Subaru Outback Recalls

The Subaru Outback has 73 recalls spanning 1998 through 2023, with the most serious recent issue being a 2023 model year driveshaft where the center support bolts can loosen and disconnect the front end of the driveshaft, causing an abrupt loss of drive power and raising the risk of a crash.

On 2022 models, a damaged engine wiring harness can cause a loose connection to the engine control unit and stall the engine, and an incorrect paint clearcoat can leave the windshield insufficiently bonded so it separates in a crash. The 2021 model has a CVT gear selector cable nut that can loosen and leave the transmission unable to respond to gear changes. On 2020-2022 models, a capacitor in the front passenger seat sensor can crack and short out, preventing the passenger airbag from deploying in a crash. The 2020-2021 model years have a transmission control unit error that can allow the drive chain to slip or break and cut drive power. On 2018-2020 models, the low-pressure fuel pump can fail and stall the engine while driving. On 2016-2017 models, the steering column may have been improperly machined so that turning the wheel has no effect on the direction of the vehicle. On 2016 models, a driveshaft separating from the rear differential can strike the fuel tank and cause a fuel leak with fire risk.

The Takata passenger frontal airbag inflator defect spans 2003 through 2014 model years across multiple geographic groupings. In all cases, the inflator can rupture during deployment and send metal fragments into the cabin, with risk of serious injury or death. On 2013 models, the inner and outer steering column shafts can disengage and eliminate steering control. The 2010-2014 model years have a windshield wiper motor that can overheat, fail, and in some cases melt its housing and start a fire. On 2010-2014 manual-transmission models, the electronic parking brake may not engage as intended, allowing rollaway. The 2005-2014 model years equipped with a replacement ignition switch have a spring inside the switch that can break, allowing the key to turn off the engine unexpectedly and disabling the airbags in a crash. On 2010 models, a missing lubrication hole in the six-speed manual transmission can cause gear damage over time. The 2007-2009 turbocharged models have an air injection pump relay that can fail and cause the pump to overheat and melt, raising fire risk.

Going further back, the 2005 model year has brake lines that can corrode through and leak, extending stopping distances. On 2004 models, a loose fuel filler hose clamp can allow fuel to leak near ignition sources. The 2003 model year has a front suspension transverse link that can rust through and break in salt-belt regions, affecting vehicle control. On 2001 models, a front bearing housing defect can cause grease loss, bearing failure, or tie rod separation and loss of steering. The 1998 model year has an oil filter that can fracture and spray vaporized oil onto hot exhaust components, causing an underhood fire.