NHTSA ID Number: 10175631
Incident Date: 2006-06-30
Manufacturer's Name: Subaru
of America, Inc.
Vehicle/Equipment Make: SUBARU
Vehicle/Equipment Model: OUTBACK
Model Year: 2004
9999 If Unknown Or N/A
Vehicle Identification Number: 4S3BH675X46
Vehicle Mileage At Failure: 22901
Vehicle Speed: 0
Number Of Occurrences: 1
Was Vehicle Towed: No
Consumer Location: SANTA CRUZ, CA
Summary of Complaint
I PURCHASED A NEW 2004 SUBARU OUTBACK (MANUAL TRANSMISSION) IN MAY 2004. I HAVE BEEN VERY HAPPY WITH THE VEHICLE, HAVE MAINTAINED IT PER MANUFACTURERS INSTRUCTIONS AND HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH IT. ON JUNE 30, 2006 I TOOK THE CAR TO MY LOCAL DEALER IN RESPONSE TO A NOTICE STATING THERE WAS A RECALL ON 2004 OUTBACKS FOR AN "ENGINE CONTROL MODULE REPROGRAMMING (REFLASH). SINCE THAT REPROGRAMMING THE RPMS ARE SLUGGISH IN RETURNING TO NORMAL IN BETWEEN SHIFTS AND AT IDLE. IN-BETWEEN SHIFTS, THE RE-ENGAGEMENT OF THE CLUTCH IS WHAT FORCES THE ENGINE RPMS DOWN TO MATCH THE TRANSMISSION REVOLUTIONS (I DO HAVE CONCERNS THIS WILL EVENTUALLY CAUSE ABNORMAL WEAR ON THE CLUTCH PLATE. IT CAN TAKE ANYWHERE FROM 1.5-5 SECONDS FOR THE RPMS TO DROP FROM 3-4,000 RPMS TO 1,000 RPMS; AND LONGER AT HIGHER RPMS. THIS IS DANGEROUS WHEN A SUDDEN DECREASE IN SPEED IS ESSENTIAL FOR SAFETY (THE BRAKES ARE FIGHTING THE ENGINE REVVING EVEN THOUGHT THE ACCELERATOR HAS BEEN RELEASED). MY GAS MILEAGE HAS DECREASED DUE TO OVER-REVVING (I HAVE KEPT A MILEAGE LOG SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR). ON ONE ROAD TRIP LAST AUGUST, THE RPMS NEVER DROPPED BELOW 1000 AND, IN FACT, FLUCTUATED BETWEEN 1,000 AND 2,000 RPMS AT IDLE! I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR BACK TO THE LOCAL DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES OVER THE LAST 5 MONTHS (AND 7,000+ MILES) TO TRY TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. A CASE # WAS OPENED WITH SUBARU OF AMERICA AND I HAVE BEEN IN TOUCH WITH THEM SEVERAL TIMES REGARDING THE ISSUE. A "FIELD REP" HAS COLLECTED DATA ON THE VEHICLE AND SENT IT OFF TO THE CORPORATE TECHS. THE LOCAL DEALER HAS DONE EVERYTHING THEY KNOW TO DO AT THIS POINT. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THERE IS NOTHING "WRONG" WITH THE CAR. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE TO ME; IT WAS A GREAT CAR UNTIL THE ECM RE-PROGRAMMING. I CANNOT DRIVE THIS CAR FOR THE REST OF IT'S LIFE IN THIS CONDITION; NOR WOULD I WANT TO SELL IT TO ANOTHER PERSON DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS. IT IS NOT SAFE. *NM
Check if your Subaru has a Recall
Complaint 10175631 Documents
For Latest Documents related to this Complaint, visit the NHTSA Website.
Click the (+) Plus Sign
Then click Associated Document(s).
Most Complaints Don't have any PDFs.
- Mixes well with conventional fluids
- Low-moisture formula provides excellent vapor lock...
- Ideal for hydraulic and disc brakes
- Provides an extra margin of safety in extreme braking...
- Mix of polyglycol ethers ensures hot brake-system operation...
- Excellent for ABS
, disc and drum brake systems - Delivers braking power when needed by avoiding a spongy...
- Both wet and dry boiling points exceed the minimum...
Last update on 2026-06-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Search NHTSA Database for Recalls
Search NHTSA Database for (TSB's) Technical Service Bulletins
Technical Service Bulletins TSB's List
Search NHTSA Database for Vehicle Investigations
CRASH: No
WAS VEHICLE INVOLVED IN A CRASH
FIRE: No
WAS VEHICLE INVOLVED IN A FIRE
INJURIES: 0
NUMBER OF PERSONS INJURED
DEATHS: 0
NUMBER OF FATALITIES
Was Medical Attention Required: No
Was Incident Reported To Police: No
Date Of Incident: 2006-06-30
(YYYY-MM-DD)
Date Added To File: 2006-12-08
(YYYY-MM-DD)
Date Complaint Received By NHTSA: 2006-12-08
(YYYY-MM-DD)
Date Purchased: 2004-05-05
(YYYY-MM-DD)
Was Original Owner: Yes
Product Type: Vehicle
V = Vehicle T = Tires E = Equipment C = Child Restraint
Specific Component's Description: EQUIPMENT
Anti-Lock Brakes: Yes
Cruise Control: Yes
Number Of Cylinders: 4
Drive Train Type: AWD
[AWD, 4WD, FWD, RWD]
Fuel System: Fuel Injection
FI = Fuel Injection TB = Turbo
Fuel Type: Gas
BF = BiFuel CN = CNG/LPG DS = Diesel GS = Gas HR = Hybrid
Vehicle Transmission Type [Auto, Man]: MAN
(DOT) Department Of Transportation Tire Identifier:
Tire Size:
Location Of Tire:
FSW = Driver Side Front DSR = Driver Side Rear FTR = Passenger Side Front PSR = Passenger Side Rear SPR = Spare
Type Of Tire Failure:
BST = Blister BLW = Blowout TTL = Crack OFR = Out Of Round TSW = Puncture TTR = Road Hazard TSP = Tread Separation
Was Defective Tire Repaired:
Was Part Original Equipment:
Date Of Manufacture:
(YYYYMMDD)
Type Of Child Seat:
B = Booster C = Convertible I = Infant IN = Integrated TD = Toddler
Installation System:
A = Vehicle Safety Belt B = Latch System
Dealer's Name:
Dealer's Telephone Number:
Dealer's City:
Dealer's State:
Dealer's Zipcode:
SOURCE OF COMPLAINT CODE:
CAG = Consumer Action Group CON = Forwarded From A Congressional Office DP = Defect Petition,result Of A Defect Petition EVOQ = Hotline VOQ EWR = EARLY WARNING REPORTING INS = Insurance Company IVOQ = NHTSA Web Site LETR = Consumer Letter MAVQ = NHTSA Mobile APP MIVQ = NHTSA Mobile APP MVOQ = Optical Marked VOQ RC = Recall Complaint, Result Of A Recall Investigation RP = Recall Petition, Result Of A Recall Petition SVOQ = Portable Safety Complaint Form (PDF) VOQ = NHTSA Vehicle Owners Questionnaire
Incident State Code:
Vehicle Operator's Name:
Previous Complaint | Next Complaint |
- [Notice] When you receive a used device, it may be a customer return resold by Amazon without inspection. You can exchange it for a new one through Amazon. As this situation is unavoidable, we sincerely apologize. For any issues, contacting us via Amazon's "Messages" is the best way. THINKSCAN 689BT Bidirectional Scan Tool Can Be Used Immediately After It is Turned On, Without Complicated Registration Process, Which is More Convenient & Quick.
- Full Bi-Directional Control & 3000+ Active Tests: Take control and test components like actuators, fuel injectors, relays, and cooling fans in real time. You’ll quickly see if the problem is in the part itself or the control module — saving you hours of guesswork and frustrating trial-and-error.
- Advanced ECU Coding Capabilities: Handle module matching and hidden feature activation with confidence. When you replace an ECU or want to customize settings, this obd2 scanner diagnostic bi directional tool gives you the professional-level capabilities you need without the dealership price tag.
- 34+ Useful Reset and Maintenance Functions: Complete everyday service tasks smoothly with a wide range of helpful reset and maintenance functions. Whether you’re keeping up with regular upkeep or tackling a specific job, this scanner makes maintenance simpler and less stressful for both DIYers and pros.
- Comprehensive Full System Diagnostics: Diagnose every major system — Engine, Transmission, ABS, SRS, TPMS, and more — all in one place. Finally stop wondering if you’re missing something important; get the full picture and clear codes with ease.
Last update on 2026-07-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- Top Reasons to Choose the D7S OBD2 Scanner: XTOOL D7S car scan tool, an upgrade of XTOOL D7, offers comprehensive features for automotive technicians, workshops, and DIY enthusiasts 1. Upgraded Hardware: 2+64GB memory, rear camera, intuitive interface, foldable bracket 2. Complete Diagnostics: FCA Autoauth, OE-level all system scan, 39+ maintenance services, 4K+ bidirectional, CANFD/DoIP protocol 3. Advanced Capabilities: ECU c0ding, PMI functions 4. Wide Compatibility: Support 10,000+ models, covering 99% vehicle brands 5. Multi-language: Available in 22+ languages, No IP Restrictions 6. 3-Year Updates: Save 300 bucks on software updates for the latest features and optimizations
- 2026 Upgraded D7S Car Scanner Features: The newly 2026 D7S V2.0 scanner for car brings exciting features for advanced vehicle diagnostics and enhanced user experience 1. FCA AutoAuth: Now supports FCA SGW module for Chrysler, for Jeep, for Dodge (2018+), for Fiat (2017+), enabling faster vehicle communication without gateway restrictions 2. PMI (Offline ECU Pr0gramming): Allows for Ford, for Lincoln, and for Mazda ECU pr0gramming for new modules 3. Optimized Diagnostic Report 2.0: Personalized reports with logos and customer info for auto shops. Note: Compatibility varies by cars, please check before order
- 39+ Services/Resets/Adaptations/Relearns/Calibrations: XTOOL D7S full system car scanner diagnostic tool tackles 99% of common car issues through its 36+ special functions, including Oil Reset, EPB, SAS, BMS, Throttle Reset, Injector C0ding, ABS Bleed, TPMS Reset, Power Balance, etc and also covers specific-vehicle functions like Crank Sensor Relearn, ABS Initialization, Cylinder Power Balance, Fuel Trim Reset, Idle Relearn etc. This car diagnostic scanner enhances efficiency, making repairs and maintenance hassle-free. Tip: DO NOT for All vehicles, please check compatibility first
- Cost-effective ECU C0ding Scan Tool for Specific Brands: Enhance your vehicle's performance with XTOOL D7S! This obd2 scanner all systems bidirectional offers advanced capabilities at an affordable price, supports online for BMW, for Benz and offline for BENZ, for MIT, along with PMI functions for Ford, for Mazda, and for Lincoln. Ideal for technicians and DIY enthusiasts, this automotive scanner diagnostic tool optimizes vehicle performance and enhances the driving experience. Note: Not for all cars and modules, please send car VIN to check the compatibility before purchase
- OE All System Diagnostic & 8 Pids Graphing: XTOOL D7S is a comprehensive all system bi directional obd2 scanner that delivers dealer-level diagnostics, completely controlling over your vehicle’s performance and health. This automotive scan tool can read and clear DTCs, view live data and ECU information, retrieve freeze frames, and perform active tests and full obd2 functions. This bi-directional scan tool can can identify your vehicle's make, model, and year information with just one click and show up to 8 PIDs live data with options for CSV viewing, playback, and recording for in-depth analysis. It is easy-to-use for both professionals and beginners, helping pinpoint issues efficiently
Last update on 2026-06-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- 【✅Compared to BOSSCOMM IF742, IF745 Offers Full-System Diagnostics】The BOSSCOMM IF745 car diagnostic scanner is an upgraded model of IF742. In addition to supporting all OBD2 Code Reader functions and 6 reset options (ABS/EPB/SAS/BMS/Oil/Throttle), it expands diagnostics from 4 systems (Check Engine/ABS/SRS/Transmission) to vehicle All systems, including Steering, Suspension, and Body Electronics. This provides deeper, more comprehensive diagnostic capabilities.
- 【✨10 OBD2 Functions】The BOSSCOMM IF745 scan tool’s DTC Lookup instantly translates fault codes into user-friendly explanations, its I/M Readiness feature streamlines emissions testing with a single tap, and Freeze Frame lets you pinpoint the exact moment of a fault for in-depth root-cause diagnosis. Combined with a live data dashboard and advanced diagnostics (O2S, OBMon, EVAP), it delivers comprehensive insights for confident troubleshooting.
- 【✨Deep Diagnostics for All Vehicle System Modules】Beyond code reading/clearing and ECU information retrieval, our all-in-one data stream feature lets you inspect all current fault codes and their locations across the vehicle’s systems. This vehicle code reader helps you turn off dashboard warning lights and perform a comprehensive self-check of your car at home—no more back-and-forth trips to the repair shop or hefty inspection fees.
- 【✨6 Essential Resets: ABS Bleeding, Oil, EPB, SAS, Throttle, BMS】The BOSSCOMM IF745 obd2 scanner diagnostic tool swiftly purges air from brake lines to restore braking sensitivity, fine-tunes maintenance cycles to eliminate false alerts, resolves parking brake issues with one-click control, recalibrates steering sensors for stability, optimizes engine idling/acceleration for smoother performance, and deeply resets battery systems to extend lifespan and range via precise parameter adjustments.❗NOTE: Does NOT support bidirectional control, coding, or programming.
- 【✨10,000+ Car Models, AutoVIN, 13 Languages】The BOSSCOMM IF745 vehicle scanner diagnostic tool covers 73+ global car brands and offers support in 13 languages, making it perfect for DIYers, auto mechanics, or as a thoughtful gift. With a single-click AutoVIN feature, it instantly retrieves vehicle serial numbers, streamlining diagnostics for users globally. This adaptable tool balances user-friendliness with precision, catering to both personal and professional requirements.✅Unsure about compatibility? Compatibility will vary on vehicles' model and year, pls reach us via 📧 [email protected] 📧 before purchase.
Last update on 2026-07-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This product presentation was made with AAWP plugin.