2011 SUBARU OUTBACK

What owners reported to NHTSA, ranked by how often and how seriously.

This is complaint data, not a random sample.

It only includes owners who chose to file a federal complaint, so it over-represents dramatic and safety-related problems and under-represents minor issues an owner just had fixed without reporting. Read this as what NHTSA complainants report most, not as this vehicle's true failure rate. Full methodology.

Component ranking

  1. #1

    lighting exterior

    59 unsafe, 4 broken, 51 annoyance

    114
    incidents
    Typical range: 28,000–86,000 mi

    Median 58,000 mi, based on 103 reports (25% had no usable mileage)

    • "OUR 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK WAS PURCHASED NEW IN SUMMER 2010 AT CONTINENTAL MOTORS, ANCHORAGE, ALASKA. THE DRIVER'S SIDE LOW-BEAM ERRATICALLY DIMMED AND AFTER THREE SERVICE REQUESTS OVER THE NEXT TWO YEARS THE DEALER FINALLY AGREED THAT MY COMPLAINT WAS VALID AND…"~1,100 mi, complaint #1105076
    • "IT IS NOW THREE HEADLIGHTS IN 24 MONTHS HAVE BURNT OUT. I WOULD JUST LIKE TO KNOW WHAT THE ISSUE IS WITH MY CAR. *TR"~32,000 mi, complaint #1036140
    • "MY 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK HAS HAD A CONTINUE PROBLEM WITH LIGHT BULBS(HEADLIGHT - BRAKE LIGHT - PARKING LIGHTS) BURNING OUT. THIS MODEL DOES NOT HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC LIGHT TELLING YOU WHEN A LIGHT HAS BURNED OUT. AND WHEN I ASKED THE SUBARU SERVICE REP ABOUT THE DIA…"~60,000 mi, complaint #1192171
    • "I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE HEADLIGHT BULBS (LOW-BEAMS) REPLACED A MINIMUM OF 4 TIMES OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS. THE PASSENGERS SIDE WAS FIRST...THEN A FEW MONTHS LATER THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THIS CONTINUES FOR NO APPARENT REASON. LAST NIGHT LEAVING WORK...THE PASSENGER…"~84,000 mi, complaint #1264301
    • "LOW BEAM HEAD LIGHT BURNS OUT WHILE DRIVING ON THE THE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. REPLACING THE BULB IS NOT THAT EASY. THIS IS WELL KNOWN PROBLEM AND SUBARU HAS BEEN AWARE OF THE PROBLEM FOR LAST EIGHT PLUS YEARS. INSTEAD OF REPLACING THE DEFECTIVE LIGHTING SYSTEM S…"~219,000 mi, complaint #1636474
  2. #2

    torque converter

    1 stranded, 97 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    99
    incidents
    Typical range: 93,000–136,000 mi

    Median 112,000 mi, based on 118 reports (16% had no usable mileage)

    • "WHILE COMING TO AT STOP VEHICLE WILL SHUTTER AND STALL! AT THE BEGINNING OF OUR OWNERSHIP OF THIS VEHICLE IT WOULD SHUDDER AND THE IDLE WOULD GO VERY LOW, ALMOST STALLING. NOW WHEN WE COME TO A STOP IT WILL STALL! THIS HAS BECOME VERY DANGERIOUS. THERE IS A…"~27,448 mi, complaint #1264256
    • "THE TORGUE CONVERTER IS CAUSING NOISE, SHUTTERING, AND LATE DOWN SHIFTING REPLACEMENT OF A FAILING TORQUE CONVERTER HAS BEEN RECOMMENDED."~99,840 mi, complaint #1562832
    • "VEHICLE STALLS DURING HARD BRAKING CAUSING AN EXTREMELY UNSAFE CONDITION WHEN HAPPENING ON THE ROAD. OBVIOUSLY ONCE THE CAR STALLS THE OPERATOR CAN NO CONTROL AND MUST PUT THE CAR IN PARK TO RESTART. DIAGNOSED BY DEALER AS BAD TORQUE CONVERTER."~115,000 mi, complaint #1650199
    • "MY 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK HAS STALLED OUT SEVERAL TIMES THIS SUMMER, BUT THE EVENT THAT I CAN RECALL MOST OBJECTIVELY FOR REPORTING PURPOSES OCCURRED ON AUGUST 17, 2019 WHEN MY VEHICLE STALLED COMPLETELY AFTER APPLYING THE BRAKES SUDDENLY TO STOP DUE TO BEING FLA…"~134,000 mi, complaint #1615631
    • "WHILE SLOWING DOWN THE CAR STARTS TO SHUTTER THEN STALLS OUT WHEN MY SPEED IS UNDER 15 MPH. I BELIEVE IT'S THE TORQUE CLUTCH CONVERTER. I HAVE TO RESTART CAR IN TRAFFIC. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME I SLOW DOWN WEATHER ITS AT A STOP LIGHT OR JUST TURNING."~262,000 mi, complaint #1582515
  3. #3

    engine stall or no start

    1 stranded, 66 unsafe

    67
    incidents
    Typical range: 71,000–130,500 mi

    Median 107,000 mi, based on 82 reports (15% had no usable mileage)

    • "VEHICLE STALLED OUT WHILE IN SECOND GEAR. LOST ALL POWER, PLUS POWER STEERING AND BRAKING. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IT HAS HAPPENED. IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN SHORTLY AFTER TURNING VEHICLE ON AND AIR CONDITIONING IS ON. THIS HAPPENED WHILE I WAS ABOUT TO MAKE A TURN.…"~649 mi, complaint #805042
    • "ENGINE STALLED AT LOW RPMS. SIMILAR TO MANUAL TRANSMISSION WITHOUT ENGAGING CLUTCH. OCCURRED WHEN APPROACHING STOP AT INTERSECTIONS OR SLOWING FOR HEAVY TRAFFIC."~89,236 mi, complaint #1331852
    • "WHILE DRIVING TO APPROACH A STOP THE CAR STUDDERS, BEGINS TO LOOSE ENGINE POWER AND STALLS. IT THEN REQUIRES THAT THE CAR MUST BE PLACED IN 'PARK', THE KEY TURNED TO THE 'OFF' POSITION AND THEN RESTARTED."~113,455 mi, complaint #1269265
    • "AS I WAS DRIVING MY 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5 AS I DO ALWAYS ON A NORMAL BASIS I RECENTLY CAME TO A STOP SIGN AND WHEN I CAME TO AN ABRUPT STOP MY VEHICLE STALLED OUT LEAVING ME VULNERABLE FOR ONCOMING TRAFFIC I HAD TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND RESTART THE CAR…"~130,000 mi, complaint #1487184
    • "WHEN COMING TO A STOP OR EVEN SLOWING DOWN, THE CAR STALLS. AT TIMES, THIS IS AN ANNOYANCE. OTHER TIMES, IT IS VERY UNSAFE AS CARS BEHIND ME HAVE TO REACT TO A SUDDEN STOP (ESPECIALLY IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC). SUBARU ISSUED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THIS ISSUE,…"~197,000 mi, complaint #1628501
  4. #4

    airbag system

    49 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    50
    incidents
    Typical range: 500–74,000 mi

    Median 21,000 mi, based on 36 reports (45% had no usable mileage)

    • "THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG FAILS TO ACTIVATE OR CYCLES ON AND OFF WHILE THE ADULT PASSENGER REMAINS SEATED IN THE PROPER POSITION. DEALER CLAIMS NO DEFECTS DETECTED YET IS UNABLE TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. MANUFACTURER REPRESENTATIVE IS ALSO UNABLE TO PROVIDE ANY…"~606 mi, complaint #902984
    • "PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF RANDOMLY WHEN I AM SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. I AM 5'3 110LBS. THE SENSORS WERE RECALIBRATED WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THE FIRST TIME. THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. EVEN IF YOU SIT IN ONE SPOT AND NOT MOVE THE SENSOR WILL…"~10,000 mi, complaint #873240
    • " WE HAVE A SUBARU OUTBACK THAT WE PURCHASED IN MAY 2011. IN JANUARY 2013 THE AIRBAG INDICATOR BEGAN TO TURN OFF RANDOMLY WHILE I WAS SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. IT HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY AND WITHOUT ANY CHANGE IN BEHAVIOR OR MOVEMENT ON MY PA…"~40,000 mi, complaint #969014
    • ""TAKATA RECALL", NO NOTIFICATION FOR REPLACEMENT APPOINTMENT, CANNOT USE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT."~61,000 mi, complaint #1365926
    • "The contact owns a 2011 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the passenger’s side seat near the hip area between the passenger and the door had failed…"~230,000 mi, complaint #2024671
  5. #5

    brake hydraulics

    44 unsafe

    44
    incidents
    Typical range: 38,000–126,000 mi

    Median 88,000 mi, based on 34 reports (39% had no usable mileage)

    • "ALOT OF BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL LOW BRAKE TOOK ALOT OF DISTANCE TO SLOW DOWN WASN'T ABLE TO STOP THE CAR AT 35 MPH HIT OTHER CAR. HAD CAR LOOK AT MANY TIMES STILL THOMAS SUBARU DIDN'T THINK ANYTHING WAS WRONG WITH CAR FROM DAY ONE I TOLD THEM MY BRAKES WEREN'T RIGH…"~28,500 mi, complaint #910645
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE REVERSING THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKES FAILED. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT AND TURN OFF THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, IT WOULD NOT POWER DOWN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT OF THE BRAKE FAILURE, THE R…"~40,000 mi, complaint #1365069
    • "DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH. BRAKE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, BRAKES APPLIED, BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR. VEHICLE PULLED OFF ROAD INTO PARKING LOT. VEHICLE TOWED TO SUBARU DEALER. VEHICLE INSPECTED, DEALER STATES REAR BRAKE LINE SEPARATED FROM COUPLING…"~86,000 mi, complaint #1262552
    • "MY 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK WAS BROUGHT IN FOR A TIRE CHANGE AND UPON RETURN, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE COMPLETELY CORRODED AND LEAKING FLUID. UNFORTUNATELY, THIS WAS FOUND OUT AFTER I DROVE IT OUT OF THE SHOP AND I HAD NO ABILITY TO STOP WHATSOEVER. L…"~126,000 mi, complaint #1580347
    • "RECENTLY WHILE BRAKING HARD, MY CAR SHUDDERS AND STALLS. IT HAS HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY AND ON SIDE STREETS. IT CAN ALSO HAPPEN WITH REGULAR TO LIGHT BRAKING ESPECIALLY IF IT IS COLD. AFTER DIAGNOSING MY ISSUE, MY MECHANIC PRODUCED THE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLE…"~211,000 mi, complaint #1512270
  6. #6

    transmission automatic

    1 stranded, 35 unsafe

    36
    incidents
    Typical range: 40,000–136,000 mi

    Median 113,000 mi, based on 34 reports (26% had no usable mileage)

    • "CAR WAS BRAND NEW AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS JERKING WHEN I SLOWED DOWN FOR A RED LIGHT AND THEN HAD TO START AGAIN BEFORE THE CAR CAME TO A FULL STOP. THIS WAS A CONSTANT ISSUE AND ALSO DID THE SAME THING WHEN CAR WAS DOWNSHIFTING DURING TRAFFIC. *TR"~3,750 mi, complaint #904655
    • "TRANSMISSION SHUDDERS INTENSELY WHEN COMING TO A STOP AROUND 5 MPH. ALSO SHUDDERS WHEN STOPPED, RPMS DIP TO ABOUT 500. CAR STALLED TWICE IN THE LAST FEW DAYS."~91,500 mi, complaint #1377673
    • "CAR RECENTLY BEGAN TO ALMOST STALL WHILE DRIVING AFTER COMING TO A STOP OR WHILE TRAVELING AT LOW SPEEDS. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT THEN CAME ON AND THE ERROR CODE INDICATES A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION. TOOK THE CAR TO DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS AND THEY SAID THAT TH…"~118,036 mi, complaint #1493288
    • "CAR HESITATED WHILE DRIVING, RPMS SOARED. LIGHTS CAME ON DASHBOARD-CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, BRAKE LIGHTS, TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM LIGHTS AS WELL AS OTHER LIGHTS. TOOK TO LOCAL MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THE CODE RELATED TO TRANSMISSION ISSUES, HE RESET CODE AND ASKED US…"~140,000 mi, complaint #1590105
    • "THE CAR STARTED SHAKING VIOLENTLY ON THE HIGHWAY AND ALL WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON FLASHING, PROMPTING US TO PULL OVER IMMEDIATELY WITH OUR TWO SMALL CHILDREN IN BACK. WE HAD TO GET THE CAR TOWED AND OUR MECHANIC NOTED THE COMPUTER CODES WERE FOR THE TRANSMISSION…"~182,000 mi, complaint #1499887
  7. #7

    transmission cvt

    2 stranded, 19 unsafe, 1 broken, 1 annoyance

    23
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=21, median 115,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "MULTIPLE TRANSMISSION SOLENOIDS HAVE FAILED AND THE TRANSMISSION VALVE BODY NEEDS TO BE REPLACED ON THIS VEHICLE WITH A CVT TRANSMISSION WITH 80,000 MILES."~81,400 mi, complaint #1359649
    • "THE CVT TRANSMISSION IS DEFECTIVE AND EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. THE VEHICLE WILL SUDDENLY STALL WHEN DECELERATING QUICKLY. THERE IS HIGH POTENTIAL TO CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THE MANUFACTURER KNOWS OF THE ISSUE BUT WILL WAIT FOR THE DEFECT TO OCCUR RATHER THAN FIXING T…"~110,000 mi, complaint #1659691
    • "CVT FAILURE. WHILE DRIVING..CAR SHUDDERED, DASH LIGHTS CAME ON AND STALLED OUT. MILEAGE: 115.000...JUST OVER EXTENDED WARRANTY. COST OF REPAIRS 9,597.70 PLUS TAX. CONTACTED SUBARU....THEY WILL NOT HELP."~115,000 mi, complaint #1504242
    • "THE RANDOMLY STALLS WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE AFTER COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS, AND HAS LEFT ME AND MY SON STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION ON A FEW OCCASIONS. ON ONE OCCASSION, WE WERE ALMOST HIT BY A CAR EN…"~132,000 mi, complaint #1682952
    • "2011 SUBARU OUTBACK WITH CVT TRANSMISSION STALLS WHEN COMING TO AN ABRUPT STOP. SUBARU HAS A TSB AND KNOWS THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE TORQUE CONVERTERS IN THESE CARS. THE VEHICLE STALLED COMING TO AN ABRUPT STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. THIS IS A MAJO…"~190,000 mi, complaint #1731607
  8. #8

    engine head gasket

    15 unsafe

    15
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=12, median 104,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "THE HEAD GASKET BLEW WITH ONLY 61,000 MILES ON THE ENGINE WHILE DRIVING ON A RURAL ROAD IN OREGON AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH."~60,734 mi, complaint #1636604
    • "ENGINE OVERHEATING/LOW COOLANT LIGHT BEGAN ON HIGHWAY AT 86,000 MILES. REPAIRS NEEDED STATED IT WAS A CRACKED RADIATOR. AFTER REPAIR OF RADIATOR AT 800 MILES LATER, SAME LOW COOLANT LIGHT APPEARED WHILE DRIVING IN CITY ON SIDESTREETS AND ENGINE BEGAN MAKING 'S…"~86,000 mi, complaint #1535238
    • "OUR 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK HAD A RADIATOR LEAK WITH NO WARNING SIGNAL. THE CAR OVERHEATED, THE RADIATOR CRACKED, AND WE BLEW THE HEADGASKET. ONLY AFTER THE DAMAGE WAS DONE DID A WARNING LIGHT COME ON. THE CAR ONLY HAS 100K MILES AND HAS BEEN CAREFULLY MAINTAINED."~100,000 mi, complaint #1744921
    • "HEAD GASKET BLEW, OUT OF NOWHERE, NO ISSUES LEADING UP TO THIS. CAR WAS WELL MAINTAINED. IT HAD AROUND 108,000 MILES. COST CLOSE TO 2,800 TO REPAIR, NOT WORTH IT. DEALER SEEMED TO KNOW ABOUT THIS ISSUE PRIOR TO CHASE IN GASKET [REDACTED PLATE] IN 2012, BUT DO…"~108,000 mi, complaint #1685718
    • "PURCHASED MY 2011 SUBARU NEW AND HAVE ALWAYS KEEP THE UPKEEP. ABOUT A YEAR AGO MY TIEROD IN THE FRONT WENT BAD AND RUINED MY TIRES SO HAD TO GET NEW TIRES. THEN IT STARTED STALLING ALL THE TIME, AND NO ONE SEEMED TO WHY. ONCE AT AN INTERSECTION WHICH I WAS…"~120,000 mi, complaint #1368519
  9. #9

    alignment and pull

    11 unsafe

    11
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=11, median 1,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "VIBRATION AND SHAKING (PULSING) OF STEERING WHEEL AT SPEEDS OVER 65 MPH. VIBRATION THOROUGH FLOOR OF DRIVERS SIDE VIBRATION THROUGH SEAT OF DRIVERS SIDE. WHEN GOING THROUGH TURNS STEERING WHEEL CAN PULSATE (FEELS LIKE SOMETHING IS CATCHING). THIS CAN HAPP…"~500 mi, complaint #856328
    • "HIGH WINDS CAUSED A LOSS OF STEERING AND THE ENTIRE CAR WAS MOVED AND I ALMOST BLEW INTO A SEMI.THIS ALWAYS HAPPENS IN HIGH WINDS (25- 30MPH AND ABOVE ). INTERNET BLOGGERS CALL THIS " LANE WANDERING" SUBARU REFUSES TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM. I FILED A CLAIM WIT…"~1,000 mi, complaint #985847
    • "PURCHASED MY 2011 OUTBACK IN JULY IF LAST YEAR. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS DUE TO A VIBRATION IN THE STEERING AND THUMPING IN THE TIRES...ALMOST LIKE THERE WAS FLAT SPOTS IN THE TIRES. THEY FIRST TOLD ME IT WAS FLAT SPOTS AND IT MAY TAK…"~1,200 mi, complaint #864195
    • "STEERING WHEEL SHAKES FROM THE LEFT TO THE RIGHT AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS. IT HAPPENS WHEN STEERING AWAY FROM CENTER POSITION. IT ALSO PULLS IN A TURN TO THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION BEING STEERED. *TR"~6,000 mi, complaint #894739
    • "I CAN NOT KEEP THE VEHICLE CENTERED ON THE HIGHWAY. THE CARS WANDERS RIGHT OR LEFT AND REQUIRES CONSTANT ADJUSTMENT. THE CAR DOES NOT RETURN TO CENTER AFTER A TURN, STEERING ADJUSTMENT IS REQUIRED. THIS IS A CONSTANT PROBLEM. "~73,000 mi, complaint #1278453
  10. #10

    parking brake

    11 unsafe

    11
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=8)

    • "I TURNED RIGHT INTO A DRIVEWAY WITH A STEEP UPWARD INCLINE AND HAD TO STOP MY CAR BRIEFLY TO SPEAK TO A PERSON HELPING WITH PARKING FOR AN EVENT. MY CAR HAS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION, SO I ENGAGED THE ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE TO HOLD THE CAR SO I COULD GET MOVIN…"~2,000 mi, complaint #870391
    • "THE ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE ON THIS VEHICLE DOES NOT WORK MOST OF THE TIME. LAST EVENING IS AN EXAMPLE. PARKED ON SLOPE IN DRIVEWAY AND ENGAGED THE PARKING BRAKE. WHEN TIME TO LEAVE THE BRAKE COULD NOT BE DISENGAGED. IT WAS LOCKED UP. HAD TO MANUALLY DEC…"~46,700 mi, complaint #1285816
    • "ONCE AGAIN THE ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE IS NON-FUNCTIONAL. THE 'BRAKE' LIGHT IS FLASHING ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE [XXX] PARKING BRAKE DOES NOT FUNCTION. MY WIFE SAYS "I NEED A DEPENDABLE VEHICLE". OBVIOUSLY THIS VEHICLE DOES NOT QUALIFY. THE AUSTRAL…"~46,700 mi, complaint #1287102
    • "ON 06/12/2016, I ATTEMPTED TO ACTUATE THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE, TO NO AVAIL ONCE AGAIN. PARKING ON A HILL IS RATHER RISKY WITH THIS VEHICLE AS THE PARKING BRAKE DOES NOT FUNCTION MOST OF THE TIME, SOMETHING I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED IN 50 YRS OF DRIVING USING A MA…"~46,745 mi, complaint #1289432
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RELEASE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT REMOVED THE BATTERY TO RESET THE VEHICLE AND WAS ABLE TO RELE…"~110,000 mi, complaint #1582714
  11. #11

    suspension arms and bushings

    1 stranded, 10 unsafe

    11
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS SHAKING ABNORMALLY WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. ON A LATER DATE WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGE…"~3,000 mi, complaint #834345
    • "EVEN AFTER ALL THE SOA (SUBARU OF AMERICA) "FIXES" / SERVICE BULLETINS I STILL HAVE A VIBRATION ISSUES AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, FEEL IT IN THE SEAT AND IN STEERING WHEEL. IT GETS WORSE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IF YOUR GOING AROUND A CURVE ON IT TENDS TO GET WORSE. EVEN…"~10,500 mi, complaint #935451
    • "The contact owns a 2011 Subaru Outback. The contact stated there was a clunking sound coming from the front suspension location and the vehicle started feeling unstable while driving approximately 30 MPH. The steering wheel began to sway towards the left causi…"~109,000 mi, complaint #1927642
  12. #12

    other

    4 unsafe, 6 annoyance

    10
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER WQE41; NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 12V602000.PUDDLE LIGHTS FOR 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. IN JANUARY 2013, I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM SUBARU. . SINCE RECEIVING THE RECALL NOTICE, I HAVE MADE NUMEROUS, REALLY, NUMEROUS, ATTEMPTS TO HAVE…"~24,000 mi, complaint #1369814
    • "I ACCEPTED A RECALL TO REPLACE THE PASSENGER AIR BAG BY THE DEALER EVENSTON SUBARU, 3340 OAKTON STR, SKOKIE, ILL, 60076; AFTER THIS RECALL REPLACEMENT WAS PERFORMED, MY CAR HAD PROBLEMS LIKE THE PASSENGER WINDOW DID NOT OPPERATE FROM THE COMMEND BUTTON OF T…"~30,000 mi, complaint #1623692
    • "Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Subaru Outback. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of the purchase on 2/26/2026, the mileage was 95,999. The contact found a bill of…"~95,999 mi, complaint #2231717
    • "2011 SUBARU OUTBACK WAS CONSUMED BY FIRE PLEASE SEE ATTACHED DOCUMENTATION AND PHOTO."~130,000 mi, complaint #1584440
  13. #13

    wiring harness

    7 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    9
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=13, median 47,500 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "ON JUNE 30, 2011 AT 11PM I LOOKED OUT OF MY WINDOW AND OUR ENTIRE GARAGE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THIS BUILDING WAS NOT COMPLETED AND HAD NO ELECTRICAL OR HEATING SYSTEM. I BELIEVED AT THAT TIME THAT IT WAS THE CAR(SUBARU) THAT STARTED THE FIRE. ,AS THE INTENSI…"~4,000 mi, complaint #987645
    • "THE WINDSHIELD WIPER STARTED WORKING WHILE IN THE OFF POSITION, THE WIPER MAKES 1 OR 2 SWIPES AND THEN DOES IT AGAIN AFTER A FEW SECONDS. IT MAKES A "CLICKING" OR BUZZING SOUND IN THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN IT HAPPENS. THE ONLY WAY TO STOP ITS OPERATION WAS TO P…"~34,000 mi, complaint #1374943
    • "STARTED VEHICLE AND CENTER COUNSEL WOULD NOT LIGHT UP. HEADLIGHTS AND FOG LIGHTS WORKED AND ELECTRIC WINDOWS WERE OK. SECOND INCIDENT: SAME AS FIRST - ALSO HEARD SOUND IN DASH THAT ACTED LIKE A LOOSE WIRE OR STRIPPED WIRE THAT HAD TOUCHED METAL AND SHORTE…"~38,000 mi, complaint #1273425
    • "1ST INCIDENT 1/10/2014- LEAVING A STOP LIGHT CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE AND VDC, CEL AND BRAKE LIGHT FLASHING. SAT ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD FOR ABOUT 1/2 HOUR. HUSBAND CAME TO PICK US UP AND TRIED STARTING THE CAR. THE CAR STARTED AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE W/O FURTHE…"~47,500 mi, complaint #1036326
    • "CAR WAS JUST INSPECTED SEPT 2014. THREE LIGHT BULBS REPLACED. PRIOR TO THIS, WE HAVE BEEN REPLACING LIGHTBULBS EVERY FEW MONTHS. IT IS EXPENSIVE BECAUSE WE CANNOT CHANGE THE FRONT LIGHTS OURSELVES....IT HAD TO GO INTO THE SHOP. WE ACTUALLY NOW STORE BULBS I…"~79,000 mi, complaint #1116502
  14. #14

    steering rack mechanical

    8 unsafe

    8
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=13, median 24,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "STEERING WHEEL OF THE VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING BAD AROUND 500 MILES. IT IS A CONSTANT PULSATION LEFT/RIGHT. HAND/ARM PAINS AND ACHES WHILE TRYING TO HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS IS ALSO TERMED AS SHIMMY / STEERING WHEEL SHAKE PROBLEM AND SUBARU HAS 2 TSB IN EF…"~500 mi, complaint #807099
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME STIFF AND DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY WHEN DRIVING AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TH…"~4,710 mi, complaint #883845
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO VIBRATE AND SHOOK VIOLENTLY WHILE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE…"~33,000 mi, complaint #1410416
    • "DRIVING DOWN A FOUR LANE ROAD AND WENT TO TAKE A LEGAL U-TURN AND THE STEERING WHEEL TURNED FREELY BUT THE CAR WENT STRAIGHT. THE BRAKE LIGHT WAS FLASHING AND THE TIRES DID NOT MOVE DESPITE ME TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. AWAITING AN UPDATE FROM SUBARU OF AME…"~66,000 mi, complaint #1186029
    • "ON 2/11/20 AROUND 12:30PM ET, I WAS APPROACHING THE HIGHWAY VIA AN ONRAMP, AND MY SPEED WAS BARELY 25 MPH. SUDDENLY, AS I WAS ON THE APPROACH-ROAD, I SUDDENLY FELT THAT THE STEERING WAS LOCKED AND TURNING ON THE RIGHT SIDE ONLY (EITHER STEERING OR ANTI-LOCK MA…"~180,000 mi, complaint #1647099
  15. #15

    control module

    6 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=8)

    • "I WAS DRIVING AT 65 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ON AND ALL OF SUDDEN THE CRUISE DISENGAGED, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, BRAKE, AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS LIT UP ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CAR'S LOSS OF SPEED COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT AS THE LOSS OF SPEED WAS F…"~30,200 mi, complaint #954129
    • "MULTIPLE WARNING LIGHTS APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD WHILE DRIVING. WHEN SITTING IN THE CAR, IN THE GARAGE, THE MINUTE THE KEY IS TURNED, ALTHOUGH THE CAR IS NOT STARTED, ALL THE DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS WENT ON ALTHOUGH THE CAR WAS STATIONARY. PICTURE UPLOADED…"~71,137 mi, complaint #1538527
    • "WHEN WE WERE DRIVING THE [REDACTED ADDRESS] ON JULY 5,2019, THE FUEL GAUGE SUDDENLY SHIFTED FROM ALMOST FULL TO ZERO. THE CAR STOPPED AND WE PLACED IT IN PARK. SUBSEQUENT ATTEMPTS TO START THE CAR DID NOT EVEN IGNITE THE ENGINE, EVEN WHEN WE ADDED ANOTHER GALL…"~88,000 mi, complaint #1582075
  16. #16

    tire failure

    5 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "I HAVE A SUBARU OUTBACK 2011 WITH 16,000 MILES ON IT. THE NON DRIVER-SIDE TIRES HAVE BUBBLES ON THEM. I DETECTED THIS SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2011. THERE HAS BEEN NO ACCIDENT OR MISHAP, YET. HOWEVER, SINCE I HAD TO ORDER 2 IDENTICAL TIRES TO USE WITH THE 2 GO…"~16,182 mi, complaint #876616
    • "THIS IS PART 2 OF ORIGINAL COMPLAINT # 10422477. SINCE I HAVE A 2ND DEFECTIVE TIRE. *TR"~16,182 mi, complaint #876619
    • "MY 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK CAME WITH OE CONTIPROCONTACT P225/60R17. THIS IS A TIRE OF CONTINENTAL THAT HAS AN 80000 MILE WARRANTY. THESE TIRES ON MY CAR WORE DOWN TO THE TIRE REPLACEMENT INDICATOR AT 36750 MILES. . I CALL CONTINENTAL AND WAS TOLD THAT OE TIRES ON…"~36,750 mi, complaint #976353
    • "THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE STARTED TO DEFLATE, WHETHER IN MOTION OR WHEN PARKED. THIS WAS A SLOW LEAK. THE TIRES HAD 6/32 TREAD REMAINING. THE PROBLEMATIC TIRE WOULD HOLD PRESSURE FOR ABOUT [REDACTED ADDRESS] DRIVING, OR SEVERAL HOURS WHEN PARKED, BEFORE TH…"~105,000 mi, complaint #1390898
  17. #17

    unintended acceleration

    6 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=8)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH IN A PARKING LOT, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE OVER A PARKING BARRIER. THE VEHICLE THEN CRASHED INTO A FENCE AND TRAVELED INTO…"~7,000 mi, complaint #895013
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ENTERING A PARKING A PARKING SPOT, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A POLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTUR…"~39,000 mi, complaint #1064489
    • "OCCASIONALLY, PERHAPS 4 TIMES IN THE LAST YEAR, WHEN I PUT MY CAR INTO 'DRIVE', THE ENGINE ENGAGES AND LURCHES FORWARD. IT FEELS AS THOUGH THE CAR WITH TAKE OFF FORWARD AT A HIGH SPEED."~75,000 mi, complaint #1717849
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS WIFE WAS ATTEMPTING TO PARALLEL PARK THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED COLLIDING WITH THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS WIFE SHIFTED TO DRIVE, THE ENGINE REVVED AND SH…"~80,000 mi, complaint #1663937
    • "UPON PARKING IN A ROUTINE PARKING SPOT IN OUR APARTMENT PARKING GARAGE, I TURNED THE CORNER AND ACCELERATED SOME, AS I ALWAYS DID, TO GET TO THE PARKING SPOT TO BACK IN. AS SOON AS I WENT TO REVERSE IT, THE CAR ACCELERATED FULLY ON ITS OWN ACCORD. I WAS ABLE T…"~120,000 mi, complaint #1491300
  18. #18

    engine internal

    1 stranded, 3 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "DRIVING UP A GRADUAL HILL ON INTERSTATE. ENGINE WARNING AND MULTIPLE OTHER LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING. ENGINE LOST ALL POWER. COASTED OVER TO GET OUT OF TRAFFIC AND STOP. TURNED OFF ENGINE. TRIED TO RESTART CAR AND IT WOULD NOT. SUBARU OUTBACK HAD 125,000 MIL…"~12,500 mi, complaint #1542521
    • "MY VEHICLE HAS HAD 4 OF 6 IGNITION COULD FAIL DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION WITHIN A SPAN OF MONTHS. FAILURE HAS RESULTED IN SUDDEN ENGINE FAILURE AND HESITATIONS CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LOSE POWER UNPREDICTABLY AND FORCED US TO PULL OVER. SUBARU OF AMERICA HAS RE…"~35,000 mi, complaint #1259410
    • "MY CAR WENT IN FOR REPAIRS FOR STALLING AT A LIGHT OR STOP SIGN, THE DAY AFTER I GOT THE CAR BACK IT STALLED AGAIN AND THIS TIME CUT OUT THE ELECTRICITY TO THE VEHICLE , I COULD NOT ENGAGE THE EMERGENCY BREAK NOR COULD I PUT THE CAR IN PARK. I HELD MY FOOT ON…"~95,000 mi, complaint #1688104
    • "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. OXYGEN SENSOR PROBLEM."~104,000 mi, complaint #1370710
  19. #19

    suspension struts shocks

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "2011 SUBARU OUTBACK 3.6R - CAR HAS VIBRATION THAT CAN BE MOSTLY FELT IN THE STEERING WHEEL AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. VIBRATION CAN ALSO BE FELT IN THE SEATS AND FLOOR. VIBRATION COMES AND GOES AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. *TR"~500 mi, complaint #831855
    • "VEHICLE VIBRATION - AFTER ABOUT 8K MILES A VIBRATION STARTED IN THE SEAT AND STEERING. TIRES WERE REBALANCED USING A ROAD FORCE BALANCING MACHINE. THEN THE VIBRATION WOULD COME AND GO EVEN AT SET SPEEDS. BUT WOULD GET WORSE GOING AROUND TURNS AT HIGHWAY SPEED…"~8,100 mi, complaint #892655
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVIGN AT LOW SPEEDS, A DIVOT WAS ENCOUNTERED AND CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WAS LOST. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKES NEEDED TO BE R…"~50,000 mi, complaint #1301685
  20. #20

    throttle and pedal

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, THERE WAS SUDDEN ACCELERATION AS IF THE CHOKE HAD TURN ON, SIMILAR TO WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE. IT LASTED ONLY A SHORT WHILE, BUT I DID HAVE TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL. THIS ALSO OCCURRED ONCE BEFORE APPROX. ONE MONTH…"~6,575 mi, complaint #938675
    • "I BACKED OUT OF A PARKING SPOT, STOPPED AND, WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, SHIFTED TO DRIVE TO PULL FORWARD. THE CAR SURGED FORWARD RAPIDLY. I STOOD ON THE BRAKES, THE SURGE CONTINUED VERY BRIEFLY AND THEN THE CAR FINALLY STOPPED. THIS WAS THE FIRST INCIDENT O…"~34,576 mi, complaint #1089183
    • "ON JUNE 9TH, 2017: WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE IN CHURCH PARKING LOT AT 11 AM IN THE MORNING. IT WAS A CLEAR DAY. AS I EASED INTO THE SPACE, I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE, AND INSTEAD OF COASTING INTO THE PARKING SPACE, THE CAR SUDDENLY SURGED FORWARD (…"~42,000 mi, complaint #1415405
    • "IF GAS PEDAL IS "FLOORED" OR PRESSED COMPLETELY DOWN IT STICKS, UNSAFELY ACCELERATING THE VEHICLE EVEN WITH FOOT TAKEN OFF OF THE GAS. IF THE BREAK PEDAL IS PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL "UN-STICKS." OCCURRED THIS MORNING ON A HIGHWAY WHILE SPEEDING UP TO MERGE.…"~130,000 mi, complaint #1659230
  21. #21

    brake booster

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=8)

    • "THE BATTERY WAS NOT PRODUCING POWER AFTER 4 YRS. SERVICE. REPLACED BATTERY WITHOUT ANY COMPLICATIONS OTHER THAN THE FACT THAT THE ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE IS NONFUNCTIONAL. SEARCH FOR ERROR CODES USING OBDII WAS NON-PRODUCTIVE. A BRAKE SHOULD WORK WHENEVER…"~44,620 mi, complaint #1216277
    • "THE GREEN LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND WOULD NOT UNLOCK . I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET AND THE RED BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON. AFTER AN ATTEMPT TO RELEASE THE GREEN LIGHT IT CAME OFF ON ITS OW. THE SAME THING HAS OCCURRED, BOTH THE RED AND GREEN LIGHT ARE ON AND NOT GOI…"~71,440 mi, complaint #1511935
    • "THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE. I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, WHEN SUDDENLY MY DASHBOARD LIGHTS UP. I'M GOING 70 MPH, AND MY EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHT IS FLASHING FOR NO REASON. IT'S WAS NOT ON WHEN I STARTED THE CAR, JUST SUDDENLY STARTED FLASHING…"~145,000 mi, complaint #1743326
  22. #22

    corrosion and rust

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The front subframe is rusted through on the driver's and passenger side. I am arranging to have it replaced now so it may not be available for inspection in the near future. A collapse of the subframe would obviously be a serious safety issue. I am a fairly…"complaint #1825898
    • "Upon application of the brakes approaching a stoplight, the vehicle pulled sharply to the right, entering the right lane from the left and was rendered unsafe to operate due to this condition. Had a vehicle been present at this time in the right lane, a collis…"complaint #1827192
    • "In May, returning from VA, we noticed an odd noise coming from the right front side of the car. Then the noise stopped. Driving a week later, at about 40 mph, I again heard the noise and as I approached a yellow light and began to slow to a stop, the vehicle p…"complaint #1840405
    • "The left front engine cradle collapsed due to rust while driving. this caused the car to swerve to the left, and when the brakes were applied, it also swerved left. The car was almost undriveable. The failure put the driver of the car at risk, and luckily i…"complaint #1886060
  23. #23

    engine cooling

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "COOLANT IS LEAKING ONTO TOP OF ENGINE BLOCK IN TWO PLACES. IT LOOKS TO BE LEAKING WHERE THE COOLANT CROSSOVER PIPE CONNECTS TO THE ENGINE BOTH SIDES."~183,989 mi, complaint #1616298
  24. #24

    key fob and immobilizer

    2 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "AS I WAS PASSING ANOTHER VEHICLE THE CAR MADE A LOUD CLUNK AND I LOST POWER TO THE ENGINE. I WAS IN THE OPPOSITE LANE OF A TWO LANE ROAD AND HAD TO SQUEEZE MY WAY BACK INTO MY LANE BEFORE A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH AN ON COMING CAR. AFTER I SAFELY GOT TO THE SID…"~52,000 mi, complaint #952499
  25. #25

    stability and traction control

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WHEN MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, ABS BRAKE LIGHT, TRACTION CONTROL (ALL WHEEL DRIVE) LIGHT AND CRUISE CONTROL LIGHTS BEGAN FLASHING ALL AT ONCE. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP IMMEDIATELY AND WAS TOLD THAT ALL THE LIGHTS FLASH BECAUSE MOST DRI…"~57,000 mi, complaint #1079489
    • "INTERMITENT: STEADY ICONS: CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM FLASHING ICONS: BRAKE CRUISE FROM STARTING THE VEHICLE ICONS LISTED ABOVE ARE ACTIVE. ENGINE IS VERY HARD TO START WHEN PUT IN GEAR, UNABLE TO MOVE CAR. SOLUTION IS TO TURN CAR OFF, WAIT…"~80,000 mi, complaint #1485316
    • "TRACTION CONTROL, BRAKE, AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS TOGETHER PERIODICALLY TURN ON, AND OCCASIONALLY THE SPEED CONTROL LIGHT FLASHES. HAPPENS WHEN CAR IS STATIONARY AND WHILE DRIVING. NO CAR PERFORMANCE HAS BEEN AFFECTED, YET. UNKNOWN IF THESE "SYMPTOMS…"~136,000 mi, complaint #1554124
  26. #26

    sunroof

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT AT [REDACTED ADDRESS] DIVIDED HIGHWAY, SUNROOF SUDDENLY EXPLODED INTO HUNDREDS OF BITS OF GLASS. FORTUNATELY, THE SHADE WAS CLOSED SO NO GLASS CAME INSIDE THE VEHICLE. NO OTHER DAMAGE OCCURRED TO THE VEHICLE, AND I WAS ABLE TO KEEP THE…"~117,000 mi, complaint #1639337
    • "OUR MOONROOF SUDDENLY DETACHED AND FLEW OFF FROM THE CAR WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. WE WERE GOING ACROSS THE SAN MATEO BRIDGE AROUND 10:45 AM ON SUNDAY 2/9/20 AND SUDDENLY HEARD LOTS OF WIND NOISE FROM THE MOONROOF, SLID BACK THE SUN SHADE, AND FOUND THE MOONR…"~143,802 mi, complaint #1644924
  27. #27

    transmission manual clutch

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "I HAVE A SUBARU BECAUSE I LIVE OFF THE PAVED ROAD AND IT IS AN OFF-ROAD CAR. TWO PROBLEMS: 1) IF DRIVING IN SNOW, SNOW PACKS INTO THE WHEEL WELL AND PREVENTS FRONT WHEELS TURNING PROPERLY. I CARRY A WEEDOUT, OTHER PEOPLE I HAVE TALKED TO CARRY ICE PICKS AND…"~21,000 mi, complaint #901266
    • "6 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION - WHEN COMING TO STOP QUICKLY FROM HIGH SPEED, CLUTCH IS FULLY DEPRESSED (AND EVEN SOMETIMES IN NEUTRAL), THE ENGINE RPMS DROP VERY LOW CAUSING THE ENGINE TO SHUDDER. THIS HAS BEEN OCCURRING CONSISTENTLY FOR OVER 1 YEAR BUT DEALERSH…"~88,000 mi, complaint #1673583
    • "STATIONARY, STARTED CAR AND WENT TO PUT IN REVERSE GEAR (MANUAL TRANSMISSION) ONLY TO HAVE IT GRIND AND POP OUT. UNABLE TO PUT IN REVERSE, NOW THE OTHER GEARS HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY A DAMAGED REVERSE SYNCHRO BREAKING UP. EARLIER MODEL YEAR 2011 OUTBACKS WERE…"~106,000 mi, complaint #1558574
  28. #28

    abs module

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE BRAKE PEDAL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE, THE BRAKES FAILED CAUSING A CRASH. THE BRAKE CONTROL MODULE FAILED CAUSING THE ANTI-LOCK SYST…"complaint #1627204
    • "I BELIEVE MY ANTI-LOCK BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED ON MY 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK AND IF THIS IS THE CASE THEN SOMEONE IN AUTO SAFETY DATA COLLECTION NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT IT. I WAS DRIVING DOWN AN OFF RAMP DURING SNOWY CONDITIONS. I APPLIED MY BRAKES AT AROUND 35 MPH AND…"complaint #949172
  29. #29

    acceleration loss or hesitation

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "THIS VEHICLE IS HESITATING FROM A START, POSING A HIGH RISK OF CAUSING A SERIOUS ACCIDENT WHEN ENTERING TRAFFIC. THE HESITATION OCCURS, ON AVERAGE, ONCE EVERY 300 MILES UNDER DIFFERING CONDITIONS. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO SUBARU SERVICE FOUR TIMES BECAUSE…"~18,192 mi, complaint #996650
    • "WAS DRIVING MY OUTBACK IN INTERSTATE TRAFFIC GOING THE SPEED LIMIT. ACCELERATED SLIGHTLY TO GO UP A HILL AND THE CAR "LOST POWER". WOULDN'T ACCELERATE. SPEED DROPPED FAST AND I HAD TO QUICKLY PULL OVER TO KEEP FROM BEING "RUN OVER" BY VEHICLES BEHIND ME"~155,000 mi, complaint #1580546
  30. #30

    engine oil consumption

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN AT GARAVEL SUBARU ([REDACTED ADDRESS], NORWALK, CT 06851, [REDACTED PHONE]) FOR MONTHS DUE TO AN INTERNAL OIL LEAK THAT WAS IMPACTING THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT T…"~35,000 mi, complaint #1458909
    • "AT 72,000 MILES, THE 3.6 LITRE ENGINE HAS BEGUN TO PUSH OIL OUT OF THE ENGINE. MY MECHANIC SAID IT IS A KNOWN FACT THAT THEIR ENGINES DO THIS. I SEE WHERE NEWER MODEL OWNERS WON A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST SUBARU WHO KNEW THEIR ENGINES ARE FAULTY AND PUSH O…"~72,000 mi, complaint #1345245
  31. #31

    glass and windshield

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, I TOGGLED THE UP/DOWN FEATURE OF THE SUNROOF TO ENSURE THE LOUD WIND VIBRATIONS WEREN'T COMING FROM THE TOP OF MY CAR AND RETURNED IT TO ITS ORIGINAL POSITION. MOMENTS LATER, A HUGE NOISE ERUPTED FROM ABOVE ME AND I SHUT THE UPHOLSTERY…"~180,000 mi, complaint #1667609
  32. #32

    infotainment head unit

    2 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "THERE IS AN INTERFERENCE WITH THE CAR AUDIO SYSTEM. THERE IS AN 'AM' TYPE BUZZING SOUND THAT COMES THRU THE SPEAKERS AT RANDOM TIMES. SOMETIMES IT IS VERY LOW IN VOLUME AND IS SPORADIC. EARLIER THIS MONTH WHILE DRIVING OUT OF TOWN FOR A [REDACTED ADDRESS],…"~8,766 mi, complaint #904656
    • "THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM AND RADIO BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS WITH THE VOLUME CONTROL. THE SYSTEM REFUSED TO CHANGE CHANNELS OR ALLOW YOU TO CONTROL THE VOLUME. IT EITHER BLASTED TO EAR-SPLITTING VOLUMES OR STOPPED WORKING ALL TOGETHER. *TR"~43,578 mi, complaint #985099
  33. #33

    software or update

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "I HAVE REPLACED THE PASSENGER SIDE LOW BEAM LIGHTS MULTIPLE TIMES ALSO WHEN I STARTED THE CAR THE BRAKE LIGHT, TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT, AND MULTIPLE OTHER LIGHTS STARTED BLINKING WHILE DRIVING. THIS SCARED ME VERY MUCH. THE OWNERS MANUAL SEEMED TO IMPLY BRA…"~59,500 mi, complaint #1300400
  34. #34

    steering column

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHAKE AND VIBRATE. THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO RESPOND LATE TO TURNS IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE STE…"~3,000 mi, complaint #867121
    • "SUBARU OUTBACK VIBRATES IN STEERING WHEEL AND SEATS AT SPEEDS FROM 60 TO ABOVE. THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN WHICH STATES THE STEERING COLUMN AND STEERING WHEEL GETS REPLACED. HAVE NOT FOUND ANY INFORMATION THAT THIS RECTIFIES THE ISSUE OR THAT IT MAKES THE CA…"~45,000 mi, complaint #1129548
  35. #35

    wheel or rim

    1 stranded, 1 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "REPEATED SEVERE SHIMMING OF CAR WHEN DIRT OR MUD GETS IN WHEEL WELLS. IN WINTER ANY SLUSH OR SNOW ON THE WHEELS CAUSES A CONTROL PROBLEM. CAR AND STEERING WHEEL SHAKE SEVERELY. ONCE INSIDE OF WHEELS ARE PRESSURE WASHED PROBLEM DISAPPEARS, ONLY TO REAPPEAR W…"~5,500 mi, complaint #970842
    • "I PURCHASED A PRE-OWNED 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK FROM A LICENSED AUTO DEALER, AND THE VEHICLE WAS DELIVERED TO ME ON MONDAY, JULY 27TH, 2020. 8 DAYS AFTER RECEIVING DELIVERY OF THE VEHICLE, AND AFTER DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 500 MILES, THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL FELL OFF O…"~81,850 mi, complaint #1682918
  36. #36

    wiper and washer

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "THE FRONT (WINDSHIELD) WIPERS WILL NOT SHUT OFF. IN THE OFF POSITION, THEY RUN AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED THAT EQUATES THE SECOND HIGHEST SPEED POSSIBLE. THE WIPERS RUNNING ON A DRY DAY, A DRY WINDSHIELD IS A CONSIDERABLE DISTRACTION. IT IS BEING REPORTED WI…"~47,850 mi, complaint #1195727
  37. #37

    ac compressor and refrigerant

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "A/C Compressor locks up, and serpentine belt flies off and stops power steering. Stalls due to this locking up. "complaint #1831301
  38. #38

    adas collision warning

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The emergency brake light and traction symbol have started flashing when I’m driving and now the EB has stopped working. I’ve visiting the Subaru dealership twice and two other mechanics. They’ve all told me different reasons why my car is doing this. I’ve nev…"complaint #1970278
  39. #39

    backup camera

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE BACK UP CAMERA DEFECT AND REQUESTS REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE BACK-UP CAMERA WAS NOT CENTERED PROPERLY, THE DRIVERS SIDE SHOULDER HARNESS INTERMITTENTLY WOULD NOT RETRAC…"complaint #1028233
  40. #40

    battery and charging

    1 stranded

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "I have owned this 2011 Subaru Outback since I purchased it brand new. Over the past 10 years, I have had to put approx 7 or 8 new batteries into the vehicle. The current mileage is approx 75,000. Over the past 10 years of owning this vehicle, I have kept th…"complaint #1777815
  41. #41

    brake pads and rotors

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "BETWEEN 2011 AND 2019 WE HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE REAR BRAKES AND ROTORS FOR A SECOND TIME. THE ORIGINAL SET OF BRAKES AND ROTORS LASTED ABOUT 31K MILES AND WERE REPLACED IN 2015. NOW IN 2019 THE BRAKES AND ROTORS HAVE FAILED AGAIN AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. T…"~51,174 mi, complaint #1611002
  42. #42

    catalytic converter

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "P0420 CODE O2 SENSORS. I HAD THIS PROBLEM BACK IN 2017. CRUISE, SKID CONTROL, BRAKE LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COME ON. SUBARU SAID IT WAS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, 02 SENSORS AND ASSOCIATED PIPING. SUBARU REPLACED IT FOR FREE IN 2017. NOT EVEN 2 YEARS LATER…"~132,300 mi, complaint #1591321
  43. #43

    cruise control conventional

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THE PADDLE SHIFTERS FOR THE STEERING WHEEL MALFUNCTIONED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT DECELERATE. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT NOT TO USE THE PADDLE SHIFTERS WHIL…"~27,000 mi, complaint #864219
  44. #44

    door latch and hinge

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The hood latch will not stay locked so it’s popping as I’m driving. The hood hasn’t completely come up, yet, but it’s definitely an imminent danger. It has happened multiple times over the last three days."complaint #1789944
  45. #45

    driveshaft axle cv

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "I AM NOT SURE IF THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BUT I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER AFTER TWO VISITS THAT THE TRANSMISSION AXLE SEAL NEEDS REPLACED AND POSSIBLY SOME OTHER PROBLEMS. *TR"complaint #888086
  46. #46

    engine mounts

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "My mechanic tells me my Outback's K frame/engine cradle is rotting out where the control arms are attached. This is obviously a common problem with this run of vehicles, and leads to catastrophic failure. Further, the rear brake lines have rotted, and the ge…"complaint #1922859
  47. #47

    evap system

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "WHEN I TURNED THE CAR IN THE AFTERNOON THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS FLASHING, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AND E-BRAKE ON. I LOOKED ONLINE SUBARU FORUMS AND THEIR IS A LOT OF CHATTER FOR THE GAS CAP HAVING ISSUES. I CHECKED MY GAS CAP AND NOTICED THE RUBBER GASKET WAS BROK…"~77,143 mi, complaint #1089006
  48. #48

    exhaust system

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "MY CAR JUST TURNED 17000 MILES. I BOUGHT IT NEW IN 2011. IT IS GARAGED WHENEVER NOT IN USE AND HAVE PHOTOS OF IT IN THE GARAGE. THE MUFFLER AND EXHAUST SYSTEM ARE RUSTING VERY BADLY. I WASH THE CAR REGULARLY WHEN DIRTY. THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING - THE…"~15,000 mi, complaint #939664
  49. #49

    fluid leak unspecified

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Coolant leak, steering power fluid leak, break pad leak, gasoline line leak, seat heater, clicking noise after turning off car, leaking seats and rear view mirror also leaking, steering wheel expanding due to possible air bag, heater and ac vents lose and also…"complaint #2052044
  50. #50

    fuel tank and lines

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "WHEN COMING TO A STOP, THE CAR STALLS SHUDDERS AND QUITS, THIS HAPPENS MORE OFTEN WHEN BRAKING HARDER THAN STANDARD. THE CAR CAN BE WARM OR COLD IT CAN BE REPLICATED ON COMMAND MOST OFTEN GOING UPHILL BUT WILL ALSO DO SAME ON LEVEL GROUND. DEALER REFERENCED PO…"~124,000 mi, complaint #1365320
  51. #51

    heater core and blower

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "ON MANUAL AIR CONDITIONING MODELS WITH FULL MAXIMUM SETTINGS THE SYSTEM OPERATES TO FULL CAPACITY, 39-41 DEGREES F.; HOWEVER, AFTER 10 MINUTES OF OPERATION WITHOUT MAXIMUM SETTING CHANGED THE OUTPUT TEMPERATURE IS REDUCED TO 50-53 DEGREES F. DEALER SERVICED, I…"~1,800 mi, complaint #881439
  52. #52

    instrument cluster

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "FUEL GAUGE FAILS TO SHOW CORRECT AMOUNT OF FUEL IN THE TANK. FUEL GAUGE WILL ONLY SHOW ABOUT 2/3 FULL WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS FULLY FUELED. THERE ARE SEVERAL REPORTS OF SAME PROBLEM POSTED AT WWW.SUBARUOUTBACK.ORG/FORUMS REGARDING FUEL GAUGE INCORRECTLY DISPLAYI…"complaint #938210
  53. #53

    mirror

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR VIEW MIRROR WAS TOO LOW FOR HIM TO SEE THROUGH BECAUSE IT COULD NOT BE ADJUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED HE WAS ON HIS OWN WITH REPAIRING THE VEHICLE AND OFFERED NO…"~13,000 mi, complaint #887220
  54. #54

    noise or vibration unspecified

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE SLOWING DOWN TO MAKE A TURN, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REP…"~113,750 mi, complaint #1177323
  55. #55

    power steering hydraulic

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "STEERING FAILED COMPLETELY WHILE IN MOTION ON CITY STREET. WARNING LIGHT APPEARED ON DASH BRIEFLY, THEN STEERING FAILED - CAR WAS NOT ABLE TO BE STEERED. CAR WAS ROLLED INTO PARKING LOT AND TOW TRUCK CALLED. VEHICLE WAS ON IT'S WAY TO INTERSTATE HIGHWAY WHEN T…"~101,000 mi, complaint #1440982
  56. #56

    seat mechanism

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE, HE HEARD AN ABNORMALLY LOUD POPPING NOISE FROM THE SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAI…"~52,000 mi, complaint #1030651
  57. #57

    seatbelt and pretensioner

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "SEAT BELTS DO NOT RETRACT COMPLETELY. THIS CAUSES THEM TO GET CAUGHT IN CLOSING DOOR AND POSSIBLE BECOME BENT AND UNABLE TO LOCK. DEALER WANTED TO CHARGE $99 TO DIAGNOSE PROBLEM. *TR"~36,000 mi, complaint #1062542
  58. #58

    steering electric assist

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE STEERING LOST POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND SMOKE APPEARED UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE CONTACT QUICKLY EXITED THE VEHICLE. WITHIN A CO…"~80,000 mi, complaint #1345615
  59. #59

    timing belt or chain

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO JERK EXCESSIVELY WITH A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE TIMING BELT WAS REPLACED. AL…"~2,052 mi, complaint #863471
  60. #60

    wheel bearing

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "I PURCHASED A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5I LIMITED ON NOV [REDACTED ADDRESS] HOME FROM THE NEW CAR DEALERSHIP THE STEERING WHEEL HAD A SHIMMY AND THE ENTIRE CAR WAS VIBRATING. THE VIBRATION BEGAN 45MPH AND HAD GOTTEN WORSE AT 65/70MPH. I CONTACTED THE DEALER…"complaint #833151

Search NHTSA's own recall and complaint database for SUBARU OUTBACK directly.