2013 SUBARU OUTBACK

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

This is complaint data, not a random sample.

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

Component ranking

  1. #1

    engine oil consumption

    1 stranded, 27 unsafe, 5 annoyance

    33
    incidents
    Typical range: 12,000–75,000 mi

    Median 27,000 mi, based on 34 reports (19% had no usable mileage)

    • "MY 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK PREMIUM 2.5 HAS A CAUTION LIGHT IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL THAT ILLUMINATES AS A REMINDER FOR THE OPERATOR TO CHECK THE ENGINE OIL. THE OWNERS MANUAL STATES THE LIGHT INDICATES LOW ENGINE OIL LEVELS AND RECOMMENDS ADDING OIL TO PREVENT ENG…"~1,404 mi, complaint #1146498
    • "HAD AN OIL CHANGE DONE AT THE DEALERSHIP IN DANVERS MARCH 2015. IN SEPT. 2015, AFTER TRAVELLING 4,000 MILES, ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. HAD TO ADD 2 QUARTS OF OIL. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THAT WE NEEDED TO ADD OIL BETWEEN SERVICES. ALL SERVICE RECORDS ARE U…"~20,000 mi, complaint #1227432
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CONSUMED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF OIL AND ADDITIONAL OIL HAD TO BE ADDED BY THE CONTACT. IN ADDITION, THE LOW OIL WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUTONAT…"~30,000 mi, complaint #1615326
    • "ENGINE IS BURNING OIL INTO ATMOSPHERE. GETTING LESS THAN 800 MILES BEFORE OIL LIGHT COMES ON. CONSUMES OVER A QUART OF SYNTHETIC MOTOR OIL EVERY TWO WEEKS. SUBARU HAS BEEN REPLACING MOTORS FOR ONLY WHEN PEOPLE COMPLAIN AND ONLY IF THEY ARE IN WARRANTY, I WA…"~70,000 mi, complaint #1244490
    • "MY CAR HAS BEEN CONSUMING OIL TO THE POINT WHERE IT HAS A D MINUS ACCORDING TO THE DEALERSHIP BUT HAS NOT FIXED THE PROBLEM AND IT KEEPS HAPPENING. THE FIRST TIME THEY SAID IT WAS ALMOST AN F. I HAVE ABOUT 3000 MILES ON IT WHEN IT NEEDS OIL ."~5,600,000 mi, complaint #1548930
  2. #2

    airbag system

    30 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    31
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=23, median 54,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT AND ALARM GO OFF WHETHER PASSENGER IS IN THE SEAT OR NOT. INTERMITTENTLY, WHEN I START THE CAR, THE INDICATOR LIGHT FLASHES AND THEN REMAINS LIT. IF THE CAR IS DRIVEN IN THIS STATE, THE ALARM SOUNDS AT SPEEDS OVER 25/30…"~5,000 mi, complaint #1150632
    • ""TAKATA RECALL" CALLED DEALER-(GUSTMAN SUBARU, APPLETON, WI) TRIED TO MAKE EARLY APPOINTMENT TO REPLACE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG. DEALER IS SWAMPED AND MY SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT IS FOR SEPTEMBER 25, 2019, WHICH IS A LONG WAY OFF FROM TODAY MARCH 18, 2019. WANT TO…"~35,000 mi, complaint #1549431
    • "MY FRIENDS' SON AND WIFE HAD A CRASH ON I [REDACTED ADDRESS] ON JANUARY 28, 2018. THE CAR HIT A HIGHWAY BARRIER AND SPUN AROUND AND RESULTED IN AN EXTREME FIRE AFTER IMPACT AND THE SIDE AIRBAG, NOR THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY ON DRIVERS' SIDE. THE I…"~54,000 mi, complaint #1445725
    • "TAKATA RECALL RECEIVED NOTICE OF THIS RECALL ON MARCH 16. CONTACTED SELLING DEALER (LOU FUSZ SUBARU, ST. PETERS, MO) ON MARCH 18 AND THE SOONEST DEALER WOULD SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR IS ON JUNE 12. A WAIT OF THREE MONTHS IS NOT A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF…"~80,000 mi, complaint #1549480
    • "IN MOTION DRIVING STRAIGHT DOWN COUNTY ROUTE 80 ON A GOOD WEATHER DAY SLOWED DOWN GOING TO TURN INTO A SHOP AND TAKATA AIRBAG DEPLOYED. WAS LOUD BANG AND HORN WOULD NOT STOP GOING OFF. PULLED OFF ROAD IN FRONT OF A ART GALLERY, CALLED AAA THEY TOWED CAR TO A…"~134,000 mi, complaint #1436153
  3. #3

    transmission automatic

    3 stranded, 25 unsafe, 1 broken

    29
    incidents
    Typical range: 15,000–128,500 mi

    Median 81,500 mi, based on 34 reports (11% had no usable mileage)

    • "TRANSMISSION WILL NOT SHIFT INTO A LOWER GEAR WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE FROM A FULL STOP OR FROM A SLOW SPEED. THIS PROBLEM OCCURS WITHIN FIRST MINUTE OR SO AFTER STARTING THE CAR WHEN ENGINE IS COLD (E.G. FIRST THING IN THE MORNING). FIRST THING IN THE MORN…"~2,000 mi, complaint #988458
    • "THE TRANSMISSION JERKS AND STUTTERS AND WHILE IN TRAFFIC THE CAR LOST POWER FOR APPROXIMATELY 5 SECONDS AND I WAS ALMOST HIT. IT HAPPENS AT LOW AND HIGH SPEEDS. IT HAS HAPPENED ON CITY STREETS AND THE LATEST WAS ON THE HIGHWAY. I HAVE ALSO HAD IT STALL COMPLET…"~56,000 mi, complaint #1539990
    • "I WAS DRIVING EARLY IN THE MORNING WHEN THE CAR, A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK, STARTED TO ACT UNPREDICTABLY;REVVING AND JUMPY. I WAS SCARED TO CONTINUE DRIVING IT IN THAT STATE AND PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT. IT SEEMED CLEAR IT WOULD NOT MAKE IT UP THE 8 % GRADE HILL…"~112,000 mi, complaint #1532077
    • "HEARD SOME NOISE COMING FROM THE CAR AND BROUGHT IT TO SUBARU. THEY TOLD ME I NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION FOR $9,000. I CHECKED ONLINE AND FOUND THIS TYPE OF TRANSMISSION HAS HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS. I ONLY HAVE 129,000 MILES ON THE CAR. I SERVICE IT REGULARLY…"~129,000 mi, complaint #1668249
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE BRAKES SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. LAST WEEK, THE TRANSMISSION SEIZED WHILE IN TRAFFIC ON THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE. ON BOTH OCCASIONS, THE CONTACT HAD TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER TO PREVENT A CRASH.…"~250,000 mi, complaint #1548838
  4. #4

    alignment and pull

    27 unsafe

    27
    incidents
    Typical range: 0–2,000 mi

    Median 1,000 mi, based on 31 reports (3% had no usable mileage)

    • "WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OVER 40 IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO KEEP THE CAR CENTERED IN A LANE. THE DEALER CHECKED AND CORRECTED THE ALIGNMENT WITH LITTLE OR NO IMPROVEMENT. THE SERVICE REP DID ADMIT THAT OUTBACKS DO WANDER. EMAIL SENT TO SUBARU HAS APPARENTLY BEEN…"~500 mi, complaint #1092431
    • "MY 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5I WANDERS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. CONSTANT CORRECTIONS ARE REQUIRED AS IT WILL NOT TRACK IN A STRAIGHT LINE EVEN WHEN THEIR ARE NO OUTSIDE INFLUENCES (EX: WIND). SMALL CORRECTIONS ADD UP TO OVER CORRECTION REQUIRING MORE CORRECTION. STA…"~1,000 mi, complaint #984066
    • "THIS NEW VEHICLE HAS STEERING THAT TENDS TO WANDER FROM SIDE TO SIDE WHILE DRIVING ON VARIOUS TYPES OF ROADS. ON URBAN INTERSTATE TRAVEL IT IS NECESSARY TO BE VERY VIGILANT WHEN DRIVING IN THE LANES AS THE CAR WILL OFTEN HEAD FOR THE EDGE OF THE LANE WITHOUT W…"~2,000 mi, complaint #959264
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL DRIFTED TO THE LEFT AND HAD TO BE CONSTANTLY TURNED TO THE RIGHT IN ORDER TO KEEP THE VEHICLE IN ITS APPROPRIATE LANE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH AND ALSO AT…"~2,500 mi, complaint #1107056
    • "STEERING WHEEL VISIBLE VIBRATES AT 70+ MPH ON THE HIGHWAY DESPITE MULTIPLE REALIGNMENTS AND MECHANIC VISITS TO VARIOUS DEALERS. CAR SOMETIMES FIGHTS DRIVER TO VEER LEFT/RIGHT. IT IS DIFFICULT TO DRIVE (SOMETIMES EVEN EXHAUSTING). HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE FOR…"~78,000 mi, complaint #1496672
  5. #5

    engine stall or no start

    2 stranded, 12 unsafe

    14
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=17, median 48,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "IN TEMPERATURES LOWER THAN 45 DEGREES F, IF NOT 'WARMED UP' THE CAR WILL MAKE A LOUD THUNK NOISE AND LURCH FORWARD UPON BEING PUT INTO DRIVE. IF THE BRAKE IS NOT FIRMLY ENGAGE, THE CAR WILL JUMP FORWARD. THE SUBARU DEALER CLAIMS THIS IS CAUSED BY THE CAR'S S…"~9,000 mi, complaint #1029825
    • "ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE STALLED, AS IN THE ENGINE DIED. THIS IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. USUALLY IT HAPPENS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED, THE ENGINE WILL DIE, THIS WILL HAPPEN 2-3 TIMES ON EACH OCCURRENCE. IT DOES EVENTUALLY START AND RUN CORRECTLY.…"~48,000 mi, complaint #1349494
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED AND APPROACHING A STOP, THE ENGINE STALLED. UPON ACCELERATING, IT TOOK THREE TO FIVE SECONDS FOR THE VEHICLE TO MOVE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS N…"~52,000 mi, complaint #1450901
    • "THE CAR LOOSES POWER TO THE POINT WHERE IT OCCASIONALLY STALLS WHEN I DECELERATE AND COME TO A STOP OR JUST BEFORE THE STOP. I REPLACED THE BATTERY AS IT WAS ON ITS WAY OUT ANYWAY AND THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. I DON'T THINK IT HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE ALTERNATO…"~81,000 mi, complaint #1620967
    • "DATE OF EVENT: 01/11/2020 TIME OF EVENT: 14:00 WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MERGE ONTO INTERSTATE 84 OUR 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK CHUGGED THEN COMPLETELY STALLED, REQUIRING AN EMERGENCY LANE SHIFT ONTO THE SHOULDER TO AVOID ENTERING THE BUSY FREEWAY WITH NO ENGINE POWER.…"~228,000 mi, complaint #1636925
  6. #6

    other

    8 unsafe, 5 annoyance

    13
    incidents

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

    • "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 THREADE…"~23,000 mi, complaint #1239694
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT HIS FOOT BECAME WEDGED IN BETWEEN THE ACCELERATOR AND BRAKE PEDALS. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE FRONT OF ANOTHER VEHICL…"~30,000 mi, complaint #1221741
    • "The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that after driving for about two hours, she switched seats with her boyfriend. While her boyfriend was driving, there was an abnormal odor present. The contact noticed smoke under the front passenger…"~173,400 mi, complaint #1794857
  7. #7

    transmission cvt

    9 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    10
    incidents

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

    • "ON 11/24/[REDACTED ADDRESS] SPEEDS, (60- 65 MPH), ON THE PA.TURNPIKE MY 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5I, WITH THE CVT TRANSMISSION AND 94,000 MILES ON THE CAR, SUFFERED A CATASTROPHIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE. WITH NO WARNING, OTHER THAN SOMEWHAT HIGHER THAN NORMAL ENGI…"~94,000 mi, complaint #1351396
    • "CVT TRANSMISSION MANY ISSUES INCLUDING THE TRANSMISSION OVERHEATING AND CAUSING THE CAR TO COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. PROBLEMS PERSEIST AND DEALERSHIP CAN FIND NOTHING WRONG INITIALLY , BUT THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN BECOMING WORSE AND WORSE SICNCE THESE ISSUES START…"~95,426 mi, complaint #1624097
    • "WE HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR ABOUT A YEAR. A FEW WEEKS AGO THE TRANSMISSION STARTED MAKING A HORRENDOUS NOISE AND THE CAR IS NOW A VERY EXPENSIVE LAWN ORNAMENT. I HAVE HEARD FROM A MECHANIC FRIEND THAT THE SUBARU CVT TRANSMISSIONS ARE KNOWN TO HAVE ISSUES. MY…"~102,000 mi, complaint #1492168
    • "NOISE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH VEHICLE WHEN ACCELERATING THAT I NOTICED IN FEB 2017. TOOK THE CAR IN TO SUBARU DEALER AND ALL THEY DID WAS REPLACE THE DIFFERENTIAL FLUID AND SAID "NOISE WILL GO AWAY WITH TIME." LIKE ANY CAR ISSUE, IT DID NOT GO AWAY ON ITS OWN.…"~105,000 mi, complaint #1519900
    • "2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. ENTIRE SET OF WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON FIVE MINUTES AFTER STARTED DRIVING VEHICLE. MECHANIC SAID TO HAVE IT TOWED. DIAGNOSIS: CVT TRANSMISSION TOTALLY FRIED AT A MERE 106,600. SHOULD BE ABLE TO GET A LOT MORE MILES FROM THIS TRANSMISSION.…"~106,600 mi, complaint #1699217
  8. #8

    unintended acceleration

    8 unsafe

    8
    incidents

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

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKES, THE ENGINE RPMS INCREASED AS THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE F…"~28,000 mi, complaint #1085462
    • "SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WNED PULLING INTO PARKING SPACE. THE VEHICILE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND RAN INTO STORE FRONT."~37,000 mi, complaint #1229683
    • "SUBARU OUTBACK SELF-ACCELERATED (UNINTENDED ACCELERATION) ON MARCH 22, 2018 AS I WAS ATTEMPTED TO PARK THE CAR IN A PARKING LOT. DUE TO THE SELF-ACCELERATION THE CAR HOPPED OVER THE CURB IN THE PARKING LOT AND RAN OVER A BUSH. MY FOOT WAS NO WHERE NEAR THE ACC…"~69,000 mi, complaint #1463885
    • "ON A FREEZING DAY IN NOVEMBER 2019, WHILE RUNNING AN ERRAND FIRST THING IN THE MORNING, MY 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK REVVED AND TRIED TO ACCELERATE WHEN I WAS DRIVING THAT I HAD TO PUSH THE BRAKES DOWN ALL THE WAY TO CONTROL THE SPEED. I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL WHIL…"~109,000 mi, complaint #1694707
  9. #9

    brake hydraulics

    7 unsafe

    7
    incidents

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

    • "I HAVE 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. COUPLE OF MONTH AFTER BUYING IT I DISCOVERED THE ISSUE WHERE MY FOOT WOULD BE STUCK ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. THERE IS SOME KIND OF A FLAP ABOVE THE PEDAL. THE FLAP NORMALLY JUST TOUCHES THE TOP OF A SHOE. BUT IN SOME SITUATIONS/POSITIONS…"~1,000 mi, complaint #1192115
    • "BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER IS FAILING, ACCORDING TO SUBARU SERVICE MECHANIC. PRIOR 4 YEARS OF SAME MODEL WERE UNDER RECALL FOR MASTER CYLINDER DEFECT, REPLACEMENT. THIS IS TECHNICALLY THE SAME PROBLEM. SUBARU HAS PROVIDED FREE REPLACEMENTS FOR SOME 2013 OWNERS W…"~55,500 mi, complaint #1732192
    • "The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the brakes failed to engage. The contact stated that eventually, the brakes would return to normal operation. No warning l…"~72,000 mi, complaint #2049516
    • "The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that on two separate occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that after several attempts of ap…"~117,000 mi, complaint #1886053
  10. #10

    backup camera

    3 unsafe, 3 annoyance

    6
    incidents

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

    • "THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM OVERRIDES THE SAFETY BACKUP CAMERA WITH MESSAGES WHEN THE CAR IS IN REVERSE. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS SINCE THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM CAN DISPLAY A MESSAGE ON THE SCREEN AND COMPLETELY OBSCURE THE BACKUP CAMERA DISPLAY WHILE BACKING UP. THIS…"~5,312 mi, complaint #963968
    • "BACKUP CAMERA GETS BLOCKED COMPLETELY BY A LARGE "CONNECTED TO MOBILE PHONE" MESSAGE BOX WHEN IN REVERSE AFTER RECENTLY STARTING CAR. CAN HAPPEN WHEN YOU'RE HALF WAY IN THE ROAD AND SHOULD BE FIXED. *TR"~15,000 mi, complaint #964668
    • "BACKUP CAMERA SHOWS BLUE SCREEN AND BACKUP GUIDE LINES BUT NO CAMERA IMAGE WHEN TRANSMISSION IS PLACED IN REVERSE. OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY. CAN OCCUR EITHER WHEN VEHICLE IS STATIONARY (E.G., IMMEDIATELY ON PUTTING CAR IN REVERSE) OR IN THE MIDDLE OF BACKING UP.…"~75,000 mi, complaint #1691527
  11. #11

    engine internal

    1 stranded, 4 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    6
    incidents

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

    • "SINCE 2013 WE HAVE MADE NUMEROUS TRIPS TO OUR LOCAL SUBARU DEALER COMPLAINING OF 'ENGINE KNOCK'. THE DEALER HAS PROVIDED A WIDE ARRAY OF POTENTIAL 'FIXES' TO STOP THE KNOCKING BUT NONE HAVE WORKED. WE HAVE TRIED EVERYTHING FROM VALVE ADJUSTMENTS TO ADDITIVES T…"~3,000 mi, complaint #1230561
    • "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ACTIVATED SEVEN TIMES SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THIS SUMMER (2015). LOW ON OIL AT FIRST. DEALER CHANGED PCV VALVE AND TOPPED OFF OIL AT THE TIME OF FIRST ENGINE LIGHT ACTIVATION. NOW, JUST HAD $1200 OF MAINTENANCE ON IT AT DIFFERENT…"~70,500 mi, complaint #1238744
  12. #12

    parking brake

    1 stranded, 5 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=9)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT A FUEL STATION, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE FAILED TO RELEASE AND THE EYESIGHT COLLISION WARNING FAILED TO ACTIVATE. THE CONSUMER STATED PARKING ACCELERATOR BRAKE FAILED AND DEALER REPAIRED AT…"~66,600 mi, complaint #1592721
    • "WAS DRIVING SOUTH ON I-5 NEAR ORLAND, CA ON 12/26/18 WHEN MY OUTBACK BEGAN SHAKING AND ATTEMPTING TO "BRAKE" (I WAS DOING BETWEEN 65 - 70 MPH). I LOOKED DOWN AND THE PARKING BRAKE SIGNAL WAS ILLUMINATED. (I HAD NOT ENGAGED THE BRAKE.) I WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE…"~75,000 mi, complaint #1526865
    • "TOOK IT HOME FROM DEALER AND THE ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE WOULD NOT TURN ON. THE BRAKE LIGHT WAS ALSO BLINKING. A COUPLE DAYS LATER, ON THE WAY TO DEALER, I STOPPED AT A GAS STATION AND TURNED ON THE ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE. IT WORKED THIS TIME, BUT WHEN I…"~77,550 mi, complaint #1600148
    • "The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the parking brake was applied, and the parking brake warning light was illuminated. The parking brake would not disengage when the contact attempted to drive the vehicle…"~80,000 mi, complaint #1766946
    • "The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while entering the vehicle, her knee hit the button next to the center console labeled push on/push off parking brake which activated the parking brake. The contact was unable to turn off the button. T…"~116,067 mi, complaint #1754784
  13. #13

    steering electric assist

    6 unsafe

    6
    incidents

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

    • "THIS VEHICLE PRESENTED ISSUES AFTER THE FIRST 500 MILES OF OWNERSHIP. AFTER 1 REPAIR ATTEMPT IT IS STILL THE SAME. THIS VEHICLE REPLACED A 2012 OUTBACK WHICH HAD THE SAME ISSUES. THE PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING IN THE 2012 AND THE 2013 IS THAT BOTH THE VEHICLES…"~500 mi, complaint #968307
    • "I HAVE OWNED OVER 20+ CARS RANGING FROM 4RUNNERS, S2000, TO LANCER EVO. MY 2013 OUTBACK IS BY FAR THE HARDEST CAR TO STEER ON THE HIGHWAY. IT WANDERS TO BOTH DIRECTIONS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND ITS DIFFICULT TO CORRECT IT BACK TO CENTER. SOME OWNERS HAVE BEEN ACC…"~1,000 mi, complaint #1013834
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THE HE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE 2012. HE NOTICED HIS STEERING WHEEL WOULD DRIFT WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT TOOK HIS VEHICLE TO A SUBARU DEALERSHIP FOR A DIAGNOSIS AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS…"~1,000 mi, complaint #1036614
    • "STEERING ON THIS VEHICLE IS SO HEAVY THAT IT CAUSES ORTHOPEDIC PROBLEMS. THE STEERING DRAG TENSION IS SET SO HIGH THAT IT IS DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, AND DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE INTO PARKING PLACES AT LOW SPEEDS. PARALLEL…"~10,014 mi, complaint #1195418
    • "MY ORB WAS WORKING FULL TIME THAN JUST QUIT WITH WHEELS STRAIGHT, BUT WOULD WORK WITH QUARTER TURN AND NOW WON'T WORK AT ALL"~70,000 mi, complaint #1531331
  14. #14

    sunroof

    6 unsafe

    6
    incidents

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

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE MOON ROOF EXPLODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNDETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED…"~31,000 mi, complaint #1257906
    • "MY SUNROOF SHATTERED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS, AND FOR UNKNOWN REASONS."~36,500 mi, complaint #1497476
    • "MOONROOF EXPLODED. 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. OCCURED ON JULY 31, 2019 AT APPROX 7:30 PM. IT HAD BEEN OVERCAST ALL DAY, WITH HIGH TEMP 75. DRIVING ALONG HWY 89A AT 65 MILES AN HOUR. ONE CAR AHEAD OF ME, ABOUT 6 CAR LENGTHS AHEAD. STRAIGHT SECTION OF THE HIGHWAY…"~62,000 mi, complaint #1590287
    • "DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT ~60MPH, THE SUNROOF SHATTERED, EXPLODING IN AN OUTWARD/UPWARD PATTERN FROM THE CENTER. THERE WERE NO VEHICLES IN PROXIMITY TO MINE, TO THROW A ROCK OR OTHERWISE CAUSE THE INCIDENT. THE WEATHER WAS VERY HOT OR COLD. OCCURRED YESTERDA…"~98,450 mi, complaint #1448131
    • "I WAS DRIVING DOWN A [REDACTED ADDRESS], WHEN I HEARD A LOUD SOUND LIKE A SHOTGUN AND MY SUNROOF EXPLODED, COMPLETELY SHATTERED, FOR NO REASON."~105,000 mi, complaint #1438394
  15. #15

    acceleration loss or hesitation

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=9)

    • "I STOPPED AT A STOPLIGHT. WHEN THE LIGHT CHANGED, I PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR AND MOVED FORWARD. I RELEASED THE ACCELERATOR TO SLOW UP BECAUSE OF TRAFFIC CONDITIONS. WHEN I PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR AGAIN TO MOVE FORWARD, THE ENGINE DID NOT REV UP. IT WAS AS IF TH…"~3,035 mi, complaint #1026420
    • "AFTER STOPPING AT A STOP SIGN, I ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE OFF, BUT THE CAR DID NOT ACCELERATE ON APPLICATION OF THE THROTTLE PEDAL. THE ENGINE REMAINED AT IDLE, AND THE CAR ROLLED SLOWLY INTO THE INTERSECTION. NOTHING I DID CORRECTED THE PROBLEM UNTIL I PLACED THE T…"~4,600 mi, complaint #1022966
    • "ISSUE: OCCASIONAL NON-RESPONSE WHEN DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR. 1ST OCCURRENCE ABOUT THREE WEEKS AGO HAPPEN WHEN I STOPPED FOR A LIGHT AND THEN ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE. DEPRESSING THE PEDAL HAS NO RESPONSE, ATTEMPTED THIS THREE TIMES. THE RPM GAUGE REFLE…"~62,000 mi, complaint #1369406
    • "I HAVE A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK AND IT STUTTERS DRIVING BETWEEN 20-40 MPH. IT SEEMS TO LOOSE POWER WHEN DRIVING ON CITY STREETS. DOESN'T HAPPEN EVERY TIME"~91,000 mi, complaint #1602264
    • "WHILE DRIVING AT VERY LOW SPEEDS BETWEEN 10-20 MPH, USUALLY IN FRONT OF A SCHOOL IN SESSION, THE SPEED SURGES FROM THE CURRENT SPEED TO A LOWER SPEED BACK TO THE SAME SPEED. IT IS NOT CONSISTENT BUT IT OCCURS AT LEAST 3-5 TIMES PER WEEK. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON…"~101,000 mi, complaint #1413225
  16. #16

    brake booster

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

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

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKE, WINDSHIELD WIPER FLUID, CRUISE CONTROL, AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED INDEPENDENTLY AND THE VEHICLE FAIL…"~30,000 mi, complaint #1586750
    • "ON A CLEAR DRY MORNING I PULLED INTO A PARKING SPACE ON A SLIGHT INCLINE IN FRONT OF A BRICK OFFICE BUILDING. WHEN I RELEASED THE SERVICE BRAKE (HAVING REACHED THE END OF THE PARKING SPACE) THE CAR BOLTED FORWARD, JUMPED THE CURB, CROSSED A SIDEWALK, WENT THRU…"~60,000 mi, complaint #1298446
    • "BRAKE LIGHT FLASHES AND PARKING BRAKE DOES NOT FUNCTION"~123,000 mi, complaint #1688717
    • "I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR AIRBAG RECALL, THE BRAKE LIGHT INDICATOR FLASHES ON/OFF ON DASH, INTERMITTENT. SERVICE DEPT COULD NOT REPLICATE AT FIRST, DISCOVERED ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE COMPONENT FAULTY. PARKING BRAKE COULD ENGAGE WHILE CAR IS IN DRIVE OR FAIL ON HIL…"~550,000 mi, complaint #1461307
  17. #17

    glass and windshield

    4 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    5
    incidents

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

    • "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 WHA…"~24,000 mi, complaint #1055025
    • "I HAVE A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK PURCHASED CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED FROM SUBARU DEALERSHIP IN SACRAMENTO IN APRIL 2014. THE FRONT WINDSHIELD HAS CRACKED THREE TIMES IN LESS THAN TWO YEARS. I'VE REPLACED IT TWICE, ALL PAID OUT OF POCKET. WHILE THERE APPEARS TO BE A P…"~50,000 mi, complaint #1401485
    • "WHILE DRIVING THE COVER OF THE SUNGLASS HOLDER POPPED OPEN. THE OUTBACK HAS A SUNGLASS HOLDER LOCATED RIGHT BELOW THE CENTER REAR VIEW MIRROR. THERE ARE TWO TINY CLIPS THAT HOLD THE COVER OF THIS THIS HOLDER CLOSED. THE CLIPS HAVE FAILED AND THE COVER REMAINS…"~63,680 mi, complaint #1380827
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED INSIDE THE GARAGE, A CRACK FORMED ON THE UPPER PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE CHECKED THE SECURITY FOOTAGE AROUND HIS HOME WHERE TH…"~116,000 mi, complaint #1716450
  18. #18

    lighting exterior

    3 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    5
    incidents

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

    • "VARIOUS EXTERNAL LIGHTS (EIGHT) HAVE NEEDED TO BE REPLACE. CAR HAS ONLY 50K MILES ON IT. UNSAFE TO DRIVE CAR AT NIGHT WHEN ONE OF THE HEADLIGHTS IS NON FUNCTIONAL. FLASHERS NOT FUNCTIONING IS NOT SAFE WHEN MAKING A TURN."~20,000 mi, complaint #1404274
    • "UPON NOTICING A BLOWN 3RD TAIL LIGHT(ONE OF THE TAIL LIGHTS ON THE REAR HATCH/DOOR OF THE WAGON,) I DISASSEMBLED AND FOUND THAT THE SOCKETS ON BOTH SIDES(LEFT AND RIGHT 3RD TAIL-LIGHT SOCKETS) WERE SCORCHED AROUND WHERE THE BULBS FIT INTO THEM. THE DISCOLORAT…"~27,640 mi, complaint #1157476
    • "SINCE OWNING THIS VEHICLE, I HAVE REPLACED THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS FIVE TIMES, HIGH BEAMS THREE TIMES, FRONT RUNNING LIGHTS FOUR TIMES, REAR BRAKE LIGHTS TWICE, AND REAR RUNNING LIGHTS FIVE TIMES. SUBARU HAS OFFERED TO REIMBURSE ME FOR THE LIGHTS, BY SENDING T…"~60,000 mi, complaint #1361040
    • "REPEATED LIGHTING FAILURES ON EXTERIOR LIGHTS ALL AROUND CAR. HAVE REPLACED HEADLIGHTS, TAIL AND SIDE LIGHTS REPEATEDLY AT MY COST. SOME COMPLETED AT DEALERSHIP, SOME COMPLETED AT HOME AFTER COST TOO MUCH."~75,000 mi, complaint #1440947
  19. #19

    adas collision warning

    3 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=9)

    • "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 ST…"~4,000 mi, complaint #964442
    • "WITH THE EYESIGHT SYSTEM, OUTBACK MAY START BRAKING WHEN YOU ARE COMING UP ON ANOTHER CAR OR TRYING TO PASS IT, EVEN THOUGH YOU ARE MOVING AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE TO PASS IT AND ARE NOT ENDANGER OF AN ACCIDENT. VERY ANNOYING AT TIMES AND FORCES YOU TO DISABLE IT…"~4,500 mi, complaint #967254
    • "SUDDEN UNWANTED FORCEFUL ACCELERATION (SUSPECT AUTO CRUISE CONTROL GOT ENGAGED VIA EYESIGHT MALFUNCTION), COLLISION AVOIDANCE FAILED TO ENGAGE. BACK HOME SAFELY FROM A LOCAL GROCERY, PULLED THE CAR SLIGHT ON THE DRIVEWAY, STOPPED WITH FOOT ON THE BRAKE TO OPEN…"~67,000 mi, complaint #1483787
  20. #20

    steering rack mechanical

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

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

    • "WE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE 2-7-16 USED WITH 28,[REDACTED ADDRESS] OVER 50 VEHICLE WANDERED ALL OVER THE ROAD WE CONSTANTLY HAD TO CORRECT THE STEERING TO KEEP BETWEEN THE WHITE LINES.DEALER SAID THIS WAS THE WAY RACK AND PINION STEALING WORKED.AFTER DOING SOME…"~28,000 mi, complaint #1264781
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLIDE WHILE DRIVING DOWNHILL. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO CONTROL THE STEERING, BUT IT WOULD NOT MOVE. THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND AND STRUCK…"~37,000 mi, complaint #1240050
    • "STEERING WAS MAKING A NOISE (AS IF STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED ALL OF THE WAY TO ONE SIDE) WITH ONLY SLIGHT MOVEMENT BUT IT WORKED. THIS NOISE OCCURRED WITH EVERY TURN. AFTER RUNNING AN ERRAND WITH APPROXIMATELY 5 MILES OF USE, I RETURNED TO THE PARKED CAR AND B…"~58,600 mi, complaint #1188535
  21. #21

    control module

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

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

    • "PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT, I HAD NOTICED SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHERE THE ENGINE WOULD SUDDENLY REV FOR NO REASON WHILE I WAS DRIVING AT A SLOW SPEED OR BRAKING. THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED ON DEC 2, 2014 AT APPROX. 7:40AM EASTERN TIME. AS I WAS APPROACHING THE SECURITY…"~35,700 mi, complaint #1144708
    • "THE WARNING LIGHTS- BRAKES, TIRE PRESSURE, CRUISE CONTROL, ENGINE LIGHTS AND TRACTION CONTROL ALL COME ON AND WON'T GO OFF. HAD THEM RESET BY THE MECHANICS BUT A DAY LATER THEY CAME BACK ON WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY FOR NO REASON. CRUISE NO LONGER…"~83,000 mi, complaint #1666725
    • "WHILE DRIVING THE CAR ON A CITY STREET THE BRAKE LIGHT, CRUISE CONTROL, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING IN THE DASHBOARD. CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT WORK DURING THIS. CAR SEEMS TO RUN FINE BUT WARNING LIGHTS CONTINUE TO FLASH"~107,626 mi, complaint #1562544
  22. #22

    engine head gasket

    2 unsafe, 1 broken

    3
    incidents

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

    • "OIL WAS LEAKING FROM THE ENGINE AREA. SUBARU OF AMERICA AUTHORIZED SUBARU OF SONORA, CA TO REPLACE THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKETS AND RELATED ITEMS/PARTS. THE WORK WAS STARTED ON 8/2/17 AND COMPLETED ON 8/29/17 WITH 95,007 MILES ON THE CAR. THIS REPAIR WORK WAS COM…"~95,007 mi, complaint #1599971
    • "WHILE GOING UP OVER THE GRAPEVINE ON I-5 SOUTHBOUND, I NOTICED THE AIR CONDITIONER STOPPED WORKING AND THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE STARTED CREEPING UPWARD. WHEN I GOT TO THE TOP, EVERYTHING RETURNED TO NORMAL, BUT I WAS CONCERNED. AFTER RETURNING HOME FROM SO. CA…"~133,000 mi, complaint #1599993
  23. #23

    horn

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

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

    • "ELDERLY WOMAN NEARLY RAN US OFF THE ROAD. HORN WOULDN'T WORK. BARELY AVOIDED CRASH. RELIABLE SUBARU IN SPRINGFIELD, MO CHARGED US $117 FOR DIAGNOSTIC AND DIDN'T FIX: NO PART ON HAND. IF I HAD OKAYED, IT WOULD HAVE COST ANOTHER $548 TO REPAIR, TOTAL OF $665 TO…"~64,000 mi, complaint #1417983
  24. #24

    seat mechanism

    2 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    3
    incidents

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

    • "SEAT HEAD REST IS TOO FAR FORWARD AND UPPER SEAT CONTOURS BACKWARD, PUTTING PRESSURE ON NECK AND AFFECTING SPINE. SEAT NEEDS ADDED SUPPORT (WITH A SMALL UPPER BACK SUPPORT AND PROBABLY A LUMBAR SUPPORT) TO TAKE PRESSURE OFF THE NECK AND GET THE HEAD FREE FROM…"~4,500 mi, complaint #967243
    • "THE HEADREST POINTS AT A HARSH ANGLE FORWARD AND MAY CAUSE SEVERE NECK INJURY. TWO SEPERATE INCIDENTS: 1. MOVING FORWARD AT A LEFT TURN ANGLE, CARS HITTING EACH OTHERS RT FRONT. RESULT BRAIN STEM HEMORRHAGE AND BILATERAL HEMATOMA. APRIL 3, 2018 2. STOPP…"~55,000 mi, complaint #1472734
  25. #25

    wiper and washer

    1 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    3
    incidents

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

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHEN THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE ACTIVATED, THE WIPERS FAILED TO OPERATE. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED…"~45,000 mi, complaint #1339055
    • "I AM INITIATING THIS COMPLAINT BECAUSE THE RECALL FOR THE BELOW SPECIFIED PROBLEM REMAINS UNCOMPLETED, WHEN IN FACT IT HAS BEEN FIXED AND REMAINS UNPROBLEMATIC. MOREOVER, I HAVE REPAIRED THE RECALL PROBLEM REGARDING THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR ON MY VEHICLE, MY…"~45,000 mi, complaint #1421725
    • "2013 SUBARU OUTBACK FRONT WIPER MOTOR CAUGHT FIRE WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. JUST PRIOR TO FIRE, WIPERS HAD BEEN ACTIVATED BUT WOULD NOT RETURN TO HOME OR STOP WHEN TURNED TO OFF POSITION. VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW IN OCTOBER 2012. ROOT CAUSE OF WIPER M…"~49,935 mi, complaint #1284467
  26. #26

    catalytic converter

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

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

    • "THE LIGHTS ON MY DASH BOARD CAME ON AND STAYED ON. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO SUBARU AND THEY SAID THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEED TO BE REPLACED. ESTIMATE COST FOR PARTS AND LABOR IS $1500.00."complaint #1389609
    • "I purchased this car may 28th 2025 and had it over the weekend and check engine light came on and took it Monday once shop opened and came back for catalytic converter and o2 sensor I letted the dealership know about it and said its not much that i can fix it…"complaint #2163385
  27. #27

    door latch and hinge

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

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

    • "DRIVER'S DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE DURING SUB-FREEZING TEMPERATURES. FRONT PASSENGER DOOR AND REAR DOORS ARE NOT AFFECTED AND OPERATE AS DESIGNED. THE DANGER, OF COURSE, IS NOT BEING ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE WHEN SAFETY REQUIRES AN EXIT.…"~121,000 mi, complaint #1538276
  28. #28

    fluid leak unspecified

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

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

    • "REAR CENTER BRAKE LIGHT LEAKS EVERY TIME IT SPRINKLES AND RAINS CAUSING WATER TO POUR INTO THE REAR COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE AS WELL AS CAUSING RUST IN THE TAILGATE AND OTHER AREAS. ALSO CAUSING MOISTURE AND MOLD IN THE CAR."~15,000 mi, complaint #1708445
    • "WATER POURS INTO VEHICLE FROM CENTER REAR BRAKE LIGHT EVERY TIME IT RAINS. BLOOMINGTON SUBARU CONFIRMED ISSUE IS WATER LEAK VIA CENTER REAR BRAKE LIGHT. SOA CONTACTED, NO RESPONSE RECEIVED. ORIGINAL OWNER SINCE NEW, CURRENT MILEAGE IS 30,000. STILL LEAKS."~29,000 mi, complaint #1632322
  29. #29

    stability and traction control

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

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

    • "LOUD NOISE WHEN MAKING A SHARP TURN DOWN HILL TO THE RIGHT. ALSO TRACTION CONTROL/CVT FAILS ON WET SURFACE OR SNOW."~118,000 mi, complaint #1548687
  30. #30

    suspension arms and bushings

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

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

    • "The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a clunking sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was pulling to the right while driving. The vehicle was…"~153,800 mi, complaint #1774298
  31. #31

    suspension struts shocks

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

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

    • "VEHICLE SUSPENSION DOES NOT CONTROL VEHICLE DURING FREEWAY SPEED DRIVING. VEHICLE EXPERIENCES LARGE LEFT-RIGHT SWAY MOTIONS ON WAVY PAVEMENT AT FREEWAY SPEEDS AND LARGE UNCONTROLLED VEHICLE MOTIONS UP-DOWN AT FREEWAY SPEEDS. VEHICLE IS HARD TO CONTROL DURING…"~1,000 mi, complaint #971599
    • "WHEN DRIVING OVER 40MPH THE CAR SEEMS TO JERK OUT OF THE BLUE IT EVEN SEEMS LIKE ONE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE LIFTS OR TILTS AS IF IT HAS HYDRAULICS MAKES IT HARD TO CONTROL CONTINUOUSLY GRIP THE STEERG WHEEL IN ORDER TO KEEP CONTROL IS UNBEARABLE. THERE IS SOMETHI…"~40,000 mi, complaint #1590957
  32. #32

    throttle and pedal

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=10, median 7,500 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND UPON ENGAGEMENT OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF AND AFTER BEING RESTARTED, THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMALLY HO…"~2,088 mi, complaint #1017053
    • "I HAVE HAD 2 INCIDENTS SINCE BUYING NEW OUTBACK IN APRIL 2013. I WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN DRIVE. WHEN I LIFTED MY FOOT FROM BRAKE TO ACCELERATE, THE CAR REVVED UP AND LUNGED FORWARD ON ITS OWN. BOTH TIMES I WAS ABLE TO SLAM ON THE BRA…"~5,442 mi, complaint #1012985
  33. #33

    wheel bearing

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

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

    • "REAR WHEEL BEARING FAILURES. BOTH REPLACED AT 89,967 MI. DEALER ADVISES THERE IS SOME RISK IF ONE DROVE ON A LONG DRIVE, THAT OVERHEATING COULD ALLOW ENTIRE WHEEL TO FALL OFF. SOUND IS NOTICEABLE OVER 40 MPH SO MOST PEOPLE WOULD GET SUSPICIOUS AND ASK A MEC…"~89,967 mi, complaint #1588785
  34. #34

    wheel or rim

    1 unsafe, 1 broken

    2
    incidents

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

    • "ALLOY WHEELS FAILURE. THE WHEELS HAVE CATASTROPHIC FAILURE (LARGE CRACK AND HOLE IN CENTER OF RIM) WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND THERE WERE NO POT HOLES OR DEBRIS IN HIGHWAY. LOCATION: EXIT 1, US 7 IN NORWALK CONNECTICUT. DATE/TIME: AUGUST 23, 2019…"~75,000 mi, complaint #1597853
  35. #35

    wiring harness

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

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

    • "HAVE REPLACED THE LOW BEAM H7 BULB 5 TIMES THIS YEAR AND HAS EVEN BLOW LESS THAN 1 HOUR AFTER FIXED BY A SUBARU DEALERSHIP. TAIL LIGHTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES IN 8 MONTH. HIGH BEAM LIGHTS 3 TIMES IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS. FIXTURES TWICE. CHARRED FROM EXTREME…"~90,000 mi, complaint #1396245
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION, THE CHECK ENGINE, ABS, AND OIL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS A LOCKED UP DUTY SOLENOID CIRCUIT FAILURE. THE PART NEE…"~108,610 mi, complaint #1284117
  36. #36

    battery and charging

    1 stranded

    1
    incident

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

    • "I TOOK THE CAR INTO DEALERSHIP SERVICE TO REPORT AN ELECTRICAL DRAIN ON THE BATTERY, REQUIRING THE CAR TO BE JUMPED STARTED IF LEFT SEVERAL DAYS PARKED. SERVICE DEPARTMENT TESTED ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND REPLACED THE BATTERY. CAR WAS PARKED IN THEIR LOT FOR SEVER…"~94,000 mi, complaint #1377651
  37. #37

    corrosion and rust

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

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

    • "According to my mechanic, the Engine Cradle is severly corroded and needs to be replaced. According to Subaru, today December 4, 2024, Subaru inspected my vehicle and determined it was badly corroded. I have pictures to show this and the report from Subaru sh…"complaint #2045553
  38. #38

    cruise control conventional

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

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

    • "CRUISE CONTROL BUG. IF I DECREASE MY SPEED BY 3 OR MORE MPH IN RAPID SUCCESSION, THE CRUISE CONTROL RESETS TO THE ORIGINAL SPEED, I.E. THE CRUISE CONTROL SPEED CHANGES FROM 60 TO 59 TO 58 TO 57 TO 56 TO 60. THIS SEEMS LIKE A DANGEROUS BUG SINCE IT CAUSES UNINT…"~25,000 mi, complaint #1307301
  39. #39

    driveshaft axle cv

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

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

    • "Please contact Carvana and make them take that vehicle off the market. I purchased it and by chance found out that bottom parts like subframe and exhaust pipe were inadequately installed . The mechanic said eventually I was going to flip over myself on the hig…"complaint #2226560
  40. #40

    emissions aftertreatment

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

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

    • "WHILE DRIVING MY SUBARU OUTBACK 2013 2.5I PREMIUM MODEL, BRAKE LIGHT, CRUISE CONTROL, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING IN THE DASHBOARD. TOOK IT TO A DEALER AND I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS BODY VALVE FAILURE INSIDE TRANSMISSION. IT WAS FIXED (SUBARU PAID $1,500…"~111,000 mi, complaint #1563128
  41. #41

    engine cooling

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

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

    • "AFTER 28,[REDACTED ADDRESS] THROUGH LOCATIONS THE SICKLY SWEET SMELL OF ANTIFREEZE WAS NOTICED. I TOOK CAR TO DEALER WHO PRESSURE TESTED AND INSPECTED COOLANT SYSTEM. NOTHING UNUSUAL WAS NOTICED AND NO LEAKS WERE DISCOVERED. DROVE CAR LATER IN THE DAY AND SMEL…"~30,000 mi, complaint #1184283
  42. #42

    infotainment head unit

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

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

    • "TRAVELING THROUGH DESMOINES IOWA AND NAVIGATION SYSTEM INSTRUCTED ME AUDIBLY TO EXIT HIGHWAY TO LEFT WHEN THERE WAS NO EXIT AND NO REASON FOR ME TO EXIT. THIS HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES AND SUBARU KNOWS THAT ITS NAVIGATION SYSTEM IS/WAS DEFECTIVE. *TR"~35,000 mi, complaint #1144188
  43. #43

    interior trim

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

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

    • "THERE IS NO SPECIFIC DATE NOR WAS THERE AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS A CHRONIC PROBLEM. DUE TO THE NEW DESIGN OF SEATS AND HEAD RESTRAINT I AM NOW IN PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR CHRONIC HEAD AND NECK PAIN. STARTED A COUPLE OF WEEKS AFTER I BOUGHT MY NEW CAR. HAD DOCTOR…"~3,000 mi, complaint #1009767
  44. #44

    power steering hydraulic

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

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

    • "Power steering failed while driving. Power steering fluid had all leaked out. Luckily car was at a very low speed as steering was quite difficult. Repaired at Subaru dealer who discovered a leak in a metal high pressure line. There was no evidence of external…"complaint #1756599
  45. #45

    power windows and locks

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

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

    • "APPLY BRAKES WHILE IN MOTION AND CAR DOOR LOCKS OPEN. PASSENGER COMPLAINED WHEN GETTING OUT OF CAR THAT THEY GOT A SHOCK. *TR"~12,000 mi, complaint #1082507
  46. #46

    seatbelt and pretensioner

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

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

    • "middle seatbelt continues to tear in multiple placed . very disturbing"complaint #1938255
  47. #47

    steering column

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

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

    • "OUR 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK WAS TWO YEARS OLD WHEN THE TILT STEERING FEATURE WOULD NOT STAY LOCKED INTO PLACE. THE STEERING COLUMN FOR THE TILT STEERING WOULD NOT STAY LOCKED AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD DROP WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE…"complaint #1460949
  48. #48

    tire failure

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

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

    • "AFTER TWO MONTH OF USING A NEW CAR MODEL OUTBACK 2013 THE LEFT FRONT TIRE HAD EMPTIED AT THE PARKING LOT. AN INVISIBLE CUT WAS FOUND THAT IT WAS NECESSARY TO BOUGHT A NEW TIRE. A WEEKS LATER OF THIS EVENT THE BACK LEFT TIRE IS BEEN EMPTYING VERY FREQUENTLY S…"~2,000 mi, complaint #958880
  49. #49

    torque converter

    1 stranded

    1
    incident

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

    • "Like many other Subaru Outback owners, the torque converter, valve body tied to the transmission has put my Subaru out of commission at only 127k miles. There are many listservs and threads of Subaru owners who were duped by Subarus marketing of Subarus lastin…"complaint #1905684
  50. #50

    tpms

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

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

    • "YOUR MANDATE FOR THE USE OF TPMS IS ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF GOVERNMENT GOOD INTENTIONS RESULTING IN LITTLE BENEFIT AND UNNECESSARY COST TO CONSUMERS. I WANT TO RUN WINTER TIRES ON OUR SUBARU AND PLANNED TO PURCHASE THE TIRES ON WHEELS EQUIPPED WITH TPMS SENSORS.…"~6,000 mi, complaint #1007263

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