2011 Subaru Outback engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed May 13, 2026CACrashEngine

   Purchased my 2011 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited from the dealership, new. Since 2013, the Subaru dealer has discovered multiple oil leaks, replaced the head gaskets 3 times, thermostat 4 times, the alternator 3 times, timing belt 4 times, radiator 3 times, starter once, and my HVAC system twice...all due to my engine seizing multiple times while driving on freeways. No warning lights, just the engine seizing suddenly. This caused a few minor bumper accidents on the freeways…

   NHTSA complaint #11737640 · source
2. Filed Apr 18, 2026KSEngine

   Took my vehicle in for oil change and was notified the cam carrier is leaking. Researching this issue online it seems this is a very common problem with this vehicle and if I had known earlier wouldn’t have purchased for my daughter. With such a common problem I wonder why a recall hasn’t been made?

   NHTSA complaint #11732099 · source
3. Filed Oct 8, 2025KYEngineOther / Unknown

   When I came to a stop at a light, the car stalled and the engine turned off. It was just as if I was driving a manual transmission and didn't put the clutch down while in gear. I spoke with my husband about the issue and he told me it has been happening for several months now. I have researched it a but snd found that Subaru is aware of the issue and has not offered any recall for the issue but offered an extended warranty. This is not helpful when you are the 2nd owner of a…

   NHTSA complaint #11692013 · source
4. Filed Dec 31, 2024CO1 injuredElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   Coolant leak, steering power fluid leak, break pad leak, gasoline line leak, seat heater, clicking noise after turning off car, leaking seats and rear view mirror also leaking, steering wheel expanding due to possible air bag, heater and ac vents lose and also chemical smell/gas/coolant coming from front and back of car, sunroof not secured. Every wiring wet, charger port in middle compartment wet when plugging something in. Everything auto does not work. Car sounds like…

   NHTSA complaint #11633292 · source
5. Filed Aug 21, 2024153,000 miVAEngine

   The contact owns a 2011 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to slow down, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle while the vehicle was still in motion, and the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11610039 · source
6. Filed Jan 6, 2024MIEngine

   in 2023 my car started overheating. took it in and it was the headgasket. even with the age of my car, it only had just over 105,000 miles on it. looking at other subarus for sale out of curiosity, I saw that quite a lot had their engines replaced. even newer than mine. i do see this as a expensive problem, which I know first hand. the headgasket went while i was on the freeway. tried to make it home, wasn't to far away, but had to be towed.

   NHTSA complaint #11563896 · source
7. Filed Aug 11, 2023MIEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   Vehicle engine/transmission/torque converter dies when coming to a stop. This is especially an issue when having to stop suddenly and get going again quickly as the vehicle has to be put in neutral, restarted, and put back in drive. It is a safety issue at traffic lights, traffic signals, and in stop and go traffic that has resulted in a multitude of near-miss rear end collisions that put my life and my families lives in danger. There is a service bulletin from Subaru…

   NHTSA complaint #11537892 · source
8. Filed Apr 17, 2023WIEngineSteeringSuspension

   The front lower subframe cracked where the driver's side front wheel attaches to it in our 2011 Subaru Outback. This resulted in loss of steering control of vehicle. The issue has been confirmed by independent mechanic. Vehicle has not been inspected by manufacturer, police, or insurance agent. It is available for inspection at [XXX]. There were no warning lights when this failure occurred. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C.…

   NHTSA complaint #11517355 · source
9. Filed Mar 20, 2023CAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   While driving the car and stepping on the breaks really to avoid something in the road, the engine stalls and loses power requiring the driver to turn the key and restart the vehicle. My safety is a risk because if this happens on the street or highway with other vehicles around it could cause a major accident. This issue has not been confirmed by a dealer or independent service however, a call to my local dealership confirmed they have heard of this issue in the past and…

   NHTSA complaint #11512876 · source
10. Filed Jan 9, 2023INElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown

    My car just dies on it's own while driving and it has trouble starting back up or somedays it just won't start up but after it dies while going down the road but after cranking it a few times it finally starts the check engine light comes on the traction control light starts flashing the brake light starts flashing and the cruise control light starts flashing I took it to a dealer and no codes were thrown in my car and after a few days of all the lights on and flashing they…

    NHTSA complaint #11500745 · source
11. Filed Nov 2, 2022TXDriver Assistance & Safety TechEngineAcceleration & Cruise Control

    Vehicle is failing to shift correctly causing low acceleration and road safety issues. Cruise control and manual shift paddles not working, multiple warning lights on.

    NHTSA complaint #11491892 · source
12. Filed Aug 22, 2022CA1 injuredEngine

    The car got overheated on 8/20/2022, because of the mechanical and design issue, specifically the coolant pipe and hose connection which got disconnected and blew up with force ejecting hot coolant liquid. The incident almost killed my husband. The hot liquid burned his abdomen and my face. He got transported by an ambulance, got admitted to a hospital, and got a 2nd-degree burner. This entire incident endangered my entire family members while we were far from home on a road…

    NHTSA complaint #11480647 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology