1997 SUBARU OUTBACK
4 recalls, 94 complaints - 20 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.
98V042000 Feb 20, 1998
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
Defect Description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. DUE TO POOR WELDS, IGNITION KEYS CAN STICK, SHIFT LEVERS/LINKAGES CAN BREAK AND SHIFT LEVERS CAN MOVE.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE UNEXPECTED MOVEMENT OF THE VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER ASSEMBLIES (EXCEPT THE HANDLE GRIP).
98V035000 Feb 20, 1998
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Defect Description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE THROTTLE SHAFT BALL BEARING ON THE SENSOR SIDE OF THE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY WAS NOT INSTALLED IN CERTAIN THROTTLE BODIES.
Consequence
OPERATION OF A VEHICLE WITH A MISSING THROTTLE SHAFT BEARING CAN EVENTUALLLY LEAD TO AN INCOMPLETE RETURN OF THE THROTTLE VALVE RESULTING IN A HIGH IDLING CONDITION.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE THROTTLE BODY AND REPLACE THE THROTTLE ASSEMBLY IF THE BEARING IS MISSING.
Complaint Statistics
94 total complaints
7 crashes 2 fires 2 injuries
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 10 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM | 6 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP | 6 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 6 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 4 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE | 4 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL | 3 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 3 |
| POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 3 |
| EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC. | 3 |
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Oct 8, 2012
Incident date: Oct 6, 2012
NOTICED A LEAK OF FLUID FROM PASSENGER SIDE BY THE REAR WHEEL. DETERMINED IT WAS GASOLINE. UPON INSPECTION FOUND FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FILLER TUBE TO THE GAS TANK. GOT THE CAR TO A SUBARU REPAIR SHOP AND WAS TOLD THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. THERE IS NO UNDERCOATING APPLIED TO THE TUBE. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Aug 3, 2010
Incident date: Jun 26, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT RELATIVELY LOW SPEEDS AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL IN AN ATTEMPT TO PARK WHEN THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT PROCEEDED TO CRASH INTO A VEHICLE AHEAD OF HIM. THERE WERE NO REPORTED INJURIES. THIS WAS NOT THE FIR... Read more
Crash
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Aug 3, 2009
Incident date: Jul 4, 2009
DRIVING ALONG I-495 SOUTHBOUND IN MASSACHUSETTS JUST BEFORE EXIT FOR I-90. SPEED WAS 65 MPH. HOOD LATCH FAILED CAUSING THE HOOD TO COME UP WITHOUT WARNING. THE WINDSHIELD WAS SMASHED, THE ROOF WAS DENTED, AND THE HOOD WAS BENT WITH THE HINGES PARTIALLY DEFORMED AND CRACKED. THE HOOD HADN'T BEEN OPEN... Read more
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
Aug 3, 2009
Incident date: Jul 4, 2009
DRIVING ALONG I-495 SOUTHBOUND IN MASSACHUSETTS JUST BEFORE EXIT FOR I-90. SPEED WAS 65 MPH. HOOD LATCH FAILED CAUSING THE HOOD TO COME UP WITHOUT WARNING. THE WINDSHIELD WAS SMASHED, THE ROOF WAS DENTED, AND THE HOOD WAS BENT WITH THE HINGES PARTIALLY DEFORMED AND CRACKED. THE HOOD HADN'T BEEN OPEN... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
Dec 15, 2008
Incident date: Dec 9, 2008
I BOUGHT A 97 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK WGN AND FOUND OUT THE BLOCK WAS CRACKED IN CYL3 AFTER TEAR DOWN FOR GASKET REPLACEMENT,NOW PUT TOGETHER AND NOW WON'T START. *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Sep 2, 2008
Incident date: Aug 29, 2008
FUEL FILLER NECK RUSTED CAUSING GAS TO LEAK OUT ONTO GARAGE FLOOR AND WHILE DRIVING AND FILLING TANK. VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT INTO DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR TO REPLACE THE RUSTED FUEL FILLER NECK. FROM RESEARCH AND COMMENTS FROM DEALERSHIP, THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE OF VEHICLE. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Jul 14, 2008
Incident date: Jun 21, 2008
LOSS OF COOLANT, OVERHEATED ENGINE, DIAGNOSIS OF BLOWN HEAD GASKET CAR: 1997 SUBARAU LEGACY OUTBACK WITH 2.5 LITER ENGINE. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Jun 3, 2008
Incident date: May 23, 2008
OVERHEATING, BLOWN HEAD GASKET. *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
May 22, 2008
Incident date: May 15, 2008
GAS TANK FILLER PIPE HAS RUSTED THROUGH. *TR
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
May 13, 2008
Incident date: Mar 1, 2005
HOOD OPENING ACCIDENTALLY WHILE DRIVING. I WAS DRIVING ON A HEAVILY RAINY DAY WHEN THE HOOD OPENED UP AND SLAMMED THE WINDSHIELD. THE WINDSHIELD WAS COMPLETELY BROKEN AND THE HOOD WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED INCLUDING THE BODY OF THE CAR JUST ABOVE THE WINDSHIELD. I HAD NOT OPENED THE HOOD LEADING UP... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Nov 27, 2007
Incident date: Jun 14, 2007
'97 SUBARU OUTBACK WAGON IMPECCABLY MAINTAINED 85,000 MI IS OVERHEATING. BEGAN AS INTERMITTENT PROBLEM APPROX 5 MONTHS AGO. FLUSHED RADIATOR, REPL CAP, PRESSURE TESTED RADIATOR. DRIVING DOWN HILL ON MOUNTAIN ROAD IN MORNING COLD, OVERHEATS AFTER ABOUT 6 MILES. REPL THERMOSTAT, WATER PUMP, TIMING B... Read more
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
Oct 18, 2006
Incident date: Oct 13, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE PASSENGER FRONT TIRE EXPLODED. THE AAA PROVIDED ASSISTANCE AND REPLACED THE TIRE WITH THE SPARE(DOUGHNUT). WHEN THE VEHICLE ARRIVED TO THE RESIDENCE, THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED WITH WATER... Read more
Fire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Apr 5, 2006
Incident date: Apr 12, 2004
NOTICED OIL LEAKING FROM ENGINE. HAD TO HAVE FRONT CRANK SEAL REPLACED. ALSO NEEDED TO GET TIMING BELT REPLACED AS OIL LEAKED INTO TIMING BELT COVER. COST $368 TO GET FIXED. LEAKAGE BEGAN WHEN CAR WAS JUST A FEW YEARS OLD. THAT SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED AS CAR HAD NOT BEEN IN ACCIDENT OR ABUSED.... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Mar 29, 2006
Incident date: Mar 16, 2006
BLOWN HEAD GASKET 1997 SUBARU OUTBACK LEGACY. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Mar 1, 2006
Incident date: Feb 21, 2006
1997 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5 DOHC ENGINE 1) CAR WAS SUDDENLY LEAKING ANTI-FREEZE, BROUGHT IT IN TO SHOP ASAP 2) HEAD GASKET BUSTED, RUINED THE ENGINE 3) NEEDED TO REPLACE MOST OF ENGINE, INCLUDING BLOCK CHECKED OTHER SITES, THIS SEEMS TO BE A HUGELY COMMON PROBLEM WITH SUBARU 2.5 DOHC ENGINES AND TH... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
Feb 4, 2006
Incident date: Jan 21, 2006
OUTBACK 1997: 108,000. CAR OVERHEATED SUDDENLY ON A SHORT TRIP. REPLACED THERMOSTAT AND FLUSHED/FILLED RADIATOR AT LOCAL FIRESTONE. TWO DAYS LATER, CAR OVERHEATS. IN BOTH CASES, RADIATOR FLUID EJECTED ONTO ENGINE. TOOK CAR TO DEALER WHO IDENTIFIED THE NOW VERY COMMON "BLOWN HEAD GASKET". REPA... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
Dec 10, 2005
Incident date: Feb 26, 2005
HEAD GASKET FAILURE. PURCHASED IN 2/07 (EST. DATE) BEGAN TO FAIL AT LEAST IN 1/05 (1X). THEN WEEKLY IN 7/05. BUT MAY HAVE BEEN SIGNS OF PROBLEM AS EARLY AS 1997/1998. RESULT OF PROBLEM IS UNEXPECTED AND RAPID BUBBLING OVER AND OVERHEATING PLACING OCCUPANTS IN POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. FO... Read more
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
Jun 24, 2005
Incident date: Jun 22, 2005
CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT DISENGAGE RESULTING IN A ROLL-OVER ACCIDENT TOTALING THE VEHICLE
Crash
1 injured
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
May 18, 2005
Incident date: May 16, 2005
IN 2001 I HAD TO HAVE MY TRANSMISSION REPLACED BECAUSE THE ENGINE WOULD NOT HOLD THE CAR BACK WHEN GOING DOWN HILLS. I WAS GOING DOWN A STEEP MOUNTAIN ROAD AND HAD TO USE THE BRAKES ALONE. IT DID NOT MATTER IF IT WAS IN 1, 2 OR D IT WAS THE SAME AS NEUTRAL. IT WOULD ALSO NOT SHIFT INTO THE TOP GEAR ... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
Feb 23, 2005
Incident date: Dec 23, 2004
1997 SUBARU OUTBACK BLOWN HEAD GASKET. *BF THE VEHICLE LOST INTERNAL HEAT AND THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE READ HOT. THE CONSUMER PULLED OVER AND CHECKED UNDER THE HOOD AND DID NOT NOTICE ANY LOSS OF STEAM, HOWEVER, THE RESERVOIR BOTTLE WAS EMPTY AND FLUID HAD SPILLED ALL OVER THE ENGINE. THE CONSUM... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Feb 7, 2005
Incident date: Feb 4, 2005
THIS IS THE STANDARD SUBARU 2.5L HEAD GASKET FAILURE PROBLEM. I ADD THIS TO THE DATABASE TO INCREASE THE PRESSURE ON SUBARU OF AMERICA TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM PROPERLY. FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE: HTTP://MYSITE.VERIZON.NET/VZE730QE/GUESTLOG.HTML THE SYMPTOMS ARE AS FOLLOWS. CAR ENGINE BEGAN OVER... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
Dec 27, 2004
Incident date: Dec 10, 2004
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STARTED TO OVERHEAT. THE THERMOSTAT WAS REPLACED, AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO OVERHEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, AND THE ENGINE HAS TO BE REPLACED.*AK
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
Nov 22, 2004
Incident date: Sep 29, 2004
THE HOOD FLEW OPEN WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE HOOD CRACKED THE FRONT WINDSHIELD, DENTED THE HOOD AND BENT THE HINGES. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO A FAULTY HOOD LATCH. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE BOTH NOTIFIED. *JB
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Sep 20, 2004
Incident date: Jan 21, 2004
PROBLEMS WITH BRAKE EQUIPMENT ON 1997 SUBARU OUTBACK. *MR THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP, RESULTING IN THE CONSUMER REAR ENDED THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. MOISTURE WAS FOUND IN THE HOSE WHICH RESULTED IN THE VALVE FREEZING DUE TO COLD TEMPERATURE, BLOCKING OFF THE VACUUM TO THE POWER BRAKE UNIT. *SC
Crash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 21, 2004
Incident date: Jun 21, 2004
I HAVE A '1997 LEGACY OUTBACK SUBARU. I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE FOR 3 YEARS. TODAY, JUNE 21, I STOPPED ON MY WAY TO BAR HARBOR, MAINE FOR A CUP OF COFFEE. I PLACED THE COFFEE CUP IN THE CUP HOLDER AND GOT BACK ON THE HIGHWAY. SHORTLY AFTER THIS, I THOUGHT I SMELLED BURNING, BUT THOUGHT IT MUST BE COMIN... Read more
Fire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 2, 2004
Incident date: Jun 1, 2004
AFTER ALTERNATOR REPLACED, NOTICED THE FOLLOWING SEQUENCES OF ELECTRICAL OUTAGES: REAR POWER OUTLET, SEAT HEATER SWITCHES, RADIO DIAL ILLUMINATION LIGHT, KEY-IN-IGNITION ALARM, DOOR AJAR LIGHTING, SEATBELT OFF LIGHTING.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Apr 12, 2004
Incident date: Apr 10, 2004
THE NOW INFAMOUS "BLOWN HEAD GASKET" IN PHASE I 2.5L ENGINES IS THE FOCUS OF MY COMPLAINT. SUBARU OF AMERICA HAS AT LEAST RECOGNIZED THE PHASEII 2.5L ENGINES IN 1998 MODELS AND NEWER, BUT ONLY BECAUSE OF A DIFFERENT METAL WAS THE "PROBLEM". THE OVERWHELMING NUMBER OF CASES IN THE PHASE I 2.5L (19... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Mar 5, 2004
Incident date: Feb 26, 2004
SPARK PLUG POPPED OUT OF HEAD WHILE DRIVING, ENGINE DIED. SPARK PLUG UNABLE TO BE REINSERTED RESULTING IN A HEAD REPLACEMENT. VERY EXPENSIVE! ONLY 135000 MILES REGULAR MECHANIC SAID THAT HE HAS SEEN 4 OF THESE CASES IN THIS MODEL IN THE LAST 3 MONTHS. NO ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM DEALER ABOUT MECHAN... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Feb 5, 2004
THE ENGINE SEALS OF THE MAIN CAM SHAFT FAILED AND CAUSED THE ENGINE TO LEAK OIL. THE DEALER REPLACED THE SEALS AND THE TIMING BELT. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *NM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST
Jan 21, 2004
Incident date: Jan 14, 2004
POWER BRAKES FAIL TO FUNCTION IMMEDIATELY AND SHORTLY AFTER (WITHIN ABOUT 5 MINUTES) AFTER COLD START IN TEMPERATURES BELOW 10 DEGREES F. BRAKE PEDAL REMAINS HIGH AND STIFF WITH LITTLE TO NO TRAVEL DISTANCE INDICATING NO POWER TO POWER BRAKE SYSTEM BUT BRAKE PEDAL APPARENTLY TRAVELS ENOUGH DISTANCE... Read more
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Sep 29, 2003
Incident date: Sep 10, 2003
A THICK FILM COVERED THE HEADLIGHTS CAUSING THE HEADLIGHTS TO BECOME DIM. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
Sep 3, 2003
VEHICLE FUEL FILL TUBE ROTTED RESULTING IN A FUEL LEAK. *MR THERE WAS A PUDDLE OF GAS IN THE GARAGE. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT IF THE TANK WAS KEPT ON 1/2 TO 3/4 FULL, THE LEAK WOULD CEASE. THE MECHANIC HAD JUST FIXED THE SAME PROBLEM ON A SUBARU, A WEEK PRIOR AND HAD SINCE REPEATED THAT TASK... Read more
VISIBILITY
Sep 3, 2003
VEHICLE FUEL FILL TUBE ROTTED RESULTING IN A FUEL LEAK. *MR THERE WAS A PUDDLE OF GAS IN THE GARAGE. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT IF THE TANK WAS KEPT ON 1/2 TO 3/4 FULL, THE LEAK WOULD CEASE. THE MECHANIC HAD JUST FIXED THE SAME PROBLEM ON A SUBARU, A WEEK PRIOR AND HAD SINCE REPEATED THAT TASK... Read more
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Aug 5, 2003
Incident date: Aug 5, 2003
CONSUMER STATES THAT LATCHES, LOCKS AND HINGES ARE RUSTED. DEALER STATED NOTHING WE COULD DO. VEHICLE'S WARRANTY EXPIRED. *AK
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
Apr 15, 2003
Incident date: Apr 11, 2003
WHILE DRIVING DOWN ROUTE. 495 AT 65 MPH DURING THE 6:30-6:45 A.M. RUSH HOUR, (PRIMARILY LARGE TRUCKS BARRELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY), THE HOOD OF MY CAR POPPED OPEN, SHATTERING MY WINDSHIELD, DENTING AND CAUSING THE HOOD TO HAVE TO BE REPLACED, DENTING THE ROOF, AND CAUSING THE REAR VIEW MIRROR TO FALL ... Read more
1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Feb 14, 2003
Incident date: Feb 14, 2003
WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE.*JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Jan 4, 2003
Incident date: Mar 12, 2001
2.5 LITER ENGINE BLOCK CRACKED, CAUSING REPEATED INSTANCES OF OVERHEATING REQUIRING STOPPING IN DANGEROUS TRAFFIC SITUATIONS AND EVENTUAL REPLACEMENT OF BLOCK AT OWNER EXPENSE. TS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
Jan 4, 2003
Incident date: Mar 12, 2001
2.5 LITER ENGINE BLOCK CRACKED, CAUSING REPEATED INSTANCES OF OVERHEATING REQUIRING STOPPING IN DANGEROUS TRAFFIC SITUATIONS AND EVENTUAL REPLACEMENT OF BLOCK AT OWNER EXPENSE. TS
WHEELS:MULTI PIECE
Oct 29, 2002
Incident date: Oct 1, 2002
CONSUMER STATES ALL 4 ALLOY RIMS ARE CORRODING EXCESSIVELY RESULTING IN LOSS OF TIRE PRESSURE. TS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
Oct 22, 2002
Incident date: Mar 10, 2001
OVERHEATING CAUSED BY DEFECTIVE BLOCK WHICH CRACKED REQUIRED REPEATED IMMEDIATE PULLOVERS ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY TO PREVENT SEVERE OVERHEATING. MR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
Sep 4, 2002
Incident date: May 15, 2002
CRANK/CAM/OIL PAN SILICONE SEALS FAILEDS EARLY IN VEHICLE LIFE. ALSO, ALTERNATOR BELT FELL OFF, MAIN PULLEY BROKE, CENTER OF PULLEY BADLY WORN, AND VALVES BENT ON CYLINDER #2. $635 TO REPLACE SEALS, $415 TO REPLACE MAIN PULLEY, AND $1107 TO REPLACE VALVES.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Sep 4, 2002
Incident date: May 15, 2002
CRANK/CAM/OIL PAN SILICONE SEALS FAILEDS EARLY IN VEHICLE LIFE. ALSO, ALTERNATOR BELT FELL OFF, MAIN PULLEY BROKE, CENTER OF PULLEY BADLY WORN, AND VALVES BENT ON CYLINDER #2. $635 TO REPLACE SEALS, $415 TO REPLACE MAIN PULLEY, AND $1107 TO REPLACE VALVES.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
Sep 4, 2002
Incident date: May 15, 2002
CRANK/CAM/OIL PAN SILICONE SEALS FAILEDS EARLY IN VEHICLE LIFE. ALSO, ALTERNATOR BELT FELL OFF, MAIN PULLEY BROKE, CENTER OF PULLEY BADLY WORN, AND VALVES BENT ON CYLINDER #2. $635 TO REPLACE SEALS, $415 TO REPLACE MAIN PULLEY, AND $1107 TO REPLACE VALVES.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
Jul 29, 2002
Incident date: Jul 22, 2002
WHILE TRAVELING 35 MPH WATER PUMP FAILED ,ALLOWING TIMING CHAIN TO SLIP OFF, AND BENDING VALVES TO ENGINE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Jul 29, 2002
Incident date: Jul 22, 2002
WHILE TRAVELING 35 MPH WATER PUMP FAILED ,ALLOWING TIMING CHAIN TO SLIP OFF, AND BENDING VALVES TO ENGINE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
May 14, 2002
Incident date: Nov 15, 2001
CONSUMER STATES THAT ENGINE BLOCK AND HEAD ARE CRACKED WITH NO SIGNS OF OVERHEATING, SUBARU MECHANIC COULD NOT FIND NO MECHANICAL REASON WHY THIS OCCURRED. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. *TT
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Mar 19, 2002
WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED, AND REPLIED MALFUNCTION WAS NOT UNUSUAL.*AK
Crash
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
Jan 30, 2002
Incident date: Jan 8, 2002
CONSUMER NOTICED SPOTS ON THE DRIVEWAY. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER WHO DETERMINED THAT O RINGS WERE LEAKING AND HAD TO BE REPLACED, ALSO THE FRONT CRANK SEAL NEEDED REPLACED. *AK *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Dec 18, 2001
Incident date: Nov 15, 2001
CONSUMER STATES THAT ENGINE BLOCK AND HEAD ARE CRACKED WITH NO SIGNS OF OVERHEATING, SUBARU MECHANIC COULD NOT FIND NO MECHANICAL REASON WHY THIS OCCURRED. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. *TT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
Dec 5, 2001
Incident date: Oct 12, 2001
ENGINE WILL STALL INTERMITTENTLY DURING NORMAL OPERATION OF VEHICLE WHILE TRAVELING AT ANY SPEED. DEALERSHIP HAS EXAMINED VEHICLE AND REPLACED SENSOR VALVE TWO TIMES AND COMPUTER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / DOCUMENTATION.*AK
Showing 50 of 94 complaints.
Technical Service Bulletins, 1997 SUBARU OUTBACK
20 manufacturer communications from 14 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 |
| 036100 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE | 1 |
| 121000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS | 1 |
| 190000 TIRES | 1 |
| 030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 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
063103
Dec 8, 2004
036100 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
REPLACEMENT OF THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) FOR ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) REPAIR. *TT UPDATE. *TT
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 (current) | 4 | 94 | |
| 1996 | 2 | 57 | View |
| 1995 | 1 | 3 | View |