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Subaru Outback 2005–2009

3rd generation (BP)

NHTSA data through 13 August 20261,363 complaints, 1,066 with mileageMethod

Reports with mileage
1,066
Median of reported failures
85,000 mi
Most-reported system
Airbag system (18.9%)
Recalls
15

Before-you-buy checklist ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗

On this generation, failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 52,340 and 122,000 miles.

Figure 1 · Subaru Outback 2005–2009 · 1,066 reports with mileage

Mileage at failure

Complaints per 10,000-mile bin, 0 to 200,000 miles, equal bins on a linear scale. Tallest bar = 87 complaints.

Mileage at failure, Subaru Outback 2005–2009Histogram of 1,066 owner-reported failures by mileage, in 10,000-mile bins from 0 to 200,000. The tallest bin is 60,000 to 70,000 miles with 87 complaints, 8.2 percent of the total. Failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 52,340 and 122,000 miles. A further 26 complaints, 2.4 percent, were reported above 200,000 miles and are shown as a separate detached bar. Median mileage at failure is 85,000.
  • Rest of the range
  • Median
  • 200,000+ — 26 complaints (2.4%), plotted separately
10%
20,000
25%
52,340
Median
85,000
75%
122,000
90%
162,400

Tallest bin: 87 complaints between 60,000 and 70,000 miles. Based on 1,066 complaints that record mileage. Bin width 10,000 miles.

Show the numbers
Complaints by mileage bin
MileageComplaintsShare
0–10,000625.8%
10,000–20,000413.8%
20,000–30,000535.0%
30,000–40,000383.6%
40,000–50,000575.3%
50,000–60,000646.0%
60,000–70,000878.2%
70,000–80,000706.6%
80,000–90,000868.1%
90,000–100,000777.2%
100,000–110,000625.8%
110,000–120,000777.2%
120,000–130,000535.0%
130,000–140,000454.2%
140,000–150,000333.1%
150,000–160,000373.5%
160,000–170,000252.3%
170,000–180,000282.6%
180,000–190,000262.4%
190,000–200,000191.8%
200,000+262.4%

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain. Complaint counts reflect what owners reported and are not a measure of failure rate per vehicle sold.

What this can and cannot tell you: these are complaints owners chose to file, not a failure rate. Popular models accumulate more of them simply by being common. How this is built.

Owners filed 1,363 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005–2009 Subaru Outback, and 1,066 of them record the mileage at which the failure happened. That is enough to show not just what fails, but when.

Failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 52,340 and 122,000 miles. The median is 85,000 miles.

The most-reported areas are the airbag system (18.9% of complaints, typically around 84,000 miles), throttle and speed control (12.0% of complaints, typically around 96,000 miles), the electrical system (10.8% of complaints, typically around 99,000 miles).

15 recall campaigns cover this generation.

If you arrived asking “is it reliable?” — this page answers the version of that question the data can support: which problems owners reported, and at what mileage.

How many miles does a 2005–2009 Subaru Outback last?

Half of the failure reports on the 2005–2009 Subaru Outback were filed by 85,000 miles and 90% by 162,000 miles — figures drawn from 1,066 NHTSA complaints that record an odometer reading, so they time reported failures, not the cars whose owners never filed one.

26 reports (2.4%) came in past 200,000 miles — each one proof a Outback reached that mileage, not that it died there.

Before you buy a 2005–2009 Outback: the 3-minute check

Generated from 1,066 mileage-tagged complaints, 15 recall campaigns, 2 documented problem areas. Print this page — the checklist survives print.

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 15 campaigns cover this generation; an open recall is a free repair you can make the seller's problem.
  2. Check engine on 2005–2009 cars. EJ253 external head gasket seepage continues; Subaru's TSB coverage on this failure extends through the 2008 model year.
  3. Check turbocharger on 2005–2009 (2.5 XT) cars. EJ255 turbo failure from oil starvation - the banjo bolt oil supply filter clogs and oil cokes in the turbo center section, destroying the bearings and often sending debris into the engine.
  4. End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car. Aggregate data describes the population; the example in front of you has its own history.

For a buyer, failures on this generation are spread rather than concentrated: the middle half falls between 52,000 and 122,000 miles, with a median of 85,000. There is no single mileage threshold to watch, which means condition and maintenance records are more informative than the odometer.

On inspection, the airbag system and throttle and speed control are where this generation's reports concentrate, so those are the areas worth a specific look. The airbag system in particular shows a median failure mileage of 84,000, which gives a concrete number to compare against the odometer of any car you are considering.

None of this is a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on the individual car. Aggregate patterns describe a population; the example in front of you has its own history.

What fails, and when

Figure 2 · Subaru Outback 2005–2009

When each system fails

Bar spans the middle half of reports; the notch inside each bar is the median. Miles at failure on a proportional scale — equal distances are equal ratios, not equal miles.

  1. Transmission and driveline64 reports57,00026,000–95,000Transmission and driveline: 64 reports, median 57,000 miles, middle half 26,000 to 95,000 miles.
  2. Suspension125 reports59,00026,000–92,000Suspension: 125 reports, median 59,000 miles, middle half 26,000 to 92,000 miles.
  3. Airbag system258 reports84,00056,000–119,000Airbag system: 258 reports, median 84,000 miles, middle half 56,000 to 119,000 miles.
  4. Throttle and speed control164 reports96,00064,000–131,000Throttle and speed control: 164 reports, median 96,000 miles, middle half 64,000 to 131,000 miles.
  5. Electrical system147 reports99,00072,000–120,000Electrical system: 147 reports, median 99,000 miles, middle half 72,000 to 120,000 miles.
  6. Engine97 reports105,00075,000–130,000Engine: 97 reports, median 105,000 miles, middle half 75,000 to 130,000 miles.
  7. Brakes79 reports159,000111,000–190,000Brakes: 79 reports, median 159,000 miles, middle half 111,000 to 190,000 miles.
  • Your odometer — appears after you enter it in “Where your car sits”

Ordered by median mileage, earliest first. The first 12,000 miles are shaded: that is the boundary this site uses between a manufacturing defect and ordinary wear, not a property of the world.

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.

Complaints by vehicle system
SystemComplaintsShareMedian25–75%
Airbag system25818.9%84,00056,000–119,000
Throttle and speed control16412.0%96,00064,000–131,000
Electrical system14710.8%99,00072,000–120,000
Suspension1259.2%59,00026,000–92,000
Engine977.1%105,00075,000–130,000
Brakes795.8%159,000111,000–190,000
Transmission and driveline644.7%57,00026,000–95,000
Exterior lighting644.7%63,00020,000–102,000
Fuel and propulsion system564.1%112,00095,000–157,000
Steering392.9%69,00044,000–107,000

Where your car sits

Failure reports by the odometer reading they were filed at. Pick the anchor nearest your car — or type the exact mileage: your marker lands on this curve and on the timing chart above.

Figure 3 · Subaru Outback 2005–2009 · 1,066 reports with mileage

Share of reports below each mileage

Share of mileage-tagged reports filed at or below each odometer reading. Steps rise only at bin edges, by exact counted shares.

Cumulative share of reports by mileage, Subaru Outback 2005–2009Of 1,066 reports that record mileage, the share filed below each odometer reading, rising in steps at each 10,000-mile bin edge. 30 percent below 60,000 miles. 52 percent below 90,000 miles. 73 percent below 120,000 miles. Median 85,000 miles.
  • 60,000 mi — 30% of reports below
  • 90,000 mi — 52% of reports below
  • 120,000 mi — 73% of reports below
  • Median — the staircase crosses the 50% line here
  • Your odometer — appears after you enter it below

The staircase tops out at 98%: the remaining 2.4% of reports (26) came above 200,000 miles.

Nothing is smoothed or interpolated. Linear axis, same as Figure 1.

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.

At 60,000 miles

30% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.

In the reporting window

  • Airbag system — middle half 56,000–119,000 mi
  • Suspension — middle half 26,000–92,000 mi
  • Transmission and driveline — middle half 26,000–95,000 mi

Mostly reported later

  • Throttle and speed control — middle half 64,000–131,000 mi
  • Electrical system — middle half 72,000–120,000 mi
  • Engine — middle half 75,000–130,000 mi
  • Brakes — middle half 111,000–190,000 mi

At 90,000 miles

52% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.

In the reporting window

  • Airbag system — middle half 56,000–119,000 mi
  • Throttle and speed control — middle half 64,000–131,000 mi
  • Electrical system — middle half 72,000–120,000 mi
  • Suspension — middle half 26,000–92,000 mi
  • Engine — middle half 75,000–130,000 mi
  • Transmission and driveline — middle half 26,000–95,000 mi

Mostly reported later

  • Brakes — middle half 111,000–190,000 mi

At 120,000 miles

73% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.

Reported earlier than this mileage — ask for repair records

  • Airbag system — median 84,000 mi
  • Electrical system — median 99,000 mi
  • Suspension — median 59,000 mi
  • Transmission and driveline — median 57,000 mi

In the reporting window

  • Throttle and speed control — middle half 64,000–131,000 mi
  • Engine — middle half 75,000–130,000 mi
  • Brakes — middle half 111,000–190,000 mi

Which systems, and when

Complaints about this generation are not spread evenly across the vehicle, and the systems that generate the most of them do not all fail at the same point in a car's life. The median failure across all systems here is 85,000 miles; the figures below show which parts of the car run ahead of that and which run behind.

The airbag system accounts for 18.9% of complaints (258 reports, 135 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 84,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 56,000 and 119,000 miles.

Throttle and speed control accounts for 12.0% of complaints (164 reports, 151 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 96,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 64,000 and 131,000 miles.

The electrical system accounts for 10.8% of complaints (147 reports, 124 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 99,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 72,000 and 120,000 miles.

The suspension accounts for 9.2% of complaints (125 reports, 111 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 59,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 26,000 and 92,000 miles.

The engine accounts for 7.1% of complaints (97 reports, 88 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 105,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 75,000 and 130,000 miles.

The brakes account for 5.8% of complaints (79 reports, 50 of them with a mileage figure), and they fail late — a median of 159,000 miles, considerably beyond the vehicle's overall median. That pattern is consistent with normal service life rather than a defect, though it matters for anyone buying an example already near that mileage. The middle half of these reports falls between 111,000 and 190,000 miles.

Differences between model years

Within this generation, complaint volume is not constant across model years. The 2006 model year drew the most — 404 complaints — while 2009 drew the fewest at 142. The median year sits at 281.

Recalls and what they cover

NHTSA records 15 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation. A recall means the manufacturer or the regulator concluded there was a safety defect or a standard was not met, and that a free remedy is owed to owners — including second and later owners.

The campaigns cluster around the airbag system (11), the electrical system (2), the hydraulic brake circuit (2). Repeated recalls against the same area of the car generally mean the first remedy did not fully resolve the underlying problem.

Recall status is specific to the individual vehicle, not the model. Checking a VIN against NHTSA's lookup is free and takes under a minute, and it is the only way to know whether a particular car has had the work done.

Reported severity

What owners reported alongside the failure itself, out of 1,363 complaints against this generation:

Crashes
63 (4.6%)
Fires
21
Injury reports
28
Fatality reports
0

These flags are self-reported by complainants and unverified by NHTSA; one report can carry several flags, so the counts overlap and do not sum to a total. They are not adjusted for how many of these vehicles are on the road. No chart is drawn here on purpose: overlapping counts spanning very different magnitudes cannot be honestly encoded as lengths.

Documented problems

Engine 2005–2009

EJ253 external head gasket seepage continues; Subaru's TSB coverage on this failure extends through the 2008 model year.

Turbocharger 2005–2009 (2.5 XT)

EJ255 turbo failure from oil starvation - the banjo bolt oil supply filter clogs and oil cokes in the turbo center section, destroying the bearings and often sending debris into the engine.

By model year

Complaints by model year
YearComplaintsWith mileage
2005354280
2006404338
2007182138
2008281202
2009142108

Recalls (15) — is your car included?

Recalls are fixed free of charge at any dealer, for any owner. Check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The text below is NHTSA’s own wording.

  1. Jan 2020 · 2005–2009 · Air BagsAn inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in…

    The defect. 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 us

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

    The free fix. 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 TKC-20.

    NHTSA campaign 20V003000, reported 2020-01-07.

  2. Jan 2020 · 2005–2009 · Air BagsAn inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in…

    The defect. 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

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

    The free fix. 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.

    NHTSA campaign 20V002000, reported 2020-01-07.

  3. Jan 2020 · 2005–2009 · Air BagsAn inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in…

    The defect. 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 de

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

    The free fix. 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.

    NHTSA campaign 20V001000, reported 2020-01-07.

  4. May 2019 · 2005–2009 · Electrical SystemThe engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash.

    The defect. 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.

    What can happen. 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.

    The free fix. 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.

    NHTSA campaign 19V297000, reported 2019-05-10.

  5. Feb 2018 · 2009 · Air BagsAn explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments…

    The defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009 Tribeca, Impreza, Forester, WRX, Legacy, and Outback 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 de

    What can happen. 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.

    The free fix. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflators, 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 TKC-18.

    NHTSA campaign 18V014000, reported 2018-02-09.

  6. Feb 2018 · 2009 · Air BagsAn explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments…

    The defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2010 Tribeca, Impreza, Forester, WRX, Legacy, and Outback 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 cra

    What can happen. 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.

    The free fix. 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 TKB-18.

    NHTSA campaign 18V013000, reported 2018-02-09.

  7. Feb 2018 · 2009 · Air BagsAn explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments…

    The defect. 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

    What can happen. 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.

    The free fix. 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.

    NHTSA campaign 18V012000, reported 2018-02-09.

  8. Mar 2017 · 2009 · Air BagsAn inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury…

    The defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Baja, 2009 Forester, Legacy and Outback and 2006-2009 Impreza (including WRX and STI models) and Tribeca 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. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as ori

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

    The free fix. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front 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 TKB-17.

    NHTSA campaign 17V026000, reported 2017-03-06.

  9. Mar 2017 · 2009 · Air BagsAn inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury…

    The defect. 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 e

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

    The free fix. 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.

    NHTSA campaign 17V014000, reported 2017-03-06.

  10. Dec 2016 · 2007–2009 · Electrical SystemIf the air injection pump overheats, it may melt and increase the risk of a fire.

    The defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2008-2014 Impreza vehicles and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, all equipped with turbo-charged engines. The relay that controls the secondary air injection pump may fail, causing the pump to continuously operate and overheat.

    What can happen. If the air injection pump overheats, it may melt and increase the risk of a fire.

    The free fix. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary air injection pump relay, free of charge. The recall began December 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTM-73.

    NHTSA campaign 16V738000, reported 2016-12-16.

  11. Jul 2016 · 2009 · Air BagsAn inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury…

    The defect. 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

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

    The free fix. 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.

    NHTSA campaign 16V358000, reported 2016-07-22.

  12. Jun 2015 · 2005–2008 · Air BagsIn the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could…

    The defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Subaru Baja vehicles manufactured January 22, 2003, to July 21, 2004, 2004-2005 Impreza vehicles manufactured January 28, 2003, to May 31, 2005, 2003-2008 Subaru Legacy vehicles manufactured January 22, 2003, to May 2, 2008, 2003-2008 Subaru Outback vehicles manufactured February 18, 2003, to May 5, 2008, and 2005 Saab 9-2x vehicles manufactured February 11, 2004, to March 17, 2005. The affected vehicles are equipped with a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, c

    What can happen. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

    The free fix. Subaru will notify their owners and General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The Subaru recall began on June 17, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. The Saab recall began on July 27, 2015. Owners of Saab vehicles may call 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is WQR-53. Note: The recall completely supersedes recall 14V-399 (WQL-48) and partially supersedes recall 14V-763 (WQP-51) in that model year 2004 through 2005 Subaru Impreza and model year 2005 Saab 9-2x vehicles are no

    NHTSA campaign 15V323000, reported 2015-06-17.

  13. Jan 2015 · 2005 · Air BagsIn the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengerÂ’s frontal air bag, the inflator could…

    The defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy and Outback vehicles, and 2003-2005 Baja vehicles sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Puerto Rico, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Saipan, American Samoa, Florida and adjacent counties in southern Georgia, as well as the coastal areas of Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

    What can happen. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengerÂ’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

    The free fix. Subaru will notify their owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQP-51. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-471. This recall has been partially superseded by 15V-323. All 2005 model year Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles will now be repaired under recall 15V-323.

    NHTSA campaign 14V763000, reported 2015-01-15.

  14. Jul 2014 · 2005–2009 · Service Brakes, HydraulicBrake line corrosion may result in brake fluid leakage.

    The defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Outback and Legacy, 2008-2011 Impreza and 2008-2014 Impreza WRX/STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Salt water could splash on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector, resulting in excessive corrosion of the brake lines.

    What can happen. Brake line corrosion may result in brake fluid leakage. Fluid leakage may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

    The free fix. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will test the brake system by depressing the brake pedal and inspecting for brake fluid leaks. If no brake fluid seepage is observed, the affected areas will be rustproofed with anti-corrosion wax. If brake fluid seepage is observed, the brake lines will be replaced followed by rustproofing with anti-corrosion wax. These services will be performed free of charge. The recall began July 2014 and second notifications will run through November 2014. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall campaign number is WQK-47. Note: This recal

    NHTSA campaign 14V311000, reported 2014-07-23.

  15. May 2013 · 2005–2009 · Service Brakes, HydraulicBrake line corrosion may result in brake fluid leakage.

    The defect. Subaru is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Outback and Legacy vehicles manufactured from December 2003, through April 2009 and currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Salt water could splash on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector, resulting in excessive corrosion of the brake lines.

    What can happen. Brake line corrosion may result in brake fluid leakage. Fluid leakage may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

    The free fix. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles. If no brake fluid seepage is observed, the affected area will be rustproofed with anti-corrosion wax. If brake fluid seepage is observed, the brake lines will be replaced followed by rustproofing with anti-corrosion wax. These services will be performed free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall campaign number is WQG-43.

    NHTSA campaign 13V110000, reported 2013-05-30.

What owners reported

Dt: consumer had this vehicle 3 months and the dealer had to jump start the motor three times. Also, remote won't open the door when the battery was dead. Changed the compass in the mirror. The vehicle was at the dealer. They could not find anything wrong with vehicle. This happened while test driving vehicle. Dealer…

2005 · 37 miles · Electrical system

Dt: 2005 Subaru Outback - the problem was with the headlights. They did not provide enough light to drive safely at night. While driving at night, the consumer could not see. There was very limited road way vision, with only a couple hundred feet in front of the car that was lit up properly, from that point on it was…

2005 · 125 miles · Exterior lighting

This complaint concerns the intermittent refusal of the cruise control on my 2005 Subaru legacy Outback to give up control of the engine when the cruise control handle is pulled down to the coast position and to cause an unexpected, dramatic increase in car speed when the intent is to disengage the cruise control and…

2005 · 500 miles · Throttle and speed control

Consumer feel that the headlight are pointed too low to the ground. This causes poor visibility while driving at night. Dealer was contacted, and informed the consumer that the headlights could not be adjusted and that it met the specs.*Ak the consumer stated that visibility was cut in half. Only half of the roadway…

2005 · 1,000 miles · Exterior lighting

Built from 1,066 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-08-18 · open data · reproduce this page

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