NHTSA Complaint #11515945 — 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK

The left front engine cradle collapsed due to rust while driving. this caused the car to swerve to the left, and when the brakes were applied, it also swerved left. The car was almost undriveable. The failure put the driver of the car at risk, and luckily it happened in city driving, and not on the highway. The engine cradle is a component of the frame of the car, and should not be rusting out after 130,000 miles. This is why I think this model may need to be subject to investigation and possible recall. The Subaru Dealer (Cityside Subaru) looked at the car and confirmed that the left front cradle collapsed due to rust. They say the repair would cost $2800. There was no warning or indication prior to failure. In fact, we have had this vehicle continuously serviced at the dealership since 2011, and since 2016 we have spent over $16,000 in repairs, including various front wheel components. I would have expected the dealer to notify us if there was a potential problem. Because they didn't I feel this is a catastrophic failure that could be dangerous in any situation, especially at high speeds.