2013 Subaru Outback Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 5%of 297 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 1,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the suspension of the 2013 Subaru Outback, 5% of the 297 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 1,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Wonders from side to side. Took back to dealer they check alignment. Said everything was in spects. There was no charge this time for alignment but would not do it again for free. We purchased extended warranty at time of purchase. What a waste! My daughter and son-in-law borrowed it last summer. Put 8000 miles on it driving across country. Had a terrible time keeping it on the road. They where going to buy a Outback but quickly changed their mind. Called dealer again and the service manger told me to change tires and cross rotate them. …”
NHTSA complaint #10700978, filed 2015-03, 5,000 miles“When I make a hard right turn, such as pulling out into the near lane or parking, my front passenger tire comes in contact with my fender well - specifically the body molding and violently. When measuring my hub (center) to hub (center), the passenger side of the car is a full .5 inch closer than the driver side. You can also measure the distance between the front tire to fender well and see that the passenger side is closer to the back of the fender well than the driver side. I notified west houston Subaru in late dec. …”
NHTSA complaint #10492018, filed 2013-01, 1,000 miles“Vehicle does not handle well on the highway/interstate. Seems to drift and wander. I have driven many vehicles and this is the first vehicle that I have owned that I have had this experience with. I purchased my first 2013 that wasn't what I wanted so they ordered the same vehicle withe everything I wanted. Both of these outbacks did the very same things since day one. On a non-windy day it is if a drunk driver is driving, always having to correct the steering. On a windy day it is near impossible to stay in your own lane properly.”
NHTSA complaint #10507052, filed 2013-04, 300 miles“When driving over 40mph the car seems to jerk out of the blue it even seems like one side of the vehicle lifts or tilts as if it has hydraulics makes it hard to control continuously grip the steerg wheel in order to keep control is unbearable. There is something seriously wrong after readg online&on this website obvious somethings wrong. Why r u waiting for crashes& possible deaths to raise this issue? …”
NHTSA complaint #11241617, filed 2019-08, 40,000 miles“In temperatures lower than 45 degrees f, if not 'warmed up' the car will make a loud thunk noise and lurch forward upon being put into drive. If the brake is not firmly engage, the car will jump forward. The Subaru dealer claims this is caused by the car's status as a performance vehicle, and engine warm up needs to occur to lower the rpms.”
NHTSA complaint #10558134, filed 2014-01, 9,000 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 2013 Subaru Outback
67 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
60 complaintsAir bags
42 complaintsSteering
34 complaintsBrakes
31 complaintsVehicle speed control
26 complaintsOther or unknown
25 complaintsElectrical system
23 complaintsFuel system
15 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
14 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaintsSeats
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 Subaru Outback
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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