2011 Subaru Outback Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 3%of 653 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 9,300miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the suspension of the 2011 Subaru Outback, 3% of the 653 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 9,300 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Purchased my 2011 Outback in july if last year. I have taken it to the dealer on several occasions due to a vibration in the steering and thumping in the tires...almost like there was flat spots in the tires. They first told me it was flat spots and it may take up to 3000 miles before it would quit, however it never did and got worse. I took it back 2 more times and they finally did a force balance and put a vibration kit on the steering. My steering wheel does not vibrate/shimmy any longer, however the rest of the car still does. …”
NHTSA complaint #10409195, filed 2011-06, 1,200 miles“My 2011 Outback is unstable at high speed on the highway. It tends to wander and has a difficult time keeping straight at 70+ MPH. This is particularly noticeable when driving long distance. Constant adjustments are necessary at 70+ MPH to keep the vehicle in a straight line. I noticed this soon after taking possession of the vehicle and driving on the highway at speed 70+ MPH on a 65-68 miles trip to work. I ignored the situation thinking it is normal until the vehicle almost wander into a big rig truck in the next lane during a lane passing in october 2011. …”
NHTSA complaint #10441360, filed 2011-12, 4,000 miles“Subaru Outback vibrates in steering wheel and seats at speeds from 60 to above. There is a service bulletin which states the steering column and steering wheel gets replaced. Have not found any information that this rectifies the issue or that it makes the car any more safe or pleasant to drive. Postings suggest that this repair does not improve the issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10654202, filed 2014-11, 45,000 miles“Even after all the soa (Subaru of america) fixes / service bulletins I still have a vibration issues at highway speeds, feel it in the seat and in steering wheel. It gets worse at highway speeds if your going around a curve on it tends to get worse. Even after through the curve.. Also noted it doesn't matter weather conditions hot, cold raining or dry.”
NHTSA complaint #10471864, filed 2012-08, 10,500 miles“Vehicle vibration - after about 8k miles a vibration started in the seat and steering. Tires were rebalanced using a road force balancing machine. Then the vibration would come and go even at set speeds. But would get worse going around turns at highway speeds. Dealership did a fix which didn't change anything. No matter the load in the car 5 people in the car or empty vibration comes and go. They say the issue was fixed in 2012 models had a loaner while car was in for the 2 day fix. Same vibration issue as I had. The only good thing about this fix. …”
NHTSA complaint #10437645, filed 2011-11, 8,100 milesRelated service bulletins
- 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 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 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 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