1996 SUBARU OUTBACK
2 recalls, 57 complaints - 19 TSBs
01V216000 Jun 25, 2001
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
Defect Description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FRONT COIL SPRINGS ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY, NEW HAMPSHIRE, OHIO, PE... Read more
Consequence
DEPENDING ON THE LOCATION OF THE FRACTURE, A BROKEN SPRING COULD MOVE PAST THE SPRING SEAT AND CONTACT A FRONT TIRE. SOME TIRES HAVE DEFLATED DUE TO CONTACT WITH A BROKEN SPRING.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL NOTIFIY CUSTOMERS TO BRING THEIR VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE A SPRING GUARD INSTALLED ON BOTH FRONT STRUTS TO PREVENT TIRE PUNCTURE AND REPLACE ANY BROKEN SPRINGS FREE OF CHARGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 18, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZE... Read more
98V091000 May 4, 1998
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY:HANGER,BRACKET
Defect Description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER STATION WAGON, SEDAN AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. DUE TO IMPROPER WELDING, FRACTURES CAN OCCUR ON THE SUPPORT BRACKET OF THE FRONT TRANSVERSE LINK.
Consequence
SUCH FRACTURES CAN RESULT IN PARTIAL OR COMPLETE SEPARATION OF THE BRACKET CAUSING A FAILURE OF THE LOWER SUSPENSION MOUNTING, LEADING TO A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE IF NECESSARY THE FRONT SUSPENSION SUPPORT BRACKETS.
Complaint Statistics
57 total complaints
19 crashes 2 fires 14 injuries
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| AIR BAGS:FRONTAL | 7 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 6 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 3 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP | 3 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 3 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 3 |
| WHEELS | 3 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 3 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM | 2 |
| POWER TRAIN | 2 |
SERVICE BRAKES
Apr 5, 2014
Incident date: Dec 23, 2013
WHENEVER THE CAR HAS BEEN PARKED IN SUB-ZERO TEMPERATURES FOR A MINIMUM OF THREE HOURS, THE CHECK VALVE IN THE BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM HOSE WILL FREEZE IN PLACE AND RESULTS IN NO POWER ASSIST BRAKING. THE FIRST APPLICATION OF THE BRAKES WOULD BE NORMAL AS THERE WAS RESIDUAL VACUUM IN THE BOOSTER. ADD... Read more
POWER TRAIN
Feb 21, 2014
Incident date: Feb 5, 2014
RECENTLY PURCHASED (1/17/14) VEHICLE A CATASTROPHIC LOSS AFTER PAX SIDE T-BONE @ A/B PILLAR SUBSEQUENT TO HILL HOLDER SELF-ACTIVATION CAUSED UNRECOVERABLE YAWED SLIDE/SKID (TO A NON-INPUTTED STOP FROM 40-0MPH IN +/- .25MI.) DURING BRAKE/DOWNSHIFT CONTROL INPUT ON (ISTHA FOIA FILE)% UPHILL GRADE IN 4... Read more
Crash
1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
Feb 21, 2014
Incident date: Feb 5, 2014
RECENTLY PURCHASED (1/17/14) VEHICLE A CATASTROPHIC LOSS AFTER PAX SIDE T-BONE @ A/B PILLAR SUBSEQUENT TO HILL HOLDER SELF-ACTIVATION CAUSED UNRECOVERABLE YAWED SLIDE/SKID (TO A NON-INPUTTED STOP FROM 40-0MPH IN +/- .25MI.) DURING BRAKE/DOWNSHIFT CONTROL INPUT ON (ISTHA FOIA FILE)% UPHILL GRADE IN 4... Read more
Crash
1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
Feb 21, 2014
Incident date: Feb 5, 2014
RECENTLY PURCHASED (1/17/14) VEHICLE A CATASTROPHIC LOSS AFTER PAX SIDE T-BONE @ A/B PILLAR SUBSEQUENT TO HILL HOLDER SELF-ACTIVATION CAUSED UNRECOVERABLE YAWED SLIDE/SKID (TO A NON-INPUTTED STOP FROM 40-0MPH IN +/- .25MI.) DURING BRAKE/DOWNSHIFT CONTROL INPUT ON (ISTHA FOIA FILE)% UPHILL GRADE IN 4... Read more
Crash
1 injured
POWER TRAIN
Feb 21, 2014
Incident date: Feb 5, 2014
RECENTLY PURCHASED (1/17/14) VEHICLE A CATASTROPHIC LOSS AFTER PAX SIDE T-BONE @ A/B PILLAR SUBSEQUENT TO HILL HOLDER SELF-ACTIVATION CAUSED UNRECOVERABLE YAWED SLIDE/SKID (TO A NON-INPUTTED STOP FROM 40-0MPH IN +/- .25MI.) DURING BRAKE/DOWNSHIFT CONTROL INPUT ON (ISTHA FOIA FILE)% UPHILL GRADE IN 4... Read more
Crash
1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
Feb 21, 2014
Incident date: Feb 5, 2014
RECENTLY PURCHASED (1/17/14) VEHICLE A CATASTROPHIC LOSS AFTER PAX SIDE T-BONE @ A/B PILLAR SUBSEQUENT TO HILL HOLDER SELF-ACTIVATION CAUSED UNRECOVERABLE YAWED SLIDE/SKID (TO A NON-INPUTTED STOP FROM 40-0MPH IN +/- .25MI.) DURING BRAKE/DOWNSHIFT CONTROL INPUT ON (ISTHA FOIA FILE)% UPHILL GRADE IN 4... Read more
Crash
1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
Feb 21, 2014
Incident date: Feb 5, 2014
RECENTLY PURCHASED (1/17/14) VEHICLE A CATASTROPHIC LOSS AFTER PAX SIDE T-BONE @ A/B PILLAR SUBSEQUENT TO HILL HOLDER SELF-ACTIVATION CAUSED UNRECOVERABLE YAWED SLIDE/SKID (TO A NON-INPUTTED STOP FROM 40-0MPH IN +/- .25MI.) DURING BRAKE/DOWNSHIFT CONTROL INPUT ON (ISTHA FOIA FILE)% UPHILL GRADE IN 4... Read more
Crash
1 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Jan 14, 2010
Incident date: Jan 6, 2010
WHILE DRIVING VERY BUSY HIGHWAY, THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE WENT ALL THE WAY TO "H". I PULLED OVER AND NOTICED SOME STEAM UNDER HOOD. ADDED SOME WATER. A LITTLE LATER, STILL ON "H". MECHANIC WHO HAS SERVICED MY 1996 SUBARU OUTBACK SINCE I GOT IT IN 1998 SAID IT HAD A BLOWN HEAD GASKET, COMMON WITH SU... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Oct 26, 2009
Incident date: Oct 23, 2009
CAR OVERHEATED WITHOUT WARNING. SUSPECT HEADGASKET FAILURE ALLOWING COOLANT TO ESCAPE AND ENGINE TO OVERHEAT . (POTENTIAL FOR CAR TO UNEXPECTEDLY STALL ON INTERSTATE) UPON INTERNET SEARCH FOUND THAT HUNDREDS OF THE SUBARU 2.5L ENGINES SUFFER FROM SAME CONDITION (1995-1999). HTTP://HOME.COMCAST.NET/... Read more
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jan 22, 2009
Incident date: Dec 15, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHEN THE CONTACT PLACED HER VEHICLE INTO REVERSE AND THEN DRIVE, IT SPED OFF ON ITS OWN AND DID NOT RESPOND WHEN THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS WERE DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT DID NOT HAVE CONTROL OVER THE STEERING AS WELL. SHE ATTEMPTED TO STEER THE VEHIC... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Apr 28, 2008
Incident date: Apr 16, 2008
1. JUST BOUGHT FROM DEALER. GOING TO GET GAS. 2. OVERHEATING. AUTO MECHANIC SAID OIL IN THE ANTIFREEZE. HEAD GASKET. 3. REPAIRED HEAD GASKET ETC. *TR
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
Jun 1, 2006
Incident date: Jun 1, 2006
ACCORDING TO SUBARU IN NHTSA RECALL NO. 01V-216, THE PROTECTIVE PAINT WAS APPLIED INCORRECTLY TO '96 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK SPRINGS WHICH LEADS THEM TO RUST AND BREAK. SUBARU WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SPRINGS BUT WILL NOT REPLACE THE REAR SPRINGS, EVEN THOUGH THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURS ON BOTH FRONT AND RE... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Dec 13, 2005
Incident date: Oct 25, 2005
CAR SEEMED TO BE RUNNING FINE BUT RADIATOR TEMP WAS HIGH. TOOK CAR INTO REPAIR SHOP, CRACKED HEAD GASKET. CALLED SUBARU, THEY OFFERED NO HELP OR ADVICE. COST TO REPAIR IS AT A TOTAL LOSS TO ME, A COLLEGE STUDENT. SUBARU DEALER SAID CRACKED HEAD GASKET IS A PROBLEM IN SUBARUS. I WOULD HAVE NOT B... Read more
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Aug 22, 2005
Incident date: Aug 19, 2005
DT: THE CONSUMER STATES THAT THE 1996 SUBARU OUTBACK WAS HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THE GAS TANK FILLER GUARD AND PIPE. THE GUARD RUSTED FROM DEBRIS OVER THE YEARS, AND DIRT AND DEBRIS WERE GETTING UNDERNEATH THE GUARD. THE RESULT WAS RUSTING AND LEAKING GAS FROM THE GAS TANK. THE GAS TANK WAS NOTICED ... Read more
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
Jul 19, 2005
Incident date: Jul 19, 2005
DT: 1996 SUBARU OUTBACK CALLER COMPLAINED ABOUT THE FUEL INJECTION .SYSTEM. WHEN STARTING THE CAR IT SHUT OFF AGAIN. WHEN DRIVING IT DIDN'T HAVE ANY SPEED, THE SPEED ODOMETER WAS 60 MPH WHEN GOING 40 MPH. SOMETIMES IT WILL PICK UP SPEED AND SOMETIMES IT WON'T. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER ... Read more
AIR BAGS
Mar 22, 2005
Incident date: Mar 22, 2005
WHILE SITTING AT A INTERSECTION WAITING FOR THE LIGHT TO CHANGE THE AIR BAGS WENT OFF INADVERTENTLY. DRIVER WAS NOT INJURED, AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. A CAUSE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED AT THIS TIME. *AK
Crash
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Mar 10, 2005
Incident date: Jan 1, 2004
A PERMANENT HAZING OF THE HEADLIGHT LENSES HAS BEEN PROGRESSIVELY GETTING WORSE, AND CANNOT BE REMOVED. THIS HAS CAUSED SAFE NIGHT DRIVING ILLUMINATION TO DROP DRAMATICALLY.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Dec 6, 2004
Incident date: Dec 5, 2004
CAR STARTED AND RAN NORMALLY FOR 5 TO 10 MINUTES ALONG A COUNTRY ROAD AT ABOUT 45 MPH, VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO FULL THROTTLE. POKED ACCELERATOR PEDAL A FEW TIMES WITH NO RESULT, AND PEDAL DID NOT APPEAR TO BE STUCK DOWN. HELD SPEED OF VEHICLE DOWN WITH BOTH FEET HARD ON BRAKE PEDAL. VEHI... Read more
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Nov 18, 2004
Incident date: Nov 17, 2004
I DRIVE A 1996 OUTBACK WITH 116,000 MILES ON IT. I'VE READ ABOUT POSSIBLE RECALLS PERTAINING TO THE TRANSMISSIONS BINDING IN TURNS, WHICH IS WHAT I'M EXPEREINCING NOW. I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT IF IT GETS TOO BAD, IT MAY BREAK AN AXLE OR SOMETHING. IF IT IS A RECOGNIZED PROBLEM/MISTAKE, I'D REALLY LIKE TO... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Apr 22, 2004
Incident date: Feb 15, 2003
BLEW A HEAD GASKET WHICH LEAKED ANTIFREEZE THROUGHOUT THE ENGINE CAUSING MANY OTHER PARTS FAILURES. FOR EXAMPLE, O2 SENSORS. TOTAL COST OF REPAIRING VEHICLE - $4,800
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
Apr 22, 2004
Incident date: Feb 15, 2003
BLEW A HEAD GASKET WHICH LEAKED ANTIFREEZE THROUGHOUT THE ENGINE CAUSING MANY OTHER PARTS FAILURES. FOR EXAMPLE, O2 SENSORS. TOTAL COST OF REPAIRING VEHICLE - $4,800
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Apr 27, 2003
Incident date: Feb 24, 2003
BLEW A HEAD GASKET WHILE TRAVELING WITH TWO CHILDREN. BROKE DOWN AND HAD TO WAIT ON SIDE OF BUSY ROAD WITH ONE YEAR OLD AND TWO YEAR OLD. THE CAR,A 1996 OUTBACK ONLY HAD 115,000 MILES ON IT. REAL LOW FOR THIS TYPE OF INCIDENT. *NLM
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
Apr 7, 2003
Incident date: Apr 1, 2003
COMPLETE SEPARATION OF TREAD FROM BODY AND SIDEWALL OF RIGHT FRONT MICHELIN HARMONY TIRE. TIRES IN SERVICE FOR THREE MONTHS ON A SUBARU LEGACY WAGON. *JB
WHEELS
Sep 24, 2002
Incident date: Sep 1, 2002
CONSUMER STATES WHEELS ARE OXDIZING/CORRODING AND AIR IS LEAKING IN ALL TIRES. CHECKED BY DEALER WHO OXIDIZED THE TIRES.*JB
SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING
Jun 27, 2002
ON SEVRAL OCCASIONS, THE LEFT AND RIGHT BEARINGS FAILED CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE AXLE ASSEMBLY. BEARINGS HAD TO BE REPLACED TWICE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *TT
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Nov 26, 2001
Incident date: Oct 27, 2001
IN HEAD-ON COLLISION WITH BOTH CARS AT 30 MPH, BOTH FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG BURST THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD AND ENDED UP ON THE HOOD. PASSENGER NEVER TOUCHED THE AIR BAG, BUT WAS RESTRAINED BY THE SEAT/SHOULDER BELT. NO OTHER KNOWN REASON FOR WINDSHIELD DAMAGE BEFORE OR DURING ... Read more
Crash
2 injured
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
Nov 26, 2001
Incident date: Oct 27, 2001
IN HEAD-ON COLLISION WITH BOTH CARS AT 30 MPH, BOTH FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG BURST THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD AND ENDED UP ON THE HOOD. PASSENGER NEVER TOUCHED THE AIR BAG, BUT WAS RESTRAINED BY THE SEAT/SHOULDER BELT. NO OTHER KNOWN REASON FOR WINDSHIELD DAMAGE BEFORE OR DURING ... Read more
Crash
2 injured
WHEELS
May 7, 2001
Incident date: Jan 1, 1999
ALL 4 ALLOY WHEELS HAVE DETERIORATED TO THE POINT THAT TIRES WILL NOT RETAIN SUFFICIENT AIR PRESSURE. OTHER BRAND VEHICLES WITH ALLOY WHEELS (EX. AUDI) DRIVEN IN IDENTIAL CONDITIONS AND HOUSED IN SAME GARAGE HAVE SHOWN NO ABNORMAL DETERIORIATION AS HAS THE SUBARU. TIRES DEFLATE RAPIDLY WHEN CA... Read more
SUSPENSION
Apr 23, 2001
Incident date: Apr 23, 2001
AT VERY LOW SPEED SPRING OF LEFT FRONT STRUT BROKE AND WENT THROUGH TIRE.*AK *SLC
TIRES:SIDEWALL
Jan 22, 2001
Incident date: Jan 15, 2001
MICHELIN XW4 TIRE P205/70R15, DOT M3H342DX079, OUTSIDE SIDEWALL SLIT OPEN BELOW THE TREAD EDGE, MICHELIN STATED THE TIRE BLEW OUT DUE TO A ROAD HAZARD OR UNDERINFLATION, CONSUMER CHECKED OVER TIRE AND FOUND NO INDICATIONS OF A PUNCTURE. *SLC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Nov 7, 2000
THE ANTI SKID SYSTEM ON THIS VEHICLE HAS A MAJOR FLAW IN OPERATIONAL DESIGN THAT ONLY BECOMES EVIDENT IN PACKED SNOW & ICE CONDITIONS, AND AT VERY LOW INITIAL SPEEDS, WHEN FIRST BEGINNING TO MOVE ON A DOWNHILL SLOPE. ON SUCH SLIPPERY SURFACES, WHEN THE CAR IS BARELY MOVING FORWARD DOWNHILL BY GRAVI... Read more
WHEELS
Jan 18, 2000
CONSUMER LOSS CONTROL OF VEHICLE WHEN THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL BROKE AT THE MACPHERSON STRUT CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO FLIP OVER ONCE AND COME TO REST ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. CONSUMER WALKED AWAY WITH ABRASIONS AND BRUISING. *NLM
Crash
1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Jan 5, 2000
Incident date: Jan 5, 2000
THE DESIGN OF THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) SEEMS TO OVERCOMPENSATE IN ICY OR SLICK CONDITIONS, TO THE POINT THAT NO SIGNIFICANT BRAKING OCCURS. THIS HAS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SAIL THROUGH INTERSECTIONS DURING ICY CONDITIONS NUMEROUS TIMES. THE SYSTEM DOES NOT PERFORM AS OTHER ABS SYSTEMS SUCH ... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Sep 30, 1999
Incident date: Aug 30, 1999
THE REAR OIL PAN GASKET WAS REPLACED DUE TO LEAK. *YC
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Sep 30, 1999
Incident date: Aug 30, 1999
VEHICLE EXPERIENCING BUCKING ON TWO OCCASIONS WHEN THE FOOT IS TAKEN OF THE ACCELERATOR / WHEN MAKING A TURN DUE TO SOLENOID FAILURE. REPAIRS WERE DONE. PROBLEM STILL EXIST. *YC
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Sep 13, 1999
WHEN TRAVELING 45 AND MPH UPON APPLYING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO MAKE A SUDEN STOP, VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCLERATE ,CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. UPON IMPACT, NEITHER DRIVER'S SIDE NOR PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. PASSENGER SIDE FRONTAL DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END. CON... Read more
Crash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Sep 13, 1999
WHEN TRAVELING 45 AND MPH UPON APPLYING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO MAKE A SUDEN STOP, VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCLERATE ,CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. UPON IMPACT, NEITHER DRIVER'S SIDE NOR PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. PASSENGER SIDE FRONTAL DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END. CON... Read more
Crash
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Jun 15, 1999
Incident date: Jan 10, 1999
CAR JUMPS WHEN STEERING AT LOW SPEED. I WAS INFORMED THAT IT WAS A TRANSMISSION DEFECT. I FEEL IT IS A CONSTRUCTION DEFECT. *AK
TIRES
Mar 10, 1999
VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE FUEL TANK AREA DUE TO IMPROPER TIRE SIZE AND THE OVERHEATING OF THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
Fire
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:UNIVERSAL JOINT
Mar 10, 1999
VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE FUEL TANK AREA DUE TO IMPROPER TIRE SIZE AND THE OVERHEATING OF THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
Fire
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Feb 17, 1999
Incident date: May 20, 1998
VEHICLE WAS REARENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THEN OUTBACK REARENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG COVER DISENGAGED & SHATTERED WINDSHIELD. RESTRAINT COVER CAME OFF COMPLETELY. PASSENGER WAS INJURED BY AIR BAG. *AK
Crash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Feb 1, 1999
VEHICLE DID A 360 DEGREE SPIN ACROSS THE HIGHWAY AND ROLLED OVER, NEITHER DRIVER'S OR PASSENGER'S SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THE ROOF AND THE FRONT END CAVED IN. ALSO THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT HOLD. *AK
Crash
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
Feb 1, 1999
VEHICLE DID A 360 DEGREE SPIN ACROSS THE HIGHWAY AND ROLLED OVER, NEITHER DRIVER'S OR PASSENGER'S SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THE ROOF AND THE FRONT END CAVED IN. ALSO THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT HOLD. *AK
Crash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jan 11, 1999
CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TRIED TO HAVE IT REPAIRED BUT STILL DOES NOT WORK.
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
Jan 6, 1999
PASSENGER POWER MOTOR ASSEMBLY FAILED CAUSING WINDOW TO BE STUCK OPEN.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
Jan 6, 1999
WARPED ROTORS CAUSED BRAKES TO PULSE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Dec 30, 1998
VEHICLE STALLS INTERMITTANTLY.
TIRES
Dec 17, 1998
Incident date: Apr 15, 1998
MICHELIN TIRES AND ALUMINUM RIMS APPEAR TO BE INCOMPATIBLE. DEALER CANNOT DETECT REASON FOR CONTINUING AIR LOSS. HAVE BEEN FILLING TIRES WITH AIR ALMOST AS FREQUENTLY AS FILLING TANK WITH GAS. I THINK THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND BECAUSE IT IS ALL TIRES OR AT LEAST TWO OR THREE, I NEED AN ANSWER ... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Nov 18, 1998
OIL PLUG BROKE RESULTING IN FAILURE.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Apr 23, 1998
Incident date: Apr 20, 1996
DRIVER'S/PASSENGER'S AIR BAGS DEPLOYED IN LESS THAN 5 MPH FRONT END COLLISION. THE PASSENGER'S AIR BAG SHATTERED THE FRONT WINDSHIELD AND DISLODGED THE REAR VIEW FRONT MIRROR OF ITS MOUNTING BRACKET.
Showing 50 of 57 complaints.
Technical Service Bulletins, 1996 SUBARU OUTBACK
19 manufacturer communications from 13 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.
Most Affected Components
| Component | Bulletins |
|---|---|
| 350000 EQUIPMENT | 10 |
| 110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 3 |
| 020000 SUSPENSION | 1 |
| 102000 POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION | 1 |
| 121000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS | 1 |
| 190000 TIRES | 1 |
| 030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 1 |
| 060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 1 |
12-249-23R
Jul 11, 2023
350000 EQUIPMENT
This bulletin announces the recommended cleaning procedures to followed when encountering vehicles with long time exposure to pollen on painted surfaces on vehicles imported from Japan. This bulletin does not apply to SIA built vehicles.
01-167-08R
Aug 23, 2022
350000 EQUIPMENT
This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
15-302-22
Aug 23, 2022
350000 EQUIPMENT
This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
15-302-22
Aug 23, 2022
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
15-192-22R
Mar 18, 2022
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic essential information during diagnosis and repair of the Infotainment concerns. (Applicable to all models with Harman or Denso CP1 Infotainment).
01-167-08R
Jun 17, 2021
350000 EQUIPMENT
This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models
01-167-08R
Jun 17, 2021
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models
09-51-08R
Jun 7, 2021
350000 EQUIPMENT
This bulletin is to advise of SOAa??s revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.
09-51-08R
Jun 7, 2021
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
This bulletin is to advise of SOAa??s revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.
14-22-16R
Feb 1, 2021
350000 EQUIPMENT
To help reduce confusion and increase technician efficiency, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has developed the following cross reference list to help locate the appropriate Special Service Tool.
14-22-16R
Aug 4, 2020
350000 EQUIPMENT
Special Service Tools Cross Reference List.
01-181-20
Apr 30, 2020
350000 EQUIPMENT
All Models (Vehicle Cleaning- COVID-19Best Practices)
06-68-19R
Jul 11, 2019
030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
This Service Information bulletin announces instruction for application of additional lubrication between the brake caliper support and pad clips. This will prevent the pad from dragging due to corrosion buildup which may result in uneven o
Subaru Tech Tips
May 21, 2019
350000 EQUIPMENT
Subaru Service and Technical Support Line Newletter.
14-22-16R
May 6, 2019
350000 EQUIPMENT
To help reduce confusion and increase technician efficiency, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has developed the following cross reference list to help locate the appropriate Special Service Tool.
SB-05-50-10R
Feb 3, 2011
190000 TIRES
SUBARU: THERE IS A STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS DUE TO AN IMPORPER WHEEL BALANCE. *RM
07
Jul 1, 2007
121000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
HEADLIGHT BULB SOCKET REPAIRS. *KB
010102
Jan 1, 2002
020000 SUSPENSION
INFORMATION REGARDING FRONT SPRING GUARD BULLETIN UPDATE. *YD
17
Jan 1, 2002
102000 POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
SUBJECT REGARDING SHIFTER RATTLE. *JG
SUBARU OUTBACK - All Years Overview
Complete safety history for the SUBARU OUTBACK across all model years (1995, 2023).
199
Total Recalls
12,297
Total Complaints
0
Investigations
635
Reported Crashes
144
Reported Fires
9
Reported Deaths
SUBARU OUTBACK - Year by Year
Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 11 | View |
| 2025 | 0 | 108 | View |
| 2024 | 0 | 131 | View |
| 2023 | 2 | 122 | View |
| 2022 | 4 | 543 | View |
| 2021 | 4 | 408 | View |
| 2020 | 6 | 1,128 | View |
| 2019 | 3 | 1,284 | View |
| 2018 | 3 | 986 | View |
| 2017 | 4 | 1,106 | View |
| 2016 | 4 | 770 | View |
| 2015 | 5 | 642 | View |
| 2014 | 10 | 276 | View |
| 2013 | 12 | 406 | View |
| 2012 | 16 | 367 | View |
| 2011 | 16 | 855 | View |
| 2010 | 18 | 466 | View |
| 2009 | 13 | 142 | View |
| 2008 | 8 | 281 | View |
| 2007 | 8 | 182 | View |
| 2006 | 7 | 404 | View |
| 2005 | 9 | 354 | View |
| 2004 | 11 | 108 | View |
| 2003 | 15 | 116 | View |
| 2002 | 5 | 172 | View |
| 2001 | 4 | 207 | View |
| 2000 | 2 | 247 | View |
| 1999 | 1 | 150 | View |
| 1998 | 2 | 165 | View |
| 1997 | 4 | 94 | View |
| 1996 (current) | 2 | 57 | |
| 1995 | 1 | 3 | View |