10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 1 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 0 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
This appears to be a very common problem with this motor. Oil can leak so bad it will hit hot exhaust and possibly start a fire.
- Lawrence, KS, USA
While driving, vehicle completely shuts down without warning, cause unknown. Malfunction could possibly be occurring within speedodmeter. Consumer stated the dealer found the source of the problem was actually the cause of the vehicle shutting down.
- Tolland, CT, USA
Intermittent severe hesitation - has become safety issue when sudden power loss occurs in traffic under acceleration.
- Eugene, OR, USA
Engine was knocking and making a ticking noise, brakes were making a squeak/ loud noise, dealership is aware of problem. Consumer stated that the vehicle pulls to the right and steering wheel wobbles, also rim was replaced due to it being bent.
- South Bend, IN, USA
Crank seal leak is a fire risk. Oil drips along oil pan and onto Y section of exhaust where it burns. This is a common problem with Subaru with 50K miles. Although torque converter bind is not directly a safety issue, it is too common among Subaru with > 50K miles.
- Sherman, TX, USA
Engine problem 1. after each oil change, engine shows severe hesitation during acceleration at RPM's below 2500 (feels like late ignition timing), which results in loss of power - dangerous when merging into traffic. When RPM's reach 2500, the power returns to normal, and the car starts accelerating much faster, creating a possibility of running into a car in front. This behavior gradually disappears over the next 1500 miles and reappears again after the next oil change. Subaru dealers do not admit any problem. Engine problem 2. when cruising in neutral (standard 5-speed transmission), the RPM stay around 1200 - 1500 in most cases (~95%). they fall to normal 800 only after full stop. In other 5% of situations they fall to normal as you would expect them to. Again, Subaru dealers do not admit any problem.
- Bedford, MA, USA
Entire bottom surface to the engine was covered with rustproofing causing illness (chest tightness, breathing difficulty, dizziness and confusion, from leakage of fumes into compartment.
- Centreville, VA, USA
Engine races at high RPM's without pressing the accelerator.
- Timonium, MD, USA
Engine surges erratically when vehicle is stopped. RPM goes suddenly from approximately 600 to 1,100, lunging the vehicle unexpectedly forward.
- Issaquah, WA, USA
- Jersey Shore, PA, USA