What Is Causing the Subaru Outback Acceleration Problems?

Many drivers of Subaru Outback vehicles have come forward with complaints about unintended acceleration. Unintended acceleration is a serious vehicle defect that can put drivers and passengers in considerable danger. If you own a Subaru Outback and have experienced unintended acceleration, you may be able to seek compensation for any expenses related to repairs or a loss of value.

Subaru Outback 2017 Overview

Allegations of unintended acceleration include a range of Subaru vehicles. The Subaru Outback 2015-2019, Subaru Forester 2012-2018, and Subaru Legacy 2015-2019 may experience this issue. The 2017 Subaru Outback is a two-row midsize crossover equipped with all-wheel drive, six trim levels, and two engine options. According to Motortrend, both engine options are paired with a continuously variable transmission. Each Subaru Outback features ABS brakes and brake assist, and upgrade packages are available that include pre-collision braking, blind-spot detection, and reverse automatic braking.

Despite all of these available braking mechanisms, Subaru Outback drivers have reported unintended and uncontrollable acceleration.

What Are the Subaru Outback 2017 Acceleration Problems?

CarComplaints.com has recorded more than 350 reports of issues with 2017 Subaru Outback vehicles. These complaints are sourced from the National Highway Trafic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and cover a variety of problems. However, unintended acceleration is seen again and again.

“While my foot was still on the brake and I was changing gears from drive to reverse, the engine started accelerating full-throttle,” one complaint reads. “I had to press the brake pedal very hard to [stop] the car… I put the car back in park with the engine revving full-throttle and turned the ignition off. After this incident the car operated normally.”

Many of these complaints also include descriptions of collisions that drivers say occurred as a result of uncontrolled acceleration.

“[I] was sitting at a traffic light on a city street, the light turned green and I accelerated through the light and after 100-200 yards, the car accelerated wide-open on its own. I hit one car on the right rear and rear-ended another which stopped the vehicle. All the airbags deployed.”

What Is Causing the Subaru Outback Acceleration Problems?

According to plaintiffs who have filed class action lawsuits against Subaru, the unintended acceleration of Subaru Outback vehicles and others could be the result of a number of problems.

First, the unintended acceleration may result from the vehicle’s  “inadequate fault detection system” that the plaintiffs claim is unable to anticipate unwanted but foreseeable outcomes like unintended acceleration. However, this alleged defect can’t cause the acceleration itself. Rather, the failure of this system could be blamed for not stopping unintended acceleration when it occurs.

Next, drivers allege that acceleration could be caused by a variety of Subaru Outback components that are “highly susceptible to malfunction,” including the vehicle’s throttle body assembly, throttle position sensor, powertrain control module, circuit boards, or “related components.”

Is Subaru Aware of the Acceleration Problems?

According to the unintended acceleration class action lawsuit, since 2011, Subaru has known about the problems experienced by Subaru Outback drivers and others. The plaintiffs cite testing during production, warranty data, numerous consumer complaints, and repair orders from dealerships as sufficient proof that Subaru knew about the issue.

Subaru hasn’t issued a recall or offered free repairs, replacements or reimbursements to consumers for any repair expenses that may have incurred due to the alleged defect. The plaintiffs claim that Subaru “actively concealed” the defect from consumers prior to purchasing. The plaintiffs claim that had they known about the defect, they wouldn’t have purchased their vehicles.

Should You File a Subaru Outback Acceleration Lawsuit?

Based on information gleaned from both complaints and the class action lawsuit, Subaru Outback drivers haven’t had much luck getting this issue repaired. Furthermore, when a repair is performed, the consumer is responsible for the expense. In fact, according to the plaintiffs, dealership employees were instructed to tell drivers who reported the issue that their vehicles were “operating normally” and that “no issues could be found.” Drivers may also be told that unintended acceleration occurred because of the placement of the floor mats, “a common practice in the automotive industry.”

Simply put, if you’ve experienced unintended acceleration or other issues with your 2017 Subaru Outback, it may be difficult to get your vehicle repaired, and you will likely be saddled with the cost. Filing a Subaru Outback lawsuit may be your best option for getting compensation for these expenses.

The Subaru Outback Unintended Acceleration Class Action Lawsuit is Case No. 1:20-cv-05876 filed in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey.

Join a Free Subaru Unintended Acceleration Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you have owned or leased 2012–2018 Subaru Forester, a 2015­–2019 Subaru Outback, or a 2015–2019 Subaru Legacy that has experienced sudden Subaru unintended acceleration issues, you may be able to join this class action lawsuit investigation and pursue compensation.

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This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.