2011 Subaru Outback Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 1%of 653 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 4,726miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2011 Subaru Outback, 1% of the 653 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 4,726 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 stalled out while in second gear. Lost all power, plus power steering and braking. This is the second time it has happened. It seems to happen shortly after turning vehicle on and air conditioning is on. This happened while I was about to make a turn. I quickly clutched and turned the vehicle back on to avoid crashing.”
NHTSA complaint #10348019, filed 2010-08, 649 miles“My car just turned 17000 miles. I bought it new in 2011. It is garaged whenever not in use and have photos of it in the garage. The muffler and exhaust system are rusting very badly. I wash the car regularly when dirty. This should not be happening - there must be a defect in the type of materials used. I first noticed this back in june and it is getting worse. This should be replaced by Subaru - I shouldn't need a new muffler/exhaust system on a new car in less than 20,000 miles! I have taken photos of the problem that I can provide if requested.”
NHTSA complaint #10475574, filed 2012-09, 15,000 miles“The engine shuts down whenever you brake suddenly or use any pressure to brake (not coast to a stop). The car shakes and then dies and you have to restart the car. This happens almost daily and after taking it to several shops it was determined that the torque converter is bad and needs to be replaced. There is a service bulletin out about fixing this so it appears to be a common problem. Even a quick search online produces hundreds of similar complaints for this make & model. …”
NHTSA complaint #10629143, filed 2014-08, 101,000 miles“On manual air conditioning models with full maximum settings the system operates to full capacity, 39-41 degrees f.; however, after 10 minutes of operation without maximum setting changed the output temperature is reduced to 50-53 degrees f. Dealer serviced, indicated that this is normal operation for this make/model. The internal cabin temperature after one hour of operation will only achieve 82 f. When outside temperature is 92-94 degree f. With maximum setting; as well as, internal air circulation.”
NHTSA complaint #10426766, filed 2011-09, 1,800 miles“2011 Subaru Outback wagon - stalling problem. With clutch pedal depressed fully the engine stalled twice during a turn and coming to a stop sign. Lost power steering in corner - this is a safety issue!”
NHTSA complaint #10352407, filed 2010-08, 289 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10243369Sep 11, 2023This bulletin announces the availability of a countermeasure torque converter assembly to address a customer concern of very low engine RPM when coming to a stop.
- 10209924Mar 7, 2022This bulletin announces design change to the water pump assembly.
- 10205910Dec 2, 2021This bulletin announces design change to the water pump assembly.
- 10202828Oct 15, 2021This bulletin provides a new flow chart and additional diagnostic tools to assist technicians with troubleshooting DTC P0841- SECONDARY OIL PRESSURE SENSOR PERFORMANCE.
- 10198749Jun 7, 2021This bulletin is to advise of SOAâs revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.
- 10186364Jan 12, 2021This bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing.
- 10179422Aug 31, 2020This bulletin announces availability of new master cylinder application shaft seals.
- 10179416Aug 26, 2020This service information bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing used on the models listed.
- 10179379Aug 4, 2020This bulletin announces a revised replacement procedure for installation of the front crankshaft oil seal. Includes all 2011MY+ vehicles with FA or FB Engines.
- 10173027Mar 3, 2020The purpose of this bulletin is to provide a description of current changes to Service Manuals available via the Subaru Technical Information System (STIS) web site.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 | 1 | 0% |
| 2021 | 2 | 1% |
| 2020 | 3 | 0% |
| 2019 | 1 | 0% |
| 2016 | 3 | 0% |
| 2015 | 3 | 1% |
| 2014 | 1 | 0% |
| 2013 | 1 | 0% |
| 2012 | 2 | 1% |
| 2011 | 8 | 1% |
| 2010 | 23 | 6% |
| 2009 | 3 | 3% |
| 2008 | 6 | 3% |
| 2007 | 3 | 2% |
| 2006 | 7 | 3% |
| 2005 | 16 | 6% |
| 2004 | 13 | 14% |
| 2003 | 14 | 15% |
| 2002 | 17 | 12% |
| 2001 | 22 | 13% |
| 2000 | 35 | 17% |
| 1999 | 23 | 21% |
| 1998 | 40 | 32% |
| 1997 | 24 | 30% |
| 1996 | 10 | 22% |
Other parts of the 2011 Subaru Outback
216 complaintsExterior lighting
117 complaintsEngine
85 complaintsBrakes
78 complaintsAir bags
73 complaintsElectrical system
67 complaintsOther or unknown
39 complaintsSteering
36 complaintsVehicle speed control
26 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
23 complaintsSuspension
21 complaintsFuel system
16 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 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