subaru outback Problems
subaru outback 2014 Complaints
STEERING
we recently purchased a new 2014 outback. i purchased the vehicle and i noticed the steering felt a bit "off" upon driving it home but was certain it was just an alignment issue. took it to the dealer, who corrected the alignment. the car still felt off. i notice that the wheel returns to center when turning left, but the wheel will not return to center when turning right. it will mostly center, but the wheel remains off by about 15-degrees. this can cause an accident as the car will not point/track straight after a turn. also, it keeps turning any time you slightly turn the wheel to the right, but not the left. so, you can be driving on the highway and bump the steering wheel and it will continue to go right and drive off the road. this is not safe!
Reported in: DURHAM NC || Crash: N || VIN #: 4S4BRCDC9E3
STEERING
i received my outback on nov 1 2013 and have been having a steering lane centering issue since day one. the car will not drive in a straight line without major intervention by constant correction. the car will go left or right, but will never go straight. if i check my mirrors and blind spot for a lane change by the time i look back my car has drifted out of lane or nearly out of lane. i am not sure what is more dangerous at this point checking my blind spot or not checking my blind spot, since either can lead to an accident. i drive between 25k-50k miles a year, and have never experienced a problem like this. however, the dealer tells me this is normal and was designed by subaru to due this. i can't see how this is possible. i checked with a few other fleet outback drivers within the company, and all of them have this same issue. (four) however, not all their local dealers say it was designed to do it, but say there is no fix to the problem. i am nervous that i am going to look like a drunk driver to someone because i am consistently swerving, or this issue causes a accident. i have four kids and i can't risk having an accident. i am really not looking forward to winter this year with this problem. i am reporting this in hopes that this problem is addressed before someone dies, if they haven't already.
Reported in: NEENAH WI || Crash: N || VIN #: 4S4BRCCC5E3
POWER TRAIN
tl* the contact owns a 2014 subaru outback. the contact stated that while driving approximately 70 mph, the vehicle suddenly decelerated. the contact had to pump the accelerator pedal several times before the vehicle would respond and drive normally. the contact also stated that while at a stop light, the vehicle stalled as the contact proceeded through a busy intersection. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not notified. the failure mileage was 5000. the vin was not available.
Reported in: ALPINE WY || Crash: N || VIN #:
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
tl* the contact owns a 2014 subaru outback. the contact stated that while driving approximately 70 mph, the vehicle suddenly decelerated. the contact had to pump the accelerator pedal several times before the vehicle would respond and drive normally. the contact also stated that while at a stop light, the vehicle stalled as the contact proceeded through a busy intersection. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not notified. the failure mileage was 5000. the vin was not available.
Reported in: ALPINE WY || Crash: N || VIN #:
POWER TRAIN
new car. ok first 200 miles. then; stopped for red light, on green pressed accelerator ( confirmed by visual observation, foot and accel. to floor ). held for 10 to 15 seconds, with much honking, then power resumed, and i finished left turn. no warning lights on during episode, steering, brakes, and air bags ok. six more episodes during next three days. had car delivered to miller subaru, boise. electronic check, test drive, and my subsequent driving, could detect no problem. drive with caution, ready to flip emergency flashers and pull over with recurrence, which i expect at some time. happens in drive or manual modes. paddle shift makes no difference.
Reported in: GARDEN CITY ID || Crash: N || VIN #: 4S4BRBCC3E3
POWER TRAIN
there is a lag of approx. 2 seconds length when shifting out of reverse and into drive. the driver cannot move the car during this lag (in fact, the car will roll backwards if on a hill). i have taken the car to the subaru dealer 3 times, & sent a complaint to subaru of america, and each time the response is "cvt transmission operates as designed". i consider this a safety hazard, and am concerned about driving the car in city traffic, parking, etc. when i shift into drive, i expect the car to move.
Reported in: WATERLOO IL || Crash: N || VIN #: 4S4BRCLC2E3
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
in tank electric fuel pump continued running after car was shut off and key was removed.
Reported in: VESTAL NY || Crash: N || VIN #: 4S4BRBNC7E3
VISIBILITY/WIPER
the windshield popped and cracked across the bottom from the heat of the defrost function.
Reported in: DENVER CO || Crash: N || VIN #: 4S4BRCCC1E3
SERVICE BRAKES
the electronic parking brake engages while the vehicle is underway. when the fault is cleared and driving resumes the electronic parking brake again engages. the mfg ( subaru) provides a small tool & instructions how to crawl under the car, use the tool to mechanically release the electric parking brake. if a tool is provided along with instructions in the owner manual how to release a faulty electronic parking brake ( which may engage while the vehicle is under way ) this is a clear warning of a possible unsafe operating condition. the car had to be towed to the dealership for repair. the dealership tells us ( this parking brake problem has never happened) the tow truck operator tells us towing vehicles to dealerships because of faulty electronic parking brakes is a major part of his business.
Reported in: HUDSON OH || Crash: N || VIN #: 4S4BRCMC9E3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
the electronic parking brake engages while the vehicle is underway. when the fault is cleared and driving resumes the electronic parking brake again engages. the mfg ( subaru) provides a small tool & instructions how to crawl under the car, use the tool to mechanically release the electric parking brake. if a tool is provided along with instructions in the owner manual how to release a faulty electronic parking brake ( which may engage while the vehicle is under way ) this is a clear warning of a possible unsafe operating condition. the car had to be towed to the dealership for repair. the dealership tells us ( this parking brake problem has never happened) the tow truck operator tells us towing vehicles to dealerships because of faulty electronic parking brakes is a major part of his business.
Reported in: HUDSON OH || Crash: N || VIN #: 4S4BRCMC9E3
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL
this is the second incident where the electric parking brake light indicates the brake has been set & not released. the car was towed into dealership yesterday (5/22/2014) for same reason. dealer stated they spoke with subaru & were unable to find any reason for the fault. they stated computer indicated the brakes were not engaged but that this same system does disable the electronic stability control when this fault occurs. we are very concerned the vehicle is safe to drive despite the assurances of the service manager ( alex) that the vehicle is safe (no worries). the instrument light on the panel also flashes "check engine light at the same time light flashes indicating parking brake has been set & not released.
Reported in: HUDSON OH || Crash: N || VIN #: 4S4BRCMC9E3
SERVICE BRAKES
this is the second incident where the electric parking brake light indicates the brake has been set & not released. the car was towed into dealership yesterday (5/22/2014) for same reason. dealer stated they spoke with subaru & were unable to find any reason for the fault. they stated computer indicated the brakes were not engaged but that this same system does disable the electronic stability control when this fault occurs. we are very concerned the vehicle is safe to drive despite the assurances of the service manager ( alex) that the vehicle is safe (no worries). the instrument light on the panel also flashes "check engine light at the same time light flashes indicating parking brake has been set & not released.
Reported in: HUDSON OH || Crash: N || VIN #: 4S4BRCMC9E3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
this is the second incident where the electric parking brake light indicates the brake has been set & not released. the car was towed into dealership yesterday (5/22/2014) for same reason. dealer stated they spoke with subaru & were unable to find any reason for the fault. they stated computer indicated the brakes were not engaged but that this same system does disable the electronic stability control when this fault occurs. we are very concerned the vehicle is safe to drive despite the assurances of the service manager ( alex) that the vehicle is safe (no worries). the instrument light on the panel also flashes "check engine light at the same time light flashes indicating parking brake has been set & not released.
Reported in: HUDSON OH || Crash: N || VIN #: 4S4BRCMC9E3
STEERING
we purchased our outback on april 28,2014. on may 1, 2014 we brought into the service department because it was pulling to the right. they apparently fixed it. the next day i wad back again, the car was still pulling to the right. after several times trying to realign the car, it was "fixed". i had to bring it back in today, it is pulling again. they can't fix the issue because now they suspect it is a defective tire issue. they are going to replace all 4 tires on tuesday. i get the feeling there is something more wrong with my car.
Reported in: ALHAMBRA CA || Crash: N || VIN #: 4S4BRBLCXE3
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL
this is an update: dealer called us to have alice dickey drive the car with a service technician present ( tech named alex) car was driven aprox 5-6 miles without incident ...system did not fault. dealer told us they have been on the phone with subaru tech center & completed all the test procedures but have not been able to duplicate any of the brake-check/ engine faults experienced 3 on 5/22 or 1 on 5/23/2014. scott spath service coordinator is not certain what else can be done at the dealership. we asked if the vehicle was safe once the system faulted & the electronic stabilization & traction control system are shut down ( as a result of the fault). i asked them not to guess when they answered this question. dealership has decided to keep the car an additional day for additional testing. they are trying to get the system to fault while under test procedure. the dealership appears to have exhausted all the standard procedures to determine root cause. it seems subaru factory must get involved with this vehicle beyond the dealership telephone calls. our concern is a vehicle will be returned to us in an condition which may prove to be unsafe...since they have done all they can on the telephone.
Reported in: HUDSON OH || Crash: N || VIN #: 4S4BRCMC9E3
SERVICE BRAKES
this is an update: dealer called us to have alice dickey drive the car with a service technician present ( tech named alex) car was driven aprox 5-6 miles without incident ...system did not fault. dealer told us they have been on the phone with subaru tech center & completed all the test procedures but have not been able to duplicate any of the brake-check/ engine faults experienced 3 on 5/22 or 1 on 5/23/2014. scott spath service coordinator is not certain what else can be done at the dealership. we asked if the vehicle was safe once the system faulted & the electronic stabilization & traction control system are shut down ( as a result of the fault). i asked them not to guess when they answered this question. dealership has decided to keep the car an additional day for additional testing. they are trying to get the system to fault while under test procedure. the dealership appears to have exhausted all the standard procedures to determine root cause. it seems subaru factory must get involved with this vehicle beyond the dealership telephone calls. our concern is a vehicle will be returned to us in an condition which may prove to be unsafe...since they have done all they can on the telephone.
Reported in: HUDSON OH || Crash: N || VIN #: 4S4BRCMC9E3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
this is an update: dealer called us to have alice dickey drive the car with a service technician present ( tech named alex) car was driven aprox 5-6 miles without incident ...system did not fault. dealer told us they have been on the phone with subaru tech center & completed all the test procedures but have not been able to duplicate any of the brake-check/ engine faults experienced 3 on 5/22 or 1 on 5/23/2014. scott spath service coordinator is not certain what else can be done at the dealership. we asked if the vehicle was safe once the system faulted & the electronic stabilization & traction control system are shut down ( as a result of the fault). i asked them not to guess when they answered this question. dealership has decided to keep the car an additional day for additional testing. they are trying to get the system to fault while under test procedure. the dealership appears to have exhausted all the standard procedures to determine root cause. it seems subaru factory must get involved with this vehicle beyond the dealership telephone calls. our concern is a vehicle will be returned to us in an condition which may prove to be unsafe...since they have done all they can on the telephone.
Reported in: HUDSON OH || Crash: N || VIN #: 4S4BRCMC9E3
SERVICE BRAKES
tl* the contact owns a 2014 subaru outback. the contact stated that while traveling 40 mph, the brake pedal traveled to the floorboard. the brake pedal required several pumps in order to stop the vehicle on a hill. the failure occurred on many occasions. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure and current mileage was 1,666. updated 08/11/14*lj
Reported in: YUMA AZ || Crash: N || VIN #: 4S4BRBAC4E1
STEERING
the power steering system failed. when car stopped, the steering can not turn. the dealership replaced a new one, but the the steering is still too hard to turn and feel exhausting to drive. and the dealer said it is normal.
Reported in: DEKALB IL || Crash: Y || VIN #:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
upon inspecting the trailer hitch and wiring loom that the reno, nv, subaru dealer installed from their inventory, the wiring loom and connector which connects to a trailer's loom was found to be hanging freely in the wind. the trailer's loom runs both brake lights and tail lights. the loom was attached to the trailer hitch with a single plastic wiring tie which went thru the whole in the trailer hitch intended for the attachment of the trailer's safety chains. the plastic tie used was of the type normally used to hold a group of wires together. upon attaching the safety chains, the plastic tie which supported the wiring loom, came in contact with the metal safety chain hook. nowhere on the hitch was there any metal bracket to attach the wiring loom plug to prevent the loom from swinging in the breeze. if the plastic tie were to break or be worn thru by abrasion of the safety chain hook the wiring loom would drag of the ground and the brake and tail lights on the trailer would no longer function. the plastic tie which was the only support for the wiring loom and could not be expected to withstand the environment conditions it would be subjected to like; wind, rain, snow, mud, nor could it withstand constant abrasion from the safety chain hook. the wiring loom was attached to the safety chain bracket hole 3 or 4 inches from the plug which terminated the loom. this created a pinch point in the wiring loom where it was attached to the safety chain bracket. as the loom would swing in the wind, the copper wires would be caused to bend at the pinch point and break. normally, a pinch point is avoided by firmly attaching the plug at the end of the wiring loom. the defects mentioned above will certainly cause unexpected brake light and tail light failure. this product should be recalled.
Reported in: TRUCKEE CA || Crash: N || VIN #:
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
i purchased my subaru outback 2014 3.6r limited in mid december 2013, i felt that the car pulls to the right after i drove the car to home, i cannot believe there is any problem with a new car, with that i kept to drive and monitor it for 2 weeks then i confirmed this is really an issue and it's very easy to reproduce. so i brought the car to my dealer, the technician spent half a day to fix, rotated tire, checked pressure and checked alignment, finally they replaced 4 brand new tires then they stated that the original tire is not good, the problem was fixed by replacing new tires and let me drove the car back. after more than 3000 miles driving, the same problem is getting worse again, so i went to dealer and they confirmed this is reproduceable, it's funny that they replaced 4 new tires including wheel hub this time again, however this issue is still not been fixed, the technician called subaru service representative, representative suggested to loose the cap of suspension , bounce the car multiple times then install them back, technician repeated this procedure for at least 2 times, finally then mentioned the alignment is within spec, service advise told me the issue is been fixed. i drove the car for 2 weeks now, i'm still feeling there is slight pulling to right, and the steering wheel is keeping turn to right but not back to center. i make an appointment with my dealer today, technician lead tested the car with me, he was able to reproduce the problem i reported, but he said this is normal for subaru outback, and let me call customer service for further checking. this is so bad, i drove so many cars before but never got the same issue, and this is not safe if the car cannot go straight.
Reported in: MOUNTAIN VIEW CA || Crash: N || VIN #: 4S4BRDLC9E2
STEERING
i purchased my subaru outback 2014 3.6r limited in mid december 2013, i felt that the car pulls to the right after i drove the car to home, i cannot believe there is any problem with a new car, with that i kept to drive and monitor it for 2 weeks then i confirmed this is really an issue and it's very easy to reproduce. so i brought the car to my dealer, the technician spent half a day to fix, rotated tire, checked pressure and checked alignment, finally they replaced 4 brand new tires then they stated that the original tire is not good, the problem was fixed by replacing new tires and let me drove the car back. after more than 3000 miles driving, the same problem is getting worse again, so i went to dealer and they confirmed this is reproduceable, it's funny that they replaced 4 new tires including wheel hub this time again, however this issue is still not been fixed, the technician called subaru service representative, representative suggested to loose the cap of suspension , bounce the car multiple times then install them back, technician repeated this procedure for at least 2 times, finally then mentioned the alignment is within spec, service advise told me the issue is been fixed. i drove the car for 2 weeks now, i'm still feeling there is slight pulling to right, and the steering wheel is keeping turn to right but not back to center. i make an appointment with my dealer today, technician lead tested the car with me, he was able to reproduce the problem i reported, but he said this is normal for subaru outback, and let me call customer service for further checking. this is so bad, i drove so many cars before but never got the same issue, and this is not safe if the car cannot go straight.
Reported in: MOUNTAIN VIEW CA || Crash: N || VIN #: 4S4BRDLC9E2
ENGINE
zero oil pressure (red) indicator light illuminated at safe and prudent operating speed. low oil indicator light (yellow) never illuminated. light remained on for three miles, one at speed 55 mph to zero and two at 20 mph. then went out. inspection of oil level showed level approximately one centimeter above low level marker on dipstick. addition of .5 quart us raises level to approximately one centimeter below full level marker on dipstick. vehicle returned to dealership; had full oil service performed 2,500 miles ahead of scheduled service. dealership claims "sensor resistance is high, will r&r." dealer failed to provide empirical oil pressure psi reading despite request. part replacement yet to be done.
Reported in: GARY IN || Crash: N || VIN #: 4S4BRCCC8E1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
zero oil pressure (red) indicator light illuminated at safe and prudent operating speed. low oil indicator light (yellow) never illuminated. light remained on for three miles, one at speed 55 mph to zero and two at 20 mph. then went out. inspection of oil level showed level approximately one centimeter above low level marker on dipstick. addition of .5 quart us raises level to approximately one centimeter below full level marker on dipstick. vehicle returned to dealership; had full oil service performed 2,500 miles ahead of scheduled service. dealership claims "sensor resistance is high, will r&r." dealer failed to provide empirical oil pressure psi reading despite request. part replacement yet to be done.
Reported in: GARY IN || Crash: N || VIN #: 4S4BRCCC8E1
STEERING
i recently purchased a 2014 outback 2.5 limited and have been having steering issues. the car constantly pulls to the right and left the steering is very stiff and heavy. this car is exhausting and unsafe to drive!
Reported in: BIG PINE CA || Crash: N || VIN #: 4S4BRBLC8E3
SERVICE BRAKES
tl* the contact owns a 2014 suburu outback. the contact stated while driving various speeds, when the brake pedal was depressed, the pedal goes all the way down to the floor. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for a diagnostic test and the mechanic stated that the brake pedal was normal and were unable to locate a problem. the manufacturer was notified of the failure and the approximate failure mileage was 1,600.
Reported in: YUMA AZ || Crash: N || VIN #: 4S4BRBAC4E1
POWER TRAIN
subaru outback was started in a parking lot in order to cool interior down. driver exited vehicle and walked behind and around to other side. drive opened front passenger door retrieved an item and closed door. driver then walked away a few yards in order to provide water for a dog. driver heard a loud crash and turned around to find car had rolled backwards out of parking spot and hit a vehicle parked behind it. car was still running and found to be in reverse. no one was in either car and no injuries. both cars were damaged. subaru outback could not be driven. car was parked on a very slight incline.
Reported in: WESTERLY RI || Crash: Y || VIN #: 4S4BRBKC1E3
STRUCTURE:BODY
subaru outback was started in a parking lot in order to cool interior down. driver exited vehicle and walked behind and around to other side. drive opened front passenger door retrieved an item and closed door. driver then walked away a few yards in order to provide water for a dog. driver heard a loud crash and turned around to find car had rolled backwards out of parking spot and hit a vehicle parked behind it. car was still running and found to be in reverse. no one was in either car and no injuries. both cars were damaged. subaru outback could not be driven. car was parked on a very slight incline.
Reported in: WESTERLY RI || Crash: Y || VIN #: 4S4BRBKC1E3
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
subaru outback was started in a parking lot in order to cool interior down. driver exited vehicle and walked behind and around to other side. drive opened front passenger door retrieved an item and closed door. driver then walked away a few yards in order to provide water for a dog. driver heard a loud crash and turned around to find car had rolled backwards out of parking spot and hit a vehicle parked behind it. car was still running and found to be in reverse. no one was in either car and no injuries. both cars were damaged. subaru outback could not be driven. car was parked on a very slight incline.
Reported in: WESTERLY RI || Crash: Y || VIN #: 4S4BRBKC1E3
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
driving at approximately 20mph, the car suddenly begins to smell of gasoline. soon thereafter, acceleration becomes hesitant and the low-fuel warning light illuminates. the vehicle quickly became inoperable in the middle of a busy road. the vehicle is a model year 2014 and was purchased brand new, less than seven [7] months ago (from the date this complaint was posted). the vehicle has only approximately 9,000 miles on the odometer and has not been driven under any especially severe weather conditions or through treacherous terrain.
Reported in: ALBANY NY || Crash: N || VIN #:
ENGINE
driving at approximately 20mph, the car suddenly begins to smell of gasoline. soon thereafter, acceleration becomes hesitant and the low-fuel warning light illuminates. the vehicle quickly became inoperable in the middle of a busy road. the vehicle is a model year 2014 and was purchased brand new, less than seven [7] months ago (from the date this complaint was posted). the vehicle has only approximately 9,000 miles on the odometer and has not been driven under any especially severe weather conditions or through treacherous terrain.
Reported in: ALBANY NY || Crash: N || VIN #:
SEAT BELTS
with a passenger in the front seat and the seat belt fastened, the seat belt warning chime and light activated and the passenger air bag was deactivated. in a later incident, the passenger moved to the back seat and the seat belt warning chime and light continued to be activated with no one in the passenger seat (buckling or unbuckling the seat belt made no difference.
Reported in: HILL CITY SD || Crash: N || VIN #: 4S4BRDMC5E2
AIR BAGS
with a passenger in the front seat and the seat belt fastened, the seat belt warning chime and light activated and the passenger air bag was deactivated. in a later incident, the passenger moved to the back seat and the seat belt warning chime and light continued to be activated with no one in the passenger seat (buckling or unbuckling the seat belt made no difference.
Reported in: HILL CITY SD || Crash: N || VIN #: 4S4BRDMC5E2