2010 Subaru Outback engine problems

Filed Mar 12, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · CA

This car is a very well-maintained, low-use vehicle with regular oil changes and routine maintenance performed on schedule. Early in this drive, I noticed an unusual hissing sound as I approached a stop. When I tried to brake, I realized my brakes didn't seem to be responding. I pressed the brake pedal harder and realized that with 50-100 pounds of pressure (guess), I could slow the car down. As I came to a stop, the engine died. I restarted the car, and it died again immediately. After the following restart, I realized I could manually keep the RPM up in neutral while at stops, and press with significant force to get the car to stop. Had I not been comfortable two foot driving or understood the issue, this surely would have resulted in a crash of some sort. The car indicated a check engine light, loss of traction control, a flashing BRAKE light, and a flashing cruise control light. I took the car immediately to a local shop where they identified the problem as a vacuum leak at the brake booster. The plastic piece that the hose clamps onto had cracked off, leading to this problem. This make and model does not seem to have a check valve downstream of this component.

Filed Sep 9, 2024 · Engine · OR

I see many many complaints about the head gasket material Subaru used was not compatible with the very fluid that is needed for the cars engine to not blow up.....coolant. Subaru knows the head gasket material is ruined by the coolant it needs but has left us consumers to deal with a very costly, devastating issue such as what I just want through and am still in the middle of a fight with dealer who sold me a car for 10995 and I had it 2 weeks....coolant blew everywhere had to fight with dealership to get them to tow it. I was yelled at, hung up on, calls not returned all while I have no car no way to work and as a [XXX] and a child to raise, I do not have options and live by a thread and paycheck to paycheck.....It should not be allowed that Subaru doesn't fix that since it is a manufacturing defect that they made it incompatible with the coolant it needs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Feb 3, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · VT

Vehicle has an automatic transmission and it stalls when stopping. There is no warning light on the dash. This happens more frequently when the vehicle is warm, in early operation it may only hesitate or run rough while stopping. A warm a stop is more likely to stall the vehicle than a slow stop. Hard braking at operating temperature will stall the vehicle without fail. This has been happening since I bought it and it occurs with each drive every day.

Filed May 24, 2023 · Engine · VA

All instrument and waning lights illuminated and the engine shut down while driving. Took to the Subaru dealer repair shop and the vehicle was diagnosed with a head gasket leak that caused oil to mix with the coolant. This is a low mileage vehicle, 67,597 miles, that has been maintained by Subaru certified mechanics.

Filed Oct 5, 2021 · Electrical, Engine · TX

Total engine failure at just 75k miles. Barely driven, maintenance schedule always kept up to date, out of nowhere engine stopped and I was told the oil was completely empty. They were unable to resolve by adding oil. Also, transmission light has been on for 3+ years. Have been told by every repair shop who has checked this that it’s just a glitch in the electrical system and the transmission is fine. A few weeks prior to engine failure, the car began to have trouble accelerating and made a sort of “race car” sound. Barely could go past 40 mph without slamming on gas. Finally, doors have randomly decided to stop locking and unlocking while using key fob. Batteries have been replaced. Some doors work, some do not (namely, the driver side door). Other misc electrical issues like USB failure.

Filed Apr 20, 2021 · Engine · 155,000 miles · CT

My vehicle stalls when I slow down for a stop sign or traffic light. It's been occurring for months.

Filed Feb 9, 2021 · Engine, Suspension · 268,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 subaru outback. The contact stated that the passenger's side control arm and ECM had malfunctioned. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing a control arm and ECM to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired as of yet. The manufacturer had not been informed of failure. The failure mileage was approximately 268,000.

Filed Oct 26, 2020 · Engine · 112,000 miles · OH

Failed head gasket. This should not have failed at around 112k. This is a 2.5 litre 4 cylinder engine. Engine started to overheat. I believe this is a recurring problem with this car.

Filed Sep 21, 2020 · Engine · 168,800 miles · AZ

Car engine stops unexpectedly for no reason while operating the vehicle, causing the steering to lock up. This has happened three times in the last five days. One time nearly causing an accident.

Filed Aug 16, 2019 · Engine, Fuel system · 154,000 miles · NC

Major safety issue - vehicle has started stalling when coming to a stop or slowing down while starting to turn. This has almost caused several accidents for my wife turning out onto the highway. I was told by a subaru mechanic that subaru issued a recall, but I can't find it. This has been going on for about 2 months now.