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Air bagsPart report

2011 Subaru Outback Air bags Problems

Complaints
73about this part
Share
11%of 653 total for the year
Median mileage
21,000miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 73 complaints about the air bags of the 2011 Subaru Outback, 11% of the 653 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 21,000 miles. 5 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 9 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“I accepted a recall to replace the passenger air bag by the dealer evenston Subaru, 3340 oakton str, skokie, ill, 60076; after this recall replacement was performed, my car had problems like the passenger window did not opperate from the commend button of the same door and the power outlet from the middle console did not have power. The dealer that produced these troubles refuse to support the cost of repair.”

NHTSA complaint #11282284, filed 2019-11, 30,000 miles

“The airbag warning lite on the passenger side came on and stayed on for several minutes. After several trips the lite came on again and has stayed on. The result is that the bag is not able to deploy if there is any type of accident that involves the front end. This is very concerning to my family , I try to avoid anyone from riding in the front passenger seat.”

NHTSA complaint #10678688, filed 2015-01, 41,000 miles

“Takata recall. A Subaru dealership replaced the airbag (according to their service records). However, Subaru corporate continued to send me recall notices. Not sure what happened. 1) they replaced my airbag and forgot to tell Subaru. Ok outcome 2) they replaced my airbag, and updated a different car with Subaru (which won't get recall notices anymore). Passengers in that car at at lethal risk now. 3) they didn't replace my airbag, and actually put that airbag into a different car. My passengers are at lethal risk now. …”

NHTSA complaint #11065400, filed 2018-01, 35,000 miles

“The passenger air is disabled when my wife or daughter sits in the front passenger seat. Both weight approximately 120 lbs. We have taken it to the dealer and they say it works as designed but that means my wife and daughter have no air bag protection. Subaru states they fixed the problem in the 2012 model. That is no consolation to me. I read the air bag should be disabled for a 5th percentile women which is 107 lbs. This is a common problem in the 2011 Outback.”

NHTSA complaint #10575048, filed 2014-03, 21,000 miles

“Occupant sensing airbag won't turn on for my wife who weighs 110 pounds. This is a new 2011 Subaru Outback. The dealership argued and was evasive about my complaint; and said the seat was calibrated to activate with a 120 pound person. They were instructing me on the proper seating position. I told them I didn't want the vehicle if the air bag wouldn't operate for my wife. I have an appt. This week . Stay tuned.”

NHTSA complaint #10360985, filed 2010-10, 6 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Air bags: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202556%
202466%
202322%
202261%
2021165%
2020182%
2019131%
201881%
2017162%
2016102%
2015143%
20143818%
20134214%
20123913%
20117311%
20104412%
20093028%
200810446%
20074736%
20064014%
20053814%
20042528%
20031920%
200254%
200132%
200052%
199976%
1998119%
199723%
1996817%

Other parts of the 2011 Subaru Outback

Transmission and drivetrain
216 complaintsExterior lighting
117 complaintsEngine
85 complaintsBrakes
78 complaintsElectrical system
67 complaintsOther or unknown
39 complaintsSteering
36 complaintsVehicle speed control
26 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
23 complaintsSuspension
21 complaintsFuel system
16 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2011 Subaru Outback

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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