1997 Subaru Outback Cruise Control Problems
6 owner-reported cruise control complaints from NHTSA data
Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
Cruise Control Recalls (1)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE THROTTLE SHAFT BALL BEARING ON THE SENSOR SIDE OF THE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY WAS NOT INSTALLED IN CERTAIN THROTTLE BODIES.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE THROTTLE BODY AND REPLACE THE THROTTLE ASSEMBLY IF THE BEARING IS MISSING.
Owner Complaints (6)
Your 1997 Subaru Outback suddenly accelerated when you pressed the brake pedal while parking at low speed, causing you to crash into another vehicle. This has happened before. You discovered there's a known safety recall (98V035000) for vehicle speed control issues, but the manufacturer claimed the repair was already done—however, a mechanic confirmed it was never performed.
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Your cruise control failed to turn off while driving, which caused your vehicle to roll over and be totaled in the accident. This is a serious safety issue where the cruise control system did not respond to disengagement commands.
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WHEN BRAKING TO A STOP THE ENGINE DOES NOT DOWNSHIFT CAUSING HIGH IDLE. MJS
WHEN CRUISE CONTROL IS SET VEHICLE ACCELERATES OVER THE SET SPEED. BRAKES HAVE TO BE APPLIED SO CRUISE CAN BE DISENGAGED. DEALER CANT DUPLICATE PROBLEM. *AK
WHILE AT A STOP THE VEHICLE SURGES FORWARD TWO OR THREE FEET BEFORE DRIVER CAN STOP THE VEHICLE. OWNER HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM FROM DAY ONE OF PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, WHICH WAS MAY OF 1997. THE DEALER IS NOT ABLE TO FIND A PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
CONSUMER HAS TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALERS ON FOUR OCCASIONS DUE TO ERRATIC IDLING. WHEN AT STOP SIGN THE VEHICLE WILL BEGIN TO IDLE AND CREEP FORWARD WITH INCREASED SPEED. OTHER TIMES, WHENEVER VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVEN FOR APPROX. 1/2 AN HOUR TAKING FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL, AND THE VEHICLE WILL DROP TO 40MPH. THEN BEGIN SPEEDING BACK UP. CONSUMER HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM OCCURRING SINCE MIDDLE OF SEPTEMBER. *AK