2017 Subaru Outback Problems & Owner Complaints

Electrical System 391 5 crash 1 fire 4 injury

“was at a stop in the middle lane going to turn left, got hit straight head on by a driver driving in the middle lane. his air bags deployed, none of mine deployed. the front end and drivers side of the subaru was impacted”
NHTSA complaint #11619847, 2024 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“I experienced 2 incidences of sudden unexpected acceleration (SUA), the second one led to an explosive collision. Subaru asked that I sign the EDR release but refused to give me (rightful owner) a copy. With significant effort I obtained a copy of the EDR for myself. It is near impossible for the consumer to obtain their rightful copy, significant because it stinks of poor transparency for Subaru to investigate Subaru (see below). Once I obtained my copy, I released the EDR to Subaru and my vehicle was inspected by SOA at our local dealership. For some untold reason, the vehicle would "not to…”
NHTSA complaint #11505380, 2022 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The automatic back hatch came down with out pushing button or key fob. The fob was in the ignition and nobody was around to push the button to make it go down. It caused damage to my spine and gave me a concussion. Capitol Subaru of Salem Oregon said it was a Glitch that happens sometimes when wires get crossed. After they inspected. Plus changed information on our documents without our knowledge. It did go to Subaru for almost a month the said they found nothing in the EDR report. So they feel I do not need to see it.”
NHTSA complaint #11540184, 2023 · 1 injury(ies)

Visibility/Wiper 205 2 crash 1 injury

“> THE AUTO IN THIS COMPLAINT IS EQUIPPED WITH SUBARU'S "EYESIGHT" DRIVER ASSIST TECHNOLOGY. > JUNE 18, 2018 - DRIVING ON DIVIDED INTERSTATE HIGHWAY, THERE WAS A VERY LOUD "BANG," - THE NEW REPLACEMENT WINDSHIELD CRACKED AND INSTANTLY THE CRACK EXTENDED 2/3 OF THE WAY ACROSS THE FULL WIDTH OF THE WINDSHIELD. AFTER PULLING OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY AND TAKING A LOOK AT THE WINDSHIELD TO DETERMINE WHAT CAUSED THE CRACK, I SADLY DISCOVERED THAT ONE SECTION OF THE OUTSIDE GLASS HAD SEPARATED FROM PLASTIC BEHIND IT TO THE DEGREE, THAT WHEN RANNING MY HAND AGAINST THE OUTSIDE GLASS SURFACE,…”
NHTSA complaint #11103462, 2018 · 1 injury(ies)

“THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED AFTER A COLLISION TO A DEAR. THE CRACK HAS BEEN PROGRESSIVELY GETTING WORSE”
NHTSA complaint #11361422, 2020 · crash

“I HIT A LARGE DEER ON IH 10 AT 75 MPH. ALL AIRBAGS DEPLOYED SAFELY BUT CONPLETELY BLOCKED MY VISION AND PREVENTED ME FROM EXITING THE VEHICLE AS THE BAGS BLOCKED DOOR HANDLES, WINDOW CONTROL SWITCHES AND MY SEAT BELT RELEASE. ANOTHER MOTORIST CUT AIR BAG STRIPS AND HELPED ME TO EXIT THE CAR. FORTUNATELY, NO FIRE.”
NHTSA complaint #11203480, 2019 · crash

Unknown Or Other 177 3 crash 2 fire 6 injury

“I was pulling into a parking lot. The attendant told me to back our 2017 Outback into a spot running along a fence and row of trees. I pulled forward, put my foot on the brake to fully stop. I then moved from "drive" to "reverse". Immediately, the engine started to rev very loudly as if my foot was on the accelerator (it was not!). The accelerator seemingly went to the floor and within a few seconds our car was in reverse at high speed. The only thing that stopped us was a maple tree and fence that we hit - about 15-20 yards behind us. The backend of the car is pushed in, including into the ca…”
NHTSA complaint #11480774, 2022 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“I experienced 2 incidences of sudden unexpected acceleration (SUA), the second one led to an explosive collision. Subaru asked that I sign the EDR release but refused to give me (rightful owner) a copy. With significant effort I obtained a copy of the EDR for myself. It is near impossible for the consumer to obtain their rightful copy, significant because it stinks of poor transparency for Subaru to investigate Subaru (see below). Once I obtained my copy, I released the EDR to Subaru and my vehicle was inspected by SOA at our local dealership. For some untold reason, the vehicle would "not to…”
NHTSA complaint #11505380, 2022 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“SEPTEMBER 9TH 2017, OUR OUTBACK WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT ON A MIXED RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL STREET INTERSECTION, WHEN IT WAS HIT ON THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL, HARD ENOUGH TO SPIN THE CAR SO THAT THE LEFT REAR CORNER MADE CONTACT WITH THE OTHER VEHICLE. THE IMPACT RESULTED IN SERIOUS INJURIES REQUIRING HOSPITALIZATION AND WEEKS OF RECOVERY. THE AIRBAGS & SEATBELT PRE-TENSIONERS DID NOT ACTIVATE. AFTER THE COLLISION, THE "SOS" BUTTON WAS PRESSED, BUT THERE WAS NO RESPONSE FROM STARLINK. SEVERAL DAYS LATER THE STARLINK CONCIERGE CALLED TO ADVISE US THAT THE LIGHTS WERE "ON" AND CHECKING ON OUR WEL…”
NHTSA complaint #11024520, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Power Train 47 2 crash

“The contact owned a 2017 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while reversing, the vehicle accelerated backward. The contact pumped the brake pedal and was depressed aggressively several times however the brakes failed to respond. The vehicle collided with a pillar of bricks causing the vehicle to stop. No airbag deployed and no one was injured. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a collision center where the insurance deemed the vehicle a total loss. The manufacturer was contacted and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 41,806.”
NHTSA complaint #11469067, 2022 · crash

“THE GEAR SHIFT DOES NOT ENGAGE FULLY IN PARK WHEN THE CAR IS STOPPED. THIS IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. IF IT IS NOT ENGAGED FULLY WHEN THE ENGINE IS OFF, THE KEY CANNOT BE REMOVED AND THE GEAR SHIFT CAN SLIDE FROM PARK TO REVERSE AND NEUTRAL WITHOUT PRESSING THE GEAR SHIFT BUTTON. IT IS NECESSARY TO RESTART THE CAR SOMETIMES TWO OR THREE TIMES IN ORDER FOR PARK TO FULLY ENGAGE. TWICE WHEN THE CAR WAS IDLING IN PARK IT DID NOT ENGAGE FULLY AND SLID INTO REVERSE. THE SECOND TIME CAUSED AN ACCIDENT BUT NO INJURIES. THE CAR HAS BEEN SERVICED REGULARLY AND THERE HAVE BEEN NO WARNING INDICATORS TO D…”
NHTSA complaint #11222670, 2019 · crash

“The CVT failed at 62 miles per hour on a busy interstate, XXX. This caused the drivetrain to lock. The car has been repaired and traded locally in [XXX]. The car was very difficult to steer with locked wheels in traffic. This was a rapid evasive manuver on a busy interstate. An undrivable vehicle on an interstate is life threatening to many. Flat bed driver told me I was lucky to steer off of lanes onto shoulder with four locked wheels. This incident put me in mild shock. The Subaru dealer had to replace the transmission. The dealer and Subaru Regional Rep. examined the CVT failure. It was…”
NHTSA complaint #11749073, 2026

Engine 43 1 crash 1 fire

“I drive 2.5miles to work, Tuesday [XXX], I was turning into the parking lot and my car just cut off. I couldn't use flashers, restart it, put it in park or anything else. I called my husband to come help. I thought maybe the battery cable might have come loose. It was dead. I couldn't get out, if I let my foot off the brake it would roll backwards, going into the road and I didn't want it to hurt anyone. It started smoking from the drivers front side of engine. I called my husband back and said please hurry. It took approximately 7 minutes for him to arrive. I was on the phone about t…”
NHTSA complaint #11634973, 2025 · fire

“PULLING INTO OUR GARAGE (AS WE HAVE DONE PROBABLY THOUSANDS OF TIMES SINCE OWNING THE CAR), OUR 2017 OUTBACK ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL INTO THE BACK WALL OF OUR GARAGE. CAR HAD BEEN STOPPED AT THE PARKING POSITION IN THE GARAGE AND WAS BEING SHIFTED INTO PARK WHEN THE ACCELERATION OCCURRED. GAS PEDAL WAS NOT TOUCHED (CAR ALWAYS COASTS INTO GARAGE UNDER IT'S OWN POWER, AND FOOT IS ONLY ON THE BRAKE ALWAYS). EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO CAR AND GARAGE. BOTH SUBARU AND OUR INSURANCE COMPANY HAVE BEEN ALERTED.”
NHTSA complaint #11364833, 2020 · crash

“On Monday [XXX] were driving on [XXX] going north up [XXX]. I was doing about 60-65 mph in traffic which was flowing in both directions. While ascending the pass, the car suddenly started to misfire, rapidly lost power, power steering failed and all dash lights lit up. With no shoulder to pull out this was a very scary experience. Eventually managed to limp to a spot where I could pull out off the pavement. Car was dead. Popping the hood showed significant battery corrosion. I had a toolkit with me. The voltmeter measured the battery voltage at 9.3V. Thinking maybe cleaning the battery…”
NHTSA complaint #11745736, 2026

Visibility 30

“The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied in the garage, the contact’s son opened the garage door and became aware of a crack on the front passenger’s side windshield. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was determined that the windshield needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was informed that vehicle was too old to repair. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11657645, 2025

“The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, a foot-long crack appeared on the lower driver’s side windshield. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11523283, 2023

“The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the windshield was cracked. The vehicle was not diagnosed, inspected, nor repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11503979, 2022

Vehicle Speed Control 28 7 crash 6 injury

“WAS SITTING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT ON A CITY STREET, THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN AND I ACCELERATED THROUGH THE LIGHT AND AFTER 100-200 YARDS, THE CAR ACCELERATED WIDE-OPEN ON ITS OWN. I HIT ONE CAR ON THE RIGHT REAR AND REAR-ENDED ANOTHER WHICH STOPPED THE VEHICLE. ALL THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED.”
NHTSA complaint #11243424, 2019 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY STOPPED, IT ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED CHEST AND STOMACH INJURIES AND THE CONTACT SUSTAINED WRIST INJURIES, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO YARK SUBARU (6141 CENTRAL AVE, TOLEDO, OH 43615). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE…”
NHTSA complaint #11115884, 2018 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“accelerator dangerously increased and could not slow down. i pressed the ignition button(to kill the engine and was "jamming on the brakes to no avail. to my knowledge subaru has not recalled vehicles for these reasons. no warning lamps or other symptoms. my car traveled approximately 1/4 before it stopped. i took out a tree or trees knocked down a light pole which slowed me down, hit a utility trailer. owner of trailer estimated my speed at 40mph. i was driving approximately 20mph when it violently accelerated. she witnessed my ride.”
NHTSA complaint #11534450, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Structure 26 1 crash

“I HAD BACKED MY CAR UP TO THE FRONT OF THE GARAGE. I CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. AS I TRIED TO PUT MY CAR IN PARK, MY VEHICLE CATAPULTED INTO THE GARAGE WHICH WAS DIRECTLY BEHIND IT. I BELIEVE MY CAR EXPERIENCED "SUDDEN UNINTERRUPTED ACCELERATION". MY CINDER BLOCK GARAGE PARTIALLY COLLAPSED AND NEED TO BE COMPLETELY RAZED.”
NHTSA complaint #11396815, 2021 · crash

“On 08/17/17 I purchased a new Outback off a Subaru dealers' lot. The fall of 2023 I noticed rust starting on the column portion of the driver's side door. It is on the CAR INTERIOR, ABOVE THE WINDOW. This is a highly unusual area for rust to start. Typically rust starts on the bottom of a car, not 2/3 of the way up from the bottom. I was told by the dealership that it was not covered under warranty, and I was on my own. On 10/22/24 I went to an autobody shop to have the rust repaired. I was told that based off of the bubbling that was occurring on the rust, the rust is not surface rust b…”
NHTSA complaint #11634430, 2024

“When I drove on the highway 90 on Oct 5th, 2024, my windshield suddenly cracked.”
NHTSA complaint #11618277, 2024

Service Brakes 24 6 crash 3 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY STOPPED, IT ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED CHEST AND STOMACH INJURIES AND THE CONTACT SUSTAINED WRIST INJURIES, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO YARK SUBARU (6141 CENTRAL AVE, TOLEDO, OH 43615). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE…”
NHTSA complaint #11115884, 2018 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“accelerator dangerously increased and could not slow down. i pressed the ignition button(to kill the engine and was "jamming on the brakes to no avail. to my knowledge subaru has not recalled vehicles for these reasons. no warning lamps or other symptoms. my car traveled approximately 1/4 before it stopped. i took out a tree or trees knocked down a light pole which slowed me down, hit a utility trailer. owner of trailer estimated my speed at 40mph. i was driving approximately 20mph when it violently accelerated. she witnessed my ride.”
NHTSA complaint #11534450, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“In the morning of Jan 28th, I drove this car off highway(North bound MoPac) to the ramp to frontage road to 360 in Austin TX. the vehicle lost control out of sudden and crashed to the left side of the road. the accident caused total loss of the vehicle but luckily a>the passages and the the driver on the car are OK. b>no other vehicle was involved . As the drive of this vehicle , I feel the crash was so strange so later on I requested both insurance company (AAA) and Subaru to investigate the possibility of malfunctions of the car. AAA -- claim number 015641968 Subaru --case 230128-1…”
NHTSA complaint #11523077, 2023 · crash

Forward Collision Avoidance 23 7 crash 5 injury

“was at a stop in the middle lane going to turn left, got hit straight head on by a driver driving in the middle lane. his air bags deployed, none of mine deployed. the front end and drivers side of the subaru was impacted”
NHTSA complaint #11619847, 2024 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“While attempting to park in a parking spot with a concrete parking lot stop the car experience an unintended acceleration and did not engage the safety braking system causing the car to jump over the concrete parking lot stops and hit a light lost and concrete supporting barrier behind the concrete parking lot stop. There were no warnings and this caused injury to the driver and passenger. A police report is being issued as well as contact with the car manufacturer. This is the second time this unintended accelerated occurred however this is the first incident where damage to the car and inju…”
NHTSA complaint #11478884, 2022 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“I experienced 2 incidences of sudden unexpected acceleration (SUA), the second one led to an explosive collision. Subaru asked that I sign the EDR release but refused to give me (rightful owner) a copy. With significant effort I obtained a copy of the EDR for myself. It is near impossible for the consumer to obtain their rightful copy, significant because it stinks of poor transparency for Subaru to investigate Subaru (see below). Once I obtained my copy, I released the EDR to Subaru and my vehicle was inspected by SOA at our local dealership. For some untold reason, the vehicle would "not to…”
NHTSA complaint #11505380, 2022 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Steering 23 2 crash

“In the morning of Jan 28th, I drove this car off highway(North bound MoPac) to the ramp to frontage road to 360 in Austin TX. the vehicle lost control out of sudden and crashed to the left side of the road. the accident caused total loss of the vehicle but luckily a>the passages and the the driver on the car are OK. b>no other vehicle was involved . As the drive of this vehicle , I feel the crash was so strange so later on I requested both insurance company (AAA) and Subaru to investigate the possibility of malfunctions of the car. AAA -- claim number 015641968 Subaru --case 230128-1…”
NHTSA complaint #11523077, 2023 · crash

“Paddle shift levers--which are positioned on the steering wheel as opposed to the steering column--are too square-edged (shape), which is a design defect that can cause loss of steering control. Specifically, the sharp corner can catch on coat zippers. I was driving East, took a right turn, and intended to procced with driving South. When I attempted to straighten out the wheel, however, I was unable to do so. The paddle shifter corner "hooked" my coat zipper, along the track. This caused me to lose control of my vehicle steering, which resulted in collision with a bus stop/stand and a ci…”
NHTSA complaint #11500642, 2022 · crash

“On Monday [XXX] were driving on [XXX] going north up [XXX]. I was doing about 60-65 mph in traffic which was flowing in both directions. While ascending the pass, the car suddenly started to misfire, rapidly lost power, power steering failed and all dash lights lit up. With no shoulder to pull out this was a very scary experience. Eventually managed to limp to a spot where I could pull out off the pavement. Car was dead. Popping the hood showed significant battery corrosion. I had a toolkit with me. The voltmeter measured the battery voltage at 9.3V. Thinking maybe cleaning the battery…”
NHTSA complaint #11745736, 2026

Air Bags 16 10 crash 1 fire 12 injury

“CAR WAS REAR ENDED (DRIVER SIDE REAR) AT FULL SPEED, WHICH THEN PUSHED US INTO A PARKING LOT, SPECIFICALLY THE CORNER WITH A CEMENT PILING WITH A LIGHT POLE WHICH COLLAPSED, NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED.”
NHTSA complaint #11407779, 2021 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“was at a stop in the middle lane going to turn left, got hit straight head on by a driver driving in the middle lane. his air bags deployed, none of mine deployed. the front end and drivers side of the subaru was impacted”
NHTSA complaint #11619847, 2024 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“Was in a car accident was hit from left front side and left rear passenger door. Other vehicle was going 62 mph when impacted. None of the air bags deployed in the vehicle. I hit my head twice on the window and was knocked unconscious. Insurance will be inspecting vehicle. No lights or failure before accident about airbags.”
NHTSA complaint #11615132, 2024 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

Fuel/Propulsion System 16 1 crash 2 injury

“I was pulling into a parking lot. The attendant told me to back our 2017 Outback into a spot running along a fence and row of trees. I pulled forward, put my foot on the brake to fully stop. I then moved from "drive" to "reverse". Immediately, the engine started to rev very loudly as if my foot was on the accelerator (it was not!). The accelerator seemingly went to the floor and within a few seconds our car was in reverse at high speed. The only thing that stopped us was a maple tree and fence that we hit - about 15-20 yards behind us. The backend of the car is pushed in, including into the ca…”
NHTSA complaint #11480774, 2022 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“Total of 3 incidents when my car had approx 1/8 to 1/4 of a tank of gas....as going up incline on interstate....car like stalls and slows down, will not speed up....get it over to the side to avoid being hit and it finally starts going again...close call with vehicles behind us in the passing lane. Below listed the last time it happened... Did not use to do this...first time was same area listed below in November 2025.”
NHTSA complaint #11724776, 2026

“While car was in motion car just stalled. Upon reading recalls the maker of the fuel pump which produce these pumps has recalled other models. Denso and Subaru should check these other models and replace the known issue. Vehicle had to be towed for safety of myself and my son.”
NHTSA complaint #11510717, 2023

Lane Departure 9 1 crash

“I HAD BACKED MY CAR UP TO THE FRONT OF THE GARAGE. I CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. AS I TRIED TO PUT MY CAR IN PARK, MY VEHICLE CATAPULTED INTO THE GARAGE WHICH WAS DIRECTLY BEHIND IT. I BELIEVE MY CAR EXPERIENCED "SUDDEN UNINTERRUPTED ACCELERATION". MY CINDER BLOCK GARAGE PARTIALLY COLLAPSED AND NEED TO BE COMPLETELY RAZED.”
NHTSA complaint #11396815, 2021 · crash

“THE LANE KEEPING ASSISTANCE FEATURE IS TURNED OFF IN MY VEHICLE BECAUSE I LIVE WHERE THERE ARE MANY TWO LAND ROADS AND OTHER DRIVES CONSTANTLY CROSS THE MIDDLE LINE, INCLUDING LARGE LOGGING TRUCKS. LATELY IT HAS BEEN COMING ON INTERMITTENTLY AND NUDGING MY CAR BACK TOWARD THE MIDDLE OF THE LANE EVEN WHEN I WOULD LIKE TO DRIVE VERY CLOSE TO THE SHOULDER OR WHITE LINE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD. WHEN IT NUDGES THE CAR TOWARD THE CENTER OF THE LANE AND I ATTEMPT TO CORRECT, IT IS A BATTLE AND MAKES ME FEEL VERY UNEASY. I HAVE CONTACTED SUBARU OF AMERICA BECAUSE WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, TH…”
NHTSA complaint #11624102, 2024

“Had new tires installed and on the way home kept feeling wheel pulling to the right. Eyesight/lane assist feature was turned off. At one point the steering wheel dramatically jerked right and locked, completely immoveable. It jerked me into the other lane and almost into the median of the highway. I got to safety and had it towed to the dealership. I originally thought it was an issue with the tire alignment or the AWD system. They took it on a test drive and confirmed lane assist was malfunctioning in a dangerous way. They confirmed that eyesight/lane assist was turned off when this issue hap…”
NHTSA complaint #11528521, 2023

Exterior Lighting 7

“Headlight lenses fill up with water on interior of lenses causes headlights to distort lighting and reduced visibility.”
NHTSA complaint #11642911, 2025

“My 2017 Subaru outback has moisture forming inside the passenger side headlight. Temperature does not appear to be a cause. The concern is freezing and light distortion affecting the night time auto headlight dimmer. There are no apparent cracks and front end has not been in any collision. Issue was noticed at least two months ago. Dealer is talking to manufacturer.”
NHTSA complaint #11553047, 2023

“This is the same issue we are seeing with our other Subaru where we come out to drive and the battery is dead. We would jump the battery and be able to drive for the day and the next day the battery is dead in the morning. I replaced the battery several times over the last few year and the battery would die with a less than 2 month old battery. I was driving around in both cars with jumper cables permanently. After taking it to the dealer, the battery was in great condition, the alternator was charging properly and there is a known electrical issue with this model and year that is part of a…”
NHTSA complaint #11483971, 2022

Suspension 6 1 crash

“THIS IS A RE-SUBMISSION OF COMPLAINT NO 11398779. PHOTO FILES FAILED TO UPLOAD. I HAD JUST ENTERED THE GOLF COURSE PARKING LOT AND HAD TURNED RIGHT TO ENTER A PERPENDICULAR PARKING SLOT. MY SPEED WAS LESS THAN 5 MPH. MY CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL, HIT A CONCRETE PARKING BLOCK (6 IN HIGH) AND THEN OVER A 1 FOOT HIGH WALL WHICH WAS 3 FEET FROM THE BLOCK. THE CAR ENDED UP ON A DOWN SLOPE AND THE REAR WHEEL FORTUNATELY CAUGHT ON A RETAINING WALL. I WAS NOT INJURED AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WAS ONE WITNESS TO THIS TERRIFYING EVENT WHICH OCCURRED ON FEBRUARY 4, 201…”
NHTSA complaint #11407301, 2021 · crash

“The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25 MPH, the front wheel turned at a 45-degree angle. The contact was able to pull over. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact who is an independent mechanic installed Monroe strut and coil system part number 173112 on the driver side front, the top nut fractured after two weeks. The contact repaired the vehicle. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11553851, 2023

“2017 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5 LIMITED HAS LOOSE STEERING IN THE RAIN AND GOING DOWN HILLS. DRIFTS A LOT WITH CROSS WINDS VEHICLE HAD ALIGNMENT AND TIRE INSPECTION AND SUSPENSION CHECKED AND ALL WAS FINE BUT CAR STILL IS UNSTABLE IN BAD WEATHER. FEELS LIKE IT IS SWAYING AND THE TIRES ARE NOT ON THE GROUND. TIRES HAVE 13K MILES ON THEM AND ARE IN GOOD SHAPE. SHOCKS ARE FINE. REPAIR SHOPS CAN NOT DETERMINE THE PROBLEM”
NHTSA complaint #11450394, 2021

Seat Belts 5 3 crash 2 injury

“SEPTEMBER 9TH 2017, OUR OUTBACK WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT ON A MIXED RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL STREET INTERSECTION, WHEN IT WAS HIT ON THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL, HARD ENOUGH TO SPIN THE CAR SO THAT THE LEFT REAR CORNER MADE CONTACT WITH THE OTHER VEHICLE. THE IMPACT RESULTED IN SERIOUS INJURIES REQUIRING HOSPITALIZATION AND WEEKS OF RECOVERY. THE AIRBAGS & SEATBELT PRE-TENSIONERS DID NOT ACTIVATE. AFTER THE COLLISION, THE "SOS" BUTTON WAS PRESSED, BUT THERE WAS NO RESPONSE FROM STARLINK. SEVERAL DAYS LATER THE STARLINK CONCIERGE CALLED TO ADVISE US THAT THE LIGHTS WERE "ON" AND CHECKING ON OUR WEL…”
NHTSA complaint #11024520, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“ON 8 JUNE 2017 I HAD JUST PULLED INTO A PARKING SPOT IN FRONT OF A MEDICAL SUITE WHEN MY LEASED THREE MONTH OLD 2017 SUBARU OUTBACK WITH 1,000 MILES SUDDENLY HAD AN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION EPISODE JUMPING THE CURB AND CRASHING INTO A BRICK WALL AND SUITE DOOR AFTER DISPLACING A THRESHOLD COLUMN BY TWO INCHES. THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY, THE "EYESIGHT" FUNCTION DID NOT STOP THE VEHICLE, THE SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN ME AND MY CHEST SLAMMED INTO THE STEERING WHEEL, MY KNEES CRASHED INTO THE DASHBOARD. ON 2 JUNE, LESS THAN A WEEK EARLIER, THE CAR HAD DONE THE SAME UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHILE…”
NHTSA complaint #11011433, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I HIT A LARGE DEER ON IH 10 AT 75 MPH. ALL AIRBAGS DEPLOYED SAFELY BUT CONPLETELY BLOCKED MY VISION AND PREVENTED ME FROM EXITING THE VEHICLE AS THE BAGS BLOCKED DOOR HANDLES, WINDOW CONTROL SWITCHES AND MY SEAT BELT RELEASE. ANOTHER MOTORIST CUT AIR BAG STRIPS AND HELPED ME TO EXIT THE CAR. FORTUNATELY, NO FIRE.”
NHTSA complaint #11203480, 2019 · crash

Wheels 5 1 crash

“In the morning of Jan 28th, I drove this car off highway(North bound MoPac) to the ramp to frontage road to 360 in Austin TX. the vehicle lost control out of sudden and crashed to the left side of the road. the accident caused total loss of the vehicle but luckily a>the passages and the the driver on the car are OK. b>no other vehicle was involved . As the drive of this vehicle , I feel the crash was so strange so later on I requested both insurance company (AAA) and Subaru to investigate the possibility of malfunctions of the car. AAA -- claim number 015641968 Subaru --case 230128-1…”
NHTSA complaint #11523077, 2023 · crash

“The CVT failed at 62 miles per hour on a busy interstate, XXX. This caused the drivetrain to lock. The car has been repaired and traded locally in [XXX]. The car was very difficult to steer with locked wheels in traffic. This was a rapid evasive manuver on a busy interstate. An undrivable vehicle on an interstate is life threatening to many. Flat bed driver told me I was lucky to steer off of lanes onto shoulder with four locked wheels. This incident put me in mild shock. The Subaru dealer had to replace the transmission. The dealer and Subaru Regional Rep. examined the CVT failure. It was…”
NHTSA complaint #11749073, 2026

“WHILE TRAVELING THROUGH MICHIGAN'S UPPER PENINSULA AND NORTHERN WISCONSIN DURING SNOW FALL WITH A FULLY PACKED CAR ON THE HIGHWAY I EXPERIENCED THE REAR END "GHOST WALKING" OR "STEERING" OR "PULLING" TO THE LEFT AND TO THE RIGHT. I HAD TO DRIVE 40MPH WHILE TWO-WHEELED DRIVE CAMRYS, CIVICS, VANS, ETC. PASSED US BY. GROWING UP IN NORTHERN MICHIGAN, I'M NO STRANGER TO WINTER CONDITIONS AND ALL WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES. I DON'T THINK ALL-WHEELED DRIVE VEHICLES MAKE ME INVINCIBLE, BUT THEY DO MAKE DRIVING IN WINTERY CONDITIONS BETTER. AFTER OUR TRIP, I TOOK THE CAR INTO THE SUBARU DEALER AND TH…”
NHTSA complaint #11385757, 2020

Back Over Prevention 4 1 crash 2 injury

“While attempting to park in a parking spot with a concrete parking lot stop the car experience an unintended acceleration and did not engage the safety braking system causing the car to jump over the concrete parking lot stops and hit a light lost and concrete supporting barrier behind the concrete parking lot stop. There were no warnings and this caused injury to the driver and passenger. A police report is being issued as well as contact with the car manufacturer. This is the second time this unintended accelerated occurred however this is the first incident where damage to the car and inju…”
NHTSA complaint #11478884, 2022 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“THE REAR HATCH AFTER USE IT APPEARS TO BE CLOSED. IT DOES NOT INDICATE IT IS NOT LATCHED OR CLOSED AND DRAINS THE BATTERY AND THE CAR DOES NOT START. THE BACK UP INDICATOR DID NOT ALERT ME THAT THERE WAS A CAR COMING ACROSS BEHIND ME.”
NHTSA complaint #11388998, 2020

“THE AUTOMATIC REAR BRAKING IS OVERLY SENSITIVE AND SLAMS ON THE BRAKES ANYTIME I BACK OUT OF A DRIVEWAY; UNLESS I COME TO A COMPLETE STOP AT THE MOMENT THE TIRES MAKE CONTACT WITH THE STREET. THE DEALER TELLS POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS THIS CAN BE ADJUSTED, BUT WHEN I TOOK THE CAR IN FOR AN ADJUSTMENT, THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TOLD ME IT WAS AGAINST THE LAW TO ADJUST IT. SUBARU CLAIMS IT'S WORKING AS DESIGNED, BUT THEY'VE NEVER TESTED IT ON THE ROAD. THE ONLY THING THEY DO IS PLUG IT IN TO THEIR COMPUTER; AND THEY FIND NO ERROR CODES. THE 2018 SUBARU OUTBACK IS NOT AS SENSITIVE.”
NHTSA complaint #11091101, 2017

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 4

“KEY STUCK IN THE IGNITION AFTER ENGINE TURN OFF AND IN PARK. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11324570, 2020

“KEY GETS STUCK IN THE IGNITION. THE CAR DRIVES, TURNS OFF, AND TURNS ON LIKE NORMAL HOWEVER, WHEN THE CAR IS PUT INTO PARK, TURNED OFF, AND THE THE KEY IS ATTEMPTED TO BE REMOVED THE KEY DOES NOT COME OUT. IT ONLY COMES OUT AFTER SOMETIMES AN HOUR OR MORE OF PUTTING THE CAR INTO DRIVE AND THEN INTO PARK AGAIN. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME I ATTEMPT TO REMOVE THE KEY.”
NHTSA complaint #11283201, 2019

“ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS (WHEN STARTING IN DRIVEWAY - STOPPED, WHILE DRIVING IN PARKING LOT - 5 MPH, DRIVING IN TOWN - 25 MPH, WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY - 60 MPH) ALL ADVANCED SAFETY FEATURES ARE DISABLED INCLUDING (BUT NOT LIMITED TO) EYE SIGHT (FAB - FORWARD AUTO BRAKE, ACC - ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, LAS - LANE ASSIST STEERING), RAB - REAR AUTO BRAKE, REAR CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT, BLIND SPOT DETECTION, PARK BRAKE, ABS, TRACTION CONTROL, POWER STEERING. NOTE THAT THE FAILURE OF THESE SYSTEMS DOES NOT CAUSE A CHECK ENGINE CONDITION AND NO ERROR CODES ARE LOGGED. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THE FIRST 4…”
NHTSA complaint #11280159, 2019

Tires 3

“Tires worn to wear bar 2/32 to 4/32 in in 28,000 miles. At severe risk for hydroplaning and possible accident related to all tires with premature wear. This is second full set of Michelin tires that have worn prematurely. The tires have been inspected by Costco tires which is the purchasing dealer. I have called the manufacture also Aug 18, 2022. They have started a warranty but was told it would be toward purchase of new set of Michelin. I do not wish to purchase their tires in the near future. I have been a customer with Michelin for many years and have always been very satisfied but recentl…”
NHTSA complaint #11479901, 2022

“TIRE FAILURE AT LOW MILEAGE. TIRES NOT PASSING SAFETY INSPECTION AFTER APPX 20,000 USE. TREAD DOWN TO 4//32. TIRES PURCHASED AT COSTCO . LINE IS MICHELIN PREMIER A/S . MULTI VISITS TO COSTCO TO INSPECT AFTER TWO INDEPENDENT TIRE INSPECTORS STATED THEY WOULD NOT PASS SAFETY INSPECTION WITH WEAR BARES CLOSE TO TREAD SUFACE. COSTCO REFUSED TO CALL FAILURE STATING THAT IS NORMAL FOR THIS TYPE OF TIRES. THE RATING WAS AT LEAST 60.000 MILES. THERE WAS A RECENT ROAD HAZARD THAT PUNCTURED FRONT TIRE AND COSTCO WANTED TO CHARGE FOR NEW FRONT TIRE. VERY UNSTATISFIED WITH TIRES, FREQUENT SLIPPING AND LO…”
NHTSA complaint #11318874, 2019

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHEN ROTATING OR REPLACING TIRES, THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED. FLASHED AT THE SUBARU DEALER SINCE 2015. IF NOT, THEY WOULD NOT BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH NEW YORK AND WOULD FAIL INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. UPDATED 01/25/2017*CT”
NHTSA complaint #10925991, 2016

Seats 2

“THE BATTERY KEEPS FAILING. IT'S MY 4TH BATTERY CHANGE AND I CAN FEEL THAT I WILL NEED TO CHANGE THE 4TH ONE SOON.”
NHTSA complaint #11413738, 2021

“TWO ISSUES: - WINDSHIELD - I CAME OUT OF THE GYM TO SEE A HUGE CRACK IN MY WINDSHIELD. ON THE VERY NEXT DAY AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE A WHAT I ASSUME A SMALL ROCK HIT MY WINDSHIELD AND ANOTHER CRACK SPREAD ACROSS THE WINDSHIELD. -LEATHER DRIVER CAR SEAT - WITHIN ONLY TWO YEARS OF USE, THE CAR SEAT IS RIPPED IN SEVERAL PLACES. NOTHING HAS EVER HAPPENED TO WARRANT SUCH RIPS.”
NHTSA complaint #11319635, 2020

Equipment 1

“The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25 MPH, the front wheel turned at a 45-degree angle. The contact was able to pull over. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact who is an independent mechanic installed Monroe strut and coil system part number 173112 on the driver side front, the top nut fractured after two weeks. The contact repaired the vehicle. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11553851, 2023

Latches/Locks/Linkages 1

“The contact's sister owns a 2017 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the hood unlatched, flew open, and struck the windshield, causing the windshield to shatter. The driver was able to pull over to the side of the road. It was unknown whether the driver was able to close the hood. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the driver was provided a loaner vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. It was unknown if the manufacturer was contacted or notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”
NHTSA complaint #11715835, 2026

Parking Brake 1

“The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the electric parking brake was stuck intermittently. The contact stated while shifting to drive(D) or reverse(R), the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that failure occurred after reversing several times. The message "Park" was displayed. The contact stated that upon jiggling the electric parking brake knob several times, the vehicle responded as needed. The vehicle was taken the dealer, where the failure could not be duplicated. The Subaru dealer was contacted and advised the contact to tow the vehicle to their locati…”
NHTSA complaint #11598268, 2022