NHTSA vehicle safety data

2011 Subaru Outback Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2011 Subaru Outback has 16 NHTSA recall campaigns and 653 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Subaru dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2011 Subaru Outback, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

2011 Subaru Outback owner complaints

Owners have filed 653 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Subaru Outback, describing incidents dated May 31, 2010 to October 16, 2026.

Most-cited components

Power Train 216 complaints
Exterior Lighting 117 complaints
Engine 93 complaints
Service Brakes 76 complaints
Air Bags 73 complaints
Electrical System 67 complaints

Of the 653 complaints on file, 24 report a crash and 6 a fire; across all 653 complaints, owners report 7 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11772485 · Filed October 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2011 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH, the vehicle independently accelerated and crashed into a fence and a bystander. The insurance company deemed the vehicle a total loss. The contact was injured but medical attention was not needed. A Police report…
ODI #11767045 · Filed September 25, 2026
2010-2018 TR580 Outback Torque Converter Lock-up failure symptoms in TSB 16-90-13R fits my 2011 Subaru Outback. 2.5I Premium, (TSB) Originally issued on 1/6/2014 + later revised on 5/7/2014, Early yrs of the TR580 suffer from TCLUF, which causes stalls + bogs down during stops or idling at traffic…
ODI #11754446 · Filed August 3, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Subaru Outback. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of the purchase on 2/26/2026, the mileage was 95,999. The contact found a bill of sale from 07/29/2026, that stated that…

Read all 653 complaints

Owner-reported

2011 Subaru Outback mileage at failure

458 of the 653 complaints on file for the 2011 Subaru Outback give the vehicle's mileage when the problem happened.

Mileage at failure by component, from owners' complaints to NHTSA
Component	Median	Middle half	Based on
Power Train	Median 115,000 miles	Middle half 100,000–145,000 miles	Based on 174 complaints
Exterior Lighting	Median 55,000 miles	Middle half 25,000–85,000 miles	Based on 86 complaints
Electrical System	Median 60,000 miles	Middle half 40,000–90,000 miles	Based on 52 complaints

A component's median is its 50th percentile, and its middle half runs from its 25th to its 75th percentile.

Owners give the mileage themselves, often as a round number, and NHTSA doesn't check it. A complaint that names several components counts under each one, and mileages that can't be right, such as 999,999, or 50 miles on a five-year-old car, are left out.

These figures describe the complaints owners filed. They don't predict when a particular vehicle will have a problem, and vehicles that never had one aren't counted.

Most complaints NHTSA received since May 17, 2021 give no mileage. So that they aren't undercounted, each one received since then that gives a mileage also stands in for those that gave none, which can put a component's median above most of the mileages it is based on.

Mileage from NHTSA's complaints file of October 31, 2026. How these figures are worked out

Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode

NHTSA #20V002000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Passenger Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported January 2, 2020 · Subaru of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 127,547 vehicles

Repair completion: 83.87% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Subaru campaign TKB-20 · Owners notified January 7, 2020 · Vehicles built March 8, 2002 – May 27, 2014 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Recall group: Takata airbag inflators

Defect description

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Safety consequence

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer remedy

Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-20.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode

NHTSA #20V003000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Passenger Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported January 2, 2020 · Subaru of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 111,562 vehicles

Repair completion: 82.31% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Subaru campaign TKC-20 · Owners notified January 7, 2020 · Vehicles built March 8, 2002 – May 21, 2014 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Recall group: Takata airbag inflators

Defect description

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Safety consequence

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer remedy

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode

NHTSA #20V001000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Passenger Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported January 2, 2020 · Subaru of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 258,813 vehicles

Repair completion: 89.22% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Subaru campaign TKA-20 · Owners notified January 7, 2020 · Vehicles built March 8, 2002 – May 23, 2014 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Recall group: Takata airbag inflators

Defect description

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Safety consequence

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer remedy

Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-20.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Ignition Switch may Turn Off

NHTSA #19V297000 · Electrical System — Ignition — Switch · NHTSA notice

Reported April 11, 2019 · Subaru of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 511 vehicles

Repair completion: 63.93% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Subaru campaign WUF-91 · Owners notified May 10, 2019 · Vehicles built March 11, 2004 – April 30, 2014 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part. The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on the key ring and certain road conditions could cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.

Safety consequence

The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash. If a crash occurs under this condition, the air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 10, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUF-91.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode

NHTSA #19V008000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Passenger Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported January 9, 2019 · Subaru of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 330,120 vehicles

Repair completion: 93.76% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Subaru campaign TKB-19 · Owners notified January 25, 2019 · Vehicles built June 12, 2009 – May 30, 2014 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Recall group: Takata airbag inflators

Defect description

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, and Legacy vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Safety consequence

An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer remedy

Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-19.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode

NHTSA #19V007000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Passenger Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported January 9, 2019 · Subaru of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 43,394 vehicles

Repair completion: 95.15% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Subaru campaign TKA-19 · Owners notified January 25, 2019 · Vehicles built May 28, 2009 – May 27, 2014 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Recall group: Takata airbag inflators

Defect description

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Forester, 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, Legacy, and 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Safety consequence

Manufacturer remedy

Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-19.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode

NHTSA #19V009000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Passenger Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported January 9, 2019 · Subaru of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 452,630 vehicles

Repair completion: 94.02% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Subaru campaign TKC-19 · Owners notified January 25, 2019 · Vehicles built February 23, 2009 – May 30, 2014 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Recall group: Takata airbag inflators

Defect description

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Safety consequence

Manufacturer remedy

Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-19.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Electronic Parking Brake may Fail

NHTSA #18V626000 · Parking Brake · NHTSA notice

Reported September 13, 2018 · Subaru of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 27,175 vehicles

Repair completion: 71.3% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Subaru campaign WTV-81 · Owners notified July 19, 2019 · Vehicles built March 16, 2009 – June 2, 2014 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with a manual transmission. The electronic parking brake (EPB) may not engage as intended, allowing the vehicle to rollaway if the transmission is not in the proper gear when parked.

Safety consequence

A vehicle rollaway can increase the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPB actuator assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 19, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTV-81.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode

NHTSA #18V012000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Passenger Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported January 9, 2018 · Subaru of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 64,179 vehicles

Repair completion: 96.34% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Subaru campaign TKA-18 · Owners notified February 9, 2018 · Vehicles built May 1, 2008 – May 21, 2013 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Recall group: Takata airbag inflators

Defect description

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Legacy, Forester, Tribeca, WRX and Outback vehicles, and 2009-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Safety consequence

Manufacturer remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-18.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture

NHTSA #17V014000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Passenger Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported January 10, 2017 · Subaru of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 53,480 vehicles

Repair completion: 97.17% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Subaru campaign TKA-17 · Owners notified March 6, 2017 · Vehicles built May 2, 2008 – June 4, 2012 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Recall group: Takata airbag inflators

Defect description

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Subaru Baja, 2006-2011 Impreza (including WRX and STI models), 2006-2012 Tribeca, 2009-2012 Forester, Legacy, Outback, and 2012 WRX vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Safety consequence

An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-17.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Windshield Wiper Motor Bottom Cover may Melt

NHTSA #16V694000 · Visibility — Windshield Wiper/Washer — Motor · NHTSA notice

Reported September 27, 2016 · Subaru of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 592,647 vehicles

Repair completion: 73.37% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Subaru campaign WTK-71 · Owners notified October 25, 2016 · Vehicles built January 9, 2009 – June 7, 2013 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Legacy vehicles manufactured November 26, 2008, to June 7, 2013, and 2010-2014 Outback vehicles manufactured January 9, 2009 to June 7, 2013. Due to contamination, components within the windshield wiper motor bottom cover may interfere with each other. If an obstruction, such as a buildup of snow or ice prevents the wiper arms from being able to stop in the parked position, the wiper motor may overheat and the bottom cover may melt.

Safety consequence

If the windshield wiper motor overheats, the wipers may fail, reducing driver visibility and increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, the wiper motor cover may melt, increasing the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor bottom cover assembly, free of charge. The recall began October 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTK-71. Note: This recall supersedes recall 11V-469. All vehicles that were remedied under that campaign are affected by this campaign, and need to have their wiper motor bottom cover replaced again.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture

NHTSA #16V358000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Passenger Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported May 25, 2016 · Subaru of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 302,127 vehicles

Repair completion: 94.44% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Subaru campaign TKA-16 · Owners notified July 22, 2016 · Vehicles built January 30, 2008 – August 30, 2011 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Recall group: Takata airbag inflators

Defect description

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, 2009-2011 Legacy, Outback, Forester, 2006-2011 Impreza, Tribeca, 2003-2006 Baja, and 2006 Saab 9-2x vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." These vehicles may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Safety consequence

An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer remedy

Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 26, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Saab owners may contact GM at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-16.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Remote Engine Starter Fob Malfunction

NHTSA #13V061000 · Electrical System · NHTSA notice

Reported February 25, 2013 · Subaru of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 47,419 vehicles

Subaru campaign WQF-42 · Owners notified April 22, 2013 · Vehicles built April 1, 2010 – August 31, 2011 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, certain model year 2012-2013 Impreza vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, and certain model year 2013 XV Crosstrek vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory. Additionally included are certain model year 2013 Legacy and Outback vehicles that may have received replacement RES fobs. If the RES fob is dropped, the fob may malfunction and randomly transmit an engine start request without pressing the button.

Safety consequence

The engine may inadvertently start and run for up to fifteen minutes. The engine may continue to start and stop until the fob battery is depleted, or until the vehicle runs out of fuel. If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area, there is a risk of carbon monoxide build-up which may cause headaches, dizziness or, in extreme cases, unconsciousness and/or asphyxiation.

Manufacturer remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RES key fobs, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.

Notes

Original equipment keyless entry fobs integrated on the vehicle key are not affected.Subaru's recall campaign number is WQF-42.Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Accessory Puddle Light may Short-circuit

NHTSA #12V602000 · Exterior Lighting · NHTSA notice

Reported December 26, 2012 · SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

Potentially affected: 633,842 vehicles

Subaru campaign WQE-41 · Owners notified February 19, 2013

Defect description

Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010 and 2011 Legacy and Outback vehicles, certain model year 2006 through 2012 Tribeca vehicles sold before January 2012, and certain model year 2009 through 2012 Forester vehicles sold before January 2012. Up to 78,650 of these vehicles may have been equipped with accessory puddle lights that, when illuminated, brighten the area under the doors of the vehicle. A short circuit can develop when either the puddle light or connector are exposed to an electrolytic moisture source (such as road spray that has road salt in it) and it penetrates the circuit board of the puddle light or the pins of the puddle light connector(s).

Safety consequence

Over time, migration of the moisture into the circuit board and/or into the connector cavity, may result in a short circuit of the puddle light system. This may generate heat which may melt the plastic resulting in smoke or fire.

Manufacturer remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional fused-harness, free of charge. The recall began February 19, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.

Notes

Subaru's recall campaign number is WQE-41.Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

MOONROOF GLASS - SEPARATION/DETACHMENT

NHTSA #11V467000 · Visibility — Sun/Moon Roof Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported September 7, 2011 · SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

Potentially affected: 69,590 vehicles

Subaru campaign WVW-33 · Owners notified October 17, 2011 · Vehicles built August 3, 2010 – July 1, 2011 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 OUTBACK AND LEGACY VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 3, 2010, THROUGH JULY 1, 2011. THE MOONROOF GLASS MAY COME LOOSE OR DETACH. THE AMOUNT AND POSITION OF THE ADHESIVE BETWEEN THE GLASS AND RETAINER WAS INADEQUATELY APPLIED.

Safety consequence

THE MOONROOF GLASS CAN LOOSEN AND DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE DURING DRIVING, RESULTING IN A POTENTIAL ROAD HAZARD FOR OTHER VEHICLES, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

SUBARU WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE GLASS ADHESION CONDITION AND EITHER APPLY ADDITIONAL ADHESIVE OR REPLACE THE MOONROOF GLASS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING OCTOBER 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.

Notes

SUBARU'S SAFETY RECALL NUMBER IS WVW-33. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

TRANSMISSION

NHTSA #10V326000 · Power Train — Manual Transmission · NHTSA notice

Reported July 20, 2010 · SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

Potentially affected: 809 vehicles

Subaru campaign WVS-29 · Owners notified July 28, 2010 · Vehicles built April 28, 2010 – June 23, 2010 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 AND 2011 OUTBACK AND LEGACY PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 28 THROUGH JUNE 23, 2010. DUE TO A PROGRAMMING ERROR, A LUBRICATION HOLE WITHIN THE 6-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION WAS OMITTED.

Safety consequence

IF THE TRANSMISSION GEARS ARE NOT PROPERLY LUBRICATED, A GROANING SOUND MAY BEGIN TO DEVELOP ALERTING THE DRIVER OF A PROBLEM. IF THE SOUND IS IGNORED AND NO ACTION IS TAKEN, THE GEARS WILL EVENTUALLY BREAK AND THIS CONDITION WILL LEAD TO VEHICLE POWER LOSS, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

SUBARU WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES BY DRILLING AN OIL LUBRICATION HOLE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE INTERNAL PARTS WITH NEW ONES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.

Notes

SUBARU'S RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS WVS-29.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

2011 Subaru Outback 4 DR AWD

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Frontal Crash

Driver: 4, Passenger: 4

Side Crash

Driver: 5, Passenger: 4

Side Pole

Rollover

17% rollover risk

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control

653 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Subaru Outback.

Vehicle Speed Control

ODI #11772485

Crash 1 injury

Incident: October 16, 2026 · Filed: October 20, 2026

The contact owns a 2011 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH, the vehicle independently accelerated and crashed into a fence and a bystander. The insurance company deemed the vehicle a total loss. The contact was injured but medical attention was not needed. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 123,000.

Unknown or Other

ODI #11767045

Incident: June 29, 2016 · Filed: September 25, 2026

2010-2018 TR580 Outback Torque Converter Lock-up failure symptoms in TSB 16-90-13R fits my 2011 Subaru Outback. 2.5I Premium, (TSB) Originally issued on 1/6/2014 + later revised on 5/7/2014, Early yrs of the TR580 suffer from TCLUF, which causes stalls + bogs down during stops or idling at traffic lights, premature wear, valve-body/solenoid failure, overheating, breakdown of transmission fluid/coolant + Catastrophic Chain Failure. These issues were exacerbated by Subaru specifying these transmissions have a "lifetime fluid" that never has 2 be replaced. Most Subaru failures were related 2 fluid breakdowns. The Subaru lineartronic CVT, designed in house by Subarun2 integrate w the company's longitudinal boxer engines + AWD system, built by Subaru in Ōizumi, Town in Ora District, Gunma Prefecture, Japan. lineartronic launched about 7 yrs after Nissan's 2003 X-Tronic CVT arrived here. Nissan had lots of trouble w early CVT's which led 2 transmission failures. As is the case w most new tech in a specific market sector, especially CVT's, the most Subaru CVT problems occurred in the 1st few model yrs. Each time my family or myself drive we are putting our lives in dire jeopardy, risk + danger of wrecking + even lost of life, too many close calls by peeps that almost rear ended us at a light, because of bogging down or almost stalling. The engine shudders + RPM drops very low as the vehicle stops, feeling as though a man trans car is stopping w/o a clutch being pressed. The problem was never fixed or looked into by 2 different dealerships + even though Subaru issued TSB 16-90-13R, identified wear of internal torque converter thrust washer as that wear can prevent lock up clutch from releasing properly, effectively keeping engine mechanically connected 2 transmission as vehicle stops. Subaru's corrective part used a needle bearing design instead of the earlier solid bushing. [XXX] on test drive about issue + was told nothings wrong, Car got inspected every yr since 16 w INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Electrical System

ODI #11754446

Incident: August 3, 2026 · Filed: August 3, 2026

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Subaru Outback. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of the purchase on 2/26/2026, the mileage was 95,999. The contact found a bill of sale from 07/29/2026, that stated that the mileage was approximately 95,999; however, the title stated that the mileage was approximately 94,669. The contact stated that the current approximate mileage was 90,000.

Suspension

ODI #11754432

Incident: July 30, 2026 · Filed: August 3, 2026

I have advised Autozone about premature failure of this part number ball joint. Originally the part number was FA267. Autozone changed the part number and color but did not address the quality and/or longevty concern. I have had to replace all of these part numbered ball joints with oem Subaru parts. The Autozone version will not last until the next oil change(approximately 5k miles) before it is loose and making a knocking noise. The is a safety concern as the ball joint may break or fail while someone is driving. I have expressed this concern multiple time to multiple reps from Autozone over the last 12 years. Autozone's remedy was simply to change the color and part number, then continue selling the same sub standard part. Your attention to this would be beneficial to all involved. Thank you.

Engine

ODI #11737640

Crash

Incident: March 20, 2026 · Filed: May 13, 2026

Purchased my 2011 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited from the dealership, new. Since 2013, the Subaru dealer has discovered multiple oil leaks, replaced the head gaskets 3 times, thermostat 4 times, the alternator 3 times, timing belt 4 times, radiator 3 times, starter once, and my HVAC system twice...all due to my engine seizing multiple times while driving on freeways. No warning lights, just the engine seizing suddenly. This caused a few minor bumper accidents on the freeways because of these incidents. Nothing was reported because no one was injured. Last year the engine was replaced with a used/refurbished one by the dealership. In less than 11 months after this engine was replaced, the dealership states I'm having multiple oil leaks again, most originating from the cam carrier. Now, my engine is struggling on slight grades. The newly installed used engine only came with a six month warranty and now Subaru states I need another engine replacement. Money is tight, so for now I'm keeping a pan under my car to catch the oil and I will keep topping off the oil every week.

Engine

ODI #11732099

Incident: April 7, 2026 · Filed: April 18, 2026

Took my vehicle in for oil change and was notified the cam carrier is leaking. Researching this issue online it seems this is a very common problem with this vehicle and if I had known earlier wouldn’t have purchased for my daughter. With such a common problem I wonder why a recall hasn’t been made?

Unknown or Other; Engine

ODI #11692013

Incident: September 27, 2025 · Filed: October 8, 2025

When I came to a stop at a light, the car stalled and the engine turned off. It was just as if I was driving a manual transmission and didn't put the clutch down while in gear. I spoke with my husband about the issue and he told me it has been happening for several months now. I have researched it a but snd found that Subaru is aware of the issue and has not offered any recall for the issue but offered an extended warranty. This is not helpful when you are the 2nd owner of a vehicle. Being stuck with a car that turns off upon stopping is a dangeous situation. Subaru should be made to recall these cars and fix the issue. According to this article, it is a problem with the lock type torque converter. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Power Train

ODI #11682581

Incident: August 19, 2025 · Filed: August 23, 2025

My CVT Transmission started having problems with the Valve Body inside the transmission. On acceleration from a complete stop my vehicle would start "bucking" hard causing a violent back and forth rocking or "jerking" of the drive train and vehicle. I did not request a inspection of the failed Valve Body when I paid to have it replaced. The life and safety of myself and others are at severe risk of injury or death resulting from a complete failure of the Valve Body component when driving on highways or other roads because without any warning the vehicle will come to a complete stop which would cause a rear end collision possibly at highway speeds. Also I'm concerned about the Torque Converter having a failure because of the intense pressure from the failed Valve Body with the constant "bucking" on acceleration. I took my vehicle to both a independent transmission shop and a Subaru Service Center and the Independent Transmission Shop told me I needed a new transmission and the Subaru Service Department kept telling me they didn't know what was causing my vehicle symptoms. Subaru of America extended the warranty on my vehicle to 100,000 miles because of the problems with their CVT Transmissions but because I bought my vehicle used with over 100,000 miles on it they refused to either pay for 50% or 100% of the replacement cost. No warning Lights came on but when the Valve Body completely fails then the warning lights will illuminate. My Subaru Case Number that was DENIED is (Case# 250820-1801058) for Subaru extended warranty for CVT Transmission.

Service Brakes

ODI #11678072

Incident: August 3, 2025 · Filed: August 3, 2025

Just lost brakes. Was parked at an atm. In park, foot on brake as i was shifting into drive, brake pedal goes to floor and brake fluid leaks out... I see there was a recall for brake lines in Michigan. I've owned this car since 2020. All Brake pads are new as of 4/2025. This just occurred today on Sunday so I have not got the estimate yet.

Power Train

ODI #11659784

Incident: March 8, 2025 · Filed: May 8, 2025

The contact owns a 2011 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission output shift was bent and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.

Other Subaru Outback model years

Check your 2011 Subaru Outback VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Subaru Outback at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

Check a Subaru VIN