Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 Subaru Outback owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
- Windshield cracks instead of dings (6 separate occasions now) - Cracks across windshield hamper visibility - The minute dings that result in window cracking/failure have been observed by technicians at Safelite and possibly other auto glass repair companies who have replaced the windshield (in the previous 5 replacements) and I have photos of the current window ding/crack. Each time there is a small ding it immediately results in a large crack. - The windshield was inspected by the auto glass repair techs employed by the repair companies suggested by the insurance company. -No warning other than hearing the rock or whatever item that glanced off the windshield.
We were coming home from a fireworks display at night and my son told me to turn on my lights which already had done, and the low beams on both sides and the marker lights didn't work. I tried turning switch to all positions and they still didn't come on. The high beams work okay and turn signals front and back & brake lights work. We drove home with the fog lights which still work. We need the car to go on vacation and the dealer can't fix it right away as well as what it will cost there or if I have to have some else fix it. It's definitely a safety issue because the road we drive home on has very little if any lighting and there are twists and turns and you could easily drive into a stone outcropping or into he water at any point. I had my wife and two young nephews with us as well. …
Have had the low beam headlights blown multiple times on my Subaru Outback, 2011, at least 3-4 times each ones, left and right. Don't remember if I received a notification from Subaru or saw it online about the same complaint from many owners and Subaru having a fix for it. Took it to the dealership in 2017 and they replaced the blown bulb and told me that it was a improper contact that caused the issue. Unfortunately, the problem continues. I have replaced the headlights at least 2 times since and have one blown again. Suspect that this is a design issue and needs a through fix. It can cause a dangerous situation if both headlights blow at the same time.
While driving straight at 60 MPH on a 4 lane divided highway, sunroof suddenly exploded into hundreds of bits of glass. Fortunately, the shade was closed so no glass came inside the vehicle. No other damage occurred to the vehicle, and I was able to keep the car under full control. This occurred during daytime hours on January 17, 2020. Outside temperature was 37 degrees. No cars were in front of me that May have thrown up any rocks, so there is no apparent cause for this glass failure to occur.
My wife left the house and smelled smoke. She pulled over and shortly thereafter flames started shooting out of the hood. She got our daughter out of the car and called 911. As the police arrived, one of my neighbors put the fire out with an extinguisher. The fire department arrived and looked at the damage and said the wiper motor overheated and caused the fire. My wife was quite upset at the thought our little girl could of burned in the car.
Tamara recall I have had my 2011 Outback for 4 months now and have gone through 3 sets of low beam headlights. Not sure why they keep dying prematurely. I have gotten more expensive bulbs every time and now the $60 bulbs are doing the same thing. I feel there is an electrical issue and I have seen multiple forums describing the same issue from other people with the same year, make, and model.
The windshield wiper started working while in the off position, the wiper makes 1 or 2 swipes and then does it again after a few seconds. It makes a "clicking" or buzzing sound in the steering column when it happens. The only way to stop its operation was to pull the 30 a fuse. Very frustrating. There is no apparent reason for this to happen, it just started doing it on it's own.
The front (windshield) wipers will not shut off. In the off position, they run at a high rate of speed that equates the second highest speed possible. The wipers running on a dry day, a dry windshield is a considerable distraction. It is being reported with many owners online.
The vehicle will stall out when the brakes are pressed abruptly and the speed suddenly decreases. This is extremely unsafe. Especially for my pregnant wife to be driving. We bought a Subaru because we thought they were built right and safe. We were wrong.
The head lights to this vehicle are constantly going out. Sometimes if I hit a bump the light will turn back on. Today I drove nearly fifty miles in the dark with either the high beams on or the lights completely off.
Related recalls
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Legacy vehicles manufactured November 26, 2008, to June 7, 2013, and 2010-2014 Outback vehicles manufactured January 9, 2009 to June 7, 2013. Due to contamination, components within the windshield wiper motor bottom cover may interfere with each other.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor bottom cover assembly, free of charge. The recall began October 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783.
Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2011 outback and legacy vehicles manufactured from August 3, 2010, through July 1, 2011. The moonroof glass May come loose or detach. The amount and position of the adhesive between the glass and retainer was inadequately applied.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the glass adhesion condition and either apply additional adhesive or replace the moonroof glass, free of charge.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Outback years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2011 Subaru Outback?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2011 Subaru Outback, 4% of the model year's 652 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2011 Subaru Outback window & wiper problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 16V-694 (motor, Sep 27, 2016); NHTSA recall 11V-467 (sun/moon roof assembly, Sep 7, 2011). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2011 Subaru Outback window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 34,000 miles, and 38% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to windows, wipers & sunroof problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.