10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
55,676 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.

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problem #6

Mar 042024

Outback

  • miles
Car caught on fire I was driving heard a weird gurgle came home got out and it burst in to flames almost caught my house on fire

- Sylva, NC, USA

problem #5

May 202010

Outback

  • 80,000 miles
Dashboard is melting

- Westminster, MD, USA

problem #4

Aug 252018

Outback

  • miles
Sticky, melting dashboard, shiny and reflective in direct sunlight creating visibility problems, unsure how it will react if passenger airbag must be deployed thru deteriorating dashboard, affecting resale value. Dashboard literally comes off on hands or wiping rags, possible release of chemicals into interior? Subaru will only address 1/3 of the defect repair cost. Total average cost for replacement is approx $1500-1600.00, actual dashboard itself retails for $502.50 from dealers and is aparently available within a few days when ordered. Subaru gave credit for $500, almost covering the cost of the dashboard / cover only*** approx. $1000 in labor must be paid by customer. Car is in otherwise immaculent condition. This is a defect affecting safety, and is a known problem with Subaru effecting all of this model and similar models with high sun exposure. It is also cross manufacturer affected, ie; Toyota, Nissan, etc. They have taken the role of recall and replace. Subaru has not to date. Subaru is aware that this is a serious problem yet refuses to accept full responsibility for.

- Warwick, PA, USA

problem #3

Jun 172018

Outback

  • 70,000 miles
I was stopped on a side street, waiting for a traffic lighttip change around 9:50am on Sunday, June 17, in denver, co. There were cars in front of me and one in back but none of us were moving. Suddenly, and without warning, my driver's side window completely shattered. It had been half open before this happened with no mechanical issues. Glass sprayed in and out of the car. I had several small cuts. There was no evidence of anything hitting or being thrown at the window.

- Denver, CO, USA

problem #2

Nov 262016

Outback

  • 120,000 miles
Wire harness going to rear hatch had multiple wires severed by repeated opening/closing of rear hatch. Lock and tail light wires were broken though. 4 other wires had their insulation cut and the conductor was exposed. In searching the net this appears to be a very common problem. Why hasn't a recall been issued? failure of brake lights or tail lights are a safety issue.

- Marlborough, CT, USA

problem #1

Jan 112015

Outback 4-cyl

  • 64,059 miles
Melted dashboard on 2008 Subaru Outback 2.5I. Causing glare in windshield reducing visibility.

- San Antonio, TX, USA