general problems of the 2013 Subaru Outback - part 2

After stopping at a stop sign, I attempted to drive off, but the car did not accelerate on application of the throttle pedal. The engine remained at idle, and the car rolled slowly into the intersection. Nothing I did corrected the problem until I placed the transmission in park, turned off the engine, then re-started the car. The car then performed normally until I reached the next stop sign, where the problem repeated. In all, the problem occurred seven (7) times on this day, apparently at random. That is, at some stops the car performed normally, and at other stops, the car failed to accelerate when the throttle pedal was depressed. The service department at my Subaru dealer was unable to replicate the problem and therefore performed no repairs. Two weeks later, the problem occurred again, three (3) times in two days. This is an extremely dangerous problem, because it can leave the car in a busy intersection without the ability to move until the driver turns off the car and then re-starts it. This problem has been noted by other Subaru Outback owners in online forums, and at least one other vehicle safety complaint has been filed regarding this problem.

I brought the car in for a routine repair. When I got it back it began to malfunction. It would not shift correctly. The automatic transmission was slipping. The car did not accelerate correctly and chugged. The acceleration abruptly stopped at a high speed on the freeway nearly causing a severe accident and replicated this at a low speed, and from a stop. I returned the car 3 times and the issues remain consistent. To date Subaru of America has not addressed my concerns. The car is unsafe for me and my family. Downtown oakland Subaru has yet to identify what is the cause of the malfunction. Each service department person has test driven the car and experienced the same issues.

My 2013 Subaru Outback premium 2. 5 has a caution light in the instrument panel that illuminates as a reminder for the operator to check the engine oil. The owners manual states the light indicates low engine oil levels and recommends adding oil to prevent engine damage. I add a minimum 1 quart of oil, on a reoccurring cycle, to return the oil level to the full mark on the oil dipstick. My Subaru Outback requires adding approx. 1 quart of oil every 1800 miles between oil changes.

Since 2013 we have made numerous trips to our local Subaru dealer complaining of 'engine knock'. The dealer has provided a wide array of potential 'fixes' to stop the knocking but none have worked. We have tried everything from valve adjustments to additives to chemical 'baths' for the engine but nothing has stopped the knocking. More than one service manager has said that 'knocking' is not good for the engine and needs to be addressed. However, for all their good intentions the problem has not be resolved. While we appreciate the dealer's efforts we did not pay cash (full price) to purchase a vehicle that does not perform to standard. Seeing that all 'fixes' by Subaru have failed we would like our money back for the original purchase price or have the car replaced with a new Subaru Outback.