Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

1997 Subaru OUTBACK: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

79 owner complaints analyzed

4 distinct recall campaigns

103,995 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1997 model year. Data updated: . 24 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 9 of 79 complaints (11.4%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior1519.0%
Electrical and battery issues45.1%
Transmission and shifting33.8%
Engine operation33.8%
Fuel system concerns33.8%
Steering behavior22.5%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
9
Engine And Engine Cooling
6
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System
6
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
6
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
4
Vehicle Speed Control
4
Electrical System
3
Equipment:Electrical:Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc.
3
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine9
Engine And Engine Cooling6
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System6
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip6
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline4
Vehicle Speed Control4
Electrical System3
Equipment:Electrical:Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc.3

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 9; Engine And Engine Cooling: 6; Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System: 6; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip: 6; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline: 4; Vehicle Speed Control: 4; Electrical System: 3; Equipment:Electrical:Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc.: 3

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
0
25,000 to 49,999
0
50,000 to 74,999
6
75,000 to 99,999
5
100,000 to 149,999
7
150,000 and above
6
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0000
25,000 to 49,9990
50,000 to 74,9996
75,000 to 99,9995
100,000 to 149,9997
150,000 and above6

Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 6; 75,000 to 99,999: 5; 100,000 to 149,999: 7; 150,000 and above: 6

100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (7). 55 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

1997
6
1998
10
1999
11
2000
4
2001
7
2002
6
2003
6
2004
9
2005
5
2006
5
2007
1
2008
6
2009
1
2010
1
2012
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
19976
199810
199911
20004
20017
20026
20036
20049
20055
20065
20071
20086
20091
20101
20121

1997: 6; 1998: 10; 1999: 11; 2000: 4; 2001: 7; 2002: 6; 2003: 6; 2004: 9; 2005: 5; 2006: 5; 2007: 1; 2008: 6; 2009: 1; 2010: 1; 2012: 1

Pattern summary

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 15 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 4 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 3 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10000526 · 2003-01-04 (January 4, 2003)

2.5 LITER ENGINE BLOCK CRACKED, CAUSING REPEATED INSTANCES OF OVERHEATING REQUIRING STOPPING IN DANGEROUS TRAFFIC SITUATIONS AND EVENTUAL REPLACEMENT OF BLOCK AT OWNER EXPENSE. TS

Owner-reported narrative. 68,526 miles reported. Look up ODI 10000526 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10007512 · 2003-02-14 (February 14, 2003)

WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE.*JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10007512 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10014435 · 2003-04-15 (April 15, 2003)

WHILE DRIVING DOWN ROUTE. 495 AT 65 MPH DURING THE 6:30-6:45 A.M. RUSH HOUR, (PRIMARILY LARGE TRUCKS BARRELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY), THE HOOD OF MY CAR POPPED OPEN, SHATTERING MY WINDSHIELD, DENTING AND CAUSING THE HOOD TO HAVE TO BE REPLACED, DENTING THE ROOF, AND CAUSING THE REAR VIEW MIRROR TO FALL OFF. WITH THE GRACE OF GOD, I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY MANEUVER THE VEHICLE OFF THE HIGHWAY. THE MINOR INJURIES I SUSTAINED WERE TO MY UPPER BACK AND LEFT SIDE OF MY NECK. THESE INJURIES ARE NOT DISABLING, BUT PAINFUL AND ANNOYING. I DID NOT SEEK MED…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10014435 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10032122 · 2003-08-05 (August 5, 2003)

CONSUMER STATES THAT LATCHES, LOCKS AND HINGES ARE RUSTED. DEALER STATED NOTHING WE COULD DO. VEHICLE'S WARRANTY EXPIRED. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10032122 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10037833 · 2003-08-27 (August 27, 2003)

VEHICLE FUEL FILL TUBE ROTTED RESULTING IN A FUEL LEAK. *MR THERE WAS A PUDDLE OF GAS IN THE GARAGE. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT IF THE TANK WAS KEPT ON 1/2 TO 3/4 FULL, THE LEAK WOULD CEASE. THE MECHANIC HAD JUST FIXED THE SAME PROBLEM ON A SUBARU, A WEEK PRIOR AND HAD SINCE REPEATED THAT TASK AT LEAST 4 TIMES. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED THAT SUBARU COVER THE COSTS INCURRED. *SCC ALSO THE WIPER BLADES WERE REPLACED. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10037833 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10041901 · 2003-09-29 (September 29, 2003)

A THICK FILM COVERED THE HEADLIGHTS CAUSING THE HEADLIGHTS TO BECOME DIM. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10041901 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10054620 · 2004-01-21 (January 21, 2004)

POWER BRAKES FAIL TO FUNCTION IMMEDIATELY AND SHORTLY AFTER (WITHIN ABOUT 5 MINUTES) AFTER COLD START IN TEMPERATURES BELOW 10 DEGREES F. BRAKE PEDAL REMAINS HIGH AND STIFF WITH LITTLE TO NO TRAVEL DISTANCE INDICATING NO POWER TO POWER BRAKE SYSTEM BUT BRAKE PEDAL APPARENTLY TRAVELS ENOUGH DISTANCE TO ALLOW SHIFTING OUT OF PARK. USER REMEDY IS TO ALLOW MORE THAN 5 MINUTES TO WARM AND VERIFY BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELS NORMAL DISTANCE INDICATING POWER BRAKE SYSTEM IS FUNCTIONING BEFORE SHIFTING OUT OF PARK. OTHER REMEDY IS TO SHARPLY DEPRESS BRAKE PE…

Owner-reported narrative. 60,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10054620 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10057602 · 2004-02-05 (February 5, 2004)

THE ENGINE SEALS OF THE MAIN CAM SHAFT FAILED AND CAUSED THE ENGINE TO LEAK OIL. THE DEALER REPLACED THE SEALS AND THE TIMING BELT. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *NM

Owner-reported narrative. 60,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10057602 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

4 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

01V216000 · Suspension:Front:Springs:Coil Springs

Reported: 2001-06-25 (June 25, 2001)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FRONT COIL SPRINGS ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY, NEW HAMPSHIRE, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN, AND IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS WERE PRODUCED WITH POOR PAINT QUALITY WHICH, AFTER CONTINUED EXPOSURE TO CORROSIVE SALT, CAN RESULT IN BREAKAGE OF THE SPRING.

Consequence: DEPENDING ON THE LOCATION OF THE FRACTURE, A BROKEN SPRING COULD MOVE PAST THE SPRING SEAT AND CONTACT A FRONT TIRE. SOME TIRES HAVE DEFLATED DUE TO CONTACT WITH A BROKEN SPRING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL NOTIFIY CUSTOMERS TO BRING THEIR VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE A SPRING GUARD INSTALLED ON BOTH FRONT STRUTS TO PREVENT TIRE PUNCTURE AND REPLACE ANY BROKEN SPRINGS FREE OF CHARGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 18, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
98V035000 · Vehicle Speed Control

Reported: 1998-02-20 (February 20, 1998)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE THROTTLE SHAFT BALL BEARING ON THE SENSOR SIDE OF THE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY WAS NOT INSTALLED IN CERTAIN THROTTLE BODIES.

Consequence: OPERATION OF A VEHICLE WITH A MISSING THROTTLE SHAFT BEARING CAN EVENTUALLLY LEAD TO AN INCOMPLETE RETURN OF THE THROTTLE VALVE RESULTING IN A HIGH IDLING CONDITION.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE THROTTLE BODY AND REPLACE THE THROTTLE ASSEMBLY IF THE BEARING IS MISSING.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
98V042000 · Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Gear Position Indication (Prndl)

Reported: 1998-02-20 (February 20, 1998)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. DUE TO POOR WELDS, IGNITION KEYS CAN STICK, SHIFT LEVERS/LINKAGES CAN BREAK AND SHIFT LEVERS CAN MOVE.

Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE UNEXPECTED MOVEMENT OF THE VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER ASSEMBLIES (EXCEPT THE HANDLE GRIP).

NHTSA campaign record ↗
98V091000 · Suspension:Front:Springs:Leaf Spring Assembly:Hanger,Bracket

Reported: 1998-05-04 (May 4, 1998)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER STATION WAGON, SEDAN AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. DUE TO IMPROPER WELDING, FRACTURES CAN OCCUR ON THE SUPPORT BRACKET OF THE FRONT TRANSVERSE LINK.

Consequence: SUCH FRACTURES CAN RESULT IN PARTIAL OR COMPLETE SEPARATION OF THE BRACKET CAUSING A FAILURE OF THE LOWER SUSPENSION MOUNTING, LEADING TO A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE IF NECESSARY THE FRONT SUSPENSION SUPPORT BRACKETS.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

79 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

30.4%Usable mileage24 / 79 records
73.4%Valid incident date58 / 79 records
100.0%Valid filing date79 / 79 records
73.4%Ordered incident and filing dates58 / 79 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026
Electrical System
3512.0%
ODI 10467121 · 3,750 mi

IN EARLY DECEMBER OF 2011 MY WIFE AND I PURCHASED A 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK WITH A 4 CYLINDER ENGINE, CVT TRANSMISSION. WE HAD TO WAIT A DAY FOR OUR OUTBACK BECAUSE IT WAS BEING REPAIRED DO TO A BRAKE SYSTEM RECALL. EVER SINCE PURCHASING THE OUTBACK WE HAVE HAD A SERIOUS ISSUE WHEN USING THE PADDLE SHIFTERS TO SLOW DOWN FOR A STOP. WHEN THE TACH SLOWS TO ABOUT 1100 RPM IN FIRST OR SECOND GEAR THE ENGINE THEN ACCELERATES TO UP TO 2500 RPM, SLOWING DOWN AND THEN SPEEDING UP AGAIN THEN REPEATING THE CYCLE OVER EVEN IF YOU APPLY THE BRAKES. SOMET…

Look up ODI 10467121 at NHTSA ↗

237.7%
ODI 10485982 · 325 mi

MADE A TURN AND WAS HALFWAY DOWN THE BLOCK GOING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH WHEN THE ENGINE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. THE INSTRUMENT GAUGE LIT UP WITH ALL SORTS OF ANNUNCIATORS. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO A SAFE LOCATION AND PARK. THE FOLLOWING ANNUNCIATORS WERE FLASHING; AT OIL TEMP, CRUISE CONTROL INDICATOR, AND THE BRAKE LIGHT. THE FOLLOWING ANNUNCIATORS WERE LIT SOLID; CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT /MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT AND THE VEHICLE DYNAMICS CONTROL WARNING LIGHT. TURNED OFF VEHICLE. WAITED. TURNED ENGINE ON AND THE ANNUNCIATORS WERE STILL PRESEN…

Look up ODI 10485982 at NHTSA ↗

3114.9%
ODI 10593593 · 800 mi

THE ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE ENGAGES WHILE THE VEHICLE IS UNDERWAY. WHEN THE FAULT IS CLEARED AND DRIVING RESUMES THE ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE AGAIN ENGAGES. THE MFG ( SUBARU) PROVIDES A SMALL TOOL & INSTRUCTIONS HOW TO CRAWL UNDER THE CAR, USE THE TOOL TO MECHANICALLY RELEASE THE ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE. IF A TOOL IS PROVIDED ALONG WITH INSTRUCTIONS IN THE OWNER MANUAL HOW TO RELEASE A FAULTY ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE ( WHICH MAY ENGAGE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS UNDER WAY ) THIS IS A CLEAR WARNING OF A POSSIBLE UNSAFE OPERATING CONDITION. THE C…

Look up ODI 10593593 at NHTSA ↗

12123.7%
ODI 10671119 · 450 mi

AFTER BEING PARKED OUTSIDE OVERNIGHT WITH TEMPERATURES BELOW 0 DEGREES F, THE VEHICLE STARTED FINE THE FOLLOWING MORNING BUT HAD NUMEROUS WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATE (POWER STEERING, AT OIL TEMPERATURE, AMONG OTHERS) WHILE IDLING IN MY DRIVEWAY. VEHICLE WARMED UP FOR 5 MINUTES. ONCE WARMED UP, OWNER TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND ATTEMPTED TO RESTART 20 MINUTES LATER. VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART BUT OTHER ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS (LIGHTS, RADIO, ETC) WORKED BUT THE STARTER WOULD NOT ENGAGE. VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSIS OF WHAT APPEARS TO B…

Look up ODI 10671119 at NHTSA ↗

30247.0%
ODI 10789134 · 1,000 mi

MY CAR REQUIRED 2 REPAIRS 5 WEEKS APART OF THE WIRING BUNDLE CONTROLLING THE FOG LIGHTS AND LOW OIL LEVEL SENSOR DUE TO A CRITTER CHEWING THE BUNDLE WHILE IT WAS PARKED. I NOW HAVE BOUNCE LAUNDRY SHEETS STUFFED AROUND THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AT THE SUGGESTION OF THE DEALER; THEY SEE THIS OFTEN FROM CARS OUT OF THE MOUNTAINS.

Look up ODI 10789134 at NHTSA ↗

38141.5%
ODI 10917279 · 2,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THERE WAS AN LOUD ABNORMAL SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNDETERMINED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THE ALL THE WINDOWS FAILED TO FUNCTION EXCEPT FOR THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000. UPDATED 01/11/2017*CT UPDATED 06/07/17*LJ CONSUMER DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF WINDOW FAILURE AND IT WAS FIXED. (STILL MAKING SAME LOUD NOISE (12-3-16). UPDATED 7…

Look up ODI 10917279 at NHTSA ↗

25731.7%
ODI 11041865 · 950 mi

THE CAR IS PARKED. THE FLASHERS ARE ACTIVATED. THE CAR IS THEN LOCKED FROM THE OUTSIDE WITH THE KEY FOB. AFTER RETURNING TO THE CAR A SHORT TIME LATER (MAYBE 5 MINUTES OR SO) THE KEY FOB IS TOTALLY UNUSABLE. LOCK, UNLOCK, REAR HATCH OR PANIC DO NOT WORK. MUST THEN USE THE KEY IN THE DOOR LOCK, TO UNLOCK THE DOOR. THEN, OF COURSE, THE ALARM SOUNDS UNTIL YOU CAN PUT THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION TO SILENCE THE ALARM. THERE APPEARS TO BE A TIME OUT PROBLEM BECAUSE THE KEY FOB CAN UNLOCK THE CAR WITH THE HAZARD FLASHERS ON, RIGHT AFTER LOCKING THE CAR…

Look up ODI 11041865 at NHTSA ↗

35434.2%
ODI 11166434 · 300 mi

NAVIGATION SYSTEM FAILURE! I HAVE 3200 MILES ON MY 2019 OUTBACK AND SINCE DAY 1 HAVE HAD PROBLEMS USING THE NAV SYSTEM. THE SYSTEM FREEZES UP COMPLETELY CAUSING EVERYTHING NOT WORK RADIO BACK UP CAMERA ETC. SYSTEMS STAYS ON AT NIGHT DRAINING BATTERY. IT SPORADICALLY WORKS AND WORKS LESS AND LESS EVERY DAY HAD A DEAD BATTERY ALREADY ON A 2019 VEHICLE. *TR

Look up ODI 11166434 at NHTSA ↗

25328.1%
ODI 11277145 · 520 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT AN INTERSECTION, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL; HOWEVER, THE ELECTRONIC EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SUBARU OF BEND (2060 NE HWY 20, BEND, OR 97701, [phone removed]) WHERE IT WAS CURRENTLY BEING DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE F…

Look up ODI 11277145 at NHTSA ↗

7224.3%
ODI 11396114 · 2,500 mi

I BOUGHT A NEW CAR IN DECEMBER 2020. ONE DAY IN JAN 2021, I NOTICED THAT THE BATTERY HAD DIED. I JUMP STARTED IT AND THEN IN FEBRUARY 2021, I HAD TO JUMPSTART IT 3 TIMES. AT LEAST THE LAST INSTANCE, I WAS CAREFUL TO CHECK NO INTERIOR LIGHTS WERE ON, AND IT STILL HAPPENED. I WENT TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE BATTERY. I HOPE THAT FIXES IT.

Look up ODI 11396114 at NHTSA ↗

4710.2%
ODI 11424796

Vehicle was purhased in early June 2021. Vehicle was being operated on State Highway Route 55 at Milepost 46.7, in Elk Township, Gloucester County. Traffic was heavy, with southbound transient traffic traveling to New Jersey Shore points. Vehicle simultaneously lost power and began to display several error/warning messages on dashboard at approximately 13:52 hours. Vehicle was pulled to the right shoulder of the roadway and I began to smell something burning. As I removed personal effects from vehicle I exited and saw smoke coming from t…

Look up ODI 11424796 at NHTSA ↗

1719.1%
ODI 11488010 · 300 mi

The contact owns a 2023 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that upon purchasing the vehicle from the dealer on October 3, 2022, he noticed that the automatic collision alert to the Emergency Services, the diagnostic alert, the remote services, the SOS emergency alert, the stolen vehicle recovery alert, the Roadside Assistance alert, and the multimedia features were inoperable. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that it was a known manufacturer defect associated with an unknown control module. The vehicle was not dia…

Look up ODI 11488010 at NHTSA ↗

1615.7%
ODI 11546993

My issue is that my 2024 outback wilderness has a idling problem when starting cold or hot engine the RPM’s are at 1800 rpm for 1 to 5 minutes .. I feel this is a hazard to public safety in cold weather conditions because it stays at high idle and therefore stopping on slick roads is a problem.. I’ve had this at just one dealership a they said car is normal I do not feel it is safe .. I am a [XXX] male and have had many new automobiles and never had a real complaint this is a very serious complaint I hope someone inquires about it asap . Subar…

Look up ODI 11546993 at NHTSA ↗

1214.8%
ODI 11689091

I purchased my car on [XXX]. Since then I have now had two incidents where I was driving on the expressway and the computer completely shuts down. Engine is still active but the dashboard goes black, air conditioning turns off, turn signals don’t work etc. I brought it back to Gerald Subaru of Naperville and they told me the first time that they had not done the factory reset when they first got the vehicle. They explained to me they fixed the issue and it would never happen to me again. It happened again to me yesterday on the expressway. I wa…

Look up ODI 11689091 at NHTSA ↗

531.3%
ODI 11730401

I bought my 2026 Subaru Outback 3/20/2026, I plugged in my FIXD sensor into the OBDII port of my new car and there was nothing available. I made an appointment with Austin Subaru to check why the OBDII port was not working and my assigned rep told me that they were having issues with all of their 2026 Subaru Outbacks, I signed in for my appointment on my arrival 4/7/2026 and the following day I was notified that I had missed my appointment. I called the Rep. and requested a call back but that did not happen. I was at the dealership no more th…

Look up ODI 11730401 at NHTSA ↗

Visibility/Wiper
51.7%
ODI 10703756 · 62,880 mi

I RECENTLY PURCHASED A VEHICLE FROM MASTRIA SUBARU OF RAYNHAM MA. IT HAD A CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD THAT WAS IN THE DRIVERS DIRECT VIEW OF THE ROAD.IT INITIALLY FAILED INSPECTION FOR THIS ,WE WERE TOLD TO COME BACK TO HAVE IT FIXED.THEY DID VERY LITTLE BUT MAKE THE PROBLEM WORSE.THEN THEY PASSED IT FOR INSPECTION,WHEN I ASKED THE SERVICE MANAGER HE SAID IT WAS OUR PROBLEM HAVE YOUR INSURANCE FIX IT.NOW WE HAVE A VEHICLE THAT IS VERY HARD TO DRIVE BECAUSE THERE IS A CRACK IN FRONT OF THE DRIVER.IS THERE ANYTHING THAT CAN BE DONE TO RESOLVE THIS …

Look up ODI 10703756 at NHTSA ↗

113.7%
ODI 10578528 · 24,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH SHE HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND THE GLASS SHATTERED ALL OVER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE SUNROOF BUT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHAT CAUSED THE FAILURE TO OCCUR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 24,000.

Look up ODI 10578528 at NHTSA ↗

83.8%
ODI 10584654 · 3,600 mi

THE WINDSHIELD POPPED AND CRACKED ACROSS THE BOTTOM FROM THE HEAT OF THE DEFROST FUNCTION. *TR

Look up ODI 10584654 at NHTSA ↗

13025.5%
ODI 10663557 · 500 mi

THIS CAR HAS A SCREEN IN THE DASHBOARD THAT CONTROLS THE STEREO, PHONE, AND OTHER FUNCTIONS. IT HAS A VERY REFLECTIVE GLASSY FINISH. THE SCREEN IS NOT SURROUNDED BY A HOOD OF ANY SORT AND IT IS TITLED AT ABOUT A 50-DEGREE ANGLE. ON OTHER OCCASIONS, I HAVE NOTICED THAT THIS SCREEN REFLECTS A LOT OF SUNLIGHT, BUT IT WAS MORE OF AN ANNOYANCE THAN ANYTHING. ON THIS OCCASION, I WAS DRIVING THE CAR AT ABOUT 1:30 IN THE AFTERNOON, GOING EAST ON A HIGHWAY. THE DASHBOARD SCREEN WAS REFLECTING THE SUN INTO MY EYES SO DIRECTLY THAT IT WAS PAINFUL. IT WAS …

Look up ODI 10663557 at NHTSA ↗

8312.9%
ODI 10760241 · 225 mi

I JUST PURCHASED A 2016 OB 2.5I PREMIUM. I HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR A WEEK AND A HALF. ON FRIDAY I DECIDED TO WASH MY CAR FOR THE FIRST TIME. I STARTED ON THE DRIVERS SIDE, RAISED THE DRIVERS SIDE WIPER, WENT AROUND THE FRONT OF THE CAR AND RAISED THE PASSENGER SIDE WIPER. I THEN WASHED AROUND THE CAR. WHEN I WENT TO PUT THE DRIVERS SIDE WIPER DOWN IT HIT THE PASSENGER SIDE WIPER AND SLAPPED IT DOWN ONTO THE WINDSHIELD. AN HOUR LATER I NOTICED A CRACK COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE. I DID THE "PEN TEST" AND FOUND A SMALL DEPRESSION UNDER THE WI…

Look up ODI 10760241 at NHTSA ↗

20522.4%
ODI 10939636 · 1,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS A GLARE FROM OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE THAT REFLECTED OFF THE FACE PLATE OF THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE DISTRACTED THE CONTACT FROM DRIVING AND HINDERED HER VISIBILITY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHERE THE GLARE FAILURE WAS CONFIRMED. A BUY BACK FOR THE VEHICLE WAS OFFERED; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT DECLINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 1,000. UPDATED 04/06/17 LJ THE CONSUMER STA…

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23328.7%
ODI 11016407

DRIVERS SIDE VIEW MIRROR DOES NOT ADJUST FAIR ENOUGH TO SEE MY BLIND SPOT WELL. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. I'VE READ COUNTLESS FORUMS ON POPULAR SUBARU FORUM WEBSITES. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE.

Look up ODI 11016407 at NHTSA ↗

32631.5%
ODI 11166434 · 300 mi

NAVIGATION SYSTEM FAILURE! I HAVE 3200 MILES ON MY 2019 OUTBACK AND SINCE DAY 1 HAVE HAD PROBLEMS USING THE NAV SYSTEM. THE SYSTEM FREEZES UP COMPLETELY CAUSING EVERYTHING NOT WORK RADIO BACK UP CAMERA ETC. SYSTEMS STAYS ON AT NIGHT DRAINING BATTERY. IT SPORADICALLY WORKS AND WORKS LESS AND LESS EVERY DAY HAD A DEAD BATTERY ALREADY ON A 2019 VEHICLE. *TR

Look up ODI 11166434 at NHTSA ↗

31334.8%
ODI 11287507 · 4,700 mi

WINDSHIELD CRACKED SPONTANEOUSLY WHILE IN GARAGE OVERNIGHT.

Look up ODI 11287507 at NHTSA ↗

9732.8%
ODI 11375885 · 400 mi

I HAD THE CAR ONLY 10 DAYS FROM THE DEALERSHIP, MY HUSBAND AND I WERE ON THE HIGHWAY HEADING TO AN EVENT WHEN WE HEARD A CRACK, I LOOKED UP AND THERE WAS A HORIZONTAL CRACK HEADING FROM LEFT TO RIGHT IN THE WINDSHIELD.

Look up ODI 11375885 at NHTSA ↗

25555.1%
ODI 11429098

A little penny sized chip on the front windshield has turned into a severe crack from the middle of the windshield to passenger side as well as the the driver side.

Look up ODI 11429098 at NHTSA ↗

1618.0%
ODI 11514367

I've had the vehicle less than 6 months and have already had 3 Safelite repairs for cracks and chips from road debris hitting the windshield. Windshields are fragile and prone to cracking. Attached the latest example, dead-center of photo.

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2120.6%
ODI 11524134

The moon roof shattered. Have not even had the vehicle two days yet. It was fine yesterday (5/26/2023). Went out this afternoon (5/27/2023) and found the moon roof completely shattered and fractured. There is a hole near the rear center and fractures covering the entire moon roof window. We had not even operated the moon roof. This vehicle has less than 100 miles on it. Called the dealership and was told to call my insurance company because I could not prove it was caused by a defect.

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56.2%
ODI 11633284

small chip / crack in windshield on driver side view

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Unknown Or Other
248.2%
ODI 10452906

WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE VEHICLE EXHIBITS VERY POOR STRAIGHT LINE STABILITY. VEHICLE WANDERS WITHIN THE LANE AND REQUIRES EXCESSIVE STEERING WHEEL CORRECTION TO MAINTAIN STRAIGHT DIRECTION. VEHICLE 500 MILES ON IT (350 DRIVEN BY OWNER) BUT IS NOW SITTING IN DRIVEWAY FOR FEAR OF PERSONAL SAFETY IF EMERGENCY MANEUVER IS NECESSARY ON THE HIGHWAY. *TR

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248.1%
ODI 10794909 · 23,000 mi

I WAS CHANGING A FLAT TIRE WITH THE JACK PROVIDED BY SUBARU. I WAS ON A FLAT SURFACE ON ASPHALT. THE JACK COLLAPSED UNDER THE WEIGHT OF THE CAR WHILE I WAS CHANGING THE TIRE, CAUSING THE CAR TO CRASH TO THE GROUND. THE JACK COLLAPSED WHEN THE METAL THREADED BAR INT EH MIDDLE OF THE JACK STARTED TO BEND. PLEASE SEE THE PICTURES OF THE JACK AND OF THE SURFACE I WAS ON (IT SHOWS IT WITH THE SPARE TIRE INSTALLED, WHICH WAS DONE ONLY WITH THE HELP OF ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE BECAUSE I NEEDED THEIR JACK TO COMPLETE THE TASK).

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2210.6%
ODI 10689615 · 37,906 mi

HAVING WARMED UP THE CAR IN THE DRIVEWAY FOR FIVE MINUTES AND HAVING DRIVEN FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES, BRAKING SEVERAL TIMES, DRIVER APPROACHED THE STOP SIGN AT THE TOP OF THE HILL WHERE THE ROAD INTERSECTS WITH A BUSY HIGHWAY. SHE TRIED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKES AND NOTHING HAPPENED. TO STOP THE CAR, SHE THREW THE CAR INTO PARK. "CHECK ENGINE @ OIL TEMP" LIGHT OR SOMETHING SIMILAR CAME ON. SHE TURNED OFF THE CAR, WAITED A SHORT WHILE AND RESTARTED CAR, SHIFTED INTO DRIVE AND CAR WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING. TURNED OFF CAR. A SHORT WHILE LATER SH…

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10821.2%
ODI 10690859 · 2,030 mi

I HAVE 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK WITH EYESIGHT AND BLIND SPOT DETECTION. I HAD STOPPED THE VEHICLE IN THE DRIVEWAY, ABOUT 10 FT FROM THE GARAGE, WAITING FOR MY HUSBAND TO CLEAN THE FLOOR. THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING. WHEN MY HUSBAND CAME OUT OF THE GARAGE AND SIGNALED ME TO PARK THE VEHICLE INSIDE, I WAS ABOUT TO MOVE THE VEHICLE SLOWLY IN THE GARAGE. HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STARTED LIKE A BULLET, AS IF IT WAS TRYING TO ACCELERATE TO THAT SET SPEED, QUICKLY. MY HUSBAND HEARD THE WHEELS SCREECHING AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATING. HE JUMPED ON THE SI…

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12419.3%
ODI 10817540 · 1,120 mi

2016 SUBARU OUTBACK WHILE DRIVING CAR ON I-95 , NOTICED 4-4 IN. CRACK IN LOWER DRIVER SIDE WINDSHIELD ,AFTER INVESTIGATING NOTICED SMALL PIT SIZE OF PENCIL POINT WHERE THE CRACK STARTED. CRACK KEPT GROWING. NEXT DAY CONTINUED MY TRIP ON I-95 , ABOUT 3 HRS LATER ANOTHER CRACK APPEARED IN THE UPPER CENTER OF THE WINDSHIELD , AFTER INVESTIGATING NOTICED SMALL PIT THE SIZE OF PENCIL POINT WHERE THE CRACK STARTED. SAME AS FIRST CRACK I DID NOT NOTICE ANY DEBRIS HITTING THE WINDSHIELD . I RESEARCHED ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND NUMEROUS SIMILAR IN…

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17719.3%
ODI 10960032

I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO PURCHASE A NEW SUBARU OUTBACK, BUT THE FORWARD JUTTING HEADRESTS ("HEAD-RESTRAINING SYSTEM") IS WAY TOO UNCOMFORTABLE. WE ARE LEARNING ALL NEWER VEHICLES SEEM TO HAVE THESE REMARKABLY UNCOMFORTABLE AND POSTURE DAMAGING FORWARD TILTS DUE TO YOUR RECOMMENDATIONS/REQUIREMENTS. PLEASE RE-THINK YOUR CURRENT RECOMMENDATIONS AND DESIGN RECOMMENDED HEADRESTS WHICH ARE SAFE AND DO NOT SACRIFICE POSTURE AND COMFORT. YOUR CURRENT RECOMMENDATIONS ARE CERTAINLY LEADING TO WORSENING ARTHITIC SYMPTOMS AND PAIN FOR PEOPLE SUCH AS ME A…

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16019.7%
ODI 11061559 · 5,040 mi

STARLINK RADIO IN TOURING MODEL WITH 8"SCREEN UNRELIABLE. HAD ISSUES WITH TOUCHSCREEN FREEZING AND CD LOADING ERROR FROM PURCHASE DATE IN AUGUST TO DEC. 18, 2017. DEALER TRIED TO PERFORM SOFTWARE UPDATE AND FRIED RADIO. RADIO WAS REPLACED. ISSUES WORSE WITH NEW RADIO. TOOK 2500 MILE TRIP AND HAD COMPLETE FAILURE OF RADIO, NAVIGATION, BLUETOOTH, BACKUP CAMERA. LETTING CAR SIT CLEARED SOME ERRORS BUT LATER SIMILAR PROBLEMS REOCCURRED. ALSO HAVE ISSUE WITH DOORS DO NOT ALWAYS LOCK WHEN SHIFTING INTO GEAR OR UNLOCKING WHEN SHIFTING INTO PARK.…

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20419.7%
ODI 11120782 · 23 mi

PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 2019 SUBARU OUTBACK 3.6R LIMITED WITH EYESIGHT. WITH LESS THAN 23 MILES ON IT, THE WINDSHIELD SPONTANEOUSLY CRACKED JUST SITTING IN THE GARAGE. RESEARCHING THE WEB SHOWS THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH SUBARU OUTBACK.

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15216.9%
ODI 11281696 · 2,000 mi

ALL FOUR FRONT VENTS IN DASH BOARD RATTLE WHEN GOING ABOUT 40 MPH ON SLIGHTLY ROUGH SURFACE. ALSO LOUD SOUND THAT SOUNDS LIKE POPCORN POPPING ON PASSENGER SIDE THAT SEEMS TO BE COMING FROM THE PASSENGER CORNER OF THE FRONT WINDSHIELD OR DASH BOARD. THE POPCORN SOUND STARTS WHEN DRIVING AT 65 TO 70 MPH.

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6522.0%
ODI 11377849 · 1,500 mi

WINDSHIELD CRACKED SPONTANEOUSLY TWO TIMES. HAD TO REPLACE WINDSHIELD TWICE AND HAD TO RECALIBRATE EYESITE CAMERAS BOTH TIMES. ONE TIME HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING AND THE OTHER TIME PARKED.

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8618.6%
ODI 11424796

Vehicle was purhased in early June 2021. Vehicle was being operated on State Highway Route 55 at Milepost 46.7, in Elk Township, Gloucester County. Traffic was heavy, with southbound transient traffic traveling to New Jersey Shore points. Vehicle simultaneously lost power and began to display several error/warning messages on dashboard at approximately 13:52 hours. Vehicle was pulled to the right shoulder of the roadway and I began to smell something burning. As I removed personal effects from vehicle I exited and saw smoke coming from t…

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1516.9%
ODI 11495209

Apparent know issue. Subaru Outback windshields prone to chips and eventual cracking of entire windshield. Car does not have 2000 miles yet and already needs windshield replacement from rock chip.

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2928.4%
ODI 11564519

Windshield cracked after a rock hit. This is the first crack I have ever had and I believe Subaru glass to be at fault. It continued to splinter while driving at a quick rate even on a smooth road. Which also seems unreasonable. This seems like a safety issue.

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1822.2%
ODI 11625239

Three primary issues of major concern on this vehicle: 1. Phantom emergency - braking at random, both low and high speeds. The most dangerous of the three. 2. Lane keep assist - unaware or unable to compensate for real driving conditions, construction areas, pedestrians walking a dog, heavy machinery on a semi-truck as examples. 3. Infotainment blinding - A large, HIGH GLOSS screen at a 45-degree angle, placing it in the direct reflective angle of three windows: Sunroof, passenger front, passenger rear. Absolutely blinding even with sunglasses …

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637.5%
ODI 11732409

HVAC system heating to dangerous levels and still radiating heat into the cabin even after HVAC system was turned off. To mitigate, direction was changed to feet. Temperatures of over 100 degrees F were observed for sustained periods. Issue is intermittent, however it was reproduced consistently when it was cold outside (cold being cooler than 55 degrees F). I set the temperature to 65 degrees F with the AC on and recirculate, however it didn't make a difference. When this bug happens, it puts out a lot of heat and the only way to get it to coo…

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Power Train
10234.9%
ODI 10451209 · 5,692 mi

I WAS SETTING THE HOMELINK MIRROR ON MY CAR TO RECOGNIZE A PARTICULAR GARAGE DOOR OPENER. THE MIRROR IS POWERED SO I NEEDED TO LEAVE THE CAR IDLING. I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND BEGAN THE PROGRAMMING PROCESS. THE LAST STEP IN THE PROCESS IS TO ENGAGE THE GARAGE DOOR OPENER FROM THE MOTOR HEAD. TO PREPARE TO DO THIS, I EXITED THE CAR AND MOVED ON FOOT INTO THE GARAGE TO LOOK FOR A STEP LADDER. AS I WAS SEARCHING FOR A STEP LADDER AND AFTER A PERIOD OF AT LEAST ONE FULL MINUTE, THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SLIPPED INTO "DRIVE" AT WHICH POI…

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6020.2%
ODI 10482284 · 400 mi

I BOUGHT A SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5 LIMITED ON 9/29/12. THERE HAS BEEN INTERMITTENT CLICKING NOISES DURING ACCELERATION AND WHEN TAKING FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL, USUALLY WHEN NEAR OR ABOVE 38 MILES PER HOUR. THE CLICKING NOISES RANGE FOR LOW TO LOUD. MY CAR HAS NOW BEEN IN THE DEALER FOR OVER 1 WEEK. THE FIRST TIME I TOOK IT IN THEY SAID IT WAS DUE TO A LOOSE PANEL BEHIND THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT AND THEY "SCREWED" IT IN PLACE. THE SAME NOISE CONTINUED TO OCCUR WITHOUT IMPROVEMENT. I THEN WENT ON RIDE WITH THE SERVICE CLERK AND HE THOUGHT HE HEARD IT WHE…

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2411.5%
ODI 10560426 · 5,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY DECELERATED. THE CONTACT HAD TO PUMP THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE THE VEHICLE WOULD RESPOND AND DRIVE NORMALLY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT, THE VEHICLE STALLED AS THE CONTACT PROCEEDED THROUGH A BUSY INTERSECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

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377.3%
ODI 10669374 · 856 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 856. UPDATED 02/18/15*LJ UPDATED 9/12/2017*CN

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426.5%
ODI 10790669 · 560 mi

I WAS IN A STORE PARKING LOT. I DROVE APPROX. 2 BLOCKS AND CAME TO A FULL STOP WHERE THERE WAS A PEDESTRIAN CROSSING. I ACCELERATED MAKING A LEFT TURN AND BEGAN CLIMBING A SMALL HILL TO EXIT THE PARKING AREA. I TRAVELED APPROXIMATELY 20 FEET AND MY CAR LOST ACCELERATION. I PLACED MY FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL AND PRESSED IT DOWN APPROX. 50 PERCENT. WHILE DOING SO, I DID NOT HEAR THE ENGINE RACING. THE SPEEDOMETER REGISTERED 2 MILES PER HOUR. I BRAKED, CAME TO A FULL STOP AND TOOK MY CAR OUT OF GEAR. I MOVED IT BACK TO DRIVE AND THE CAR RES…

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454.9%
ODI 10929737 · 248 mi

MILEAGE: 248. CAR CONTINUE TO MOVE BACKWARD AFTER SHIFTING FROM REVERSE INTO DRIVE. SHIFTING BACK TO REVERSE AND AGAIN TO FORWARD ( 3 TIMES) DID NOT HELP. IT HAPPENED ON A LEVEL PARKING LOT (SLOW SPEED MOVING). AFTER SHIFTING AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FROM PARKING TO REVERSE VEHICLE STARTS MOVING BACKWARD. AFTER COMPLETE STOP, SHIFT LEVER WAS MOVED FROM REVERSE INTO DRIVE. CAR CONTINUE TO DRIVE BACKWARDS AFTER APPLYING GAS PEDAL. SHIFT LEVER WAS MOVED BACK TO REVERSE AND AGAIN INTO DRIVE. CAR STILL WAS MOVING BACKWARDS. THERE WAS 2 MORE ATTEMPT…

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141.7%
ODI 11081469

I WAS DRIVING MY CHILD TO SCHOOL ON A RAINY MORNING IN TRAFFIC,20-30MPH ON A STRAIGHT ROAD. THE CAR STALLED AND THEN THE ENGINE SHUT OFF. (I AM LUCKY I DID NOT GET REAR ENDED; OTHERWISE I WOULD BE IN THE HOSPITAL GETTING MY CHILD CHECKED OUT.) ROLLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD; AS CLOSE AS I COULD GET.. SHIFTED INTO PARK AND RESTARTED THE CAR. STARTED RIGHT UP. I HAD A QUARTER TANK OF GAS AND DROVE THREE MILES AFTER THAT AND STILL HAVE ENOUGH TO GET TO A GAS STATION; SO IT IS NOT A FUEL SUPPLY ISSUE. THIS IS NOT SAFE!!! THIS…

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151.5%
ODI 11246032 · 11,948 mi

FIRST OIL CHANGE AT 5,850 MILES NO PROBLEM. AFTER SECOND OIL CHANGE AT 11,948 MILES, VEHICLE BECAME UNDRIVABLE AS IT STUMBLES AND LOSES POWER BETWEEN 2,000-2,700 RPM. DEALER HAS REPEATED OIL CHANGE 3 ADDITIONAL TIMES AS THEY ARE NOT CERTAIN IF THEY MAY HAVE OVERFILLED THE ENGINE (KNOWN SUBARU ISSUE). THEY HAVE ALSO REPLACED THE EXHAUST, CATALYTIC CONVERTER, AIR FILTER, INTAKE SYSTEM, AND TRANSMISSION, ALL TO NO AVAIL. DISCONNECTING THE BATTERY AND GROUNDING THE CABLES TO DISCHARGE ALL CAPACITORS PROVIDED TEMPORARY RELIEF, BUT THE PROBLEM RETU…

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455.0%
ODI 11319969 · 1,322 mi

THE CAR HAS A FAULTY ELECTRONIC SYSTEM THAT CONTROLS THE STABILITY AND THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL. TRANSMISSION ALSO NEEDS REPLACEMENT. PROBLEMS HAPPEN AT HIGH SPEED ON FREEWAYS. DOCUMENTED THE PROBLEM WITH VARIOUS YOUTUBE FOOTAGE AS FOLLOWS: HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=OXOJDP_T9LI HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=77WURJDTVZK HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=LGQL63LDQVI&T=10S HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=0ACRLYXYHQI&T=11S

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124.1%
ODI 11432757

The Auto-start feature, which stops the engine at a light, then restarts, is very dangerous. It cannot be permanently turned off - always on by default. 1 if the steering wheel is not perfectly straight, it jerks out of your hand when the engine restarts. 2 the car jerks forward when the engine restarts. This has already put me in danger of a crash several times - and this 'feature' must be actively disengaged each and every time the car is started. It should be able to be permanently turned off - not always on by default.

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173.7%
ODI 11431925

The 2022 Subaru Outback has a "feature" called AUTO START STOP. This is intended as a fuel saving feature. In the car's Setup Menu, you have the choice to turn this feature off. However, this feature MUST be turned off EACH and EVERY TIME you start the car. The change is NOT held in memory. This fact was confirmed by a Subaru Customer Service Representative in a call on the morning of 9/7/2021. This Auto Start/Stop feature works just like a gasoline powered golf cart. Take your foot off the gas and the engine dies. Press the accelerator…

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55.6%
ODI 11495223

Going down a steep incline shortly after staring car after it had been sitting about 3 hours after about 2500 feet the car had no power maximum speed was about 25MPH and could not accelerate. There was a wide edge that I was able to pull off on with about a 300 drop off on right side of car. After pulling off on edge. stopped turned engine off, sat about 20 seconds, restarted engine, checked to see that engine increased in RPM's when accelerator was engaged, RPM's increased Drove next 4 days through Appalachian Mountains with no further proble…

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65.9%
ODI 11579793

This vehicle has severe CVT problems. It shifts back and forth with a clunk on level roads at a steady speed. I have a 2015 Murano with over 80,000 miles that does not display this type of behavior. I am driving a loaner which is a 2023 Subaru with the same engine and transmission as mine and it has none of my safety problems. The additional safety problems are: very poor resolution on backup camera and incorrect guidance lines; we are a hands free state and my voice command will not properly make calls; built in nav is horrible and Android Au…

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44.9%
ODI 11721684

2025 Subaru Outback onyx edition purchased 3/2025. Approximate mileage at time of incident 7000. On 2/10/25 around 6am car is remotely started with Subaru app from iPhone on flat gravel surface. Car was in park. Go out car not there moved almost a car length down a hill left turn then over an embankment into a ditch where it finally rested still running in park when found it. Why or how is this possible when done this before no issues. Took to dealership checked visible damage snapped bumper back in get hood and grill shutters checked by body s…

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16.3%
ODI 11755659

I was in an automatic car wash, approaching the end of the tunnel. The car was running but in neutral. I put my foot on the brake pedal and shifted into drive. As I moved the shifter, I heard a scraping sound followed by a clink sound, then the car surged forward and accelerated toward a stone wall directly ahead. I turned hard right as I hit and held the brakes. I missed the wall but hit a pickup truck that was coming up the drive. My car hit the left front fender of the truck with my left front fender. The truck, which appears to have …

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Engine
5017.1%
ODI 10467121 · 3,750 mi

IN EARLY DECEMBER OF 2011 MY WIFE AND I PURCHASED A 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK WITH A 4 CYLINDER ENGINE, CVT TRANSMISSION. WE HAD TO WAIT A DAY FOR OUR OUTBACK BECAUSE IT WAS BEING REPAIRED DO TO A BRAKE SYSTEM RECALL. EVER SINCE PURCHASING THE OUTBACK WE HAVE HAD A SERIOUS ISSUE WHEN USING THE PADDLE SHIFTERS TO SLOW DOWN FOR A STOP. WHEN THE TACH SLOWS TO ABOUT 1100 RPM IN FIRST OR SECOND GEAR THE ENGINE THEN ACCELERATES TO UP TO 2500 RPM, SLOWING DOWN AND THEN SPEEDING UP AGAIN THEN REPEATING THE CYCLE OVER EVEN IF YOU APPLY THE BRAKES. SOMET…

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6722.6%
ODI 10544747

2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE TRANSMISSIONS PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THERE WAS A CONSIDERABLE DELAY IN ENGINE RESPONSE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR WAS PRESSED. WHEN DRIVING NORMAL SPEEDS THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. HOWEVER, AFTER LETTING THE ACCELERATOR UP AND SLOWING DOWN TO IDLE SPEED, THE PEDAL WAS THEN DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD OFTEN STALL. IT WAS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM, BUT GRADUALLY GETTING WORSE. THE DEALER TRIED TO EXPLAIN THE PROBLEM AWAY, BY SAYING THE ELECTRONIC ACCELERATO…

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3516.8%
ODI 10611107 · 11,528 mi

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 SCHEDUL…

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479.2%
ODI 10653480 · 149 mi

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

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538.2%
ODI 10925283 · 10 mi

THE 3.6R ENGINE IMMEDIATELY AFTER COLD START DOES ABOUT 5 CYCLING SURGES OF ABOUT 300 RPM WITH TRANSMISSION IN FORWARD OR REVERSE AND BRAKES APPLIED. THIS EVENT DOES NOT HAPPEN UNLESS TRANSMISSION IS PUT IN GEAR WITH BRAKES APPLIED. THE SURGE DOES NOT HAPPEN AFTER A SHORT WARM UP. IT DOES PRESENT A DRIVING PROBLEM WITH A TIGHT PARKING SITUATION OR TO DEPARTING A GARAGE.

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434.7%
ODI 10917279 · 2,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THERE WAS AN LOUD ABNORMAL SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNDETERMINED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THE ALL THE WINDOWS FAILED TO FUNCTION EXCEPT FOR THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000. UPDATED 01/11/2017*CT UPDATED 06/07/17*LJ CONSUMER DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF WINDOW FAILURE AND IT WAS FIXED. (STILL MAKING SAME LOUD NOISE (12-3-16). UPDATED 7…

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374.6%
ODI 11081469

I WAS DRIVING MY CHILD TO SCHOOL ON A RAINY MORNING IN TRAFFIC,20-30MPH ON A STRAIGHT ROAD. THE CAR STALLED AND THEN THE ENGINE SHUT OFF. (I AM LUCKY I DID NOT GET REAR ENDED; OTHERWISE I WOULD BE IN THE HOSPITAL GETTING MY CHILD CHECKED OUT.) ROLLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD; AS CLOSE AS I COULD GET.. SHIFTED INTO PARK AND RESTARTED THE CAR. STARTED RIGHT UP. I HAD A QUARTER TANK OF GAS AND DROVE THREE MILES AFTER THAT AND STILL HAVE ENOUGH TO GET TO A GAS STATION; SO IT IS NOT A FUEL SUPPLY ISSUE. THIS IS NOT SAFE!!! THIS…

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393.8%
ODI 11234867 · 500 mi

ENGINE DOES NOT BRAKE WHEN GOING DOWNHILL AS THE MANUAL SAYS IT SHOULD. MY PREVIOUS OUTBACKS (2006, 2011, 2017) DID HAVE ENGINE BRAKING. REGIONAL SERVICE OFFICE SUGGESTED I PLACE THE CAR IN CRUISE CONTROL IN ORDER TO CONTROL THE SPEED. CAR PICKS UP SPEED QUICKLY, SO USING THE BRAKE PEDAL IS THE BEST OPTION. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM IS NO ENGINE BRAKING WHEN THERE SHOULD BE AT LEAST SOME. THIS IS DANGEROUS ON ANY HILL. SECOND, STEERING IS PROBLEMATIC. FIRST, THERE IS TO MUCH PLAY IN THE STEERING WHEEL. SECOND, WHEN IN CRUISE CONTROL, THE STEERING W…

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485.3%
ODI 11323869 · 4,500 mi

BATTERY IS INADEQUATE FOR THE ELECTRONICS IN THIS CAR AND WILL BE DEAD IF NOT DRIVEN OFTEN. AFTER BEING A UNABLE TO START MY CAR TWICE WITHIN A MONTH, THE SERVICE MANAGER ADMITTED THIS WAS A DESIGN FLAW, THERE IS NO OTHER UPGRADE OR REPLACEMENT FOR THE BATTERY AND THAT THE FACTORY RECOMMENDATION IS TO DRIVE THE CAR EVERY OTHER DAY. THIS MEANS THAT WHEN I TRAVEL AND LEAVE MY CAR IN AN AIRPORT PARKING LOT FOR A WEEK OR MORE, I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO START THE CAR WHEN I RETURN. THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME TO DISCONNECT THE NEGATIVE POST AT THE AI…

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217.1%
ODI 11432757

The Auto-start feature, which stops the engine at a light, then restarts, is very dangerous. It cannot be permanently turned off - always on by default. 1 if the steering wheel is not perfectly straight, it jerks out of your hand when the engine restarts. 2 the car jerks forward when the engine restarts. This has already put me in danger of a crash several times - and this 'feature' must be actively disengaged each and every time the car is started. It should be able to be permanently turned off - not always on by default.

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214.5%
ODI 11429109

The initial incident occurred on July 31, 2021. I used the push button start to start the car, put the vehicle in reverse, and the vehicle proceeded to roll uncontrolled down my driveway, which is on a slope. I had no power steering or power brakes. I was able to safely stop the vehicle with no incident other than damage to the plastic over the right rear taillight. I turned the vehicle off and restarted it, and everything seemed operational. It seemed that the car's engine had not turned on, only the electrical system. The same issue h…

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11.1%
ODI 11638907 · 12,800 mi

The contact owns a 2023 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that his wife was driving the vehicle and as she was entering into a parking spot and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle experienced sudden unintended acceleration. The contact's wife reported that the vehicle had made an abnormal revving sound as if she had applied the accelerator. The front end of the vehicle jumped the parking bumper and crashed into the store's glass front. The wife stated that she had not noticed any warning lights or alarm chimes before the abnormal revving n…

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76.9%
ODI 11546993

My issue is that my 2024 outback wilderness has a idling problem when starting cold or hot engine the RPM’s are at 1800 rpm for 1 to 5 minutes .. I feel this is a hazard to public safety in cold weather conditions because it stays at high idle and therefore stopping on slick roads is a problem.. I’ve had this at just one dealership a they said car is normal I do not feel it is safe .. I am a [XXX] male and have had many new automobiles and never had a real complaint this is a very serious complaint I hope someone inquires about it asap . Subar…

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56.2%
ODI 11696638

CRITICAL ELECTRICAL FAILURE - HIGHWAY SAFETY HAZARD 10/23/2025: While driving 2025 Outback (11K miles) at highway speed on I-485 Charlotte, complete electrical system failure occurred without warning. ALL dashboard lights illuminated, COMPLETE LOSS of power steering (steering extremely heavy/difficult to control), all safety systems failed (ABS, brake sensors, traction control). SAFETY DANGER: Sudden power steering loss at 65mph made vehicle nearly uncontrollable. Required extreme force to steer to shoulder. Could have caused fatal crash duri…

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Air Bags
3913.4%
ODI 10462554 · 13,163 mi

DROVE THE CAR FOR APPROXIMATELY 45 MINUTES, MADE A QUICK STOP WITH CAR TURN OFF, WHEN RESTARTING CAR, AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND ALSO THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT SAID IT WAS OFF EVEN THOUGHT THEIR WAS AN ADULT PASSENGER ON THAT SIDE OF THE CAR. LIGHT STAYED ON EVEN AFTER RESTARTING CAR, READJUSTING SEATBELTS, ETC. DROVE WITH WARNING LIGHT ON FOR ABOUT AN HOUR, STOPPED FOR A MINUTE, TURNED OFF CAR AND WHEN STARTING CAR, THE WARNING LIGHT WAS OFF AND THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG SAID IT WAS ON. TOOK TO DEALER NEXT DAY, GOT CODE DTC29…

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4113.8%
ODI 10532614 · 40 mi

WHEN MY WIFE SITS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT THE MAJORITY OF THE TIME THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WILL NOT BE TURNED ON. MY WIFE IS ROUGHLY 5'2" AND 120 LBS. DEALER CLAIMS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG BUT THAT THE SENSORS CAN BE OVERLY SENSITIVE WITH SMALLER PEOPLE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS THE BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IN AN ACCIDENT IF IT IS OFF. *TR

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3617.3%
ODI 10630053 · 3,000 mi

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

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132.5%
ODI 10683707 · 25 mi

WE TOOK DELIVERY OF THIS VEHICLE ON 1/2/2015. IT IS A 2.5 LIMITED MODEL WITH EYESIGHT, NAVIGATION AND KEYLESS IGNITION. ON THE DAY OF DELIVERY, THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED AND THE IGNITION DID NOT WORK. THE CAR WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALER WHO CHECKED THE BATTERY AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG. A FEW WEEKS LATER, THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED. AFTER FIVE MINUTES, THE PROBLEM RESOLVED ITSELF. THE CAR WAS AGAIN TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INDICATED THAT THE PROBLEM HAD BEEN FIXED (LOOSE WIRE/FUSE). TODAY (2/16/2015), THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PARTI…

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101.6%
ODI 10818039

TAKATA RECALL-WANTED TO PURCHASE A 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK 3.6L, AND AFTER MULTIPLE INQUIRIES, FINALLY WAS TOLD THAT TAKATA AIRBAGS STILL BEING USED IN THE PASSENGER FRONT SEAT WHEREAS OTHER MANUFACTURERS' AIRBAGS ARE NOW BEING USED IN DRIVERS AND SIDE CURTAIN PARTS OF THE AUTO. SO PASSENGER FRONT SEATS ARE STILL VULNERABLE. WE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THIS MIX OF AIRBAG MANUFACTURERS IS KNOWN TO ALL CONSUMERS SO THEY KNOW THE RISK THEY ARE PURCHASING. WE DECLINED TO BUY THE SUBARU OUTBACK THIS YEAR UNTIL WE FIND A MANUFACTURER WHO USES NO TAKATA AIRB…

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151.6%
ODI 10909578 · 700 mi

FAULTY OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM. TURNS OFF AIRBAG WITH PASSENGER. TURNS ON AIRBAG AND SEATBELT CHIME WITH NO PASSENGER/WEIGHT. INTERMITTENT. BRAND NEW CAR WITH 700 MILES AND BROUGHT IN 3 TIMES TO SUBARU SANTA MONICA. SERVICE CENTER UNABLE TO REPLICATE PROBLEM, BUT I SENT THEM VIDEOS.

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81.0%
ODI 11097154 · 1,243 mi

WHILE DRIVING THE CAR WITH A PASSENGER IN THE RIGHT FRONT SEAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. THE SRS OCCUPANCY DISPLAY INDICATED THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG WAS NOW OFF EVEN THOUGH MY WIFE WAS STILL IN THAT SEAT. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON EVERY DRIVE WE TAKE IN THE CAR THAT LASTS MORE THEN 25 MINUTES.

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131.3%
ODI 11244551 · 3,000 mi

SLOWLY PULLING STRAIGHT INTO PARKING SPOT AT GROCERY STORE. APPLIED BRAKE WHEN CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. I WAS ABLE TO CONTROL STEERING, BUT BRAKES WOULD NOT WORK. STEERED CAR INTO EMPTY PARKING SPOT IN FRONT OF ME THEN TURNED HARD RIGHT TO AVOID HITTING PARKED CARS IN ROW ACROSS. SUBARU HIT A PICK UP TRUCK THAT WAS REVERSING OUT OF A DIAGONAL PARKING SPOT. THE CAR DIDN'T STOP UPON IMPACT, INSTEAD BOTH RIGHT SIDE WHEELS CLIMBED UP THE SIDE OF TRUCK AT AN ANGLE. AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY ON IMPACT. THIS WAS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. THE ACCELERA…

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182.0%
ODI 11277145 · 520 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT AN INTERSECTION, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL; HOWEVER, THE ELECTRONIC EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SUBARU OF BEND (2060 NE HWY 20, BEND, OR 97701, [phone removed]) WHERE IT WAS CURRENTLY BEING DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE F…

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165.4%
ODI 11446683

The passenger air bag alert on the dashboard indicates the air bag is off when my wife who is elderly and weighs approximately 95 pounds is seated in the front passenger seat .Sometimes it changes to " air bag on" during our journey but other times it remains off .I am concerned the air bag won't deploy in the event of a crash potentially causing serious injury .I have e mailed sales representative who sold us the car at Maple Hill Auto Group Kalamazoo ,MI in March 2021 who responded that seat sensor was designed to alert "off " at 65 pounds…

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61.3%
ODI 11467603

My wife who is a small statured woman was leaving parking lot of church onto a narrow 2 lane street. As she made a left turn, the right front tire climbed the curb and dropped back onto the street. The car suddenly accelerated to top speed and crushed into a tree about 50 yards down the street. Airbags deployed causing bone breaks in left cavalcule, fractured ribs and T12. The driver is short and must sit almost against the steering wheel to drive. Without much effort to stretch her toes, she is unable to push the accelerator to the floor. she …

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22.2%
ODI 11527471

I get passenger air bag OFF indication although the passenger is an adult. Dealer claims that there is no issue, the car is less than one week old. I asked if they would escalate the problem to Subaru corporate so that they will address this issue but they refused.

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65.9%
ODI 11566351 · 6,000 mi

The contact owned a 2024 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle was involved in a head-on collision. The contact stated that the air bags failed to deploy. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated after the crash. The contact sustained a concussion and the driver of the other vehicle sustained a knee injury. The contact received medical attention via the hospital an hour after the incident. A police report was filed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; howev…

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56.2%
ODI 11644733

Shortly after purchasing my vehicle I noticed that the passenger airbag illuminated “off” indicator did not switch from “off” to “on” when an individual weighing under 100 pounds occupies the front passenger set in the vehicle. I could find nothing in the owner’s literature accompanying my car’s purchase addressing the threshold weight set by the manufacturer or dealer for passenger airbag activation/deactivation but was told informally by a dealer representative that the weight threshold for the vehicle is set at 100 pounds and cannot be adjus…

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Vehicle Speed Control
72.4%
ODI 10465487 · 4,000 mi

VEHICLE STOPPED CRUISE CONTROL & FLASHED BRAKES & NO TRACTION CONTROL UNEXPECTEDLY. CAME CLOSE TO A WRECK SHUTTING THE VEHICLE DOWN ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD HITTING VARIOUS TIRE RECAPS & DEBRIS ON THE SIDE. OF THE ROAD. NOT TOLD THAT THIS IS A REGULAR OCCURRENCE WITH THIS VEHICLE. *TR

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258.4%
ODI 10499651 · 4,000 mi

EYE SIGHT SYSTEM. WHEN USING CRUISE CONTROL THE ADAPTIVE SYSTEM SENSES THE AUTO IN FRONT OF YOUR CAR AND MAINTAINS A SET DISTANCE. THE AUTO THAT WAS IN FRONT OF ME MOVED INTO A LEFT TURN LANE AND SLOWED TO TURN. MY CARS EYE SIGHT SYSTEM DETECTED THE CAR WAS STILL IN FRONT OF MINE AND EVEN THOUGH IT WAS NOT, INITIALED A HARD STOP AUTOMATICALLY. LUCKY FOR ME THE CAR BEHIND ME WAS ALERT AND WAS ALSO ABLE TO STOP BEFORE REAR ENDING MY CAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AFTER WITH CARS MOVING EITHER INTO LEFT OR RIGHT TURN LANES OR MERGING OFF INT…

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146.7%
ODI 10560426 · 5,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY DECELERATED. THE CONTACT HAD TO PUMP THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE THE VEHICLE WOULD RESPOND AND DRIVE NORMALLY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT, THE VEHICLE STALLED AS THE CONTACT PROCEEDED THROUGH A BUSY INTERSECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

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265.1%
ODI 10682601 · 80,000 mi

ACCELERATOR SUDDENLY BECAME UNRESPONSIVE RESULTING IN COMPLETE SLOWDOWN TO STOP IN TRAFFIC. HAD TO SHUT OFF VEHICLE AND RESTART NUMEROUS TIME TO GET TO SAFE LOCATION. RESULTED IN EXPENSIVE FIX AND COULD HAVE BEEN DISASTROUS IF OCCURRED DURING HIGHWAY/HEAVY TRAFFIC SITUATION. APPARENTLY WAS A SENSOR OF SOME SORT. HAPPENED A WHILE AGO, SO DATE PROVIDED IS APPROXIMATE, BUT I JUST BECAME AWARE OF THIS SITE. *TR

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213.3%
ODI 10787018 · 112 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112.

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272.9%
ODI 10934181 · 4,200 mi

I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED FORWARD WITH THE ENGINE REVVING. I SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES PREVENTING A COLLISION WITH THE CARE PARKED IN THE OPPOSITE PARKING SPACE. THE CAR CONTINUED TO TRY TO ACCELERATE. I TOOK THE CAR OUT OF GEAR AND THE ENGINE ROARED, OVER REVVED, SLOWED, AND OVER REVVED A SECOND TIME BEFORE FINELY SLOWING DOWN. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. DEFINITE SAFETY ISSUE. HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE EYESIGHT SYSTEM/CRUISE CONTROL.

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212.6%
ODI 11123271 · 10 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SOUTHERN STATES SUBARU OF RALEIGH (2511 WAKE FOREST RD, RALEIGH, NC 27609, [phone removed]), BUT THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND SENT A SPECIALIST TO ASSIST THE DEALER. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED A LOANER VEHICLE. THE C…

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232.2%
ODI 11166434 · 300 mi

NAVIGATION SYSTEM FAILURE! I HAVE 3200 MILES ON MY 2019 OUTBACK AND SINCE DAY 1 HAVE HAD PROBLEMS USING THE NAV SYSTEM. THE SYSTEM FREEZES UP COMPLETELY CAUSING EVERYTHING NOT WORK RADIO BACK UP CAMERA ETC. SYSTEMS STAYS ON AT NIGHT DRAINING BATTERY. IT SPORADICALLY WORKS AND WORKS LESS AND LESS EVERY DAY HAD A DEAD BATTERY ALREADY ON A 2019 VEHICLE. *TR

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171.9%
ODI 11278627 · 600 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING AND THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE LEFT. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE STEERING. MILLER HILL SUBARU (4710 MILLER TRUNK HWY, DULUTH, MN 55811, [phone removed]) WAS CONTACTED AND SCHEDULED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 600.

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196.4%
ODI 11421481

While moving forward slowly with foot lightly on the brakes and pulling into a parking space at local shopping center the car accelerated and the steering wheel turned to the right. The result of the cars actions made the car jump the curb, drive across the sidewalk and then across small hedges in the landscaped area. Car finally came to a stop about 20 feet later, with me pushing hard on the brake, just prior to entering parking lot roadway cross traffic. There was no alarm, warning or any other indication from any of the safety systems. A…

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40.9%
ODI 11467603

My wife who is a small statured woman was leaving parking lot of church onto a narrow 2 lane street. As she made a left turn, the right front tire climbed the curb and dropped back onto the street. The car suddenly accelerated to top speed and crushed into a tree about 50 yards down the street. Airbags deployed causing bone breaks in left cavalcule, fractured ribs and T12. The driver is short and must sit almost against the steering wheel to drive. Without much effort to stretch her toes, she is unable to push the accelerator to the floor. she …

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

32.9%
ODI 11569446 · 1,000 mi

The contact owns a 2024 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 15 mph, the vehicle suddenly and unintendedly accelerated and continued to accelerate. There were no warning lights illuminated. The brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to stop, crashed into a building, and a brochure bracket stand, and hit a pedestrian who was transported by ambulance with unknown injuries' to the hospital. A police report was filed. There was no reported fire or air bag deployment. The vehicle was taken to the local d…

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22.5%
ODI 11672078

2025 Subaru Outback has been to the dealership three times for software issues. Cruise control, back-up camera, rear collision system, eyesight system all operate some of the time and other times they do not work at all. Software recall in March 2025 and fix was not successful. In May of 2025, dealership reinstalled entire software system. Same safety functions are again not working all the time. Vehicle returning to dealership on July 15, 2025 to try and rectify safety issues associated with the software. No accidents. Safety functions …

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212.5%
ODI 11755659

I was in an automatic car wash, approaching the end of the tunnel. The car was running but in neutral. I put my foot on the brake pedal and shifted into drive. As I moved the shifter, I heard a scraping sound followed by a clink sound, then the car surged forward and accelerated toward a stone wall directly ahead. I turned hard right as I hit and held the brakes. I missed the wall but hit a pickup truck that was coming up the drive. My car hit the left front fender of the truck with my left front fender. The truck, which appears to have …

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Service Brakes
3512.0%
ODI 10495996 · 13,000 mi

DROVE DOWN A SHORT HILL UNDER ICY ROAD CONDITIONS. VEHICLE ACCELERATED TOWARD THE BOTTOM OF THE HILL. APPLIED BRAKES BUT THE ANTI-LOCK SYSTEM DID NOT WORK TO STOP THE CAR. LUCKILY, DID NOT CRASH INTO THE APPROACHING BARRIER. HAD TWO (2) CHILDREN WITH ME. NO ONE WAS INJURED. TOLD DEALER ABOUT THIS AND THAT THERE WAS A SERVICE BULLETIN. WAS TOLD THAT THEY DID NOT RECEIVE ONE FROM NHTSA. *TR

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237.7%
ODI 10485982 · 325 mi

MADE A TURN AND WAS HALFWAY DOWN THE BLOCK GOING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH WHEN THE ENGINE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. THE INSTRUMENT GAUGE LIT UP WITH ALL SORTS OF ANNUNCIATORS. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO A SAFE LOCATION AND PARK. THE FOLLOWING ANNUNCIATORS WERE FLASHING; AT OIL TEMP, CRUISE CONTROL INDICATOR, AND THE BRAKE LIGHT. THE FOLLOWING ANNUNCIATORS WERE LIT SOLID; CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT /MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT AND THE VEHICLE DYNAMICS CONTROL WARNING LIGHT. TURNED OFF VEHICLE. WAITED. TURNED ENGINE ON AND THE ANNUNCIATORS WERE STILL PRESEN…

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2210.6%
ODI 10593593 · 800 mi

THE ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE ENGAGES WHILE THE VEHICLE IS UNDERWAY. WHEN THE FAULT IS CLEARED AND DRIVING RESUMES THE ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE AGAIN ENGAGES. THE MFG ( SUBARU) PROVIDES A SMALL TOOL & INSTRUCTIONS HOW TO CRAWL UNDER THE CAR, USE THE TOOL TO MECHANICALLY RELEASE THE ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE. IF A TOOL IS PROVIDED ALONG WITH INSTRUCTIONS IN THE OWNER MANUAL HOW TO RELEASE A FAULTY ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE ( WHICH MAY ENGAGE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS UNDER WAY ) THIS IS A CLEAR WARNING OF A POSSIBLE UNSAFE OPERATING CONDITION. THE C…

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275.3%
ODI 10724572 · 6,800 mi

THE 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5I LIMITED W EYESIGHT SYSTEM HAD BEEN PARKED ON A SURFACE PARKING LOT NEAR MARSHALL BWI AIRPORT FOR ABOUT 12 DAYS. THE PARKING BRAKE HAD BEEN APPLIED AT THE TIME OF ORIGINAL PARKING. THIS ELECTRONIC BRAKE COULD NOT BE DISENGAGED AFTER REPEATED STARTS OF THE CAR. BRAKES WERE APPARENTLY LOCKED. A TOW TRUCK WAS CALLED. THE CAR HAD TO BE MOVED WITH THE BRAKES ON TO GET IT OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE AND ON TO A FLATBED TOW TRUCK. THE DEALER FOUND THAT THE LEFT REAR WHEEL BRAKE WAS LOCKED IN POSITION. APPARENTLY THE O…

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193.0%
ODI 10861245 · 2,300 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE, IT ACCELERATED AND BRAKED INDEPENDENTLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED VARIOUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNDETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,300. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.

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232.5%
ODI 10955639 · 900 mi

I WAS DRIVING 75 MILES PER HOUR ON A BUSY HIGHWAY IN HOLIDAY SKI TRAFFIC AND THE PANEL JUST ABOVE THE BRAKE AND GAS PETAL FELL DOWN AND BLOCKED MY ACCESS TO THE BREAK PETAL AND LIMITED MY ABILITY TO MOVE MY FOOT OFF THE GAS PETAL. I WAS ABLE TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE CAR, WHILE DRIVING AT A HIGH SPEED IN THE LEFT LANE BY YANKING THE PANEL OFF MY FEET AND SLOWING DOWN TO EXIT THE HIGHWAY. I STOPPED THE CAR, PUT THE PANEL BACK IN IT'S PLACE AND SECURED IT WITH DUCK TAPE. I PURCHASED THIS BAND NEW CAR ON 12/30/16 AND THIS HAPPENED ON 2/17/17.

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182.2%
ODI 11055701 · 4,900 mi

THE VEHICLE PULLS TO THE LEFT. THE DEALER ADDRESSED THE PROBLEM TWICE IN TWO WEEKS BY DOING A FOUR WHEEL ALIGNMENT. THE VEHICLE IS STILL PULLING TO THE LEFT. A MORE CONCERNING ISSUE JUST STARTED. THE VEHICLE HAS APPLIED THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. NOT HARD, JUST ENOUGH TO FEEL THE STEERING WHEEL JUMP TO THE RIGHT. I WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 65 TO 70 MPH ON A STRAIGHT INTERSTATE HIGHWAY WHEN THIS HAPPENED.

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212.0%
ODI 11171019 · 50 mi

I WOULD LIKE TO REPORT AN ISSUE WITH WHAT I BELIEVE TO BE THE BRAKING SYSTEM IN THE 2019 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING NORTHBOUND ON THE DALLAS NORTH TOLL WAY, AT A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 65 TO 70 MPH, I TAPPED ON THE BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN FOR THE UPCOMING DECLINE. WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO PUT MY FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR, THE CAR SUDDENLY AND ABRUPTLY STOPPED. IT WAS AS IF THE BRAKES "LOCKED", I WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE. WE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP ON THE TOLLWAY AND WERE UNABLE TO ACCELERATE THE CAR. WE WERE HIT FROM BEHIND. THE STOPPAGE WAS SO SUDDEN …

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151.7%
ODI 11277145 · 520 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT AN INTERSECTION, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL; HOWEVER, THE ELECTRONIC EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SUBARU OF BEND (2060 NE HWY 20, BEND, OR 97701, [phone removed]) WHERE IT WAS CURRENTLY BEING DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE F…

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72.4%
ODI 11421481

While moving forward slowly with foot lightly on the brakes and pulling into a parking space at local shopping center the car accelerated and the steering wheel turned to the right. The result of the cars actions made the car jump the curb, drive across the sidewalk and then across small hedges in the landscaped area. Car finally came to a stop about 20 feet later, with me pushing hard on the brake, just prior to entering parking lot roadway cross traffic. There was no alarm, warning or any other indication from any of the safety systems. A…

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102.2%
ODI 11450896

Since I drove 1 mile out of the dealers lot I knew there were something wrong with the brakes Brakes don't feel right when I go to start the car I hear a thump sound than a pedal that has play in it before engaging it does the same while coasting and than applying the brake softly you hear that clicking and the play in it before it engages there's definitely something wrong with this cars brakes it stops ok but it just doesn't feel right I should know I owned the same vehicle in a 2020 model and those brakes were perfect I brought it in for ser…

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77.9%
ODI 11508765 · 268,000 mi

The contact owns a 2023 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while parked with the brake pedal depressed when the vehicle suddenly lunged forward and jumped the curb onto the sidewalk. The vehicle ended up in the glass of the store in front of the parking space. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. There were no warning lights. A police report was filed. The front end, bumper, hood, side panels, and fog lights were all damaged. The storefront, a nearby pillar, and decorative stone were also damaged. There were no…

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43.9%
ODI 11565222

On 1/12/24, I was backing up my vehicle in the driveway, the vehicle suddenly stopped, thinking I was going to backup into the gate. I was surprised because I didn't think I was that close. I slightly tapped the gas pedal to move slowly forward when the car suddenly accelerated and lunged forward. I couldn't stop the car, by braking, for 56 feet. I was able to avoid hitting another car, parked on the street, by driving into the large bushes along the sidewalk of my home. The only damage that occurred was the destruction of some bushes and the …

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56.2%
ODI 11675831

Several incidents: 1) I was on a 3 lane road and gained some speed to get around a car, when I got into the other lane the car collision warning came on and slowed the car down significantly b/c it detected a car that was at least 300 feet in front of me. That is too far for a car accident. I was told by the dealership that the alogorithum between speed and object detection is what made the car react that way. Essentially it calculated that at the speed I was at I would have overtaken the car in front of me despite the fact that it was hundred…

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine99,800–126,000 mi120,232 mi5
ODI 10060531 · 137,000 mi

SPARK PLUG POPPED OUT OF HEAD WHILE DRIVING, ENGINE DIED. SPARK PLUG UNABLE TO BE REINSERTED RESULTING IN A HEAD REPLACEMENT. VERY EXPENSIVE! ONLY 135000 MILES REGULAR MECHANIC SAID THAT HE HAS SEEN 4 OF THESE CASES IN THIS MODEL IN THE LAST 3 MONTHS. NO ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM DEALER ABOUT MECHANICAL DEFECT. *JB

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ODI 10066010 · 99,800 mi

THE NOW INFAMOUS "BLOWN HEAD GASKET" IN PHASE I 2.5L ENGINES IS THE FOCUS OF MY COMPLAINT. SUBARU OF AMERICA HAS AT LEAST RECOGNIZED THE PHASEII 2.5L ENGINES IN 1998 MODELS AND NEWER, BUT ONLY BECAUSE OF A DIFFERENT METAL WAS THE "PROBLEM". THE OVERWHELMING NUMBER OF CASES IN THE PHASE I 2.5L (1998 AND PRIOR) ENGINE IS AN OBVIOUS INDICATOR OF DESIGN FLAW IN THE ACTUAL SHAPE OF THE PRODUCT ITSELF. A RECALL INVESTIGATION IS A DEFINITE MUST. JUST ANOTHER UNHAPPY SUBARU CUSTOMER. *AK

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ODI 10110024 · 120,232 mi

THIS IS THE STANDARD SUBARU 2.5L HEAD GASKET FAILURE PROBLEM. I ADD THIS TO THE DATABASE TO INCREASE THE PRESSURE ON SUBARU OF AMERICA TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM PROPERLY. FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE: HTTP://MYSITE.VERIZON.NET/VZE730QE/GUESTLOG.HTML THE SYMPTOMS ARE AS FOLLOWS. CAR ENGINE BEGAN OVERHEATING -- LARGE TEMPERATURE SPIKES AND THEN WOULD RETURN TO NORMAL. ENGINE OIL APPEARED IN COOLANT RESERVOIR. COOLANT SPEWS ONTO ENGINE. LOSS OF POWER IN SOME GEARS.*JB

Look up ODI 10110024 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling68,526–85,000 mi74,624 mi5
ODI 10000526 · 68,526 mi

2.5 LITER ENGINE BLOCK CRACKED, CAUSING REPEATED INSTANCES OF OVERHEATING REQUIRING STOPPING IN DANGEROUS TRAFFIC SITUATIONS AND EVENTUAL REPLACEMENT OF BLOCK AT OWNER EXPENSE. TS

Look up ODI 10000526 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10057602 · 60,000 mi

THE ENGINE SEALS OF THE MAIN CAM SHAFT FAILED AND CAUSED THE ENGINE TO LEAK OIL. THE DEALER REPLACED THE SEALS AND THE TIMING BELT. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *NM

Look up ODI 10057602 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10151537 · 111,000 mi

1997 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5 DOHC ENGINE 1) CAR WAS SUDDENLY LEAKING ANTI-FREEZE, BROUGHT IT IN TO SHOP ASAP 2) HEAD GASKET BUSTED, RUINED THE ENGINE 3) NEEDED TO REPLACE MOST OF ENGINE, INCLUDING BLOCK CHECKED OTHER SITES, THIS SEEMS TO BE A HUGELY COMMON PROBLEM WITH SUBARU 2.5 DOHC ENGINES AND THEY AREN'T DOING ANYTHING ABOUT IT. *JB

Look up ODI 10151537 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System89,500–157,000 mi107,990 mi5
ODI 10000526 · 68,526 mi

2.5 LITER ENGINE BLOCK CRACKED, CAUSING REPEATED INSTANCES OF OVERHEATING REQUIRING STOPPING IN DANGEROUS TRAFFIC SITUATIONS AND EVENTUAL REPLACEMENT OF BLOCK AT OWNER EXPENSE. TS

Look up ODI 10000526 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10105304 · 157,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STARTED TO OVERHEAT. THE THERMOSTAT WAS REPLACED, AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO OVERHEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, AND THE ENGINE HAS TO BE REPLACED.*AK

Look up ODI 10105304 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10144897 · 89,500 mi

HEAD GASKET FAILURE. PURCHASED IN 2/07 (EST. DATE) BEGAN TO FAIL AT LEAST IN 1/05 (1X). THEN WEEKLY IN 7/05. BUT MAY HAVE BEEN SIGNS OF PROBLEM AS EARLY AS 1997/1998. RESULT OF PROBLEM IS UNEXPECTED AND RAPID BUBBLING OVER AND OVERHEATING PLACING OCCUPANTS IN POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. FOR EXAMPLE, ALMOST STRANDED IN BLIZZARD IN 1/05. HAD TO PULL OVER ON HIGH SPEED HIGHWAYS IN SUMMER 05 DUE TO RAPID RED LINING AND RISK OF ENGINE FIRE. SUBARU PICKED UP 1/2 COST ALTHOUGH NOT IN WARRANTY FOR US AND HAS DONE 1/2 TO FULL FOR OTHERS WHO C…

Look up ODI 10144897 at NHTSA ↗

Vehicle Speed ControlToo few reports for a range120,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10347006 · 120,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT RELATIVELY LOW SPEEDS AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL IN AN ATTEMPT TO PARK WHEN THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT PROCEEDED TO CRASH INTO A VEHICLE AHEAD OF HIM. THERE WERE NO REPORTED INJURIES. THIS WAS NOT THE FIRST INSTANCE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO LOCATE NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 98V035000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) RELATIVE TO THE FAILURE BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PREVIOUSLY PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. …

Look up ODI 10347006 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-102026-09

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-09 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 2380 reports

2022: 380 complaints · 2023: 74 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2022195316380
2023486474
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
2022435028
20238009

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentEngine And Engine Cooling:EngineEngine And Engine CoolingEngine And Engine Cooling:Cooling SystemService Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited SlipEngine And Engine Cooling:Engine:GasolineVehicle Speed ControlElectrical SystemEquipment:Electrical:Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc.
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine—0
1
ODI 8015022

WHILE TRAVELING 35 MPH WATER PUMP FAILED ,ALLOWING TIMING CHAIN TO SLIP OFF, AND BENDING VALVES TO ENGINE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK

Look up ODI 8015022 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 766302

CRANK/CAM/OIL PAN SILICONE SEALS FAILEDS EARLY IN VEHICLE LIFE. ALSO, ALTERNATOR BELT FELL OFF, MAIN PULLEY BROKE, CENTER OF PULLEY BADLY WORN, AND VALVES BENT ON CYLINDER #2. $635 TO REPLACE SEALS, $415 TO REPLACE MAIN PULLEY, AND $1107 TO REPLACE VALVES.

Look up ODI 766302 at NHTSA ↗

000
Engine And Engine Cooling0—
1
ODI 10000526 · 68,526 mi

2.5 LITER ENGINE BLOCK CRACKED, CAUSING REPEATED INSTANCES OF OVERHEATING REQUIRING STOPPING IN DANGEROUS TRAFFIC SITUATIONS AND EVENTUAL REPLACEMENT OF BLOCK AT OWNER EXPENSE. TS

Look up ODI 10000526 at NHTSA ↗

00000
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System
1
ODI 8015022

WHILE TRAVELING 35 MPH WATER PUMP FAILED ,ALLOWING TIMING CHAIN TO SLIP OFF, AND BENDING VALVES TO ENGINE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK

Look up ODI 8015022 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 10000526 · 68,526 mi

2.5 LITER ENGINE BLOCK CRACKED, CAUSING REPEATED INSTANCES OF OVERHEATING REQUIRING STOPPING IN DANGEROUS TRAFFIC SITUATIONS AND EVENTUAL REPLACEMENT OF BLOCK AT OWNER EXPENSE. TS

Look up ODI 10000526 at NHTSA ↗

—00000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip000—0000
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
1
ODI 766302

CRANK/CAM/OIL PAN SILICONE SEALS FAILEDS EARLY IN VEHICLE LIFE. ALSO, ALTERNATOR BELT FELL OFF, MAIN PULLEY BROKE, CENTER OF PULLEY BADLY WORN, AND VALVES BENT ON CYLINDER #2. $635 TO REPLACE SEALS, $415 TO REPLACE MAIN PULLEY, AND $1107 TO REPLACE VALVES.

Look up ODI 766302 at NHTSA ↗

000—000
Vehicle Speed Control00000—00
Electrical System000000—0
Equipment:Electrical:Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc.0000000—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

6 patterns with matching reports.

Brake response concerns

5 mentions · 6.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 90,000 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10054620 · 60,000 mi

POWER BRAKES FAIL TO FUNCTION IMMEDIATELY AND SHORTLY AFTER (WITHIN ABOUT 5 MINUTES) AFTER COLD START IN TEMPERATURES BELOW 10 DEGREES F. BRAKE PEDAL REMAINS HIGH AND STIFF WITH LITTLE TO NO TRAVEL DISTANCE INDICATING NO POWER TO POWER BRAKE SYSTEM BUT BRAKE PEDAL APPARENTLY TRAVELS ENOUGH DISTANCE TO ALLOW SHIFTING OUT OF PARK. USER REMEDY IS TO ALLOW MORE THAN 5 MINUTES TO WARM AND VERIFY BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELS NORMAL DISTANCE INDICATING POWER BRAKE SYSTEM IS FUNCTIONING BEFORE SHIFTING OUT OF PARK. OTHER REMEDY IS TO SHARPLY DEPRESS BRAKE PE…

Look up ODI 10054620 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10091766

PROBLEMS WITH BRAKE EQUIPMENT ON 1997 SUBARU OUTBACK. *MR THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP, RESULTING IN THE CONSUMER REAR ENDED THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. MOISTURE WAS FOUND IN THE HOSE WHICH RESULTED IN THE VALVE FREEZING DUE TO COLD TEMPERATURE, BLOCKING OFF THE VACUUM TO THE POWER BRAKE UNIT. *SC

Look up ODI 10091766 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10347006 · 120,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT RELATIVELY LOW SPEEDS AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL IN AN ATTEMPT TO PARK WHEN THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT PROCEEDED TO CRASH INTO A VEHICLE AHEAD OF HIM. THERE WERE NO REPORTED INJURIES. THIS WAS NOT THE FIRST INSTANCE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO LOCATE NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 98V035000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) RELATIVE TO THE FAILURE BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PREVIOUSLY PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. …

Look up ODI 10347006 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b

Stalling or loss of power

3 mentions · 3.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 120,232 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10110024 · 120,232 mi

THIS IS THE STANDARD SUBARU 2.5L HEAD GASKET FAILURE PROBLEM. I ADD THIS TO THE DATABASE TO INCREASE THE PRESSURE ON SUBARU OF AMERICA TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM PROPERLY. FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE: HTTP://MYSITE.VERIZON.NET/VZE730QE/GUESTLOG.HTML THE SYMPTOMS ARE AS FOLLOWS. CAR ENGINE BEGAN OVERHEATING -- LARGE TEMPERATURE SPIKES AND THEN WOULD RETURN TO NORMAL. ENGINE OIL APPEARED IN COOLANT RESERVOIR. COOLANT SPEWS ONTO ENGINE. LOSS OF POWER IN SOME GEARS.*JB

Look up ODI 10110024 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 821018

DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH IN FREEZING WEATHER OR 32 DEGREES BELOW VEHICLE WILL STALL OUT ,CONSUMER MUST WAIT AT LEAST 10 MINUTES BEFORE RESTARTING VEHICLE , DEALER CANNOT FIND PROBLEM ,HAS CHANGED SPEED SENSOR BUT DEFECT IS STILL OCCURRING. *AK

Look up ODI 821018 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 899867

ENGINE WILL STALL INTERMITTENTLY DURING NORMAL OPERATION OF VEHICLE WHILE TRAVELING AT ANY SPEED. DEALERSHIP HAS EXAMINED VEHICLE AND REPLACED SENSOR VALVE TWO TIMES AND COMPUTER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / DOCUMENTATION.*AK

Look up ODI 899867 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Fuel smell or leak mentions

2 mentions · 2.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 213,500 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10037833

VEHICLE FUEL FILL TUBE ROTTED RESULTING IN A FUEL LEAK. *MR THERE WAS A PUDDLE OF GAS IN THE GARAGE. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT IF THE TANK WAS KEPT ON 1/2 TO 3/4 FULL, THE LEAK WOULD CEASE. THE MECHANIC HAD JUST FIXED THE SAME PROBLEM ON A SUBARU, A WEEK PRIOR AND HAD SINCE REPEATED THAT TASK AT LEAST 4 TIMES. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED THAT SUBARU COVER THE COSTS INCURRED. *SCC ALSO THE WIPER BLADES WERE REPLACED. *JB

Look up ODI 10037833 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10479241 · 213,500 mi

NOTICED A LEAK OF FLUID FROM PASSENGER SIDE BY THE REAR WHEEL. DETERMINED IT WAS GASOLINE. UPON INSPECTION FOUND FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FILLER TUBE TO THE GAS TANK. GOT THE CAR TO A SUBARU REPAIR SHOP AND WAS TOLD THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. THERE IS NO UNDERCOATING APPLIED TO THE TUBE. *TR

Look up ODI 10479241 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b

Battery drain and no-start mentions

1 mentions · 1.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 188,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10251842 · 188,000 mi

I BOUGHT A 97 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK WGN AND FOUND OUT THE BLOCK WAS CRACKED IN CYL3 AFTER TEAR DOWN FOR GASKET REPLACEMENT,NOW PUT TOGETHER AND NOW WON'T START. *TR

Look up ODI 10251842 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(parasitic drain|battery drain\w*|dead battery|won.t start|would not start|no.start)\b

Hard or delayed shifting

1 mentions · 1.3% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 860792

WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED CONSUMER NOTICED SPEEDOMETER WAS NOT WORKING CORRECTLY, WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE ACTUAL SPEED OF TRAVELING. ALSO, RPMS SLOWED DOWN, AND VEHICLE JERKED FORWARD. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER. DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Look up ODI 860792 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(hard shift\w*|rough shift\w*|delay\w* shift\w*|shift\w* hard|jerk\w*|lurch\w*)\b

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 1.3% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 726520

LOCAL SUBARU DEALER HAS SOLD THESE PARTS SEVERAL TIMES RECENTLY. IT APPEARS TO BE A KNOWN PROBLEM. WHEN THIS FAILS THE PULLY SYSTEM OF THE ENGINE FALLS APART, LITERALLY, RESULTING IN THE LOSS OF ELECTRICAL POWER, POWER STEERING, BRAKE WARNING... THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN DANGEROUS HAD WE NOT BEEN ON A BACK ROAD WITH NO TRAFFIC. *AK

Look up ODI 726520 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b