2008 Subaru Outback: engine stalls while driving

Filed Sep 18, 2024 · ME

Subaru Outback 2008 -- This model's frequent brakes problems are an outrage. Subaru has known for years, with several Subaru recalls already, that the Subaru 2008 Outback has a defective brakes design and/or manufacture. I have experienced brakes problems on several occasions throughout my ownership and reported them to Subaru -- beginning the first weeks of ownership. This began within weeks of purchase. Subaru stated for the entirety of my new-owner warranty period that they couldn't replicate the problem. But once that warranty's ended, weeks later Subaru told me I needed "a full set of brakes" and sought nearly $2K for it ---on a car bought new just about two years earlier and well under 18K miles. My car again displays the "Err SS" code as it did as an early precursor to the Subaru defective brakes recalls in past years. For approximately 5 weeks -- mu Subaru Outback was in Subaru's service centers under the required diagnostic evaluation service at two Subaru service centers. Both -- you guessed it -- stated they were unable to replicate the problem. (These Subaru mechanics also were unable to replicate and/or diagnose the problem of erratic-/non-start, pulsing lights, random alarm and radio function that arose following Subaru's replacement of my alternator following the manufacturer's regularly scheduled timing belt maintenance.) Subaru has dragged out the process of required diagnosis for literal years. Per its pattern or practice, Subaru opened, stalled for months at a time to return a call and/or email, then closed cases regarding the on the very same reported brakes issues (and alternator repair). Subaru, for the past 18 months or so, has resorted to the excuse of "an older car" -- after Subaru have ignored for years at a time and then failed to properly repair the known brakes defect that needs regular repair -- not related to regular wear and tear.

Filed Aug 27, 2015 · Fuel system · 89,000 miles · NY

A year ago, my vehicle would stall at every stop (vehicle should be noted is stick shift). After that, the check engine light came on and vehicle ran fine. I drove it with check engine light on accordingly. I just received vehicle back from subaru for recalls wqd40 (catalyst convertor) and wqk47 (brake lines). When I started car, check engine light is off and now stalls at every stop, which shuts down car including power brakes and power steering. I called subaru and they said they have no other complaints, but I don't think that is true. I think there is an issue and it is dangerous to lose brakes and steering. Subaru wants to charge me to look at it and I don't want to pay them. My personal mechanic cannot figure it out.

Filed Feb 3, 2015 · Electrical · 28,000 miles · IL

Was driving vehicle in heavy snow, suddenly lost power, the dash light flashed, the instrument cluster needles moved as if the car was starting up. Could not restart engine, would not crank. All other electrical equipment worked. Sat in heavy snow for two hours (no tow trucks available until next day). Suddenly after attempting to restart after many failed attempts, it did. Drove it home fine. Stalled next day on way to repair shop. Had car towed and shop found one code, but nothing else wrong. Drove home fine, ran can for 45 mins, fine. Next day drove for 35 min to work, fine but left work and immediately stalled just like few days before. Towed to subaru dealer and took a day to figure out was main engine compartment wiring harness. Replaced with minimal charge of $50, even thought three months out of warranty. Vehicle has been fine since then.

Filed May 8, 2014 · Suspension, Transmission · 25 miles · FL

Carpet had bad spot upon purchase, told by dealer defect and nothing could be done. That spot is now a hole in the carpet. Seat material is very cheap and low quality started to wear before 1k. That too has left a hole in the seat. At 37k passenger cv boot went due to thin rubber boot followed by driver boot at 38k. Boot rubber is extremely thin compared to other manufacturers. When they go, they go quickly without warning the smell is horrific and the sticky residue left behind under the hood visually unappealing. As to the boots, our weather rubber car mats are thicker and certainly less expensive! At 68k clutch went; power-steering pump was leaking and A/C / alternator belts were cracked. This car has never missed a maintenance and has been immaculately cared for so imagine our disappointment. The clutch resulted in the car stalling in rush hour traffic. This car did not live up to the subaru reputation of safety and quality. I would not entertain the thought of every purchasing another subaru.

Filed Apr 12, 2012 · Transmission · 50,284 miles · NY · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 subaru outback. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning while driving at low speeds. The contact also stated that the transmission fluid leaked and the vehicle smoked. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact was informed that the transmission hose fractured and created the leak. The contact was also informed that the radiator was defective. The dealer replaced the transmission hoses and the radiator. The vehicle was repaired. The failure and current mileages were 50,284.

Filed Feb 12, 2012 · Engine, Transmission · 63,046 miles · CA

Vehicle started running bit rough while idling at intersection; upon acceleration, check engine light and other instrument lights started flickering and car stalled. Restarted normally.

Filed Apr 28, 2011 · Engine · 54,000 miles · NC

My car engine stalls in the middle of the road while driving and while making a left turn in a signal, while waiting on the red light and while stoping and idling at the parking lot. When this issue happens all the lights in the dash lights up and the steering wheel becomes locked. This engine stalling issue happens randomly. Some times every day in a week, 2 days in a week or 3 days in a week. Some times the engine stalls more than 10 times in a day. In order to correct this issue, I took my car to subaru dealership and explained the service technician the problem. First time, I was asked to leave my car at the dealer ship overnight to see if dealer can recreate the problem. Dealer told me he couldn't recreate the issue. Second time, dealer found check engine light on and used the diagonstic tool to find out that mass air flow sensor is bad and replaced it. But this didn't fix the problem. Third time I contact subaru customer service and explained the issue. Subaru customer service asked me to take my car to the dealership again. I took my car to dealership and left it there for 2 days. On the third day, dealer said the battery was bad and replaced the battery and said he couldn't reproduce the issue. When I took the car back from the dealership on the third day, within few hours my car engine again stalled. This time I took the video of the issue. I contacted the subaru customer service and explained what was happening and I was told that dealer cannot fix the issue unless he can recreate the issue. So I took my car to subaru dealership more than 3 times, spent more than $1000 for parts, labor and car rental and still the problem is not fixed. Actually it is getting worse day by day.

Filed May 3, 2010 · Engine · AK

The problem is the car suddenly loosing power at various speeds for no apparent reason. Has occurred over 6 times in the past month, 4 times in this last week. The most recent on 4/30/10 the car completely shut down while driving at a speed of 20 MPH. No warning indicators came on the dashboard. First time was when accelerating up an on ramp and several more times on other inclined ramps, then leaving a street to enter a hwy 4/28/10, another at a complete stop the car shuddered 4/29/10, same day traveling at 60 MPH lost power for a brief moment then resumed, these two incidents were within 5 minutes. I have taken it to the dealer where purchased and serviced to have them locate and repair the problem. Have not received information as yet.