FaultScore

FaultScore report

2000 Subaru Outback problems

Owners have filed 247 complaints about the 2000 Subaru Outback with NHTSA between 1999 and 2018. The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain. Across this model's run it ranks 15 of 31 worst.

C

FaultScore 50/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Subaru Outback.

How this is worked out

The numbers

247

Complaints

22

Crashes reported

9

Fires reported

11

Injuries reported

5 complaints report a death.

78,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

13%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

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.

Complaint volume 31 vs 50 Severity 98 vs 50 Early failure 23 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 31
Against the median year of the Subaru Outback. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 98
19% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 23
13% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2000 compares with every other Subaru Outback

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2000 Subaru Outback

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

0 crashes, 2 fires · median 58,250 mi

Engine & Cooling 41 16.6%

0 crashes, 3 fires · median 81,098 mi

Tires 32 13.0%

3 crashes, 4 fires · median 34,470 mi

Suspension 24 9.7%

Median failure at 127,461 miles

4 crashes, 0 fires · median 56,000 mi

Brakes 14 5.7%

5 crashes, 0 fires · median 87,000 mi

Median failure at 130,000 miles

Median failure at 120,000 miles

Seat Belts 9 3.6%

4 crashes, 0 fires · median 79,049 mi

Electrical System 8 3.2%

Median failure at 117,200 miles

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 6 2.4%
Lights 6 2.4%

Median failure at 177,000 miles

Airbags 5 2.0%

5 crashes, 0 fires · median 79,049 mi

Wheels 4 1.6%

Median failure at 138,934 miles

Steering 4 1.6%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 48,882 mi

Other & Unspecified 3 1.2%

Median failure at 114,700 miles

Child Seats 3 1.2%
Equipment & Accessories 3 1.2%

Median failure at 45,000 miles

Doors, Latches & Locks 2 0.8%

Median failure at 68,635 miles

Exactly what failed

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.

Automatic Transmission 18 27.3%
Engine 12 18.2%
Clutch Assembly 8 12.1%
Tread/Belt 7 10.6%
Stabilizer BAR 6 9.1%
Rear 6 9.1%
Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip 5 7.6%
Underbody Shields 4 6.1%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 2 1.6%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 3 2.4%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 3 2.4%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 21 16.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 32 25.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 23 18.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 29 23.0%
150,000+ miles 13 10.3%

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.

Sep 1999 peak 15 Jan 2018

Recalls on the 2000 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

13E065000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Airtex Products LP (Airtex) is recalling certain model E8598M, E8518M, E8600M, E8596M, and E8597M fuel pumps manufactured July 26, 2013, and July 29, 2013 and used as aftermarket replacements on Subaru Baja's, Outback's and Legacy's. The affected fuel pumps were sold or installed into the aftermarket applications on or after July 26, 2013, and may may leak fuel from the base of a fuel line connection when the gas tank is full.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

03V153000

SUSPENSION:REAR

THIS RECALL APPLIES TO CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. CERTAIN REAR SUSPENSION SUBFRAME COMPONENTS WERE PRODUCED WITH POOR PAINT QUALITY WHICH, AFTER CONTINUED EXPOSURE TO CORROSIVE ROAD SALTS FOR A PERIOD OF SEVERAL YEARS, COULD RESULT IN RUST-OUT OF THE COMPONENT AND POSSIBLE BREAKAGE OF THE SUBFRAME.

Risk: IF SUCH BREAKAGE OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED, CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE COULD BE AFFECTED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2003117 12,450 units in Canada

Suspension

On certain vehicles operated in the "salt-belt" provinces of Manitoba, Ontario, Québec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland & Labrador. The rear suspension subframe components were produced with poor paint quality which, after continued exposure to corrosive road salts for a period of several years, may result in rust-out of the component and possible breakage of the subframe. Correction: Dealer will clean and rust-proof with anti-rust oil and anti-rust wax.

Recall 2000087 203 units in Canada

Lights And Instruments

On certain vehicles, the headlamp assemblies may not comply with the marking requirements of CMVSS 108 - Lighting System and Retroreflective Devices. The bulb center mark on the lens has been interchanged between 2-bulb headlamps and 4-bulb headlamps. Correction: No corrective action will be taken due to the inconsequence to vehicle safety. The manufacturing process has been remedied to assure correction of the non-compliance on vehicles manufactured since January 30, 2000.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 200,000 miles Freeland, MD Fire

ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, HE HEARD AN ABNORMALLY LOUD NOISE FROM THE ENGINE AS THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS MOVED TO THE SHOULDER AND UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED A FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. THE FLAMES SPREAD TO THE TWO FRONT TIRES, WHICH THEN EXPLODED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS AWAITING DIAGNOSIS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

NHTSA complaint #10510936 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 54,000 miles Phoenix, MD Crash

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

UNINTENDED ACCELERATION IN SUBARU OUTBACK (2000) CAUSED SERIOUS ACCIDENT.

NHTSA complaint #10325751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 55,000 miles Trenton, NJ Fire

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK WHEN IDLING. WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THERE WAS A DELAY AND THE VEHICLE WOULD JOLT FORWARD. THE DEALER STATED THAT INTERNAL TRANSMISSION PARTS FAILED AND THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AT 64,000 MILES, THE CONTACT SMELLED ROTTEN EGGS WHEN DRIVING 35 MPH. THE DEALER REPLACED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 25- 60 MPH WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER ACTIVATED, SHE SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING INSIDE THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE HEAD GASKET FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE HEAD GASKET FAILED AT 55,000 AND 80,000 MILES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 95,000.

NHTSA complaint #10213696 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 55,000 miles Trenton, NJ Fire

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK WHEN IDLING. WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THERE WAS A DELAY AND THE VEHICLE WOULD JOLT FORWARD. THE DEALER STATED THAT INTERNAL TRANSMISSION PARTS FAILED AND THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AT 64,000 MILES, THE CONTACT SMELLED ROTTEN EGGS WHEN DRIVING 35 MPH. THE DEALER REPLACED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 25- 60 MPH WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER ACTIVATED, SHE SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING INSIDE THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE HEAD GASKET FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE HEAD GASKET FAILED AT 55,000 AND 80,000 MILES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 95,000.

NHTSA complaint #10213696 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 55,000 miles Trenton, NJ Fire

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK WHEN IDLING. WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THERE WAS A DELAY AND THE VEHICLE WOULD JOLT FORWARD. THE DEALER STATED THAT INTERNAL TRANSMISSION PARTS FAILED AND THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AT 64,000 MILES, THE CONTACT SMELLED ROTTEN EGGS WHEN DRIVING 35 MPH. THE DEALER REPLACED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 25- 60 MPH WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER ACTIVATED, SHE SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING INSIDE THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE HEAD GASKET FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE HEAD GASKET FAILED AT 55,000 AND 80,000 MILES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 95,000.

NHTSA complaint #10213696 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 87,000 miles Yorba Linda, CA Crash 1 injured 1 killed

AIR BAGS

1. EMERGENCY BRAKING FROM 50+ MPH ON A FREEWAY BECAUSE THE DRIVER IN FRONT, IN THEIR OWN WORDS, "JUST STOPPED"! 2. 2000 OUTBACK FAILED TO SLOW. HIT REAR OF THE LEXUS SUV. "TORPEDOED" UNDER THE SUV UP TO 1/2 THE HOOD LENGTH. NO AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT (AGAIN!) 3. CAR IS TOTALED! THIS IS THE 2ND MAJOR ACCIDENT DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE BRAKING SYSTEM. SUBARU OF AMERICA DENIES ANY PRODUCT DEFECT.

NHTSA complaint #10151058 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

at 105,000 miles Rochester, NY

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

REAR SUB FRAME ROTTED OUT IN MULTIPLE PLACES AND BROKE LOOSE WHILE I WAS DRIVING. THERE WAS A RECALL IN 2003. THE CAR WAS NEVER REPAIRED BEFORE I PURCHASED IT A FEW YEARS AGO. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO DOYLE SUBARU IN WEBSTER NY. THEY OFFERED TO COVER THE EXPENSE OF THE PART BUT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY THEM $800.00 TO COVER THE REPAIR LABOR! THEY HAVE HAD MY CAR FOR 8 WEEKS NOW AND I'M DISABLE AND ON SSD WITHOUT MUCH INCOME. I COULD HAVE DIED WHEN THE CAR BROKE LOOSE ON THE EXPRESSWAY WHILE I WAS GOING 55 MPH. I'M WITHOUT A LONER CAR AND CAN'T MAKE MY MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS. THE CAR HAD TO BE FLAT BED TOWED TO THE DEALER. IT CAN'T BE DRIVEN THE WAY IT IS. MY ATTORNEY TRIED TO CALL THE DEALER BUT THEY REFUSE TO CALL HIM BACK.

NHTSA complaint #11061950 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 150,000 miles Hazlet, NJ

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

THE 2000 SUBARU OUTBACK HAS A NOXIOUS SMELL FROM FUEL IN THE CABIN ONLY IN COLD WEATHER,THAT YOU MUST RIDE WITH THE WINDOWS OPEN UNTIL THIS DISSIPATES. I CALLED MY LOCAL DEALER TO ASK IF THEY WOULD HAVE AN IDEA OF WHAT IS THE PROBLEM AND WHAT WOULD BE AN ESTIMATE FOR REPAIR? I, JUST ABOUT GOT THE QUESTION OUT OF MY MOUTH,WHEN THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE SAID IT'LL COST AROUND $200 MAYBE A LITTLE MORE TO REPLACE TWO FUEL LINES AND FITTINGS(SCREW CLAMPS) ON THE TOP RIGHT SIDE OF THE ENGINE. I ASKED IF SOMETHING THIS SERIOUS WAS EVER COVERED BY A RECALL AND HE SAID NO, BUT I SHOULD CHECK WITH SUBARU OF NORTH AMERICA TO MAKE SURE,BEING THE CAR IS A 2000 HIS COMPUTER MAY NOT HAVE IT, FOR THAT FAR BACK? SO, I CALLED SUBARU OF NA EXPLAINED THE SITUATION AND ALSO EXPLAINED THAT WHILE I WAS DOING SOME ON-LINE RESEARCH IT SEEMED AS THOUGH THIS IS A WELL DOCUMENTED AND DISCUSSED PROBLEM WITH MANY SUBARU OWNERS AND THEY ARE VERY SPECIFIC AS TO WHAT THE EXACT PROBLEM IS. SUBARU OF NA KNOWS OF NO PROBLEM EVER, I GUESS ADMISSION WOULD MEAN THIS PROBLEM TRULY EXISTS. THIS ISSUE ONLY BECAME PREVALENT WITH SUBARU'S OWNED IN COLD WEATHER AREAS, SOUTHERN STATES OR WEST COAST WOULD NOT SEE THIS PROBLEM REGULARLY BECAUSE YOU NEED TEMPERATURES TO BE APPROXIMATELY 30 DEGREES AND BELOW. I AM JUST TRYING TO FIND OUT WHY NO FEDERAL AGENCY HAS HELD SUBARU TO A HIGHER STANDARD, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES TO A PROBLEM WITH A FUEL LINE AND THE FACT THAT THIS IS PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE AND WELL DOCUMENTED. I AM NOT A MECHANIC, AND LIVING ON A FIXED INCOME I DON'T HAVE THE DISPOSABLE INCOME THAT I HAD IN THE PAST, SUBARU KNOWS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, WHICH IS EVIDENT IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENTS FAMILIARITY WITH THE FIX? CAN SOMEONE PLEASE ENLIGHTEN ME AS TO WHY THIS HAS BEEN ALLOWED TO GO FOR AS LONG AS IT HAS? SUBARU KNOWS DOES THE GOVERNMENT, I HOPE NOT. CONCERNED, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'

NHTSA complaint #11060933 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 210,000 miles Eagle Mountain, UT

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

UNKNOWN COMPONENT PART/SYSTEM. DRIVERS SIDE HEADLIGHT WENT OUT. CHECKED FUSE AND BULB WHICH WAS STILL GOOD; REPLACED BULB ANYWAY AND IT STILL DIDN'T WORK. NEXT DAY THE OTHER HEADLIGHT ALSO WENT OUT. CHECKED THE SAME THINGS. HIGH BEAMS, FOG AND PARKING LIGHTS STILL WORKED. MY SON JIGGLED THE BULB SOCKET AND WIRES AND THE LIGHTS CAME ON BUT NOW THE DRIVER HIGH BEAM WENT OUT. HIGH BEAM BULB AND FUSE WERE BOTH OKAY. THE LOW BEAMS ALSO NOW APPEARED TO BE YELLOW. HAD TO DRIVE AT NIGHT A FEW DAYS LATER (I ALWAYS DRIVE WITH MY FOG LIGHTS ON UNLESS THE HIGH BEAMS ARE USED) AND IT SEEMED LIKE I COULD NOT SEE VIRTUALLY ANYTHING AHEAD OF ME; THE LOW BEAMS WERE EXTREMELY DIM AND UNSAFE TO USE. WAS FORCED TO USE MY SINGLE WORKING HIGH BEAM. IN GOOGLING THE PROBLEMS ONLINE I CAME ACROSS SCORES OF OTHER PEOPLE WITH SIMILAR PROBLEMS. SOME REPLACED THE DRL MODULE WITH NO CHANGE IN RESULT. IT HAS TO BE A SOCKET PROBLEM OR GROUNDING PROBLEM OF SOME SORT, OR PERHAPS A WIRING PROBLEM, THOUGH SOME PEOPLE REPLACED THE WIRING HARNESS TO NO AVAIL, AND REPLACED PINS, CLIPS IN THE BULB SOCKET ASSEMBLY. THIS IS DANGEROUS.

NHTSA complaint #10892936 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 147,138 miles ANN Arbor, MI

POWER TRAIN

I WAS ADVISED BY A MECHANIC ON 4/20/15 THAT THE REAR CRADLE IS VERY RUSTY, ENOUGH THAT I SHOULD AVOID CARRYING HEAVY LOADS. I JUST NOTICED ON THIS WEBSITE THAT THERE WAS A RECALL IN 2003 FOR INADEQUATE RUSTPROOFING OF THAT PART; HOWEVER, WE NEVER RECEIVED NOTICE OF A RECALL. CAN THIS BE REPAIRED OR REPLACED NOW? THERE WAS NO INCIDENT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint #10872273 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 147,138 miles ANN Arbor, MI

SUSPENSION

I WAS ADVISED BY A MECHANIC ON 4/20/15 THAT THE REAR CRADLE IS VERY RUSTY, ENOUGH THAT I SHOULD AVOID CARRYING HEAVY LOADS. I JUST NOTICED ON THIS WEBSITE THAT THERE WAS A RECALL IN 2003 FOR INADEQUATE RUSTPROOFING OF THAT PART; HOWEVER, WE NEVER RECEIVED NOTICE OF A RECALL. CAN THIS BE REPAIRED OR REPLACED NOW? THERE WAS NO INCIDENT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint #10872273 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 124,400 miles Lexington, MA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEED ON A TOWN STREET THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, FOLLOWED BY THE ODOR OF GAS FUMES. SUBSEQUENT INSPECTION BY EXPERIENCED SUBARU MECHANICS REVEALED A SIMULTANEOUS FAILURE OF THE A/C COMPRESSOR, CATALYTIC CONVERTER, A HEADLIGHT BULB AND FINALLY, A DAMAGED FUEL LINE THAT WAS SPRAYING A MIST OF GASOLINE OVER THE ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE MECHANICS HAD NEVER SEEN A SITUATION LIKE THIS BEFORE, AND HAD NO EXPLANATION FOR HOW THESE COMPONENTS COULD HAVE FAILED AT THE SAME TIME. THE FUEL LINE AND BULB WERE REPLACED.

NHTSA complaint #10863233 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 124,400 miles Lexington, MA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEED ON A TOWN STREET THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, FOLLOWED BY THE ODOR OF GAS FUMES. SUBSEQUENT INSPECTION BY EXPERIENCED SUBARU MECHANICS REVEALED A SIMULTANEOUS FAILURE OF THE A/C COMPRESSOR, CATALYTIC CONVERTER, A HEADLIGHT BULB AND FINALLY, A DAMAGED FUEL LINE THAT WAS SPRAYING A MIST OF GASOLINE OVER THE ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE MECHANICS HAD NEVER SEEN A SITUATION LIKE THIS BEFORE, AND HAD NO EXPLANATION FOR HOW THESE COMPONENTS COULD HAVE FAILED AT THE SAME TIME. THE FUEL LINE AND BULB WERE REPLACED.

NHTSA complaint #10863233 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 124,400 miles Lexington, MA

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEED ON A TOWN STREET THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, FOLLOWED BY THE ODOR OF GAS FUMES. SUBSEQUENT INSPECTION BY EXPERIENCED SUBARU MECHANICS REVEALED A SIMULTANEOUS FAILURE OF THE A/C COMPRESSOR, CATALYTIC CONVERTER, A HEADLIGHT BULB AND FINALLY, A DAMAGED FUEL LINE THAT WAS SPRAYING A MIST OF GASOLINE OVER THE ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE MECHANICS HAD NEVER SEEN A SITUATION LIKE THIS BEFORE, AND HAD NO EXPLANATION FOR HOW THESE COMPONENTS COULD HAVE FAILED AT THE SAME TIME. THE FUEL LINE AND BULB WERE REPLACED.

NHTSA complaint #10863233 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 240,000 miles Altoona, PA

SUSPENSION

THE REAR SUB-FRAME IS ROTTED AND ABOUT TO BREAK. WHILE DRIVING THE SUB-FRAME IS SHIFTING CAUSING LOUD BANGING. WHEN STARTING, STOPPING AND DRIVING THE LOUD BANGING IS HEARD FROM THE SHIFTING OF THE ROTTED SUB-FRAME.

NHTSA complaint #10837324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 154,000 miles Lewiston, ME

STRUCTURE:BODY

DUE TO HEAVY CORROSION, WE HAD TO REPLACE THE REAR SUBFRAME ON THIS VEHICLE. OBVIOUSLY THE 2003 RECALL ON THIS PART WAS INADEQUATE. I WOULD LIKE THE REAR SUBFRAME TO BE RECALLED AS IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN IN THE FIRST PLACE, RATHER THAN JUST UNDERCOATING THE PART AND HAVING IT ROT AWAY ANYWAY.

NHTSA complaint #10785593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 120,000 miles Anchorage, AK

ENGINE

IN COLD WEATHER (USUALLY 25 F AND BELOW) THERE IS A STRONG FUEL SMELL. WORSE THE COLDER IT GETS. I AM WORRIED FOR MY BABY'S HEALTH AND ALSO WORRIED I WAS INHALING THIS LEAKING FUEL THROUGHOUT MY PREGNANCY. IT IS OBVIOUSLY NOT SOMETHING THAT SHOULD BE HAPPENING AND IS UNHEALTHY. I REPORTED THIS TO A MECHANIC SHOP AND THEY REBUILT THE ENGINE BECAUSE OF OTHER ISSUES. THEY SAID THIS REBUILDING WOULD FIX THE FUEL LEAK/SMELL ALSO. IT LESSENED IT, BUT IT IS STILL THERE EVERY TIME IT IS COLD OUT. IT DISSIPATES AFTER DRIVING IT FOR A WHILE. I HAVE COME TO UNDERSTAND THIS IS A WIDESPREAD ISSUE AND THERE REALLY SHOULD BE A RECALL.

NHTSA complaint #10678184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 120,000 miles Anchorage, AK

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

IN COLD WEATHER (USUALLY 25 F AND BELOW) THERE IS A STRONG FUEL SMELL. WORSE THE COLDER IT GETS. I AM WORRIED FOR MY BABY'S HEALTH AND ALSO WORRIED I WAS INHALING THIS LEAKING FUEL THROUGHOUT MY PREGNANCY. IT IS OBVIOUSLY NOT SOMETHING THAT SHOULD BE HAPPENING AND IS UNHEALTHY. I REPORTED THIS TO A MECHANIC SHOP AND THEY REBUILT THE ENGINE BECAUSE OF OTHER ISSUES. THEY SAID THIS REBUILDING WOULD FIX THE FUEL LEAK/SMELL ALSO. IT LESSENED IT, BUT IT IS STILL THERE EVERY TIME IT IS COLD OUT. IT DISSIPATES AFTER DRIVING IT FOR A WHILE. I HAVE COME TO UNDERSTAND THIS IS A WIDESPREAD ISSUE AND THERE REALLY SHOULD BE A RECALL.

NHTSA complaint #10678184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 224,000 miles Helena, MT

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

DURING COLD WEATHER WHEN THE CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM IS SET TO FRESH AIR, A GASOLINE ODOR ENTERS THE CABIN. THERE IS APPARENT FUEL LINE LEAK THAT ONLY OCCURS DURING COLD WEATHER.

NHTSA complaint #10664535 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 81,098 miles Carson City, NV

ENGINE

CYLINDER HEAD GASKETS REPLACED AT 81,098 MILES. DUE TO THE LOW MILEAGE, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE 8 YEARS HAD PASSED (8 YEARS OR 100,000), WHICHEVER COMES FIRST. AUGUST 2014 VEHICLE WOULD TAKE SEVERAL SECONDS TO ENGAGE INTO DRIVE FROM REVERSE. EVENTUALLY, THE PROBLEM BECAME WORSE AND I WAS AFRAID THAT IT COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE IT WAS TAKING TOO LONG TO ENGAGE INTO DRIVE. I TOOK THE CAR TO AAMCO WHO INSTALLED A REBUILT TRANSMISSION AT 83,695 MILES. THESE PROBLEM HAVE BEEN REPORTED BY SUBARU OWNERS, BUT I HAVE YET TO SEE A RECALL. SO, IN THE LAST TWO YEARS, I HAVE SPENT $5,055 IN CAR REPAIRS. I'M RETIRED SO I CAN'T AFFORD TO BUY A NEWER VEHICLE. ALTHOUGH THIS CAR HANDLES WELL IN SNOW AND RAIN, DUE TO THE EXPENSIVE REPAIRS I HAVE HAD TO MAKE AND SUBARU CORPORATION'S LACK OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THESE ISSUES, I DOUBT THAT I WILL EVER PURCHASE A SUBARU AGAIN.

NHTSA complaint #10641450 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 143,000 miles Southington, CT

POWER TRAIN

STOPPED FOR A RED LIGHT. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN CAR WOULD NOT GO FORWARD BECAUSE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT ENGAGE FORWARD GEARS. EVIDENTLY THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH A KNOWN DEFECT AND EXPENSIVE REPAIR.

NHTSA complaint #10611191 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 76,590 miles Midlothian, VA

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I SMELLED GAS IN CAR IN SEPY 2013. A FUEL PUMP WAS GASKET WAS REPLACE.10/2013 FUEL PUMP REPLACED.11/2013 ABOVE FUEL PUMP REMOVED & REPLACED. GAS SMELL STILL PRESENT,NOT AS STRONG.I WANT TO KNOW IF THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH SUBARU'S.IF SO OR IF NOT,WHAT WILL CORRECT THE GAS SMELL?

NHTSA complaint #10575903 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 130,000 miles West Harwich, MA

SUSPENSION

THERE WAS A BURNED RUBBER SMELL AND NOISE COMING FROM THE LEFT REAR WHEEL AREA OF THE CAR. THE SUSPENSION SUBFRAME SNAPPED AND CAUSED THE LEFT REAR TIRE TO BE SHAVED FROM CONTACT WITH THE WHEEL WELL. WE WERE TOLD BY OUR MECHANIC THAT WE HAD NO RECOURSE ON THIS RECALL AND HE OFFERED US $500 FOR THE VEHICLE STATING THAT WE COULD NOT GET IT FIXED BY SUBARU. WE ALSO CALLED SUBARU AND THEY SAID THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR OUR VIN #. WE ARE CHECKING TO MAKE SURE THIS IS TRUE OR NOT.

NHTSA complaint #10573240 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 130,000 miles West Harwich, MA

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS

THERE WAS A BURNED RUBBER SMELL AND NOISE COMING FROM THE LEFT REAR WHEEL AREA OF THE CAR. THE SUSPENSION SUBFRAME SNAPPED AND CAUSED THE LEFT REAR TIRE TO BE SHAVED FROM CONTACT WITH THE WHEEL WELL. WE WERE TOLD BY OUR MECHANIC THAT WE HAD NO RECOURSE ON THIS RECALL AND HE OFFERED US $500 FOR THE VEHICLE STATING THAT WE COULD NOT GET IT FIXED BY SUBARU. WE ALSO CALLED SUBARU AND THEY SAID THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR OUR VIN #. WE ARE CHECKING TO MAKE SURE THIS IS TRUE OR NOT.

NHTSA complaint #10573240 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 97,000 miles SAN Leandro, CA

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

SUDDEN ACCELERATION. WAS DRIVING AT A SLOW SPEED DUE TO LIGHT TRAFFIC AT A RED LIGHT. CAR STARTED TO FEEL NOT NORMAL AND I KNEW SOMETHING WAS WRONG. I PRESSED ON THE BRAKE BUT THE CAR KEPT JUMPING FORWARD, NOT WANTING TO STOP. I WAS AFRAID I WOULD HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. LUCKILY I WAS GOING VERY SLOW. RIGHT AFTER THE CAR STARTED ACCELERATING FOR NO REASON. I KEPT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, MY FOOT WAS NEVER ON THE GAS. I HAD TAKEN MY FOOT OF THE GAS BEFORE THE CAR STARTED ACTING UP, SINCE I NEEDED TO SLOW DOWN FOR THE RED LIGHT. THE RPMS WERE GOING VERY HIGH. I WAS UNSURE WHAT TO DO BECAUSE I NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS KIND OF SITUATION. I PANICKED AND PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL, AND THEN IN PARK AND TURNED THE CAR OFF. I CALLED FOR HELP AND WAS LUCKY MY STEP FATHER WAS AROUND THE CORNER. HE PUSHED THE CAR TO A SAFE SPOT. THEN HE TURNED ON THE CAR WHILE STILL IN PARK AND IT WAS STILL ACCELERATING VERY HIGH. IT WENT DOWN AND WENT BACK TO NORMAL ACCELERATION. HE THEN DROVE THE CAR TO THE MECHANIC WHICH WAS ABOUT 200 FEET AWAY. I AM NOW HAVING A DIAGNOSTIC DONE TO SEE IF THEY CAN FIGURE OUT A SOLUTION TO WHY THE CAR HAD SUDDEN ACCELERATION. I KNOW FOR A FACT I DID NOT PRESS ON THE GAS INSTEAD OF THE BREAK, AND I ALSO KNOW IT WAS NOT THE SUBARU FLOOR MAT. THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE LOOKED INTO AS IT COULD HAVE BEEN VERY DANGEROUS.

NHTSA complaint #10546445 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 169,712 miles Feeding Hills, MA

SUSPENSION

AFTER LOOKING AT SOME OF THE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SUB FRAME RECALL.MY MECHANIC LOOKED AT THE SUB FRAME ON A LIFT AND EXPLAINED THAT IT WAS RUSTED THRU AND UNFIXABLE.IF THIS CAR WAS PROPERLY UNDERCOATED UNDER THE RECALL IT WOULD NOT BE IN THIS CONDITION.I CALLED SUBARU AND THEY SAID THE WORK WAS DONE ON THE CAR PER THE RECALL.IT IS FUNNY HOW THERE IS NO OTHER RUST THAN IN THE SPOT WHERE THE WORK WAS SUPPOSED TO BE DONE.I PAID $4200 FOR THIS CAR AND WANT MY MONEY BACK SUBARU SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR UNSATISFACTORY REPAIRS.IF THIS BREAKS IT COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY TO MY SELF AND OTHERS.THEN THE CAR IS JUNK.

NHTSA complaint #10531578 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 169,712 miles Feeding Hills, MA

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS

AFTER LOOKING AT SOME OF THE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SUB FRAME RECALL.MY MECHANIC LOOKED AT THE SUB FRAME ON A LIFT AND EXPLAINED THAT IT WAS RUSTED THRU AND UNFIXABLE.IF THIS CAR WAS PROPERLY UNDERCOATED UNDER THE RECALL IT WOULD NOT BE IN THIS CONDITION.I CALLED SUBARU AND THEY SAID THE WORK WAS DONE ON THE CAR PER THE RECALL.IT IS FUNNY HOW THERE IS NO OTHER RUST THAN IN THE SPOT WHERE THE WORK WAS SUPPOSED TO BE DONE.I PAID $4200 FOR THIS CAR AND WANT MY MONEY BACK SUBARU SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR UNSATISFACTORY REPAIRS.IF THIS BREAKS IT COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY TO MY SELF AND OTHERS.THEN THE CAR IS JUNK.

NHTSA complaint #10531578 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 200,000 miles Freeland, MD Fire

ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, HE HEARD AN ABNORMALLY LOUD NOISE FROM THE ENGINE AS THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS MOVED TO THE SHOULDER AND UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED A FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. THE FLAMES SPREAD TO THE TWO FRONT TIRES, WHICH THEN EXPLODED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS AWAITING DIAGNOSIS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

NHTSA complaint #10510936 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 230,000 miles Wellfleet, MA

POWER TRAIN

I WAS DRIVING ALONG, AROUND 50 MPH. I HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD, AND THERE WAS A LOUD BANG. THE VEHICLE JERKED AND SWERVED, AS IT WAS SNOWING... I ALMOST LOST CONTROL. THE REAR SUB-FRAME WAS RUSTED OUT AND HAD BROKEN, ALLOWING THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL TO BREAK FREE AND SMASH UP INTO THE FUEL TANK AND CAUSE SEVERE JERKING. I HAD DONE A LITTLE READING, SUBARU HAD A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE FOR INFERIOR METAL ON THE REAR SUB-FRAME. THIS VEHICLE WAS IN FOR THE RECALL IN 2003. WHERE THEY DEEMED IT NOT BAD ENOUGH TO REPLACE THE SUB-FRAME, BUT CLEAN IT AND SPRAY IT WITH ANTI CORROSION SUBSTANCE. AS IT NOW STANDS, THE CAR IS NOT DRIVABLE, AND THE RECALL FIX WAS CLEARLY NOT A PROPER SOLUTION. I CALLED SUBARU, AND THEY TOLD ME THAT SINCE IT HAD BEEN IN FOR A RECALL IN 2003, THERE WAS NOTHING MORE ON THERE END THAT THEY WOULD DO. I AM A LONG TIME SUBARU FAN, AND I REALLY JUST WOULD LIKE THEM TO HONOR THEIR MISTAKE, AND FIX THE VEHICLE PROPERLY. OR PURCHASE IT BACK FROM ME, AND I WILL GLADLY PURCHASE ANOTHER SUBARU. I HAVE PHOTOS OF THE SUB-FRAME WHERE IT HAS CLEARLY RUSTED AND BROKE FREE. IT IS VERY CLEAR THAT THE METAL IS INFERIOR, CONSIDERING EVERYTHING ELSE ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE IS IN FUNCTIONAL AND SERVICEABLE CONDITION. THANKS YOU.

NHTSA complaint #10510682 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 230,000 miles Wellfleet, MA

SUSPENSION

I WAS DRIVING ALONG, AROUND 50 MPH. I HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD, AND THERE WAS A LOUD BANG. THE VEHICLE JERKED AND SWERVED, AS IT WAS SNOWING... I ALMOST LOST CONTROL. THE REAR SUB-FRAME WAS RUSTED OUT AND HAD BROKEN, ALLOWING THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL TO BREAK FREE AND SMASH UP INTO THE FUEL TANK AND CAUSE SEVERE JERKING. I HAD DONE A LITTLE READING, SUBARU HAD A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE FOR INFERIOR METAL ON THE REAR SUB-FRAME. THIS VEHICLE WAS IN FOR THE RECALL IN 2003. WHERE THEY DEEMED IT NOT BAD ENOUGH TO REPLACE THE SUB-FRAME, BUT CLEAN IT AND SPRAY IT WITH ANTI CORROSION SUBSTANCE. AS IT NOW STANDS, THE CAR IS NOT DRIVABLE, AND THE RECALL FIX WAS CLEARLY NOT A PROPER SOLUTION. I CALLED SUBARU, AND THEY TOLD ME THAT SINCE IT HAD BEEN IN FOR A RECALL IN 2003, THERE WAS NOTHING MORE ON THERE END THAT THEY WOULD DO. I AM A LONG TIME SUBARU FAN, AND I REALLY JUST WOULD LIKE THEM TO HONOR THEIR MISTAKE, AND FIX THE VEHICLE PROPERLY. OR PURCHASE IT BACK FROM ME, AND I WILL GLADLY PURCHASE ANOTHER SUBARU. I HAVE PHOTOS OF THE SUB-FRAME WHERE IT HAS CLEARLY RUSTED AND BROKE FREE. IT IS VERY CLEAR THAT THE METAL IS INFERIOR, CONSIDERING EVERYTHING ELSE ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE IS IN FUNCTIONAL AND SERVICEABLE CONDITION. THANKS YOU.

NHTSA complaint #10510682 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 230,000 miles Wellfleet, MA

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS

I WAS DRIVING ALONG, AROUND 50 MPH. I HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD, AND THERE WAS A LOUD BANG. THE VEHICLE JERKED AND SWERVED, AS IT WAS SNOWING... I ALMOST LOST CONTROL. THE REAR SUB-FRAME WAS RUSTED OUT AND HAD BROKEN, ALLOWING THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL TO BREAK FREE AND SMASH UP INTO THE FUEL TANK AND CAUSE SEVERE JERKING. I HAD DONE A LITTLE READING, SUBARU HAD A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE FOR INFERIOR METAL ON THE REAR SUB-FRAME. THIS VEHICLE WAS IN FOR THE RECALL IN 2003. WHERE THEY DEEMED IT NOT BAD ENOUGH TO REPLACE THE SUB-FRAME, BUT CLEAN IT AND SPRAY IT WITH ANTI CORROSION SUBSTANCE. AS IT NOW STANDS, THE CAR IS NOT DRIVABLE, AND THE RECALL FIX WAS CLEARLY NOT A PROPER SOLUTION. I CALLED SUBARU, AND THEY TOLD ME THAT SINCE IT HAD BEEN IN FOR A RECALL IN 2003, THERE WAS NOTHING MORE ON THERE END THAT THEY WOULD DO. I AM A LONG TIME SUBARU FAN, AND I REALLY JUST WOULD LIKE THEM TO HONOR THEIR MISTAKE, AND FIX THE VEHICLE PROPERLY. OR PURCHASE IT BACK FROM ME, AND I WILL GLADLY PURCHASE ANOTHER SUBARU. I HAVE PHOTOS OF THE SUB-FRAME WHERE IT HAS CLEARLY RUSTED AND BROKE FREE. IT IS VERY CLEAR THAT THE METAL IS INFERIOR, CONSIDERING EVERYTHING ELSE ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE IS IN FUNCTIONAL AND SERVICEABLE CONDITION. THANKS YOU.

NHTSA complaint #10510682 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.