Federal complaints
171
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 157 of 171 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 98 of 171 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.
Brakes
35 complaint records1 crash report
"FRONT BRAKE ROTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED 4 TIMES IN 60,000 MI. ROTORS WARP AND CAUSE FRONT END SHAKING WHEN BRAKES APPLIED. *AK..."- 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 brakes parts in the directory →
Fuel system
32 complaint records1 fire report2 crash reports
"IN COLD WEATHER VERY STRONG FUEL ODOR IN PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. SMELL IS STRONG ENOUGH TO MAKE PASSENGERS FEEL ILL. THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME WHEN OUTSIDE TEMP GOES BELOW FREEZING. *TR..."- 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 fuel system parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
26 complaint records1 fire report1 crash report
"THE VEHICLE EMITTED WHITE SMOKE THROUGH THE AIR VENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXIST. *NM..."- 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 →
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04V128000 | Vehicle Speed Control | ON CERTAIN PASSENGER SEDANS, WAGONS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE COULD COME OUT OF ITS TRACK ON THE CRUISE CONTROL LEVER AND LODGE ON THE CONTROL LEVER TAB WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS... | Normally free |
| 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 |
| 02V282000 | Power Train | CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED TRANSMISSION PARKING ROD. | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004094 2004-03-16 | Other | 8,953 | On certain Legacy, Outback H-6 3.0L and Impreza WRX 2.0L Turbo, the cruise control cable could come out of its track on the cruise control lever and lodge on the control lever tab when the accelerator pedal is released. |
| 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. |
| 2001040 2001-02-21 | Seats And Restraints | 268 | On certain vehicles, the inner seat-rail rail locking pawl may be improperly welded to the moveable adjustment lever rod. After several seat adjustments, the spot welds holding the locking pawl to the rod may break loose. |
| 2001014 2001-01-29 | Fuel System | 122 | On certain vehicles, separation of fuel hose layers and heat deterioration of the fuel hose can result in fuel leakage in very cold temperatures. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source could result in an underhood fire. |
| 2001012 2001-01-24 | Steering | 251 | On certain vehicles, improperly cast right front bearing housings could cause grease leakage, front wheel bearing failure due to loss of grease, or the possibility of steering loss due to tie rod separation. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru Tech Tips (Article Nov 2025 | Unknown Or Other | Subaru service article locator. | |
| 15-130-08R Oct 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This bulletin provides information on the load carrying capacity reduced label when a port-installed or retailer-installed accessory exeeds 1.5 percent of the GVWR or 100 pounds, which ever is lower. | |
| Subaru Tech Tips (Article Oct 2025 | Unknown Or Other | Subaru tech tips newsletter article locator. | |
| 15-308-23R Oct 2025 | Electrical System | This Service Information Bulletin outlines a systematic procedure for diagnosing parasitic draw (dark/standby current) in vehicles experiencing battery drain when the ignition is off, leading to no-start conditions or frequent jump-starts. | |
| 07-233-25R Oct 2025 | Electrical System | This Bulletin provides details on a new formal testing, charging, and tracking procedure for all 12-volt batteries in new vehicle inventory. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07-236-25 Oct 2025 | Electrical System | This Bulletin outlines a comprehensive update to the dark current/parasitic draw diagnosis & testing procedures. | |
| 15-219-18R Sep 2025 | Electrical System | This bulletin addresses cases when attempting to complete the STARLINK Telematics subscription process, an Error Code 202 and / or 204 may occur preventing the process from completing successfully. | |
| 10-105-25R Sep 2025 | Electrical System | This bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak. | |
| 07-233-25 Sep 2025 | Electrical System | This Bulletin provides details on a new formal testing, charging, and tracking procedure for all 12-volt batteries in new vehicle inventory wjhich must be tested and reported every 30 days. | |
| 15-266-20R Aug 2025 | Electrical System | This Bulletin provides helpful procedures and best practices to utilize when customers present with concerns relating to the operation of their Gen 2/Gen 3 Telematics system equipped Subaru. | |
| 15-320-24R Aug 2025 | Electrical System | This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. | |
| SubaruNet Announcement Aug 2025 | Electrical System | Subaru of America, Inc. will release an OTA to perform a software update to the DCM. This is a preventive OTA. | |
| 13-108-25 Aug 2025 | Structure | This bulletin provides information on paint codes for vehicles in the 2026 line up. | |
| Subaru Service Technical Aug 2025 | Power Train | Subaru Service Technical Support Newsletter special edition. | |
| SubaruNet Announcement Jul 2025 | Electrical System | This OTA is released to address Telematic functions that may stop working after a certain amount of time from the vehicle's production. | |
| 10-105-25R Jul 2025 | Electrical System | "This bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak. | |
| SubaruNet Annoucement Jun 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This announcment provides information on the release of the latest software updates to the Subaru Midtronics DSS-5000 Battery Diagnostic tool. | |
| 15-251-19R Jun 2025 | Electrical System | This Bulletin provides additional diagnostics to follow when addressing a Telematics-related DTC B2A16. | |
| SubaruNet Announcement (S Jun 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This announcement is to bring attention to the OTA for In-vehicle service appointment scheduler and In-vehicle message center. | |
| 10-105-25R Jun 2025 | Electrical System | This Service Information bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak. | |
| 01-168-09R May 2025 | Unknown Or Other | The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site. | |
| 10-105-25R May 2025 | Electrical System | This bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak. | |
| 15-251-19R Apr 2025 | Electrical System | This Service Bulletin provides additional diagnostics to follow when addressing a Telematics-related DTC B2A16. | |
| 02-192-24R Apr 2025 | Engine | This Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines. | |
| 14-31-25 Mar 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This Bulletin announces availability of a User Guide and an informative video to supplement the recent releases to retailers of the SOA321152 and SOA321153 Terminal Test Kits. | |
| 09-51-08R Mar 2025 | Engine | The purpose of this bulletin is to advise of SOA’s revised Catalytic Converter Recycling Program shipping procedure. | |
| 15-304-22R Mar 2025 | Electrical System | This Bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. | |
| 01-167-08R Mar 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models. | |
| 15-219-18R Mar 2025 | Electrical System | When attempting to complete the STARLINK Telematics subscription process, an Error Code 202 and / or 204 may occur preventing the process from completing successfully. | |
| 15-251-19R Feb 2025 | Electrical System | "This Service Bulletin provides additional diagnostics to follow when addressing a Telematics-related DTC B2A16." | |
| WWM-96R Feb 2025 | Suspension | Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has determined that affected vehicles, listed below, may have been manufactured with improperly applied paint to the rear suspension sub-frame. | |
| Subarunet Announcement Jan 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This announcement is in regard to special service tool shipment will be shipped directly to the Subar retailers during February. | |
| RC5 Head Unit OTA Jan 2025 | Electrical System | A head unit OTA will be available via cellular network for Mid and High Grade CP1.5 head units. | |
| 07-59-07R Dec 2024 | Exterior Lighting | This bulletin is for information purposes only.The bulletin adresses design changes of the headlamps and rear combination lamps, where moisture and or condensation may develop on the inside of the lamp lenses. | |
| 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. | |
| 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 | Latches/Locks/Linkages | 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. |
Showing 60 of 112 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.
- Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
- Smell for fuel and watch the first restart when hot.Hard starting when warm, hesitation under load, or any fuel odor near the tank or engine bay match this vehicle's fuel-system cluster. Check the recall table for fuel pump campaigns.
- 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.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 3 recall campaigns 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 →