2010 Outback steering wheel shaking and hesitation

145 messages,  Last post on Aug 17, 2012 at 7:34 PM

You are in the Subaru Legacy & Outback Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Outback, Sedan, Wagon

#96 of 145 Re: acura owner [ateixeira] by drdk

Dec 06, 2010 (11:15 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Dec 06, 2010 10:32 am)
Last winter in NY, we had a 20 in storm and our road was unplowed for 2 days. That is the snow I got through. If it had been 20 inches packed, I would have not even attempted it. Besides 4 good snow tires, I always have a survival kit in the car with shovel, food, blankets etc in case I get in trouble. I have never needed it, but I agree it is best to be prepared.

#97 of 145 Re: acura owner [clarkkent] by priggly

Dec 12, 2010 (12:38 am)

Replying to: clarkkent (Dec 04, 2010 2:17 pm)
I stand corrected. Now that you have illuminated us (not entirely incorrectly, I might add) we can add mediocre AWD to the shaking characteristic.
 
I intend to obliterate both characteristics with my 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland with Terrain Select and and Quadra-Lift suspension, and of course, Quadra-Drive II AWD. And of course it will not shake!
 
Did I mention the interior looks like a million bucks with that gorgeous saddle leather?
 
And for those still harping on Jeep reliability of old, don't even bother. The 2011 is a brand new game and could hardly be worse than the new Outbacks, now could it?

#98 of 145 Re: acura owner [priggly] by ateixeira

Dec 13, 2010 (11:17 am)

Replying to: priggly (Dec 12, 2010 12:38 am)
Not really fair - how much did that cost? Different price class, above the Tribeca's even.
 
For what it's worth, and I know to many it's not worth much, the Tribeca scored higher overall in the Consumer Reports' tests.
 
Also, the Grand Cherokee "tended to skitter and hop sideways" when you exceed lateral limits they described as "mediocre". Ouch.
 
I expect a recall from Jeep for the stability control failure, to be honest. Jeep has its own set of problems, IMHO far worse than a little shimmy on a few Outbacks.
 
Before people scream bias, let's remember when the Lexus GX did this they plastered a huge "do not buy" on that model, while Jeep is getting a 2nd chance with an upcoming test of the V8 model.
 
The Outback is not perfect, but is any vehicle?

#99 of 145 Re: acura owner [drdk] by clarkkent

Dec 23, 2010 (1:23 pm)

Replying to: drdk (Dec 05, 2010 8:27 am)
I just wrote to Subaru about the SW Shaking problem.
 
Here is an actual copy of their resonse. (as far as they are concerned, there in little or no problem with the SW shaking.
 
  
Thank you for your recent e-mail to Subaru of America, Inc. We appreciate you taking the time to contact us.
As a company, we carefully monitor warranty claims and quality survey comments to watch for any trends or concerns that can lead to customer dissatisfaction. The process we have established works well for us and in turn, it is helpful to our customers. Because of the number of various web sites out there, we cannot monitor the activity in them or report on anything that may be seen there.
 
While the information presented on internet sites is broad, our needs are more specific than what is supplied there. For example, we would need to track owner information, vehicle identification numbers, production dates, etc. An open public posting forum is not the best place for a customer to include this information in the interest of safety and privacy.
  
Please be assured that Subaru is very committed to customer satisfaction. We take a very proactive position if we become aware of a concern via our tracking methods or by monitoring owner contacts.
  
We have received a very small number of customer contacts about a vibration issue with the 2010 and 2011 Outback and Legacy models. We are working very closely with our dealers concerning this issue and our engineers are working very hard for a resolution. Please also know that we have heard from many more 2010 and 2011 Outback owners telling us how much they "LOVE" their Subaru.
  
At this time, we would recommend that you go to your local Subaru dealer and test drive the specific vehicle that interests you. As always, take it on a thorough test drive on local roads and highways to determine how the vehicle performs in various conditions. I think you will be pleased with the results and hope that you will become a member of the Subaru family.
  
Also, if for any reason you experience concerns after you purchase our dealers are there to assist you in any way that they can.
  
Should you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us again. Thank you for the opportunity to address your concerns.
  
Regards,
Nancy Quinn
Subaru of America, Inc
Customer Dealer Services
 
WOULD YOU BUY A CAR (OR A BOTTLE OF SNAKE OIL) FROM THIS COMANY?
 
What a shame that Subaru is trying to sweep this under the rug as Toyota did their problems.
CK

#100 of 145 Re: acura owner [ateixeira] by ateixeira

Dec 25, 2010 (10:00 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Dec 13, 2010 11:17 am)
More concerns with the Jeep Grand Cherokee:
 
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/13/2011-ford-explorer-first-drive-review-road-te- st/
 
We experienced some disconcerting behavior in the Jeep when it unsettled a bit as we turned starboard to make the corner, as if the rear suspension was oscillating both vertically and somewhat laterally as well
 
And that's a well-received vehicle. Like I said, nothing's perfect.

#101 of 145 Re: acura owner [ateixeira] by priggly

Dec 27, 2010 (3:30 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Dec 13, 2010 11:17 am)
If you get your car info from Consumer Reports you are in worse shape than the badly designed Outback.
 
The New Jeep Grand Cherokee, especially the Limited and and Overland models, are running rings around the competition. The "skittering and hopping" are hardily indicative of the frequency of the shaking of literally hundreds, perhaps of thousands of Outbacks, which defective vehicle Subaru interestingly continues to sell (perhaps they need the money).
 
You also might be interested in the fact the JGC is safer than the Outback. She www.informedforlife.org for details.
 
Give e the new Jeep Grand Cherokee over the "gambler's" Otback any day!

#102 of 145 Re: acura owner [priggly] by ateixeira

Dec 27, 2010 (9:26 am)

Replying to: priggly (Dec 27, 2010 3:30 am)
Why are you attacking me personally? I'm in fine shape.
 
2 different publications expressed concerns with the beyond-the-limit behavior of the Grand Cherokee. For all we know it's a problem with 100% of them. You wouldn't find out until you attempted such a manuever (hopefully never).
 
Don't shoot the messenger.

#103 of 145 vibration concern by gusser33

Dec 27, 2010 (11:21 am)

I have about 13K on my car and it does vibrate, but not all the time. it is frustrating, for sure, but the dealer can't find it, or so they say, but it is there. I bought this car after making the tough decision between it and a Chevy Equinox. I bought the Outback because it was made in the USA while the Equinox was made in Canada. I think i bit off my nose to spite my face. My friend just bought one and frankly i like it better than i do the Outback. It just rides, sits and handles better. Also, it gets better gas mileage than i do. So, i am stuck with for a while and unless they can fix it, i won't be keeping it long.

#104 of 145 To buy or not to buy? by wphill

Dec 27, 2010 (2:25 pm)

My wife did he research...fell in love with the 6cyl outback.."limited" and then followed up on this vibration complaint....smells too fishy for her to touch. If there is a new fix that does more than try to cover up the problem then Subaru needs to be more convincing. We live in KY..not too far from the plant that makes them. But, that really does not help. Once you drive it,it's yours.
 
Any more hard news out there that sway her to buy the Outback?

#105 of 145 walking away by wphill

Dec 28, 2010 (9:21 am)

fwiw. my wife called the mfg rep. she got a fairly straightforward response. The problem was confirmed and there was nothing said to minimize that the issue is ongoing, that a fix remains in the works.
 
At this point, she is walking away, partially open to other cars and partially open to waiting for a real solution. It's the outback that she really really loves. But, wild horses could not get her to buy under the current status. If the car she is driving starts to rattle her, she will buy another car. I'm not sure that time is on her side.
 
I have owned a 95 passat and a 05 jetta. These will be my last vw's. Poor reliablity, fishy expensive extended warranties bought from vw, just are too problematic. Really, ashame. VW makes "fun", smoothe, nimble cars.
 
Time to return to the big american cars...just like my parents.????
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