Suspension complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2024 | 3 | 3% | 27,000 miles |
| 2022 | 3 | 1% | — |
| 2021 | 2 | 1% | — |
| 2020 | 3 | 0% | 8,000 miles |
| 2019 | 7 | 1% | 16,000 miles |
| 2018 | 9 | 1% | 3,000 miles |
| 2017 | 6 | 1% | 45,000 miles |
| 2016 | 1 | 0% | 0 miles |
| 2015 | 5 | 1% | 24,000 miles |
| 2014 | 5 | 2% | 12,000 miles |
| 2013 | 15 | 5% | 1,000 miles |
| 2012 | 4 | 1% | 19,000 miles |
| 2011 | 21 | 3% | 11,000 miles |
| 2010 | 26 | 7% | 2,000 miles |
| 2009 | 5 | 5% | 22,000 miles |
| 2008 | 12 | 5% | 33,000 miles |
| 2007 | 14 | 11% | 81,000 miles |
| 2006 | 37 | 13% | 60,000 miles |
| 2005 | 56 | 21% | 61,000 miles |
| 2004 | 4 | 4% | 128,000 miles |
| 2003 | 9 | 10% | 84,000 miles |
| 2002 | 4 | 3% | 170,000 miles |
| 2001 | 19 | 11% | 157,000 miles |
| 2000 | 24 | 12% | 130,000 miles |
| 1999 | 13 | 12% | 109,000 miles |
| 1998 | 3 | 2% | 150,000 miles |
| 1997 | 4 | 5% | — |
| 1996 | 4 | 9% | 169,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2024 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that during an alignment, it was discovered that the rear suspension geometry caused an excessive negative camber, resulting in premature inner treadwear on the rear tires. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle could not be repaired without manufacturer approval. Additionally, the contact was informed that the vehicle was within specifications. The contact stated that the manufacturer had no specified camber adjustment. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 26,966.
Severe tramilining effect from tires. Risk of personal injury Tramilining effect confirmed by Courtesy Subaru, Rapid City and Heuberger Subaru Colorado Springs, CO. Inspected prior to accident right rear camber out of specification. No warning lights or messages from vehicle
On 03Feb24, immediately following a 4-wheel alignment of my 2022 Subaru Outback Limited, my vehicle's suspension feels unstable over patched potholes or rough/broken pavement. I can best describe the condition as similar to the movements felt while hydroplaning but it does it on dry road. It jerks side to side; 3 or 4 times; in rapid succession; just enough to command the driver's full attention. The condition happens periodically at highway speeds. I'm afraid my vehicle might lose grip and crash. I have brought my vehicle in twice to my local Subaru dealership for inspection. The mechanics have been able to witness the condition. A few measures were taken to remedy the condition including, vehicle re-alignment, installation of one shock absorber on the rear suspension to no avail. …
This car has had 3-5 windshield replacements since 2022. I bought the car new. It (a) cracks for no reason or (b) cracks if a tiny pebble size rock taps the windshield. Additionally, I took the car in to get an alignment as the steering wheel is pulling left. Guy tells me driver front strut is defective / blown / poorly mounted and that he has seen this issue with a lot of Subaru's. Also that they are aware of the problem and replacing the struts in the 24 and 25's. Also, I already had to replace the starter, as the started went out after having the car for 2.5 years. Subaru seems to be selling lemons and I hope to be getting rid of mine soon.
This was December2023Clicking noise when turning. "Rear swaybar bushing replaced (have gap in them when loaded)" also replaced 2 front Axle/CV Boots. Said they were worn. Additionally today, 5/3/2024 got in my car and there is a crack in my windshield that occurred overnight. Crack comes from bottom corning on drivers side up about 12 inches.
Vehicle was bought in nov. 2019. It has since had it's windshield replaced three times. The vehicle was on the freeway each time and the windshield was hit by a rock. Now I know rocks break glass, but I have never owned a vehicle with such a fragile windshield. I've owned many many cars and none have ever needed their windshield replaced even after being hit by a rock. Chipped yes, but never cracked all the way across like this vehicle. The vehicle also has a popping noise that comes from the left front, when turning left. The dealer can't figure out what the noise is.
rccd email. nhsta david chin on 04 envoy vin and smog cali fraud.. ended case sold vehicle to pick a part. did not sur dealer. purchased 1 month later Carmax Ontario california 2019 subaru outback. nhsta states moonroof and pedestrian braking for ev and hybrid u5 engine. this outback has no moonroof nor is it an ev or hybrid. owned by enterprise rent a car and subaru santa monica prior as grey in 2019 then tungsten metallic 2019-2020. unsure of vehicle history accident reported 2022. subaru of america and san bernardino states aftermarket bolt installed carmax has the vehicle for $1400-1750 in repairs they did not notice @ sale [redacted]. to me [redacted] . they are currently repairing radiator cooling system suspension. and i believe the vehicle has never gone a 125point inspection and may have other issues elsewhere. …
Under the following three conditions the front tires appear to become airborne and the tires skip making the vehicle seem to be out-of-control; When traveling at speeds >35 MPH, Wheels are turned >10 degrees, Any long bump (such as a rough transition "bump" from asphalt to concrete). This has been worsening over the last year and is now unsafe for my children to be in the car. My local Subaru dealership spent nearly 2 days inspecting all aspects of the car to include the alignment, bushings, and shocks. A senior technician was taken for a test-drive in the car and I was able to recreate the "skip". The technician was alarmed and surprised by the skip and thus held the car for a 2nd day to further investigate the reason for the "skip". They were unable to diagnose any defect. There has been no inspection by the police or insurance company. There have been no alarms or warning.
Related recalls (4)
Suspension › Front
On some passenger and sport utility vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, virginia, west…
Remedy: Dealers will apply anti-rust material to the left front transverse link. Owner notification began August 1, 2003. Owners should contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
Suspension › Rear
This recall applies to certain passenger vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, virginia, west…
Remedy: Dealers will clean and rust-proof the rear suspension subframe. Owner notification began July 14, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free…
Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil springs
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with front coil springs originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new york, new jersey, new hampshire, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island,…
Remedy: Dealers will notifiy customers to bring their vehicle to an authorize dealership to have a spring guard installed on both front struts to prevent tire puncture and replace any broken springs free of charge.
Suspension › Front › Springs › Leaf spring assembly › Hanger,bracket
Vehicle description: passenger station wagon, sedan and sport utility vehicles. Due to improper welding, fractures can occur on the support bracket of the front transverse link.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace if necessary the front suspension support brackets.
Frequently asked questions
Which Subaru Outback years have suspension problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2005 (56), 2006 (37), 2010 (26), 2000 (24) and 2011 (21) model years. Suspension complaints make up 21% of all complaints for the 2005.
Is there a recall for Subaru Outback suspension problems?
Yes — 4 recalls, including 03V-232 (front, Jun 26, 2003); 03V-153 (rear, Apr 22, 2003); 01V-216 (coil springs, Jun 25, 2001). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Subaru Outback suspension problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 58,000 miles; 46% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the rear (58 mentions), followed by the front (19).
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.