Owners have filed 165 complaints
about the 1998 Subaru Outback with NHTSA between 1997 and 2014.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 26 of 31 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 21
Against the median year of the Subaru Outback. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 78
15.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 12
7% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
11.4%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
34.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
45.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1420.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1927.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1826.1%
150,000+ miles
1014.5%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Oct 1997peak 8Jul 2014
Recalls on the 1998 Subaru Outback
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
01V216000
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FRONT COIL SPRINGS ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY, NEW HAMPSHIRE, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN, AND IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS WERE PRODUCED WITH POOR PAINT QUALITY WHICH, AFTER CONTINUED EXPOSURE TO CORROSIVE SALT, CAN RESULT IN BREAKAGE OF THE SPRING.
Risk: DEPENDING ON THE LOCATION OF THE FRACTURE, A BROKEN SPRING COULD MOVE PAST THE SPRING SEAT AND CONTACT A FRONT TIRE. SOME TIRES HAVE DEFLATED DUE TO CONTACT WITH A BROKEN SPRING.
98V042000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. DUE TO POOR WELDS, IGNITION KEYS CAN STICK, SHIFT LEVERS/LINKAGES CAN BREAK AND SHIFT LEVERS CAN MOVE.
Risk: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE UNEXPECTED MOVEMENT OF THE VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 19981762,207 units in Canada
Engine
THE ORIGINAL OIL FILTER CANS ON THESE VEHICLES MAY FATIGUE AND FRACTURE CAUSING AN INITIAL VAPORIZED OIL SPRAY AND SUBSEQUENT OIL LEAK. SUCH VAPORIZED OIL SPRAY CAN RESULT IN OIL VAPOUR IGNITION BY THE HOT EXHAUST SYSTEM AND SUBSEQUENT UNDERHOOD FIRE. CORRECTION: VEHICLES WHICH HAVE NOT HAD THEIR FIRST SERVICE INSPECTION WILL HAVE THE OIL AND FILTER CHANGED.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 120,000 milesSilver Spring, MDCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
MY CHILD CARE PROVIDER WAS INVOLVED IN A SINGLE CAR ACCIDENT. SHE WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH IN WET/RAINY CONDITIONS WHEN SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR AND HIT A TREE. THIS IMPACT CAUSED THE CAR TO SPIN AND HIT A SECOND TREE. THE CAR WAS TOTALED AND SUSTAINED DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END, THE PASSENGER DOOR AND THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR. THE MOST DAMAGE WAS TO THE FRONT END AND THE DRIVER SIDE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND SHE WAS KNOCKED UNCONSCIOUS SUSTAINING A SEVERE HEAD INJURY.
NHTSA complaint #10158447 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 43,000 milesCushing, MECrash
AIR BAGS
DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE. VEHICLE STRUCK STATIONARY OBJECT AT APROX. 15 MPH. AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. SIGNIFICANT FRONT END AND UNDERCARRIAGE DAMAGE.
NHTSA complaint #10102728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesIndianapolis, INCrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ON OCTOBER 6, 2004, I WAS COASTING INTO A PARKING SPACE IN MY 1998 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK. MY HEADLIGHTS WERE FACING A CURB, SIDEWALK, AND CEMENT BRICK BUILDING, AND I TOUCHED THE BRAKES TO PREVENT BUMPING THE CURB. AS SOON AS MY FOOT HIT THE BRAKE, THE CAR VROOMED AS IF THE THROTTLE HAD BEEN FULLY OPENED, AND THE CAR CONTINUED MOVING FORWARD. I PRESSED THE BRAKE HARDER, BUT THE CAR SEEMED TO TAKE OFF ON IT'S OWN AND WAS TOTALLY OUT OF MY CONTROL. THE ALL-WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLE EASILY BUMPED UP THE CURB, AND THE CAR FLEW INTO THE AIR AND CRASHED INTO THE SIDE OF THE BUILDING. THE CAR WAS TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. FORTUNATELY, I WAS WEARING MY SEAT BELT (THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY). THE ENTIRE INCIDENT HAPPENED VERY FAST AND WAS TOTALLY UNEXPECTED. ALTHOUGH I AM THANKFUL THAT THERE WAS NO PEDESTRIAN WALKING ON THE SIDEWALK WHEN IT HAPPENED AND THAT I AM ALIVE TO BE WRITING THIS, I AM CONVINCED THAT THIS WAS A CAR MALFUNCTION THAT SHOULD BE CORRECTED IN THIS VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10098142 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesIndianapolis, INCrash1 injured
PARKING BRAKE
ON OCTOBER 6, 2004, I WAS COASTING INTO A PARKING SPACE IN MY 1998 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK. MY HEADLIGHTS WERE FACING A CURB, SIDEWALK, AND CEMENT BRICK BUILDING, AND I TOUCHED THE BRAKES TO PREVENT BUMPING THE CURB. AS SOON AS MY FOOT HIT THE BRAKE, THE CAR VROOMED AS IF THE THROTTLE HAD BEEN FULLY OPENED, AND THE CAR CONTINUED MOVING FORWARD. I PRESSED THE BRAKE HARDER, BUT THE CAR SEEMED TO TAKE OFF ON IT'S OWN AND WAS TOTALLY OUT OF MY CONTROL. THE ALL-WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLE EASILY BUMPED UP THE CURB, AND THE CAR FLEW INTO THE AIR AND CRASHED INTO THE SIDE OF THE BUILDING. THE CAR WAS TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. FORTUNATELY, I WAS WEARING MY SEAT BELT (THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY). THE ENTIRE INCIDENT HAPPENED VERY FAST AND WAS TOTALLY UNEXPECTED. ALTHOUGH I AM THANKFUL THAT THERE WAS NO PEDESTRIAN WALKING ON THE SIDEWALK WHEN IT HAPPENED AND THAT I AM ALIVE TO BE WRITING THIS, I AM CONVINCED THAT THIS WAS A CAR MALFUNCTION THAT SHOULD BE CORRECTED IN THIS VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10098142 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,691 milesBerkeley, CACrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHEN DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD. THIS CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND HIT A LIGHT POLE HEAD ON. UPON IMPACT, BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY'S DESIGNATED REPAIR FACILITY. *AK THIS WAS QUICKLY FOLLOWED BY 2-3 MORE ACCELERATIONS IN WHICH THE VEHICLE GAINED SPEED EACH TIME. THE VEHICLE FELT AS IF IT WERE BEING SHIFTED INTO THE NEXT GEAR. *SC
NHTSA complaint #10074014 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,691 milesBerkeley, CACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHEN DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD. THIS CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND HIT A LIGHT POLE HEAD ON. UPON IMPACT, BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY'S DESIGNATED REPAIR FACILITY. *AK THIS WAS QUICKLY FOLLOWED BY 2-3 MORE ACCELERATIONS IN WHICH THE VEHICLE GAINED SPEED EACH TIME. THE VEHICLE FELT AS IF IT WERE BEING SHIFTED INTO THE NEXT GEAR. *SC
NHTSA complaint #10074014 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 117,000 milesErie, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
WHILE DRIVING IN THE CITY STREETS, I CAME TO A STOP AND REALIZED THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP. WHEN I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE MECHANIC HE SAID 3 BRAKE LINES ON MY SUBARU OUTBACK 1998 HAD BROKEN. I LIVE IN PENNSYLVANIA. THIS INCIDENT COST ME $500 IN REPAIRS. I REALIZE THERE IS A RECALL FOR NEWER MODELS, BUT MY OLDER SUBARU OUTBACK IS HAVING THE SAME ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10608136 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 168,000 milesBeldenville, WI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
ON MARCH 19, 2013, I WAS RETURNING TO MY PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT AFTER PICKING UP MY OUTBACK FROM BLOOMINGTON ACURA SUBARU, BLOOMINGTON, MN AFTER A CLUTCH REPLACEMENT WHEN THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEM HAD A TOTAL FAILURE RESULTING IN A NEAR CATASTROPHIC COLLISION WITH SEVERAL VEHICLES. THIS VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR EVALUATION. DEALER INSPECTION CONFIRMED THAT THE RIGHT REAR BRAKE LINE BY THE FUEL TANK PROTECTOR HAD EXCESSIVE CORROSION RESULTING IN SEVERE FLUID RELEASE THUS NOT ALLOWING THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM TO PROPERLY PRESSURIZE RESULTING IN A COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE BRAKE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM. THE BRAKE LINES REPLACED WERE PART NUMBER 26522AA010 AND 26522AA020 (RIGHT AND LEFT). ON MARCH 27, 2013, THE NHTSA ISSUED CAMPAIGN NUMBER 13V110000 FOR SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACKS REGARDING "BRAKE LINES MAY FAIL DUE TO CORROSION". THIS RECALL PERTAINS TO MODEL YEAR 2005 TO 2009. THIS CITIZEN REQUESTS, NAY, INSISTS THAT THIS RECALL NOTICE BE EXTENDED TO INCLUDE LATER MODEL YEARS.
NHTSA complaint #10507047 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 168,000 milesBeldenville, WI
SERVICE BRAKES
ON MARCH 19, 2013, I WAS RETURNING TO MY PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT AFTER PICKING UP MY OUTBACK FROM BLOOMINGTON ACURA SUBARU, BLOOMINGTON, MN AFTER A CLUTCH REPLACEMENT WHEN THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEM HAD A TOTAL FAILURE RESULTING IN A NEAR CATASTROPHIC COLLISION WITH SEVERAL VEHICLES. THIS VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR EVALUATION. DEALER INSPECTION CONFIRMED THAT THE RIGHT REAR BRAKE LINE BY THE FUEL TANK PROTECTOR HAD EXCESSIVE CORROSION RESULTING IN SEVERE FLUID RELEASE THUS NOT ALLOWING THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM TO PROPERLY PRESSURIZE RESULTING IN A COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE BRAKE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM. THE BRAKE LINES REPLACED WERE PART NUMBER 26522AA010 AND 26522AA020 (RIGHT AND LEFT). ON MARCH 27, 2013, THE NHTSA ISSUED CAMPAIGN NUMBER 13V110000 FOR SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACKS REGARDING "BRAKE LINES MAY FAIL DUE TO CORROSION". THIS RECALL PERTAINS TO MODEL YEAR 2005 TO 2009. THIS CITIZEN REQUESTS, NAY, INSISTS THAT THIS RECALL NOTICE BE EXTENDED TO INCLUDE LATER MODEL YEARS.
NHTSA complaint #10507047 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,420 milesHarrison, ID
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
I WAS DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 90 IN IDAHO AT 62 MPH WHEN THE HOOD LATCH FAILED. THE HOOD WAS SECURED DOWN ALL THE WAY BEFORE THE INCIDENT AND HAD NOT BEEN OPENED IN TWO WEEKS. THERE HAD BEEN OVER 100 MILES OF HIGHWAY DRIVING OVER 60 MPH SINCE THE HOOD WAS LAST OPENED. THE HOOD FLEW UP WITH NO SAFETY CATCH OR HESITATION AND SLAMMED INTO THE WINDSHIELD. THE WINDSHIELD WAS SHATTERED, THE HOOD BENT AND THE ROOF DENTED. THE REAR VIEW MIRROR FLEW OFF INSIDE. I WAS ABLE TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE PERSON FOLLOWING ME ON THE INTERSTATE PULLED OVER AND HELPED ME TIE IT DOWN TO BE ABLE TO LEAVE THE SCENE. WE BOTH DETERMINED IT WAS LATCH FAILURE. IT HAD THE POTENTIAL TO CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT AS MY FRONT VISION WAS COMPLETELY BLOCKED.
NHTSA complaint #10458897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesWalled Lake, MI
SUSPENSION
SOUNDED LIKE THERE WAS A POP IN MY FRONT CORNER. STILL DROVE OK UNDER 20-25 MPH. FASTER THAN THAT THE WHEEL SHOOK VIOLENTLY. BACKING UP THERE WAS A LOUD GRINDING NOISE. TOOK TO FRIENDS HOSE WHO WORKS ON CARS. HE SAID IT WAS MY FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE CONTROL ARM AND THE FRONT (HE CALLED IT HANDLING BUSHING) WAS RUSTED COMPLETELY IN TWO. HE FOUND A USED CONTROL ARM AT A JUNK YARD AND REPLACED IT FOR ME. WE TOOK PICTURES OF THE PART THAT I CAN PROVIDE IF NEEDED. I NO LONGER HAVE THE OLD PART.
NHTSA complaint #10439191 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,150 milesPatterson, NY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
AS MY WIFE AND I WERE FILLING UP OUR 98 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK WE NOTICED A SMELL OF GAS FUMES ON THE WAY HOME AS I BACKED THE CAR INTO THE DRIVEWAY I NOTICED THE SMELL OF FUEL EVEN STONGER. I WENT TO THE BACK AND LOOKED UNDER THE RIGHT REAR AND TO MY SURPRISE THE FUEL FILLER NECK WAS LEAKING FUEL!! I PLACED A OIL CHANGE PAN UNDERNEATH AND TO THIS DAY I STILL HAVEN'T FIXED IT. DON'T KNOW WERE TO BEGIN WITH IT AND I'M THINKING IT'S A DESIGN FLAW SEEMS LIKE THERE IS HEAVY CORROSION ON THE VERY LOW PART OF THE FILLER PIPE AND THAT'S WERE IT'S LEAKING FROM. I'M GOING TO TRY AND HAVE IT REPAIRED BUT AT WHAT COST. I THINK THAT THIS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO AND BY SUBARU OF NORTH AMERICA AS A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS DESIGN FLAW AND LEGAL LIABILTY.
NHTSA complaint #10429362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,150 milesPatterson, NY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
AS MY WIFE AND I WERE FILLING UP OUR 98 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK WE NOTICED A SMELL OF GAS FUMES ON THE WAY HOME AS I BACKED THE CAR INTO THE DRIVEWAY I NOTICED THE SMELL OF FUEL EVEN STONGER. I WENT TO THE BACK AND LOOKED UNDER THE RIGHT REAR AND TO MY SURPRISE THE FUEL FILLER NECK WAS LEAKING FUEL!! I PLACED A OIL CHANGE PAN UNDERNEATH AND TO THIS DAY I STILL HAVEN'T FIXED IT. DON'T KNOW WERE TO BEGIN WITH IT AND I'M THINKING IT'S A DESIGN FLAW SEEMS LIKE THERE IS HEAVY CORROSION ON THE VERY LOW PART OF THE FILLER PIPE AND THAT'S WERE IT'S LEAKING FROM. I'M GOING TO TRY AND HAVE IT REPAIRED BUT AT WHAT COST. I THINK THAT THIS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO AND BY SUBARU OF NORTH AMERICA AS A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS DESIGN FLAW AND LEGAL LIABILTY.
NHTSA complaint #10429362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 166,000 milesMissoula, MT
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
FUEL (GASOLINE) FILLER NECK FOR THE 1998 SUBARU LEGACY WAGON RUSTS OUT. MECHANIC INDICATED VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS YEAR MAKE AND MODEL. VERY POOR DESIGN BECAUSE THE TUBE IS BEHIND A PLASTIC MOLDING THAT ACCUMULATES DIRT, SALT, WATER, AND ROTS THE TUBING CAUSING A CHRONIC LEAK OF GASOLINE POTENTIALLY OVER THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. RECALL AND REPAIR IS NEEDED.
NHTSA complaint #10354455 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesElmhurst, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ANY TYPE OF GMC VEHICLE WAS PARKED NEXT TO HIS VEHICLE THE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS AND ALARM SYSTEM WOULD ENGAGE WHEN THE OTHER VEHICLES KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM WAS ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO RECOMMENDED THAT THE VEHICLE BE TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10346356 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,000 milesRoyal OAK, MI
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
ENGINE OVERHEATING EVERY HALF MILE WITH ENGINE RESERVOIR OVERFLOWING. AFTER $1300 OF REPLACING THERMOSTAT, TIMING BELT, BELT TENSIONER, WATER PUMP, FLUSHING THE COOLING SYSTEM, AND COMPRESSION TESTS, I WAS TOLD I HAD A BLOWN HEAD GASKET. I WAS TOLD THE REPLACEMENT WOULD COST AN ADDITIONAL $2,200 AT LEAST.
NHTSA complaint #10336001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,000 milesRoyal OAK, MI
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
ENGINE OVERHEATING EVERY HALF MILE WITH ENGINE RESERVOIR OVERFLOWING. AFTER $1300 OF REPLACING THERMOSTAT, TIMING BELT, BELT TENSIONER, WATER PUMP, FLUSHING THE COOLING SYSTEM, AND COMPRESSION TESTS, I WAS TOLD I HAD A BLOWN HEAD GASKET. I WAS TOLD THE REPLACEMENT WOULD COST AN ADDITIONAL $2,200 AT LEAST.
NHTSA complaint #10336001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,000 milesRoyal OAK, MI
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ENGINE OVERHEATING EVERY HALF MILE WITH ENGINE RESERVOIR OVERFLOWING. AFTER $1300 OF REPLACING THERMOSTAT, TIMING BELT, BELT TENSIONER, WATER PUMP, FLUSHING THE COOLING SYSTEM, AND COMPRESSION TESTS, I WAS TOLD I HAD A BLOWN HEAD GASKET. I WAS TOLD THE REPLACEMENT WOULD COST AN ADDITIONAL $2,200 AT LEAST.
NHTSA complaint #10336001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,000 milesLEE, MA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
1998 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK WAGON AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 86,000 MILES. PURCHASED USED MANY YEARS AGO WITH ABOUT 10,000 MILES. MY SISTER'S CAR, SHE WAS DRIVING ALONE. EXPERIENCED DRIVER. ABOUT TWO MONTHS AGO SHE CAME AROUND A CORNER ON A 30 MPH ROAD NEAR HER HOME. LIGHT SNOW ON THE GROUND (AMHERST, MASSACHUSETTS) SHE COULD NOT CONTROL THE CAR, AND IT SLID AROUND. SHE PHONED ME AND WAS VERY UPSET AT LOSING CONTROL. COMMENTED THAT THE CAR HAD NOT FELT QUITE RIGHT. I SUGGESTED LOOSE LUG NUTS, BADLY INFLATED (ALMOST NEW) TIRES, BENT RIM, DEFECTIVE TIRE, ALIGNMENT. ALL CHECKED OUT FINE. THEN I MENTIONED SUSPENSION. SHE TOOK IT TO HER MECHANIC WHO REPLACED BOTH REAR STRUTS. CAR STILL UNPREDICTABLE. RETURNED TO MECHANIC WHO THEN TEST DROVE CAR AND DECIDED THAT IT WAS A PROBLEM SIMILAR TO THAT OF HIS PARENTS' SIMILAR CAR: POWER WAS NOT BEING PROPORTIONED PROPERLY TO THE FOUR WHEELS. HE REPLACED EXISTING TRANSMISSION / TRANSAXLE / DIFFERENTIAL LUBRICANT WITH SOME MORE SPECIALIZED LUBRICANT. (AMALIE AMA 1607881297 DEXTRON LLL ATF) AT THIS TIME MY SISTER IS TRYING THIS OUT TO SEE IF IT DOES THE TRICK. SINCE THIS DEFECT AFFECTS THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE I THOUGHT THAT YOU SHOULD KNOW. I DROVE OLDER 4WD AUDIS, OWNED MILITARY 4WD TRUCKS, AND CARS WITH LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIALS. I WAS ALWAYS AWARE OF THE NEED FOR SPECIFIC LUBRICANTS. I DO NOT THINK THAT THE AVERAGE CAR OWNER SHOULD BE. WAS THERE A SECRET ADVISORY OR RECALL?
NHTSA complaint #10323435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 107,259 milesReno, NV
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
1998 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5L MOTOR HEAD GASKET FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10314727 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,951 milesCumberland, MD
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
DRIVING ON HIGHWAY ~60 MPH. HOOD LATCH RELEASED SPONTANEOUSLY. HOOD FLEW BACK, SHATTERING WINDSHIELD. I STARTED TO LOSE CONTROL, AS I COULDN'T SEE, BUT RECOVERED AND, PEERING THROUGH SMALL AREA UNDER HOOD WAS ABLE TO GET OFF ONTO THE SHOULDER BEFORE WE GOT KILLED BECAUSE OF THIS UNEXPECTED DEFECT.
NHTSA complaint #10278449 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 179,000 milesLower Lake, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
OVERHEATING, WATER LEAKING, HEAD GASKET PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10255123 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 179,000 milesLower Lake, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
OVERHEATING, WATER LEAKING, HEAD GASKET PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10255123 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 161,461 milesKnoxville, TN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
ENGINE BEGAN TO OVERHEAT ONLY WHEN BEING DRIVEN, DOES NOT OVERHEAT WHEN IDLING. I HAVE REPLACED THE THERMOSTAT, WATER PUMP, AND TIMING BELT BUT IT STILL OVERHEATS. WHILE DOING RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, I FOUND THE CARSURVEY.ORG SITE WITH MANY REFERENCES TO THIS BEING A KNOWN ISSUE, A HEAD GASKET PROBLEM. BASED ON THE NUMBER OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS, SUBARU HAS A DESIGN PROBLEM THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED OR AT LEAST A WARNING OF SOME TYPE SEND OUT. WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT THIS ISSUE?
NHTSA complaint #10255116 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 161,461 milesKnoxville, TN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
ENGINE BEGAN TO OVERHEAT ONLY WHEN BEING DRIVEN, DOES NOT OVERHEAT WHEN IDLING. I HAVE REPLACED THE THERMOSTAT, WATER PUMP, AND TIMING BELT BUT IT STILL OVERHEATS. WHILE DOING RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, I FOUND THE CARSURVEY.ORG SITE WITH MANY REFERENCES TO THIS BEING A KNOWN ISSUE, A HEAD GASKET PROBLEM. BASED ON THE NUMBER OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS, SUBARU HAS A DESIGN PROBLEM THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED OR AT LEAST A WARNING OF SOME TYPE SEND OUT. WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT THIS ISSUE?
NHTSA complaint #10255116 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Annapolis, MD
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
BLOWN HEAD GASKET ON 1998 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK AT ~70K, JUST OUT OF WARRANTY,. THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED IN 2003, BUT GIVEN THE CONTINUATION OF COMPLAINTS FROM CURRENT SUBARU OWNERS EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM, IT SEEMS HIGHLY NEGLIGENT OF SUBARU TO DENY RESPONSIBILITY FOR ADDRESSING THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM ON SUBARU'S DATING FROM 1997 FORWARD. REPAIR COST IN EXCESS OF $2,500. THIS PROBLEM CONTINUES TO ARISE ON SUBARU ENGINES, YET THE COMPANY HAS DONE NOTHING TO REIMBURSE OWNERS FOR COST.
NHTSA complaint #10253003 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 122,000 milesCotton, MN
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 SUBARU OUTBACK. SINCE OCTOBER OF 2007, THE CONTACT SMELLED FUEL INSIDE THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS AND THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE FUEL METAL NOSE. THE NOSE CORRODED AND CAUSED FUEL TO LEAK. THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE NOSE METAL AT THE COST OF $278. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY; THEREFORE, THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 124,000.
NHTSA complaint #10241844 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesDonora, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH ENGINE 1. SEAL LEAK AT APPROXIMATELY 48,000 MILES, BURNING OIL SMELL, CORRECTED AT REPLACEMENT OF TIMING BELT AT SCHEDULED 105K--NOT DETECTED BY DEALER WHILE UNDER WARRANTY (60K WARRANTY). 2. FAILURE OF HEAD GASKET AT 110K 3. FAILURE OF 2 CAM SEALS AT 158K 4. FAILURE OF ADDITIONAL (REMAINING) 2 CAM SEALS AT 165K (MECHANIC INITIALLY INDICATED THIS WAS RARE AND UNFORTUNATELY, DURE TO COST, DID NOT RECOMMEND REPLACING ALL 4 CAM SEALS--BAD CHOICE--$600 PARTS AND LABOR EACH OCCURRENCE #3 AND #4.
NHTSA complaint #10238165 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,000 milesToledo, OH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
COMPLAINT IS FOR SUBARU OF AMERICA. I OWN A 98 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK AND THE COOLING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED AND THE HEAD GASKETS BLEW. I LOOKED ONLINE AND THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF OWNERS ON A MULTITUDE OF SITES WHO ARE EXPERIENCING OR HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS EXACT PROBLEM. CLEARLY THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE VEHICLE AND NOT ANY OWNER'S OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE, AND THEREFORE THE CORPORATION WHO HAS CAUSED ITS CUSTOMERS EXPENSE SHOULD BEAR THE BURDEN FINANCIALLY FOR FIXING THIS PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10233474 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesPortland, OR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
WE BOUGHT A 1998 SUBARU OUTBACK IN 2004. AT APPROXIMATELY 110,000 MILES, WE EXPERIENCED A CATASTROPHIC OVERHEATING OF THE ENGINE DUE TO A FAULTY HEAD GASKET. THE OVERHEATING CAUSED APPROXIMATELY $3,000 WORTH OF DAMAGE TO THE CAR. THE HEAD GASKET, RADIATOR, THERMOSTAT, WATER PUMP, OXYGEN SENSORS AND (2) CATALYTIC CONVERTERS ALL HAD TO BE REPLACED. WE HAVE SINCE LEARNED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR SUBARUS OF THIS VINTAGE. THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF ANECDOTAL REPORTS OF PEOPLE HAVING THIS EXACT PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET, AND OUR MECHANIC TELLS US HE FIXES AT LEAST ONE OF THESE PROBLEMS PER WEEK AT HIS SHOP. CLEARLY, THIS IS A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT.
NHTSA complaint #10201601 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 79,252 milesMenlo Park, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. SUBARU PLAZA P.O. BOX 6000 CHERRY HILL, NJ 08034-6000 ATTN: CUSTOMER/DEALER SERVICES RE: SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK VIN [DELETED FOR PRIVACY] TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: I AM WRITING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT A SITUATION WITH OUR OIL AT TEMP WARNING LIGHT WHICH RESULTED IN OUR PAYING $130 FOR A FALSE POSITIVE WARNING ABOUT THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. AFTER THE WARNING LIGHT APPEARED, I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO CARLSEN SUBARU. THEY PERFORMED THE DIAGNOSIS AND FOUND NO PROBLEMS WITH THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. IN FACT, THEY SAID THAT THERE WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM WHERE A BATTERY CHANGE COULD CAUSE A ''FALSE POSITIVE'' WARNING ABOUT THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. CONSIDERING THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM THAT SUBARU IS AWARE OF, AND HAS NOT NOTIFIED CUSTOMERS OF, I AM REQUESTING A REFUND BY SUBARU FOR THE FULL $130. I HAVE TWO CONCERNS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM: 1. THE OBVIOUS SAFETY CONCERN '' WONDERING IF THERE REALLY IS A PROBLEM THAT THE DIAGNOSIS COULD NOT PINPOINT 2. THE CONCERN THAT SUBARU HAS A KNOWN PROBLEM THAT COST ME $130 SINCERELY, [DELETED FOR PRIVACY] CC: NHTSA COMPLAINTS
NHTSA complaint #10170869 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.