2011 Subaru Outback: ABS light or ABS activating

Filed Apr 21, 2021 · Brakes · 70,000 miles · FL

Brakes mushy, excessive pedal travel, have to pump them up to stop. This has been going on for a long time. Have had new rotors, new pads, dealer flush and refill including ABS with computer. No change. Brake master cylinder suspected, especially as there was apparently a recall regarding certain 2012 model outbacks, I believe that issue may apply here too. Dangerous

Filed Nov 6, 2020 · Brakes · 80,000 miles · PA

On more than one occasion while braking over potholes, immediately after the ABS was activated (and once just driving down a hill toward a stop sign), the brake pedal becomes very soft and is almost to the floor before brakes were engaged, resulting in an increase of travel distance before the vehicle was able to come to a complete stop. The first several times the issue seemed to resolve itself and I figured it was just a result of the road conditions. When it continued to occur I decided to take it to the dealer. The issue again resolved itself before the technician was able to look at it and therefore nothing was done and the vehicle was returned to me. Several months later it occurred again, and again the issue resolved itself before the technician was able to look at it. However, they performed a brake system flush as a precaution. Three months later it happened again while entering the on-ramp to a major highway and persisted for several days. I once again brought it to the dealer where the technician was finally able to verify the concern. They re-flushed the system and also replaced the master cylinder (which was a recall issue in other models) as a form of good will. We all assumed the issue was resolved and I once again took possession of the vehicle. Exactly two weeks later it happened again. I immediately drove it back to the dealership and it once again resolved itself before a technician could look at it, therefore nothing more was to be done. I am not driving this vehicle roughly. There are some roads in our area that are just poorly maintained and there was one occasion where simply pulling off the road and into the grass triggered the issue. I no longer feel safe driving this vehicle and I'm told there isn't much else that can be done at this time.

Filed Oct 22, 2018 · 132,356 miles · TX

I observe everytime my car is coming to stop it will shrud like the engine goin to die or stalled. Then out of nowhere the engine icon, ABS lit-up and cruise control flashing

Filed Jan 24, 2017 · Brakes, Electrical · 61,986 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 subaru outback. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the ABS, brakes, traction control, check engine, and cruise control indicators remained illuminated. The contact drove home and contacted an independent mechanic who performed a function test of the ABS pump/module and was able to clear all the codes. The failure recurred after one year. The contact called the independent mechanic and was advised to bring the vehicle back. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was 61,986.

Filed Jun 25, 2014 · Acceleration, Brakes · 57,000 miles · TX

I was driving on the freeway when my check engine light, ABS brake light, traction control (all wheel drive) light and cruise control lights began flashing all at once. I called the dealership immediately and was told that all the lights flash because most drivers ignore just the check engine light. At the dealer the next day I was told the same thing with the addition of the facts that the ABS brake system and the traction control systems were actually disabled during this incident. During the conversation it was said that to correct the problem, a "reflash " of the computer system was needed and that this was a known problem on some outbacks. I asked why there was no recall if the problem was known and was told they just fixed the problem when it happened. This seems to me to be a significant safety problem since if the problem occurred while the driver was on ice or snow or wet road , vehicle stability would be compromised. I think subaru should at least be made to recall the suspected vehicles and fix the problem even though it is something that may not happen to all vehicles.

Filed Feb 3, 2014 · Acceleration, Electrical · 47,500 miles · MD

1st incident 1/10/2014- leaving a stop light car would not accelerate and vdc, cel and brake light flashing. Sat on the side of the road for about 1/2 hour. Husband came to pick us up and tried starting the car. The car started and was able to drive w/o further issue. Check codes and had misfire cyc 1,2,3,4. Local mechanic could find nothing wrong cleared codes. Husband noticed both drl lights were blown. Replaced both and when the key was turned on (not started) heard a loud squealing electrical noise from the area of the alternator/power steering pump where the electrical harness is bolted to the top of the engine. Started the car and it drove fine for about 2 weeks. 2nd incident 1/14/2014 - pulling away from a friends house vdc and cel lights come on. Turn off car and sit for about 20 minutes. Start car all warning lights gone and car drove fine. Husband checked codes and found misfire cyc 1,2 only 3rd incident 1/30/2014 - leaving stop light and vdc light comes on and car will only go about 3 miles per hour enough to get it off road and engine stalls. No cel this time. Sit for about five minutes start car and it drives fine and all lights gone. Replaced the battery and had mechanic clean out the ABS brake sensors. Subaru america and our dealership where we bought the car are aware and can find nothing wrong.

Filed May 7, 2013 · Brakes · 55,000 miles · NH

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 subaru outback. The contact stated that while braking, the traction control and ABS system warning lights illuminated. The engine made a knocking noise and vehicle would not accelerate over 5 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times for the failure and a diagnostic was performed that was unable to generate a failure code. The dealer replaced the transmission drive belt however, the failure was not corrected. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer for further inspection. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000 and the current mileage was 60,000.