2008 Subaru Outback Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 5%of 226 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 31,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the suspension of the 2008 Subaru Outback, 5% of the 226 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 31,500 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.
“Experienced severe fishtailing on slightly slippery roads with a 2008 Subaru Outback. This was highly unusual for an all wheel drive car and I didn't have the same problem with my wife's honda cr-v that I drove on the same day on the same roads.”
NHTSA complaint #10321336, filed 2010-03, 30,000 miles“I was driving on the interstate. It was winter in wisconsin. The roads were mostly clear, but it was starting to sleet. While driving, any time I would go under a bridge, the rear of the car would dramatically shift to one side or the other. I slowed down to 45 MPH, and the problem almost seemed to get worse. It would be fine until I went under a bridge where the road seemed to be a little icy. It was acting like the rear tires were compensating too much for the car. My tires had 75% treadlife left on all 4 tires. There was a little extra weight in the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10536262, filed 2013-08, 85,000 miles“I bought my 2008 Subaru Outback new. I have driven it in almost every road and weather condition possible. It is driven 90% of the time with just me or me and my wife in the car. Just a few days ago I was driving with a full load of luggage, and 3 adult passengers in the car. Road conditions became icy on the interstate. There was a fairly rapid onset of the car kind of jerking side to side almost like the back end of the car was being blown from side to side even though there was not much wind. I was driving very slowly at about 40-45 MPH while other cars and semi trucks were passing me. …”
NHTSA complaint #10447699, filed 2012-02, 44,000 miles“Three failed wheel bearing by 100k. One at 30k, the second at 67k. The third at 90k. The dealership couldn't find anything at 90k. At 103k, there is a half inch of play in the front passengers side wheel and it sounds like a jet airplane. This is unacceptable. This is a serious safety issue that is not being taken seriously by Subaru of north america. If this bearing failed at highway speed it would be catastrophic.”
NHTSA complaint #10625888, filed 2014-08, 30,000 miles“2008 Subaru Outback wagon sways dangerously on rough roads. The sensation is that when one hits a bump the rear end bounces/kicks/walks out to the right. While there have been no accidents with this vehicle, it does not feel safe to drive. The car has been serviced regularly, has newer tires, and has been aligned several times.”
NHTSA complaint #10332060, filed 2010-05, 50,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11016213Mar 24, 2025Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has determined that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists on certain 2005-2009 model year Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles…
- 11008259Sep 4, 2024This bulletin outlines the judgment criteria to be used when inspecting front transverse link bushings to reduce unnecessary bushing replacement.
- 11005593Jul 8, 2024This Bulletin provides guidance for diagnosing a leaking front or rear suspension strut.
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 5% |
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2024 | 3 | 3% |
| 2022 | 3 | 1% |
| 2021 | 2 | 1% |
| 2020 | 3 | 0% |
| 2019 | 7 | 1% |
| 2018 | 9 | 1% |
| 2017 | 6 | 1% |
| 2016 | 1 | 0% |
| 2015 | 5 | 1% |
| 2014 | 5 | 2% |
| 2013 | 15 | 5% |
| 2012 | 4 | 1% |
| 2011 | 21 | 3% |
| 2010 | 26 | 7% |
| 2009 | 5 | 5% |
| 2008 | 12 | 5% |
| 2007 | 14 | 11% |
| 2006 | 37 | 13% |
| 2005 | 56 | 21% |
| 2004 | 4 | 4% |
| 2003 | 9 | 10% |
| 2002 | 4 | 3% |
| 2001 | 19 | 11% |
| 2000 | 24 | 12% |
| 1999 | 13 | 12% |
| 1998 | 3 | 2% |
| 1997 | 4 | 5% |
| 1996 | 4 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2008 Subaru Outback
104 complaintsElectrical system
34 complaintsBrakes
31 complaintsExterior lighting
15 complaintsEngine
14 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsSteering
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Subaru Outback
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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