Recalls
Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.
No recalls on record for this model
No safety recalls were found in this dataset. It is still worth entering the exact VIN on NHTSA before purchase, since recalls can be added at any time.
Owner complaints by system
Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.
Engine & powertrain
143
Most reports here involve sudden stalling. Of these, 5 mention a crash.
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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 to NHTSA addressing this issue but no recall?
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11667008 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Electrical & infotainment
57
Most reports here involve premature wear.
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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.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11753313 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Brakes
33
Most reports here involve loss of braking. Of these, 1 mention a crash.
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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 press with significant force to get the car to stop. Had I not been comfortable two foot driving or understood the issue, this surely would have resulted in a crash of some sort. The car indicated a check engine light, loss of traction control, a flashing BRAKE light, and a flashing cruise control light. I took the car immediately to a local shop where they identified the problem as a vacuum leak at the brake booster. The plastic piece that the hose clamps onto had cracked off, leading to this problem. This make and model does not seem to have a check valve downstream of this component.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11723980 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Steering, suspension & tires
50
Most reports here involve loss of steering. Of these, 1 mention a crash, 2 mention an injury.
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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.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11490834 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Airbags & seat belts
46
Most reports here involve airbags not deploying. Of these, 3 mention a crash, 4 mention an injury.
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The contact's father owned a 2010 Subaru Outback. The contact's father received recall notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V001000 (Air Bags) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list because he no longer owns the vehicle, and the vehicle was exported to Canada. The dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11600151 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Structure & body
23
Most reports here involve corrosion. Of these, 2 mention a crash, 2 mention an injury.
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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.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11634248 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Other systems
8
Most reports here involve fluid leaks.
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ACTUATOR THAT ADJUSTS THE AIR FLOW BROKEN AND DOESN'T NOW ALLOW THE AIRFLOW TO BE DIRECTED TO THE WINDSHIELD. THIS IS AN EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD AS THE WINDOWS FOG UP AS THE CAR WARMS AND YOU CANNOT SEE OUT OF THE WINDOW.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11512518 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov