The contact owns a 2007 Subaru Outback. While driving 35 mph, there was a loud noise from the rear passenger side of the vehicle. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the rear shock support was fractured and separated from the vehicle. Bill mcbride Subaru (5105 U.S. ave, plattsburgh, NY 12901, (518) 561-7400) was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 145,000.

- Plattsburg, NY, USA

I own a 2007 Subaru Outback 2.5I with a manual transmission. This vehicle is an early warning indicator for black ice on the road surface. The Outback vehicle has a stability control problem in certain conditions. While driving at constant speed (constant and low throttle position) on a flat road, the back end of the vehicle tends to oscillate from side to side in icy conditions. The vehicle feels like it is going to spin out, although that hasnt happened to me yet. Other vehicles on the road at the same time seem to have adequate traction (2wd, AWD, 4WD). The problem is not traction while: 1) cornering under slippery conditions, 2) hard acceleration on ice, or 3) braking on ice. Road conditions that I have experienced the oscillation on are very thin ice (black ice). I suspect there is something wrong with the rear suspension design on my 05-09 Outbacks. The problem is more prevalent and pronounced when the vehicle has occupants in the rear seats. The stability of this vehicle seems to be marginal and it only takes certain conditions (road and vehicle parameters) to be on the edge of disaster. Subaru released technical service bulletin 05-36-07 which eliminated the positive side of the original toe tolerance for rear tire alignment. I think the vehicle experiences large rear tire toe in when weight is added. I suspect this large rear tire toe in when weight is added contributes to the stability problem in icy conditions I have brand new (Jan 2010) hankook ipike W409 studless winter tires. Its not the tires. Those who have not experienced this situation naturally respond by saying it is ice, what are your expecting, just slow down. I have lived in Colorado since 1981 and consider myself a competent driver in all weather conditions. Without a doubt, I would actually feel safer and more in control driving my 2wd minivan (or any other car I have owned) in these conditions. I implore you to recall this vehicle. It is unsafe.

- Golden, CO, USA

2007 Subaru Outback does not handle properly on icy roads. The AWD fails or pulls, causing the driver to lose control at speeds over 35-40mph. Other 2wd cars on the road pass and handle the same conditions better with no appearance of sliding. This has happened several times. We have also replaced the tires and had two alignments in the past year. The problem persists whenever we are on an ice packed road, but does not present in snow or where the road has been treated with adequate mag chloride.

- Denver, CO, USA