1997 Subaru Outback Suspension Problems
4 owner-reported suspension complaints from NHTSA data
Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
Suspension Recalls (2)
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.
Fix: DEALERS WILL NOTIFIY CUSTOMERS TO BRING THEIR VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE A SPRING GUARD INSTALLED ON BOTH FRONT STRUTS TO PREVENT TIRE PUNCTURE AND REPLACE ANY BROKEN SPRINGS FREE OF CHARGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 18, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY:HANGER,BRACKET
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER STATION WAGON, SEDAN AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. DUE TO IMPROPER WELDING, FRACTURES CAN OCCUR ON THE SUPPORT BRACKET OF THE FRONT TRANSVERSE LINK.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE IF NECESSARY THE FRONT SUSPENSION SUPPORT BRACKETS.
Owner Complaints (4)
RECALL 01 V 216 000/FRONT COIL SPRING: UNABLE TO GET DEALER; HASSETT DEALERSHIP; WANTAH, NY; PHONE# 516/785-7800 TO HONOR RECALL DUE TO NO PARTS BEING AVAILABLE. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION ON THIS MATTER.*AK
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 50MPH ON THE HIGHWAY AND VEHICLE STARTED TO VEER TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT, GOING INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THEN, VEHICLE VIOLENTLY STARTED GOING BACKWARDS, HITTING A BRICK WALL . *AK
POSSIBLE FAILURE OF RECALLED FRONT TRANSVERSE LINK MAY HAVE CAUSED VEHICLE TO SUDDENLY SHAKE VIOLENTLY, LOOSE BRAKING ABILITY AND RUN OFF ROAD INTO A GUARDRAIL. DRIVER SUSTAINED A FEW BRUISES.
POSSIBLE WELD FRACTURE IN THE HANGER BRACKET OF THE FRONT TRANSVERSE LINK RECALLED, RECALL WORK NOT DONE DUE TO LACK OF PART.