1997 Subaru Outback Latches & Locks Problems
4 owner-reported latches & locks complaints from NHTSA data
Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
Owner Complaints (4)
THE HOOD FLEW OPEN WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE HOOD CRACKED THE FRONT WINDSHIELD, DENTED THE HOOD AND BENT THE HINGES. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO A FAULTY HOOD LATCH. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE BOTH NOTIFIED. *JB
CONSUMER STATES THAT LATCHES, LOCKS AND HINGES ARE RUSTED. DEALER STATED NOTHING WE COULD DO. VEHICLE'S WARRANTY EXPIRED. *AK
WHILE DRIVING DOWN ROUTE. 495 AT 65 MPH DURING THE 6:30-6:45 A.M. RUSH HOUR, (PRIMARILY LARGE TRUCKS BARRELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY), THE HOOD OF MY CAR POPPED OPEN, SHATTERING MY WINDSHIELD, DENTING AND CAUSING THE HOOD TO HAVE TO BE REPLACED, DENTING THE ROOF, AND CAUSING THE REAR VIEW MIRROR TO FALL OFF. WITH THE GRACE OF GOD, I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY MANEUVER THE VEHICLE OFF THE HIGHWAY. THE MINOR INJURIES I SUSTAINED WERE TO MY UPPER BACK AND LEFT SIDE OF MY NECK. THESE INJURIES ARE NOT DISABLING, BUT PAINFUL AND ANNOYING. I DID NOT SEEK MEDICAL ASSISTANCE THE DAY OF THE ACCIDENT BECAUSE I WAS MORE SHAKEN UP AND IN SHOCK THAT THIS HAPPENED. *JB
WHEN DRIVING REAR TAILGATE COME UNLATCHED. TAILGATE DID NOT STAY FULLY LATCHED. ALSO, NOTE TAILGATE HAS NOT COME FULLY OPENED. CONSUMER HAS YET TO CONTACT DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK