2004 Subaru Outback

Routine

Owners filed 90 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the airbags. It has been recalled 11 times.

Not among the Subaru Outback years to avoid. Which Subaru Outback years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
68,006 milesMedian miles at failure

62 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 0–10,000 miles.

Most common 2004 Subaru Outback problems

25 of the 90 complaints (28%) are about the airbags.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags · airbags24
101
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration13
301
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine4
100
Electrical System4
020
Visibility › Windshield3
000
Unknown or Other3
000
Suspension3
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission3
101
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system3
000
Fuel System, Gasoline · fuel system3
000

11 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module20V001000
Filed Jan 2, 2020258,813 vehiclesSubaru of America, Inc.

Defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-20.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module20V003000
Filed Jan 2, 2020111,562 vehiclesSubaru of America, Inc.

Defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-20.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module20V002000
Filed Jan 2, 2020127,547 vehiclesSubaru of America, Inc.

Defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-20.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module16V361000
Filed May 25, 201662,940 vehiclesSubaru of America, Inc.

Defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, and Baja vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming, or "Zone C.". These vehicles may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Risk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 24, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-16. Note: This recall covers vehicles that were not previously covered in 16V-358 for Zone A or 16V-359 for Zone B.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module16V358000
Filed May 25, 2016302,127 vehiclesSubaru of America, Inc.

Defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, 2009-2011 Legacy, Outback, Forester, 2006-2011 Impreza, Tribeca, 2003-2006 Baja, and 2006 Saab 9-2x vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." These vehicles may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Risk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 26, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Saab owners may contact GM at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-16.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module16V359000
Filed May 25, 2016146,010 vehiclesSubaru of America, Inc.

Defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, 2006-2008 Impreza, Tribeca, 2006 Saab 9-2x, and 2003-2006 Baja vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." These vehicles may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Risk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 24, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-16. Note: This notice is only for vehicles that were not covered by 16V-358 for Zone A.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module15V323000
Filed May 28, 2015432,016 vehiclesSubaru of America, Inc.

Defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Subaru Baja vehicles manufactured January 22, 2003, to July 21, 2004, 2004-2005 Impreza vehicles manufactured January 28, 2003, to May 31, 2005, 2003-2008 Subaru Legacy vehicles manufactured January 22, 2003, to May 2, 2008, 2003-2008 Subaru Outback vehicles manufactured February 18, 2003, to May 5, 2008, and 2005 Saab 9-2x vehicles manufactured February 11, 2004, to March 17, 2005. The affected vehicles are equipped with a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture upon its deployment.

Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Subaru will notify their owners and General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The Subaru recall began on June 17, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. The Saab recall began on July 27, 2015. Owners of Saab vehicles may call 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is WQR-53. Note: The recall completely supersedes recall 14V-399 (WQL-48) and partially supersedes recall 14V-763 (WQP-51) in that model year 2004 through 2005 Subaru Impreza and model year 2005 Saab 9-2x vehicles are now only part of this campaign. Note: On December 18, 2015 Subaru informed NHTSA of an expansion of this recall to include certain model year 2003-2004 Subaru Baja, 2003-2008 Subaru Legacy and 2003-2008 Subaru Outback vehicles.

Air Bags14V763000
Filed Dec 1, 20144,175 vehiclesSubaru of America, Inc.

Defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy and Outback vehicles, and 2003-2005 Baja vehicles sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Puerto Rico, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Saipan, American Samoa, Florida and adjacent counties in southern Georgia, as well as the coastal areas of Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Subaru will notify their owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQP-51. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-471. This recall has been partially superseded by 15V-323. All 2005 model year Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles will now be repaired under recall 15V-323.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump13E065000
Filed Nov 29, 2013397 vehiclesAirtex Products, LP

Defect. Airtex Products LP (Airtex) is recalling certain model E8598M, E8518M, E8600M, E8596M, and E8597M fuel pumps manufactured July 26, 2013, and July 29, 2013 and used as aftermarket replacements on Subaru Baja's, Outback's and Legacy's. The affected fuel pumps were sold or installed into the aftermarket applications on or after July 26, 2013, and may may leak fuel from the base of a fuel line connection when the gas tank is full.

Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy. Airtex will notify owners, and will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Recall is expected to begin on January 2, 2014. Customers may contact Airtex at 1-800-880-3056. The recall is expected to begin during January 2014. This recall is being conducted by Airtex, not by Subaru.

Vehicle Speed Control › Cables04V128000
Filed Mar 16, 2004127,580 vehiclesSubaru of America, Inc.

Defect. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER SEDANS, WAGONS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE COULD COME OUT OF ITS TRACK ON THE CRUISE CONTROL LEVER AND LODGE ON THE CONTROL LEVER TAB WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS RELEASED. IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE THROTTLE WILL NOT RETURN TO THE IDLE POSITION AND WILL REMAIN IN AN OPEN POSITION.

Risk. IF THIS OCCURS DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, THE DRIVER COULD LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A CRUISE CONTROL CABLE RETAINING CLIP TO THE CRUISE CONTROL LEVER TAB ON THE THROTTLE SHAFT IN ORDER TO PREVENT THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE FROM COMING OUT OF ITS TRACK. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 12, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Filler Pipe and Cap03V303000
Filed Aug 20, 20037,874 vehiclesSubaru of America, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN PASSENGER OR SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES MAY HAVE A LOOSE OR OUT OF POSITION FUEL FILLER HOSE CLAMP.

Risk. THIS COULD RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND TIGHTEN THE CLAMP ON THE FUEL FILLER HOSE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 27, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.

All 11 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Service Brakes
Filed Oct 17, 2020185,000 milesUT

AUTOZONE SOLD ME (VIA WARRANTY EXCHANGE) AFTERMARKET BRAKE PADS THAT SUPPOSEDLY WERE THE SAME PART #D929 AS THE BRAKE PADS AUTOZONE HAD PREVIOUSLY SOLD ME AND WAS REPLACING UNDER WARRANTY. HOWEVER, THE BRAKE PADS THAT THEY PROVIDED TO ME TODAY AS WARRANTY REPLACEMENTS WERE TOO LARGE FOR THE BRAKE CALIPER AND WOULD BE UNSAFE IF INSTALLED AND FORCED TO FIT IN THE CALIPER. SPECIFICALLY, THE INNER SHOULDER DIMENSION ON THESE PADS IS TOO LARGE TO FIT PROPERLY IN THE CALIPER. I VERIFIED THE PROBLEM BY PURCHASING BRAKE PADS FROM A DIFFERENT AUTO SUPPLY STORE AND INSTALLING THEM WITH NO DIFFICULTY. THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, BECAUSE IT HAPPENED DURING BRAKE PAD REPLACEMENT.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 26, 2019162,000 milesMA

I GET CARDS,I CALL,I GET LETTERS ,I CALL DOESN'T MATTER WHO SENDS THEM,YOU OR SUBARU DEALER ,TELLING ME I NEED TO HAVE AN AIRBAG SWAPPED OUT AS BEING DEFECTIVE,AND ME TELLING YOU I DO NOT HAVE THE CAR ANYMORE,IT WAS PICKED UP BY AN AUCTION HOUSE BUT IT NEEDED ALOT DONE TO IT SO THEY MAY HAVE SCRAPPED IT,I DON'T KNOW. WHAT I DO KNOW IS THIS IS THE LAST YOU WILL HEAR FROM ME ABOUT THIS CAR, AND YOU CAN WASTE AS MANY TREES SENDING ME NOTICES. FROM NOW ON THEY GO IN THE TRASH,NO MORE CALLS FROM ME,AND DON'T CALL ME ABOUT IT,THE CAR WAS JUNKED,PERIOD

Unknown or Other
Filed May 25, 2018MD

PURCHASED THIS CAR LISTED IN IAA WEBSITE AS HAVING $68,000.00 MILES, THIS WEEK MY MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT THE CAR HAD $220,000.00 MILES. I JUST CHECKED CARFAX UNFORTUNATELY THAT IS A ODOMETER ROLLBACK.

Air Bags
Filed May 9, 2018SC

NOTIFICATION OF AIRBAG PASSENGER FRONT RECALL.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 23, 2018TN

2004 SUBURBAN OUTBACK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TAKATA PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AIRBAG. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME COMPLETING THE RECALL REPAIR. *JS

Suspension
Filed Mar 1, 2018172,000 milesOH

EXCESSIVE UNDERBODY FRONT END RUST AS PER BODY SHOP BUMPER REPLACEMENT.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 30, 2017NC

TAKATA RECALL. NOT ABLE TO GET ACCESS TO REPLACEMENT AIRBAG. ON WAITLISTS AT 2 LOCAL SUBARU DEALERS.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 30, 2017184,000 milesNY

I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ON PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG IN JULY 2016..I WAS TOLD I WOULD BE INFORMED BY MAIL WHEN PARTS WERE AVAILABLE FOR REPAIR BY MY LOCAL SUBARU DEALER. IT'S 14 MONTHS LATER AND I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY FURTHER NOTICE. I DO NOT BELIEVE THIS HAS BEEN HANDLED IN A TIMELY MANNER AND STILL CANNOT HAVE PASSENGERS IN FRONT SEAT.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jun 23, 2017118,000 milesNY

THE CAR WILL BE OPERATING PROPERLY AT SPEED ON LOCAL ROADS (30MPH OR SO) WHEN, WITHOUT WARNING, THE ENGINE WILL GO TO A FAST IDLE AND THE GAS PEDDLE LOSES ALL EFFECTIVENESS. STOPPING THE CAR AND RESTARTING IT HAS FIXED THE PROBLEM THE THREE TIMES IT HAS HAPPENED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL POSITION SWITCH BUT THE PROBLEM HAS REOCCURRED. THIS IS A POTENTIALLY VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION, ESPECIALLY IF IT WERE TO OCCUR PULLING ONTO A HIGHWAY OR BEING IN TRAFFIC ON A BUSY ROAD

Air Bags
Filed Jan 18, 2017IN

TAKATA RECALL. RECEIVED NOTIFICATION FROM SUBARU MONTHS AGO AND HAVE THEY HAVE STILL NOT CONTACTED ME TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM. SINCE I WAS ADVISED NOT TO ALLOW A PASSENGER IN FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, IT MAKES IT VERY DIFFICULT TO USE MY VEHICLE.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 13, 2016CO

TAKATA RECALL. MY COMPLAINT IS THAT THIS RECALL IS NOT BEING HANDLED IN A TIMELY MANNER. I RECEIVED MY RECALL NOTICE IN JULY 2016, AND AM STILL WAITING! IT IS EXTREMELY INCONVENIENT NOT TO BE ABLE TO USE THE PASSENGER SEAT. WHEN WILL THIS BE RESOLVED?

Air Bags
Filed Nov 9, 2016260,000 milesNC

TAKATA RECALL: I WAS NOTIFIED IN JULY 2016. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY NOTIFICATION FROM SUBARU OR THE DEALER THAT THE PART HAS BECOME AVAILABLE. I HAVE CALLED BOTH SUBARU AND THE DEALER. I HAVE WAITED THREE MONTHS, THAT IS TOO LONG .

Air Bags
Filed Oct 31, 2016OR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V361000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 05/16/17*LJ UPDATED 08/31/2017*JS

Air Bags
Filed Oct 17, 2016CA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V358000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 17, 2016UT

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V361000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART TO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Sep 14, 2016VA

TAKATA RECALL - I WAS NOTIFIED OF THE RECALL IN JULY OF 2016. THERE HAS BEEN NO EFFORT BY THE MANUFACTURER TO PROVIDE A REMEDY IN THE FORM OF THE REPLACEMENT AIRBAG. THE RECALL NOTICE STATED I SHOULD NOT ALLOW ANYONE TO RIDE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT UNTIL THE RECALL WORK IS COMPLETE. THIS IS AN UNREASONABLE SOLUTION FOR A PROBLEM WITH A PASSENGER VEHICLE AS IT PREVENTS MY USE OF THE VEHICLE AS DESIGNED AND AS PURCHASED. THE MANUFACTURER MUST BE REQUIRED TO COMMIT TO COMPLETING THE RECALLS IN A TIMELY MANNER, SUCH AS 60 TO 90 DAYS.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 7, 2016WI

"TAKATA RECALL" RECEIVED A LETTER TELLING ME THE AIR BAGS ARE GOING TO BE REPLACED, "DO NOT LET PASSENGERS USE THE SEAT", NO DATE FOR REPLACEMENT, NO PARTS IN STOCK, DOES THIS ABSOLVE THE COMPANY OF ANY LIABILITY? CANT TAKE ANY TRIPS WITH MORE THAN 2 PASSENGERS THAT WOULD HAVE TO SIT IN THE REAR SEATS? WHAT OPTIONS ARE LEFT FOR ME TO USE MY VEHICLE FOR TAKING MY FAMILY ANYWHERE???

Air Bags
Filed Aug 29, 2016VA

TAKATA RECALL: REMEDY NOT TO DRIVE CAR WITH PASSENGERS UNTIL REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE AVAILABLE IS ONE THAT HAS ME WONDERING IF I NEED TO SERIOUSLY CONSIDER GETTING RID OF THE CAR AND GET ANOTHER THAT I CAN USE. CAN WE BE PROVIDED AT LEAST WITH SOME SORT OF ESTIMATION OF 'WHEN' PARTS ARE FORECASTED TO BE AVAILABLE?

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
Filed Aug 22, 201623,000 milesVT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FAILED. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL STUCK TO THE FLOORBOARD AND CAUSED THE SPEED TO INCREASE TO 70 MPH. THE CONTACT HAD TO CRASH INTO A TREE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 230,000.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 3, 2016AK

V

Air Bags
Filed Aug 2, 2016NM

SUBARU HAS ISSUED A RECALL ON PASSENGER AIRBAGS (NHTSA RECALL NO. 16V-359). THE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE, THERE IS NO SCHEDULE OF WHEN THEY MAY BE, AND THE VEHICLE OWNER IS INSTRUCTED TO NOT ALLOW PASSENGERS IN THE FRONT SEAT. THIS IS AN UNACCEPTABLE, UNSAFE SOLUTION. IN ADDITION, THE WEBSITE FOR INFORMATION LISTED DOES NOT WORK. THEY ARE UNABLE TO REMEDY MY VEHICLE IN A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 16, 2016270,000 milesME

WHEN I BOUGHT THIS CAR I FOUND THE TOP OF THE SCISSORS JACK WAS BENT OVER, I REPLACED IT WITH A VERY GOOD JUNKYARD REPLACEMENT. LAST NIGHT I GOT A FLAT AND WHEN I JACKED UP THE CAR. THE TOP OF THE JACK BENT OVER JUST AS THE WHEEL WAS COMING OFF THE GROUND. IT BENT EXACTLY THE SAME WAY AS THE ORIGINAL. THESE ARE STAMPED STEEL JACKS OF A LIGHT STEEL AND NO BRACING ON THE TOP RISER AND IN MY OPINION, DANGEROUS.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 27, 2015115,000 milesVA

I CANNOT DETERMINE IF MY VEHICLE IS ON THE TIKATA AIRBAG RECALL LIST. THE DEALER SAYS IT ISN'T. THE NHTSA SITE SAYS IT IS, THE VIN SHOWS IT ISN'T SPECIFICALLY. MY QUESTION IS IF THE 2004 OUTBACKS ARE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL OR IF THE NHTSA INFO IS WRONG....PLEASE ADVISE.....UPDATED 10/02/15*BF UPDATED 12/28/15*JS

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 26, 2015119,845 milesME

UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. NOT DRIVER ERROR, NOT STUCK FLOORMAT. VEHICLE STARTED ACCELERATING ABOVE 7 ON THE TACHOMETER. PUSHED IN CLUTCH OF COURSE. STOPPED WITH CLUTCH IN AND VEHICLE JUST KEPT REVVING HIGHER. SHUT OFF CAR AND RESTARTED LATER. TERRIFYING.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 14, 201590,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Dec 7, 20145 milesWI

2004 SUBARU OUTBACK: STRONG FUEL ODOR INSIDE VEHICLE WHEN COLD OUT. RESEARCH SHOWS THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH OUTBACK AND IMPREZA WRX. SUBARU RECALLED THE WRX, WHY NOT THE OUTBACKS! THIS DEFECT POSES AN EXTREME RISK FOR FIRE AND A RECALL IS NEEDED. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Nov 19, 201440,500 milesCO

MY SUBARU HAS THE TAKATA AIR BAG AND THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL. SUBARU HAS NOT RESPONDED TO MY REQUEST TO REPLACE THIS DANGEROUS, DEFECTIVE AIR BAG SYSTEM. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Nov 17, 201485,000 milesNY

THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION WEB SITE REFLECTS MY VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER AS ONE LISTED IN THE AIR BAG RECALL ALERT. CHECKING WITH MY DEALER'S SERVICE MANAGER AT GOLDSTEIN SUBARU, IN ALBANY, N.Y. AND HE ASSURES ME MY VEHICLE IS NOT SUBJECT TO THE RECALL. LAST WEEK I SENT TWO E-MAILS TO SUBARU REQUESTING CLARIFICATION AND HAVE RECEIVED NO REPLY. PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT IN GOD'S NAME IS GOING ON. I HAVE HAD THIS CAR FOR 10 AND 1/2 YEARS AND IT IS IN VERY GOOD SHAPE. MY WIFE WILL NOT SIT IN THE FRONT PASSENGERS SEAT UNTIL THIS IS CLEARED UP. ' *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 13, 2014135,000 milesCO

FUEL LEAK WHEN TEMPERATURE DROPPED TO SUDDEN COLD BETWEEN 0 AND 10F. SO BAD THAT YOU CANNOT DRIVE THE CAR AS THE HEATER DRAWS IN THE FUMES (AND AT 4F YOU NEED TO USE THE HEATER). UNSAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO POSSIBLE FIRE IN ENGINE. CAR IS NOW IN THE SHOP - APPARENTLY THIS IS VERY COMMON WITH SUBARU, WHICH IS WHY I AM FILING A COMPLAINT. IF SUBARU KNOWS OF THIS, IT'S TIME FOR THEM TO TAKE ACTION. OR WILL IT TAKE AN ENGINE FIRE AND POSSIBLE DEATH FOR SOMETHING TO BE DONE? I CERTAINLY HOPE NOT! *TR

Air Bags
Filed Oct 31, 201440,500 milesCO

SUBARU HAS NOT RESPONDED TO MY REQUEST FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE DEFECTIVE TAKATA AIR BAG IN MY CAR. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Oct 29, 2014NY

S10 APPROPRIATE HANDLING- LETTER TO THE SECRETARY FROM CONSTITUENT RE REQUESTING A NATIONAL RECALL ON ALL CARS THAT HAVE OR MAY HAVE DEFECTIVE TAKATA AIRBAGS. *SMD

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Oct 1, 2014OH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD OVERHEAT AND STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE THERMOSTAT, WATER PUMP AND COOLANT HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CERTIFIED MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEAD GASKETS HAD BLOWN. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Aug 28, 201456,000 milesCA

WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP CAR LURCHES FORWARD. THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS SMOOTH ACCELERATION WITH THIS VEHICLE. AFTER READING ALL OF THE OTHER INCIDENCES OF THIS AND WORSE ON THIS MODEL CAR ON THIS SITE, I WILL FILE A COMPLAINT AND DUMP THE DARN CAR. THIS WAS MY FIRST SUBARU, PURCHASED USED, AND I WAS EXCITED TO HAVE PURCHASED IT. NOW IT SEEMS LIKE A CURSE. I BOUGHT IT BECAUSE CONSUMER REPORTS RATED IT AS ONE OF THE SAFEST FOR TEEN DRIVERS. CANCELED MY CONSUMER REPORTS SUBSCRIPTION. I BOUGHT IT FOR MY DAUGHTER - NOW I WILL NOT LET HER DRIVE IT. NO MORE SUBARUS FOR ME. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jul 22, 2014250,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH AND THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, THE VEHICLE ERRONEOUSLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT ALSO BEGAN TO HEAR AN ABNORMAL SOUND IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AND DEACTIVATED THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE VEHICLE PERSISTED TO ACCELERATE INDEPENDENTLY AND THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE WAS DISARRANGED CAUSING THE CRUISE CONTROL TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED DUE TO A ROD IN THE ENGINE FROM THE DAMAGE OF THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V128000(VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 250,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

SteeringCrash
Filed Jul 14, 201490,000 milesNJ

I WAS PULLING INTO MY DRIVEWAY WHEN I STEPPED ON THE BRAKES THE CAR LUNGED FORWARD AND STRUCK A BOAT ON A TRAILER IN MY DRIVEWAY SENDING IT INTO THE SIDE OF MY HOME THE MORE I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE THE FASTER THE ENGINE ACCELERATED I EVENTUALLY ENDED UP CRASHING INTO A TREE WHICH FINALLY STOPPED THE CAR. *TR

Engine
Filed Sep 5, 2013174,000 milesNH

MULTIPLE HEAD GASKET FAILURE AT 60,000 MILE INTERVALS SINCE THE CAR WAS NEW. IT SEEMS LIKE THE MANUFACTURER IS COVERING UP A VERY BAD ENGINE DESIGN AFTER LOOKING ONLINE OF VERY SAME REPORTS. I AM SURPRISED WITH ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS IT IS NOT BEEN RECALLED OR CORRECTED. UNFORTUNATELY, DUE TO COSTS OF REPAIR I AM FORCED TO SCRAP THE CAR AND FIND A DIFFERENT CAR COMPANY. *JB

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jun 12, 2013162,000 milesNY

DRIVERS DOOR STARTED SMOKING AND FLAMING. I PULLED THE PART OF DOOR/ARMREST HOLDING THE WINDOW/MIRROR/LOCK CONTROLS AND WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND BLOW OUT FLAMES BEFORE FIRE SPREAD. *TR

Power Train › Driveline › Universal Joint
Filed Feb 19, 2013CA

2004 SUBARU OUTBACK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO UNIVERSAL JOINT FAILURE. CONSUMER ALSO SEEKS REIMBURSEMENT OF REPAIRS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE FAILURE OF THE UNIVERSAL JOINT CAUSED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION HOUSING, DRIVELINE, SHIFTER AND UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE, AN INSPECTION REVEALED THE UNIVERSAL JOINT FAILED DUE TO DRY NEEDLE BEARINGS, WHICH CAUSED IT TO SNAP AND BREAK AWAY FROM THE TRANSMISSION.*JB

EngineFire
Filed Feb 4, 2013100,000 milesVA

THE CAR BURST INTO FLAMES AT 2:30 IN THE MORNING IN MY DRIVEWAY. WE LAST DROVE THE CAR HOME AT 10:30 THE NIGHT BEFORE, SO THE CAR HAD BEEN SITTING FOR FOUR HOURS IN COLD WEATHER (AROUND 20 DEGREES). THE DOGS STARTED BARKING AND I WOKE UP TO FIND MY CAR BURNING IN THE DRIVEWAY. FIRETRUCK CAME AROUND 5 MINUTES LATER AND PUT OUT FIRE. FIRE WAS BURNING AROUND ENTIRE VEHICLE. FIREMAN SAID THAT FIRE APPEARED TO BE INTERNAL TO THE CAR AND NOT CAUSED BY HUMAN INTERVENTION. POLICE PUT THE FIRE DOWN AS A "ROUTINE" ENGINE FIRE. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF OLDER SUBARU VEHICLES. *TR

Suspension
Filed Jul 14, 2012128,000 milesNY

FRONT AXLE FAILURE. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Nov 1, 201191,640 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN SHIFTING INTO PARK, THERE WAS AN INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS. THE ENGINE RPMS CONTINUED TO INCREASE UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,640.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Sep 16, 201132,000 milesMT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD EXHIBIT AN ABNORMAL TAPPING NOISE WHEN FIRST STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE PISTONS. THE NOISE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THEY WOULD NEED TO REPLACE THE ENGINE BLOCK WITH NEW PISTONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 50,100.

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash1 injured
Filed Jun 9, 201167,000 milesMA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING INTO A PARKING SPACE THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED FORWARD WHILE THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES AND CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. THE CONTACTS FACE HIT THE STEERING WHEEL AND SHE ALSO INJURED HER ANKLE. THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY IN THE DEALERS POSSESSION FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING TO DETERMINE WHAT MAY HAVE CAUSED THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed May 19, 201149,000 milesNC

2004 SUBARU OUTBACK LL BEAN 3.0L H6 HAS HISTORY OF INTERMITTENT UNINTENDED ACCELERATION, MISFIRE (SURGING) AT HIGHWAY SPEED, NOT SLOWING DOWN WITH FOOT VISIBLY NOT NEAR GAS PEDAL OR BRAKE PEDAL, ACCELERATION IN DRIVE OR REVERSE WITHOUT TOUCHING BRAKE OR GAS PEDAL, ERRATIC IDLE. DEALERS ATTRIBUTE TO BAD SENSOR (REPLACED PART NUMBER 22627AA130 SENSOR ASSY-PRESS), DIRTY THROTTLE BODY, GAS TREATMENT NEEDED IN GAS TANK, AND THEY HAD NEVER HEARD OF SUCH A PROBLEM EVER (DISBELIEF). ALSO, WHEN AT ITS WORST, SYMPTOMS INCLUDE EXTREME (BANGING) SHIFTS FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEARS. AFTER OWNER RESET ECM (DISCONNECT BATTERY, DRAINED ALL KNOWN ENERGY FROM ELECTRONICS, RECONNECTED BATTERY) "SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT SOON"T CAME ON, AUTOMOBILE OPERATED NORMALLY, AND "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT WENT OUT WITHIN 50 MILES OF DRIVING. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION DUE TO UNINTENDED THROTTLE INPUTS, SPEED NOT SLOWED WITH FOOT OFF THROTTLE, AND (OBVIOUSLY) IMPAIRED BRAKING DUE TO ENGINE SURGE PRIOR TO FULL-STOP. HOWEVER, FOLLOWING FULL-STOP, ENGINE WOULD SLOW DOWN TO NEAR "NORMAL" IDLE. FILE UNDER, AMAZING, BUT TRUE. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Mar 2, 201165,000 milesPA

DURING EARLY DECEMBER 2010 MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND HEARD A HUGE RATTLING NOISE. SHE PULLED OVER AND WE GOT THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. WE WERE TOLD THAT THE VALVE ON THE ENGINE CYLINDER GOT DAMAGED AND AS A RESULT THE VALVE STEM HAS FALLEN INTO THE CYLINDER. AS THE PISTON WAS MOVING, IT GOT DAMAGED. SO WE NEEDED TO REPLACE TWO PISTONS. WHICH WE DID. THIS IS A DESIGN PROBLEM AS DIFFERENTIAL MATERIAL EXPANSION HAS CAUSED THE STEM TO FALL AND DAMAGE THE PISTON. IF THIS HAS HAPPENED ON A BUSY HIGHWAY COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL. THIS PROBLEM HAS CAUSED BY BAD DESIGN AND USING TWO DIFFERENT MATERIALS FOR ENGINE VALVE AND BLOCK. SUBARU NEEDS TO RECALL THE VEHICLES AND FIX THIS PROBLEM. THE CUSTOMERS SHOULD NOT BE PAYING. THE CAR IS VERY WELL MAINTAINED AND HAD ONLY 65,000 MILES. GOT IT REPAIRED. SUBARU WAS OF NO HELP. *TR

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Oct 30, 2010119,000 milesME

OUR SON WAS DRIVING OUR 2004 SUBARU OUTBACK INTO A TARGET PARKING LOT. AS HE ENTERED HE NOTICED SMOKE AND HEAT COMING FROM DRIVER'S DOOR. HE STOPPED, SHUT THE ENGINE OFF AS FLAMES WERE NOW COMING FROM THE DOOR. HE CALLED THE DURHAM NORTH CAROLINA FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THEY PUT OUT THE FIRE. INTERIOR OF CAR IN DOOR, DASH, WINDSHIELD AREAS SEVERELY DAMAGED. APPEARS TO BE ELECTRIC PROBLEM ALTHOUGH NO WINDOWS OR ANYTHING IN THIS DOOR AREA WERE IN OPERATION. NO PRIOR PROBLEMS. CAR TOWED TO AAA AND WILL TAKE IT TO SUBARU DEALER NEXT WEEK. HE AVOIDED GETTING BURNT, BARELY. *TR

Suspension
Filed Sep 20, 2010CT

2004 SUBARU OUTBACK WHEEL BEARING FAILURE. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Apr 1, 201058,600 milesCA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY BEGAN TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO APPLY THE BRAKE PEDAL AND SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN; HOWEVER, WHEN HE RELEASED THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST BUT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 58,600. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 61,200.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Mar 30, 201067,380 milesMD

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MOVED THE VEHICLE OFF OF THE ROAD AND ADDED COOLANT TO THE RADIATOR. THE COOLANT CONTINUED TO LEAK OUT OF THE RADIATOR; THEREFORE, THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE HEAD GASKET, WATER PUMP AND TIMING BELT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. ONE YEAR LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER BUT STATED THAT THE HEAD GASKET WAS BLOWN. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE WARRANTY ON THE REPAIR WAS ONLY GOOD FOR A YEAR. THE CONTACT DID NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,380.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System
Filed Mar 24, 201085,035 milesNH

DIAGNOSTIC CODE P0420 (CATALYST SYS). VEHICLE WOULD NOT PASS EMISSIONS TEST DUE TO CODE. 85000 MILES ON VEHICLE. WAS TOLD THERE WAS A COMPUTER UPGRADE FOR THIS COMPLAINT PUT OUT BY SUBARU. DEALER PERFORMED UPGRADE THEN INFORMED ME HEADGASKET WAS LEAKING. DEALER REPLACED HEAD GASKET "GOODWILL". DAT AFTER REPAIR CODE 0420 CAME BACK AND NOW NEED CONVERTERS REPLACED TO THE TUNE OF $1800.00 TO $2200.00 DUE TO CONTAMINATED CONVERTERS. FUEL, OIL LEAKING INTO EXHAUST FROM FAILED HEAD GASKET.

Complaints 1-50 of 90, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2019
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202621000Routine
202583020Routine
2024106020Routine
202389210Routine
2022465440Above average
2021299420Above average
2020904670Above average
20191,036320Above average
2018816340Above average
2017921430Do not drive
2016643430Do not drive
2015510550Do not drive
20142081020Above average
20132971261Fatalities reported
20122951660Above average
20116531660Above average
20103601830Above average
20091061330Routine
2008226830Above average
2007130820Routine
2006277730Above average
2005273930Above average
2004 — this page901140Routine
2003931510Routine
2002143500Routine
2001171450Routine
2000207253Fatalities reported
1999111110Routine
1998127221Fatalities reported
199779420Routine
199646210Routine
19952100Routine

Compare every Outback year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jan 2, 2020. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.