2010 Subaru Outback Problems & Owner Complaints

Power Train 94 1 crash 1 fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 10-15 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL BURNING ODOR IN THE VEHICLE. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS SMOKE EMERGING FROM THE HOOD AND INTO THE VEHICLE. THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS STUCK AND FAILED TO ENGAGE INTO FIRST GEAR. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER MULLER SUBARU (1350 PARK AVE W, HIGHLAND PARK, IL 60035 (888) 285-8152) WHERE DIAGNOSED THAT THE CLUTCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT DECLINED TO PAY FOR THE $1800.00 FEE. THE MANUFACTU…”
NHTSA complaint #11144460, 2018 · fire

“VEHICLE PLACED IN PARK AND IGNITION TURNED OFF. ENGINE WOULD NOT RESTART. TOWED TO MECHANIC. MECHANIC RESTARTED AFTER SENSING LOOSE IGNITION CONNECTION AND NOTED NO OTHER PROBLEMS. RETURNED VEHICLE TO OWNER, PARKED IN GARAGE IN PARK AND IGNITION TURNED OFF. ENGINE WOULD NOT RESTART. MECHANIC CAME TO HOME AND RESTARTED AS BEFORE. DRIVING TO REPAIR SHOP, STOPPED AND PLACED IN PARK, BUT LEFT RUNNING AND EXITED VEHICLE. APPARENTLY TRANSMISSION NOT ACTUALLY IN PARK BUT IN REVERSE AND TRAVELED A DISTANCE BEFORE HITTING A TREE CAUSING AN ESTIMATED $9,000 DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. APPARENTLY SHIFTER IN…”
NHTSA complaint #10457331, 2012 · crash

“It is a known issue with subarus of this year that the engine will stall at random intervals when stopping, weather at a stop sign or stop light, warm or cold, fast stops or regular stopping. There is no consistency to it, completely random. There are no warning lights that appear, I have not taken this car to the dealer because after purchasing it I cannot afford to take it to the dealer. I purchased this car used for my elderly parents and this is a disturbing problem that could get them hurt or killed. Why has this KNOWN issue not been recalled? there are multiple service bulletins reported…”
NHTSA complaint #11667008, 2025

Air Bags 44 3 crash 4 injury

“I WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION, TRAVELING AT 40 MPH AND THE VEHICLES AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10474308, 2012 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“WAS DRIVING ON WHAT APPEARED TO BE A CLEAR, CLEAN ROAD AT ABOUT 8 AM THE DAY AFTER A SNOWSTORM. MY CAR STARTED SKIDDING OFF TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY, WHEN TRYING TO TURN WHEEL TOWARDS THE LEFT TO STRAIGHTEN THE CAR OUT, THE CAR THEN STARTED SPINNING AROUND 360 DEGREES A FEW TIMES UNTIL THE CAR THEN ROLLED OVER TO THE LEFT DOWN THE 100 FOOT DITCH ABOUT 3 OR 4 ROLLS BEFORE STOPPING. THE DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG NEVER DEPLOYED DESPITE SEVERE FRONTAL AND SIDE DAMAGE. THE CAR WAS TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. I STILL HAVE NO EXPLANATION AS TO WHY THIS ALL HAPPENED. IN SEARCHING THE INTERNET…”
NHTSA complaint #10583200, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TRAVELING ON ICY ROAD APPROX. 20MPH OR LESS IN 2010 OUTBACK 3.6 LTD. VERY ACCUSTOMED TO DRIVING SEVERE MOUNTAIN WINTER CONDITIONS & 8TH SUBARU AMONG FAMILY MEMBERS. SEATBELT, SHOULDER RESTRAINT IN PLACE ON DRIVER. ONCOMING DRIVER IN MID-SIZE TO LARGE TRUCK LOST CONTROL AT HIGH SPEED, CROSSED CENTER LINE AND IMPACTED SUBARU HEAD-ON, OFFSET TO LEFT SIDE OF OUTBACK & 2010 OUTBACK WAS TOTALED. SUBARU AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. IMPACT INTO FRONT LEFT SIDE, CRUMPLED HOOD UP TO WINDSHIELD, WHICH SHATTERED. HIS HOOD WAS INSIDE SUBARU ENGINE COMPARTMENT, REMAINED UNDER SUBARU HOOD ALONG WITH OTHER PA…”
NHTSA complaint #10491506, 2012 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Engine 44 2 crash 1 injury

“TRAVELING ON ICY ROAD APPROX. 20MPH OR LESS IN 2010 OUTBACK 3.6 LTD. VERY ACCUSTOMED TO DRIVING SEVERE MOUNTAIN WINTER CONDITIONS & 8TH SUBARU AMONG FAMILY MEMBERS. SEATBELT, SHOULDER RESTRAINT IN PLACE ON DRIVER. ONCOMING DRIVER IN MID-SIZE TO LARGE TRUCK LOST CONTROL AT HIGH SPEED, CROSSED CENTER LINE AND IMPACTED SUBARU HEAD-ON, OFFSET TO LEFT SIDE OF OUTBACK & 2010 OUTBACK WAS TOTALED. SUBARU AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. IMPACT INTO FRONT LEFT SIDE, CRUMPLED HOOD UP TO WINDSHIELD, WHICH SHATTERED. HIS HOOD WAS INSIDE SUBARU ENGINE COMPARTMENT, REMAINED UNDER SUBARU HOOD ALONG WITH OTHER PA…”
NHTSA complaint #10491506, 2012 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“AS I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE WITH A FOOT TO GO, GOING LESS THAN 5 MPH, THE ENGINE SURGED AND THE CAR SUDDENLY LUNGED FORWARD, CLIMBED A 6 INCH CURB AND TRAVELED ABOUT 4 FEET AND HIT A WOODEN STAIRCASE OF A BUILDING. THE ENTIRE TIME MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. THIS ENTIRE EVENT TOOK LESS THAN A SECOND. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10637349, 2014 · crash

“This car is a very well-maintained, low-use vehicle with regular oil changes and routine maintenance performed on schedule. Early in this drive, I noticed an unusual hissing sound as I approached a stop. When I tried to brake, I realized my brakes didn't seem to be responding. I pressed the brake pedal harder and realized that with 50-100 pounds of pressure (guess), I could slow the car down. As I came to a stop, the engine died. I restarted the car, and it died again immediately. After the following restart, I realized I could manually keep the RPM up in neutral while at stops, and pres…”
NHTSA complaint #11723980, 2026

Steering 41 1 crash 1 injury

“WAS DRIVING ON WHAT APPEARED TO BE A CLEAR, CLEAN ROAD AT ABOUT 8 AM THE DAY AFTER A SNOWSTORM. MY CAR STARTED SKIDDING OFF TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY, WHEN TRYING TO TURN WHEEL TOWARDS THE LEFT TO STRAIGHTEN THE CAR OUT, THE CAR THEN STARTED SPINNING AROUND 360 DEGREES A FEW TIMES UNTIL THE CAR THEN ROLLED OVER TO THE LEFT DOWN THE 100 FOOT DITCH ABOUT 3 OR 4 ROLLS BEFORE STOPPING. THE DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG NEVER DEPLOYED DESPITE SEVERE FRONTAL AND SIDE DAMAGE. THE CAR WAS TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. I STILL HAVE NO EXPLANATION AS TO WHY THIS ALL HAPPENED. IN SEARCHING THE INTERNET…”
NHTSA complaint #10583200, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“We experienced a steering failure which could have led to a very serious accident. Returning on a freeway after purchasing groceries we heard a kind of rattle rhat seemed to come from behind the hub of the steering wheel. We made it home but as we pulled into our driveway the steering failed completely. The steering wheel spun around like a pinwheel, no resistance whatsoever and absolutely no effect on the car’s steering. If this had happened on the freeway I hate to think what might have happened. The car had to be towed to the local Subaru dealer where it took 17 days to repair the vehi…”
NHTSA complaint #11433732, 2021

“EXTREME SHIMMY / VIBRATION IN FRONT END CAUSE STEERING WHEEL TO SHIMMY AGGRESSIVELY. THIS EXPERIENCE STARTED ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO, THE CAR HAS APRPOXIMATELY 150K MILES. WHEN DRIVING CAR OVER 40 MILES AN HOUR THE ENTIRE FRONT END SHAKES LIKE A VERY OUT OF BALANCE TIRE OR THE FEELING OF A WARPED ROTOR WHEN BRAKING. THE SHIMMY CAN BE SEEN IN THE STEERING WHEEL BOUNCING, AND FELT THROUGH THE FLOOR AND SEATS.TIRES AND BRAKES HAVE BEEN INSPECTED AND THERE IS NO PROBLEM. UPON SEARCHING THE INTERNET I SEE THIS IS COMMON PROBLEM. WHY IS THIS NO A RECALL? I AM FEARFUL OF DRIVING THIS VEHICLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11210396, 2019

Service Brakes 38 2 crash 1 fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 10-15 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL BURNING ODOR IN THE VEHICLE. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS SMOKE EMERGING FROM THE HOOD AND INTO THE VEHICLE. THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS STUCK AND FAILED TO ENGAGE INTO FIRST GEAR. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER MULLER SUBARU (1350 PARK AVE W, HIGHLAND PARK, IL 60035 (888) 285-8152) WHERE DIAGNOSED THAT THE CLUTCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT DECLINED TO PAY FOR THE $1800.00 FEE. THE MANUFACTU…”
NHTSA complaint #11144460, 2018 · fire

“I WENT OUT TO START MY CAR AND LET IT WARM UP. I GOT IN SET THE ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE STARTED THE CAR AND PUT THE MANUAL TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL. I WENT IN THE HOUSE TO FINISH GETTING READY, WHEN I LOOKED OUT THE WINDOW THE CAR WAS IN THE DITCH AT THE BOTTOM OF THE DRIVEWAY. I HAD THE PARKING BRAKE RECALL DONE IN MARCH AT THE LOCAL SUBARU DEALER”
NHTSA complaint #11377704, 2020 · crash

“AS I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE WITH A FOOT TO GO, GOING LESS THAN 5 MPH, THE ENGINE SURGED AND THE CAR SUDDENLY LUNGED FORWARD, CLIMBED A 6 INCH CURB AND TRAVELED ABOUT 4 FEET AND HIT A WOODEN STAIRCASE OF A BUILDING. THE ENTIRE TIME MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. THIS ENTIRE EVENT TOOK LESS THAN A SECOND. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10637349, 2014 · crash

Exterior Lighting 35

“This is not about my car, but instead many different cars. When a cars lights are set to it's parking lights or running lights position, often located on the turn signal stalk, at night it appears to the driver that their headlights are on, when in fact only the "parking lights are on in front. This is a problem, but not what I'm reporting. When in the parking light position (at night), it appears the headlights are on because there's some light out front AND the instrument cluster is lit up as well. Here's the defect in design, the brake lights are NOT on, completely dark at the rear of the v…”
NHTSA complaint #11498844, 2022

“About three years ago; there was a recall for the headlights. Subaru did replace the headlights, but I have replaced the headlights two additional times since then. And I currently have a headlight out a marker light out. I also last year had all of my marker lights burn out.”
NHTSA complaint #11459761, 2022

“I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE FOR ABOUT 4 YEARS NOW AND HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY HEADLIGHTS EVERY 2 TO 3 MONTHS.. SOMETHING IS DEFINITELY WRONG. MY HEADLIGHTS ALWAYS JUST GO OUT ESPECIALLY WHEN I'M DRIVING HOME MY HEADLIGHTS WILL JUST BURN OUT AND IT LEAVES ME TRYING TO NAVIGATE HOME IN THE DARK. WHEN I GO TO MY SUBARU DEALER THEY OFFER ME NO SOLUTION. I ASK IF THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH MY CAR THAT MAKES THIS HAPPEN AND THEY TELL ME NOTHING IS WRONG AND THEN CHARGE ME $60+ TO CHANGE THESE HEADLIGHT BULBS. THIS IS UNSAFE AND IT IS EXTREMELY COSTLY. ESPECIALLY SINCE THIS VEHICLE HAS TO BE PUT IN T…”
NHTSA complaint #11365658, 2020

Electrical System 33 1 fire

“I own a 2010 Subaru Outback. While parked at a college in Medford, Oregon, it suffered a spontaneous electrical fire that originated inside the driver's door. This is the exact failure described in Subaru Safety Recall Campaign WQE-41. The NHTSA website states the recall was completed on this VIN, meaning the recall repair itself has failed and caused a total loss of the vehicle at this time as we are unsure if it’s fixable or even worth fixing. Fire dept did come out and confirm fire was out completely and instructed me not to drive car at all until it could get looked at.”
NHTSA complaint #11753313, 2026 · fire

“This car is a very well-maintained, low-use vehicle with regular oil changes and routine maintenance performed on schedule. Early in this drive, I noticed an unusual hissing sound as I approached a stop. When I tried to brake, I realized my brakes didn't seem to be responding. I pressed the brake pedal harder and realized that with 50-100 pounds of pressure (guess), I could slow the car down. As I came to a stop, the engine died. I restarted the car, and it died again immediately. After the following restart, I realized I could manually keep the RPM up in neutral while at stops, and pres…”
NHTSA complaint #11723980, 2026

“The contact owns a 2010 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while coming to a complete stop, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. Additionally, the vehicle would make abnormal sounds and the gear shift indicator light would disappear from the instrument cluster. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the dealer could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was taken to four independent mechanics. The last mechanic diagnosed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V297000 (Electrical System) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repai…”
NHTSA complaint #11447082, 2021

Suspension 26

“Engine subframe catastrophic failure (left side) due to severe corrosion. Lower control arm detached resulting in erratic handling and pulling. Car unsafe to drive and expensive to repair at ~$2200. Did research and found to be a very common complaint for 2010-2014. Recall needs to be issued to replace corroded subframes.”
NHTSA complaint #11634248, 2025

“2010 Outback Subframe or cradle Subaru OEM # 50527AJ01A is a vital safety component and as designed and installed completely supports the weight of the engine and transmission - I have excessive rust and Corrosion of sub frame. This should be a recall. A google search shows this is a common issue for this model. Please review my complaint”
NHTSA complaint #11540894, 2023

“My daughter was concerned with the car making strange squeaking sounds on turning and braking and so I met her where her car was parked in a lot and drove it for less than 1 minute and could tell something was very wrong and that it didn't seem safe to drive home. My husband came to check as well and zeroed in on the problem being the front driver's side tire/suspension. Fortunately the Subaru dealership was less than .5 away and my husband drove it there (with flashers on). It was determined by the dealership that the subframe had rusted through (we have photos uploaded below) and a new one w…”
NHTSA complaint #11489200, 2022

Engine And Engine Cooling 23

“I BOUGHT MY OUTBACK IN MARCH 2010. I NOTICED MY DASH LIGHTS FLICKERING EARLY IN MY OWNERSHIP, BUT I THOUGHT THEY FLICKERED BECAUSE MAYBE I WENT INTO A SHADOW AND A SENSOR CAUSED THEM TO GO OFF AND ON. THE FEELING THE CAR IS GOING TO STALL HAS HAPPENED BEFORE, BUT IT WAS AND WOULD ONLY HAPPEN EVERY NOW AND AGAIN. ON A RECENT TRIP, JANUARY 8, 2012, IT DID IT EVERY TIME I SLOWED DOWN FOR 4 OR 5 TRAFFIC LIGHTS . THAT REALLY GOT MY ATTENTION. I THOUGHT MAYBE MY BRAKES WERE CATCHING SO I TOOK IT INTO MY DEALER ON JANUARY 12, 2010. THEY TOLD ME THE BRAKES WERE FINE. AFTER I THOUGHT ABOUT IT,…”
NHTSA complaint #10445708, 2012

“CAR STALLS AFTER STOPPING AT A STOP SIGN AND HAS TO BE RESTARTED. *KB”
NHTSA complaint #10413423, 2011

“WE BOUGHT A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION IN JULY 2010. IT HAS STALLED TWICE (ONCE IN SEPTEMBER AND ONCE IN OCTOBER) WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 25 MPH WITH THE CLUTCH DEPRESSED AND MAKING A LEFTHAND TURN INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. IN BOTH INSTANCES OF STALLING, THERE WAS A SLIGHT INCLINE IN THE HILL. SINCE I WAS TURNING INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC THIS WAS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. THE CAR STARTED UP IMMEDIATELY AFTER I PULLED TO SIDE OF ROAD. I AM BRINGING IN THIS CAR FOR SERVICE THIS UPCOMING WEEK. THE SUBARU DEALER I JUST SPOKE WITH SAID THAT THEY HAVE HAD TO SERVICE MULTIPLE CARS WIT…”
NHTSA complaint #10361574, 2010

Unknown Or Other 19 2 crash 1 injury

“WAS DRIVING ON WHAT APPEARED TO BE A CLEAR, CLEAN ROAD AT ABOUT 8 AM THE DAY AFTER A SNOWSTORM. MY CAR STARTED SKIDDING OFF TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY, WHEN TRYING TO TURN WHEEL TOWARDS THE LEFT TO STRAIGHTEN THE CAR OUT, THE CAR THEN STARTED SPINNING AROUND 360 DEGREES A FEW TIMES UNTIL THE CAR THEN ROLLED OVER TO THE LEFT DOWN THE 100 FOOT DITCH ABOUT 3 OR 4 ROLLS BEFORE STOPPING. THE DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG NEVER DEPLOYED DESPITE SEVERE FRONTAL AND SIDE DAMAGE. THE CAR WAS TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. I STILL HAVE NO EXPLANATION AS TO WHY THIS ALL HAPPENED. IN SEARCHING THE INTERNET…”
NHTSA complaint #10583200, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“CAR IN PARK , IGNITION OFF. ENTERED CAR AND STARTED TO MOVE CAR APPROXIMATELY 30-25' TO PARK IN FRONT OF GARAGE. STEEL GARAGE DOOR DOWN. PROCEEDED TO GARAGE DOOR 1-2 MPH WITH FOOT ON BREAK. CAR ACCELERATED AT HIGH SPEED AND COULD NOT STOP OR SLOW DOWN CAR AND IT CRASHED THROUGH GARAGE DOOR AND WAS STOPED BY BOXES AT BACK OF GARAGE. ACCELERATION SUDDEN AND HIGH WITH NO INDICATION OF WHY. CAR DAMAGED DUE TO DEBRIS FROM FRAGMENTS OF STEEL DOOR MOSTLY ON TOP AND FRONT AND DRIVER SIDE OF CAR. AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. CAR IN MY DRIVEWAY AT TIME OF ACCIDENT. MECHANIC UNABLE TO DETERMINE CAUSE. RE…”
NHTSA complaint #11053357, 2017 · crash

“Total engine failure at just 75k miles. Barely driven, maintenance schedule always kept up to date, out of nowhere engine stopped and I was told the oil was completely empty. They were unable to resolve by adding oil. Also, transmission light has been on for 3+ years. Have been told by every repair shop who has checked this that it’s just a glitch in the electrical system and the transmission is fine. A few weeks prior to engine failure, the car began to have trouble accelerating and made a sort of “race car” sound. Barely could go past 40 mph without slamming on gas. Finally, doors have ran…”
NHTSA complaint #11435616, 2021

Structure 14 2 crash 1 fire 4 injury

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH AND SLOWING DOWN A VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE LEFT REAR SIDE CAUSING THE LEFT REAR TIRE TO LOSE CONTACT WITH THE ROAD. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE, AND THEN SHE CONTINUED TO DRIVE TO HER DESTINATION PER THE POLICE OFFICER'S INSTRUCTIONS. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER EXPERIENCED WHIPLASH AND THE PASSENGER HAD A NECK INJURY. THE VEHICLE WAS AT A COLLISION CENTER WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE APPROXI…”
NHTSA complaint #10342687, 2010 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“TRAVELING ON ICY ROAD APPROX. 20MPH OR LESS IN 2010 OUTBACK 3.6 LTD. VERY ACCUSTOMED TO DRIVING SEVERE MOUNTAIN WINTER CONDITIONS & 8TH SUBARU AMONG FAMILY MEMBERS. SEATBELT, SHOULDER RESTRAINT IN PLACE ON DRIVER. ONCOMING DRIVER IN MID-SIZE TO LARGE TRUCK LOST CONTROL AT HIGH SPEED, CROSSED CENTER LINE AND IMPACTED SUBARU HEAD-ON, OFFSET TO LEFT SIDE OF OUTBACK & 2010 OUTBACK WAS TOTALED. SUBARU AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. IMPACT INTO FRONT LEFT SIDE, CRUMPLED HOOD UP TO WINDSHIELD, WHICH SHATTERED. HIS HOOD WAS INSIDE SUBARU ENGINE COMPARTMENT, REMAINED UNDER SUBARU HOOD ALONG WITH OTHER PA…”
NHTSA complaint #10491506, 2012 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“MY SUBARU OUTBACK SUNROOF HAS LEAKED SINCE THE VERY FIRST WINTER. TOXIC MOLD BUILT UP IN THE HEADLINER, ON THE SEATBELTS AND IN OTHER AREAS. MY WIFE WAS SO SICK AT ONE POINT SHE WAS COUGHING SO HARD SHE THREW UP IN OUR DRIVEWAY AFTER SHE GOT OUT OF THE CAR. SHE WAS SICK FOR YEARS AND WE DIDN'T KNOW WHAT IT WAS. A QUICK SEARCH ON THE INTERNET YIELDED OTHER SUBARU OWNERS WITH SUNROOF LEAKS AND I BELIEVE THAT IT IS RELATED TO THE DESIGN. THE PROBLEM REMAINS UNRESOLVED AND IT IS UNSAFE FOR MY WIFE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. MOLD REPORT ATTACHED. NOT ONLY IS THE MOLD A SAFETY ISSUE, BUT YOU WOULD…”
NHTSA complaint #10948048, 2016 · 1 injury(ies)

Vehicle Speed Control 13 4 crash

“CAR IN PARK , IGNITION OFF. ENTERED CAR AND STARTED TO MOVE CAR APPROXIMATELY 30-25' TO PARK IN FRONT OF GARAGE. STEEL GARAGE DOOR DOWN. PROCEEDED TO GARAGE DOOR 1-2 MPH WITH FOOT ON BREAK. CAR ACCELERATED AT HIGH SPEED AND COULD NOT STOP OR SLOW DOWN CAR AND IT CRASHED THROUGH GARAGE DOOR AND WAS STOPED BY BOXES AT BACK OF GARAGE. ACCELERATION SUDDEN AND HIGH WITH NO INDICATION OF WHY. CAR DAMAGED DUE TO DEBRIS FROM FRAGMENTS OF STEEL DOOR MOSTLY ON TOP AND FRONT AND DRIVER SIDE OF CAR. AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. CAR IN MY DRIVEWAY AT TIME OF ACCIDENT. MECHANIC UNABLE TO DETERMINE CAUSE. RE…”
NHTSA complaint #11053357, 2017 · crash

“I WAS BACKING MY OUTBACK A SHORT DISTANCE (ABOUT 20 FT.) TO A PARKING SPACE ACROSS THE STREET WHEN IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. I RAN INTO A PARKED TRUCK WITH GREAT IMPACT. THE CAR FELT LIKE IT HAD A MIND OF ITS OWN. IT WAS TERRIFYING.”
NHTSA complaint #11018730, 2017 · crash

“AS I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE WITH A FOOT TO GO, GOING LESS THAN 5 MPH, THE ENGINE SURGED AND THE CAR SUDDENLY LUNGED FORWARD, CLIMBED A 6 INCH CURB AND TRAVELED ABOUT 4 FEET AND HIT A WOODEN STAIRCASE OF A BUILDING. THE ENTIRE TIME MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. THIS ENTIRE EVENT TOOK LESS THAN A SECOND. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10637349, 2014 · crash

Tires 9

“While driving at highway speed the tire separated at the seam of the sidewall and tread. Tire tread depth was between 9–9.5/32nd on the tire. 225/60 r17 tire. Because of the complete separation of the tire and how sudden the separation occurred, it caused the vehicle to lose control, thankfully the driver was able to get control of the vehicle and get it start safely. The safety of all occupants and vehicles on the roadway were put at risk. Tire was taken to the retailer (car dealership), retailer and consumer contacted the manufacturer who stated this is not a manufacture defect.”
NHTSA complaint #11490834, 2022

“2015 SUBARU OUTBACK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REIMBURSEMENT FOR VEHICLE REPAIRS. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE REAR BEARINGS WERE GONE AT 65,000 MILES. THE PURCHASED TIRED WER BALD AT 25,000 MILES. THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THIS SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. *JS”
NHTSA complaint #10971328, 2016

“CONTIPRO CONTACT 225/60R17 TIRES WERE MOUNTED AS REPLACEMENTS 11/17/13. TIRES WERE ROTATED AND MAINTAINED BY DEALER ON A REGULAR BASIS. PRIMARILY HIGHWAY/CITY DRIVING. I HAVE NOT HIT ANY FOD OR POTHOLES - THERE HAS BEEN NO UNUSUAL TRAUMA TO THE TIRES. AFTER 13 MONTHS, 18K MILES, THE LEFT FRONT TIRE'S INNER SIDEWALL SUFFERED A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. CONTINENTAL REFUSED TO PRO-RATE OR MAKE ANY ADJUSTMENT FOR THE PREMATURE DEMISE OF THIS TIRE. BECAUSE THE CAR IS AWD, I WAS FORCED TO PURCHASE 4 NEW TIRES. I BELIEVE THERE IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN THIS BRAND/MODEL OF TIRE. LUCKILY, I WAS…”
NHTSA complaint #10556425, 2013

Seats 6 2 crash 1 fire 1 injury

“AT APPROXIMATELY 6:35 A.M. CST I STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. I RECALL HEARING WHAT I THOUGHT WAS A WOMAN SCREAMING, IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWED BY THE SOUND OF TIRES SCREECHING AS WHEN BRAKES ARE QUICKLY APPLIED. I GLANCED INTO MY REARVIEW MIRROR AND DID NOT SEE ANY ONCOMING HEADLIGHTS. IT WAS THEN THAT MY CAR WAS HIT FROM BEHIND. I HAVE NO RECOLLECTION OF BEING THROWN BACKWARD FROM THE REAR IMPACT, OR BEING THROWN FORWARD FROM THE IMPACT OF HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME, OR STOPPING. I ALSO DO NOT RECALL THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG IN MY STEERING WHEEL. MY NEXT THOUGHT WAS REALIZING THAT I…”
NHTSA complaint #10643402, 2011 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I own a 2010 Subaru Outback. While parked at a college in Medford, Oregon, it suffered a spontaneous electrical fire that originated inside the driver's door. This is the exact failure described in Subaru Safety Recall Campaign WQE-41. The NHTSA website states the recall was completed on this VIN, meaning the recall repair itself has failed and caused a total loss of the vehicle at this time as we are unsure if it’s fixable or even worth fixing. Fire dept did come out and confirm fire was out completely and instructed me not to drive car at all until it could get looked at.”
NHTSA complaint #11753313, 2026 · fire

“********** NOTIFICATION OF CASE CHANGE (ALL TIMES ARE GMT-0500) PROJECT: NHTSA HOTLINE CENTER CASE: 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK CRASH CASE NUMBER:[XXX] ESCALATION: NONE STATUS: OPEN DATE: 11/15/2011 TIME: 22:14:06 CREATION DATE: 11/10/2011 CREATION TIME: 07:50:07 DESCRIPTION: ENTERED ON 11/15/2011 AT 22:14:06 EST (GMT-0500) BY [XXX]: THANK YOU BUT I AM NOT SURE WHAT THIS EMAIL IS TELLING ME. PLEASE EXPLAIN AND LET ME KNOW IF I NEED TO DO OR SEND SOMETHING. [DUPLICATE MESSAGE SNIPPED] ENTERED ON 11/15/2011 AT 17:43:19 EST (GMT-0500) BY TBENT: THANK YOU FOR CONTACTIN…”
NHTSA complaint #10510282, 2011 · crash

Visibility/Wiper 5

“A CRACK APPEARED AT THE CENTER BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD DURING HIGHWAY DRIVING AND HAS PROGRESSIVELY INCREASED IN SIZE TO OVER 20" HORIZONTALLY. THERE WAS NO APPARENT ROCK OR DEBRIS THAT HIT THE WINDSHIELD AND THERE IS NO VISIBLE EVIDENCE OF AN OBJECT PITTING/MARKING THE WINDSHIELD TO CAUSE THE CRACK.”
NHTSA complaint #11361748, 2020

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AN UNKNOWN SPEED IN THE RAIN, THE REAR WIPER FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LOCAL DEALER BROWN'S MANASSAS SUBARU LOCATED AT 9018 LIBERIA AVE, MANASSAS, VA 20110, (703) 361-5866, WHERE THE FAILURE WAS NOT ABLE TO BE DETERMINED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE WAS STILL BEING EXPERIENCED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,437.”
NHTSA complaint #11207245, 2016

“CONTACTED PRESTIGE SUBARU, 585 TUNNEL RD, ASHEVILLE, NC 28805 ABOUT SETTING UP APPOINTMENT ON THE OPEN RECALL NOTICE I RECEIVED. AFTER EXPLAINING THE RECALL NOTICE THEY SAID THE EARLIEST APPOINTMENT WOULD BE IN MARCH. I DO NOT FEEL THAT WAITING 3+ MONTHS FOR AN APPOINTMENT IS A TIMELY SOLUTION. I TOLD THEM THAT AND THEY DID NOT CARE.”
NHTSA complaint #10928870, 2016

Wheels 5

“LUG STUDS BREAK OFF WHEN REMOVING TO CHANGE TIRE. I HAD A FLAT AND 1 STUD BROKE OFF. I WAS LEFT DRIVING WITH ONLY 4 STUDS. THIS HAS NOW HAPPENED ON 2 OF THE FOUR WHEELS. WHEN INQUIRING WITH THE DEALER I WAS TOLD THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM. THEY ACTUALLY SUGGESTED SELLING ME MORE REPAIR STUDS THAN I NEEDED AS THEY WERE SURE MORE WOULD BREAK OFF.”
NHTSA complaint #10892047, 2016

“CONTIPRO CONTACT 225/60R17 TIRES WERE MOUNTED AS REPLACEMENTS 11/17/13. TIRES WERE ROTATED AND MAINTAINED BY DEALER ON A REGULAR BASIS. PRIMARILY HIGHWAY/CITY DRIVING. I HAVE NOT HIT ANY FOD OR POTHOLES - THERE HAS BEEN NO UNUSUAL TRAUMA TO THE TIRES. AFTER 13 MONTHS, 18K MILES, THE LEFT FRONT TIRE'S INNER SIDEWALL SUFFERED A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. CONTINENTAL REFUSED TO PRO-RATE OR MAKE ANY ADJUSTMENT FOR THE PREMATURE DEMISE OF THIS TIRE. BECAUSE THE CAR IS AWD, I WAS FORCED TO PURCHASE 4 NEW TIRES. I BELIEVE THERE IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN THIS BRAND/MODEL OF TIRE. LUCKILY, I WAS…”
NHTSA complaint #10556425, 2013

“THE FRONT END OF THE CAR SHAKES ON SMOOTH ROADS (RECENTLY REPAVED ROAD) AND IT TENDS TO PERSIST WHETHER YOU ARE ACCELERATING OR DECELERATING. PREVIOUSLY TOOK CAR IN FOR THE DEALERSHIP TO LOOK AT THIS ISSUE AND THEY STATED IT WAS A WHEEL BALANCE ISSUE. THEY ROTATED MY WHEELS, STATED THEY BALANCED THE WHEELS AND ALSO STATED THAT I NEEDED NEW TIRES EVEN THOUGH THERE IS PLENTY OF WEAR LEFT ON THE TIRES. THE ISSUE NEVER WENT AWAY ON THE SHAKING FRONT END OF MY CAR AND CONTINUES TO BE AN ISSUE TODAY. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10470862, 2011

Fuel/Propulsion System 4 1 crash

“CAR IN PARK , IGNITION OFF. ENTERED CAR AND STARTED TO MOVE CAR APPROXIMATELY 30-25' TO PARK IN FRONT OF GARAGE. STEEL GARAGE DOOR DOWN. PROCEEDED TO GARAGE DOOR 1-2 MPH WITH FOOT ON BREAK. CAR ACCELERATED AT HIGH SPEED AND COULD NOT STOP OR SLOW DOWN CAR AND IT CRASHED THROUGH GARAGE DOOR AND WAS STOPED BY BOXES AT BACK OF GARAGE. ACCELERATION SUDDEN AND HIGH WITH NO INDICATION OF WHY. CAR DAMAGED DUE TO DEBRIS FROM FRAGMENTS OF STEEL DOOR MOSTLY ON TOP AND FRONT AND DRIVER SIDE OF CAR. AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. CAR IN MY DRIVEWAY AT TIME OF ACCIDENT. MECHANIC UNABLE TO DETERMINE CAUSE. RE…”
NHTSA complaint #11053357, 2017 · crash

“DROVE MY CAR A FEW MILES AND THEN STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT ON A 4 LANE ROAD IN THE CITY. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN I STEPPED ON THE THROTTLE AND GOT NO RESPONSE. PUT THE TRANSMISSION IN PARK AND BACK INTO DRIVE AND STILL NOTHING. TURNED THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON AND ENGINE RESPONDED TO THROTTLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11377213, 2020

“MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE - VEHICLE HAS STARTED STALLING WHEN COMING TO A STOP OR SLOWING DOWN WHILE STARTING TO TURN. THIS HAS ALMOST CAUSED SEVERAL ACCIDENTS FOR MY WIFE TURNING OUT ONTO THE HIGHWAY. I WAS TOLD BY A SUBARU MECHANIC THAT SUBARU ISSUED A RECALL, BUT I CAN'T FIND IT. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR ABOUT 2 MONTHS NOW.”
NHTSA complaint #11244332, 2019

Visibility 3 1 fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR CAUGHT FIRE AFTER THE HEADLIGHTS WERE ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10629229, 2014 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUN ROOF NEEDED TO REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN.”
NHTSA complaint #11064232, 2017

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND THE SUN ROOF SHATTERED WITHOUT WARNING. THE GLASS FELL INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10945711, 2017

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 2

“WHILE DRIVING THE CHECK ENGINE, CRUISE CONTROL, ABS, AND VEHICLE DYNAMICS CONTROL LIGHTS ALL CAME ON. I LATER LEARNED THAT A BAD O2 SENSOR WAS THE CAUSE. IT WAS RAINING AND WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES MODERATELY FIRMLY DUE TO ANOTHER CAR STOPPING HARD IN FRONT OF ME, MY CAR'S BRAKES LOCKED UP AND I SLID ON THE WET PAVEMENT. FORTUNATELY NO ACCIDENT OCCURRED. AFTER REPLACING THE 02 SENSOR, THE LIGHTS WENT OFF. WEEKS LATER THE SAME LIGHTS CAME ON AGAIN DUE TO WHAT TURNED OUT TO BE A BAD GAS CAP. WHEN IT WAS REPLACED, THE LIGHTS WENT OUT. NOW THE OTHER 02 SENSOR IS INTERMITTENTLY GOING OUT, AND…”
NHTSA complaint #11233607, 2019

“SOFTWARE UPDATE REQUIRED THAT IS NOT COVER BY RECALL. IF NOT UPDATED, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, BRAKE LIGHT, TRACTION CONTROL, AND CRUSE LIGHT BLINK.”
NHTSA complaint #10993841, 2017

Equipment Adaptive/Mobility 2

“WE PURCHASED OUR 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK IN DECEMBER 2009. BY SPRING OF 2010 I HAVE NOTICED THAT AT RANDOM TIMES I WILL TURN THE CAR ON AND MY INTERIOR LIGHTS WILL NOT WORK, MY HEATING/AC WILL BE BLASTING HOT AIR AT ME FROM THE DASH VENTS WHEN IT IS IN THE OFF POSITION, RADIO WILL NOT TURN ON AND CAN NOT SEE MY MILEAGE DISPLAY. ALSO AT RANDOM TIMES MY GAUGES WILL NOT REGISTER. I HAVE TAKEN IT SEVERAL TIMES TO THE DEALERSHIP. EACH TIME THEY HAVE INFORMED ME THAT NOTHING IS WRONG WITH IT, THEY CAN NOT RECREATE IT AND TO NEXT TIME DRIVE IT THERE WHEN IT DOES IT SO THEY CAN SEE IT IN ACTION. EACH TIM…”
NHTSA complaint #10464053, 2010

“2010 SUBARU OUTBACK (LEGACY) FLOOR MAT BUNCHED UP, STICKING BETWEEN FIREWALL/CONSOLE AND GAS PEDAL. MAT DOES NOT STAY "HOOKED" ON RETAINING HOOKS. SECOND OCCURRENCE (SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL/STOPPED/ SHUT OFF ENGINE BOTH TIMES), I THREW THE MAT IN THE BACK, HAVEN'T USED IT SINCE. THESE TYPES OF "HOOKS" SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED ON ALL VEHICLES. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10384879, 2009

Parking Brake 2

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DISENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE, THE CHECK ENGINE, ABS, TRACTION CONTROL, PARKING BRAKE, AND CRUISE CONTROL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LANDERS MCLARTY SUBARU (LOCATED AT 5790 UNIVERSITY DR NW, HUNTSVILLE, AL 35816, (256) 382-2425) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PARKING BRAKE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO THE REPAIR FEES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 1-38208244231. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11154801, 2018

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE PARKING BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND FLASHED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PARKING BRAKE ACTUATOR WAS FAULTY. AFTER LEAVING THE DEALER, THE PARKING BRAKE ENGAGED INADVERTENTLY WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO COME TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10618923, 2014

Seat Belts 2

“MY SONS (7YRS OLD) WAS SITTING ON PASSENGER SIDE REAR SEAT WITH BOOSTER SEAT AND SEAT BELT ON. WHEN WE GOT HOME, I SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND HE UN-BUCKLE THE SEAT BELT AND WAS PLAYING IN THE CAR. NEXT THING I KNOW THE CAR (UN-BUCKLE) SEAT BELT WRAP HIM AROUND.(I CAN FORWARD PHOTO OF HOW THE SEAT BELT WRAP HIM AROUND(LIKE A KNOT).. HE WAS UNABLE TO FREE HIMSELF. I TRIED AND WAS UNABLE TO PULL THE SEAT BELT LOOSE. I EVEN LET THE SAFETY(SEAT) BELT "RELAX" BUT STILL UNABLE TO PULL EXTRA LENGTH OF BELT FROM THE "C" PILLAR TO LOOSEN THE "KNOT" AROUND MY SON.....AS HE TRIED TO FREE HIMSELF BY "TWISTIN…”
NHTSA complaint #10621550, 2014

“2010 SUBARU OUTBACK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE REAR SEAT BELTS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE REAR SEAT BELTS BECAME FRAYED AT THE POINT WHERE THEY ENTERED THE CAR WALL.”
NHTSA complaint #10515268, 2013

Equipment 1

“NEW MODEL 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK ROOF RACK. THE MANUAL STATES IT IS UNSAFE TO TIE A LOAD DIRECTLY TO THE ROOF RACK AS IT MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF LOAD IF THIS IS TRUE -NOT EVERY ONE WILL BE AWARE OF THIS AND THERE WILL BE LOADS LOST. MORE SERIOUS - IT STATES ON PG 8-15 "DO NOT USE THE ROOF RAILS WHEN THE BARS ARE RESTORED". IN THE RESTORED POSITION THESE BARS LOOK LIKE MOST ROOF RACKS. THEY WILL BE USED TO CARRY LOADS. ONE END OF EACH BAR IS ONLY IN A PLASTIC HOLE WITH NO STRENGTH THERE IS NO DOUBT PEOPLE WILL BE UNAWARE AND LOADS WILL BE LOST ON THE HWY. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10293771, 2009

Fuel System 1

“VEHICLE STALLS AND HAS A SEVERE HESITATION. HAVE NEARLY BEEN REAR ENDED 2 TIMES WHEN THIS OCCURS. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10346648, 2010

Interior Lighting 1

“WE PURCHASED OUR 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK IN DECEMBER 2009. BY SPRING OF 2010 I HAVE NOTICED THAT AT RANDOM TIMES I WILL TURN THE CAR ON AND MY INTERIOR LIGHTS WILL NOT WORK, MY HEATING/AC WILL BE BLASTING HOT AIR AT ME FROM THE DASH VENTS WHEN IT IS IN THE OFF POSITION, RADIO WILL NOT TURN ON AND CAN NOT SEE MY MILEAGE DISPLAY. ALSO AT RANDOM TIMES MY GAUGES WILL NOT REGISTER. I HAVE TAKEN IT SEVERAL TIMES TO THE DEALERSHIP. EACH TIME THEY HAVE INFORMED ME THAT NOTHING IS WRONG WITH IT, THEY CAN NOT RECREATE IT AND TO NEXT TIME DRIVE IT THERE WHEN IT DOES IT SO THEY CAN SEE IT IN ACTION. EACH TIM…”
NHTSA complaint #10464053, 2010