This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
1999 Subaru legacy Outback. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle began to roll backward while trying to remove keys. The consumer stated she parked the vehicle, placed it in park, and left the keys in the ignition, so she could check out the new halogen bulbs that had been installed. When she returned to remove the key, with the door being open, the vehicle began to roll backwards, and the opened door pushed her to the ground. The consumer stated she carefully checked and made sure, the vehicle was securely in park, before she exited to check the lights, and did not touch anything when she returned. She was subsequently, taken to the hospital by ambulance suffering from severe head, back and neck injuries and spent 2 days in the hospital. The vehicle rolled into two other parked cars and caused damage to both. Updated 05/20/14 updated 06/19/14
The contact owns a 1999 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond to acceleration attempts. The contact stated that she had to constantly change the gear from reverse to drive in order for it to work. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection but they could not determine the cause of failure. The manufacturer was notified but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 42,000.
I bought a 1999 Subaru Outback 30th anniversary limited edition in June of 1999. Within six months, the car began to exhibit clutch and transmission problems. I brought this to the immediate attention of the Subaru dealer. For three years they denied that there was anything wrong with the vehicle, always saying they were unable to duplicate the problems. Finally in June of 2002, I was able to get a regional service supervisor to admit that the car definitely had problems. His first solution was to suggest that I trade the car in on a new one. When I declined, he offered to have the car properly repaired, as it should have been three years prior. After four trips to two different Subaru dealers and after supposedly having the entire clutch assembly replaced three times, the car is in worse shape than it ever has been. Subaru has refused to repair the car, despite the fact that it's under an extended warranty that covers the entire transmission. I have had to retain an attorney to deal with Subaru of America. Subaru claims that the car now operates as designed and that any problems I am now experiencing are a result of my driving habits. Subaru refuses to replace the car because they were able to stall any repairs until the car passed the two year lemon law exclusion. This is not the only problem with this car. I have had repeated brake failures. The car went through a set of Michelin radial tires in less than 20,000 miles. The driver's side seat belt is defective. I have experienced repeated electrical system failures. This car cannot be driven in snow (contrary to Subaru's commercials) because the tires become compacted with snow and are thrown out of balance. The brakes also become compacted with snow and ice and have failed repeatedly, almost causing serious injury. The radio antenna refuses to retract in cold weather. I could go on and on, but Subaru refuses to listen or repair the car.
I keep getting a chirp when the clutch is out; goes away when it\\'s fully depressed. Problem is the throw-out bearing assembly. Seems the pins that hold it in place keep failing, causing the bearing to rub agains the clutch assembly, wearing it out prematurely. It\\'s a very expensive repair for such a small, inexpensive part. And it keeps failing. First at 18,500, then at 43000, then again at 45000.
Heated mirrors, heated seats, and speedometer/odometer all quit working and although service technicians told me there was nothing wrong originally, they did finally admit to a short within each unit. There must be something electrial shorting out to cause all the misc. Things to go out. The dealership tells me there is no concern due to repeated electrical shortages in the vehicle.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Briarcliff Manor, NY, USA