Three problems related to cruise control have been reported for the 2001 Subaru Outback. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
I was traveling on an interstate highway in the middle lane at 65-70 mph with cruise control set when traffic slowed down suddenly. My first reaction in this case is to pull the speed control lever towards me to disengage it and take manual control of the car to slow down by braking or downshifting, as per usual procedure. In this case throttle failed to decelerate after several attempts, upon which I then repeatedly stamped the brake pedal, which was also unresponsive (did not cancel acceleration or slow the vehicle). Out of options, I swerved to the left to avoid the tractor-trailer directly in front of me and rear ended a moving vehicle in the left lane. With brakes still unresponsive, I managed to cut across to the shoulder where I was able to stop the car by downshifting in addition to using the handbrake.
The contact owns a 2001 Subaru Outback. While driving 70 mph with the cruise control activated, the vehicle veered to the right. The contact applied the brakes to release the cruise control; however, it would not release. She then heard a loud noise coming from the rear passenger side and the vehicle rolled eight times into oncoming traffic. The steering failed to respond. The contact was transported from the scene unconscious. She sustained cracked ribs, bruises, and sprains. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. She has not yet notified the dealer or manufacturer. The failure and current mileages were 64,000.
Cruise control failed to disengage with brake or clutch.