10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
4 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
28,015 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

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.

2001 Subaru Outback engine problems

engine problem

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2001 Subaru Outback Owner Comments

problem #10

Aug 112014

Outback

  • 53,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2001 Subaru Outback. While parking, the vehicle suddenly accelerated and crashed into a fence. There were no injuries. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 53,000.

- San Diego, CA, USA

problem #9

Nov 172013

Outback 4-cyl

  • 107,650 miles
I was traveling on an interstate highway in the middle lane at 65-70 mph with cruise control set when traffic slowed down suddenly. My first reaction in this case is to pull the speed control lever towards me to disengage it and take manual control of the car to slow down by braking or downshifting, as per usual procedure. In this case throttle failed to decelerate after several attempts, upon which I then repeatedly stamped the brake pedal, which was also unresponsive (did not cancel acceleration or slow the vehicle). Out of options, I swerved to the left to avoid the tractor-trailer directly in front of me and rear ended a moving vehicle in the left lane. With brakes still unresponsive, I managed to cut across to the shoulder where I was able to stop the car by downshifting in addition to using the handbrake.

- Ny, NY, USA

problem #8

Nov 182007

Outback 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 64,000 miles
The contact owns a 2001 Subaru Outback. While driving 70 mph with the cruise control activated, the vehicle veered to the right. The contact applied the brakes to release the cruise control; however, it would not release. She then heard a loud noise coming from the rear passenger side and the vehicle rolled eight times into oncoming traffic. The steering failed to respond. The contact was transported from the scene unconscious. She sustained cracked ribs, bruises, and sprains. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. She has not yet notified the dealer or manufacturer. The failure and current mileages were 64,000.

- Salt Lake City, UT, USA

problem #7

Oct 282004

Outback 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 4,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Unintended acceleration and braking, when depressing the gas pedal it takes right off, can take foot off the gas pedal and it still surges forward. It is hard to slow down the vehicle when hitting brakes. This problem got so bad that it wouldn't let consumer make a turn. Had to keep going forward inside. Railroads tracks were there and hit the mound. Had to replace brake pads and rotors. It was $1000 miles when it was done last June.

- Warwick, RI, USA

problem #6

Mar 312005

Outback 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 43,000 miles
The odomoter was not reading correctly. On 2 separate occasions the contact tested the odometer and the results were not correct. The contact believed that if the odometer was not reading correctly then the speedometer was not reading correctly.

- Hopewell Junction, NY, USA

problem #5

Jan 042005

Outback 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Consumer was on a slight incline and foot was placed on the brakes and vehicle suddenly accelerated. The brake pedal went to the floor, and consumer's vehicle rear ended the vehicle in front. Upon impact, both air bags failed to deploy. No injuries to report. Vehicle was towed to the dealer. However, mechanic informed consumer that the problem could not be duplicated.

- Laguna Beach, CA, USA

problem #4

Mar 052003

Outback 6-cyl

  • 8,500 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Car has significant hesitation during periods of acceleration, usually around 2500-3500 RPM. Potentially dangerous in many driving situations. Have reported to dealer multiple times. Response is always "cannot reproduce - computer shows operating as designed". car also has spontaneous acceleration at low speed, such as first taking foot off brake.

- Valley Cottage, NY, USA

problem #3

Feb 152002

Outback

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
The vehicle began accelerating on its own while descending a 1.5 mile grade. The problem reoccurred several times, but the dealer was unable to duplicate the problem. The consumer believes the vehicle is defective.

- Coloma, CA, USA

problem #2

Jul 192002

(reported on)

Outback 4WD

  • miles
Car attempts to accelerate when applying brakes to come to a stop. Engine roars and it is difficult to stop car. Problem happens intermittently and usually when the car is going 5 miles per hour or less. Brake pedal goes all the way down when attempting to stop car.

- Holmdel, NJ, USA

problem #1

Mar 072001

(reported on)

Outback 4WD

  • miles
Engine accelerates spontaneously at slow speed entering garage with foot off the gas pedal while braking to keep speed low.

- Davidson, NC, USA

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