2005 SUBARU OUTBACK — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

353

Owner Complaints

20 Crashes 6 Fires

9

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

27

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK

The 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK has received a total of 353 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 9 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. 27 technical service bulletins have been issued by Subaru of America, Inc. for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Air Bags (36 complaints), Suspension (36 complaints), and Vehicle Speed Control (31 complaints).

Recalls for the 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK

NHTSA has recorded 9 recalls for the 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK, potentially affecting up to 1,672,351 vehicles.

Recall 20V003000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

| 111,562 vehicles affected

Defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington,...

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may...

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Recall 20V001000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

| 258,813 vehicles affected

Defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin...

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614....

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Recall 20V002000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

| 127,547 vehicles affected

Defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee,...

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may...

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Recall 19V297000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

| 511 vehicles affected

Defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part. The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on...

Consequence: The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash. If a crash occurs under this condition, the air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 10, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is...

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Recall 15V323000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

| 432,016 vehicles affected

Defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Subaru Baja vehicles manufactured January 22, 2003, to July 21, 2004, 2004-2005 Impreza vehicles manufactured January 28, 2003, to May 31, 2005, 2003-2008 Subaru Legacy vehicles manufactured January 22, 2003, to May 2, 2008, 2003-2008 Subaru Outback vehicles manufactured February 18, 2003, to May 5, 2008, and 2005 Saab...

Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners and General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The Subaru recall began on June 17, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. The...

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Recall 14V763000 — AIR BAGS

| 4,175 vehicles affected

Defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy and Outback vehicles, and 2003-2005 Baja vehicles sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Puerto Rico, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Saipan, American Samoa, Florida and adjacent counties in southern Georgia, as well as the...

Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQP-51. Note: This recall supersedes...

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Recall 14V311000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

| 461,338 vehicles affected

Defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Outback and Legacy, 2008-2011 Impreza and 2008-2014 Impreza WRX/STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Salt...

Consequence: Brake line corrosion may result in brake fluid leakage. Fluid leakage may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will test the brake system by depressing the brake pedal and inspecting for brake fluid leaks. If no brake fluid seepage is observed, the affected areas will be rustproofed with anti-corrosion wax. If brake...

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Recall 13V110000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

| 274,402 vehicles affected

Defect: Subaru is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Outback and Legacy vehicles manufactured from December 2003, through April 2009 and currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Salt water could splash on the...

Consequence: Brake line corrosion may result in brake fluid leakage. Fluid leakage may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles. If no brake fluid seepage is observed, the affected area will be rustproofed with anti-corrosion wax. If brake fluid seepage is observed, the brake lines will be replaced followed by...

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Recall 04V274000 — AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

| 1,987 vehicles affected

Defect: THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS IN CERTAIN VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THIS CAMPAIGN MAY NOT FULLY DEPLOY RAPIDLY ENOUGH WHEN ACTIVATED IN A SIDE IMPACT COLLISION. DURING A SIDE IMPACT TEST CONDUCTED BY THE INSURANCE INSTITUTE FOR HIGHWAY SAFETY (IIHS), THE TEST RESULTS INDICATED THAT THERE WAS A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE IIHS TEST RESULTS AND THE RESULT OF...

Consequence: THIS MAY RESULT IN FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE INTENDED HEAD PROTECTION, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO A SEAT OCCUPANT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG MODULES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 11, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783. .

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Owner Complaints for the 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK

353 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Air Bags
Complaints: 36 3 Crashes 1 Fire 7 Injuries
Suspension
Complaints: 36 1 Crash
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 31 5 Crashes 1 Fire 6 Injuries
Electrical System
Complaints: 26
Service Brakes
Complaints: 22 1 Crash
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 19
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 15
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 14 1 Fire
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 13
Steering
Complaints: 13 2 Crashes 1 Injury
Engine
Complaints: 10
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 8
Power Train
Complaints: 8 1 Crash
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 8
Wheels
Complaints: 8 1 Crash
Electronic Stability Control Esc
Complaints: 7 1 Crash
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 6 1 Crash 1 Fire 4 Injuries
Visibilitywiper
Complaints: 6
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 5 1 Fire
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 5
Tires
Complaints: 5
Traction Control System
Complaints: 5
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
Complaints: 5 1 Crash
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 4
Power Traindriveline
Complaints: 3
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 3
Structurebody
Complaints: 3 1 Crash
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 2
Equipment
Complaints: 2
Structure
Complaints: 2
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 2
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasolineturbosupercharger
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control
Complaints: 1
Equipmentrecreational Vehicletrailerlpg Systems
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Exterior Lightingheadlightshighlow Beam Dimmer Switch
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Other
Complaints: 1
Power Traindrivelinecenter Support Bearing
Complaints: 1
Power Traindrivelinedifferential Unit
Complaints: 1
Seat Belts
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsrearother
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 1
Structurebodytailgatehinge And Attachments
Complaints: 1 1 Injury
Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlthrottle
Complaints: 1
Visibilityglass Siderear
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevicesexterior
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Wheelshub
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11711440 | AIR BAGS | | N/A miles
The contact had received several recall notifications of an air bag recall for a 2005 Subaru Outback. The contact never owned the vehicle and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list. The manufacturer was contacted and advised the contact that the removal request could not be processed without the complete VIN. The contact had provided a partial VIN.
#11682367 | SERVICE BRAKES | | N/A miles
See attached document for complaint.
#11682367 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | | N/A miles
See attached document for complaint.
#11552352 | SERVICE BRAKES | | N/A miles
Vehicle brakes failed while driving, the brake pedal went to the floor and almost caused a serious car accident. Yes, vehicle and brake lines are available for inspection upon request. My safety, the safety of others and more importantly my life and the lives of others were severely threatened because of the major break failure that occurred. It is terrifying to think that I was unknowingly driving around this vehicle with an imminent accident that could happen anytime, without any warning, which could have killed me. After taking pictures of my brake lines, recording videos and doing some quick research, I called a local to inspect my brake lines. I told them the scenario that I experienced and reported to them that my brake lines were covered in rust. I told them that I found out my vehicle had a recall remedy done on the brake lines in 2017, which is before I owned the vehicle. I told them that the rust and corrosion was in the same spots that were supposed to be fixed in the recall repair and that I am positive that the repair was done incorrectly or the repair was not done at all. I requested they take pictures of the brake lines and show them to the manufacturer or use the photos I took but they ensured they would take care of all of that. Called for update a week later and was unable to get in contact with anyone. I waited over a month before one of my calls was finally answered. I was told they still hadn’t looked at my vehicle yet. Having no vehicle had a very negative impact towards my job because I had no transportation for so long. I called back a few days later and was told that they would not repair my vehicle. My vehicle was not inspected by the police or insurance because I wasn’t in an accident. I was less then a minute from home when this life threatening incident occurred and thankfully was able to pull the car into my driveway. No warning lamps, no messages and no symptoms of the problem were present prior to this life threatening occurrence.
#11511298 | SUSPENSION | | N/A miles
There should be a recall for front suspension on this vehicle if not the entire suspension. Mine has been garage kept since day 1, is in showroom condition, not driven in salt on roads during snow, therefore no reason for the suspension to be in this condition. In 2019 at 74,000 miles I had to have the entire front end suspension all components replaced at a cost of over $2,500 USD the suspension was also causing what others refer to as "drifting" under any road driving conditions on dry or wet pavement at any speed above 30mph and would and still does after having the entire suspension replaced, drift, unstable, and when the original suspension was replaced even after being flawlessly maintained the suspension components from the factory were severely worn and including rubber gaskets, sway bars, etc and appeared to have a rust or corroded appearance in spite of the vehicle never being driven in weather during snow when most areas would place salt on roads which is a primary cause of rust or corrosion. The factory suspension also caused significant wear to any tires this causing any tires to wear uneven and require replacement within less than 15kmi. After suspension was replaced in 2019 tires were replaced as well. Vehicle driven 15kmi since 2019 and replacement, in 2021 the suspension again was drifting, causing severe uneven tire wear, and at highway speeds 60mph& above causes a severe drift and vibration which could cause a dangerous situation for the average driver and at highway speeds U have to literally hold the vehicle on the road with a moderate force or it will I'm fact drift and cause incident. I believe the manufacturer should recognise this issue and repair or replace all the components of suspension at no cost to consumer as I am not the only one affected by this. I have receipts I can provide upon request showing the suspension was replaced. Please do not show my personal information or very specific details about my vehicle online.

View all Air Bags complaints →

Safety Rating for the 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK

Subaru of America, Inc. has issued 27 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

01-168-09r — LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.

WUF-91-041219 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

New Subaru Safety Recall: WUF-91 Replacement Ignition Switch Recall Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain vehicles in the ranges listed below to inspect and potentially replace the ignition switch. A total of 511 U.S. vehicles will be affected by this recall.

WVI19R — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PZEV MODELS ONLY. REVISED. This Campaign applies to vehicles in any state except those with motor vehicle registrations in the States of California, Massachusetts, Maine, New York or Vermont. For affected vehicles registered in these states, see Service Program WVH-18. INTRODUCTION Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has determined that vehicles...

WVH18R — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PZEV MODELS ONLY. REVISED. This Campaign only applies to vehicles with motor vehicle registration in the States of California, Massachusetts, Maine, New York and Vermont. For affected vehicles registered in any other state, see Service Program WVI-19. INTRODUCTION Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has determined that vehicles affected by this...

WQR-53U2 — AIR BAGS

UPDATE: FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG INFLATORS WQR-53 THE WQR-53 RECALL IS BEING EXPANDED TO INCLUDE ALL 2005-2008 MODEL YEAR LEGACY AND OUTBACK VEHICLES. THIS IS AN EXPANSION FROM THE CURRENT WQP-51 LIMITED REGIONAL RECALL FOR CERTAIN 2005 MODEL YEAR LEGACY AND OUTBACK VEHICLES, TO A NATIONAL RECALL FOR ALL 2005-2008...

SM01 — AIR BAGS

SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT OF SUBARU RECALL CAMPAIGN: FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG INFLATORS WQP-51

WQG-43R — SERVICE BRAKES

SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.

WQG-43 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Subaru of America, Inc. has determined that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists on certain 2005-2009 model year Subaru Legacy/Outback vehicles currently or formerly registered in at least one of the ?salt-belt? states listed below. These vehicles may have been manufactured with brake lines that could, over...

SB-WVH-18 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR

SUBARU: ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM)REPROGRAMMING. UNDER CERTAIN UNIQUE DRIVING PATTERNS, SUCH AS REPEATED ACCELERATION AND DECELERATION AND/OR CONTINUOUS UPHILL DRIVING AT HIGHER SPEEDS (ABOUT 75MPH), THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS OF AFFECTED VEHICLES MAY DEVELOP HIGH INTERNAL TEMPERATURES THAT EXCEED DESIGN PARAMETERS. IF LEFT UNCORRECTED, THIS CONDITION MAY EVENTUALLY DEGRADE THE EFFICIENCY...

SB-WVI-19 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

SUBARU: ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) REPROGRAMMING. UNDER CERTAIN UNIQUE DRIVING PATTERNS, SUCH AS REPEATED ACCELERATION AND DECELERATION AND/OR CONTINUOUS UPHILL DRIVING AT HIGHER SPEEDS (ABOUT 75MPH), THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS OF AFFECTIVE VEHICLES MAY DEVELOP HIGH INTERNAL TEMPERATURES THAT EXCEED DESIGN PARAMETER. IF LEFT UNCORRECTED, THIS CONDITION MAY EVENTUALLY DEGRADE THE...

Showing 10 of 27 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the SUBARU OUTBACK

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Other SUBARU Models

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Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report