2011 Subaru Outback Body & Structure Problems
5 owner-reported body & structure complaints from NHTSA data
Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
Owner Complaints (5)
The front subframe is rusted through on the driver's and passenger side. I am arranging to have it replaced now so it may not be available for inspection in the near future. A collapse of the subframe would obviously be a serious safety issue. I am a fairly competent amateur mechanic and found this issue myself. I've seen several instances of this discussed in online forums. This is the communication I exchanged with Subaru of America: From myself to SOA: ?Hi, I'm the owner of a very well maintained 2011 Outback. I was doing an oil change today and was looking to touch up what I thought was some surface rust on the front subframe. I was pretty upset when I saw that the front subframe was rusted through on both sides near the rear control arm mounts. This is obviously a safety issue. I know there have been issues with subframe rust on Subarus in the past and the company has replaced them. What can Subaru do to remedy this issue with our Outback? The reply from SOA: Dear [XXX], Thank you for contacting Subaru of America, Inc. We apologize for the delayed response. I am sorry to hear of the concern you are experiencing with your Outback. Subaru did issue a recall for much earlier, 2000-2002 models. This involved vehicles that may have been manufactured with improperly applied paint to the rear suspension subframe. The front subframe was not affected. Your 2011 Outback model is not affected by any warranty extensions, recalls, or service campaigns pertaining to this concern. Please know that we do track known issues through those publications. While we are always looking for ways to help our customers, your vehicle is currently outside of our warranty parameters for offering any type of repair assistance. Please let me know if you have any further questions. Sincerely, [XXX] Subaru of America, Inc. Customer Advocacy Department [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, I TOGGLED THE UP/DOWN FEATURE OF THE SUNROOF TO ENSURE THE LOUD WIND VIBRATIONS WEREN'T COMING FROM THE TOP OF MY CAR AND RETURNED IT TO ITS ORIGINAL POSITION. MOMENTS LATER, A HUGE NOISE ERUPTED FROM ABOVE ME AND I SHUT THE UPHOLSTERY SHADE CLOSED TO SEAL OFF THE HIGH SPEED WIND FROM ENTERING MY CAR AND PROCEEDED TO PULL OVER. WHEN I WAS ABLE TO STOP, I LOOKED UP TO SEE THAT THE ENTIRE WINDOW PANE WAS GONE. THE FRAME AND THE MECHANICAL FIXTURE WAS COMPLETELY IN TACT BUT THE WHOLE GLASS PIECE WAS MISSING. THIS MEANS IT HAD TO HAVE FLOWN INTO THE AIR AND LANDED BEHIND ME SOMEWHERE ON THE FREEWAY. *TR
OUR MOONROOF SUDDENLY DETACHED AND FLEW OFF FROM THE CAR WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. WE WERE GOING ACROSS THE SAN MATEO BRIDGE AROUND 10:45 AM ON SUNDAY 2/9/20 AND SUDDENLY HEARD LOTS OF WIND NOISE FROM THE MOONROOF, SLID BACK THE SUN SHADE, AND FOUND THE MOONROOF WAS GONE.
PURCHASED MY 2011 SUBARU NEW AND HAVE ALWAYS KEEP THE UPKEEP. ABOUT A YEAR AGO MY TIEROD IN THE FRONT WENT BAD AND RUINED MY TIRES SO HAD TO GET NEW TIRES. THEN IT STARTED STALLING ALL THE TIME, AND NO ONE SEEMED TO WHY. ONCE AT AN INTERSECTION WHICH I WAS ALMOST HIT. THEN HAD TO CHANGE THE TIMING BELT, BUT KNEW THIS WHEN I BOUGHT IT. THEN THE MUFFLER RUSTED AND NOW I WILL HAVE TO CHANGE THE HEAD GASKETS. I PURCHASED THIS CAR BECAUSE EVERYONE SAID IT WOULD LAST FOREVER. WELL I GUESS IT WILL IF YOU KEEP FIXING EVERYTHING THAT IS WRONG WITH IT. THIS IS MY FIRST AND LAST SUBARU I WILL EVER BUY. HAD BETTER LUCK WITH MY OLD DODGE CARAVAN.
2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE SHAKING WHILE DRIVING DUE TO SNOW AND ICE BUILD-UP IN THE TIRES.*TGW THE DEALER WASHED THE UNDERSIDE OF THE CAR IN HOT WATER, TO MELT THE ICE WHICH RESOLVED THE PROBLEM.