCIDENT ...SYSTEM DID NOT FAULT. DEALER TOLD US THEY HAVE BEEN ON THE PHONE WITH SUBARU TECH CENTER & COMPLETED ALL THE TEST PROCEDURES BUT HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DUPLICATE ANY OF THE BRAKE-CHECK/ ENGINE FAULTS EXPERIENCED 3 ON 5/22 OR 1 ON 5/23/2014. [XXX] SERVICE COORDINATOR IS NOT CERTAIN WHAT ELSE CAN BE DONE AT THE DEALERSHIP. WE ASKED IF THE VEHICLE WAS SAFE ONCE THE SYSTEM FAULTED & THE ELECTRONIC STABILIZATION & TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM ARE SHUT DOWN ( AS A RESULT OF THE FAULT). I ASKED THEM NOT TO GUESS WHEN THEY ANSWERED THIS QUESTION. DEALERSHIP HAS DECIDED TO KEEP THE CAR AN ADDITIONAL DAY FOR ADDITIONAL TESTING. THEY ARE TRYING TO GET THE SYSTEM TO FAULT WHILE UNDER TEST PROCEDURE. THE DEALERSHIP APPEARS TO HAVE EXHAUSTED ALL THE STANDARD PROCEDURES TO DETERMINE ROOT CAUSE. IT SEEMS SUBARU FACTORY MUST GET INVOLVED WITH THIS VEHICLE BEYOND THE DEALERSHIP TELEPHONE CALLS. OUR CONCERN IS A VEHICLE WILL BE RETURNED TO US IN AN CONDITION WHICH MAY PROVE TO BE UNSAFE...SINCE THEY HAVE DONE ALL THEY CAN ON THE TELEPHONE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Steering, Tires, May 28, 2014
WE PURCHASED OUR OUTBACK ON APRIL 28,2014. ON MAY 1, 2014 WE BROUGHT INTO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT BECAUSE IT WAS PULLING TO THE RIGHT. THEY APPARENTLY FIXED IT. THE NEXT DAY I WAD BACK AGAIN, THE CAR WAS STILL PULLING TO THE RIGHT. AFTER SEVERAL TIMES TRYING TO REALIGN THE CAR, IT WAS "FIXED". I HAD TO BRING IT BACK IN TODAY, IT IS PULLING AGAIN. THEY CAN'T FIX THE ISSUE BECAUSE NOW THEY SUSPECT IT IS A DEFECTIVE TIRE ISSUE. THEY ARE GOING TO REPLACE ALL 4 TIRES ON TUESDAY. I GET THE FEELING THERE IS SOMETHING MORE WRONG WITH MY CAR. *TR
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, May 23, 2014
THIS IS THE SECOND INCIDENT WHERE THE ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE LIGHT INDICATES THE BRAKE HAS BEEN SET & NOT RELEASED. THE CAR WAS TOWED INTO DEALERSHIP YESTERDAY (5/22/2014) FOR SAME REASON. DEALER STATED THEY SPOKE WITH SUBARU & WERE UNABLE TO FIND ANY REASON FOR THE FAULT. THEY STATED COMPUTER INDICATED THE BRAKES WERE NOT ENGAGED BUT THAT THIS SAME SYSTEM DOES DISABLE THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL WHEN THIS FAULT OCCURS. WE ARE VERY CONCERNED THE VEHICLE IS SAFE TO DRIVE DESPITE THE ASSURANCES OF THE SERVICE MANAGER ( [XXX]) THAT THE VEHICLE IS SAFE (NO WORRIES). THE INSTRUMENT LIGHT ON THE PANEL ALSO FLASHES "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AT THE SAME TIME LIGHT FLASHES INDICATING PARKING BRAKE HAS BEEN SET & NOT RELEASED. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR