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Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

2011 Subaru Outback — Known Issues & Recalls

16 Recalls647 Owner Complaints11 Categories Affected
647
Total Complaints
16
Open Recalls
22
Crashes
6
Fires
6
Injuries

Complaints from Jan 2016 to Dec 2024

The most reported issue is power train problems (164 complaints). 22 complaints involved crashes. 6 involved fires.

Open Safety Recalls (16)

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Sep 2019

NHTSA Campaign: 19V008000

Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, and Legacy vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Risk: An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-19.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Invalid Date

NHTSA Campaign: 18V626000

Component: PARKING BRAKE

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with a manual transmission. The electronic parking brake (EPB) may not engage as intended, allowing the vehicle to rollaway if the transmission is not in the proper gear when parked.

Risk: A vehicle rollaway can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPB actuator assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 19, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTV-81.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Sep 2019

NHTSA Campaign: 19V007000

Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Forester, 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, Legacy, and 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Risk: An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-19.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Sep 2019

NHTSA Campaign: 19V009000

Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Risk: An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-19.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Feb 2020

NHTSA Campaign: 20V002000

Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-20.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Feb 2020

NHTSA Campaign: 20V003000

Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-20.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Feb 2020

NHTSA Campaign: 20V001000

Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-20.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Nov 2019

NHTSA Campaign: 19V297000

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part. The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on the key ring and certain road conditions could cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.

Risk: The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash. If a crash occurs under this condition, the air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 10, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUF-91.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Sep 2018

NHTSA Campaign: 18V012000

Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Legacy, Forester, Tribeca, WRX and Outback vehicles, and 2009-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Risk: An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-18.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Invalid Date

NHTSA Campaign: 16V694000

Component: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Legacy vehicles manufactured November 26, 2008, to June 7, 2013, and 2010-2014 Outback vehicles manufactured January 9, 2009 to June 7, 2013. Due to contamination, components within the windshield wiper motor bottom cover may interfere with each other. If an obstruction, such as a buildup of snow or ice prevents the wiper arms from being able to stop in the parked position, the wiper motor may overheat and the bottom cover may melt.

Risk: If the windshield wiper motor overheats, the wipers may fail, reducing driver visibility and increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, the wiper motor cover may melt, increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor bottom cover assembly, free of charge. The recall began October 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTK-71. Note: This recall supersedes recall 11V-469. All vehicles that were remedied under that campaign are affected by this campaign, and need to have their wiper motor bottom cover replaced again.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Oct 2017

NHTSA Campaign: 17V014000

Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Subaru Baja, 2006-2011 Impreza (including WRX and STI models), 2006-2012 Tribeca, 2009-2012 Forester, Legacy, Outback, and 2012 WRX vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-17.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Invalid Date

NHTSA Campaign: 16V358000

Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, 2009-2011 Legacy, Outback, Forester, 2006-2011 Impreza, Tribeca, 2003-2006 Baja, and 2006 Saab 9-2x vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." These vehicles may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 26, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Saab owners may contact GM at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-16.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Jul 2011

NHTSA Campaign: 11V467000

Component: VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 OUTBACK AND LEGACY VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 3, 2010, THROUGH JULY 1, 2011. THE MOONROOF GLASS MAY COME LOOSE OR DETACH. THE AMOUNT AND POSITION OF THE ADHESIVE BETWEEN THE GLASS AND RETAINER WAS INADEQUATELY APPLIED.

Risk: THE MOONROOF GLASS CAN LOOSEN AND DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE DURING DRIVING, RESULTING IN A POTENTIAL ROAD HAZARD FOR OTHER VEHICLES, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Fix: SUBARU WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE GLASS ADHESION CONDITION AND EITHER APPLY ADDITIONAL ADHESIVE OR REPLACE THE MOONROOF GLASS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING OCTOBER 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Invalid Date

NHTSA Campaign: 13V061000

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, certain model year 2012-2013 Impreza vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, and certain model year 2013 XV Crosstrek vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory. Additionally included are certain model year 2013 Legacy and Outback vehicles that may have received replacement RES fobs. If the RES fob is dropped, the fob may malfunction and randomly transmit an engine start request without pressing the button.

Risk: The engine may inadvertently start and run for up to fifteen minutes. The engine may continue to start and stop until the fob battery is depleted, or until the vehicle runs out of fuel. If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area, there is a risk of carbon monoxide build-up which may cause headaches, dizziness or, in extreme cases, unconsciousness and/or asphyxiation.

Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RES key fobs, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Invalid Date

NHTSA Campaign: 12V602000

Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010 and 2011 Legacy and Outback vehicles, certain model year 2006 through 2012 Tribeca vehicles sold before January 2012, and certain model year 2009 through 2012 Forester vehicles sold before January 2012. Up to 78,650 of these vehicles may have been equipped with accessory puddle lights that, when illuminated, brighten the area under the doors of the vehicle. A short circuit can develop when either the puddle light or connector are exposed to an electrolytic moisture source (such as road spray that has road salt in it) and it penetrates the circuit board of the puddle light or the pins of the puddle light connector(s).

Risk: Over time, migration of the moisture into the circuit board and/or into the connector cavity, may result in a short circuit of the puddle light system. This may generate heat which may melt the plastic resulting in smoke or fire.

Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional fused-harness, free of charge. The recall began February 19, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Invalid Date

NHTSA Campaign: 10V326000

Component: POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 AND 2011 OUTBACK AND LEGACY PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 28 THROUGH JUNE 23, 2010. DUE TO A PROGRAMMING ERROR, A LUBRICATION HOLE WITHIN THE 6-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION WAS OMITTED.

Risk: IF THE TRANSMISSION GEARS ARE NOT PROPERLY LUBRICATED, A GROANING SOUND MAY BEGIN TO DEVELOP ALERTING THE DRIVER OF A PROBLEM. IF THE SOUND IS IGNORED AND NO ACTION IS TAKEN, THE GEARS WILL EVENTUALLY BREAK AND THIS CONDITION WILL LEAD TO VEHICLE POWER LOSS, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.

Fix: SUBARU WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES BY DRILLING AN OIL LUBRICATION HOLE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE INTERNAL PARTS WITH NEW ONES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.

Owner-Reported Issues (20 of 647)

Service Brakes6 issues
criticalSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Aug 2025

Your brake pedal suddenly went to the floor while you were shifting from park to drive, and brake fluid leaked out. Your brakes failed completely while the car was stopped, though no crash occurred. This may involve a brake line rupture, which is a known issue for some 2011 Subaru Outbacks in Michigan. A mechanic will need to inspect and replace the damaged brake line and refill the brake fluid system.

NHTSA #: 11678072
criticalSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jan 2025

While driving, your brake pedal became soft and your car lost all braking power. You discovered the brake fluid reservoir was empty and brake fluid was leaking from a line underneath the vehicle. Your mechanic identified this as related to recall WQK47r. The repair will likely involve replacing the leaking brake line and refilling the brake fluid system.

Parts you may need:

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NHTSA #: 11636389
criticalSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jan 2025

Your brake pedal went completely soft while driving, and you discovered the brake fluid reservoir was empty with fluid leaking underneath the car. A mechanic determined the brake line box had corroded, causing total brake failure with no warning signs. The repair will likely involve replacing the corroded brake line box and refilling the brake system with new fluid.

NHTSA #: 11635381
criticalSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jan 2025

While driving, your brake pedal went all the way to the floor, losing braking ability. Upon inspection, the rear passenger brake proportioning valve (4-way block) failed and fell apart due to rust. You've found multiple reports online of the same issue affecting other 2011 Subaru Outbacks. The brake proportioning valve will need to be replaced to restore proper braking function.

NHTSA #: 11635185
highSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Aug 2024

Your rear brake lines at the junction block on the right side have corroded and may need replacement. This appears to be a recurring issue affecting multiple model years and vehicle types with the same design. The repair will likely involve inspecting and replacing the corroded brake line sections at the junction block.

Parts you may need:

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NHTSA #: 11607704
highSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Mar 2024

Your parking brake actuator has failed, which prevents your parking brake from working properly. Subaru has issued a recall for this component, but only for manual transmission vehicles—not automatics like yours. The repair costs over $1,300, with the part alone costing $850, making it unaffordable for many owners and leaving you without this important safety feature. Fixing this will require replacing the parking brake actuator assembly.

NHTSA #: 11579189
Power Train4 issues
criticalPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Aug 2025

Your CVT transmission's valve body has failed, causing your vehicle to buck and jerk violently when accelerating from a stop. This creates a serious safety risk because the vehicle could suddenly stop without warning, potentially causing a rear-end collision at highway speeds. The transmission will likely need to be replaced, and the torque converter may also be damaged from the strain caused by the faulty valve body.

NHTSA #: 11682581
highPOWER TRAIN
Filed: May 2025

Your car isn't accelerating properly when you press the gas pedal at various speeds. A mechanic found that the transmission output shaft is bent and needs to be replaced. The problem started at 100,000 miles. Fixing this will require replacing the bent transmission output shaft, which typically involves removing and servicing the transmission.

NHTSA #: 11659784
highPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Feb 2025

Your car's torque converter is causing the engine to stall unexpectedly, similar to how a manual transmission car might stall. This is a known issue that Subaru addressed only with a service bulletin rather than a full recall, leaving you responsible for repair costs that could exceed several thousand dollars. The manufacturer is aware of this safety concern but has not issued a recall to cover the repair.

NHTSA #: 11640426
highPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Jan 2025

When you come to a stop, your engine RPMs drop and the engine stalls out, as if the transmission isn't fully engaging. The problem has gotten worse over time and now makes the car unsafe to drive. Subaru has declined to help with repairs, and a shop quoted $2,400 to fix it.

NHTSA #: 11636313
Air Bags2 issues
criticalAIR BAGS
Filed: Dec 2024

You received a recall notice about your 2011 Subaru Outback's airbags (Campaign 20V001000), but you want to be removed from the recall communications. You haven't contacted the dealer or manufacturer about this issue yet. The airbag system may have a defect that requires inspection and possible replacement.

NHTSA #: 11633232
highAIR BAGS
Filed: Sep 2024

Your airbag warning light is on. The dealer diagnosed that the passenger-side seat sensor near the hip area (between the passenger and door) has failed and needs to be replaced. Subaru says they won't cover the repair because your car has 230,000 miles on it. The repair will likely involve replacing the faulty seat sensor or the entire passenger seat assembly.

NHTSA #: 11614440
Unknown Or Other1 issue
criticalUNKNOWN OR OTHER
CrashFiled: Feb 2025

This complaint describes a financial and legal dispute rather than a vehicle defect. You co-signed a loan for someone else's vehicle but were never added to the title, leaving you financially responsible while having no ownership rights. The borrower has stopped making payments, failed to maintain insurance, and continued driving despite a suspended license and registration — resulting in accidents and insurance claim issues.

NHTSA #: 11642043
Power Train,electrical System,engine1 issue
criticalPOWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: Dec 2024

Your 2011 Subaru Outback appears to have multiple fluid leaks including coolant, power steering fluid, and gasoline, along with wet electrical components and loose vents that may be causing chemical odors throughout the cabin. You've experienced physical symptoms including skin irritation and hair loss from exposure to fumes, and the car produces unusual noises suggesting air or gas leakage even when off. The vehicle has not been professionally inspected to confirm the source of these issues. Diagnosis will require a full inspection of the cooling system, power steering lines, fuel system, and electrical connections to locate and seal the leaks.

NHTSA #: 11633292
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1 issue
criticalSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Aug 2024

While driving at 30-35 mph, your brake pedal suddenly went all the way to the floor and your brakes stopped working entirely, nearly causing a crash. Your brake warning light came on, and the vehicle could only be stopped by coasting into a parking lot. The dealer found that your brake lines had failed and replaced them, but the manufacturer denied warranty coverage due to an unknown recall on your vehicle.

Parts you may need:

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NHTSA #: 11607123
Vehicle Speed Control,service Brakes,fuel/propulsion System1 issue
criticalVEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
CrashFiled: Jun 2024

Your vehicle suddenly lost all braking ability while driving downhill, causing you to crash into a tree despite applying maximum brake pressure. The vehicle was totaled in the accident, and there were no warning signs of problems before this happened. Diagnosing this issue will require a complete inspection of the brake system, accelerator controls, and fuel system components to identify what caused the sudden loss of control.

NHTSA #: 11593358
Unknown Or Other,engine1 issue
highUNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
Filed: Oct 2025

Your car's engine is stalling and shutting off when you come to a stop at traffic lights, similar to stalling a manual transmission car. This issue has been occurring for several months and poses a safety concern when the engine unexpectedly dies while driving. The problem may be related to the torque converter locking mechanism. A mechanic will need to diagnose and potentially repair or replace the torque converter to resolve the stalling issue.

NHTSA #: 11692013
Suspension,structure,unknown Or Other1 issue
highSUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jan 2025

A dealership discovered rust and rot on your 2011 Subaru Outback's front subframe during an inspection, despite the dealer performing 100-point inspections every six months when you get oil changes — and the problem wasn't caught until last October. The dealer says fixing the subframe will cost $5,368.96 and needs to be done within 12 months, though you haven't noticed any warning lights. The repair will likely involve removing the affected subframe components and either replacing them or treating the rusted areas.

NHTSA #: 11634043
Power Train,structure,service Brakes1 issue
highPOWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Sep 2024

Your car shakes noticeably when driving around 50 mph and when braking. A mechanic found that your brakes are warped, the brake calipers are damaged, and your transmission's torque converter needs replacement—the shop may recommend replacing the entire transmission. Fixing this will likely involve brake service (new pads, rotors, and calipers) and significant transmission work or replacement.

NHTSA #: 11616153
Engine1 issue
highENGINE
Filed: Aug 2024

Your engine stalls unexpectedly when you try to slow down, even though no warning lights appear on your dashboard. You've been able to restart the engine while driving and it runs normally afterward, but this stalling happens repeatedly. The issue started around 153,000 miles. A mechanic should diagnose the stalling by checking the fuel system, ignition system, and engine sensors to identify the root cause.

NHTSA #: 11610039

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