2008 Subaru Outback Power Train Problems
- 9
- Owner complaint records in our dataset
Records are owner complaints, not a measured failure rate.
Owner complaint recordsComplaint records reflect reports in our dataset and do not measure how frequently the problem occurs across all vehicles.
Among these 9 stored complaint records:
- 0 indicate a crash
- 0 indicate injury
- 1 indicate fire
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 60–100k mi | 4 |
| 30–60k mi | 3 |
| 1–30k mi | 2 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Air Bags · Power Train
Airbag replaced as per recall, but not long therafter, the airbag light went on and won't go off. Apparently, this is a common problem, and subaru should cover it. Also, rear wheel bearings failing at 48k, very low mileage for them to need to be replaced.
ODI 11035894
Power Train
Transmission failure. Dealer has replaced the transmission three times so far. None of the repairs have lasted more than a day or two. Vehicle works fine, then starts slipping out gear. This has been going on now for two months. Manufacturer silent on guidance. Suspect transmission and/or transmission control module failure or incompatibility. The transmission/control module is a split model year build.
ODI 11062886
Power Train · Wheels
I purchased the 2008 outback 2.5 limited used with 32k miles. At 41k miles the right front wheel bearing went out. Was making a very loud rubbing noise when turning and on the highway. The bearing was replaced under powertrain warranty. Yesterday i was informed that my left front bearing has gone out, now at 80k miles (all highway mileage). Now it is out of warranty. The 2 shops i spoke to regarding the issue stated…
ODI 10484613
Engine And Engine Cooling · Power Train
Vehicle overheated, drove to nearest service station. Radiator flushed and tested for leaks, none found. No other determination made. Car overheating, slow coolant loss. Subaru diagnosed major head gasket failure probably occurred prior to 73000 miles, but beyond power train warranty. Subaru hq declined to help with cost considering the service tech mgr stated a 2008 model car should not have this failure.…
ODI 10513068
Power Train
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…
Fire reported
ODI 10454935
Engine And Engine Cooling · Power Train
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. *tr
ODI 10447686
Power Train
Informed at shop when getting oil change that left front wheel bearing needed replacement. Contacted local dealer and they confirmed and replaced it under powertrain warranty. Heard no noise and felt no unusual performance to alert me of this powertrain failure. Dealer stated all the other wheel bearings are ok. 2 years later at 70,000 miles right rear wheel bearing failed with no notice or noise just sudden…
ODI 10514620
Power Train
Complaint for a 2008 subaru outback 2.5i with a manual transmission. Under certain conditions, the vehicle has a major stability control issue and is unsafe to drive. While driving at constant speed (constant and low throttle position) on a flat, good road, with the steering wheel pointed straight ahead, the back end of the vehicle tends to oscillate from side to side or "ghost walk" when the road has ice on it. The…
ODI 10378290
Power Train · Suspension
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…
ODI 10587339