This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
This is the first Subaru I've ever owned and so far it's been a nightmare. I have had to repair: An oil leak in the engine that required the whole engine to be taken apart. While replacing a seemingly simple part, the hydraulic lifts that keep the back hatch open, the threading that holds the screw in broke off and I had to hire a mechanic yet again to weld that part to be able to screw in the screw to hold the lift in place. And now, the entire interior lighting doesn't work, including the stereo, all the dome lights and the remote control system. In addition to that, the rear wiper doesn't work properly.
Head gasket leak causing anti-freeze leaking.,. began after 100K extended warranty expired. Told that caused due to defect in engine design. Later models with new design have not had problem. Subaru is knows about issue, but not taking any action to compensate for repair (ext. Cost around $3K).
Traveling at highway speeds (~75 mph) during the morning rush hour on the highway, experienced sudden loss of throttle control and resulting deceleration. The check engine light glowed steady and the cruise light was flashing. After pulling off to the shoulder (across three lanes) and shutting the engine off and restarting the engine, throttle control resumed. Check engine light still glows steady and the cruise light is flashing with the cruise control not working.
Bought car in 2013, have replaced the turbo 3 times! first within less than a month of ownership. Again in 2016 & again 3 months later. January 2018, again the car left me stranded for the 4th time! the Outback has been in the garage for almost 4 weeks, only to find out the turbo had a stripped support, which cost me a 'new, used motor!!! I bought my 1st Outback in 2000 off the showroom floor, never had any major repairs, just routine maintenance. Drove her until Sept 2013 due to a crash, which was totaled.
Return fuel line leak. The leak is on the drivers side on top of the engine. A small rubber hose shrinks in the cold allowing fuel to leak on the engine block. A strong smell of fuel in the cabin when stationary. Leak goes away when the engine is warm. This problem has been reported in other Subaru models. I have repaired the problem once before as well as the previous owner of the car, and now it needs to be repaired again.
- Newtown, CT, USA
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The contact owns a 2005 Subaru Outback. While driving at approximately 25 mph, the accelerator pedal was applied and the vehicle experienced a loss of power as the check engine light blinked off and on. The vehicle was merged over to the side of the road and then driven to the contact's residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
Driving on interstate freeway, in heavy traffic, with the cruise control set, when the vehicle suddenly lost all power and throttle response. The "check engine" light came on, and the "cruise" light started blinking. Engine continued to run at high idle but speed and RPM were not maintained. I was lucky enough to cross 4 lanes of traffic and stop. Turned off the engine, which was running at 2200 RPM. After a brief stop and investigation, I was able to restart the engine and drive normally to an auto parts store. I scanned the obd II code (dtc code) and found P2138 - throttle position sensor. No injuries, but this is a potentially deadly issue. Has recurred one time since.
The contact owns a 2005 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving 60 mph, he heard an abnormal noise as the vehicle failed to accelerate. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnosis and the contact was informed that the engine was blown. The failure had occurred two years prior to the recent failure and the engine had been replaced. The third engine was installed and the vehicle was repaired. The failure and current mileage was 105,000. Returned by usps on 6/7/2013. 2nd attempt on 6/11/2013 failed.
On approximately 10 occasions right after a rain when I start up the car the engine light starts blinking and the car runs roughly with little power. After a short time the car power returns but the check engine light stays on for about a week. Once the light goes out the car then runs normal until the next rainstorm. It then does the same all over.
Subaru Outback 2.5xt. 2005 check engine light came on & I could hear whistling or whoosing sounds from engine area. Took it to an auto repair place slowly, asap & there it sits. Has 155,000 miles on it & I maintain & love my car! the gears in the turbo 'broke apart' & left shards of metal in oil pan & at this time who knows where else. Was hoping there was a recall as I maintain my vehicles & it seems like a manufacturer error.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Snowmass Village, CO, USA