2011 Subaru Outback Engine Problems
NHTSA lists 113 engine complaints for the 2011 Subaru Outback, 17% of all complaints filed for that year, with a median failure mileage of 93,733. No related recalls are on file for this engine issue.
- Engine complaints
- 113
- 17% of 651
- Crashes reported
- 9
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 4
- Median mileage
- 93,734 mi
- Related recalls
- 0
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Vehicles suddenly surge or accelerate on their own while parking or entering a parking spot, often ending in a collision with a curb, pole, or wall.
- Engine reportedly revs on its own while shifting into park or reverse, sometimes accompanied by brake failure.
- One owner reported the engine caught fire and the vehicle was consumed by flames while parked.
- One long-term owner described repeated head gasket, thermostat, timing belt, radiator, and alternator replacements tied to the engine seizing multiple times while driving.
- Some owners reported stalling shortly after startup or during low-speed turns, with loss of power steering and braking assist.
When 2011 Subaru Outback engine complaints were filed
First complaint Aug 8, 2010, latest May 13, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2011 Subaru Outback
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
Engine complaints by Outback model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many engine complaints does NHTSA have for the 2011 Subaru Outback?
- NHTSA lists 113 engine complaints for the 2011 Outback, which is 17% of the 651 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2011 Subaru Outback engine?
- No related recalls are listed in the NHTSA data for this engine issue.
- At what mileage do engine problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure among reported engine complaints is 93,733 miles.
- Did the engine problems cause crashes or injuries?
- Yes, NHTSA data shows 9 crashes, 1 fire, and 4 injuries associated with engine complaints on the 2011 Outback.
- How does 2011 compare to other Outback years for engine complaints?
- The 2011 Outback's engine share of 17% is lower than 2010 (22%) and 2013 (30%), but higher than most years from 2016 onward, which sit in single digits.