2011 Subaru Outback: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Aug 3, 2026 · Suspension · OH

I have advised Autozone about premature failure of this part number ball joint. Originally the part number was FA267. Autozone changed the part number and color but did not address the quality and/or longevty concern. I have had to replace all of these part numbered ball joints with oem Subaru parts. The Autozone version will not last until the next oil change(approximately 5k miles) before it is loose and making a knocking noise. The is a safety concern as the ball joint may break or fail while someone is driving. I have expressed this concern multiple time to multiple reps from Autozone over the last 12 years. Autozone's remedy was simply to change the color and part number, then continue selling the same sub standard part. Your attention to this would be beneficial to all involved. Thank you.

Filed Aug 28, 2023 · Brakes, Transmission · NY

My mechanic tells me my Outback's K frame/engine cradle is rotting out where the control arms are attached. This is obviously a common problem with this run of vehicles, and leads to catastrophic failure. Further, the rear brake lines have rotted, and the geniuses ran them above the fuel tank, which would have to be dropped in order to repair. I believe this is a common enough problem to warrant investigation.

Filed Jul 20, 2023 · NY

My front subframe broke. I was driving the car and was exiting the highway. I heard a snap n then had no control. Had my mechanic look at car and said frame snapped and control arm broke. The week before i had my car alignment and new tires put on. Nothing was noticed then. Mechsaud rusted from inside out.. After talkwith many different repair shops, they all stated that the front subframe breaks on subarus. They need to change the design. I called subaru and asked them to fix. Said car was to old and to many miles. I have owned cars for over 40yrs , with well over 200k mils on them. I have never had a frame break. It's very unusual when mechanics says this is a problem with subaru. Plus the subframes are on backorder. Thats how many they are selling. Even the used parts dealers can't get them

Filed Sep 23, 2022 · Steering, Suspension · NY

Front control arm bolt pulled out of the subframe due to extreme corrosion.

Filed Jul 29, 2022 · Suspension · NY

The 2011 Subaru Outback subframe (K-Frame) failed structurally while the vehicle was in operation. The bolted connection between the left side (driver side) control arm broke due to extensive corrosion of the K-frame allowing the bolt to pull through one side of the box-shaped frame. The vehicle exhibited a pronounced pull to the left and handled erratically. The vehicle was immediately driven to a local repair facility where the broken frame connections at the control arms was discovered. The vehicle has approximately 79,000 miles and has been regularly serviced. Evidence of heavy corrosion and metal fatigue were noted at several locations on the K-frame (photo attached). The 2011 Subaru Outback has been owned/operated in western NY State where roads are frequently treated with brime and salt throughout the winter season. Servicing mechanic noted that he had completed recent replacement of the K-Frame on an identical year, make, model Subaru within the previous 3 months. Comparison of the K-Frame removed from my vehicle with the identical model showed similar corrosion and failure points. The symptoms and causes of this structural failure are nearly identical to vehicle safety complaint filed by another 2011 Outback owner; the federal safety agency ID # 11474045. The failed subframe, along with a second subframe from an identical Subaru replaced earlier this summer are available for inspection at the motor vehicle repair facility. Photo attached. Insofar as this is the third reported structural failure on this model within a short span of a few months and Subaru has declined to address the matter responsibly, the federal safety agency intervention is warranted and necessary.

Filed Jul 15, 2022 · Body · NJ

The front subframe is rusted through on the driver's and passenger side. I am arranging to have it replaced now so it may not be available for inspection in the near future. A collapse of the subframe would obviously be a serious safety issue. I am a fairly competent amateur mechanic and found this issue myself. I've seen several instances of this discussed in online forums. This is the communication I exchanged with Subaru of America: From myself to SOA: Hi, I'm the owner of a very well maintained 2011 Outback. I was doing an oil change today and was looking to touch up what I thought was some surface rust on the front subframe. I was pretty upset when I saw that the front subframe was rusted through on both sides near the rear control arm mounts. This is obviously a safety issue. I know there have been issues with subframe rust on Subarus in the past and the company has replaced them. What can Subaru do to remedy this issue with our Outback? The reply from SOA: Dear [XXX], Thank you for contacting Subaru of America, Inc. We apologize for the delayed response. I am sorry to hear of the concern you are experiencing with your Outback. Subaru did issue a recall for much earlier, 2000-2002 models. This involved vehicles that may have been manufactured with improperly applied paint to the rear suspension subframe. The front subframe was not affected. Your 2011 Outback model is not affected by any warranty extensions, recalls, or service campaigns pertaining to this concern. Please know that we do track known issues through those publications. While we are always looking for ways to help our customers, your vehicle is currently outside of our warranty parameters for offering any type of repair assistance. Please let me know if you have any further questions. Sincerely, [XXX] Subaru of America, Inc. Customer Advocacy Department [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Filed Jul 26, 2016 · Suspension · 50,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 subaru outback. The contact stated that while drivign at low speeds, a divot was encountered and control of the vehicle was lost. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the brakes needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ball joints needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the links needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however the failure recurred. The vehicle was then taken again to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the struts and support bearings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however the failure recurred. The contact stated that upon individual inspection they found the strut and support bearing was not the correct size for the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000. Vin was not provided. Updated 11/01/16*lj

Filed Feb 29, 2012 · Steering · 8,022 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 subaru outback. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the steering wheel started to vibrate and shake. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who replaced the steering column, brakes, tires, lower control arms and a tire alignment was performed. The remedy failed to repair the problem. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was not further repaired. The failure mileage was 8,022 and current mileage was 23,000.

Filed Jan 3, 2011 · Suspension · 3,000 miles · VT

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 subaru outback. The contact stated that the steering wheel was shaking abnormally when driving at various speeds. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. On a later date while driving approximately 45 MPH, the front passenger side tire exploded. There were damages to the front end of the vehicle as a result. The vehicle was towed to a local repair facility where a diagnostic was performed that located the failure at the front passenger side ball joint. The manufacturer was contacted and the vehicle was re-examined. The manufacturer determined that the contact must have hit something that caused the ball joint to fracture and would not take any liability for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 3,000.