2013 Subaru Outback Problems And Complaints

2013 Subaru Outback user complaints and problems

Electrical Problems 

• Bluetooth – It was stated that the Bluetooth messages and navigation instructions override the infotainment screen when using the reverse camera. The users found pop-up windows over the backup camera, obstructing the visibility of the drivers and making it hard to reverse the car.
• Engine Control Module – Users found the car to speed up on its own while trying to drive slow. There were instances where the car lurched forward while trying to park, crashing into a fence, or running over the sidewalk. The dealers diagnosed the car to find a software glitch with the ECM which had to be updated.
• Lockup duty solenoid – The car was seen displaying warning lights related to the engine, ABS, and oil while there were no visible signs of any issue. After the dealers ran a diagnosis, they found that the lockup duty solenoid circuit in the CVT transmission needed to be replaced.
• Eyesight system – The Subaru Eyesight system monitors the traffic ahead and activated emergency braking when needed. Certain users found the system to be way too sensitive, engaging the brakes when not required.

Mechanical Problems 

• Engine – It was found that the Subaru overheated very often and required frequent oil changes as the engine was burning oil at a faster rate. Users faced this even after maintaining the prescribed oil change intervals but the dealers claimed it to be a common issue among owners and there aren’t any fixes for the issue.
• Transmission – The users stated that the transmission made a whirling noise during a downshift. The car started struggling to accelerate while the noise started getting louder post which the car was taken to the mechanics. It was said to be a known issue that was caused due to worn bearings in the transmission. Dealers recommended getting the whole transmission replaced.
• Steering – Users confirmed that the steering never stayed in a position and kept swaying in different directions. The issue was reported by many and made driving safely an impossible task. Dealers inspected the issue to find out the steering column was damaged. It was required to be replaced, which it promptly was.

Safety Problems 

• Airbag – Users received notifications regarding a Takata airbag recall but the dealers claimed they didn’t have the parts to perform the repairs, leaving the owners with no other option than to drive an unsafe car.

Exterior Problems 

• Lights – Users reported getting the lights replaced very often as they blew up frequently. The dealers suspected an electrical short and after some inspection, it was found that the rear brake light let water enter the module when it rained and this created a short that burned various bulbs.

2013 Subaru Outback recalls

S. No.	Date	NHTSA ID	Issues Noticed	Additional Remarks	Remedy
1.	2nd January 2020	20V002000	Passenger frontal airbag may explode.	An Inflator explosion may result in sharp metal objects striking the driver or occupants, resulting in serious injury.	Dealers will replace the passenger airbag inflator.
2.	2nd January 2020	20V001000	Passenger frontal airbag may explode.	Sharp metal fragments can be shot at the occupants and result in an injury.	The passenger airbag inflator will be replaced.
3.	2nd January 2020	20V003000	Passenger frontal airbag may explode.	If the inflator explodes, metal chippings can fly toward the occupants and cause injury or even death.	The dealers are requested to replace the passenger airbag inflator.
4.	11th April 2019	19V297000	Ignition switch may turn off.	The ball spring inside the switch may break and cause the switch to engage when the car slightly shakes. This leads to the car shutting off unexpectedly.	The ignition switch will be replaced.
5.	9th January 2019	19V008000	Passenger frontal airbag may explode.	Explosion of the front passenger airbag inflator can send sharp metal fragments striking the passenger or driver, resulting in a serious injury or death.	Dealers will inspect and replace the airbag inflator.
6.	9th January 2019	19V009000	Passenger frontal airbag may explode.	The inflator can send sharp objects flying at the occupants if it explodes.	The faulty inflator will be replaced.
7.	9th January 2019	19V007000	Passenger frontal airbag may explode.	Occupants can get struck by sharp metal pieces if the airbag inflator explodes, resulting in serious injuries or even death.	Passenger airbag inflators that are faulty will be replaced.
8.	13th September 2018	18V626000	Electronic parking brake may fail.	This can lead to the vehicle rolling away, increasing the risk of a crash.	The EPB actuator will be replaced.
9.	9th January 2018	18V012000	Passenger frontal airbag may explode.	If the front passenger airbag explodes, it can send metal shards toward the occupant at high force, resulting in fatal injuries or death.	Dealers will replace the airbag inflator, free of cost.
10.	27th September 2016	16V694000	Windshield wiper motor bottom cover may melt.	The windshield motor overheats and melts the motor cover along with shutting its functionality.	The motor bottom cover assembly will be replaced.
11.	13th May 2013	13V194000	Steering column disengagement.	If the shaft becomes disengaged, the driver would lose the ability to steer the vehicle.	The steering column assembly will be replaced.
12.	25th February 2013	13V061000	Remote engine started fob malfunction.	This lets the key falsely transmit a signal to start the engine without clicking the button.	Dealers will replace the RES key fob.

Should you buy the 2013 Subaru Outback?

The 2013 Subaru Outback is worth the $23,295 it asks for, offering good features and versatility. Do not let the 12 recalls this car has had change your opinion, as 7 of them related to the same issue. Subaru had to undergo the airbag inflator recall many times due to a faulty Takata airbag module. The only main concern with the Outback is the high oil consumption, which doesn't seem to have a fix yet. The Outback otherwise is a reliable SUV with class-leading performance and comfort. Even though this segment has many bigger players, we recommend picking the Subaru with rectified problems as it offers great value for money.