2005 Subaru Outback Body and structure Problems

“This is the first Subaru I've ever owned and so far it's been a nightmare. I have had to repair: an oil leak in the engine that required the whole engine to be taken apart. While replacing a seemingly simple part, the hydraulic lifts that keep the back hatch open, the threading that holds the screw in broke off and I had to hire a mechanic yet again to weld that part to be able to screw in the screw to hold the lift in place. And now, the entire interior lighting doesn't work, including the stereo, all the dome lights and the remote control system. …”

“Soon after purchasing the car, I realized that the rear wiper was not functioning. After checking an online owners forum I found that there is a common problem with the functions in the rear lift gate such as inoperable brake lights, rear wipers inoperable, and other items. This problem seems to be caused by the degradation of wire insulation and breakage of wire. Upon further investigation I discovered my own vehicle has a severed wire located in the accordion boot on the right (passenger) side near the hinge for the lift gate. This could result is serious safety issues. …”

“I own a Subaru Outback and live in bemidji minnesota--land of below zero winter temperatures. Today I was nailed in the head yet again by the tailgate door of my car. You see, the struts that support the tailgate door do not function when its really cold outside--like approaching 0 degrees fahrenheit or lower. When temperatures are warmer--about 20 degrees above zero--the struts function as usual. But when it is extremely cold, the struts do not work and the door falls freely onto your head or whatever is in the way. …”

“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.”

“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.”