Suspension Problems of Subaru Outback - part 1

I purchased a car from middletown Nissan on may 24, 2025. The car was assured to have all these different safety checks so far it had to have the power steering pump replaced twice the power steering lines replaced all new control arms a new bearing brand new back brakes which include rotors and pads, and four new tires when the tires were put on they found that the car had significant damage in the subframe from rotting there are holes in it. The car was at the dealership several times for different problems and they never disclose this problem. They basically told me it was my fault when I’ve had the car for two months that the frame is completely rotted. The car is clunking and not driving mechanically the way it should.

See all problems of the 2013 Subaru Outback 🔎.

When braking the car shuts down!!!.

See all problems of the 2015 Subaru Outback 🔎.

The front subframe on my 2015 Subaru 3. 6r has rapidly rusted in a few years to the point of a safety concern. The vehicle is lightly driven, with 91,000 miles on it after almost 10 years. We live in the northeast. I take this car in for regular inspections and service every six months and the service center I work with has not alerted me of any issues until this past March when they found the subframe almost completely rotted in the middle. Subaru has had similar issues subject to recalls for the rear subframe. Notably, my rear subframe does not have this issue. Evidence is available that this is exact issue is happening to many cars in this generation, found upon scanning forums such as reddit [xxx] and the Subaruoutback. Org owners forum [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Severe tramilining effect from tires. Risk of personal injury tramilining effect confirmed by courtesy Subaru, rapid city and heuberger Subaru colorado springs, CO. Inspected prior to accident right rear camber out of specification. No warning lights or messages from vehicle.

See all problems of the 2024 Subaru Outback 🔎.

The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving 50 mph or above, the front end and the steering wheel were shaking abnormally. While driving at various speeds, there was a metallic grinding sound coming from the passenger side of the vehicle. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal went to the floorboard and the braking distance became extended. The contact stated that the brakes were squeaking while the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated that the brakes, check engine, power steering, and engine overheating warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer seven times; however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failures. The contact stated that the dealer replaced the passenger’s side rear wheel bearing. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 201,206.

See all problems of the 2014 Subaru Outback 🔎.

Engine subframe catastrophic failure (left side) due to severe corrosion. Lower control arm detached resulting in erratic handling and pulling. Car unsafe to drive and expensive to repair at ~$2200. Did research and found to be a very common complaint for 2010-2014. Recall needs to be issued to replace corroded subframes.

See all problems of the 2010 Subaru Outback 🔎.

To the CA automotive repair bureau, [xxx] complaint, in 2022, I bought a new Outback at albany Subaru. In October 2024, my car has 33,000 miles and I've had all of my 3,000-mile oil changes, inspections, and warranty repairs done by albany Subaru. I pay $100 for each repair that's covered under Subaru's extended warranty. In 2023, the car's dashboard computer/radio head unit was repaired, I drove the car for a few days, but the head unit was defective, so Subaru changed the head unit. This cost me (3) three trips to Subaru, which is 7. 8 miles from my home, uber costs, and three $100 warranty payments. I'm a small business owner and had to pay employees extra to remain at work so I could drop off and pick up my car. Most times Subaru didn't give me a loaner car. Weeks later, I was driving up a hill and could not correctly steer my car, I thought I might crash, so I stopped driving my new car. I only drive on paved roads and I bought my Subaru because of Subaru's quality and safety reputation. I returned my car to albany Subaru. My car's steering or front end seemed loose and not right. Subaru told me I needed an alignment. I paid for an alignment. I drove my car home, but again, the steering didn’t seem right, it was still loose and shaking. A day later, I returned my car to Subaru and they readjusted and tightened the steering box. Subaru called me at home and stated I needed an oil change, an alignment, and (4) four new tires, and brakes, which I agreed to the oil change. The next day, I picked the car up and spoke to the service managers about my concerns with the new car steering, and stated to them that Subaru bloggers are sharing that there should be a recall on Subaru steering columns and other repair issues that could result in lemon law lawsuits against Subaru. The service manager nikki ali and a mechanic stated that Subaru has steering column issues but that Subaru has not yet issued a national recall, but may replace steering columns. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (f.

See all problems of the 2019 Subaru Outback 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2011 Subaru Outback 🔎.

This was december2023clicking noise when turning. "rear swaybar bushing replaced (have gap in them when loaded)" also replaced 2 front axle/cv boots. Said they were worn. Additionally today, 5/3/2024 got in my car and there is a crack in my windshield that occurred overnight. Crack comes from bottom corning on drivers side up about 12 inches.

See all problems of the 2020 Subaru Outback 🔎.

On 03feb24, immediately following a 4-wheel alignment of my 2022 Subaru Outback limited, my vehicle’s suspension feels unstable over patched potholes or rough/broken pavement. I can best describe the condition as similar to the movements felt while hydroplaning but it does it on dry road. It jerks side to side; 3 or 4 times; in rapid succession; just enough to command the driver’s full attention. The condition happens periodically at highway speeds. I’m afraid my vehicle might lose grip and crash. I have brought my vehicle in twice to my local Subaru dealership for inspection. The mechanics have been able to witness the condition. A few measures were taken to remedy the condition including, vehicle re-alignment, installation of one shock absorber on the rear suspension to no avail. The mechanic report, issued 10apr24, states the condition may be due to the brand new tires installed on 19feb24. However, this assessment is inconclusive and requires expensive trail and error tied to buying a new set of tires. The condition started on the oem tires and still occurs with the new set of tires. The condition began 03feb24, immediately following it’s first ever 4-wheel alignment at the dealership. I have been trying to get this fixed since then. The condition persists as of the date of this writing. On 16apr24, I submitted a formal complaint through Subaru of America web form.

See all problems of the 2022 Subaru Outback 🔎.

* I detected a noise in the front end and an instability in the handling. My independent service mechanic found the cradle on the right front severely rusted out at the point where the control arm attaches. He had to condemn the vehicle. * my mechanic says that it could have resulted in a total loss of ability to steer. He says that he is unable to order the part from the manufacturer because so many are on back order. He is also unable to find any used ones. Finally, he says that in the last 3 months he has had to condemn 3 other Outbacks due to the same problem. This sounds like a serious safety issue to me. *problem confirmed by my independent service center.

Subframe is rusted out and causing control arm wobble which I cannot control the steering correctly.

See all problems of the 2012 Subaru Outback 🔎.

Broken axle, ecm or engine control module, replaced with third battery with only 77,000 miles. This car is a lemon and a total,piece of junk my wife’s 2020 Subaru forrester has a console which is a complete hazard on the road. If you put anything on the console it doesn’t stay and slides off talk about a complete distraction and safety danger just because of lazy manufacturing and stupid engineers who can’t think their way out of a wet paperbag.

The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25 mph, the front wheel turned at a 45-degree angle. The contact was able to pull over. There were no warning lights illuminated. He is an independent mechanic and stated that after he installed monroe strut and coil system part number 173112 on the driver side front, the top nut broke after two weeks. The contact repaired the vehicle. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.

See all problems of the 2017 Subaru Outback 🔎.

I have maintained my 2011 Outback well, and in August of 2023, while driving the vehicle, I lost the brakes. I had to fully depress the brake pedal to the floor in order to stop, fortunately not hitting the car in front of me . I brought the car to my local mechanic who advised me that the brake line rusted and failed as a result. As he was making the brake line repair, he advised me that there is severe rusting to my underbody of my car and it's not normal. I then contacted Subaru corporate customer service who asked me to bring the car into a Subaru repair facility to have the car inspected. I brought the car into ramsey Subaru, and with a charge of $150 to inspect the car, they advised me that the rust is significant and is unsafe to drive. They proceeded to quote me an estimated repair bill of over $6,000 to correct the rust issues. I then contacted Subaru corporate hq (case #231011-1901134) and they advised me that the car is old, and there's nothing that they can do to assist me. However, what I'd like to bring to your attention, is the Outback model up to 2010, had a brake line rusting issue and they had a recall on it. In addition, when you search for 'rust on Subaru" you can see that previous models years have been identified with body frame rusting issues, that prompted a recall on previous models. My ask is? have you be contacted by other 2011 Subaru Outback owners about severe rust issues, and as a result lost their brakes and were told there car in no longer safe to drive?.

2010 Outback subframe or cradle Subaru oem # 50527aj01a is a vital safety component and as designed and installed completely supports the weight of the engine and transmission - I have excessive rust and corrosion of sub frame. This should be a recall. A google search shows this is a common issue for this model. Please review my complaint.

The contact owns a 2011 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the brake pedal went to the floorboard while depressed. The contact stated that the brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that subframe was severely corroded. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.

The contact owns a 2011 Subaru Outback. The contact stated there was a clunking sound coming from the front suspension location and the vehicle started feeling unstable while driving approximately 30 mph. The steering wheel began to sway towards the left causing the contact to use excessive force to steer the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that the front subframe had fractured due to severe corrosion and needed to be replaced along with the front suspension. The front subframe and suspension was repaired; however, while doing so the dealer further diagnosed that the rear subframe and suspension had severe corrosion. The rear subframe and suspension was not repaired or replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 109,000.

Failure of front subframe while driving. Vehicle is unable to be driven. Vehicle pulled severely to drivers side while driving. Subframe had severe deterioration by rust . Vehicle is at annen brake fond du lac, WI and available for inspection. Replacement part is unavailable and there is no eta by manufacturer.

The front lower subframe cracked where the driver's side front wheel attaches to it in our 2011 Subaru Outback. This resulted in loss of steering control of vehicle. The issue has been confirmed by independent mechanic. Vehicle has not been inspected by manufacturer, police, or insurance agent. It is available for inspection at 201 w. Cloverland drive, ironwood, mi. 906-932-5720. There were no warning lights when this failure occurred.

Rccd email. Nhsta david chin on 04 envoy VIN and smog cali fraud. . Ended case sold vehicle to pick a part. Did not sur dealer. Purchased 1 month later carmax ontario California 2019 Subaru Outback. Nhsta states moonroof and pedestrian braking for ev and hybrid u5 engine. This Outback has no moonroof nor is it an ev or hybrid. Owned by enterprise rent a car and Subaru santa monica prior as grey in 2019 then tungsten metallic 2019-2020. Unsure of vehicle history accident reported 2022. Subaru of America and san bernardino states aftermarket bolt installed carmax has the vehicle for $1400-1750 in repairs they did not notice @ sale [xxx]. To me [xxx] [xxx]. They are currently repairing radiator cooling system suspension. And I believe the vehicle has never gone a 125point inspection and may have other issues elsewhere. The battery is caved in indented bulging out on plastic and Subaru and carmax both say it meits their specifications as it holds a charge. And will not replace it. The electrical system flickers lights. And carmax allowed me to drive the vehicle for 3 weeks 2000 miles. Ynknowing the suspension and right tire wobble before and after carmax alignment. Stating the vehicle was safe and operable as Subaru of san bernardino stated it may be dangerous and american tire depot san bernardino showed and said the same as Subaru of san bernardino suspension defects that carmax never noticed before or after sale and said the vehicle was fine. Been to carmax 10 times over 3 weeks 300 miles in the car. Gas time etc. Michael service manager carmax ontario and pedro of Subaru of san bernardino preston of Subaru ontario both service techs know me well as of now the vehicle is at carmax ontario. And I believe the VIN may have been reprogrammed swapped and mileage incorrect on the vehicle. As loose and missing nuts under glove box gad pedal. And plastic housing under steering wheel dash is missing clips like some precious got into elec system?? information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.

My daughter was concerned with the car making strange squeaking sounds on turning and braking and so I met her where her car was parked in a lot and drove it for less than 1 minute and could tell something was very wrong and that it didn't seem safe to drive home. My husband came to check as well and zeroed in on the problem being the front driver's side tire/suspension. Fortunately the Subaru dealership was less than . 5 away and my husband drove it there (with flashers on). It was determined by the dealership that the subframe had rusted through (we have photos uploaded below) and a new one was ordered and replaced within the week. The materials and labor for that alone cost $1944. 37. Control arm bushings, rear toe arms, and alignment were also completed. The total cost of the repair was $3281. 14.

The contact owns a 2010 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while his daughter was reversing out of the driveway, the vehicle was making an abnormal clicking sound. The contact's daughter was able to continue driving; however, the suspension was not stable. The contact and his wife test drove the vehicle and noticed that the suspension was unstable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the front subframe was severely corroded. The dealer diagnosed that the subframe, bushings, and the rear toe links needed to be replaced; and an alignment needed to be performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.

Front control arm bolt pulled out of the subframe due to extreme corrosion.

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.

Under 50,000 miles all 4 wheel bearings needed to be replaced. Under 50,000 miles all 4 struts needed to be replaced. The door key would not work , the dealer had to fix the mechanism. The passenger window stops working suddenly, the dealer has to reset it all the time. The car braked in the middle of highway two time, I was lucky that no one hit me in the back. Under 65,000 miles control arm broke and did $8,400 damage. Car would not let me in on one of the parking, dealer could no help. Subaru from india was able to unlock the car and make it active again. Car lane keep assistant is like drunk driver. The dealer told me, that I need to buy a newer car. I have been to dealer every month.

In may, returning from va, we noticed an odd noise coming from the right front side of the car. Then the noise stopped. Driving a week later, at about 40 mph, I again heard the noise and as I approached a yellow light and began to slow to a stop, the vehicle pulled sharply to the right. I was able to regain control, drove slowly home, called our repair shop and brought it in for evaluation. The front subframe had rusted out due to the air conditioner condenser dripping onto it. Our mechanic would not let us drive the car without repair, it was too dangerous. The subframe could have dropped at any moment. No inspections other than that of our mechanic were done. I took photos of the subframe that had been removed which are attached. It is not available for inspection as far as I know. The car sat at the mechanic's for a month waiting for parts from Subaru before being repaired.

I’m driving down the road and I hit a bump, then I go to brake and veers left, I take to my mechanic he says the my subframe cracked, car is not safe to drive, he says it happens a lot.

The vehicle becomes uncontrollable on light ice. The rear end will "ghost walk" (seems to steer on its own). I have driven in snow my entire life and have never experienced this issue in any other vehicle. I am also an ase certified master technician. It only happens if I have passengers in the rear seat or groceries in the cargo area. The car is not even close to its cargo limit. The tires have been replaced and an alignment performed and the issue remains. I found that this is a commonly reported problem in the forums. The car is absolutely unsafe in this condition. I was being passed by every other car on the road. The rear end will float back and forth over 35 mph regardless of any driver input (acceleration, deceleration, steering input etc).

See all problems of the 2006 Subaru Outback 🔎.

Driving down the freeway, snowy conditions, going roughly 50 mph in a straight line, no curves or turns in sight, hit a very small hump in the road and suddenly I found myself sideways from what seems like a rear steer situation, I corrected as best I could and luckily I was in the only section of the road that didn't have a wall, ended up backwards in a shallow ditch. No immediate damage noted, I was able to drive away, but confidence with driving in snowy and icy conditions has been severely diminished (been driving in snow and ice for 20+ years). My previous vehicle, 1988 chevy s10 was way more reliable in the snow that this thing. I have since felt this car try and "kick out" while going well under the speed limit but in slightly icy conditions. The only reason I can think that this hasnt happened again is due to myself being aware of the isssue, new struts and brand new $600 dollar tires I recently purchased. This is a huge issue, and Subaru needs to own up to it, I know I'm not the only one who's experienced this.

See all problems of the 2007 Subaru Outback 🔎.

2017 Subaru Outback 2. 5 limited has loose steering in the rain and going down hills. Drifts a lot with cross winds vehicle had alignment and tire inspection and suspension checked and all was fine but car still is unstable in bad weather. Feels like it is swaying and the tires are not on the ground. Tires have 13k miles on them and are in good shape. Shocks are fine. Repair shops can not determine the problem.

Subframe or cradle Subaru oem # 50527aj01a is a vital safety component (see dealer's written comments below) and as designed and installed completely supports the weight of the engine and transmission - rust and corrosion per mechanics at 3 different garages (mickey's, weber, ganley Subaru) advised vehicle is unsafe to drive due to subframe corrosion and imminent failure. Corrosion of sub frame and its welds are very extreme for low mileage 102,000 quoting ganley Subaru dealer in north olmsted, ohio in writing (vehicle originally purchase there by me the current owner): "a damaged sub frame puts everyone in the vehicle at risk. During a collision the subframe is responsible for absorbing and evenly distributing the forces from impact. If damaged the sub frame cannot distribute the impact causing a complete collapse of the vehicle. " I called Subaru customer service/advocacy department on October 22, 2021 and was told there were no recalls or warranty on this part and I would bear the complete cost of repair and replacement almost $5,000. 00 for subframe and steering rack and pinion. I have pictures and video's I also have requested the dealer return the subframe to me after repair and replacement. Picture attached is just one small length of the subframe the entire length of which on both the driver and passenger sides and on both sides of the frame show complete failure due to corrosion.

Under the following three conditions the front tires appear to become airborne and the tires skip making the vehicle seem to be out-of-control; when traveling at speeds >35 mph, wheels are turned >10 degrees, any long bump (such as a rough transition "bump" from asphalt to concrete). This has been worsening over the last year and is now unsafe for my children to be in the car. My local Subaru dealership spent nearly 2 days inspecting all aspects of the car to include the alignment, bushings, and shocks. A senior technician was taken for a test-drive in the car and I was able to recreate the "skip". The technician was alarmed and surprised by the skip and thus held the car for a 2nd day to further investigate the reason for the "skip". They were unable to diagnose any defect. There has been no inspection by the police or insurance company. There have been no alarms or warning.

The contact owns a 2007 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle went over a bump in the roadway and went sideways. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and it was diagnosed that the rear stabilizer bar had detached. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 190,000.

There should be a recall for front suspension on this vehicle if not the entire suspension. Mine has been garage kept since day 1, is in showroom condition, not driven in salt on roads during snow, therefore no reason for the suspension to be in this condition. In 2019 at 74,000 miles I had to have the entire front end suspension all components replaced at a cost of over $2,500 usd the suspension was also causing what others refer to as "drifting" under any road driving conditions on dry or wet pavement at any speed above 30mph and would and still does after having the entire suspension replaced, drift, unstable, and when the original suspension was replaced even after being flawlessly maintained the suspension components from the factory were severely worn and including rubber gaskets, sway bars, etc and appeared to have a rust or corroded appearance in spite of the vehicle never being driven in weather during snow when most areas would place salt on roads which is a primary cause of rust or corrosion. The factory suspension also caused significant wear to any tires this causing any tires to wear uneven and require replacement within less than 15kmi. After suspension was replaced in 2019 tires were replaced as well. Vehicle driven 15kmi since 2019 and replacement, in 2021 the suspension again was drifting, causing severe uneven tire wear, and at highway speeds 60mph& above causes a severe drift and vibration which could cause a dangerous situation for the average driver and at highway speeds u have to literally hold the vehicle on the road with a moderate force or it will I'm fact drift and cause incident. I believe the manufacturer should recognise this issue and repair or replace all the components of suspension at no cost to consumer as I am not the only one affected by this. I have receipts I can provide upon request showing the suspension was replaced. Please do not show my personal information or very specific details about my vehicle online.

See all problems of the 2005 Subaru Outback 🔎.