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
288
Most reports here involve sudden stalling. Of these, 6 mention a crash, 1 mention an injury.
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Purchased my 2011 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited from the dealership, new. Since 2013, the Subaru dealer has discovered multiple oil leaks, replaced the head gaskets 3 times, thermostat 4 times, the alternator 3 times, timing belt 4 times, radiator 3 times, starter once, and my HVAC system twice...all due to my engine seizing multiple times while driving on freeways. No warning lights, just the engine seizing suddenly. This caused a few minor bumper accidents on the freeways because of these incidents. Nothing was reported because no one was injured. Last year the engine was replaced with a used/refurbished one by the dealership. In less than 11 months after this engine was replaced, the dealership states I'm having multiple oil leaks again, most originating from the cam carrier. Now, my engine is struggling on slight grades. The newly installed used engine only came with a six month warranty and now Subaru states I need another engine replacement. Money is tight, so for now I'm keeping a pan under my car to catch the oil and I will keep topping off the oil every week.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11737640 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Electrical & infotainment
150
Most reports here involve premature wear. Of these, 1 mention a crash, 1 mention an injury.
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Coolant leak, steering power fluid leak, break pad leak, gasoline line leak, seat heater, clicking noise after turning off car, leaking seats and rear view mirror also leaking, steering wheel expanding due to possible air bag, heater and ac vents lose and also chemical smell/gas/coolant coming from front and back of car, sunroof not secured. Every wiring wet, charger port in middle compartment wet when plugging something in. Everything auto does not work. Car sounds like something is constantly leaking air or gas somewhere, even when off. My safety was at risk by having severe chemical burns on my skin everywhere, hair falling out due to exposure, almost passing out while driving due to inhaling components, low visibility due to auto dimming in rear view and side mirrors. The problem has not been confirmed due to me being in a financial bind at the moment. The car has not been inspected. due to financial problems I am not able to get the vehicle looked at. There were no warnings except for the blue temp light came on but immediately will shut back off. Car also severely vibrates when turning on. They started appearing around against of 2024
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11633292 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Brakes
66
Most reports here involve loss of braking. Of these, 11 mention a crash, 2 mention an injury.
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Just lost brakes. Was parked at an atm. In park, foot on brake as i was shifting into drive, brake pedal goes to floor and brake fluid leaks out... I see there was a recall for brake lines in Michigan. I've owned this car since 2020. All Brake pads are new as of 4/2025. This just occurred today on Sunday so I have not got the estimate yet.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11678072 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Steering, suspension & tires
44
Most reports here involve loss of steering. Of these, 1 mention a crash.
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I have advised Autozone about premature failure of this part number ball joint. Originally the part number was FA267. Autozone changed the part number and color but did not address the quality and/or longevty concern. I have had to replace all of these part numbered ball joints with oem Subaru parts. The Autozone version will not last until the next oil change(approximately 5k miles) before it is loose and making a knocking noise. The is a safety concern as the ball joint may break or fail while someone is driving. I have expressed this concern multiple time to multiple reps from Autozone over the last 12 years. Autozone's remedy was simply to change the color and part number, then continue selling the same sub standard part. Your attention to this would be beneficial to all involved. Thank you.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11754432 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Airbags & seat belts
68
Most reports here involve airbags not deploying. Of these, 3 mention a crash, 2 mention an injury.
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The contact owned a 2011 Subaru Outback. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V001000 (Air Bags) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11633232 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Structure & body
21
Most reports here involve corrosion.
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On [XXX] Clay Subaru in Norwood, MA told me that my 2011 Subaru Outback has front subframe rot. Supposedly they do a 100 point inspection every oil change, which is performed every 6 or so months, yet this problem was first report last October! The car had only 81,616 miles on it. (Now it has 82,000ish) The dealer claims it will cost $5368.96 to fix the car and that the subframe needs fixing within 12 months. No warning lights have appeared. I've owned the car since 2017. It had 39,371 miles on it when bought & had been serviced and sold by this same dealer with only one owner It was in pristine condition, according to an independent mechanic that inspected it before I bought it. All my oil changes are done at the same dealer, yet the problem was not identified before. This is a vehicle made for off road travel (which I have NOT done) and for winter weather. WHY IS THE SUBFRAME rotting? Reedit reports that there are at least 200 others that have reported the same problem to you for cars of this same year! Please advise!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11634043 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Other systems
14
Most reports here involve corrosion. Of these, 1 mention a crash.
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Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Subaru Outback. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of the purchase on 2/26/2026, the mileage was 95,999. The contact found a bill of sale from 07/29/2026, that stated that the mileage was approximately 95,999; however, the title stated that the mileage was approximately 94,669. The contact stated that the current approximate mileage was 90,000.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11754446 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov