2005 Subaru Outback problems
Owners have filed 354 complaints about the 2005 Subaru Outback with NHTSA. Suspension accounts for 15.8% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of vehicle speed control at 11.3%.
Complaints354
Crashes20
Fires6
Injuries19
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Suspension 15.8% · 56
Vehicle speed control 11.3% · 40
Air bags 10.7% · 38
Exterior lighting 8.5% · 30
Electrical system 7.9% · 28
Service brakes 6.2% · 22
Engine and engine cooling 4.8% · 17
Power train 4.8% · 17
Severity
Of those complaints, 20 describe a crash, 6 describe a fire and 19 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 28 model years of the Subaru Outback in this data, 2005 sits 14th by complaint volume. 2019 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 7 in the last three years against 20 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 85,000 miles.
In owners' own words
Unstable car is extremely unstable on ice or slush cover roads. This has happened many times in the past 2 years. The rear fishtails from side to side. Had to slow down to very low speed to regain control. Other cars had no trouble and easily passed. Tires are good, alignment good. Car also floats from right to left on dry pavement if wheels hit pothole or large crack in pavement. Rear instability. Suspension
My 2005 Subaru Outback xt limited does not handle well in snow/icy conditions. The rear end oscillates back and forth in a very uneasy, unsafe manor. I just had the rear end and front end aligned. The tires are only half way worn. I was traveling 45 mph and every car on the road was not having issues with the road. I had to slow down to about 10 mph in order to feel safe. Suspension · reported at 20,090 miles
Vehicle ghostwalking while driving 40-45mph in a straight section of road. Multiple other verified issues from 2005-2009 Outback vehicles exhibit the same symptoms. Almost lost control of vehicle and cannot safely travel above 45mph without losing control. Subaru has not officially acknowledged this problem or provided a solution. Suspension · reported at 138,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…