Federal complaints
207
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 183 of 207 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 102 of 207 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Power train
44 complaint records2 fire reports
"TRANSMISSION COMPUTER FAILED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO LOSE CONTROL AND JOLT ONTO THE ONCOMING LANE, LUCKILY THERE WAS NO ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND NO ACCIDENT. *SLC..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
41 complaint records3 fire reports
"FAILURE OF RADIATOR AT 48000 MILES. THE PLASTIC BODY SEPARATED FROM THE METAL PORTION, CAUSING AN OCCASIONAL LEAK OF COOLANT.*JB..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Tires
32 complaint records4 fire reports3 crash reports
"WHILE PASSING A VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY THE RIGHT FRONT FIRESTONE WILDERNESS TIRE (P225/60R160 BLEWOUT, IT APPEARED THAT THE TREAD HAD SEPARATED COMPLETELY FROM THE SIDEWALL OF THE TIRE. NLM..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse tires parts in the directory →
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 03V153000 | Suspension | THIS RECALL APPLIES TO CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN,... | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003117 2003-04-30 | Suspension | 12,450 | On certain vehicles operated in the "salt-belt" provinces of Manitoba, Ontario, Québec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland & Labrador. |
| 2000087 2000-03-31 | Lights And Instruments | 203 | On certain vehicles, the headlamp assemblies may not comply with the marking requirements of CMVSS 108 - Lighting System and Retroreflective Devices. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| SubaruNet Announcement Nov 2024 | Electrical System | This annocement is to inform dealers to the Gen 3.1 Head Unit OTA will be available via Wi-Fi. The update will take place in multiple batches with the first beginneing November 15th and the last being Decemeber 3rd. This update is for approximatelt 714,000 VINs. | |
| 15-130-08R Oct 2024 | Unknown Or Other | This bulletin details an important regulation issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which impacts the way some vehicles with accessories are sold. | |
| 01-167-08R Oct 2024 | Unknown Or Other | This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models. | |
| 01-167-08R Sep 2024 | Electrical System | This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models. | |
| 15-298-22R Sep 2024 | Electrical System | This Service Information Bulletin announces the preferred practices to be used when handling vehicles equipped with Gen2 Telematics which are enrolled in the Subaru STARLINK® Security Plus Service featuring Stolen Vehicle Recovery Plus with Immobilizer. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| SubaruNet Announcement Sep 2024 | Electrical System | The CP1.5 RCs OTA is available for all mid and high grade CP1.5 head units. | |
| 15-320-24 Sep 2024 | Electrical System | This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. | |
| 07-178-21R Sep 2024 | Electrical System | This Service Information bulletin is being released as guidance for proper testing and charging of vehicle batteries. | |
| 02-192-24 Sep 2024 | Engine | This Service Information Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines. | |
| 02-191-22R Sep 2024 | Engine | This bulletin announces availability of the NEW genuine Subaru engine oil filter. | |
| 03-94-24 Sep 2024 | Suspension | This bulletin outlines the judgment criteria to be used when inspecting front transverse link bushings to reduce unnecessary bushing replacement. | |
| 15-308-23R Aug 2024 | Electrical System | This Service Information Bulletin announces important diagnostic information to utilize when the Data Communication Module (DCM) is being tested as a dark current/standby current source. | |
| 15-251-19R Aug 2024 | Electrical System | This Bulletin provides additional diagnostics to follow when addressing a Telematics-related DTC B2A16. | |
| 01-168-09R Aug 2024 | Electrical System | The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site. | |
| 15-320-24 Aug 2024 | Electrical System | This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure for 2025MY vehicles. | |
| Subarunet Announcement Jul 2024 | Power Train | This annoucement provides parts personnel information about remanufactured transmissions that will no longer be available. | |
| 15-308-23R Jul 2024 | Electrical System | This bulletin announces important diagnostic information to utilize when testing the Data Communication Module (DCM) as a dark current/standby current source. All models equipped with Telematics except Solterra. | |
| Thermo Control Valve Vide Jul 2024 | Engine | This thermo control valve video contains information on the replacement of thermo control valve. | |
| 13-107-24 Jul 2024 | Unknown Or Other | This Bulletin provides SOA paint codes to help eliminate possible confusion for 2025 MY vehicles. | |
| 05-91-24 Jul 2024 | Suspension | This Bulletin provides guidance for diagnosing a leaking front or rear suspension strut. | |
| 01-167-08R Jul 2024 | Unknown Or Other | This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models. | |
| SubaruNet Announcement Jun 2024 | Electrical System | This information announces reprograming file availability for Gen 4.5 Denso CP1.5 Audio and Navigation systems. Inprovement for CarPlay concerns with hands-free calls when the receiving party is not able to hear the caller. | |
| 06-90-24 Jun 2024 | Service Brakes | This bulletin provides diagnosis and procedure information to be applied when diagnosing potential fluid leaks on front and rear brake calipers. This information has been developed to reduce unnecessary brake caliper replacement. | |
| 01-168-09R Aug 2023 | Equipment | The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site. | |
| 12-249-23R Jul 2023 | 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. | |
| 15-302-22 Aug 2022 | Equipment | This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. | |
| 01-167-08R Aug 2022 | Equipment | This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models. | |
| 15-192-22R Mar 2022 | 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 2021 | Equipment | This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models | |
| 09-51-08R Jun 2021 | Equipment | This bulletin is to advise of SOAâs revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure. | |
| 14-22-16R Feb 2021 | 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. | |
| 03-82-18R Jan 2021 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | This bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing. | |
| 01-168-09R Jan 2021 | Equipment | The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information. | |
| 03-82-18R Aug 2020 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service information bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing used on the models listed. | |
| 14-22-16R Aug 2020 | Equipment | Special Service Tools Cross Reference List. | |
| 01-181-20 Apr 2020 | Equipment | All Models (Vehicle Cleaning- COVID-19Best Practices) | |
| 06-68-19R Jul 2019 | Service Brakes | This Service Information bulletin announces instruction for application of additional lubrication between the brake caliper support and pad clips. | |
| Subaru Tech Tips May 2019 | Equipment | Subaru Service and Technical Support Line Newletter. | |
| 14-22-16R May 2019 | 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. | |
| 03-82-18 Oct 2018 | Power Train | This Service Information bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing used on the models as listed above. During assembly of the bearing, a different type of grease is used which has a higher resistance to heat. | |
| 01-168-09R Nov 2016 | Equipment | The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site. | |
| 01-168-09R Sep 2016 | Equipment | The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site. | |
| 01-168-09R Apr 2016 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | Revised TSB. The Subaru Lock Information Site (SLIS) is located at http://lockinfo.subaru.com, and provides information on how to obtain immobilizer codes and key cut codes for Subaru vehicles from the 2000MY to present. | |
| 0116809R Aug 2014 | Electrical System | Replacement Key and Immobilizer info | |
| 0116809R Jul 2014 | Electrical System | Replacement Key and Immobilizer Info | |
| 037012R-1 Jan 2014 | Fuel System | Repair Procedure for High-Pitched Sound from Extension Housing Area Using Latest Generation Production Parts | |
| 03-70-12R Jan 2014 | Power Train | REPAIR PROCEDURE FOR HIGH-PITCHED SOUND FROM EXTENSION HOUSING AREA USING LATEST GENERATION PRODUCTION PARTS - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES PRODUCTION CHANGE, REPAIR PROCEDURE AND PARTS INFORMATION TO ADDRESS A CUSTOMER CONCERN OF A HIGH-PITCHED SOUND COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION... | |
| 03-70-12R May 2013 | Power Train | This Bulletin provides production change, repair procedure and parts information to address a customer concern of a high-pitched sound coming from the transmission extension housing area. In cold temperatures, thermal contraction causes shrinking of the transmission case. | |
| 0116809R Apr 2013 | Electrical System | Replacement Key and Immobilizer info | |
| 01-168-09R Apr 2013 | Equipment | SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE. | |
| 037012R Jan 2013 | Engine | Repair Procedure for High-Pitched Sound | |
| 03-70-12R Jan 2013 | Power Train | THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES PRODUCTION CHANGE, REPAIR PROCEDURE AND PARTS INFORMATION TO ADDRESS A CUSTOMER CONCERN OF A HIGH-PITCHED SOUND COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION EXTENSION HOUSING AREA. IN COLD TEMPERATURES, THERMAL CONTRACTION CAUSES SHRINKING OF THE TRANSMISSION CASE. | |
| 037012 Dec 2012 | Electrical System | Repair Procedure for High-Pitched Sound from Extension Housing Area Using Latest Generation Production Parts | |
| 03-70-12 Dec 2012 | Equipment | REPAIR PROCEDURE FOR HIGH-PITCHED SOUND FROM EXTENSION HOUSING AREA USING LATEST GENERATION PRODUCTION PARTS | |
| 036812R Dec 2012 | Power Train | 5MT Transfer Driven Gear Bearings | |
| 03-68-12R Dec 2012 | Power Train | THIS BULLETIN REVIEWS A CHANGE TO THE PART NUMBERS USED FOR THE TRANSFER DRIVEN GEAR BEARINGS. THESE REVISED BEARINGS ARE TO BE USED TO ENHANCE DURABILITY. | |
| SB-05-50-10R Feb 2011 | Tires | SUBARU: THERE IS A STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS DUE TO AN IMPORPER WHEEL BALANCE. *RM | |
| 07 Jul 2007 | Exterior Lighting | HEADLIGHT BULB SOCKET REPAIRS. *KB | |
| 129406 Oct 2006 | Visibility | LOOSE DOOR MIRROR SCREWS. *KB | |
| 029605 Sep 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | 2.5L REMANUFACTURED SOHC SHORT BLOCK RELEASE. *TT |
Showing 60 of 72 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Read the tire date codes and look for uneven wear.Uneven wear on this vehicle often points back to the suspension. Four different date codes tell their own story.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 1 recall campaign on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Subaru Outback →