2005 Subaru Outback Electronic stability control Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 3%of 273 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 112,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the electronic stability control of the 2005 Subaru Outback, 3% of the 273 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 112,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“In comparison with many trucks and cars I have driven in winter conditions for over 30 years, our 2005 suburu Outback is much more unstable especially in the rear end whenever hard packed snow or ice is encountered even at moderate speeds (30-50 MPH). At least once this cause the vehicle to spin uncontrollably. In identical conditions, a truck in 2wd (I have several trucks on my ranch) is far more stable. There is a clear safety problem with this vehicle for which tires, inflation, alignment according to manufacturers specs fails to cure.”
NHTSA complaint #10298785, filed 2010-01, 20,000 miles“On any wet or snowy pavement car is ghost walking, like the rear end has marbles under it. Speed of 35 MPH, straight driving, on wet pavement. Like a cat walking on its nails.terrified. Had alignment, new tires, new rear struts, sway bar, transmission wiring harness. Disabled ABS so at least I control braking”
NHTSA complaint #11278801, filed 2019-11, 180,000 miles“Gas pedal failed while the car was traveling at 65 MPH on a highway. Unable to accelarate. Total failure of pedal. Luckily pulled over to the shoulder before another vehicle plowed into me. Restarted vehicle and pedal operated properly. Very disconcerting. Failure code was p2138.”
NHTSA complaint #11066919, filed 2018-02, 230,000 miles“I was pulling into a parking space and put on the brake. Vehicle didn't respond to braking and kept going, over the,curb, across the median and hit 5 parked cars before it stopped.”
NHTSA complaint #10861039, filed 2016-04, 110,000 miles“While traveling in heavy flow rush hour multi-lane traffic at around 65 MPH and at merging point of multi higher exchange with near zero shoulder or stopping lane, the car suddenly lost response from accelerator pedal. I manage to coast to a stop just between the triangle space separating two of the major highways varying two separate direction with very heavy traffic at high speed on both sides (nearly getting smashed several times before coming to the only possible yet dangerous place to stop). …”
NHTSA complaint #10564484, filed 2014-02, 114,000 milesElectronic stability control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2 | 0% |
| 2019 | 3 | 0% |
| 2018 | 4 | 0% |
| 2017 | 4 | 0% |
| 2016 | 5 | 1% |
| 2015 | 3 | 1% |
| 2014 | 5 | 2% |
| 2013 | 3 | 1% |
| 2012 | 4 | 1% |
| 2011 | 7 | 1% |
| 2010 | 2 | 1% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 3 | 2% |
| 2006 | 6 | 2% |
| 2005 | 7 | 3% |
| 2003 | 1 | 1% |
| 1999 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2005 Subaru Outback
56 complaintsVehicle speed control
40 complaintsAir bags
38 complaintsBrakes
31 complaintsExterior lighting
30 complaintsElectrical system
28 complaintsFuel system
19 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
17 complaintsEngine cooling
16 complaintsOther or unknown
13 complaintsSteering
13 complaintsEngine
10 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 Subaru Outback
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology