2011 Subaru Outback: engine overheating

Filed Sep 25, 2026 · VA

2010-2018 TR580 Outback Torque Converter Lock-up failure symptoms in TSB 16-90-13R fits my 2011 Subaru Outback. 2.5I Premium, (TSB) Originally issued on 1/6/2014 + later revised on 5/7/2014, Early yrs of the TR580 suffer from TCLUF, which causes stalls + bogs down during stops or idling at traffic lights, premature wear, valve-body/solenoid failure, overheating, breakdown of transmission fluid/coolant + Catastrophic Chain Failure. These issues were exacerbated by Subaru specifying these transmissions have a "lifetime fluid" that never has 2 be replaced. Most Subaru failures were related 2 fluid breakdowns. The Subaru lineartronic CVT, designed in house by Subarun2 integrate w the company's longitudinal boxer engines + AWD system, built by Subaru in Ōizumi, Town in Ora District, Gunma Prefecture, Japan. lineartronic launched about 7 yrs after Nissan's 2003 X-Tronic CVT arrived here. Nissan had lots of trouble w early CVT's which led 2 transmission failures. As is the case w most new tech in a specific market sector, especially CVT's, the most Subaru CVT problems occurred in the 1st few model yrs. Each time my family or myself drive we are putting our lives in dire jeopardy, risk + danger of wrecking + even lost of life, too many close calls by peeps that almost rear ended us at a light, because of bogging down or almost stalling. The engine shudders + RPM drops very low as the vehicle stops, feeling as though a man trans car is stopping w/o a clutch being pressed. The problem was never fixed or looked into by 2 different dealerships + even though Subaru issued TSB 16-90-13R, identified wear of internal torque converter thrust washer as that wear can prevent lock up clutch from releasing properly, effectively keeping engine mechanically connected 2 transmission as vehicle stops. Subaru's corrective part used a needle bearing design instead of the earlier solid bushing. [XXX] on test drive about issue + was told nothings wrong, Car got inspected every yr since 16 w INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF

Filed Dec 31, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · CO · 1 injury

Coolant leak, steering power fluid leak, break pad leak, gasoline line leak, seat heater, clicking noise after turning off car, leaking seats and rear view mirror also leaking, steering wheel expanding due to possible air bag, heater and ac vents lose and also chemical smell/gas/coolant coming from front and back of car, sunroof not secured. Every wiring wet, charger port in middle compartment wet when plugging something in. Everything auto does not work. Car sounds like something is constantly leaking air or gas somewhere, even when off. My safety was at risk by having severe chemical burns on my skin everywhere, hair falling out due to exposure, almost passing out while driving due to inhaling components, low visibility due to auto dimming in rear view and side mirrors. The problem has not been confirmed due to me being in a financial bind at the moment. The car has not been inspected. due to financial problems I am not able to get the vehicle looked at. There were no warnings except for the blue temp light came on but immediately will shut back off. Car also severely vibrates when turning on. They started appearing around against of 2024

Filed Jan 6, 2024 · Engine · MI

in 2023 my car started overheating. took it in and it was the headgasket. even with the age of my car, it only had just over 105,000 miles on it. looking at other subarus for sale out of curiosity, I saw that quite a lot had their engines replaced. even newer than mine. i do see this as a expensive problem, which I know first hand. the headgasket went while i was on the freeway. tried to make it home, wasn't to far away, but had to be towed.

Filed Aug 22, 2022 · Engine · CA · 1 injury

The car got overheated on 8/20/2022, because of the mechanical and design issue, specifically the coolant pipe and hose connection which got disconnected and blew up with force ejecting hot coolant liquid. The incident almost killed my husband. The hot liquid burned his abdomen and my face. He got transported by an ambulance, got admitted to a hospital, and got a 2nd-degree burner. This entire incident endangered my entire family members while we were far from home on a road trip adventure. My kids are under 10, and they were worried and crying. The incident definitely was reproducible, because, within a 3 hours window, the hose got disconnected 4 times, where the 4th time it hit my husband and me. A Yosemite Park Ranger was helping us inspect the car on the 3rd and 4th failure. For our safety, we have not been driving the car since 8/21/2022. So, the vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer.

Filed Apr 4, 2022 · Transmission · AZ

Vehicle has under 90k miles been regularly maintained and serviced. While driving engine light came on for engine overheating. Stopped driving vehicle. Called local Subaru dealer for diagnostic. Diagnostic revealed several unknown problems including transmission needs to be replaced. Since vehicle has under 100 k miles and is only 11 years old. I could not believe that this problem occurred ( note transmission replacement is over $8000). I took the vehicle in for a second opinion to local AAA shop. They informed me that Subaru issued a technical service bulletin for that year model Outback about the very problem I am having. After an online search of information about this problem I found several owners with the same problem and NO admission or assistance from Subaru. This is an expensive fix for a problem Subaru which Subaru is aware. This is a very dangerous problem because the vehicle will die on the road while in traffic that could cause high risk of an accident with injuries and possibly death. I have written to Subaru North America for assistance. So far no response. I believe this a possible recall because most of the complaints noted the problem occurs around 100K miles. And Subaru has done nothing to mitigate this problem.

Filed Aug 18, 2021 · Engine · MO

My 2011 Outback had a head gasket failure at 98,000 miles. The car overheated which forced me to pull over in heavy traffic. There was no prior warning or symptoms until the engine temperature warning light appeared. The car was repaired by the dealership at a hefty price. They said this problem is common on these vehicles, though no recall has been issued on the part. I filed a complaint with the manufacturer.

Filed May 2, 2021 · Engine, Transmission · 100,000 miles · MN

Our 2011 subaru outback had a radiator leak with no warning signal. The car overheated, the radiator cracked, and we blew the headgasket. Only after the damage was done did a warning light come on. The car only has 100k miles and has been carefully maintained.

Filed Jul 17, 2020 · Engine, Transmission · 115,000 miles · MI

November 2019, at 115,000 miles the transmission started slipping requiring a replacement. I was told by subaru of america corporate that "subaru doesn't have transmission problems." there is a lot of evidence out there to the contrary. May of 2020 the vehicle started overheating. It was diagnosed by a mechanic that the head gasket was failing and needed to be replaced. This is another known issue with subarus. A $28,000 2011 auto is only supposed to last 120,000 miles?

Filed Oct 10, 2019 · Engine · CA

We've attempted to resolve the issue with subaru america, but they don't respond. 2011 purchased new subaru outback. All required scheduled maintenance & services performed on time at authorized provider. 2019 the timing belt, water pump and thermostat replaced per mfg stds. Dealer added coolant & bled the system. 3 months later the radiator blew. A chemical block was done & all was fine per dealer. 3 months later engine overheated. Another dealership discovered the head gasket & cat were cracked which should have been discovered by the previous dealer. Subarus are notorious for head gasket & coolant system issues from 100,000 ' 120,000 miles. Subaru slightly redesigned the head gaskets, but the industry as a whole is aware the problem still exists. The problems with the head gasket, cat and radiator are well documented on the internet for 1990 to 2011 models. Issue stems from management decision to utilize a composite for the construction of the head gasket to save money; however, the long term effects of heat on composite metal products would surmise this would lead to warping, cracking or other related product failures. The design & construction of the subaru head gasket was inept at best. The device features a multi-layer steel shim coated with a graphite layer. It was not up-to-the-mark & allowed coolant to leak into the exhaust pressure &/or combustion chamber. There was no subaru head gasket recall but the company redesigned the cylinder heads & configurations of the camshaft. However, it only LED to the coolant a&nd oil leak at the external head gasket. This system defect adds to the coolant system failure noted. We request subaru america reimburse us for the total cost of the radiator, thermostat & head gasket replacement at $4,013.80. Plus other cost associated with the breakdowns at $1,236.20 for a total of $5,250.00

Filed Oct 9, 2019 · Engine · CA

There is a cooling system problem (known by repair techs for years, although not disclosed by subaru of america). Their headgaskets fail unnecessarily. It is an engineering flaw that could cause the engine to lock up while driving, leading to a serious accident. It appears to be a problem lasting 16 or more years of production. There is no warranty covering such failures, nor a warning light that indicates a problem is imminent except for when the car actually overheats and "blows." the danger involved is serious, especially while driving highway speeds.

Filed Jan 30, 2019 · Engine · 86,000 miles · IL

Engine overheating/low coolant light began on highway at 86,000 miles. Repairs needed stated it was a cracked radiator. After repair of radiator at 800 miles later, same low coolant light appeared while driving in city on sidestreets and engine began making 'sloshing' sound. Repairs needed stated it was a damaged water pump. After repair of damaged water pump, engine still made 'sloshing' sound. Final repair recommendation was a blown head gasket with possible engine re-work required as engine had probably overheated.

Filed Nov 1, 2018 · Brakes, Transmission · 150,000 miles · AK

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 subaru outback. The contact stated that while driving and coming to a stop, excessive force had to be applied to the brake pedal, in order to bring the vehicle to a complete stop. The contact stated that the failure intermittently occurred. The cruise control, overheat, brake and check engine warning lights illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that when at a stop sign if the brake pedal was not steadily being depressed the brake would disengage and the vehicle would accelerate independently. The contact also stated that the electronic emergency brake failed to operate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the torque converter and valve body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called continental subaru dealer (907) 562-2722, 4900 old seward hwy, anchorage, ak 99503) where it was recommended to replace the transmission and to schedule an appointment. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.