2008 Subaru Outback Wheels Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 2%of 226 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 69,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the wheels of the 2008 Subaru Outback, 2% of the 226 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 69,000 miles.
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.
“Vehicle started making humming noise from rear end which got progressively worse. Brought it into the dealer who told me the rear bearings were bad. I was told they weren't covered since my warranty had expired. Early failure of wheel bearings is apparently a known issue with Subaru and should be covered under a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10515123, filed 2013-06, 69,000 miles“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 this is actually very common on these Subaru models and they generate quite a bit of business. …”
NHTSA complaint #10484613, filed 2012-11, 80,000 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Subaru Outback. During inclement weather, the snow became packed into the wheel well and made it difficult for the wheel to turn normally. The dealer was notified and offered no assistance. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 11,300.”
NHTSA complaint #10374740, filed 2011-01, 11,300 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11032035Apr 20, 2026This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedures to be followed when addressing customer concerns of steering wheel/vehicle body vibration when driving at highway speeds when…
Wheels: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2024 | 2 | 2% |
| 2021 | 6 | 2% |
| 2020 | 5 | 1% |
| 2019 | 2 | 0% |
| 2018 | 11 | 1% |
| 2017 | 5 | 1% |
| 2016 | 3 | 0% |
| 2015 | 8 | 2% |
| 2014 | 2 | 1% |
| 2013 | 6 | 2% |
| 2012 | 2 | 1% |
| 2011 | 10 | 2% |
| 2010 | 5 | 1% |
| 2008 | 5 | 2% |
| 2007 | 3 | 2% |
| 2006 | 6 | 2% |
| 2005 | 9 | 3% |
| 2004 | 1 | 1% |
| 2003 | 4 | 4% |
| 2002 | 2 | 1% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
| 2000 | 2 | 1% |
| 1999 | 1 | 1% |
| 1998 | 4 | 3% |
| 1997 | 3 | 4% |
| 1996 | 3 | 7% |
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 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