Three problems related to power train driveline have been reported for the 2005 Subaru Outback. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2005 Subaru Outback based on all problems reported for the 2005 Outback.
We have a 2005 Subaru Outback that sways in the rear of car under the following conditions 1. Over bumps the rear will swing to the right and dip. When roads are slick it will almost spin the vehicle. If you are in a left hand curve, even at low speed, the condition is exaggerated more than you would expect sort of like it was pushed in addition to the normal inertia you would experience. 2. Rear end traction becomes unstable under icy conditions where it appears that too much power is being distributed to the rear of the driveline then oscillating to each individual rear wheel. In my opinion 100% of the vehicles power concentrated to the rear differential is alternately distributed between the rear wheels and kind of gets stuck in this mode.
Premature wheel bearing failure of both front wheel bearings. Resulted in loud humming from front end of vehicle but was repaired prior to any safety issue.
2005 Subaru Outback will not track straight in slippery conditions at all. The term ghost walking is being used for this and is very accurate. I do not feel secure driving in any snowy conditions in this vehicle. I had a 1995 Subaru before this that was rock steady in snow, this car is very unpredictable. Tire changes do not solve problem nor does alignment to oem specs. Has been on going since I bought the car new.