How many Visibility & Wipers complaints does NHTSA list for the 2011 Subaru Outback?

NHTSA lists 23 Visibility & Wipers complaints for the 2011 Outback, which is 4% of the 651 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for wipers or visibility on the 2011 Subaru Outback?

Yes. Recall 16V694000 covers replacement of the windshield wiper motor bottom cover assembly, and recall 11V467000 addresses moonroof glass adhesive that could let the glass come loose.

At what mileage do visibility and wiper problems typically show up?

NHTSA data shows a median failure mileage of 34,000 for these complaints.

Did the wiper problems cause any crashes or injuries?

NHTSA records show 0 crashes and 0 injuries tied to these complaints, though 1 fire was reported.

2011 Subaru Outback Visibility & Wipers Problems

NHTSA lists 23 Visibility & Wipers complaints for the 2011 Subaru Outback, 4% of its 651 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 34,000. Two related recalls cover the wiper motor bottom cover assembly and moonroof glass adhesion.

Visibility & Wipers complaints: 23; 4% of 651
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 34,000 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical visibility and wiper symptoms owners report

Owners report the wiper motor overheating and causing smoke or flames under the hood, in one case fully igniting a fire.
Some drivers describe the rear view mirror as positioned too low with no way to adjust it for a clear line of sight.
Several owners tied to recall 11V467000 report the moonroof glass adhesive issue and long waits for dealer parts to complete the repair.
Front windshield wipers reportedly would not shut off, running at high speed even on a dry windshield, described as distracting.
Owners note headlight bulbs burning out and needing repeated replacement.
One complaint describes a back-up camera that was not centered properly.

When 2011 Subaru Outback visibility and wiper complaints were filed

First complaint Sep 22, 2011, latest Sep 13, 2021.

23 complaints filed with NHTSA from Sep 2011 to Sep 2021; peak Dec 2016 (4).

Visibility & Wipers recalls for the 2011 Subaru Outback

NHTSA 16V694000Sep 27, 2016Visibility & Wipers592,647 vehicles
Visibility:windshield wiper/washer:motor
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Legacy vehicles manufactured November 26, 2008, to June 7, 2013, and 2010-2014 Outback vehicles manufactured January 9, 2009 to June 7, 2013. Due to contamination, components within the windshield wiper motor bottom cover may interfere with each other. If an obstruction, such as a buildup of snow or ice prevents the wiper arms from being able to stop in the parked position, the wiper motor may overheat and the bottom cover may melt.
Risk: If the windshield wiper motor overheats, the wipers may fail, reducing driver visibility and increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, the wiper motor cover may melt, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor bottom cover assembly, free of charge. The recall began October 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTK-71. Note: This recall supersedes recall 11V-469. All vehicles that were remedied under that campaign are affected by this campaign, and need to have their wiper motor bottom cover replaced again.
NHTSA 11V467000Sep 7, 2011Visibility & Wipers69,590 vehicles
Visibility:sun/moon roof assembly
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2011 outback and legacy vehicles manufactured from august 3, 2010, through july 1, 2011. The moonroof glass may come loose or detach. The amount and position of the adhesive between the glass and retainer was inadequately applied.
Risk: The moonroof glass can loosen and detach from the vehicle during driving, resulting in a potential road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the glass adhesion condition and either apply additional adhesive or replace the moonroof glass, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during october 2011. Owners may contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.

Visibility & Wipers complaints by Outback model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20058 (3%)
20064 (1%)
20072 (2%)
20088 (4%)
20099 (8%)
20108 (2%)
201123 (4%)
20128 (3%)
201314 (5%)
201410 (5%)
2015142 (28%)
201691 (14%)
2017233 (25%)
2018272 (34%)
2019386 (37%)
2020383 (43%)
2021107 (36%)
2022280 (60%)
202319 (21%)
202422 (22%)
20256 (7%)

Frequently asked questions

How many Visibility & Wipers complaints does NHTSA list for the 2011 Subaru Outback?: NHTSA lists 23 Visibility & Wipers complaints for the 2011 Outback, which is 4% of the 651 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for wipers or visibility on the 2011 Subaru Outback?: Yes. Recall 16V694000 covers replacement of the windshield wiper motor bottom cover assembly, and recall 11V467000 addresses moonroof glass adhesive that could let the glass come loose.
At what mileage do visibility and wiper problems typically show up?: NHTSA data shows a median failure mileage of 34,000 for these complaints.
Did the wiper problems cause any crashes or injuries?: NHTSA records show 0 crashes and 0 injuries tied to these complaints, though 1 fire was reported.