2008 Subaru Outback Seat belts Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 1%of 226 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 13,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the seat belts of the 2008 Subaru Outback, 1% of the 226 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 13,000 miles. 2 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.
“Air bag: the ovhd console pass on off indicator had to be replaced. Seat belts: the front driver side seat belt does not retract reliably. It has broken the left front door switch twice. Windshield wipers: the wiper blade transmission unit had to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10938852, filed 2016-12, 99,000 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Subaru Outback. While stopped at a stop sign, the contact's vehicle was rear-ended by another vehicle. The driver's side seat belt failed to work properly and the contact struck the steering column and windshield. A police report was filed. The contact sustained back and arm injuries. She feels that the seat belts do not retract and secure an occupant in place when a crash occurs. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the seat belts were functioning as designed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10272886, filed 2009-06, 13,000 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that her vehicle was rear-ended and the seat belt did not provide adequate restraint. She struck her chest on the steering wheel, which caused injuries to her chest and back. A police report was filed. She will have surgery on may 15, 2009 on her back. A report was filed with the manufacturer and they stated that a representative will inspect the seat belts. Two weeks later, the contact still has not heard back from the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 12,900.”
NHTSA complaint #10268806, filed 2009-05, 12,900 milesSeat belts: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 5% |
| 2025 | 2 | 2% |
| 2022 | 3 | 1% |
| 2020 | 1 | 0% |
| 2019 | 2 | 0% |
| 2018 | 2 | 0% |
| 2017 | 5 | 1% |
| 2016 | 5 | 1% |
| 2015 | 2 | 0% |
| 2014 | 6 | 3% |
| 2013 | 4 | 1% |
| 2012 | 3 | 1% |
| 2011 | 4 | 1% |
| 2010 | 2 | 1% |
| 2009 | 2 | 2% |
| 2008 | 3 | 1% |
| 2007 | 2 | 2% |
| 2006 | 1 | 0% |
| 2005 | 2 | 1% |
| 2002 | 5 | 4% |
| 2001 | 1 | 1% |
| 2000 | 8 | 4% |
| 1999 | 3 | 3% |
| 1998 | 4 | 3% |
| 1996 | 2 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2008 Subaru Outback
104 complaintsElectrical system
34 complaintsBrakes
31 complaintsExterior lighting
15 complaintsEngine
14 complaintsSuspension
12 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Subaru Outback
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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