CarRecallWatchThe 2005 Subaru Outback has 9 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 273 complaints with NHTSA, including 13 crashes, 3 fires, 11 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Suspension (56 reports).
2005 Subaru Outback recalls
Passenger Airbag May Explode, Sending Metal Fragments
The passenger frontal airbag inflator in these vehicles can rupture.
Passenger airbag inflator may explode, sending metal fragments
Some vehicles had their passenger frontal airbag inflators replaced under an earlier recall, but the replacement inflators use the same design.
Passenger airbag inflator may explode, sending metal shrapnel
The passenger frontal airbag inflator in these vehicles can rupture.
Ignition Switch May Turn Off Engine, Disabling Airbags
The ignition switch on these vehicles may have a ball spring inside that can break, weakening the switch.
Passenger Air Bag Inflator May Rupture and Injure Occupants
The passenger-side frontal air bag inflator in affected vehicles may be susceptible to moisture intrusion.
Most common 2005 Subaru Outback problems
Problem areas named in the 273 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Suspension | 56 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 40 |
| Air Bags | 38 |
| Exterior Lighting | 30 |
| Electrical System | 28 |
| Service Brakes | 22 |
| Power Train | 17 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 17 |
| Steering | 13 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 13 |
What owners report
P2138 code. Gas pedal stops responding to inputs. Car goes into limp mode and managed to get car off the road. Shut off and waited 5 minutes, restarted and it works again. Associated P0500 code also present. First time this has happened on this car.
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.
See attached document for complaint.
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
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 maint
2005 Subaru Outback questions
Does the 2005 Subaru Outback have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 9 safety recalls for the 2005 Subaru Outback: Passenger Airbag May Explode, Sending Metal Fragments; Passenger airbag inflator may explode, sending metal fragments; Passenger airbag inflator may explode, sending metal shrapnel; Ignition Switch May Turn Off Engine, Disabling Airbags; Passenger Air Bag Inflator May Rupture and Injure Occupants. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Subaru Outback?
Based on 273 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Suspension (56), Vehicle Speed Control (40), Air Bags (38).
How do I check if a recall on my 2005 Subaru Outback has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.