2008 Subaru Outback

Above average

Owners filed 226 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the airbags. It has been recalled 8 times.

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

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
79,600 milesMedian miles at failure

160 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,000–90,000 miles.

Most common 2008 Subaru Outback problems

104 of the 226 complaints (46%) are about the airbags.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags · airbags102
000
Service Brakes · brakes28
200
Electrical System22
010
Engine9
100
Suspension7
000
Power Train · transmission7
010
Suspension › Rear5
100
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration4
200
Unknown or Other4
011
Exterior Lighting · headlights4
000

8 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.

Electrical System › Ignition › Switch19V297000
Filed Apr 11, 2019511 vehiclesSubaru of America, Inc.

Defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part. The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on the key ring and certain road conditions could cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.

Risk. The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash. If a crash occurs under this condition, the air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 10, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUF-91.

Electrical System16V738000
Filed Oct 13, 2016100,127 vehiclesSubaru of America, Inc.

Defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2008-2014 Impreza vehicles and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, all equipped with turbo-charged engines. The relay that controls the secondary air injection pump may fail, causing the pump to continuously operate and overheat.

Risk. If the air injection pump overheats, it may melt and increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary air injection pump relay, free of charge. The recall began December 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTM-73.

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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings14V311000
Filed Jun 10, 2014461,338 vehiclesSubaru of America, Inc.

Defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Outback and Legacy, 2008-2011 Impreza and 2008-2014 Impreza WRX/STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Salt water could splash on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector, resulting in excessive corrosion of the brake lines. Note that affected vehicles not currently, or formerly registered, in the salt belt states identified above are eligible for repair, at no cost to the customer, upon request.

Risk. Brake line corrosion may result in brake fluid leakage. Fluid leakage may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will test the brake system by depressing the brake pedal and inspecting for brake fluid leaks. If no brake fluid seepage is observed, the affected areas will be rustproofed with anti-corrosion wax. If brake fluid seepage is observed, the brake lines will be replaced followed by rustproofing with anti-corrosion wax. These services will be performed free of charge. The recall began July 2014 and second notifications will run through November 2014. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall campaign number is WQK-47. Note: This recall supersedes recall 13V-110 which applied to certain 2005-2009 Legacy/Outback vehicles. Vehicles that were remedied under the previous campaign still need additional areas rust-proofed.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings13V110000
Filed Mar 27, 2013274,402 vehiclesSubaru of America, Inc.

Defect. Subaru is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Outback and Legacy vehicles manufactured from December 2003, through April 2009 and currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Salt water could splash on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector, resulting in excessive corrosion of the brake lines.

Risk. Brake line corrosion may result in brake fluid leakage. Fluid leakage may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles. If no brake fluid seepage is observed, the affected area will be rustproofed with anti-corrosion wax. If brake fluid seepage is observed, the brake lines will be replaced followed by rustproofing with anti-corrosion wax. These services will be performed free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall campaign number is WQG-43.

All 8 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Service Brakes
Filed Jun 28, 2026WI

When depressing brakes in driveway pedal went to the floor and brake fluid went all over driveway and car struggled to stop. Upon inspection the junction in picture was heavily corroded and when brake line failed. Supposedly this vehicle was repaired in a former recall that obviously was not a fix.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jun 24, 2026NE

Unknown why car sparked & ignited. Car was driven to grocery store 5min away then sat for approx. 2hrs before catching fire.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 23, 2025WI

Lost use of my brakes. Could have been killed. Recall WQK-47 was improperly addressed by using rust inhibitor as band-aid. My opinion and that of a 25+ year ASE certified mechanic. I originally wanted the lines replaced and subaru refused, cheaped out and used the inhibitor. It obviously was an ineffective solution since the whole reason for the recall is now an issue with my car. The lines should have been replaced and really sealed, not cheaply coated with an aerosol spray. The car might be older but is far from rusted out. The other brake lines are just fine. I was expecting something from subaru, cover the parts or labor at least but nothing.. Their fix was only "preventative" not actually fixing the problem.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 28, 2025GA

The dash pad in the 2005 to 2009 Subaru Legacy and Outback models have a very common problem of deteriorating to where they become sticky and then sections start cracking and falling off. My concern is that this is happening in the area of the passenger air bag. There is a portion of the dash bad which says SRS AIRBAG imprinted in the pad material and mines actually about to fall off. If the air bag should deploy from a serious enough collision, these loose pieces will be one projectiles and could easily cause injury esp to someone eye. I reached out to SOA but they offered no help. The claim number was 250530-0001813. Subaru did extend the warranty on this a few years back but they have since expired. The missing piece in the image is towards the bottom but the area directly over the airbag is severely cracked.

Service Brakes
Filed May 15, 2025WI

Brakes failed suddenly while on the highway. Virtually no braking available. This could have easily resulted in death or serious injury. Took car to Subaru dealership in Appleton WI. Found split brake line. This is a know issue and recall. Subaru had performed recall by putting anticorrosion on brake lines. All this did was possibly delay the inevitable. The recall stated they could have replaced them at the time of recall. Essentially there are a lot of Subarus driving around now that are ticking time bombs. If they would have replaced the brake

Power Train
Filed Jan 27, 2025NH

Due to a known manufacturing defect in the automatic transmission acknowledged in TSB 16-74-09 the driveability of my vehicle has been severely hampered and the shuddering/vibration is steadily worsening. I wasn't aware of this torque converter defect or an available remedy until well after the warranty expired as I didn't have access to the TSB. This is apparently a widespread problem affecting many vehicles of the era based on online forums and other complaints to NHTSA. I took the vehicle to dealerships over the years for related transmission issues but they "couldn't replicate" my concern. Recently, a local dealership has confirmed our transmission is affected but it does not throw any trouble codes or illuminate warning lamp as these underlying mechanical defects are not monitored by the OBD system. Having a gradually failing, defective transmission is a safety issue as we can grow complacent and it could give out any time without warning while driving. The vehicle is certainly available for inspection. It has been impeccably maintained, and none of these issues are due to mechanical wear and tear or neglect. It's unbelievable that a known manufacturing defect in the transmission would not affect every vehicle with that unit and be subject of a broad recall.

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 18, 2024ME

Subaru Outback 2008 -- This model's frequent brakes problems are an outrage. Subaru has known for years, with several Subaru recalls already, that the Subaru 2008 Outback has a defective brakes design and/or manufacture. I have experienced brakes problems on several occasions throughout my ownership and reported them to Subaru -- beginning the first weeks of ownership. This began within weeks of purchase. Subaru stated for the entirety of my new-owner warranty period that they couldn't replicate the problem. But once that warranty's ended, weeks later Subaru told me I needed "a full set of brakes" and sought nearly $2K for it ---on a car bought new just about two years earlier and well under 18K miles. My car again displays the "Err SS" code as it did as an early precursor to the Subaru defective brakes recalls in past years. For approximately 5 weeks -- mu Subaru Outback was in Subaru's service centers under the required diagnostic evaluation service at two Subaru service centers. Both -- you guessed it -- stated they were unable to replicate the problem. (These Subaru mechanics also were unable to replicate and/or diagnose the problem of erratic-/non-start, pulsing lights, random alarm and radio function that arose following Subaru's replacement of my alternator following the manufacturer's regularly scheduled timing belt maintenance.) Subaru has dragged out the process of required diagnosis for literal years. Per its pattern or practice, Subaru opened, stalled for months a

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 16, 2024ME

Four Subaru dealership licensed service centers in Maine and New Hampshire have had for some 8 weeks my Outback to evaluate, diagnose, and -upon my approval- service. Every one of the four Subaru locations was been unable to resolve a single one of these chronic problems of the Outback's erratic 1) start/no-start, 2) triggered security light and activated alarm, 3) dashboard battery and brake icons lighting/pulsing, 4) error code 55 (or SS) and 5) car headlights pulsing. The above problems compound with the issues Subaru's service teams have failed to resolve since early days of new car ownership (despite repeated repair) for 1) brakes regularly making noise, 2) radio randomly changing volume or shutting off, and 3) back tail light not working. Note: During the first two years of ownership, Subaru's service stated it "could not replicate" the problem with the brakes I'd reported within weeks of purchasing the new car. But a few weeks out of warranty, the same Subaru service location stated "I need whole new brakes" and quoted some $1,800 in repairs. A few months later, Subaru issued its first admission to the defective brake system. These four Subaru dealership licensed service centers in part or full 1) held my car at least 2x - 4x longer than quoted, while upselling me on the loaner model, then missing several by which they'd a written diagnostic report , 2) refused diagnostic report and when sought provided scant or impractical information, 3) demanded under threat of rent

Electrical System
Filed May 20, 2024100,000 milesME

The contact owns a 2008 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to depress the brake pedal, the brakes failed to function. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed the failure and replaced the brakes. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle would not start. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer and the battery was replaced. Soon after the battery replacement, the front headlights began strobing and the taillight wiring caused the lights to fail. Additionally, there was moisture behind the A-pillar applique trim. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and the contact was informed that the alternator needed to be replaced. Additionally, the wiring and bulbs in the taillights needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to reach out to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Unknown or OtherFire
Filed Mar 5, 2024NC

Car caught on fire I was driving heard a weird gurgle came home got out and it burst in to flames almost caught my house on fire

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 19, 2022GA

When I braked downhill the main brake line, from front to rear, ruptured underneath in the middle of the Subaru. This car came from Wisconsin and apparently had a lot of rust, caused by salt, affecting the steel brake lines. Subaru calls Wisconsin the Salt Belt. I could avoid an accident, using the parking brake. I looked up recalls recently and learned that 2 recalls have been offered by Subaru. Only the first one was carried out: In 2014, after "6 years of rusting", they applied wax on the already rusted brake lines, to no avail. The second recall (there is a 40 pages document issued by Subaru) would require replacement of all 4 main brake lines, "in any cases of rupture". I contacted Subaru of Gwinnett (Georgia) and then SOA Subaru of America, case number 2210041700431 in order to get the second recall carried out, which was denied. I was told "Subaru has no further obligation, because the first recall was successfully (!) done" - in spite of the rupture! Now the vehicle, which has gotten a makeshift repair in the meantime, must be considered unsafe and a danger in public traffic. There is a reason why Subaru requires replacement of all 4 main brake lines in case of rupture: It can happen again; all 4 are equally affected by rust. I want to keep this car, it's our daily driver, and I want the second recall performed. (Repair invoice of makeshift repair available, can be sent separately, $550.)

Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger
Filed Jul 28, 2022128,000 milesPA

The contact owns a 2008 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the passenger’s side air bag sensor light remained illuminated. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was also flashing. The failure became constant. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact's husband had inspected the air bag sensor under the front passenger’s seat and determined that the sensor was functioning. The contact stated that her husband replaced the air bag sensor in the front passenger’s seat sun visor. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 28, 2022NH

Brake pedal became less firm, and less effective, and Brake warning light came on. I was able to park my Outback, and saw evidence of brake fluid leaking from under the right rear passenger seat. After pulling the lower rear seat cushion off, and pulling the brake line grommet out of the body, I saw, through the hole the brake lines go through, a fitting that had bare rusty brake lines attached to it, covered in brake fluid, with plastic sheathing that started about an inch from the fitting. After I discovered that there have been a lot of outbacks with the same problem, I found out that there was a recall years ago, so I called a local dealership. The person I spoke with said that the previous owner of my vehicle had neglected to have the brake lines serviced during the recall and that the recall expired years ago, so I would have to pay for replacing the defective line myself.

Air Bags
Filed Feb 4, 2022MA

Airbag dashboard warning light stayed on while driving on 1/31/2022 and 2/1/2022. Dealer (Autofair Subaru in Haverhill Massachusetts) confirmed there was a problem in the overhead console. Researching the problem, I came across https://www.subaruoutback.org/threads/2006-obw-airbag-light-on-my-fix.42574/ which identified a loose component on the printed circuit board caused by a crack in the solder. Cold weather seems to exacerbate the crack and cause the component to fail intermittently. Many have reported this problem with their Subaru and have made repairs by touching up the solder. Subaru states that the collision system may not function when this condition causes the Airbag Warning Light to remain on.

Service BrakesCrash
Filed Aug 19, 2021160,000 milesNH

The contact owns a 2008 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving at 40 MPH and attempting to make a turn downhill, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond, causing the vehicle to crash into a ditch. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated he did not sustain any injuries. The contact was unsure whether a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, then it was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated he repaired the vehicle himself. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V311000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The dealer and the manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 11, 2021WI

Brake line ruptured suddenly. Thankfully it happened at slow speed. Had just enough braking power to make it to the shop. If it would have happened on the highway, it could have been catastrophic. There is a known recall on brake lines. Unfortunately Subaru merely sprayed brake lines with wax-like substance. This only delays problem, it does not fix it. Confounding factor is the brake line is hidden under the undercarriage substructure, so it can not be inspected. I did have it fixed and it was pricey, as expected as they had to remove substructure.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 26, 2021MN

The Rear Gate Harness wires that are in the grommet wear and break from the rear gate going up and down. This issue has many issues. Rear lighting and break light, rear wiper, also rear locking mechanism and other unknown issues.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 3, 2021139,000 milesCO

The contact owns a 2008 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving 30 mph, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing unknown repairs to be completed. The vehicle was repaired however, after the repairs she started to hear an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing unknown repairs to be performed. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was informed that the front passenger’s side ball joint and power steering rack needed to be replaced. Additionally, the rear differential fill plug and the transmission needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired however, the transmission was not replaced. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure of the transmission. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact stated recently the air bag warning light illuminated. The dealer and independent mechanic were made aware of the failure. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.

Air Bags
Filed May 11, 2021MO

2008 SUBARU OUTBACK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WERE DIFFICULTIES SCHEDULING THE RECALL REPAIR. *JS

Service Brakes
Filed May 10, 2021102,000 milesWI

VEHICLE HAD RECALL IN 2014 DUE TO CORRODED BRAKE LINES. THEY COULD EITHER SPRAY IT WITH ANTI CORROSIVE SPRAY OR REPLACE THE LINES. THEY OPTED TO JUST SPRAY THEM. TWO WEEKS AGO CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN AND LOST BRAKE PRESSURE. THANKFULLY NO ACCIDENT OCCURRED. CONTACTED SUBARUS RECALL NUMBER. THEY TOLD ME THIS IS A WEAR ITEM SIMILAR TO TIRES. THIS IS NOT A VALID ARGUMENT. THE LINES ARE UNDERNEATH AND ARE PARTIALLY OBSTRUCTED BY GAS TANK. NO WAY THESE CAN BE INSPECTED BY AVERAGE DRIVER. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND IS REFERENCED IN RECALL WQK-47. THEY SIMPLY PUT A BANDAID ON A SERIOUS ISSUE. BRAKE LINES ARE SUPPOSED TO BE MADE WITH METALLURGY THAT DOES NOT FALL APART IN SALTY CONDITIONS. THE FIX IS ABOUT 3,000 DOLLARS AS THEY NEED TO DROP GAS TANK AND SUBSTRUCTURE ON REAR OF CAR TO REPLACE THE BRAKE LINES. AS YOU CAN SEE THIS IS BOTH RISK TO DRIVERS AND THEIR WALLETS. ALL THIS BECAUSE THEY ENGINEERED SOME BAD BRAKE LINES WITH POOR METALLURGY AND/OR POOR PLACEMENT IN THE CAR. IF WHAT I AM SAYING IS NOT TRUE, THEN THE FRONT BRAKE LINES SHOULD HAVE SAME ISSUE. ANY HELP IS APPRECIATED

Structure › BodyCrash
Filed Apr 15, 202153,300 milesIL

I EASED INTO A PARKING SPOT, STEPPED ON THE BRAKE, AND PUT THE GEARSHIFT INTO PARK. AS SOON AS I SHIFTED THE CAR LUNGED FORWARD, PICKED UP SPEED, AND DROVE INTO THE BUILDING. I NEVER TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE AND HAD TO MOVE THE GEARSHIFT DOWN TO REVERSE (NOT UP) TO GET OUT OF THE BUILDING, WHICH VERIFIES THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK WHEN IT ACCELERATED. THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR ARE NOT CLOSE ENOUGH FOR ME TO ACCIDENTALLY HAVE MY FOOT ON BOTH.

Air Bags
Filed Feb 1, 202179,600 milesDE

[2008 SUBARU OUTBACK WITH 82,000 MILES, TAKADA AIRBAG REPLACEMENT JULY 2020]. AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT (RED) ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD INSTRUMENT PANEL AS SOON AS THE CAR IS TURNED ON AND REMAINS ON AS LONG AS THE ENGINE IS RUNNING WHETHER MOVING OR STATIONARY. THIS IS NOTIFYING THE DRIVER THAT THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS INOPERABLE AS STATED BY MULTIPLE MECHANICS, SUBARU MECHANICS AND SUBARU SERVICE MANAGERS OVER DOZENS OF BLOGS AND EVEN THE SUBARU WEBSITE. OVERHEAD CONSOLE (IN MAP LIGHT GROUP) SHOWS PROPER NOTIFICATION OF SEATBELT NEED AND AIRBAG ACTIVATION WHEN WEIGHT IS EXERTED ON PASSENGER SEAT SURFACE, BUT WITH THE AIRBAG RED WARNING LIGHT LIT ON THE DASHBOARD, THE PASSENGER, AND POSSIBLY DRIVER AIRBAG, IS TOTALLY INOPERATIVE. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND NEGLECT BY SUBARU IN ADDRESSING THIS SAFETY PROBLEM IS OF IMMEDIATE CONCERN. HUNDREDS OF SUBARU OWNERS, MANY NOT DIRECTLY REPORTING TO NHTSA, HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, BUT NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Jan 14, 2021130,000 milesMI

MY 2008 SUBARU OUTBACK IS ON ITS SECOND AUTOMATIC CLIMATE CONTROL UNIT/CD PLAYER (IT IS AN INTEGRATED SYSTEM). A FEW WEEKS AGO, THE SECOND FACTORY REPLACEMENT UNIT STARTED FLASHING AGAIN WHILE DRIVING (SEE ATTACHED IMAGES). WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE CLIMATE CONTROL BUTTONS (INCLUDING THE FRONT AND REAR DEFROSTER BUTTONS) ARE COMPLETELY INOPERABLE. THE UNIT FLASHES WHILE DRIVING AND WHEN STATIONARY. I DO HAVE A SHORT VIDEO SHOWING THE PROBLEM, BUT AM UNABLE TO ATTACH IT TO THIS WEB FORM. HAPPY TO SHARE IF THERE IS A WAY TO DO SO.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 11, 2020157,000 milesMA

FUEL PUMP OVER HEAT.

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 10, 202080,000 milesMD

DASHBOARD IS MELTING

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 8, 2020160,000 milesOH

RUST AND CORROSION HAS RESULTED IN A BRAKE LINE FAILURE AND LOSS OF BRAKING POWER.THIS HAPPENED AT LOW SPEED IN A PARKING LOT AND DID NOT RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 8, 2020190,000 milesNJ

THE BRAKE LINES SHOW EVIDENCE OF CORROSION WITH ONE LEAKING FLUID. MY DTR WAS DRIVING TO FL AND NOTED EXCESS BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL UPON ARRIVAL AND BROUGHT IT TO A REPAIR SHOP FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE MEC.H INFORMED HER OF PROBLEM AND SENT PHOTOS OF CORRODED BRAKE LINES. I'LL FORWARD WITH ADDTL. CORRESPONDENCE IF NEEDED.

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 3, 2020135,000 milesNJ

CORRODED BRAKE LINE FAILURE. VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT 20 MPH EXITING HIGHWAY RIGHT SIDE REAR AT JUNCTION BLOCK ABOVE GAS TANK COVER

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 6, 2020230,000 milesMN

WHILE DRIVING IN BLOOMINGTON, THE BRAKE LINES FAILED. MANAGED TO PULL OVER INTO A MALL PARKING LOT. BRAKE FLUID POURED OUT FROM THE BRAKE LINES WHICH HAD RUSTED THROUGH NEAR THE GAS TANK. MY VEHICLE HAD BEEN REPAIRED BASED ON RECALL WQK47, BUT IT WAS THIS AREA THAT HAD CORRODED, LEAVING THE BRAKES USELESS.

Air Bags
Filed May 28, 2020AZ

PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT ABOVE MAP LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER IN SEPTEMBER 2012 TWICE FOR THIS ISSUE (STILL ONGOING). SERVICE WRITER SAID COMPONENT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE IT WAS FAULTY. HE INDICATED THE AIRBAG WOULD STILL DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, BUT THE SENSOR IN THE SEAT IS NOT ABLE TO READ THE WEIGHT OF THE PASSENGER AND IF I HAD A SMALLER AND SHORTER ADULT IN THE FRONT SEAT, THEY COULD BE INJURED BECAUSE THE AIRBAG WOULD DEPLOY AT A HIGHER RATE OF SPEED AND WITH GREATER FORCE POSSIBLY INJURING THE PASSENGER. THIS APPEARS TO BE AN ONGOING AND PREVALENT ISSUE WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL. THE AIRBAG LIGHT WILL GO ON AND OFF REGARDLESS OF TEMPERATURE, DRIVING OR PARKED, AND IF THERE IS OR IS NOT A PASSENGER. THIS IS CLEARLY AN ISSUE THAT WARRANTS A RECALL. *TR *BF*JB

Air Bags
Filed Apr 29, 2020145,000 milesCA

THE TIMING BELT FAILED PREMATURELY. IT HAD BEEN REPLACED AT 70K MILES AND FAILED AT 140K MILES ON THE SECOND BELT WHICH ONLY HAD 70K MILES ON IT VERSUS THE MANUFACTURE RECOMMENDED 100K MILES REPLACEMENT INTERVAL. THIS HAPPENED DURING HIGHWAY TRAVEL AND THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY LOST ALL POWER AND ONLY HAD 5 SECONDS TO FIND A SAFE PLACE TO PULL OFF THE HIGHWAY. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE HAS AN AIRBAG RECALL FOR THE SECOND TIME, CITING DEATH DUE TO METAL PROJECTILE AND I AM HAVING A VERY HARD TIME HAVING THAT REPLACED AS THE CAR IS NOW BEING DRIVEN IN CANADA AND SUBARU DEALERS IN CANADA WON'T HONOR THE REQUIRED RECALL.

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 31, 202085,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF HIS GIRLFRIEND WHO OWNS A 2008 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO FUNCTION AS INTENDED. THE BRAKE FAILURE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH RUSTED BRAKE LINES ON THE REAR AND FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 20, 201959,000 milesOR

I BOUGHT MY CAR IN 2016 THERE WAS A RECALL ON AIRBAGS, THEY FIXED IT BEFORE I BOUGHT IT, BUT MY AIRBAG LIGHT HAS BEEN GOING ON AND OFF FOR OVER A YEAR NOW, I HAD MY MECHANIC RESET IT , BUT IT COMES BACK ON, IS IT UNDER WARRANTY STILL OR NOT ?

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 23, 2019152,000 milesRI

DRIVING AT 70 MILES AN HOUR ON I95 IN PROVIDENCE RHODE ISLAND, TAPPED THE BREAK TO KEEP KEEP SAFE DISTANCE FROM CAR IN FRONT, PEDAL SEEMED A BIT SOFT. THEN HAD TO PREFORM A HARD STOP AS THE ENTIRE 3 LANES HAD STOPPED DUE TO AN ACCIDENT. PEDAL WENT CLEAR TO THE FLOOR, NO STOPPING POWER WHAT SO EVER. FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO HAVE BEEN ABLE TO SWERVE LEFT INTO THE HIGH SPEED BREAKDOWN LANE AND DOWNSHIFT TO SLOW THE CAR. UPON COMING TO A ROLLING STOP WITH USE OF THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IT WAS NOTED THAT BRAKE FLUID WAS SPEWING FROM UNDER THE CAR, THIS CAR NEARLY KILLED MYSELF AND MY 13 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER. CONTACTED SUBARU REGARDING THE RECALL WQK-47 WHICH THEY STATED WAS COMPLETED IN SEPT 2015 WITH THE PREVIOUS OWNER. I INQUIRED AS TO THE EXTENT OF THE WORK AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO PROVIDE THE INFORMATION. THEY ALSO STATED THAT THIS FAILURE WAS BEYOND THE SCOPE OF THE ORIGINAL RECALL, AND A RESULT OF WEAR AND TEAR. THEY COULD NOT PROVIDE INFORMATION IF THE BRAKE LINES WERE COATED, OR REPLACED FOR MY PARTICULAR CAR, THEY COULDN'T COMMENT IF THE ANTI- CORROSIVE AGENT WAS APPLIED TO THE ENTIRE BRAKE LINE SYSTEM, NOR THE MILEAGE ON THE CAR AT THE TIME OF THE REPLACEMENT. THE BRAKE LINES USED BY SUBARU AR CLEARLY SUBSTANDARD AND UNSAFE. IF ONE AREA IS ABLE TO CORRODE AND LEAK, WHAT SAYS ANOTHER AREA WONT DO THE SAME. MY DAUGHTER AND MYSELF WERE PLACED IN HARMS WAY AND COULD HAVE POTENTIAL BEEN SEVERELY HARMED, AND EVEN WORSE HARMED SOMEONE ELSE OR ANOTHER FAMILY HAD I NOT BEEN ABLE TO USE THE HI

Service Brakes
Filed May 23, 2019156,000 milesMA

MY CAR WAS TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED WHEN I EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN AND COMPLETE LOSS OF BRAKING WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING. THE CAUSE IS A RUPTURED, CORRODED BRAKE LINE AS OUTLINED IN RECALL WQK-47 FOR MY MAKE, MODEL, AND YEAR. I STRONGLY FEEL THAT THIS ISSUE IS A PUBLIC SAFETY ISSUE AND THE RECALL SHOULD COVER ANY REPAIRS FOR THE MODELS OUTLINED IN THIS RECALL. IT IS A KNOWN SAFETY DEFECT THAT SUBARU REFUSES TO REMEDY FOR ACTIVE CARS STILL ON THE ROAD.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed May 20, 201987,700 milesMT

THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION GOING 45 MPH. I SLOWED DOWN TO STOP AT A STOP LIGHT AND THE ABS LIGHT BEGAN TO FLASH ON AND OFF. AS I GOT CLOSER TO THE STOP LIGHT TO COMPLETELY STOP THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON, THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON, THE BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON, THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT WAS ON AND FLASHING AND THE STEERING WHEEL COMPLETELY LOCKED UP AND THE ENGINE WAS OFF. I TURNED THE CAR BACK ON AND EVERYTHING WAS FINE. THE ABS LIGHT, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT, AIR BAG LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT ARE STILL ON. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE FOR FEAR THAT IT WILL TURN OFF AGAIN. I AM UNCERTAIN OF WHAT COULD BE CAUSING THIS BUT IT SEEMS TO BE AN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM. THIS PROBLEM ALSO HAPPENED TO ME AS I WAS SLOWING DOWN TO TURN OFF OF THE HIGHWAY. I AM GLAD THERE WAS NO ONE BEHIND ME BECAUSE MY CAR COMPLETELY DIED AFTER I TURNED OFF THE HIGHWAY WITH THE SAME LIGHTS AND SAME THING HAPPENING AS STATED ABOVE.

Electrical System
Filed May 20, 201996,000 milesIL

EVER SINCE I PURCHASED MY CAR FROM CARMAX THERE HAVE BEEN PROBLEMS WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH. THERE HAVE BEEN ABOUT 10+ TIMES SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN DEC. 2016 THAT I WILL PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION, (WHILE THE CAR IS PARKED AND TURNED OFF, IN ORDER TO TURN IT ON) AND THE ENGINE WON'T TURN OVER. I HAVE TO TOGGLE THE GEAR SHIFTER IN ORDER TO GET THE CAR TO RESPOND AND THEN THE CAR WILL TURN ON. (ONLY AFTER I AGITATE THE GEAR SHIFTER WILL THE IGNITION THEN RESPOND). I RECEIVED AN EMAIL THAT THERE MAY BE A RECALL FOR SUBARU OUTBACK 2008 FOR IGNITION-RELATED ISSUES BUT WHEN I LOOKED UP MY SPECIFIC VIN NUMBER, MY VEHICLE DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE A PART OF THE THE RECALL. PLEASE LET ME KNOW HOW I CAN HAVE MY CAR BE CONSIDERED IN THIS RECALL, I KNOW THIS IS A RELATED PROBLEM.

Air Bags
Filed May 12, 201990,000 milesUT

TAKATA RECALL - THE CAR WAS RECALLED 3 TIMES. THE MECHANIC SAID AS LONG AS THE AIRBAG LIGHT WAS ON, THE AIRBAG WOULD NOT WORK. HE SAID THE FIX WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 5, 2019155,000 milesMN

MY VEHICLE HAS A PROBLEM WITH AN INTERMITTENT AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATING, INDICATING AN ISSUE WITH THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. SPECIFICALLY IN MY CASE, IT INDICATES THAT THE OVERHEAD AIRBAG INDICATOR SYSTEM IS IN A FAULT STATE. THIS IS EXTREMELY COMMON IN THIS VEHICLE AND AGE, WITH MANY OTHER OWNERS REPORTING THE SAME ISSUE WITH NO RECALL ACTION FROM SUBARU. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE WITH THIS CAR IF NOT ADDRESSED AND CAN RESULT IN THE AIRBAGS NOT DEPLOYING IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. COST FOR AN OWNER TO REPAIR (AND IN MY CASE) IS $300+ AND SHOULD BE COVERED BY SUBARU.

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 22, 2019228,000 milesME

I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET WHEN I LOST BRAKING POWER. I WAS ABLE TO SLOW THE CAR DOWN TO A STOP AND GET IT TOWED TO A MECHANIC WITHOUT DAMAGE TO MY CAR OR SOMEONE ELSE'S VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC REPLACED BOTH REAR BRAKE LINES BECAUSE THEY HAD RUSTED TO THE POINT WHERE THEY LEAKED BRAKE FLUID. I CALLED SUBARU. THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY WERE NOT LIABLE FOR THE PROBLEM.

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 21, 2019130,000 milesMA

THIS ISSUE IS ON THE TOPIC OF A RECALL: "BRAKE PIPE CORROSION" NHTSA CAMPAIGN: 14V311000 SUBARU SERVICE CAMPAIGN: WQK47 SUBARU OF AMERICA IS REFUSING TO PROPERLY HONOR THIS RECALL, AS THEY WILL ONLY COVER THE REPLACEMENT OF CORRODED BRAKE LINES IF THEY ARE ACTUALLY LEAKING. THIS IS AN UNACCEPTABLE CRITERION FOR BRAKE LINE REPLACEMENT, AS IT IS AN EXTREMELY UNSAFE FAILURE MODE WITH POTENTIALLY-LETHAL CONSEQUENCES. I HAVE ATTACHED A PICTURE OF A CORRODED AREA OF THE BRAKE LINES ON MY 2008 OUTBACK, AN AREA UNDER THE FUEL TANK WHICH IS EXPLICITLY COVERED BY THIS RECALL. AS CAN BE SEEN, THEY ARE TERRIFYINGLY CORRODED AS A DIRECT RESULT OF SUBARU'S IMPROPER RUST-PROOFING OF THIS AREA. THEY WILL START LEAKING AT ANY MOMENT. INCLUDED IN THE RECALL IS A PRELIMINARY MEASURE TO APPLY SOME RUST-PROOFING COATING TO THE AREAS IN QUESTION. IF THAT ACTION IS TAKEN, THE RECALL IS CONSIDERED 100% RESOLVED PERMANENTLY. THIS RESOLUTION CRITERION IS ABSOLUTELY UNACCEPTABLE, AS THE RECALL MAY NOT BE DONE BY A VEHICLE OWNER UNTIL THE BRAKE LINES ARE SIGNIFICANTLY CORRODED BUT JUST BEFORE THEY START LEAKING DUE TO CORROSION. THE ONLY ACCEPTABLE RESOLUTION TO A RECALL FOR CORRODED BRAKE LINES IS THE REPLACEMENT OF THOSE BRAKE LINES, NOT SOME MEAGER BAND-AID THAT SUBARU IS EFFECTIVELY CLAIMING IS A PERMANENT FIX TO THE ISSUE. THAT IS NOT TRUE AT ALL, AS BRAKE LINES WILL CONTINUE TO CORRODE TO A DEGREE EVEN IF THEY HAVE SOME COATING ON THEM, ESPECIALLY SINCE THE COATING CAN WEAR OFF. THIS RECALL WAS SU

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 11, 2019130,000 milesOH

WHEN DRIVING HOME, BRAKES WENT TO FLOOR THEN LIGHT CAME ON. TRIED BRAKE FLUID AND GUSHED OUT. INCHED TO NEARBY MIDAS WHO RAISED CAR AND FOUND MAJOR LEAK BY GAS TANK. RECALL ON THAT AREA WAS TREATED WITH WAX IN 2014. CALLED SUBARU WHO DID NOT GUARANTEE HELPING BY WANTED US TO BRING CAR TO A SUBARU SERVICE CENTER.

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 31, 2019138,573 milesVT

BRAKE LINES CORRODED, FAILED STATE INSPECTION. BRAKE LINES HAD BEEN SERVICE UNDER SUBARU RECALL TWICE AND SPRAYED WITH A COATING. TREATING INFERIOR, CORRODED BRAKE LINES DOES NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. BRAKE LINES SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED UNDER THE RECALL. I HAVE GOTTEN NO SATISFACTION FROM EITHER THE DEALER OR SUBARU AMERICA. THIS IS NOT AN UNCOMMON ISSUE FOR SUBARU.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 4, 201880,000 milesVT

SOMETIMES THE AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON EITHER WHEN THE CAR IS STARTED OR ONCE IT'S DRIVING. IT'S VERY SPORADIC.

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 27, 2018120,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GLANZMANN SUBARU (95 OLD YORK RD, JENKINTOWN, PA 19046, 215-885-8282) TO BE REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V311000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC), BUT THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE RECALL HAD BEEN PERFORMED ONCE AND COULD NOT BE DONE AGAIN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 24, 2018PA

STICKY, MELTING DASHBOARD, SHINY AND REFLECTIVE IN DIRECT SUNLIGHT CREATING VISIBILITY PROBLEMS, UNSURE HOW IT WILL REACT IF PASSENGER AIRBAG MUST BE DEPLOYED THRU DETERIORATING DASHBOARD, AFFECTING RESALE VALUE. DASHBOARD LITERALLY COMES OFF ON HANDS OR WIPING RAGS, POSSIBLE RELEASE OF CHEMICALS INTO INTERIOR? SUBARU WILL ONLY ADDRESS 1/3 OF THE DEFECT REPAIR COST. TOTAL AVERAGE COST FOR REPLACEMENT IS APPROX $1500-1600.00, ACTUAL DASHBOARD ITSELF RETAILS FOR $502.50 FROM DEALERS AND IS APARENTLY AVAILABLE WITHIN A FEW DAYS WHEN ORDERED. SUBARU GAVE CREDIT FOR $500.00, ALMOST COVERING THE COST OF THE DASHBOARD / COVER ONLY*** APPROX. $1000 .00 IN LABOR MUST BE PAID BY CUSTOMER. CAR IS IN OTHERWISE IMMACULENT CONDITION. THIS IS A DEFECT AFFECTING SAFETY, AND IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH SUBARU EFFECTING ALL OF THIS MODEL AND SIMILAR MODELS WITH HIGH SUN EXPOSURE. IT IS ALSO CROSS MANUFACTURER AFFECTED, IE; TOYOTA, NISSAN, ETC. THEY HAVE TAKEN THE ROLE OF RECALL AND REPLACE. SUBARU HAS NOT TO DATE. SUBARU IS AWARE THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM YET REFUSES TO ACCEPT FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR.

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 8, 2018195,971 milesNY

RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE FOR BRAKE LINE, TOOK TO DEALER AND THEY APPLIED ANTI CORRESIVE. APPROX 16 MONTHS LATER BRAKE LINE BLEW WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM ON A CITY STREET. TOWED TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY ASKED SUBARU TO COVER UNDER RECALL BUT WAS DENIED DUE TO HIGH MILAGE. BRAKE LINE WAS LEAKING WHERE ANTI CORRESIVE WAS APPLIED. HAVE HEARD IF OTHERS HAVING SAME PROBLEM. WE IN 3 OTHER SUBARUS ARE UNDER THE SAME RECALL AND HAVE CONCERNS.

Engine
Filed Jul 29, 2018108,900 milesME

CAR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, ALONG WITH TRACTION LIGHT ON, CRUISE LIGHT ON. CAN'T SHUT ANY OFF. CAR ACTUALLY GETS VERY HOT TO THE TOUCH DRIVERS SIDE NEAR FENDER HEADLIGHT. COULD START ON FIRE! DANGEROUS! THINK THERE IS A RECALL ON FRONT OXYGEN SENSOR, ONLY IF TURBO? REDICULOUS! SHOULD BE ALL NOT JUST TURBO MODEL! ALSO HAD TO REPLACE HEAD COVER GASKET AND EVERYTHING THAT GOES WITH THAT 5/17/2017 108,900 MILES. THAT SHOULD BE A RECALL ALSO.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 18, 2018100,000 milesMI

THERE'S SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE WITH THE WIRING ON 2005-2009 SUBARU OUTBACK/LEGACY MODELS THAT AFFECTS BOTH THE AIRBAG AND THE LOCKING MECHANISM. I HAVE SEEN MULTIPLE THREADS ONLINE WHERE THE AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT COMES ON SPECIFICALLY INDICATING THAT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG MAY BE AFFECTED AND SENSORS MAY BE FAULTY? THERE IS ALSO A COMMON ERROR IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IN WHICH WHEN YOU LOCK THE CAR - ALL LOCKS ACTIVATE WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE REAR TAILGATE WHICH POSES A SAFETY RISK OR TOTAL THEFT OF THE CAR. THESE PROBLEMS OCCUR UPON VEHICLE IGNITION AND WHEN THE CAR IS ON OR OFF (FOR THE LOCKING)

Unknown or Other1 injured
Filed Jun 17, 201870,000 milesCO

I WAS STOPPED ON A SIDE STREET, WAITING FOR A TRAFFIC LIGHTTIP CHANGE AROUND 9:50AM ON SUNDAY, JUNE 17, IN DENVER, CO. THERE WERE CARS IN FRONT OF ME AND ONE IN BACK BUT NONE OF US WERE MOVING. SUDDENLY, AND WITHOUT WARNING, MY DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW COMPLETELY SHATTERED. IT HAD BEEN HALF OPEN BEFORE THIS HAPPENED WITH NO MECHANICAL ISSUES. GLASS SPRAYED IN AND OUT OF THE CAR. I HAD SEVERAL SMALL CUTS. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF ANYTHING HITTING OR BEING THROWN AT THE WINDOW.

Complaints 1-50 of 226, 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
2008 — this page226830Above average
2007130820Routine
2006277730Above average
2005273930Above average
2004901140Routine
2003931510Routine
2002143500Routine
2001171450Routine
2000207253Fatalities reported
1999111110Routine
1998127221Fatalities reported
199779420Routine
199646210Routine
19952100Routine

Compare every Outback year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

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.