Owners have filed 404 complaints
about the 2006 Subaru Outback with NHTSA between 2005 and 2025.
The largest single group is the acceleration & cruise control.
Across this model's run it ranks 25 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 — 51
Against the median year of the Subaru Outback. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 26
5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 14
8% 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.
Rear
1348.1%
Accelerator Pedal
518.5%
Shock Absorber
27.4%
Tread/Belt
27.4%
Frontal
27.4%
Throttlebody/Manifold
13.7%
Instrument Cluster/Panel
13.7%
Transfer Case (4-WHEEL Drive)
13.7%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
61.8%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
30.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
133.8%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
3710.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
5516.2%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
6920.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
10631.2%
150,000+ miles
5115.0%
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 2005peak 13Jun 2025
Recalls on the 2006 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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202000123,159 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: This recall is for certain vehicles that had an airbag inflator replaced as a part of an earlier recall campaign. This recall provides a final repair. Long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger-front airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants or cause damage to the airbag assembly, preventing its proper function. Safety Risk: If the vehicle is involved in a crash requiring an airbag deployment, the airbag inflator could rupture and create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: Owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to inspect the passenger-front airbag inflator. The passenger-front airbag module or inflator will be replaced as necessary. Note: The Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. This recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk. It is expected that all airbag inflators will be replaced before their function would be affected.
Recall 2019191100 units in Canada
Electrical
Issue: A problem with certain replacement ignition switches may allow the key turn out of the “ON” position while driving. This could cause the engine to turn off suddenly. It could also cause the airbag system not to work properly in a crash. Note: This is a voluntary service campaign that is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. This problem only affects certain parts used for replacement of original parts. Safety Risk: A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a crash. An airbag system that does not work properly in a crash could cause an increased risk of injuries. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail and instruct them to take their vehicle to a dealer to inspect the ignition switch, and replace it as necessary.
Recall 201559922,864 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the passenger frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the passenger airbag to fully deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will replace airbag inflators. Note: This is an expansion of recall 2015-234.
Recall 2014223105,649 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles, the center and rear brake lines may become perforated due to corrosion. This would cause a leak in the brake system potentially increasing stopping distances, which could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will inspect vehicles and either apply an anti-corrosion coating to the lines, or replace them as necessary. Note: This recall supersedes recall 2013092. Vehicles that were inspected and/or repaired under the previous recall will require re-inspection and/or repair.
Recall 201309225,732 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles, due to the design of the fuel tank protector, the center and rear brake lines may become perforated due to corrosion. This would cause a leak in the brake system potentially increasing stopping distances, which could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will inspect vehicles and either apply an anti-corrosion coating to the lines, or replace them as necessary. Note: This recall is superseded by recall 2014223.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 190,000 milesVirginia Beach, VAFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
ABOUT 4 WEEKS AGO, ON LATE SATURDAY MORNING, DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE, FROM RICHMOND, VA MY CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE IN HAMPTON. THE CAR JOLTED A LITTLE AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, SMOKE BECAME VISIBLE, BUT THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE WAS NOT RUNNING HIGH. A WITNESS RAN TOWARD THE CAR YELLING TO GET OUT OF THE CAR BECAUSE IT WAS ON FIRE. EVEN THOUGH 2 FIRE TRUCKS WERE ON THE SCENE, IT TOOK A LITTLE WHILE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE AND EVERYTHING UNDER THE HOOD WAS BURNT TO A CRISP. UNFORTUNATELY, IT WAS NOT RECOVERABLE. ARE YOU AWARE OF WHAT MAY HAVE POSSIBLY CAUSED THIS TO HAPPEN?
NHTSA complaint #11308055 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesVirginia Beach, VAFire
ENGINE
ABOUT 4 WEEKS AGO, ON LATE SATURDAY MORNING, DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE, FROM RICHMOND, VA MY CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE IN HAMPTON. THE CAR JOLTED A LITTLE AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, SMOKE BECAME VISIBLE, BUT THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE WAS NOT RUNNING HIGH. A WITNESS RAN TOWARD THE CAR YELLING TO GET OUT OF THE CAR BECAUSE IT WAS ON FIRE. EVEN THOUGH 2 FIRE TRUCKS WERE ON THE SCENE, IT TOOK A LITTLE WHILE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE AND EVERYTHING UNDER THE HOOD WAS BURNT TO A CRISP. UNFORTUNATELY, IT WAS NOT RECOVERABLE. ARE YOU AWARE OF WHAT MAY HAVE POSSIBLY CAUSED THIS TO HAPPEN?
NHTSA complaint #11308055 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 142,000 milesBuffalo, NYCrash
AIR BAGS
WHILE TRAVELING THRU THE ADIRONDACK REGION OF NY ON A SUNDAY AFTERNOON RETURNING HOME FROM VT I PROCEEDED TO PASS A VEHICLE FROM THE CENTER LANE INTO THE LEFT LANE. SPEED WAS 65MPH ACCELERATING TO 69MPH TO PASS, NOT MORE THAN 250 FT LATER OUR VEHICLE STARTED TO FISHTAIL THEN HEAD RIGHT INTO NUMEROUS 360 SPINS TAKING OUT 35 FT OR SO OF GUARD RAIL AND CRUNCHING AND DAMAGING ALMOST EVERY SIDE AND CORNER OF OUR OUTBACK. BOTH HANDS WERE ON THE WHEEL, I DID NOT HIT ANY SNOW OR ICE THAT I AM AWARE OF AND I WAS NOT SPEEDING EXCESSIVELY. NOT ONE OF OUR AIRBAGS DEPLOYED EITHER!! I AM CONFIDENT THERE WAS SOME SORT OF MECHANICAL OR ELECTRICAL ISSUE WITH THE STABILITY CONTROL OF THE 2006 OUTBACK WE WERE DRIVING AND AM THANKFUL WE WERE NOT SERIOUSLY INJURED.
NHTSA complaint #10682387 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 142,000 milesBuffalo, NYCrash
STEERING
WHILE TRAVELING THRU THE ADIRONDACK REGION OF NY ON A SUNDAY AFTERNOON RETURNING HOME FROM VT I PROCEEDED TO PASS A VEHICLE FROM THE CENTER LANE INTO THE LEFT LANE. SPEED WAS 65MPH ACCELERATING TO 69MPH TO PASS, NOT MORE THAN 250 FT LATER OUR VEHICLE STARTED TO FISHTAIL THEN HEAD RIGHT INTO NUMEROUS 360 SPINS TAKING OUT 35 FT OR SO OF GUARD RAIL AND CRUNCHING AND DAMAGING ALMOST EVERY SIDE AND CORNER OF OUR OUTBACK. BOTH HANDS WERE ON THE WHEEL, I DID NOT HIT ANY SNOW OR ICE THAT I AM AWARE OF AND I WAS NOT SPEEDING EXCESSIVELY. NOT ONE OF OUR AIRBAGS DEPLOYED EITHER!! I AM CONFIDENT THERE WAS SOME SORT OF MECHANICAL OR ELECTRICAL ISSUE WITH THE STABILITY CONTROL OF THE 2006 OUTBACK WE WERE DRIVING AND AM THANKFUL WE WERE NOT SERIOUSLY INJURED.
NHTSA complaint #10682387 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 142,000 milesBuffalo, NYCrash
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
WHILE TRAVELING THRU THE ADIRONDACK REGION OF NY ON A SUNDAY AFTERNOON RETURNING HOME FROM VT I PROCEEDED TO PASS A VEHICLE FROM THE CENTER LANE INTO THE LEFT LANE. SPEED WAS 65MPH ACCELERATING TO 69MPH TO PASS, NOT MORE THAN 250 FT LATER OUR VEHICLE STARTED TO FISHTAIL THEN HEAD RIGHT INTO NUMEROUS 360 SPINS TAKING OUT 35 FT OR SO OF GUARD RAIL AND CRUNCHING AND DAMAGING ALMOST EVERY SIDE AND CORNER OF OUR OUTBACK. BOTH HANDS WERE ON THE WHEEL, I DID NOT HIT ANY SNOW OR ICE THAT I AM AWARE OF AND I WAS NOT SPEEDING EXCESSIVELY. NOT ONE OF OUR AIRBAGS DEPLOYED EITHER!! I AM CONFIDENT THERE WAS SOME SORT OF MECHANICAL OR ELECTRICAL ISSUE WITH THE STABILITY CONTROL OF THE 2006 OUTBACK WE WERE DRIVING AND AM THANKFUL WE WERE NOT SERIOUSLY INJURED.
NHTSA complaint #10682387 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 82,000 milesKooskia, IDFire
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, A TOXIC ODOR EMITTED FROM OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE AXLE BOOT HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000.
NHTSA complaint #10643656 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Bethel, ME
SERVICE BRAKES
I was driving home when my brake pedal went all the way to the floor. Next, I realized I could not stop the vehicle. I was able to pull over and stop. A puddle was pooling under my vehicle by the rear passenger tire. I received no lights or illumination or warning.
NHTSA complaint #11670391 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mead, WA
SERVICE BRAKES
My brake warning light came on as I was driving down a steep decline on a narrow road. When I found a safe place to pull over I found I had very little brakes. It was found that once a plastic shield was removed from the rear of the car that the plastic shield was full of mud and water and had corroded the brake lines causing the brake fluid to drain out of the system. It appears there was a recall for this but only in salt belt states. I have only owned the car for a year and it does not show any outstanding recalls.
NHTSA complaint #11646332 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Capon Bridge, WV
SERVICE BRAKES
Was driving approximately 35mph missed my turn went to hit brakes and brakes pedal went straight to the floor.started pumping the brakes to stop the car and had to use emergency brake to stop completely. After getting car home inspected rear brakes and both rear brakes lines are rust covered at connections.The passenger rear brake line had burst where 2 pieces of the line connect before going up and over gas tank.
NHTSA complaint #11583783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Titusville, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES
All the brake lines rusted through where they were unprotected and inserted into body clips resulting in a complete loss of brake fluid and the inability to stop the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11544649 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 168,000 milesNegaunee, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2006 Subaru Outback. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V311000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and had the recall repair completed. The contact stated on 11/30/2022 while his wife was driving 35 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that the low brake fluid warning light was illuminated. The driver continued to depress the brake pedal until the vehicle started to decelerate. The vehicle was parked on the side of the road. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact drove another vehicle to the location and trailered the vehicle back to his residence. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 168,000.
NHTSA complaint #11495831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 288,500 milesHudsonville, MI
SERVICE BRAKES
Rusting brake line recall WQK47 supposedly done to the vehicle June of 2015 with the vehicle having 244,246 miles. No brake lines were replaced at that time and only assume they only sprayed something on them. Car now has 288,500 miles and the right rear brake line rotted out in the clip mount to the body. Luckily wife was able to stop the car and didn't get into an accident.
NHTSA complaint #11494313 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Salt Lake City, UT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Rear hatch door malfunction of security lock.
NHTSA complaint #11483915 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rockwell, IA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The engine will randomly loose power. This has happened three times now. You must coast to a stop, turn the key off and try to restart the car. Sometime it will take several tries to restart. I see this as a real safety concern in heavy traffic. Especially so if heavy traffic makes it impossible to reach the side of the road safely. The service code points to the throttle peddle position sensor. Reading some of the internet forums it seems to be a fairly common issue. Of course internet forums must be considered carefully. However with the above said I see this issue as a real safety concern. Not only for my safety but those around me if this happens in heavy traffic. Thank you
NHTSA complaint #11460840 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rockwell, IA
ENGINE
The engine will randomly loose power. This has happened three times now. You must coast to a stop, turn the key off and try to restart the car. Sometime it will take several tries to restart. I see this as a real safety concern in heavy traffic. Especially so if heavy traffic makes it impossible to reach the side of the road safely. The service code points to the throttle peddle position sensor. Reading some of the internet forums it seems to be a fairly common issue. Of course internet forums must be considered carefully. However with the above said I see this issue as a real safety concern. Not only for my safety but those around me if this happens in heavy traffic. Thank you
NHTSA complaint #11460840 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gwinn, MI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The vehicle becomes uncontrollable on light ice. The rear end will "ghost walk" (seems to steer on its own). I have driven in snow my entire life and have never experienced this issue in any other vehicle. I am also an ASE certified master technician. It only happens if I have passengers in the rear seat or groceries in the cargo area. The car is not even close to its cargo limit. The tires have been replaced and an alignment performed and the issue remains. I found that this is a commonly reported problem in the forums. The car is absolutely unsafe in this condition. I was being passed by every other car on the road. The rear end will float back and forth over 35 mph regardless of any driver input (acceleration, deceleration, steering input etc).
NHTSA complaint #11450735 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gwinn, MI
SUSPENSION
The vehicle becomes uncontrollable on light ice. The rear end will "ghost walk" (seems to steer on its own). I have driven in snow my entire life and have never experienced this issue in any other vehicle. I am also an ASE certified master technician. It only happens if I have passengers in the rear seat or groceries in the cargo area. The car is not even close to its cargo limit. The tires have been replaced and an alignment performed and the issue remains. I found that this is a commonly reported problem in the forums. The car is absolutely unsafe in this condition. I was being passed by every other car on the road. The rear end will float back and forth over 35 mph regardless of any driver input (acceleration, deceleration, steering input etc).
NHTSA complaint #11450735 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Deerfield, IL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The accelerator pedal position sensor is faulty. It is prone to wear in these vehicles based on my research. This caused my car to go into limp-mode on the highway, rapidly cutting my speed in half. The accelerator provides no response until vehicle was restarted. The ECU put out the code P2138 for loss of voltage in throttle system.
NHTSA complaint #11445826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Deerfield, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The accelerator pedal position sensor is faulty. It is prone to wear in these vehicles based on my research. This caused my car to go into limp-mode on the highway, rapidly cutting my speed in half. The accelerator provides no response until vehicle was restarted. The ECU put out the code P2138 for loss of voltage in throttle system.
NHTSA complaint #11445826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Westbrook, ME
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
OBD Code P2138 (Throttle/ Pedal Position Sensor/ Switch D / E voltage correlation). This code pops up intermittently resulting in the car going into "limp mode". Truly dangerous, if this occurs when traveling at speed in traffic or when pulling away from a stop light. It is hard to pin down; but, it generally happens with high humidity or When you start the car after a cool night when there has been a lot of condensation that has formed on the car. A check of Subaru forums shows that this is a prevalent and / or recurring problem with many Subaru models. (I have also found mention of similar problems with other manufactures.) Dealers and mechanics have confirmed this problem with other Subaru makes. There is no advance warning of this malfunction until after it occurs. Once it occurs the car goes into "limp mode", the check engine light flashes and the cruise control light flashes.
NHTSA complaint #11436850 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2006 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle shut-off with the check engine and cruise control warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle went into limp mode as the contact steered the vehicle to the shoulder of the highway. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic where they diagnosed the vehicle with a defective throttle body. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was repaired but remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 217,000.
NHTSA complaint #11434091 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesPortland, OR
AIR BAGS
2006 SUBARU OUTBACK HEAD GASKETS WENT BAD AT ABOUT 35,000 MILES.HAD TO REPLACE THOSE CALLED SUBARU AND THEY HELP ME GET THOSE REPLACED. THOUGHT ALL WAS WELL SOON AFTER, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM INCLUDING THE AIR CONDITIONER AND THE HEATER .THEN I WAS TOLD THAT THE AIRBAGS WERE DEFAULTED AND TO BRING IT INTO REPLACE THEM WHICH I DID. THE FINAL STRAW IS THAT THEY CALLED ME AGAIN TWO WEEKS AGO TO BRING THE RIGGING TO REPLACE THAT SAME AIRBAG AGAIN. I ASKED THEM WHY THEY GAVE ME A CAR THAT WASN'T SAFE. THE WHEEL BEARINGS ALSO WORE OUT VERY EARLY AROUND 50 MILES. THIS CAR HAS BEEN SO EXPENSIVE. AND NOW THEY INFORMED ME THAT THERE WAS A SECOND RECALL ON THE AIRBAG. SO I BRING IT IN FOR THE SECOND TIME REALIZING THAT NOW IN 2021 THIS CAR HAS NOT BEEN SAFE THE WHOLE TIME I'VE BEEN DRIVING IT WITH MY FAMILY MY DAUGHTER LEARNED HOW TO DRIVE IN THIS CAR AND SO DID MY SON. AS THEY WERE REPAIRING THE FAULTY AIRBAG THEY CRACKED THE DASHBOARD AND THEN INFORMED ME THAT IT WOULD BE $300 TO FIX IT BECAUSE IT HAD A TINY CRACK IN IT. PLEASE NOTE THAT THEY WERE THE ONES THAT TOOK THE DASHBOARD OFF IN THE FIRST PLACE. SUPER RUDE! I CALLED SUBARU OF AMERICA AND THEY DECIDED TO REIMBURSE ME FOR THE DASHBOARD. THEY WERE TALKING ABOUT GLUING IT BACK TOGETHER LAST I HEARD I'M VERY MUCH HOPING THIS IS NOT THE CASE MY DAUGHTER ENSURES ME THAT IT ISN'T BUT WE'LL SEE. ALSO HE INFORMED ME THAT MY HEAD GASKETS WERE LEAKING AGAIN. THE MECHANIC SAID THAT THIS IS COMMON ONCE YOU'VE HAD YOUR GASKETS REPLACED. THIS MAKES NO SENSE TO ME. MY CAR HAS ABOUT 160,000 MILES ON IT AND IT SEEMS LIKE IT'S ALREADY PLAYED OUT AND NOT SAFE. WHAT A JOKE. I'LL NEVER BUY A SUBARU AGAIN.THIS HAS BEEN THE WORST CAR AND APPARENTLY THE MOST UNSAFE CAR I'VE EVER OWNED. NOTE:THIS CAR WAS CONSISTENTLY UNSAFE WHILE DRIVING FOR THE LAST 15 YEARS. I BOUGHT IT BECAUSE IT HAD A FIVE STAR RATING FOR SAFETY WHAT A JOKE!
NHTSA complaint #11404941 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesPortland, OR
WHEELS
2006 SUBARU OUTBACK HEAD GASKETS WENT BAD AT ABOUT 35,000 MILES.HAD TO REPLACE THOSE CALLED SUBARU AND THEY HELP ME GET THOSE REPLACED. THOUGHT ALL WAS WELL SOON AFTER, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM INCLUDING THE AIR CONDITIONER AND THE HEATER .THEN I WAS TOLD THAT THE AIRBAGS WERE DEFAULTED AND TO BRING IT INTO REPLACE THEM WHICH I DID. THE FINAL STRAW IS THAT THEY CALLED ME AGAIN TWO WEEKS AGO TO BRING THE RIGGING TO REPLACE THAT SAME AIRBAG AGAIN. I ASKED THEM WHY THEY GAVE ME A CAR THAT WASN'T SAFE. THE WHEEL BEARINGS ALSO WORE OUT VERY EARLY AROUND 50 MILES. THIS CAR HAS BEEN SO EXPENSIVE. AND NOW THEY INFORMED ME THAT THERE WAS A SECOND RECALL ON THE AIRBAG. SO I BRING IT IN FOR THE SECOND TIME REALIZING THAT NOW IN 2021 THIS CAR HAS NOT BEEN SAFE THE WHOLE TIME I'VE BEEN DRIVING IT WITH MY FAMILY MY DAUGHTER LEARNED HOW TO DRIVE IN THIS CAR AND SO DID MY SON. AS THEY WERE REPAIRING THE FAULTY AIRBAG THEY CRACKED THE DASHBOARD AND THEN INFORMED ME THAT IT WOULD BE $300 TO FIX IT BECAUSE IT HAD A TINY CRACK IN IT. PLEASE NOTE THAT THEY WERE THE ONES THAT TOOK THE DASHBOARD OFF IN THE FIRST PLACE. SUPER RUDE! I CALLED SUBARU OF AMERICA AND THEY DECIDED TO REIMBURSE ME FOR THE DASHBOARD. THEY WERE TALKING ABOUT GLUING IT BACK TOGETHER LAST I HEARD I'M VERY MUCH HOPING THIS IS NOT THE CASE MY DAUGHTER ENSURES ME THAT IT ISN'T BUT WE'LL SEE. ALSO HE INFORMED ME THAT MY HEAD GASKETS WERE LEAKING AGAIN. THE MECHANIC SAID THAT THIS IS COMMON ONCE YOU'VE HAD YOUR GASKETS REPLACED. THIS MAKES NO SENSE TO ME. MY CAR HAS ABOUT 160,000 MILES ON IT AND IT SEEMS LIKE IT'S ALREADY PLAYED OUT AND NOT SAFE. WHAT A JOKE. I'LL NEVER BUY A SUBARU AGAIN.THIS HAS BEEN THE WORST CAR AND APPARENTLY THE MOST UNSAFE CAR I'VE EVER OWNED. NOTE:THIS CAR WAS CONSISTENTLY UNSAFE WHILE DRIVING FOR THE LAST 15 YEARS. I BOUGHT IT BECAUSE IT HAD A FIVE STAR RATING FOR SAFETY WHAT A JOKE!
NHTSA complaint #11404941 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesPortland, OR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2006 SUBARU OUTBACK HEAD GASKETS WENT BAD AT ABOUT 35,000 MILES.HAD TO REPLACE THOSE CALLED SUBARU AND THEY HELP ME GET THOSE REPLACED. THOUGHT ALL WAS WELL SOON AFTER, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM INCLUDING THE AIR CONDITIONER AND THE HEATER .THEN I WAS TOLD THAT THE AIRBAGS WERE DEFAULTED AND TO BRING IT INTO REPLACE THEM WHICH I DID. THE FINAL STRAW IS THAT THEY CALLED ME AGAIN TWO WEEKS AGO TO BRING THE RIGGING TO REPLACE THAT SAME AIRBAG AGAIN. I ASKED THEM WHY THEY GAVE ME A CAR THAT WASN'T SAFE. THE WHEEL BEARINGS ALSO WORE OUT VERY EARLY AROUND 50 MILES. THIS CAR HAS BEEN SO EXPENSIVE. AND NOW THEY INFORMED ME THAT THERE WAS A SECOND RECALL ON THE AIRBAG. SO I BRING IT IN FOR THE SECOND TIME REALIZING THAT NOW IN 2021 THIS CAR HAS NOT BEEN SAFE THE WHOLE TIME I'VE BEEN DRIVING IT WITH MY FAMILY MY DAUGHTER LEARNED HOW TO DRIVE IN THIS CAR AND SO DID MY SON. AS THEY WERE REPAIRING THE FAULTY AIRBAG THEY CRACKED THE DASHBOARD AND THEN INFORMED ME THAT IT WOULD BE $300 TO FIX IT BECAUSE IT HAD A TINY CRACK IN IT. PLEASE NOTE THAT THEY WERE THE ONES THAT TOOK THE DASHBOARD OFF IN THE FIRST PLACE. SUPER RUDE! I CALLED SUBARU OF AMERICA AND THEY DECIDED TO REIMBURSE ME FOR THE DASHBOARD. THEY WERE TALKING ABOUT GLUING IT BACK TOGETHER LAST I HEARD I'M VERY MUCH HOPING THIS IS NOT THE CASE MY DAUGHTER ENSURES ME THAT IT ISN'T BUT WE'LL SEE. ALSO HE INFORMED ME THAT MY HEAD GASKETS WERE LEAKING AGAIN. THE MECHANIC SAID THAT THIS IS COMMON ONCE YOU'VE HAD YOUR GASKETS REPLACED. THIS MAKES NO SENSE TO ME. MY CAR HAS ABOUT 160,000 MILES ON IT AND IT SEEMS LIKE IT'S ALREADY PLAYED OUT AND NOT SAFE. WHAT A JOKE. I'LL NEVER BUY A SUBARU AGAIN.THIS HAS BEEN THE WORST CAR AND APPARENTLY THE MOST UNSAFE CAR I'VE EVER OWNED. NOTE:THIS CAR WAS CONSISTENTLY UNSAFE WHILE DRIVING FOR THE LAST 15 YEARS. I BOUGHT IT BECAUSE IT HAD A FIVE STAR RATING FOR SAFETY WHAT A JOKE!
NHTSA complaint #11404941 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesPleasant Grove, UT
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I EXPERIENCED MY GAS PEDAL NO LONGER WORKING WHILE DRIVING, CAR WAS DRIVING WELL, ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET GOING ABOUT 25 MPH, THEN THERE WAS SUDDENLY NO GAS/ACCELERATION, HAD TO COAST TO A STOP. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT WAS FLASHING. ABOUT 2 HOURS LATER THE CAR WAS RUNNING NORMAL AGAIN. THE DIAGNOSIS CODE GIVEN WAS P2138 THROTTLE/PEDAL POSITION SENSOR/SWITCH D/E VOLTAGE CORRELATION. IT IS VERY SCARY AND UNSAFE TO SUDDENLY NOT HAVE POWER WHILE DRIVING, WILL BE DRIVING ON THE OUTSIDE LANE UNTIL THE PROBLEM IS FIXED TO I CAN GET OUT OF TRAFFIC SAFELY.
NHTSA complaint #11398751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesPleasant Grove, UT
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I EXPERIENCED MY GAS PEDAL NO LONGER WORKING WHILE DRIVING, CAR WAS DRIVING WELL, ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET GOING ABOUT 25 MPH, THEN THERE WAS SUDDENLY NO GAS/ACCELERATION, HAD TO COAST TO A STOP. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT WAS FLASHING. ABOUT 2 HOURS LATER THE CAR WAS RUNNING NORMAL AGAIN. THE DIAGNOSIS CODE GIVEN WAS P2138 THROTTLE/PEDAL POSITION SENSOR/SWITCH D/E VOLTAGE CORRELATION. IT IS VERY SCARY AND UNSAFE TO SUDDENLY NOT HAVE POWER WHILE DRIVING, WILL BE DRIVING ON THE OUTSIDE LANE UNTIL THE PROBLEM IS FIXED TO I CAN GET OUT OF TRAFFIC SAFELY.
NHTSA complaint #11398751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesPleasant Grove, UT
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I EXPERIENCED MY GAS PEDAL NO LONGER WORKING WHILE DRIVING, CAR WAS DRIVING WELL, ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET GOING ABOUT 25 MPH, THEN THERE WAS SUDDENLY NO GAS/ACCELERATION, HAD TO COAST TO A STOP. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT WAS FLASHING. ABOUT 2 HOURS LATER THE CAR WAS RUNNING NORMAL AGAIN. THE DIAGNOSIS CODE GIVEN WAS P2138 THROTTLE/PEDAL POSITION SENSOR/SWITCH D/E VOLTAGE CORRELATION. IT IS VERY SCARY AND UNSAFE TO SUDDENLY NOT HAVE POWER WHILE DRIVING, WILL BE DRIVING ON THE OUTSIDE LANE UNTIL THE PROBLEM IS FIXED TO I CAN GET OUT OF TRAFFIC SAFELY.
NHTSA complaint #11398751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 156,000 milesAsheville, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I'M DRIVING ALONG & SUDDENLY ALL THE LIGHTS GO ON & THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DOES NOTHING, THE CAR JUST LOSES POWER. I HAVE TO PULL OVER, NOT ALWAYS IN A SAFE SPOT, BECAUSE IT WON'T DO ANYTHING! TURN THE CAR OFF & WAIT 5 MINUTES. THEN IT WILL START BACK UP, WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT & CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT BLINKING. AFTER ABOUT 3 RESTARTS THOSE LIGHTS TURN OFF. I'VE HAD THEERROR CODE READ & ITS P2138. WHEN A CAR JUST STOPS DRIVING IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC, IT'S VERY DANGEROUS & I'VE BEEN READING ONLINE THAT IT'S COMMON IN THIS YEAR SUBARU & IT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED!! IT'S BEEN HAPPENING MORE FREQUENTLY & LAST TIME ON THE FREEWAY!!!
NHTSA complaint #11396931 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 146,000 milesAnchorage, AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT DOWN THE HIGHWAY GOING ABOUT 50-60 MPH AND OUT OF NOWHERE MY THROTTLE PEDDLE FAILED TO WORK. MY CAR IMMEDIATELY SLOWED DOWN TO A CRAWL AND I HAD TO QUICKLY FIND A SAFE PLACE TO PULL OVER ON A ROAD WITH BARELY ANY SHOULDER. LUCKILY NOT MANY CARS WERE ON THE ROAD SO I DID NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT A PILE-UP ACCIDENT. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON WHILE THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT BEGAN TO FLASH ON AND OFF. AFTER TURNING THE CAR OFF AND WAITING A FEW MINUTES I DECIDED TO TRY AND DRIVE THE CAR AGAIN SINCE I WAS IN AN AREA WITH NO SERVICE AND IT WAS BELOW FREEZING OUTSIDE. THE CAR STARTED AND I COULD USE THE THROTTLE PEDDLE AND THE CAR DROVE WITH NO PROBLEM FOR ABOUT 5 MILES BEFORE THE SAME EXACT THING HAPPENED. LUCKILY SOMEONE DROVE BY AND I WAS ABLE TO CATCH A RIDE WITH THEM TO GET SERVICE AND CALL A TOW TRUCK. THIS ISSUE CAME OUT OF NOWHERE WITH NO PRIOR ISSUES TO THE CAR. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS ISSUE THAT COULD RESULT IN NOT ONLY AN ACCIDENT ON THE ROAD BECAUSE OF THE RAPID SPEED DECREASE BUT ALSO RISKS LEAVING PEOPLE STRANDED LIKE I WAS.
NHTSA complaint #11396516 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesHauser, ID
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL HOWEVER, THE PEDAL REMAINED IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION. THE VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO LIMP MODE. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER, TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE RESIDENCE. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. NEITHER A DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11386706 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 156,000 milesSouthington, CT
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
AT HIGHWAY SPEED THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST POWER. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON SOLID WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT BLINKING. THE CAR DID NOT RESPOND TO ANY INPUTS FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND BEGAN TO DECELERATE. UPON STOPPING AND SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL THE CAR HELD ITSELF AROUND 2800RPM WITH NO ACCELERATOR INPUT FROM THE DRIVER. AFTER READING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CODE, THE CAR GAVE A P2138 INDICATING A PROBLEM WITH THE PEDAL POSITION SENSOR.
NHTSA complaint #11376455 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.