2011 Subaru Outback Steering Problems

Loss of steering wheel electronic functions including paddle shifters radio volume and Airbag light illuminated. Looked up faults and found NHTSA campaign ID 10V283000 which describes cable damage from Subaru manufacturing. According to Subaru and NHTSA, our vehicle was manufactured 2 months after "Affected" vehicles. Subaru unwilling to work on problem as it is not listed in affect vehicles, yet clearly the problems found are exact match to campaign list. I will seek outside confirmation of failure and then request NHTSA to update the affect vehicles list so Subaru can fix a safety issue for all affected vehicles.

The front lower subframe cracked where the driver's side front wheel attaches to it in our 2011 Subaru Outback. This resulted in loss of steering control of vehicle. The issue has been confirmed by independent mechanic. Vehicle has not been inspected by manufacturer, police, or insurance agent. It is available for inspection at [XXX]. There were no warning lights when this failure occurred. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Front control arm bolt pulled out of the subframe due to extreme corrosion.

In May, returning from VA, we noticed an odd noise coming from the right front side of the car. Then the noise stopped. Driving a week later, at about 40 mph, I again heard the noise and as I approached a yellow light and began to slow to a stop, the vehicle pulled sharply to the right. I was able to regain control, drove slowly home, called our repair shop and brought it in for evaluation. The front subframe had rusted out due to the air conditioner condenser dripping onto it. Our mechanic would not let us drive the car without repair, it was too dangerous. The subframe could have dropped at any moment. No inspections other than that of our mechanic were done. I took photos of the subframe that had been removed which are attached. It is not available for inspection as far as I know. The car sat at the mechanic's for a month waiting for parts from Subaru before being repaired.

A/C Compressor locks up, and serpentine belt flies off and stops power steering. Stalls due to this locking up.

Upon application of the brakes approaching a stoplight, the vehicle pulled sharply to the right, entering the right lane from the left and was rendered unsafe to operate due to this condition. Had a vehicle been present at this time in the right lane, a collision would have likely occurred. Upon inspection by the mechanic, the front engine frame had broken on the right side. The broken area has two (2) large rust holes on the top and bottom sides of the box frame. Directly above the two (2) rust holes the drain for the air conditioning condenser is located. Illinois, like 22 other states in the U.S., uses road salt to combat icy road conditions. The combination of road salt with the location of the air conditioner drain tube directly above the frame failure point leads ut to reasonably conclude that this model has a design defect that led to the failure. A remedy for this issue would be to simply extend the drain tube approx. 5" so the water dripping from the air conditioning condenser does not drop onto the top, flat portion of the engine frame where road salt may accumulate over time. In addition, 1. I have possession of the original frame for inspection by the NHTSA. 2. At the time of the repair, the mechanic ordered the replacement dram from the local Subaru dealership. Our mechanic was informed that he was ordering the last remaining subframe assembly that Subaru of North America had in stock at that time.

I HAVE BEEN REPORTING PROBLEMS WITH MY TRANSMISSION SINCE 2012 TO MY REGULAR DEALERSHIP, STAR SUBARU WHEN THE CAR HAD JUST 23,472 MILES ON IT. AT THIS POINT, I BELIEVE THAT I HAVE BEEN WRONGFULLY DENIED WARRANTY COVERAGE. THEN AGAIN, IN 2017, WHILE STILL UNDER WARRANTY, I BROUGHT MY OUTBACK TO STAR SUBARU COMPLAINING THAT WHILE DRIVING SLOW, THE CAR TENDS TO 'JUMP' MID-DRIVE, ALMOST LIKE SOMEONE REAR ENDED YOU. THE CAR AT THIS POINT WAS AT ABOUT 94,467 MILES, UNDER THE 100,000 MILE WARRANTY LIMIT. AFTER NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS I FINALLY RECEIVED A TEST DRIVE WITH A SUBARU MECHANIC AT STAR SUBARU IN BAYSIDE, QUEENS, NY. HE CONCLUDED THAT IT NEEDED TRANSMISSION PARTS, A TORQUE CONVERTER/VALVE BODY. AT THAT POINT I WAS SET TO HAVE IT REPLACED ONCE THE PARTS CAME IN. WEEKS WENT BY AND I HEARD NOTHING. I CONTACTED SUBARU OF AMERICA WHO WAS ABLE TO SET ME UP WITH EAST HILLS SUBARU. THE SOA PERSON WAS VERY HELPFUL WITH THE TRANSITION. THEY PERFORMED THEIR OWN DIAGNOSTIC, AND THE CONDITION AT THE TIME WOULD NOT REPLICATE. UNFORTUNATELY, WHEN THIS 'JUMP/SLAM' HAPPENS, IT DOES SPONTANEOUSLY. WE CANNOT MAKE IT HAPPEN, NOR DO WE EVEN KNOW WHEN IT IS GOING TO HAPPEN. IT WAS ALWAYS VERY SPORADIC. SOMETIMES IT WOULD HAPPEN ON THE HIGHWAY GOING 65, OR SOMETIMES LESS THAN 5MPH. ON A LONG TRIP BACK FROM VERMONT, THERE WOULD BE A LARGE REVVING SOUND, AND THEN IT FELT AS IF SOMEONE HIT US FROM BEHIND. ONCE AGAIN, I TOOK THE CAR TO SUBARU, ONLY TO BE TOLD THEY SIMPLY COULDN'T 'REPLICATE THE PROBLEM', AND THEREFORE WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING TO HELP US. ON APRIL 3RD 2019, I BRING MY CAR IN AGAIN TO EAST HILL SUBARU. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. THEY DO RECALL. THEY ALSO TROUBLESHOOT THE CHECK ENGINE CODE, WHICH NOW COMES UP CLEARLY AS P1710 TORQUE CONVERTER TURBINE 2 SPEED SIGNAL CIRCUIT MALFUNCTION. NOW IT'S NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY.THE PRICE TAG IS VERY HIGH, ALMOST $6,000! *TR

ON 2/11/20 AROUND 12:30PM ET, I WAS APPROACHING THE HIGHWAY VIA AN ONRAMP, AND MY SPEED WAS BARELY 25 MPH. SUDDENLY, AS I WAS ON THE APPROACH-ROAD, I SUDDENLY FELT THAT THE STEERING WAS LOCKED AND TURNING ON THE RIGHT SIDE ONLY (EITHER STEERING OR ANTI-LOCK MALFUNCTION). IT HIT THE FENCE AND THEN TURNED (FLIPPED) ON ITS DRIVER SIDE AS CAN BE SEEN IN THE PICTURE. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, SO PLEASE MAKE A PROPER INVESTIGATION. MY CAR WAS TOTALED. MY DAMAGED CAR IS IN 'COUNTY TOWING' IN 49 FULLERTON AVE, YONKERS, NY 10704, PHONE: (914) 423-1101

THE TRACTION, OIL TEMP, BRAKE SIGN TURNS ON IN MY VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE BRAKE SIGN IS A SAFETY ISSSUE.

STEERING FAILED COMPLETELY WHILE IN MOTION ON CITY STREET. WARNING LIGHT APPEARED ON DASH BRIEFLY, THEN STEERING FAILED - CAR WAS NOT ABLE TO BE STEERED. CAR WAS ROLLED INTO PARKING LOT AND TOW TRUCK CALLED. VEHICLE WAS ON IT'S WAY TO INTERSTATE HIGHWAY WHEN THIS HAPPENED. DEALER DETERMINED POWER STEERING HOSE CONNECTIONS TO "JUNCTION" HAD COMPLETELY RUSTED, CAUSING ALL FLUID TO LEAK OUT OF SYSTEM. SUBARU OF AMERICA WAS CONTACTED AND STATES THAT "SINCE THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN IN AN AREA WHERE SALT IS USED ON ROADS IN WINTER, THIS IS NOT UNEXPECTED". IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT LESS THAN 12 MONTHS PRIOR, THIS SAME VEHICLE'S BRAKE SYSTEM TOTALLY FAILED, FROM RUSTED HOSES. SUBARU OF AMERICA GAVE THE SAME REASON FOR THAT FAILURE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO VIBRATE AND SHOOK VIOLENTLY WHILE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GREGORIS NISSAN (555 W MERRICK RD, VALLEY STREAM, NY 11580 (516) 825-8700), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE STEERING LOST POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND SMOKE APPEARED UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE CONTACT QUICKLY EXITED THE VEHICLE. WITHIN A COUPLE OF MINUTES, THE VEHICLE BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES AND WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

I CAN NOT KEEP THE VEHICLE CENTERED ON THE HIGHWAY. THE CARS WANDERS RIGHT OR LEFT AND REQUIRES CONSTANT ADJUSTMENT. THE CAR DOES NOT RETURN TO CENTER AFTER A TURN, STEERING ADJUSTMENT IS REQUIRED. THIS IS A CONSTANT PROBLEM.

DRIVING DOWN A FOUR LANE ROAD AND WENT TO TAKE A LEGAL U-TURN AND THE STEERING WHEEL TURNED FREELY BUT THE CAR WENT STRAIGHT. THE BRAKE LIGHT WAS FLASHING AND THE TIRES DID NOT MOVE DESPITE ME TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. AWAITING AN UPDATE FROM SUBARU OF AMERICA. DEALER SAYS IT NEEDS A NEW STEERING SHAFT.

WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES HARD AT THE A STOPPING POINT OF THE CAR IT KILLS THE ENGINE LEAVING YOU DEAD IN THE STREET. EMERGENCY PRESSURE HARD! OTHER THAN THAT THE BRAKES WORK GREAT. NOW IF YOU PUSH TRANS INTO NEUTRAL AND BRAKE HARD AS YOU WILL THE ENGINE IS NOT EFFECTED AND KEEPS ON RUNNING. THIS IS A AUTOMATIC BUT IT FEELS LIKE YOU DID NOT DEPRESS THE CLUTCH ON STOPPING THE CAR IF IT WERE A STANDARD STICK SHIFT TRANS. THERE IS A BUCKING AT STOPPING THEN THE ENGINE IS DEAD IN THE STREET. IF YOU LET UP THE BRAKE BEFORE THIS KILLS THE MOTOR THEN IT KEEPS RUNNING OR IF JUST LIGHT BRAKING THAT IS NORMAL NEEDED NO PROBLEM. OTHER THAN THAT DANGEROUS CONDITION IN CITY TRAFFIC THE CAR RUNS GREAT. THIS HAS TO BE A DEFECT IN DESIGN OF THE SYSTEM NEVER IN 30+ YEARS OF AUTO MECH TRADE HAVE I RUN ACROSS THIS IN ANY WORLD BRAND NAME CARS. *TR

SUBARU OUTBACK VIBRATES IN STEERING WHEEL AND SEATS AT SPEEDS FROM 60 TO ABOVE. THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN WHICH STATES THE STEERING COLUMN AND STEERING WHEEL GETS REPLACED. HAVE NOT FOUND ANY INFORMATION THAT THIS RECTIFIES THE ISSUE OR THAT IT MAKES THE CAR ANY MORE SAFE OR PLEASANT TO DRIVE. POSTINGS SUGGEST THAT THIS REPAIR DOES NOT IMPROVE THE ISSUE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE STEERING ASSIST FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 600. *TR

HIGH WINDS CAUSED A LOSS OF STEERING AND THE ENTIRE CAR WAS MOVED AND I ALMOST BLEW INTO A SEMI.THIS ALWAYS HAPPENS IN HIGH WINDS (25- 30MPH AND ABOVE ). INTERNET BLOGGERS CALL THIS " LANE WANDERING" SUBARU REFUSES TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM. I FILED A CLAIM WITH SUBARU OF AMERICA AND THEIR RESPONSE WAS "IT HAS BEEN DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE IS OPERATING AS DESIGNED". I AM PAST THE DATE OF BEING ABLE TO USE THE LEMON LAW. THE ONLY OPTION SUBARU HAS GIVEN ME IS TO TRADE-IN THE CAR WITH A $1500 DISCOUNT TOWARD A NEW ONE. I HESITATE TO DO BUSINESS WITH THEM AGAIN AS THERE IS A TRUST ISSUE AND I CANNOT, IN GOOD CONSCIENCE,SELL THE CAR TO SOMEONE ELSE. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS AND I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT.I DID SPEAK TO A GENTLEMAN WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND HE SAID SUBARU BOUGHT BACK THE CAR FROM HIM, HOWEVER THEY REFUSED TO DO THAT FOR ME. I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM WITH SUBARU FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS WITH NO SATISFACTION. HERE IS A LINK THAT MAY BE HELPFUL. HTTP:/WWW.SUBARUOUTBACK.ORG/FORUMS/104-GEN-4-2010-PRESENT/31638-OB-LANEWANDERING.HTML. *TR

EVEN AFTER ALL THE SOA (SUBARU OF AMERICA) "FIXES" / SERVICE BULLETINS I STILL HAVE A VIBRATION ISSUES AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, FEEL IT IN THE SEAT AND IN STEERING WHEEL. IT GETS WORSE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IF YOUR GOING AROUND A CURVE ON IT TENDS TO GET WORSE. EVEN AFTER THROUGH THE CURVE.. ALSO NOTED IT DOESN'T MATTER WEATHER CONDITIONS HOT, COLD RAINING OR DRY. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO VIBRATE AND SHAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN, BRAKES, TIRES, LOWER CONTROL ARMS AND A TIRE ALIGNMENT WAS PERFORMED. THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,022 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 23,000.

STEERING WHEEL SHAKES FROM THE LEFT TO THE RIGHT AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS. IT HAPPENS WHEN STEERING AWAY FROM CENTER POSITION. IT ALSO PULLS IN A TURN TO THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION BEING STEERED. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME STIFF AND DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY WHEN DRIVING AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING RACK ASSEMBLY, GEAR BOX ASSEMBLY AND POWER STEERING FLUID WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,710. UPDATED 10/27/11*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE STEERING WAS STIFF ALL THE TIME. HE STATED THE FASTER HE DROVE, THE HARDER THE STEERING BECAME, AS IF THERE WERE NO POWER STEERING. UPDATED 11/07/11

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHAKE AND VIBRATE. THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO RESPOND LATE TO TURNS IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE STEERING COLUMN AND VARIOUS SUSPENSION COMPONENTS WERE REPLACED. THE FAILURES CONTINUED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000.

PURCHASED MY 2011 OUTBACK IN JULY IF LAST YEAR. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS DUE TO A VIBRATION IN THE STEERING AND THUMPING IN THE TIRES...ALMOST LIKE THERE WAS FLAT SPOTS IN THE TIRES. THEY FIRST TOLD ME IT WAS FLAT SPOTS AND IT MAY TAKE UP TO 3000 MILES BEFORE IT WOULD QUIT, HOWEVER IT NEVER DID AND GOT WORSE. I TOOK IT BACK 2 MORE TIMES AND THEY FINALLY DID A FORCE BALANCE AND PUT A VIBRATION KIT ON THE STEERING. MY STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT VIBRATE/SHIMMY ANY LONGER, HOWEVER THE REST OF THE CAR STILL DOES. THEY HAD TO REPLACE 2 OF THE TIRES AFTER SEVERAL FORCE BALANCES. I HAVE TOLD THEM THAT THE CAR STILL HAS THE THUMPING...YOU CAN"T HEAR IT, BUT YOU FEEL IT, AND THE VIBRATION IS STILL THERE. YOU DON'T NOTICE IT AS MUCH AT A LOWER SPEED, BUT WHEN YOUR SPEED INCREASES YOU SURE CAN. THEY ARE TELLING ME THERE IS NOTHING ELSE THEY CAN DO. HOW IS THAT? IT WAS A BRAND NEW CAR, AND I CALLED THEM AND LET THEM KNOW OF THE PROBLEM RIGHT OFF. THEY HAVE TRIED TO FIX THE PROBLEM, BUT IT'S STILL THERE. THIS IS A $30,000 VEHICLE, AND IS A LEMON. I NEED TO KNOW WHAT I CAN DO. I KNOW IT'S BEEN ALMOST A YEAR, BUT AS I SAID EVERY TIME I MENTION IT AT MY OIL CHANGES THEY TELL ME THERE IS NOTHING MORE I CAN DO. I HAVE LISTED MY PERSONAL INFORMATION BELOW. ANY INFORMATION OR SUGGESTIONS WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. [XXX]- CAR IS IN MY HUSBAND NAME [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

VIBRATION AND SHAKING (PULSING) OF STEERING WHEEL AT SPEEDS OVER 65 MPH. VIBRATION THOROUGH FLOOR OF DRIVERS SIDE VIBRATION THROUGH SEAT OF DRIVERS SIDE. WHEN GOING THROUGH TURNS STEERING WHEEL CAN PULSATE (FEELS LIKE SOMETHING IS CATCHING). THIS CAN HAPPEN ON A RAMP WHERE IT IS NECESSARY TO CORRECT STEERING OR A SWEEPING TURN ON THE HIGHWAY AT SPEED. DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THERE ARE TIMES WHEN THE CAR WILL LOSS CONTROL MOMENTARILY, ALMOST LIKE HITTING A PATCH OF ICE. *TR

2011 SUBARU OUTBACK: I INFORMED THE DEALER THAT THERE WAS A SHAKING AFTER 45 MPH AND A TRAMPING EFFECT AT LOWER SPEEDS. THEY DID A ROAD FORCE BALANCE AND IT WAS BETTER BUT STILL FELT ANNOYING AND UNSAFE. THEY PUT ON NEW STEERING WHEEL AND NOW IT WAS WORSE. I FINALLY TOOK IT TO ANOTHER TIRE/SERVICE DEALER AND THEY IMPROVED THE SHAKING QUITE A BIT BUT I WOULD STILL LIKE IT FIXED. SUBARU STATES THERE WILL BE A FIX IN A FEW WEEKS BUT READING ALL THESE OLD COMPLAINTS MAKES ME DOUBTFUL. SUBARU SEEMS TO BE AWARE CARS ARE DEFECTIVE AND SHIPS THEM TO DEALERS ANYWAY HOPING A FIX WILL BE FOUND. I NOW WOULD LIKE A BUYBACK FROM SUBARU. *TR

I PURCHASED A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5I LIMITED ON NOV 30 2010. ON THE DRIVE HOME FROM THE NEW CAR DEALERSHIP THE STEERING WHEEL HAD A SHIMMY AND THE ENTIRE CAR WAS VIBRATING. THE VIBRATION BEGAN 45MPH AND HAD GOTTEN WORSE AT 65/70MPH. I CONTACTED THE DEALER THE NEXT DAY AND THEY DETERMINED BY TEST DRIVING THE CAR THAT THE FOUR CONTINENTAL PRO CONTACT TIRES WERE DEFECTIVE. EVENTUALLY THEY REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES WITH NEW CONTINENTAL PRO CONTACT. THE CAR IS RIDING MUCH BETTER AND SMOOTHER. THE DEALER WANTED TO INSTALL A VIBRATION DAMPER KIT ON THE STEERING WHEEL AND I DECLINED. I PREFER TO KNOW IF THERE IS A PROBLEM RATHER TO COVER IT UP. I HOPE THIS MAY HELP ANYONE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR

2011 SUBARU OUTBACK 3.6R - CAR HAS VIBRATION THAT CAN BE MOSTLY FELT IN THE STEERING WHEEL AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. VIBRATION CAN ALSO BE FELT IN THE SEATS AND FLOOR. VIBRATION COMES AND GOES AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. *TR

2011 SUBARU OUTBACK 3.6R LIMITED PURCHASED NEW IN OCTOBER 2010. VEHICLE HAD STEERING/HANDLING ISSUES FROM THE START. EXCESSIVE STEERING WHEEL/TIRE VIBRATION/SHIMMY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WAS IMMEDIATELY EVIDENT. IN ADDITION THE CAR HAD A PULSATION IN THE STEERING ASSEMBLY WHEN MAKING SLOW TURNS. AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THE STEERING HAD A "STICK-SLIP" PHENOMENON WHILE NEGOTIATING CURVES IN THE ROAD. THE DEALERSHIP PERFORMED A SERIES OF FIXES RECOMMENDED BY SUBARU OF AMERICA (SOA) INCLUDING NEW TIRES WITH ROAD FORCE BALANCING, STEERING BOX REPLACEMENT BUSHINGS, STEERING HYDRAULIC PUMP REPLACEMENT, REPLACEMENT STEERING WHEEL, AND REPLACEMENT OF STEERING RACK ASSEMBLY. AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE VARIOUS FIXES THE TIRE VIBRATION WAS ESSENTIALLY ELIMINATED. HOWEVER, THE STEERING PULSATION/STICKING WAS ONLY AMELIORATED. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME THAT SOA WAS AWARE OF THE STEERING ISSUE AND WAS WORKING ON A SOLUTION, BUT THAT NOTHING FURTHER COULD BE DONE WITH MY VEHICLE AT THIS TIME. THE CONDITION I HAVE DESCRIBED IS, IN MY OPINION, A DANGEROUS ONE. WHILE DRIVING WINDING COUNTRY ROADS IN THE RAIN THERE IS A DISTINCT LOSS OF FEEL FOR THE ROAD, SIMILAR TO ENCOUNTERING A MOMENTARY PATCH OF ICE. BECAUSE OF THE VARYING RESISTANCE FELT THROUGH THE STEERING WHEEL THE CAR TENDS TO OVERSTEER AND UNDERSTEER IN THE TURNS. IT IS CLEAR THAT SOA'S PIECEMEAL REPLACEMENT OF PARTS TO "FIX" THE PROBLEM IS NOT THE SOLUTION. THERE IS MORE LIKELY A DESIGN ISSUE WITH THE STEERING ASSEMBLY THAT IS MITIGATED BUT NOT CORRECTED WHEN MAJOR PARTS ARE REPLACED, PERHAPS DUE TO COMPONENT TOLERANCES. THIS ISSUE MUST BE RESOLVED BY SOA AND A VEHICLE RECALL ISSUED. *TR

1.) 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK PREMIUM - NEW CAR PURCHASE - WITH LESS THAN 300 MILES ON IT. 2.) THE CAR LOSES CONTROL AT UPPER SPEEDS (65MPH+) WHERE IT SWAYS OUT OF CONTROL AS IF AN ICY PATCH WAS HIT. THE STEERING WHEEL ALSO SHAKES AT A RAPIDLY LOW FREQUENCY CREATING A NUMBNESS IN THE DRIVER'S HANDS AND FOREARMS MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS OCCURS EVERY DAY WHEN ABOVE 65MPH. 3.) SUBARU DEALERSHIPS HAVE SAID THEY CAN NOT REPEAT THE ISSUE (HOWEVER THEY DO NOT TAKE THE CAR OUTSIDE THE CITY, THEREFORE THEY ARE NOT DRIVING BEYOND 65MPH). NO PARTS OR REPAIRS HAVE BEEN PROVIDED ALTHOUGH TIRES WERE CHECKED OVER FOR BALANCE. THIS IS AN ON GOING ISSUE WITH SUBARU OWNERS FOR THE 2010 AND 2011 MODEL. I KNOW OF OTHER SUBARU OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD TIRES ROTATED, BALANCED, ETC AND NOTHING HAS CHANGED. THOUSANDS OF FORUMS ARE NOW ONLINE IN REGARDS TO THIS. *TR

PURCHASED NEW SUBARU 2011 OUTBACK ON 07.31.10. IMMEDIATELY NOTICED VIBRATION IN STEERING BEGINNING AT 60MPH AND GRADUALLY GET WORSE AT 70MPH. CONTACTED DEALER AND WAS ADVISED TO HAVE CAR LOOKED AT. ON 08.23.10 THE DEALER TEST DROVE VEHICLE AND CONFIRMED SLIGHT VIBRATION IN STEERING WHEEL. THEY ADJUSTED TIRE PRESSURE BUT DIDN'T CORRECT PROBLEM. ON 08.27.10 LEFT CAR AT DEALER TO HAVE TIRES ROAD FORCE BALANCED. AFTER ROAD FORCE BALANCING THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION IS BETTER BUT STILL NOTICEABLE. THE SERVICE MANAGER CLAIMS SOME VIBRATION IS NORMAL FOR OUTBACK. STILL BELIEVE THERE IS A PROBLEM BUT WILL DRIVE CARE FOR SEVERAL HUNDRED MILES BEFORE RETURNING TO SEE IF PROBLEM GETS WORSE. OPENED CASE WITH SUBARU. EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED IN RESPONSE FROM DEALER AND SUBARU TO THIS PROBLEM SINCE IT'S A VERY EXPENSIVE AUTO. *TR

2011 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5I LIMITED PURCHASED AUG 10, 2010. NOTICED STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION FROM TIME OF PURCHASE, ASSUMED IT WAS JUST ME GETTING USED TO DRIVING THE CAR. A WEEK LATER EVEN MORE NOTICEABLE, BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE DEALER. CHECKED BALANCE, FOUND TWO TIRES OUT OF ROUND. REPLACED THOSE TIRES (TSB 05-50-10), REBALANCED - VIBRATION STILL THERE. DEALER THEN INSTALLED VIBRATION KIT (TSB 05-48-10), VIBRATION PERSISTS. HEAD OF SERVICE STATED HE DID NOT NOTICE VIBRATION AT 65MPH, TECH TAKEN FOR RIDE WITH THIS OWNER (OWNER DROVE CAR - AVERAGE SPEED 70-75MPH). TECH OBSERVED VIBRATION, STATED "THIS SHOULDN'T BE LIKE THAT ON A NEW CAR." AWAITING RESPONSE FROM SERVICE MANAGER ON NEXT STEPS. IN THE COURSE OF A MONTH, MY CAR HAS SPENT 5 DAYS AT THE DEALERSHIP! VERY DISAPPOINTED IN SUBARU AT THIS TIME! *TR

TEST DROVE 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK 3.6R BEFORE PURCHASE AND VEHICLE HAD FRONT END SHAKE AT FREEWAY SPEED OF 70 MPH OR SO. AS RESULT DID NOT BUY. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD VIBRATE EXCESSIVELY. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 20.

STEERING WHEEL OF THE VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING BAD AROUND 500 MILES. IT IS A CONSTANT PULSATION LEFT/RIGHT. HAND/ARM PAINS AND ACHES WHILE TRYING TO HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS IS ALSO TERMED AS SHIMMY / STEERING WHEEL SHAKE PROBLEM AND SUBARU HAS 2 TSB IN EFFECT 05-50-10 AND 05-48-10. 05-50-10 (RFB) WAS PERFORMED. THAT DID NOT FIX THE ISSUE AND THE STEERING WHEEL STILL CONTINUES TO SHAKE. THEY HAVE NOT YET SCHEDULED 05-48-10 (BUNCH OF PARTS REPLACEMENT) FOR ME, BUT I HAVE A CASE OPENED WITH SOA (SUBARU OF AMERICA) - CASE # [XXX] IN ADDITION, DURING LONG MODERATE-SPEED TURNS LIKE HIGHWAY RAMPS, HIGHWAY ENTRANCES THE STEERING WHEEL PULSATES. IT FEELS LIKE THERE IS A "FREE-PLAY" GOING AROUND MID-TURN. ALSO, I WOULD HAVE TO HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL TIGHT OTHERWISE IT TENDS TO GO AWAY OR FLOAT. FROM WHAT I GET FROM OTHER OWNERS WHO GOT THIS TSB DONE, THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN FIXED. SUBARU SEEMS TO BE MASKING THE PROBLEM RATHER THAN FIXING THE PROBLEM. [REFER LINK : HTTP://WWW.SUBARUOUTBACK.ORG/FORUMS/108-STEERING-WHEEL-SHAKE-ISSUES/] I AM YET TO GET THE MAJOR TSB DONE. SOA SAID PARTS WILL ARRIVE AT DEALER THIS WEEK. I WILL FOLLOWUP WITH MY DEALER ON THIS. I WANTED TO REPORT THIS AS A CRITICAL ISSUE SINCE I DO NOT BELIEVE THIS TSB WILL FIX MY PROBLEM (BASED UPON EXPERIENCE FROM OTHERS). PLEASE HELP TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35-40 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO VIBRATE; HOWEVER, HE CONTINUED TO DRIVE TO HIS RESIDENCE. HE CALLED AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE DEALER ADVISED HIM THAT THE TIRES NEEDED TO BE BALANCED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE CONTACT SCHEDULED ANOTHER APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER NEXT WEEK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 500. UPDATED 09/28/10 *BF UPDATED 10/01/10