2011 Subaru Outback problems and complaints
Owners have filed 651 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Subaru Outback. The most-reported areas: Power Train (216), Exterior Lighting (117), Engine (85).
Key takeaways
- 651 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
- 23 involve a crash, 6 a fire, 6 reported injuries.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 216 | 33% |
| Exterior Lighting | 117 | 18% |
| Engine | 85 | 13% |
| Service Brakes | 76 | 12% |
| Air Bags | 73 | 11% |
| Electrical System | 67 | 10% |
| Unknown Or Other | 38 | 6% |
| Steering | 36 | 6% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 25 | 4% |
| Suspension | 21 | 3% |
| Visibility/Wiper | 18 | 3% |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 12 | 2% |
One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Subaru Outback 4 DR AWD | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Latest complaints, as filed
Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.
Suspension - filed 2026-08-03
I have advised Autozone about premature failure of this part number ball joint. Originally the part number was FA267. Autozone changed the part number and color but did not address the quality and/or longevty concern. I have had to replace all of these part numbered ball joints with oem Subaru parts. The Autozone versi...
Electrical System - filed 2026-08-03
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Subaru Outback. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of the purchase on 2/26/2026, the mileage was 95,999. The contact found a bill of sale from 07/29/2026, that stated that the mileage was appr...
Engine - filed 2026-05-13
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 sei...
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More for the 2011 Subaru Outback
Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.