2005 Subaru Outback suspension problems

Filed Mar 11, 2023 · Suspension · KS

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 maintained the suspension components from the factory were severely worn and including rubber gaskets, sway bars, etc and appeared to have a rust or corroded appearance in spite of the vehicle never being driven in weather during snow when most areas would place salt on roads which is a primary cause of rust or corrosion. The factory suspension also caused significant wear to any tires this causing any tires to wear uneven and require replacement within less than 15kmi. After suspension was replaced in 2019 tires were replaced as well. Vehicle driven 15kmi since 2019 and replacement, in 2021 the suspension again was drifting, causing severe uneven tire wear, and at highway speeds 60mph& above causes a severe drift and vibration which could cause a dangerous situation for the average driver and at highway speeds U have to literally hold the vehicle on the road with a moderate force or it will I'm fact drift and cause incident. I believe the manufacturer should recognise this issue and repair or replace all the components of suspension at no cost to consumer as I am not the only one affected by this. I have receipts I can provide upon request showing the suspension was replaced. Please do not show my personal information or very specific details about my vehicle online.

Filed Jan 4, 2021 · Suspension · 176,000 miles · MI

Driving in light snow or mixture of slushy snow the vehicle rear drifts left and right at speeds of 20 MPH. Dangerous if the speed is exceeded. Car pass me all the time because they have not problems with the road at high speeds. I understand this is called ghost walking. The first time this happened I spun out.

Filed Nov 8, 2019 · Driver assistance, Suspension · 180,000 miles · MI

On any wet or snowy pavement car is ghost walking, like the rear end has marbles under it. Speed of 35 MPH, straight driving, on wet pavement. Like a cat walking on its nails.terrified. Had alignment, new tires, new rear struts, sway bar, transmission wiring harness. Disabled ABS so at least I control braking

Filed Mar 4, 2019 · Steering, Suspension · 170,000 miles · MI

While driving on slippery surfaces like ice and snow, the vehicle will begin swaying left and right uncontrollably. The sensation, also known as "ghost walking" could easily cause an accident if the driver can not control the swaying, and spinning out. Conditions of problem: driving during winter conditions, on snowy roads and highways. The vehicle is fine under dry/normal conditions. I believe the issue stems from the awd system.

Filed Jun 28, 2017 · Suspension · 197,600 miles · PA

Was driving on the highway on june 21, 2017 with a dishwasher in the trunk. It was raining and there was traffic, so my speed was about 40 MPH. As I was driving, the car abruptly swerved from right to left, and I almost hit another car. This was my scariest driving experience .

Filed Dec 27, 2016 · Suspension · 186,000 miles · MT

Rear suspension issues cause uncontrollable steering from the rear end on snow and ice. Car refuses to drive in a straight line on snow/ice even with snow tires and proper alignment.

Filed Apr 23, 2016 · Body, Driver assistance · 110,000 miles · MD · crash

I was pulling into a parking space and put on the brake. Vehicle didn't respond to braking and kept going, over the,curb, across the median and hit 5 parked cars before it stopped.

Filed Jan 29, 2016 · Suspension · 109,000 miles · CO

My 2005 nearly killed me recently driving on straight highways that were a bit icy. Despite 4 studded tires, it would barely stay on the road above 35 MPH even going totally straight. Cars of all other types were flying past at 60-75 MPH, no problem. But my car would end up going sideways and inadvertently switching lanes and or almost going off the road at speeds starting at about 35-40mph. We had three adults in the car and the car filled with luggage, so it was fully loaded. I've read that this "ghost walking" phenomenon happens to 2005 to 2009 subaru outbacks that were produced in the USA. It mainly happens when the car is fully loaded, which due to a rear suspension flaw, causes toe-in on the rear suspension and then the rear end becomes totally unstable. I had to drive at 35 MPH on highways back with my hazard lights on the avoid being rear ended by all the traffic going at normal highway speeds. Based on what I experienced, they're death traps that should be recalled. More info: http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/topic/103820-05-outback-awd-tricky-on-some-winter-roads/

Filed Dec 25, 2015 · Steering, Suspension · 169,500 miles · CO

My 2005 outback is very unsafe to drive under certain conditions. After extensive research online, I have discovered people use the term "ghost walking" to describe the issue. After driving over a bump or slick spot on the road, the driver momentarily loses control of the vehicle. The back end sways side to side and the car can jump several feet to the left or right. I have noticed this problem several times but it was drastically worse today. Driving on a straight, dry stretch of interstate, I drove over an icy patch under a bridge. My vehicle jumped to the left several feet and into the other lane. Had there been a car next to me, there most likely would have been an accident. I was traveling at approximately 40 MPH as I had already experienced several incidents driving over large bumps. The issue seems to be worse when there is cargo in the back and on icy or bumpy roads. This seems to be a problem with numerous outbacks model year 2005 through 2009. This is extremely unsafe behavior and it needs to be addressed. I do not intend to drive my vehicle much longer and I would hesitate to buy another outback for fear of a similar issue.

Filed Aug 5, 2015 · Suspension · WA

2005 subaru outback. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle front and back wheel bearings nneded to be replaced.