2011 Subaru Outback Wheels Problems
4 owner-reported wheels complaints from NHTSA data
Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
Owner Complaints (4)
I PURCHASED A PRE-OWNED 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK FROM A LICENSED AUTO DEALER, AND THE VEHICLE WAS DELIVERED TO ME ON MONDAY, JULY 27TH, 2020. 8 DAYS AFTER RECEIVING DELIVERY OF THE VEHICLE, AND AFTER DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 500 MILES, THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL FELL OFF OF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 4TH, 2020. I WAS ABLE TO AVOID OTHER VEHICLES, AND STEER TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD. I CONTACTED THE DEALER IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE INCIDENT. AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A REPAIR FACILITY NEAR MY RESIDENCE, THE DEALERSHIP'S GENERAL MANAGER ASKED ME TO DELIVER THE DEFECTIVE WHEEL AND HUB BEARING TO HIM FOR INSPECTION BY HIS TECHNICIANS. MY FATHER DELIVERED THE REQUESTED PARTS ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 6TH, 2020. ON FRIDAY, THE GENERAL MANAGER NOTIFIED MY FATHER THAT THEY WOULD NOT ACCEPT ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE WHEEL FALLING OFF THE VEHICLE. I BELIEVE THIS INCIDENT WAS CAUSED BY IMPROPER FASTENING OF THE LUG NUTS, DURING THE PRE-DELIVERY INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE.
INNER WHEELS AT REAR THREADS WEARING WITH OUT THREADS STILL NEW. NOTICE A ROARING SOUND WHILE BACKING UP IN REVERSE. A/C RPM DROPS AND GOES UP WHEN TURNED ON. THERE WAS A REAR SUSPENSION RECALL ON VEHICLE AND TRYING TO SEE IF ALIGNMENT WAS DONE. DUE TO THREAD DECREASING INWARDS.
REPEATED SEVERE SHIMMING OF CAR WHEN DIRT OR MUD GETS IN WHEEL WELLS. IN WINTER ANY SLUSH OR SNOW ON THE WHEELS CAUSES A CONTROL PROBLEM. CAR AND STEERING WHEEL SHAKE SEVERELY. ONCE INSIDE OF WHEELS ARE PRESSURE WASHED PROBLEM DISAPPEARS, ONLY TO REAPPEAR WHEN DIRT AGAIN GETS INTO THE WHEELS. DISCUSSION WITH THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ESPECIALLY IN WINTER. INTERNET SEARCH INDICATES THIS ALSO IS A COMMON PROBLEM ESPECIALLY IN THE 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK'S. THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW IN THE DESIGN OF THE WHEELS WHICH PICK UP DEBRIS ON A LARGE FLAT LEDGE. I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS CONTROL OF VEHICLE IS COMPROMISED WHEN YOU HAVE SEVERE SHAKING. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WHEELS WERE DEFECTIVE. THE WHEELS ACCUMULATED SNOW AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO VIBRATE OUT OF CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, BUT THE DEALER COULD NOT REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS AN ENGINEERING DEFECT THAT COULD NOT BE CORRECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 24,000. THE VIN INFORMATION WAS NOT AVAILABLE.