Spare Tire problems of the 1998 Subaru Outback

When using the factory provided spare tire, the rear differential caught on fire. Owner did not drive vehicle over 50 miles as stated in owner's manual. Owner was able to put out fire. The repairs were made by the dealer under warranty. Fire was due to the diffenrence in the tire size.

We purchased a brand new Subaru Outback s/w in 1999 and recently had a flat tire. Upon placing the "Mini" spare provided with the car and driving (under 50 mph) only 19 miles to a tire dealer to have the flat repaired, the rear end was damaged. It cost $800 to have the rear end gears replaced. It turns out that the "Mini" spare provided with the car cannot be used without disabling the all wheel drive, by finding and replacing a fuse under the hood (listed in the instructions for spare removal last on page 2 of the owners manual). Oh yeah, the spare can only be used on the rear wheels. This information is all "hidden" in the owners manual. Since we have auto insurance that includes towing, we would have been much better off towing the car to the tire dealer to have the flat repaired (for free) than using the spare provided and paying $800 to have the rear end rebuilt. (towing needs to be done on a flat bed truck with all whells off the ground. ) please warn other drivers of this improperly labled "spare tire". Any assistance you can provide from Subaru will be greatly appreciated.