I was advised by a mechanic on 4/20/15 that the rear cradle is very rusty, enough that I should avoid carrying heavy loads. I just noticed on this website that there was a recall in 2003 for inadequate rustproofing of that part; however, we never received notice of a recall. Can this be repaired or replaced now? there was no incident associated with this problem.

- Ann Arbor, MI, USA

Stopped for a red light. When the light turned green car would not go forward because the automatic transmission would not engage forward gears. Evidently this is a common problem with a known defect and expensive repair.

- Southington, CT, USA

I was driving along, around 50 mph. I hit a bump in the road, and there was a loud bang. The vehicle jerked and swerved, as it was snowing... I almost lost control. The rear sub-frame was rusted out and had broken, allowing the rear differential to break free and smash up into the fuel tank and cause severe jerking. I had done a little reading, Subaru had a recall on this vehicle for inferior metal on the rear sub-frame. This vehicle was in for the recall in 2003. Where they deemed it not bad enough to replace the sub-frame, but clean it and spray it with anti corrosion substance. As it now stands, the car is not drivable, and the recall fix was clearly not a proper solution. I called Subaru, and they told me that since it had been in for a recall in 2003, there was nothing more on there end that they would do. I am a long time Subaru fan, and I really just would like them to honor their mistake, and fix the vehicle properly. Or purchase it back from me, and I will gladly purchase another Subaru. I have photos of the sub-frame where it has clearly rusted and broke free. It is very clear that the metal is inferior, considering everything else on the underside of the vehicle is in functional and serviceable condition. Thanks you.

- Wellfleet, MA, USA

The tps has been replaced twice, all leads from the wiring harness have been ground and lubricated, but the transmission shift shock remains. The manufacturer's technical department, having made the former guesses on the tps replacement and leads, suggests replacing the ECM and tcm to see if that corrects the problem. The severe shift shock is the most current problem with this egregiously defective vehicle in which all major parts have been replaced since purchasing it new, the repair cost so far equivalent to the purchase price. There is 126,000 miles on the odometer and this vehicle has had only one owner who has always driven it with the utmost care. The vehicle in its current state since July 2010 is dangerous to drive - without following an obvious pattern, the at dashboard light flashes and within seconds there is severe shift shock, on highways at 65mph and in congested traffic at 10mph. The engine has to be turned off immediately so that the computer components can hopefully reset, which resetting does not always happen. If the engine is not switched off, the severe shift shock continues. Having this happen at any speed is so dangerous, and trying to pull off to the side of the highway is even more dangerous. There are hundreds of complaints on the internet from Subaru owners, but Subaru corporate office denies all responsibility, simply stating that the vehicles should be taken to dealerships. The dealerships are unable to fix the problem as the defect is inherent in the manufacture of the vehicle.

- San Francisco, CA, USA

The contact owns a 2000 Subaru Outback. While shifting from park into drive, the vehicle takes 15-20 seconds for the gears to shift. The manufacturer is aware of the failure, but has not issued a safety recall. The current mileage was 170,000 and failure mileage was 30,000.

- Camronmills, NY, USA

Automobile performance/maintenance.

- Pismo Beach, CA, USA