2015 Subaru Outback
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Visibility/wiper is the leading concern among 509 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 7th highest complaint count among 26 Outback model years with reports.
Of the 2015 reports, 19 involved a crash and 5 involved a fire. 16 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Steering, columnDo not drive until repairedMay 11, 2016
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured February 29, 2016, to May 6, 2016. The steering column on the affected vehicles may have been improperly machined, and as a result, turning the steering wheel may have no effect on the direction of the wheels.
The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lot number on the steering column, replacing the steering column, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783 or by visiting http://www.wtd65.service-campaign.com. Subaru's number for this recall is WTD-65. Note: Until the vehicles have been inspected, owners are advised not to drive their vehicles.
Campaign 16V292000 on NHTSA.gov
Electronic stability control (ESC)Apr 27, 2016
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured on July 20, 2015. The brake fluid used in these vehicles may contain excess moisture which may adversely affect the performance of the electronic stability control system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Poor performance of the electronic stability control system when it is activated may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will perform an ABS activation, then flush and replace the brake fluid, free of charge. The recall began on May 20, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTC-64.
Campaign 16V251000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, driveline, driveshaftAug 10, 2015
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015 and 2016 model year Subaru Legacy 4-Door and Outback vehicles manufactured July 3, 2015, to July 27, 2015. Transmission oil may leak from a deformed seal cap on the propeller shaft yoke.
If the transmission oil leaks onto the exhaust pipe, there is a possible risk of fire.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the propeller shaft, free of charge. The recall began on August 28, 2015. Owners may contact 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQU-56.
Campaign 15V502000 on NHTSA.gov
Forward collision avoidance, crash imminent brakingJun 12, 2015
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Legacy vehicles manufactured March 10, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Outback vehicles manufactured February 24, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Impreza vehicles manufactured September 9, 2014, to April 14, 2015, XV Crosstrek vehicles manufactured October 16, 2014, to April 15, 2015, and 2016 WRX vehicles manufactured March 23, 2015, and equipped with the Eyesight Driver Assist System. If the switch that activates the brake lights fails, the automatic pre-collision braking component of the driver assist system will not function.
If the automatic pre-collision braking system does not function as intended, the vehicle will not react to an obstacle in its path, increasing the risk of a crash.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the driver assist system, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQS-54.
Campaign 15V366000 on NHTSA.gov
Trailer hitchesSep 19, 2014
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Outback vehicles manufactured January 22, 2014, to August 18, 2014, and equipped with a Subaru accessory trailer hitch assembly. During installation, the trailer hitch mounting nuts may have been overtightened, potentially resulting in failure of the trailer hitch mounting studs.
The mounting nut(s) may not provide sufficient force to remain attached to the studs or the studs themselves might break. If this were to happen while a trailer is being towed, the driver might not be able to operate the vehicle as desired or the trailer may detach from the vehicle. Either situation could increase the risk of a crash.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace all eight mounting nuts for the trailer hitch assembly, and will inspect all eight mounting studs for damage, free of charge. The recall began on October 7, 2014. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQN-50.
Campaign 14V577000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
50 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 11, 2020
I WAS GOING 55 MPH ON A STRAIGHT FLAT SURFACE WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE RPM'S SHOT UP TO AROUND 4000 BUT THE CAR WAS NOT ACCELERATING. IT WAS LIKE IT WENT INTO NEUTRAL. I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE CAR PROCEEDED TO DIE. FORTUNATELY, IT STARTED RIGHT UP AND I DROVE HOME. I HAD A ALMOST A FULL TANK OF GAS. I HAD ONLY DRIVEN IT FOR 5 MINUTES AS I WAS ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK. I JUST HAD THE OIL/FILTER CHANGED NOT EVEN 2 MONTHS AGO. I HAVE 54,000 DEALER SERVICED MILES ON THE CAR. IT WAS 86 DEGREES OUT. 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK PREMIUM 2.5
Engine, Jul 28, 2020
NOTED OVER A PERIOD OF SEVERAL WEEKS, AN INCREASE IN EXHAUST NOISE FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR. THE CABIN WOULD FILL WITH EXHAUST FUMES WHEN STOPPED WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER TWICE TO HAVE THE ISSUE DIAGNOSED AND BOTH TIMES THEY INDICATED THAT NO ISSUE WAS FOUND. ON THE THIRD TRIP, THEY CONFIRMED A HOLE IN THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND INITIALLY REFUSED TO REPLACE IT UNDER WARRANTY, EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS COVERED UNDER THE PZEV EMISSIONS WARRANTY AND EXTENDED VEHICLE COVERAGE. AFTER POINTING OUT THE PZEV COVERAGE, THE DEALER REPLACED THE MANIFOLD.
Engine, Jun 29, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUSTIN SUBARU (8100 BURNET ROAD, AUSTIN, TX 78757 PHONE (512)220-0930) TO BE REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V502000 (POWER TRAIN), THE MECHANIC FOUND AN INTERNAL OIL LEAK AND NEEDED TO REMOVE THE ENGINE TO BE ABLE TO CORRECT THE ENGINE OIL LEAK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER REPLACED ENGINE RINGS, CYLINDER HEADS, AND INSTALLED A LONGER LASTING SILICONE SEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY HOWEVER, THE MANUFACTURER REPAIRED THE ENGINE OIL LEAK FAILURE AS A GOOD WILL OFFER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,600.
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 6, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK . THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000.
Power train, Engine, Nov 18, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE, LOST POWER, AND THE CHECK AUTOMOTIVE TRANSMISSION AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO SUBARU OF PUYALLUP (720 RIVER RD, PUYALLUP, WA 98371, (253) 286-5900) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INCORRECT TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS PLACED IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 150070620183. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 8, 2019
VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. AFTER JUMPING THE BATTERY VEHICLE STARTED, AAA PERFORMED ROADSIDE TESTING AND DETERMINED THE BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR ARE WORKING PROPERLY AND ARE SUFFICIENTLY CHARGED. CAR WOULD NOT START FOR UNEXPLAINED REASONS. PREVIOUS SERVICE HISTORY LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THERE IS AN ONGOING ELECTRICAL ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE. PREVIOUSLY THE AIRBAG LIGHT WOULD FREQUENTLY ILLUMINATE. DEALERSHIP STATED IT WAS DUE TO ELECTRICAL INTERFERENCE AND THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG.
Engine, Mar 5, 2019
EXCESSIVE EXHAUST ENTERING PASSENGER CABIN ANYTIME THE ENGINE IS RUNNING BECAUSE OF CRACK IN FLEX PIPE ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD THAT OCCURRED WITH LESS THAN 60K MILES.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Feb 12, 2019
THE CAR WOULD STALL WHEN COASTING TO A STOP LIGHT OR STOP SIGN A FEW TIMES AND HAVE BEEN BACK TO THE DEALER AND CAN'T REPLICATED THE PROBLEM. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION AND CAN CAUSE AN UNSAFE AND HUGE ACCIDENT WITH MY FAMILY. THE CAR WOULD DIE WHILE IN DRIVE AND SOMETIMES CAN'T BE RESTARTED. IT'S HAPPENING AGAIN AND AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR SINCE THE DEALER WILL SAY NOTHING IS WRONG WITH THE CAR. IT LOOKS LIKE IT'S RELATED TO IDLE BEING LOW OR THE CVT ACTING UP WHEN TAKING THE FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL AND TRY TO ACCELERATE FROM A DEAD STOP OR COASTING TO A STOP. THIS HAPPENED A FEW TIMES DURING FACTORY WARRANTY WINDOW.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 4, 2019
PLEASE READ UPLOAD DOCUMENTS. MY 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK BEGAN SHOWING SIGNS OF EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION IN THE SUMMER 2018. APPARENTLY THIS WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH SUBARU AND CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT WAS FILED AGAINST SUBARU FOR MODELS MADE PRIOR TO 2015. MY VEHICLE FAILED A OIL CONSUMPTION TEST IN THE FALL OF 2018. I WAS TOLD BY WHITE BEAR SUBARU IF THE VEHICLE FAILED AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST SUBARU OF AMERICA WOULD PAY TO HAVE A NEW SHORT BLOCK INSTALLED DUE TO THIS ONGOING ENGINE DEFECT. HOWEVER, SUBARU OF AMERICA REFUSED TO PAY THE FULL AMOUNT TO HAVE A NEW SHORT BLOCK INSTALLED AS EVEN THOUGH MY CAR WAS MAKE IN 2014 IT IS TECHNICALLY A 2015 THAT THE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT ONLY PROTECTED CONSUMERS OF MODELS PRIOR TO 2015. ALSO, IN THE FALL OF 2018 THE INTERIOR OF THIS VEHICLE BEGAN TO HAVE A EXHAUST SMELL AND WAS MAKING ME FEEL SICK. THEY DETERMINED THAT PART OF THE EXHAUST SYSTEM WAS BROKEN BUT TOLD ME NOT TO HAVE IT FIXED BEFORE THE NEW SHORT BLOCK WAS INSTALLED AND THE EXHAUST SYSTEM WOULD JUST BECOME CLOGGED WITH THE OIL THE CAR WAS BURNING. I WENT AHEAD HAD HAD THE REPAIR DONE ANYWAY AS THE EXHAUST AIR WAS TERRIBLE.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 16, 2018
EXHAUST SYSTEM ISSUE. EXHAUST MAINFOLD LEAK AT CATALYST CONVERTER. FOR OUR OUTBACK WE NOTICED A SIGNIFICANT LEVELS OF EXHAUST FUMES IN PASSENGER CABIN. THEY WERE NO INDICATION OF FAILURE OF EXHAUST SYSTEM OR CATALYST CONVERTER ON THE CAR. BUT WE ARE GETTING SOME MUCH FUMES SMELL WHEN WE STOPPED AT THE TRAFFIC SIGNAL OR PARKING LOT. IT ALL MOST MADE US SICK. LUCKILY I GOT IT CHECKED AT THE SERVICE CENTER AND THEY FIND THE LEAK. THIS IS POTENTIALLY A VERY RISKY THING FOR PEOPLE WHO DON'T NOTICE THE SMELL MIGHT GET SLOW POISONED WITH CARBON MONOXIDE OR OTHER ELEMENTS IN EXHAUST FUMES. THERE MAY BE DIRECT INJURY FROM THIS ISSUE BUT AS I SAID I WAS ALMOST GOT SICK BECAUSE OF FUMES. FOR PEOPLE WITH PZEV VEHICLE, THE EXHAUST SYSTEM IS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. PLEASE BRING THIS ISSUE WITH MANUFACTURING. FOR PEOPLE OUT THERE IF YOU NOTICE A LOUD EXHAUST NOTE AT START OF YOUR VEHICLE OR SMALL RATTLING NOISE WHEN WE YOU ACCELERATE AFTER A COMPLETE STOP, IT MIGHT BE YOUR EXHAUST SYSTEM, PLEASE GET IT CHECKED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. PS ATTACHED IS THE DIAGNOSIS REPORT FROM DEALER SERVICE CENTER BE SAFE OUT THERE !! THANK YOU.
Engine, Jul 25, 2018
EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION BETWEEN OIL CHANGE. WHEN THE VEHICLE REACHED TO 45,000 MILES, THE LOW OIL LIGHT IS ON LESS THAN 5,000 MILES BETWEEN OIL CHANGE. IF THE DRIVER IGNORE THE WARNING AND NOT ADD OIL TO THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE CAN BE DAMAGES. A THREE YEARS OLD VEHICLE WITH 45,000 MILES SHOULD NOT HAVE TO CHANGE OIL FREQENTLY. I SPOKE TO THE DEALER, THEY SAID THE OIL LEVEL IS NORMAL, AND OIL CONSUMPTION TEST IS NOT NEEDED. WHEN I TOOK THE CAR TO A CAR REPAIR SHOP, THEY TOLD ME THE OIL LEVEL IS LOWER THAN STANDARD BETWEEN OIL CHANGE. I ALSO CONTACTED SUBARU NORTH AMERICA, WAS TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE IS NOT COVERED BY THE CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT, AND ONLY A VERY SMALL NUMBER OF CUSTOMERS HAVE IDENTIFIED A CONCERN ON THIS ISSUE.
Engine, Jul 10, 2018
WE NOTICED AN EXHAUST LEAK (NOISY) ON OUR 2015 OUTBACK, UPON INSPECTION BY THE DEALER THEY DETERMINED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, THEY INITIALLY REJECTED OUR WARANTEE CLAIM BECAUSE SUBARU AUTHORIZES REPLACEMENT ONLY IF A MIL IS PRESENT. AFTER SOME DISCUSSION THE DEALER (SUBARU) AGREED TO REPLACE AS "GOOD WILL". WE LIVE IN THE NORTHEAST AND IT SEEMS ROAD SALT AND SAND CAUSE THE CONVERTER TO RUST PREMATURELY, THE LOCATION OF THE CONVERTED IS AFT OF THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND AT THE BASE OF THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, THERE IS A RISK OF CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING WITH THESE TYPES OF LEAKS, AND IT IS UNHEARD OF THAT THESE PARTS FAIL AFTER THREE YEARS.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Engine, Jun 9, 2018
WHILE PARKING THE CAR AT AN OPEN PARKING LOT IN SHOPPING CENTER AT LOW SPEED (<5MPH) THE ENGINE SURGED SUDDENLY AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY. IT REQUIRED TREMENDOUS PRESSURE ON BRAKE TO EVENTUALLY OVERRIDE THE ENGINE.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 19, 2018
AFTER 2 YEARS OF OWNERSHIP ON MY BRAND NEW SUBARU OUTBACK 2015, I HAVE NOTICED A LOUD SQUEAKY SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE WHEN I START MY CAR AFTER IT RAINED/SNOWED. THE SOUND WOULD GO AWAY AFTER A FEW MINUTES, HOWEVER, IT DIDN'T SEEM NORMAL. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT NOTHING IS WRONG AND IT IS PERFECTLY FINE. HOWEVER, THE SQUEAKY NOISE STILL OCCURS AFTER RAIN/SNOW. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT WATER IS LEAKING INTO A BELT WHEN IT'S NOT SUPPOSE TO AND IT IS CAUSING THE NOISE WHEN THE ENGINE IS STARTED. SUBARU NEEDS TO LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE BECAUSE THIS PROBLEM ONLY HAPPENS AFTER IT RAINS/SNOWS AND CANNOT BE REPLICATED WHEN THE CAR IS BROUGHT TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEREFORE, IT IS HARD TO HAVE THIS ISSUE FIXED.
Equipment, Engine, Apr 3, 2018
2015 SUBARU OUTBACK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ROUGH IDLING IN VEHICLE. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE ANNOYINGLY VIBRATED WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS ON. *JS
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 22, 2017
VERY DIFFICULT TO START-PROBLEM WITH PUSH TO START BUTTON AND ENGINE NOT GETTING FUEL. VEHICLE STATIONARY IN PARKING LOT. HAVE HAD TO GET JUMP START 3 TIMES
Power train, Engine, Jan 29, 2016
I HAVE A SURGING ISSUE WITH MY 3.6R AFTER COLD STARTS. UPON START-UP, THE IDLE WILL BE ~1800 AND WHEN I PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE, IT WILL DROP TO 800-1000RPM. THEN, AS I SLOWLY PULL INTO THE GARAGE, OR PULL INTO A STOPPED LINE OF TRAFFIC, THE ENGINE WILL SURGE BACK TO THE HIGHER RPM, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO PUSH THROUGH THE BRAKES. I HAVE HAD THIS RETURN TO HIGH IDLE OCCUR AFTER I HAVE COME TO A COMPLETE STOP, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO PUSH THROUGH THE APPLIED BRAKES AND REQUIRING ADDITIONAL BRAKE PRESSURE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. I HAVE ALSO HAD IT OCCUR WHEN SLOWLY ROLLING FORWARD. I BELIEVE THIS IS AN UNSAFE SITUATION THAT COULD RESULT IN DAMAGED PROPERTY AND/OR INJURY. I SEE THAT THERE IS AT LEAST ONE ADDITIONAL NHTSA COMPLAINT FOR THIS ISSUE, WHICH SUBARU DEEMED "NORMAL" OPERATION. I DID CONTACT MY DEALER REQUESTING A FIRMWARE UPDATE, IF ONE WAS AVAILABLE, AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NOT ONE. I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE SINCE 3/23/2015 AND THIS ISSUE HAS OCCURRED SINCE NEW, BUT IT MORE COMMON IN COLDER WEATHER. I HAVE 18K MILES ON THE VEHICLE.
Structure, Engine, Oct 9, 2015, fire
THE SUBARU OUTBACK 2015 WAS PARKED IN A LOT AFTER A 12 MINUTE DRIVE AND BURST INTO FLAMES. IT WAS PURCHASED IN FEBRUARY 2015 AND WAS NOT YET DUE FOR SERVICING WHEN THE EVENT HAPPENED. THE SUBARU OUTBACK MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 3RD-27TH 2015 HAS BEEN RECALLED DUE TO "POSSIBILITY OF FIRE DUE TO A TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK". I BELIEVE THE SAME THING OCCURRED WITH MY CAR AND I AM CONCERNED THAT IF THE MODEL IS NOT RECALLED SOMEONE WILL GET BADLY INJURED OR KILLED DUE TO FIRE.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 7, 2015
THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH THE 3.6R ENGINE AND A CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION. WHEN DESCENDING A LONG HILL IN A FIXED GEAR RATIO (USUALLY 2ND OR 3RD) THE VEHICLE SLOWS NORMALLY UNTIL THE RPM REACHES APPROXIMATELY 1200 RPM AT WHICH POINT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY BEGINS ACCELERATING UNTIL THE RPM REACHES APPROXIMATELY 2500 RPM AT WHICH POINT THE PROCESS REPEATS. I OBSERVE THE "MPG" SUDDENLY DROP AT THE SAME TIME TO AROUND 25 MPG WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES. IT RISES BACK TO "99" WHEN IT SLOWS. NOTE THAT DURING THE ENTIRE SEQUENCE MY FOOT IS OFF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE THROTTLE ANGLE DISPLAY SHOWS ZERO. I FIND THIS VERY HAZARDOUS AS THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION CAN OCCUR WHEN ENTERING OR WITHIN A TURN CREATING A CRASH RISK. UPADTE 9/15/15*CW
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 7, 2015
WHEN THE ENGINE IS COLD, THE IDLE SPEED IS 1600 RPM WHEN STARTED. WHEN PLACED IN REVERSE OR DRIVE IT REDUCES TO A NOMINAL 900-1000 RPM. WHEN THE VEHICLE STARTS TO MOVE IT SUDDENLY DROPS TO 600 RPM. WHEN BRAKING TO A STOP AFTER MOVING VEHICLE THE RPM SUDDENLY JUMPS TO 900-1000 RPM JUST BEFORE VEHICLE HALTS. THIS CAUSES SUDDEN UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE AND PRESENTS A SAFETY HAZARD. I BELIEVE THIS IS DUE TO AN ENGINE/TRANSMISSION SOFTWARE ISSUE. THIS HAS OCCURRED SINCE NEW. UPDATED 9/15/15*CW UPDATED 11/07/2017*CN
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 5, 2015
UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. WHEN DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS--WHAT WOULD TRADITIONALLY BE 1ST AND 2ND GEAR (THE CAR HAS A CONTINUALLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION)--AND WHILE KEEPING CONSTANT PRESSURE ON THE GAS PEDAL, THE TRANSMISSION CHANGES THE ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE ON ITS OWN IN A PROCESS THAT FEELS LIKE IT CAN'T FIND THE RIGHT "GEAR", AND IT PROVIDES A "JERKING" FEELING (USUALLY ONLY A COUPLE OF "JERKS"). YET THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT JUST FINDING THE RIGHT GEAR FOR A SPECIFIC CONSTANT SPEED; AS IT SHIFTS AROUND, THE ACCELERATION CHANGES AND HAS, WITH CONSTANT PRESSURE ON THE PEDAL, ACCELERATED FASTER ON ITS OWN. I HAVE NEVER FELT LESS CONTROL OF A VEHICLE AS I HAVE WITH THIS ONE.
Engine, Apr 27, 2015
ENGINE IDLE IS ERRATIC WHEN COLD. BACKING OUT OF THE GARAGE IN THE MORNING THE ENGINE SURGES 3-400 RPM MAKING THE CAR JERK FASTER AND SLOWER. THIS IS WITH ONLY THE BRAKE PEDAL PRESSED. I HAVE A SECOND IDENTICAL CAR THAT DOES NOT HAVE THE PROBLEM. TEMPERATURE IS IN THE 40'S. WHEN THE ENGINE SLOWS, YOU HAVE TO EASE OFF THE BRAKE, THEM IT SUDDENLY SPEEDS UP 50% AND THE CAR TAKES OFF. THE CYCLE REPEATS FOR A FEW MINUTES IN THE MORNINGS. THE PROBLEM IS VERY REPEATABLE -THE SAME THING EVERY MORNING. *TR
Engine, Mar 24, 2015
DEAR SIR, ON FEBRUARY 11,2015 WE PURCHASED A NEW 2015 OUTBACK 2.5 PREMIUM AT SELLER DEALER 400106 VIN [XXX] AND THE ODOMETER READING WAS 10 MILES. THIS WAS OUR DREAM CAR THAT WE SAVED FOR A FEW YEARS TO FINALLY PURCHASE. IT DEVELOPED AN ENGINE KNOCKING NOISE AT ONLY 1000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. SO I TOOK IT TO THE SUBARU DEALER FOR EVALUATION ON 3/18/15 AND AFTER 2 DAYS THERE THEY DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE HAD A PROBLEM AND WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED ACCORDING TO SUBARU EXPERTS. I REALLY RESPECT SUBARU??S AND THEIR HISTORY, BUT WE NO LONGER CONSIDER THIS ONE OUR DREAM CAR. IF THE POWER PLANT IS FAULTY WE WONDER WHAT ELSE IS GOING TO GO WRONG WITH IT. MY FAMILY WILL NO LONGER FEEL SAFE. THOUGH THE CAR MAY OR MAY NOT FALL UNDER THE SONG-BEVERLY CONSUMER WARRANTY ACT WE WANT A REPLACEMENT FOR THE SAME TYPE VEHICLE, NOTHING MORE AND NOTHING LESS. I FEEL THE ENGINE SHOULD NOT OF FAILED AT ONLY 1,000 MILES ON IT AND I'M SURE [XXX] WOULD STRONGLY AGREE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Feb 26, 2015
TWO ISSUES; THE SIMILARLY REPORTED ELECTRICAL STOP. STARTED CAR ON COLD MORNING, DROVE SHORT DISTANCE, DROPPED KIDS OFF AT SCHOOL. WENT TO RESTART, AND CAR WAS COMPLETELY DEAD. HAD TO JUMP IT. SECOND ISSUE; BURNING OIL SMELL IN CABIN. OIL LEVEL WAS FINE, AND SMELL NOT COMING FROM TAIL PIPE. TOOK CAR TO SHOP TODAY FOR THE OIL SMELL, AND I TOLD THEM ABOUT THE ELECTRICAL STOP. THEY SAID THE ELECTRICAL ISSUE IS RELATED TO NEEDING TO REPLACE 4 RELAYS. THE OIL SMELL, HOWEVER, IS DUE TO A BAD CRANKCASE SEAL THAT THEY SAID FAILED MOST LIKELY DUE TO THE COLD. I FOUND SIMILAR REPORTS ON SUBARUOUTBACK.ORG/FORUMS/
Engine, Nov 7, 2014
RED ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND CAR DIED. LOST ALL POWER/ DRIVE. NEEDED TO COAST TO BERM. WOULD RESTART, BUT DIE IMMEDIATELY. EVERYTHING WAS IMMOBILIZED. THIS COULD HAVE HAPPENED AT 70 MPH ON AN INTERSTATE! OUR WAS VERY CLOSE TO BEING REAR- ENDED. *TR