general problems of the 2011 Subaru Outback - part 1

When I came to a stop at a light, the car stalled and the engine turned off. It was just as if I was driving a manual transmission and didn't put the clutch down while in gear. I spoke with my husband about the issue and he told me it has been happening for several months now. I have researched it a but snd found that Subaru is aware of the issue and has not offered any recall for the issue but offered an extended warranty. This is not helpful when you are the 2nd owner of a vehicle. Being stuck with a car that turns off upon stopping is a dangeous situation. Subaru should be made to recall these cars and fix the issue. According to this article, it is a problem with the lock type torque converter. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

In November 2023, I CO-signed an auto loan to assist someone in securing a vehicle. However, I later discovered that my name was never placed on the title, leaving me financially liable for the loan while having no ownership or possession of the car. The individual has since failed to make any loan payments, and the bank applied lender-placed insurance (cpi) due to their failure to maintain coverage. Despite this, they continue to drive the vehicle. The new york dmv confirmed that their driver’s license and vehicle registration have been suspended due to lack of insurance, yet they have not surrendered their plates as required by law. Additionally, the vehicle was originally registered in connecticut but later transferred to new york while using my connecticut auto insurance policy without my consent. I was later contacted by my former insurance provider about an accident in which an unknown individual was operating the vehicle. After my insurance policy lapsed, the individual was involved in another accident while uninsured and attempted to file a claim despite having no coverage. This situation has raised serious concerns about the vehicle’s registration, insurance violations, and potential title issues that may require investigation. Given that the vehicle is still being driven despite no valid insurance, a suspended license, and an outstanding auto loan, I am seeking guidance on the appropriate steps to take.

On [xxx] clay Subaru in norwood, MA told me that my 2011 Subaru Outback has front subframe rot. Supposedly they do a 100 point inspection every oil change, which is performed every 6 or so months, yet this problem was first report last October! the car had only 81,616 miles on it. (now it has 82,000ish) the dealer claims it will cost $5368. 96 to fix the car and that the subframe needs fixing within 12 months. No warning lights have appeared. I've owned the car since 2017. It had 39,371 miles on it when bought & had been serviced and sold by this same dealer with only one owner it was in pristine condition, according to an independent mechanic that inspected it before I bought it. All my oil changes are done at the same dealer, yet the problem was not identified before. This is a vehicle made for off road travel (which I have not done) and for winter weather. Why is the subframe rotting? reedit reports that there are at least 200 others that have reported the same problem to you for cars of this same year! please advise!! information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6.

My mechanic tells me my Outback's k frame/engine cradle is rotting out where the control arms are attached. This is obviously a common problem with this run of vehicles, and leads to catastrophic failure. Further, the rear brake lines have rotted, and the geniuses ran them above the fuel tank, which would have to be dropped in order to repair. I believe this is a common enough problem to warrant investigation.

My front subframe broke. I was driving the car and was exiting the highway. I heard a snap n then had no control. Had my mechanic look at car and said frame snapped and control arm broke. The week before I had my car alignment and new tires put on. Nothing was noticed then. Mechsaud rusted from inside out. . After talkwith many different repair shops, they all stated that the front subframe breaks on Subarus. They need to change the design. I called Subaru and asked them to fix. Said car was to old and to many miles. I have owned cars for over 40yrs , with well over 200k mils on them. I have never had a frame break. It's very unusual when mechanics says this is a problem with Subaru. Plus the subframes are on backorder. Thats how many they are selling. Even the used parts dealers can't get them.

The left front engine cradle collapsed due to rust while driving. This caused the car to swerve to the left, and when the brakes were applied, it also swerved left. The car was almost undriveable. The failure put the driver of the car at risk, and luckily it happened in city driving, and not on the highway. The engine cradle is a component of the frame of the car, and should not be rusting out after 130,000 miles. This is why I think this model may need to be subject to investigation and possible recall. The Subaru dealer (cityside Subaru) looked at the car and confirmed that the left front cradle collapsed due to rust. They say the repair would cost $2800. There was no warning or indication prior to failure. In fact, we have had this vehicle continuously serviced at the dealership since 2011, and since 2016 we have spent over $16,000 in repairs, including various front wheel components. I would have expected the dealer to notify us if there was a potential problem. Because they didn't I feel this is a catastrophic failure that could be dangerous in any situation, especially at high speeds.

My car just dies on it's own while driving and it has trouble starting back up or somedays it just won't start up but after it dies while going down the road but after cranking it a few times it finally starts the check engine light comes on the traction control light starts flashing the brake light starts flashing and the cruise control light starts flashing I took it to a dealer and no codes were thrown in my car and after a few days of all the lights on and flashing they suddenly go away on their own this is extremely dangerous I can't control when or where this happens on the road I've almost been hit several times from this happening it does the exact same thing when I'm sitting still in park trying to start my car I get all the lights on the dashboard lit up and blinking on and off just like when it dies going down the road but nobody can find a cause or a reason why they say it's a manufacturer issue and Subaru can't even figure it out.

Dashboard lights flashing, brake lights traction control cruise check engine.

The 2011 Subaru Outback subframe (k-frame) failed structurally while the vehicle was in operation. The bolted connection between the left side (driver side) control arm broke due to extensive corrosion of the k-frame allowing the bolt to pull through one side of the box-shaped frame. The vehicle exhibited a pronounced pull to the left and handled erratically. The vehicle was immediately driven to a local repair facility where the broken frame connections at the control arms was discovered. The vehicle has approximately 79,000 miles and has been regularly serviced. Evidence of heavy corrosion and metal fatigue were noted at several locations on the k-frame (photo attached). The 2011 Subaru Outback has been owned/operated in western NY state where roads are frequently treated with brime and salt throughout the winter season. Servicing mechanic noted that he had completed recent replacement of the k-frame on an identical year, make, model Subaru within the previous 3 months. Comparison of the k-frame removed from my vehicle with the identical model showed similar corrosion and failure points. The symptoms and causes of this structural failure are nearly identical to vehicle safety complaint filed by another 2011 Outback owner; NHTSA id # 11474045. The failed subframe, along with a second subframe from an identical Subaru replaced earlier this summer are available for inspection at the motor vehicle repair facility. Photo attached. Insofar as this is the third reported structural failure on this model within a short span of a few months and Subaru has declined to address the matter responsibly, NHTSA intervention is warranted and necessary.

Upon application of the brakes approaching a stoplight, the vehicle pulled sharply to the right, entering the right lane from the left and was rendered unsafe to operate due to this condition. Had a vehicle been present at this time in the right lane, a collision would have likely occurred. Upon inspection by the mechanic, the front engine frame had broken on the right side. The broken area has two (2) large rust holes on the top and bottom sides of the box frame. Directly above the two (2) rust holes the drain for the air conditioning condenser is located. Illinois, like 22 other states in the u. S. , uses road salt to combat icy road conditions. The combination of road salt with the location of the air conditioner drain tube directly above the frame failure point leads ut to reasonably conclude that this model has a design defect that led to the failure. A remedy for this issue would be to simply extend the drain tube approx. 5" so the water dripping from the air conditioning condenser does not drop onto the top, flat portion of the engine frame where road salt may accumulate over time. In addition, 1. I have possession of the original frame for inspection by the NHTSA. 2. At the time of the repair, the mechanic ordered the replacement dram from the local Subaru dealership. Our mechanic was informed that he was ordering the last remaining subframe assembly that Subaru of north America had in stock at that time.

The vehicle stalls out at stop signs and red light as far as I’m concerned this is a safety hazard. I-took it to minooka Subaru and they said it it was a torque converter I had it fixed it cost me 1500 dollars and as far as I’m concerned it should be reimbursed because. ,it is very much a safety hazard. This happen d numerous of times.

My 2011 Subaru Outback with the automatic cvt transmission has recently started stalling and dying entirely when coming to an abrupt stop. Or even coming to a stop in general, regardless of speed. This having started within the last month or so around the begging of March, 2022. My vehicle has just passed the 10 year mark and is still currently under 100k miles, currently at 96k. After much research and a few trips to the mechanic, I have found that this is a common issue regarding the torque converter within many Subaru vehicles. I have also found that this was such a common issue that this should have been labeled as a recall. But have discovered that this was an “extended warranty” concern instead. That being said, I have, on more than one occasion, come to a stop in traffic with my child in the car and my car just dies in the middle of the road. Which is entirely unsafe and in my opinion deserves a recall.

The hood latch will not stay locked so it’s popping as I’m driving. The hood hasn’t completely come up, yet, but it’s definitely an imminent danger. It has happened multiple times over the last three days.

Engine stalling. When stopping at red light, engine shut down a few times. Once I lost all electricity and maneuverability of the car. I also had ignition problems. The car won't start sometimes. I brought to dealership 4-5x and my car spent a month at dealer. They cannot find the cause. I read this could be due to cvt transmission. I bought my car from a Subaru dealer two and a half years ago and only drove 7k miles. Current mileage is 95k. Subaru extended warranty of my model to 10 years for transmission. But so far they couldn't do anything. I think this should be a recall. When my car stalled, I had to call police as my car blocked the road and cause traffic jam. This is a road hazard. Thank you.

I have been reporting problems with my transmission since 2012 to my regular dealership, star Subaru when the car had just 23,472 miles on it. At this point, I believe that I have been wrongfully denied warranty coverage. . . The consumer stated the vehicle would spontaneously jump or slam while driving. Coil repairs were attempted, but the problem persisted. The dealer discovered the failure code was p1710 torque converter. Turbine speed signal circuit malfunction, after the warranty was expired. The manufacturer offered to assist with repairs. The consumer stated the repairs cost $6,000 the dealer offered $2,500 towards the repair or a new vehicle. The consumer did not agree to the terms.

On 2/11/20 around 12:30pm et, I was approaching the highway via an onramp, and my speed was barely 25 mph. Suddenly, as I was on the approach-road, I suddenly felt that the steering was locked and turning on the right side only (either steering or anti-lock malfunction). It hit the fence and then turned (flipped) on its driver side as can be seen in the picture. I believe this is a safety issue, so please make a proper investigation. My car was totaled. My damaged car is in �county towing� in 49 fullerton Ave, yonkers, NY 10704, phone: (914) 423-1101.

A squeaking noise while starting the engine may be due to a faulty ring gear on the torque converter.

Shutters when you put it in reverse. Also, will shutter and stall when coming to a stop. Very dangerous when at a busy intersection and I have to put the vehicle in park and restart it!! 123,000 miles, so no longer under warranty. I've seen many other complaints of the exact same issue, but Subaru has never acknowledged there is a problem! we bought this vehicle used as we cannot afford brand new car payments and were told by many that Subaru is a very reliable vehicle. Will definitely not by another Subaru and will discourage anyone else from doing so!!.

Driver was attempting to make a turn around in a driveway and needed to stop and switch reverse. The car would not stop and driver was not able to switch gears and hit garage wall.

Multiple warning lights appeared on the dashboard while driving. When sitting in the car, in the garage, the minute the key is turned, although the car is not started, all the dashboard warning lights went on although the car was stationary. Picture uploaded taken when car was in garage.

We have passed down my husbands 2011 Outback to our teenage daughter as her first car. This car has been taken very good care of and is serviced regularly. It has been driven mostly highway miles $146,000. Last year in January the car acted up and the head gasket, timing belt, water pump were all fixed ($3500. 00). In the past every once in a while the car would stall out at a light or when changing from reverse to drive. 2 days after my daughter started using it around town she noticed it stalling every time she went out. We did some research and apparently the torque converter is a know issue with Subaru and an extended warranty has been issued rather than a repair. We brought the car to our Subaru dealer again and they agreed that it was the torque converter and could be repaired for $1950. It would not be covered under the extended warranty because of the miles on the car. This should not be allowed as anacceptable solution to a problem. There is a known issue with this car that causes the car to stall. Subaru seems to have gone around the actual problem by not using the word "stall" in its distribution of the problem. They should be held responsible for all cars that stall while driving when they put in a faulty parts. If my husband drove more around town I am sure we would have realized this before but this is not a problem that the consumer should have to take on. . . A car that is known to stall should not be allowed on the road and the company who caused this to happen should be responsible to pay for it. . . I expected more from Subaru and they want us to put our family into their cars? well my daughter won't be driving a car that isn't safe.

My dash lights came on suddenly. . After researching states type torque converter for transmission needs to be replaced. . Subaru wants me to purchase whole new transmission, loss of power and gas mileage. The car was running when these lights came on.

I observe everytime my car is coming to stop it will shrud like the engine goin to die or stalled. Then out of nowhere the engine icon, abs lit-up and cruise control flashing.

Takata recall" I was driving on the interstate hwy. The car in front of me slammed on brakes, so I stepped on my brakes, car turked to a stop while engine stalled. Dead stop on interstate. Not a good thing. I started it back up, kept driving, when , I came to a safer stop sign. I tried to step on brakes like I had done on interstate and it turked to a stop again stalling. It doesn't seem safe to me. I am glad no one was behind me on interstate or I am afraid it would not have ended well.

Torque converter issue.

Intermitent: steady icons: check engine light traction control system flashing icons: brake cruise from starting the vehicle icons listed above are active. Engine is very hard to start when put in gear, unable to move car. Solution is to turn car off, wait and restart. This might require several attempts. Eventually, vehicle will resume normal operateion. Dealership service personel do not acknowledge problem.

As I was driving my 2011 Subaru Outback 2. 5 as I do always on a normal basis I recently came to a stop sign and when I came to an abrupt stop my vehicle stalled out leaving me vulnerable for oncoming traffic I had to put the vehicle in park and restart the car it starts right back up but every time I have to put my foot heavy on the brake to stop and traffic the vehicle cuts off without fail every time has also happened to me one time and heavy traffic jam on highway very scary!!.

The contact owns a 2011 Subaru Outback. There was unintended acceleration while driver was pulling into a parking space. Driver slowed down to pull into parking space and put car in park when suddenly the car accelerated and sped over cement parking block and crashed into the concrete base of light pole. There is no known recall. Police were called and a report was filed.

Car stalls when you come to a stop. Does not happen if you stop slowly. Has happened several times.

While accelerating uphill on a road, many of my dash lights flashed, including "check engine", "at oil temp", "brake". My car lost its pep. My cruise stopped working. I couldn't use my down/upshifting paddles and I live in an icy/snowy climate which resulted in a significant decline in my car which is normally highly-ranked in safety surveys. I had to replace my torque converter and my valve body for >$3,0000. Additionally, my gas mileage decreased by at least 6 mpg.

Our Subaru Outback (2011) has been shuddering and dying when coming to stops. It began doing this approximately March/April of 2016, and the issue is still not resolved. We took it to the Subaru dealership's service center in madison, wisconsin, very concerned, in may of 2016, but they told us they could not reproduce the problem. (how is that possible, since it does it so often?) we took it in again in winter/spring 2016, and they finally acknowledged we had an issue and told us that the torque converter needed to be replaced to the tune of $1500-$1800! we were concerned, especially, because of the safety issue, and, further, because of the cost to us to fix it. If Subaru had identified and dealt with the issue when it first started, we might have been under some kind of warranty. We took the car home, did some research and discovered that lots and lots of other owners of this make and model have been having the same problem we described to the Subaru dealership over a year ago. How could Subaru not know this is a huge safety issue? there are hundreds of complaints out there! we have since been borrowing my parents' car for longer drives and have been trying to figure out a way to cover the cost of the repair. Today we received a letter from Subaru indicating they were giving us a warranty extension for the car's cvt. Guess what? it covers the Outback 2010-2015, they wrote. How long has Subaru known this was an issue while families like mine were driving a car with a major safety flaw? I called the dealership's service desk immediately and talked with a rep who wanted to be clear that this isn't a recall, (really?) and that I'd have to call back to find out if it'll be covered by this warranty extension since, apparently, the torque converter, though related, isn't "technically" the cvt. He said they had done a similar repair, though, and the warranty had covered it.

Service bulletin # 16-90-13 design change to lock-up type torque converter when I have to come to a stop or if I go up a hill slow, or if I have to stop quick my vehicle will stall. This is dangerous, especially in traffic. I have checked every other possible problem and they all check out fine. I do not feel that the consumer should have to pay for a defective part. If I had to stop quick in traffic it would be very dangerous. I have already had this problem where the vehicle stalled with traffic behind me. I feel this is a "recall" and not a routine maintenance problem.

When I turned the car in the afternoon the cruise control was flashing, check engine light on and e-brake on. I looked online Subaru forims and their is a lot of chatter for the gas cap having issues. I checked my gas cap and noticed the rubber gasket was broken. I purchased a new one from the dealership, drove the car and the lights are now off and working normal. . We'll see when I take a 6hr trip in a few days. .

2011 Subaru Outback. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle back up camera defect and requests reimbursement for repairs. The consumer stated the back-up camera was not centered properly, the drivers side shoulder harness intermittently would not retract fully. Therefore, causing it to get stuck in the closing door and the heat register at the drivers foot seemed to be partially blocked. The dealer informed the consumer, the reason why the camera was not centered, was because it had been hit, and it would cost $99. 00 to repair it.

Safety concerns with hesitation issue with transmission at slow speeds when applying /giving more gas.