1999 SUBARU OUTBACK
1 recalls, 150 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
Complaint Statistics
150 total complaints
22 crashes 2 fires 31 injuries
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 14 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 11 |
| POWER TRAIN | 7 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 6 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 6 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 5 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP | 5 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 5 |
| POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION | 5 |
| SUSPENSION | 4 |
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Jul 15, 2016
Incident date: Apr 14, 2014
THE VEHICLE IS USING ITS POWER TO MAKE THE CAR THINK IT IS IN NEUTRAL AND DOES NOT START PROPERLY. IT WILL START IF YOU PULL THE FUSE OUT AND THEN PUT IT BACK IN TO PUT IT IN DRIVE. ALSO, LENDING WAY TO PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION SYSTEM. EFFECTING MILEAGE ON THE COUNTER. CAR WAS STATIONERY U... Read more
SUSPENSION
Jun 9, 2016
Incident date: Jun 3, 2016
FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE IN HALF WHILE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY - ALMOST PUNCTURING TIRE, AND RENDERING VEHICLE IMMOBILE - THE BROKEN END OF THE COIL WAS WEDGED INTO THE TIRE SIDEWALL. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED WHILE VEHICLE WAS MOVING, IT WOULD HAVE CAUSED A BLOWOUT AND POSSIBLE ACCIDENT. SUBARU HAS A RE... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Feb 19, 2014
Incident date: Jul 13, 2013
1999 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE BEGAN TO ROLL BACKWARD WHILE TRYING TO REMOVE KEYS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED SHE PARKED THE VEHICLE, PLACED IT IN PARK, AND LEFT THE KEYS IN THE IGNITION, SO SHE COULD CHECK OUT THE NEW HALOGEN BULBS THAT HAD BEEN INSTALLED. WHEN ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
POWER TRAIN
Feb 19, 2014
Incident date: Jul 13, 2013
1999 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE BEGAN TO ROLL BACKWARD WHILE TRYING TO REMOVE KEYS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED SHE PARKED THE VEHICLE, PLACED IT IN PARK, AND LEFT THE KEYS IN THE IGNITION, SO SHE COULD CHECK OUT THE NEW HALOGEN BULBS THAT HAD BEEN INSTALLED. WHEN ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
POWER TRAIN
Feb 7, 2013
Incident date: Mar 7, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND TO ACCELERATION ATTEMPTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HAD TO CONSTANTLY CHANGE THE GEAR FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE IN ORDER FOR IT TO WORK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION BUT THEY COULD N... Read more
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:POWER STEERING FLUID
Jul 11, 2011
Incident date: May 1, 2011
1999 SUBARU OUTBACK LTD POWER STEERING RACK LEAK AND CAM SEAL LEAK WHICH RUINED TIMING BELT. THIS CAR IS A PIECE OF JUNK! *TT
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
May 26, 2011
Incident date: May 10, 2008
99 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK /W AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DOS NOT ENGAGE WHEN PLACED FROM P TO D, OR DISENGAGE FROM GEAR WHEN VEHICLE STOP. I WAS ON A SLIGHT HILL STOPPED. CAR DISENGAGED FROM GEAR AND I COULD NOT MOVE. IN D - WHEN I RELEASED BRAKE THE CAR ROLLED BACKWARDS CA... Read more
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Dec 1, 2010
Incident date: Nov 25, 2010
MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY ABOUT 65 MPH, THE HOOD FLEW OPEN SMASHED THE WINDSHIELD, SHE CROSSED A LANE OF TRAFFIC WENT INTO THE DITCH, HIT HER HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL AND RECEIVED A MILD CONCUSSION. *TR
1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD
Dec 1, 2010
Incident date: Nov 25, 2010
MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY ABOUT 65 MPH, THE HOOD FLEW OPEN SMASHED THE WINDSHIELD, SHE CROSSED A LANE OF TRAFFIC WENT INTO THE DITCH, HIT HER HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL AND RECEIVED A MILD CONCUSSION. *TR
1 injured
SUSPENSION:FRONT
May 21, 2010
Incident date: May 20, 2010
WE EXPERIENCED AN INCIDENT IN WHICH A FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FAILED. PARKING OUR 1999 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK, THE VEHICLE WAS PERFECTLY FINE. IN THE MORNING THE VEHICLE HAD A FLAT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE. JACKING THE CAR, IT WAS DIFFICULT TO REMOVE THE FLAT TIRE AND WHEEL. THE REASON IT WAS HARD... Read more
SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING
May 6, 2010
Incident date: Mar 11, 2010
99 SUBARU OUTBACK HIT IN REAR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY MINOR NECK AND LOWER BACK BRUISES. ALSO, ANOTHER FRONT WHEEL BEARING FAILURE AFTER 50,000 MILES. *TR
Crash
3 injured
AIR BAGS
May 6, 2010
Incident date: Mar 11, 2010
99 SUBARU OUTBACK HIT IN REAR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY MINOR NECK AND LOWER BACK BRUISES. ALSO, ANOTHER FRONT WHEEL BEARING FAILURE AFTER 50,000 MILES. *TR
Crash
3 injured
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Sep 8, 2009
Incident date: Aug 1, 2009
FUEL FILLER TUBE CORROSION CAUSES LEAK OF FUEL AND FUEL VAPOR. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATES CODE P0440 (EVAP EMISSIONS MALFUNCTION). FUEL FILLER TUBE AND VALVE ASSEMBLY PARTS COST IS $200. LABOR $275. COMMON PROBLEM ON SUBARUS THAT SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED AND RECALLED DUE TO FUEL VAPOR LEAKAGE ... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Aug 8, 2009
Incident date: Jun 11, 2005
HEAD GASKET FAILED ON 1999 SUBARU AT 38,000. CAR WAS MAINTAINED RELIGIOUSLY. SUBARU RECALL WAS NEVER SENT TO ME. I WAS TOLD MY CAR WAS THE 'WRONG PHASE ENGINE' TO BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. CAR HAD OVERHEATED 3 MONTHS EARLIER. SUBARU FLUSHED THE SYSTEM AND ADDED 'SPECIAL COOLANT LUBRICANT'. THI... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
Aug 8, 2009
Incident date: Jun 11, 2005
HEAD GASKET FAILED ON 1999 SUBARU AT 38,000. CAR WAS MAINTAINED RELIGIOUSLY. SUBARU RECALL WAS NEVER SENT TO ME. I WAS TOLD MY CAR WAS THE 'WRONG PHASE ENGINE' TO BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. CAR HAD OVERHEATED 3 MONTHS EARLIER. SUBARU FLUSHED THE SYSTEM AND ADDED 'SPECIAL COOLANT LUBRICANT'. THI... Read more
TIRES
Jun 12, 2009
Incident date: Jun 6, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE VEHICLE HAS GOODYEAR REGATTA 2 TIRES, SIZE 205/70/15. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN VIBRATING. THE VIBRATIONS WORSENED AS THE SPEED INCREASED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO... Read more
SUSPENSION:FRONT
May 18, 2009
Incident date: May 17, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE PASSENGER SIDE COIL SPRING FAILED AND PUNCTURED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. THE CONTACT DID NOT REALIZE THE FAILURE UNTIL THE TIRE WAS CHANGED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER (01V... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
May 8, 2009
Incident date: Aug 15, 2008
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING: BLOWN HEAD GASKETS 1999 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK DOHC. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Feb 24, 2009
Incident date: Dec 1, 2008
1999 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER FAILURE. INTERMITTANT PROBLEM. INFORMED BY DEALER THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH 1999 SUBARU'S. DEALER INFORMS CUSTOMER THAT PROBLEM IS ELECTRONIC CIRCUIT BOARD ISSUE. SPEEDOMETER REPLACED BY DEALER AT COST OF $315. SUBARU PART NUMBER 85020AC3... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
Oct 4, 2008
Incident date: Feb 14, 2008
SPEEDOMETER PERIODICALLY DOES NOT WORK. I HAVE FOUND THIS IS COMMON PROBLEM IN THESE MODELS AND IT IS NOT EASY TO GET IT REPLACED. KNOWING THE SPEED WHEN DRIVING IS VERY IMPORTANT. I AM PETRIFIED MOST OF THE TIME THAT CHP IS GOING TO PULL ME OVER ON HIGHWAY. IT TYPICALLY GOES OUT IN HIGHWAY DRIVING.... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Oct 4, 2008
Incident date: Feb 14, 2008
SPEEDOMETER PERIODICALLY DOES NOT WORK. I HAVE FOUND THIS IS COMMON PROBLEM IN THESE MODELS AND IT IS NOT EASY TO GET IT REPLACED. KNOWING THE SPEED WHEN DRIVING IS VERY IMPORTANT. I AM PETRIFIED MOST OF THE TIME THAT CHP IS GOING TO PULL ME OVER ON HIGHWAY. IT TYPICALLY GOES OUT IN HIGHWAY DRIVING.... Read more
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Dec 18, 2007
Incident date: Dec 10, 2007
MY 1999 SUBARU OUTBACK WAGON ISSUED A CEL WITH A 440 CODE. IN FINDING THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM, I DISCOVERED THAT THE GAS FILL PIPE BELOW THE GAS CAP HAS ROTTED OUT AND HAS DEVELOPED, HOLES LEADING TO RAW GAS SPILLAGE AND FAILURE OF THE EMISSIONS SYSTEM. THE DESIGN OF THE COVER AROUND THE OUTSIDE O... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
Dec 6, 2007
Incident date: Mar 20, 2007
HEAD GASKET FAILED AT 125K MILES. I SPENT $1725 GETTING THE HEAD GASKET & CYLINDER BOLTS REPLACED. THE HEAD GASKET IS NOW FAILING AGAIN 9 MOS & 12K MILES LATER. I HAVE ALWAYS METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED THIS CAR. *TR
AIR BAGS
Sep 6, 2007
Incident date: Aug 27, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE GUARDRAIL. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND HE WENT THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD. THE INSURANCE COMPANY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 39,000.
Crash
1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
Mar 27, 2007
Incident date: Mar 27, 2007
SPEEDOMETER FAILS SPONTANEOUSLY, INTERMITTENTLY AND FREQUENTLY. INDICATED SPEED DROPS TO ZERO. RETURNS SPONTANEOUSLY AFTER 10 SECONDS TO 15 MINUTES. NOT VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR (VSS) OR WIRING/CONNECTOR RELATED. SERVICE TECHNICIAN FOUND SPEEDOMETER CIRCUIT BOARD DELAMINATED, CAUSING COMPONENTS TO SE... Read more
AIR BAGS
Jan 7, 2007
Incident date: Jan 6, 2007
COLLISION AT APPROX 40 MPH, SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO RT FRONT QUARTER AND BUMPER. AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY, SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN DRIVER. *NM
Crash
1 injured
SEAT BELTS
Jan 7, 2007
Incident date: Jan 6, 2007
COLLISION AT APPROX 40 MPH, SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO RT FRONT QUARTER AND BUMPER. AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY, SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN DRIVER. *NM
Crash
1 injured
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
Dec 15, 2006
Incident date: Dec 8, 2006
THE HOOD FLEW OPEN WHILE I WAS DRIVING 65 MPH. THIS CAR HAD NOT RECENTLY HAD ITS OIL CHANGED OR ITS HOOD OPENED. THE HOOD NEEDS TO BE REPLACED, AS WELL AS THE REAR VIEW MIRROR. *NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
Dec 5, 2006
Incident date: Nov 26, 2006
THERE WAS NOTHING ABNORMAL THAT PRECLUDED THE FAILURE. THE SPEEDOMETER COMPLETELY STOPPED WORKING WHILE DRIVING AND NOW ONLY INTERMITTENTLY WORKS. FORTUNATELY, THERE HAS BEEN NO INCIDENTS BECAUSE OF THIS FAILURE. HOWEVER, IT COULD LEAD TO EXCESSIVE SPEED WHICH MAY LEAD TO VEHICLE ACCIDENTS AND IN... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Dec 5, 2006
Incident date: Nov 26, 2006
THERE WAS NOTHING ABNORMAL THAT PRECLUDED THE FAILURE. THE SPEEDOMETER COMPLETELY STOPPED WORKING WHILE DRIVING AND NOW ONLY INTERMITTENTLY WORKS. FORTUNATELY, THERE HAS BEEN NO INCIDENTS BECAUSE OF THIS FAILURE. HOWEVER, IT COULD LEAD TO EXCESSIVE SPEED WHICH MAY LEAD TO VEHICLE ACCIDENTS AND IN... Read more
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Jun 29, 2006
Incident date: Jun 21, 2006
MY DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT LOCKED ME IN AND I HAD TO CRAWL OUT FROM UNDER IT. IT CANNOT BE RELEASED. *JB
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
Jun 26, 2006
Incident date: Apr 23, 2006
AT 1 P.M. ON 23 APR '06, MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING OUR 1999 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK AT ABOUT 50 MPH. WE HAD JUST ENTERED A CURVE WHEN THE CAR'S HOOD LATCH FAILED AND ALLOWED THE HOOD TO FLY UP AND SLAM INTO THE WINDSHIELD AND ROOF. THAT COMPLETELY BLOCKED OUR FORWARD VIEW AND WE ENTERED THE ONCOMING LA... Read more
STRUCTURE:BODY
Apr 28, 2006
Incident date: Aug 20, 2001
I WAS QUITE HURT (TO THE DEGREE OF HAVING TO GO ON SSD) IN A REAR END COLLISION IN A 1998 SUBARU LEGACY WAGON. IN TRYING TO RECOVER THE ORIGINAL HEAD REST OF THIS CAR I LEARNED IT IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE AND CAN ONLY BE REPLACED WITH A MUCH SAFER MODEL. IN DOING A RECENT CRASH ANALYSIS WITH THIS NE... Read more
Crash
1 injured
SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER
Apr 28, 2006
Incident date: Aug 20, 2001
I WAS QUITE HURT (TO THE DEGREE OF HAVING TO GO ON SSD) IN A REAR END COLLISION IN A 1998 SUBARU LEGACY WAGON. IN TRYING TO RECOVER THE ORIGINAL HEAD REST OF THIS CAR I LEARNED IT IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE AND CAN ONLY BE REPLACED WITH A MUCH SAFER MODEL. IN DOING A RECENT CRASH ANALYSIS WITH THIS NE... Read more
Crash
1 injured
SEATS
Apr 28, 2006
Incident date: Aug 20, 2001
I WAS QUITE HURT (TO THE DEGREE OF HAVING TO GO ON SSD) IN A REAR END COLLISION IN A 1998 SUBARU LEGACY WAGON. IN TRYING TO RECOVER THE ORIGINAL HEAD REST OF THIS CAR I LEARNED IT IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE AND CAN ONLY BE REPLACED WITH A MUCH SAFER MODEL. IN DOING A RECENT CRASH ANALYSIS WITH THIS NE... Read more
Crash
1 injured
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT
Apr 28, 2006
Incident date: Aug 20, 2001
I WAS QUITE HURT (TO THE DEGREE OF HAVING TO GO ON SSD) IN A REAR END COLLISION IN A 1998 SUBARU LEGACY WAGON. IN TRYING TO RECOVER THE ORIGINAL HEAD REST OF THIS CAR I LEARNED IT IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE AND CAN ONLY BE REPLACED WITH A MUCH SAFER MODEL. IN DOING A RECENT CRASH ANALYSIS WITH THIS NE... Read more
Crash
1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS
Apr 28, 2006
Incident date: Aug 20, 2001
I WAS QUITE HURT (TO THE DEGREE OF HAVING TO GO ON SSD) IN A REAR END COLLISION IN A 1998 SUBARU LEGACY WAGON. IN TRYING TO RECOVER THE ORIGINAL HEAD REST OF THIS CAR I LEARNED IT IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE AND CAN ONLY BE REPLACED WITH A MUCH SAFER MODEL. IN DOING A RECENT CRASH ANALYSIS WITH THIS NE... Read more
Crash
1 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Feb 26, 2006
Incident date: Feb 16, 2006
IN OCTOBER 2003, THE ENGINE OF MY 1999 SUBARU OUTBACK WITH 80,000 MILES OVERHEATED, SEIZED AND REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY AT THE TIME AND REALIZED THE CAR WAS LOSING POWER AND THE THERMOSTAT GAUGE WAS ABOVE "H". I CONTACTED SUBARU PRIOR TO THE REPAIR AND WAS TOLD THAT THE PROBLEM WA... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
Jan 6, 2006
Incident date: Nov 30, 2004
THE 1999 SUBARU OUTBACK IS EQUIPPED WITH A DUAL OVERHEAD CAM ENGINE. THE TIMING BELT PULLEY FOR THE CAMS ARE MADE OF PLASTIC. MY WIFE AND 2 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER HAD JUST EXITED INTERSTATE 20 NEAR ATLANTA WHEN THE ENGINE "SOUNDED LIKE AN EXPLOSION" ACCORDING TO MY WIFE. THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY LOST A... Read more
AIR BAGS
Nov 6, 2005
Incident date: Oct 22, 2005
WE WERE IN A RATHER HARD FRONT END COLLISION AND THE AIR BAGS IN OUR VEHICLE DID NOT DEPLOY. *NM
Crash
3 injured
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
Nov 4, 2005
Incident date: Nov 3, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN LEAVING THE DEALERSHIP AFTER GETTING THE VEHICLE SERVICED THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT COIL SPRING FRACTURED. THIS PUNCTURED THE TIRE AND CAUSED IT TO GO FLAT IN A MATTER OF SECONDS. THE MECHANIC TOOK THE TIRE OFF AND FOUND THAT THE COIL SPRING FRACTURED. THERE WAS NHTSA ... Read more
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LOCK
Oct 3, 2005
Incident date: Oct 2, 2005
THE TRUNK DOOR ON MY SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK STATION WAGON WILL NOT OPEN. ONCE YOU LOCK IT, YOU CAN NOT OPEN IT AGAIN UNLESS YOU JIGGLE THE LOCK OVER AND OVER WITH THE KEY. THIS IS A VERY FRUSTRATING FAILURE BECAUSE WHEN YOU HAVE A STATION WAGON, A WORKING TRUNK DOOR IS VITAL. I WAS TOLD BY A SUBAR... Read more
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Aug 1, 2005
Incident date: Jul 15, 2005
SPEEDOMETER INTERMITTENTLY FAILS ABOUT 25% OF THE TIME. ODOMETER STOPS ALSO. THERE IS NO PATTERN TO WHEN IT FAILS OR UNDER WHAT CONDITIONS. UNABLE TO DETERMINE SPEED ACCURATELY. REPAIR NOT YET DONE. SUBARU IS CHARGING FOR THIS REPAIR. *NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
Jul 10, 2005
Incident date: Jul 10, 2005
I HAVE A 1999 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHEN USING THE UNLOCK BUTTON ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR THE CAR STARTED WITHOUT A KEY IN THE IGNITION. I WAS ABLE TO REPEAT THIS OCCURENCE AT LEAST 5 TIMES.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
May 6, 2005
Incident date: Mar 15, 2005
DT: CALLER SPEEDOMETER HEAD IS BROKEN OR THERE IS SOMETHING BROKE INSIDE. CALLED DEALER SAID SUBARU SAID THEY NEW THERE IS PROBLEM WITH THAT MODEL AND SPEEDOMETER HEAD. SUBARU WAS NOT GOING TO RECALL DUE TO NOT BEING A SAFETY CONCERN. *AK SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER OPERATES SPORADICALLY AT TIMES ... Read more
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Mar 6, 2005
Incident date: Oct 18, 2004
99 OUTBACK - TRANNY WONT ENGAGE WHEN SHIFTING INTO DRIVE FROM PARK, NUETRAL, OR REVERSE. REV THE MOTOR AND THEN C-LUNK INTO DRIVE AFTER LONG DELAY. GOT WORSE OVER TIME. SUBARU AND OTHER SERVICE SHOPS SAY IT'S COMMON ON 99'S, PROBABLY THE MAIN PUMP SEALS, AND THE TRANNY HAS TO COME OUT TO FIX OR REPL... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Mar 4, 2005
Incident date: Oct 14, 2004
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE STALLED. *NM THE ENGINE STALLED DUE TO HEAD GASKET FAILURE. IN REVIEWING THE MANUFACTURER'S WEBSITE THE CONSUMER SAW A RECALL RELATED TO HEAD GASKET FAILURE. THE CONSUMER REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE COST OF THE REPAIRS. *NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Feb 17, 2005
Incident date: Feb 4, 2005
I HAD JUST PAID APPROX. $450 FOR THE MAJOR 90,000 MILE DEALER SERVICE AND THEY TOLD ME MY VEHICLE IS IN GREAT SHAPE. I'VE MAINTAINED IT RELIGIOUSLY. I HAD AN EXTENDED WARRANTY OF 6 YEARS/100,000 MILES THAT JUST ENDED SEP. '04. I JUST DROVE IT UP TO THE MOUNTAINS AND 90 MILES FROM MY DESTINATION, WIT... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Feb 16, 2005
Incident date: Jan 14, 2005
I OWN A 1999 SUBARU OUTBACK. CAR LIGHT CAME ON AT ABOUT 85000. DEALER UNABLE TO DETERMINE PROBLEM & LIGHT TURNED OFF. LIGHT BACK ON SHORTLY AFTER - HAD 90000 MILE MAINTAINENCE COMPLETED - DEALER STILL UNSURE OF PROBLEM. SHORTLY AFTER THIS, WHEN ACCELARATING TO HIGHWAY SPEED, CLEAR POWER LOSS NOT... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Feb 1, 2005
Incident date: Jan 17, 2004
THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED AND WAS TOWED. THE RADIATOR WAS REPLACED. VEHICLE BROKE DOWN A SECOND TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED AGAIN AND THE HEAD GASKET WAS FOUND TO BE DEFECTIVE.*AK
Showing 50 of 150 complaints.
Technical Service Bulletins, 1999 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 | 4 |
| 020000 SUSPENSION | 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 |
| 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
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
This bulletin is to advise of SOAa??s revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.
09-51-08R
Jun 7, 2021
350000 EQUIPMENT
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.
037012
Dec 13, 2012
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Repair Procedure for High-Pitched Sound from Extension Housing Area Using Latest Generation Production Parts
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
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 (current) | 1 | 150 | |
| 1998 | 2 | 165 | View |
| 1997 | 4 | 94 | View |
| 1996 | 2 | 57 | View |
| 1995 | 1 | 3 | View |