2015 Subaru Outback

Vehicle Component Affected: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM / FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE / BACK OVER PREVENTION Description of the Safety Defect: The factory infotainment touchscreen in my 2015 Subaru Outback Limited (VIN: [XXX]) has suffered a severe manufacturing defect where the internal chemical gel adhesive has melted, creating large, oily liquid bubbles across the display. This physical degradation causes the screen to suffer from continuous "ghost touches," registering non-stop phantom inputs while the vehicle is in motion. This hardware failure creates three active, severe driving safety hazards: DANGEROUS OPERATOR DISTRACTION: The ghost-touching triggers a loud, high-pitched, non-stop audible dinging sound through the speakers that cannot be muted, severely compromising driver focus on the roadway. INOPERABLE NAVIGATION CONTROL: The system recently registered phantom touches that autonomously programmed a random destination into the factory GPS. The system then overrode all driver controls, preventing me from canceling the navigation instructions or turning off the screen audio while driving. OBSCURED BACKUP CAMERA VISIBILITY: The large, oily chemical delamination bubbles create a severe visual distortion on the screen. In direct or bright sunlight, the backup camera image is completely unreadable and obscured, creating an active striking hazard to pedestrians and vehicles behind me. This manufacturing defect began approximately in Jan 2023 and has gotten progressively worse over time, transitioning from minor cosmetic bubbling to severe, non-stop hardware malfunctions. This component failure is an active driving hazard that completely compromises driver attention and vehicle safety systems. Subaru of America is aware of this chemical breakdown across this generation of head units but is refusing to remedy the safety defect out of warranty. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported

Jul 2026

Incident date

Jan 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

This is an odometer fraud situation. The car was reported at 187,062 with photo documentation on 4/17/2026 via a mechanics office. It was then reported at 104,332 during a CO Emissions Test inspection. I called to verify the mileage reported from the mechanics office and they sent me a photo from 4/17/2026 of the odometer reading 187,062. This car has been rolled back!

Reported

Jul 2026

Incident date

Jul 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

My car horn stopped working. The dealership said the clock spring (steering roll connector) component has failed, confirmed by the resulting complete loss of the horn function. The dealership did not communicate the fact that my drivers airbag would not function properly in an accident. I couldn’t afford the repair at the time, putting my life in danger should an accident occur. Returning to the dealer they still state it is not a covered item, and I need to pay to repair the part so my horn and airbag functions as intended.

Reported

Jul 2026

Incident date

Jan 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

NHTSA issued a notice for a recall on the 2015 Subaru Outback for an exhaust pipe bellows crack which causes exhaust noise and odor which affects emission and engine performance. I had noticed our Subaru's exhaust smoke coming in through the air vents while idling and also a general loss of power for the vehicle. When I dug into the causes, I came across this recall and did the VIN look up on the NHTSA website and also the Subaru website for active recalls. The Subaru website states that the recall was completed. I then called the subaru retailer to check if there were any records for the recall work that was completed for NHTSA ID Number: 10199936. They could not find any records. I called in Subaru corporate to see if they could shed any light on the recall. Subaru corporate says that the recall work was performed on August 6th, 2020 but is unable to tell me where it was performed or even if it was actually replaced. My local Subaru dealer has no records and Subaru corporate says that the work was performed. I am stuck with an exhaust leak that is potentially dangerous as time goes on where it might fail emissions. Subaru corporate has not wanted to address this or investigate the discrepancy, but instead asks me to work with the dealer to get records. The dealer says there's no records of the work ever being done. So I'm in limbo with a particularly faulty car.

Reported

Jun 2026

Incident date

Jun 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the horn was completely inoperative. The dealer was not notified the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 126,000.

Reported

Jun 2026

Incident date

May 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the exhaust manifold detached from the vehicle. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer advised the contact that a recall repair was previously performed on the vehicle, which was related to an exhaust pipe cracking, and that additional repairs would be at the owner's expense. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 244,000.

Reported

Jun 2026

Incident date

Feb 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Odometer Fraud. The contact stated that he recently purchased a 2015 Subaru Outback. The vehicle was purchased through a private sale. At the time of purchase the odometer reading was 91,000. The contact stated while obtaining insurance was informed the mileage was 194,000. A Carfax report was not obtained. There was no other agency contacted.

Reported

May 2026

Incident date

May 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The infotainment unit has failed leading to awful disruptions. The unit will push its own buttons, change volume, make phone calls, etc without any human input. It’s an ongoing problem and even happens when the radio is turned off.

Reported

Apr 2026

Incident date

Mar 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing intermittent horn failure, and the failure mostly occurred while driving straight with limited steering input. The horn was operable while turning the steering wheel. Upon investigating the failure online, the contact learned that it was a common failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was awaiting a call back. The failure mileage was approximately 192,000.

Reported

Mar 2026

Incident date

Mar 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Cracked windshield out of nowhere, starts from the bottom passenger side.

Reported

Mar 2026

Incident date

Mar 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

January 25th, 2026 13:30 I was coming to a stop at an intersection with my foot on the brake pedal when suddenly my vehicle lurched forward potentially causing rear end collision with the truck in front of me that was stopped at the red light. My vehicle finally came to a stop when I pressed hard on the brake pedal. This problem happened today, so I have not reproduced it. I have not had it checked by a dealer (today is Sunday) I have a Low Tire Pressure light that came on two days ago when the temperatures suddenly dropped here in Tulsa, OK.

Reported

Jan 2026

Incident date

Jan 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

After a transmission replacement performed by Bud Clary Chevrolet, Inc. in Longview, WA on September 9, 2025, my vehicle was returned to me with critical components left unsecured. On November 19, 2025, an independent mechanic discovered loose suspension bolts connecting the ball joints to the spindles on both front wheels. On November 29, 2025, Subaru of Portland documented additional unsecured and unattached components related to the prior transmission replacement, including loose mounting hardware and a disconnected PCV hose. Subaru of Portland’s written inspection states that the loose bolts would have been unsafe if left uncorrected. These conditions were present after a major repair and created a potential safety hazard while the vehicle was being driven. This complaint concerns an unsafe condition caused by improper workmanship during a vehicle repair.

Reported

Dec 2025

Incident date

Sep 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

A particular corner where the arterial has a y turn. With cruise engaged the vehicle will do the emergency braking even though the lane is clear. Has occurred several times at this same location.

Reported

Dec 2025

Incident date

Nov 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while the vehicle was at the dealer for an oil change and snow tire replacement, the contact was informed that the sub frame and the brake lines were severely corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, 802 Toyota (30 Berlin Mall Rd, Berlin, VT 05602) for a Trade-In, and it was confirmed that the sub frame was corroded during the appraisal inspection. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the failure was caused by salt damage; however, the contact stated that the vehicle was used for leisure rather than commute since the contact was retired. The failure mileage was 86,801.

Reported

Nov 2025

Incident date

Nov 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, and while at a stop light, there was an abnormal exhaust fumes odor inside the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a cracked exhaust pipe. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the vehicle was previously repaired under Service Program Bulletin: WUJ-95 but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

Reported

Oct 2025

Incident date

Jan 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The clock spring (steering roll connector) component has failed, confirmed by the resulting complete loss of the horn function. SAFETY HAZARD: The component failure has resulted in the loss of the electrical connection to the Driver's Airbag System, rendering the primary airbag inoperable. This creates an unreasonable, life-threatening risk in the event of a collision. The problem has been diagnosed based on common failure patterns for this vehicle platform and confirmed via manufacturer correspondence. The problem first occurred on or about [Input Approximate Date] with the simultaneous failure of the horn and subsequent inoperability of the driver's airbag. The manufacturer, Subaru of America (SOA Case #251013-1700910), was contacted and acknowledged the concern but refused to cover the repair under a Goodwill Adjustment, citing an expired warranty, despite the component's direct link to the critical airbag safety system

Reported

Oct 2025

Incident date

Sep 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal exhaust odor entering the cabin of the vehicle through the vents. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of fuel. Before the contact purchased the vehicle, the contact became aware that the vehicle had been repaired under recall for the catalytic converter. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.

Reported

Sep 2025

Incident date

Jun 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I was within the town limits so I was driving slowly. When I approached the first stop light in town I saw that it was red. There were of three or four vehicles stopped at that light. At that point I was probably only going 5mph. I took my foot off of the gas pedal and put my foot on the brake to make a slow stop. Instead, the car accelerated rather quickly. I continued to brake but the car seemed to speed up. I was able to avoid hitting the truck in front of me by going around it. No vehicles were coming towards me but there were some stopped at the other side of the light. I drove up on the sidewalk to avoid hitting anyone. At that point the front passenger side of the car hit & snapped a pole. The car did not stop immediately upon impact. It stopped acclerating and came to a stop about 10 feet past the pole. I am not sure how fast the car was moving when it hit the pole but I was only going about 5 mph when I put my foot on the break. I would estimate the distance my car traveled from the moment I put my foot on the break until the car stopped was approximately 100-120 feet. It felt like the car went into the cruise resume mode and was trying to accelerate to a predetermined speed. I had not been using the cruise control that day but that is exactly what it felt like. There was one other time this year that the car lunged forward without using the gas pedal. It stopped quickly for me and I just assumed that I had hit the cruise resume button, although I also hadn't been using the cruise that day. The insurance company took the car to an impound lot two hours away. I am sure there has been no inspection and my insurance has not informed me of the status of having my car totaled or repaired. Because of the age of the car, and damage, they think it will be totaled. Yes, my safety and the safety of anyone near me was at risk. The car malfunctioned and the fact no one was hurt was miraculous. There were no warning messages before this accident.

Reported

Sep 2025

Incident date

Sep 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

Crash

Car unable to restart after sitting for several days. Battery and charging system test good after incident

Reported

Jul 2025

Incident date

Jul 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

When braking the car shuts down!!!

Reported

May 2025

Incident date

May 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Within the last few months, my 2015 Outback has been unreliable with the fuel gauge indicator, causing me to run out of gas three times, stranded roadside, with supposedly 30 miles in rank. Fortunately, there were no accidents, but two out of three times, I was left stranded on highways, that put me at risk of being struck.

Reported

May 2025

Incident date

Apr 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The front subframe on my 2015 subaru 3.6r has rapidly rusted in a few years to the point of a safety concern. The vehicle is lightly driven, with 91,000 miles on it after almost 10 years. We live in the Northeast. I take this car in for regular inspections and service every six months and the service center I work with has not alerted me of any issues until this past march when they found the subframe almost completely rotted in the middle. Subaru has had similar issues subject to recalls for the rear subframe. Notably, my rear subframe does not have this issue. Evidence is available that this is exact issue is happening to many cars in this generation, found upon scanning forums such as reddit [XXX] and the subaruoutback.org owners forum [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported

Apr 2025

Incident date

Mar 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Yesterday, my car would not start due to a dead battery. This happened last week, as well. Both times, my husband used a battery charger to enable me to start my car. I have had this issue multiple times in the past, as well, and previously replaced the battery in 2022. I am also aware of a previous class action lawsuit, and several customer complaints about parasitic drain and poor battery performance in the 2015 Subaru Outbacks. Continuing to replace the battery is not only costly and bad for the environment, it doesn't solve the problem. There is some flaw in the electrical design of this car and Subaru needs to address the root cause. I am very concerned that I am going to be stranded somewhere in unsafe conditions, or not have my car available to me when I need to get to a critical appointment or respond to an emergency. This is unacceptable.

Reported

Feb 2025

Incident date

Feb 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

My HORN only works if car is stopped steering wheel turned to the left. Subaru Dealer says it’s in the steering column mechanism that affects airbag and cruise control also. Says it will cost over $600 to repair. If it preventsthe airbag working, wouldn’t it be a car defect and considered dangerous?

Reported

Feb 2025

Incident date

Mar 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Driver door interior, de-bonding of the horizontal crash protection from the outer door panel. Online research indicates this is a common issue.

Reported

Jan 2025

Incident date

Jul 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Exhaust manifold bellows crack Exhaust coming into car when idling

Reported

Jan 2025

Incident date

Jan 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

My sunroof glass just shattered spontaneously while I was driving. Thankfully the door was closed or me and my daughter would have been showered by glass while in the road. Nothing hit the car , I just heard a loud bang over my heard and when I stopped to see what happened my sunroof was in pieces!

Reported

Jan 2025

Incident date

Jan 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Battery fails repeatedly even after several battery replacements and dealer fixing the software at a hefty cost, presumable to make sure the battery is charging. My insurance company (State Farm) dropped my roadside assistance coverage after repeated requests to get help to start the car. I continuously dread and fear that the car will not start after a drive to the grocery store. I dear not think about using the car to take a trip away from home. I bought jump starters and now take one with me every time I consider driving this car. God forbid it drains outs before I get back to the house to recharge it, which has happened and ended up bigging a stranger to jump start my car. It is a shame that this reputable company can sell a car that has this problem, that could be easily fixed which seems to be not a problem for other manufacturers.

Reported

Jan 2025

Incident date

Jan 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

2015 Subaru Outback Premium. Took in to a very helpful local Subaru Dealer and they discovered that the front subframe has rusted out seemingly prematurely. The vehicle just turned 10 years old with and upon doing research it seems to be a widely known commonly occurring problem. Would be handy if Subaru of America could do a recall on the front subframe as it is a very high cost repair to have it done correctly with the safest outcome.

Reported

Jan 2025

Incident date

Jan 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The clock spring that controls the steering wheel, horn and other electrical accessories doesn’t work. This put my life and family’s lives at risk. This is a known issue for Subarus 2015-2019. There’s multiple videos online, I have spoken to multiple owners personally that have encountered the same issue. I spoke to the Subaru dealer and they said due to no recall has been issued for the vin number of my vehicle they can’t replace it and it cost about $1,000 dls. We need the NHTSA to step in and ask Subaru to issue a recall to start replacing the defective units at no cost to the owner.

Reported

Dec 2024

Incident date

Nov 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

A transmission that was replaced in July of 2023 went bad un December of 2024 and dealership won't give reasons why transmission went bad or what caused a almost brand new transmission with less than 50,000 miles on it went bad. They are demanding we pay $5000.00 dollars on a transmission that was replaced under the extended warranty on cvt transmission from subaru. Which also extends to the brand new transmission. They are demanding their loaner car back and refusing to honor extended warranty on new transmission which the gave us which is bad. They will not give us anything other than it is bad. No information what so ever is being given to my husband or I as to why, how or what happened. My car will not move unless it is pushed by someone. They are refusing to honor their recall warranty or provide a loaner while dealing with their corporate offices on this issue. This is after in the past 1 and a half years my car has been in their shop for well over 8 months and I am still making payments on this vehicle. They will not even provide paperwork on the issues with my vehicle.

Reported

Dec 2024

Incident date

Dec 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Horn became intermittent with failure related to steering wheel position, then failed altogether. No horn is a safety issue. We replaced the 'SRC SET 83196AJO4', AKA 'clockspring', the wiring assembly that connects the AIRBAG as well as the HORN, and all steering wheel controls.

Reported

Oct 2024

Incident date

Aug 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The horn stopped working on my vehicle. This puts my safety and other driver's safety at risk since I can not alert them if they are coming into my lane. I contacted Subaru Customer Advocacy but they are not willing to fix this problem. I checked the online forums and this seems to be a common problem.

Reported

Oct 2024

Incident date

Oct 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The dealer found significant rusting on the front subframe and some on the rear subframe. The front was enough there's a hole in it. I was told it was not safe to drive as it would not hold in an accident.

Reported

Oct 2024

Incident date

Oct 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Been having issues with my Subaru Outback dying for years now. I’ve gone through 5 battery’s the last 6 years. No amount of driving seems to fix the issue, the replacement batteries only work for so long until it gets cold or I don’t drive my car for a week and suddenly it dies. I believe there is a parasitic drain somewhere, I can’t figure out what. I have nothing obstructing the hatch locking mechanism, I turn all my lights off and air system off before turn turning the car off. It’s becoming a serious issue, I have to jump my car almost everyday or every other day and am driving for over 40 minutes a day. Subaru has been unhelpful and I’m now not trusting of their help.

Reported

Sep 2024

Incident date

Sep 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while making a right turn into a parking space, the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration and lunged forward. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 70,000.

Reported

Aug 2024

Incident date

Jul 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The car horn is unable to be used when driving straight. It only works when setting the alarm and only when you steer the wheel left or right. There are no warning lights on the instrument panel.

Reported

Jul 2024

Incident date

Jul 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

While driving the Parking Brake warning light came on and the Subaru Eyesight system shut down. On stopping the car and restarting, the car got harder to drive. I pulled over again immediately as the parking brake was locking the wheels up. I got a tow truck to take the car to the Subaru dealer. By this time the rear wheels were completely locked up. If the car had to stop at a railroad crossing, the immobile car would be in a dangerous spot. The dealer service shop said there was Code C1411, C1194, C1956, C1942 and "Electronic Parking Brake Connector Failure". This was repaired under Warranty Extension Repair indicating that Subaru knew this was a serious problem but refused to do an emergency recall. Instead they intentionally allowed people to drive a dangerously defective vehicle.

Reported

Jun 2024

Incident date

Jun 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

See attached document for complaint

Reported

Apr 2024

Incident date

Apr 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the front windshield suddenly developed a crack which quickly extended approximately 8 inches horizontally and later extended more than 35 inches across the windshield. The contact stated that the crack began on the passenger’s side and extended to the driver’s side of the windshield. The contact stated that the failure had occurred approximately 15 minutes after having the original windshield replaced after the same failure. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local service center and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 71,000.

Reported

Apr 2024

Incident date

Apr 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Ignition inhibitor switch causing car to stay in neutral, fried the starter and battery 8 months after getting a brand new transmission under subaru warrenty

Reported

Apr 2024

Incident date

Mar 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

When shifted into drive or reverse, with brakes applied, and after initial start the vehicle will surge forward or reverse with force enough to overcome standard braking.

Reported

Feb 2024

Incident date

Feb 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Our 2015 Subaru Outback occasionally accelerates sharply without the driver's foot being on the gas peddle. It always happens when decelerating and applying the brakes. Suddenly, the engine roars and revs up, all while the driver is depressing the brake pedal, desperately trying to bring the vehicle to a safe stop. In our case, we've always been able to stop without hitting anything, but we've had some near misses. It seems to happen in the winter. The Subaru dealer we purchased the vehicle from denies any knowledge of this particular problem, even though numerous drivers have reported similar incidents.

Reported

Feb 2024

Incident date

Jan 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The cam carrier has a leak that is causing oil to slowly leak out of the car. The current issue is causing me to have to regularly add oil to the car. My safety is at risk as the car engine could fail while driving which would be me and others at risk. My understanding is that the leaking oil could also cause other parts to fail such as the O2 sensor. The recommended repair from the local Subaru dealer is to reseal the cam carrier at an estimated cost of $4,744. I attempted to contact Subaru after reading that many others have had this same issue and some have received monetary compensation to get the repair completed after complaining. Subaru has been very difficult to get in touch with and doesn't seem to want to respond to the issue. The only warning I have had was the oil engine light coming on multiple times to which I proceeded to add oil to the car.

Reported

Dec 2023

Incident date

Mar 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

iNFOMATION UNIT STOPPED WORKING AND HAS MOISTURE FOG INSIDE OF IT. I WAS USING IT FOR THE MAP ROUTE IN AN AREA THAT I WAS NOT FAMILIAR WITH WHEN IT STOPPED WORKING. I DO NOT KNOW HOW MOISTURE COULD GET IN A SEALED UNIT BUT IT IS OVER $22,000. TO REPLACE IT. PERHAPS THIS DOES NOT QUALIFY AS A SAFETY ISSUE BUT IT WAS FOR ME SINCE I NEEDED DIRECTIONS AS TO HOW TO GET HOME.

Reported

Nov 2023

Incident date

Aug 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The car had a recall on it for the catalytic converter and front pipe and bellows being cracked. It was replaced under a service bulletin put out by Subaru at 104,000 miles in 2020. I just went to get the vehicle inspected in 5/2023 and the exact same part is failing once again. It will not pass inspection. This causes exhaust to leak back into the car (including carbon monoxide) given the converter/bellows are parts that come off the engine right under the driver/passenger's front seat. I have called corporate Subaru to see what could be done and they refuse to do anything since they told me the car is a 2015 and had 167,000+ miles. At this point, it will cost me a few thousand dollars to fix at which point has to be done by Subaru and they will replace it with the exact same parts that have proven time and time again to be a poor design and fail. Or I can take it to an exhaust specialist to be fixed.

Reported

Nov 2023

Incident date

May 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Driver's seat started peeling off approximately a year after purchase. Notified dealer, they said to contact Subaru of America via social media. Now almost all peeled off, have to cover with towel possibly interfering with airbags. Steering column lock will not lock in top position. Dealer repaired once under warranty, now out of warranty. Unsafe when column moves when driving. Transmission started slipping or behaving strangely around 90,000 miles. Never received notice of extended warranty I read about on Subaru forums [XXX] ) Paid $531.43 for fluid change at dealership because of the problem on 7/27/23 and no mention was made about extended warranty. It has not solved the problem. If transmission fails, that is a safety problem. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported

Aug 2023

Incident date

Aug 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

#1. I replaced the battery in June of 2022 after all the dash warning lights came on. My eyesight safety feature was rendered in operative. After the battery was replaced, all the warning lights eventually went out. In July of 2023 the same scenario happened again. I returned to Advance Auto retailer and the store manager checked the battery. She replaced the battery with a new one of greater cold cranking amps. she was most knowledgeable and extraordinarily gracious. I asked her to check the alternator for proper function and was told it was functioning as it should. #2. On June 07, 2023, I took the automobile in for service: oil and filter change and brake pads and rotors on all four wheels. My Subaru had 68,482 miles on this date. The technician (who previously was employed by a local Subaru dealership) noticed that the engine was leaking oil and diagnosed the timing cover gasket was leaking oil. Oil leaking would contribute to the bad smells entering the passenger compartment. The gasket and three seals were replaced at a cost of $1329.94 plus 8% tax. Online research reveals that Subaru"s boxer engine suffers chronic oil consumption and seal problems. Subaru of America relies on the consumer to eat any repairs rather than fix the problem that has been going on for years.

Reported

Aug 2023

Incident date

Jun 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the sunroof glass exploded. There was no impact to the sunroof that could have caused the sunroof glass to explode. The shards of glass from the sunroof fell onto the contact, his wife, and his son; however, no injuries were sustained, and medical attention was not received. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the sunroof glass. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Reported

Jul 2023

Incident date

Jul 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

There's a problem in a part called (clock spring/roll connector) that is responsible for the horn on steering wheel. It affects almost all Subaru models, like Outback, Forester, Legacy... I've verified it in a mechanic shop, and after all the tests of fuses, horn, and everything. They say the problem is the clock spring, a part that goes after the air bag and costs around $130 plus service ($150 minimum) to change. Then I research on internet and found out it's a very common problem with a lot of videos on YouTube of people having the same issue and a lot of comments there of more people complaining about it that it should have a recall cause it's a security part. I couldn't use my horn when another driver almost hit me, that's how I figured out that my horn died. Those are just some of the videos with this related problem. There's a lot more on YouTube and a lot of posts on Internet forums as well: https://youtu.be/E73ao9zRCUM https://youtu.be/vDxvafmQ6Qg https://youtu.be/plbtVX2WZWw https://youtu.be/YIwl5AmhfQ0 https://youtu.be/ZR5Qq3zufRc

Reported

Jun 2023

Incident date

Jun 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured February 29, 2016, to May 6, 2016. The steering column on the affected vehicles may have been improperly machined, and as a result, turning the steering wheel may have no effect on the direction of the wheels.

Risk: The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lot number on the steering column, replacing the steering column, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783 or by visiting http://www.wtd65.service-campaign.com. Subaru's number for this recall is WTD-65. Note: Until the vehicles have been inspected, owners are advised not to drive their vehicles.

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Legacy vehicles manufactured March 10, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Outback vehicles manufactured February 24, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Impreza vehicles manufactured September 9, 2014, to April 14, 2015, XV Crosstrek vehicles manufactured October 16, 2014, to April 15, 2015, and 2016 WRX vehicles manufactured March 23, 2015, and equipped with the Eyesight Driver Assist System. If the switch that activates the brake lights fails, the automatic pre-collision braking component of the driver assist system will not function.

Risk: If the automatic pre-collision braking system does not function as intended, the vehicle will not react to an obstacle in its path, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the driver assist system, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQS-54.

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015 and 2016 model year Subaru Legacy 4-Door and Outback vehicles manufactured July 3, 2015, to July 27, 2015. Transmission oil may leak from a deformed seal cap on the propeller shaft yoke.

Risk: If the transmission oil leaks onto the exhaust pipe, there is a possible risk of fire.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the propeller shaft, free of charge. The recall began on August 28, 2015. Owners may contact 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQU-56.

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Outback vehicles manufactured January 22, 2014, to August 18, 2014, and equipped with a Subaru accessory trailer hitch assembly. During installation, the trailer hitch mounting nuts may have been overtightened, potentially resulting in failure of the trailer hitch mounting studs.

Risk: The mounting nut(s) may not provide sufficient force to remain attached to the studs or the studs themselves might break. If this were to happen while a trailer is being towed, the driver might not be able to operate the vehicle as desired or the trailer may detach from the vehicle. Either situation could increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace all eight mounting nuts for the trailer hitch assembly, and will inspect all eight mounting studs for damage, free of charge. The recall began on October 7, 2014. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQN-50.

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured on July 20, 2015. The brake fluid used in these vehicles may contain excess moisture which may adversely affect the performance of the electronic stability control system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."

Risk: Poor performance of the electronic stability control system when it is activated may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will perform an ABS activation, then flush and replace the brake fluid, free of charge. The recall began on May 20, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTC-64.