| Issue ID | 751982 |
| Internal NHTSA # | 10296172 |
| Manufacurer | SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. |
| Brand | SUBARU |
| Model | OUTBACK |
| Model Year | 2006 |
| File date | 15/12/09 |
| Component | STEERING |
| Product type code | VEHICLE |
| Description of the problem | I have a 2006 subaru outback limited wagon. Driving on wet roads, not even icy, the most minor bump in the road, or frost heave, will send the vehicle's rear end swaying, almost out of control. This is supposedly known as ghost walking. This is extremely dangerous, as it happens at highway speeds, on straight roads, and causes the vehicle to sway back and forth across the lane. Tires have been replaced as well as subaru dealership performing a full alignment. This is supposed to be awd, so rain should not be a factor. I also notice this swaying happen on dry pavement, but not as threatening. Seems like there is play in the rear end, but car was fully safety checked by subaru and passed all points. Seems to be a major flaw in the awd, namely the limited slip differential in the rear end. I'm afraid to drive this vehicle in winter conditions, yet that's what subaru's are known for. |
| Vehicle Mileage at Failure | 69000 |
| Number of Occurences | 1 |
| Source of the issue | NHTSA WEB SITE |
| City and State | DURHAM, CT |
| VIN pattern | 4S4BP62C766XXXXXX |
| Was vehicle invloved in a crash? | N |
| Was vehicle involved in a fire? | N |
| Was incedent reported to police? | N |
| Was medical attention required? | |
| Was part original equipment? | |
| No. of injured persons | |
| No. of fatalities | |
| Date of purchase | 07/08/26 |
| Was original owner? | N |
| Anti-lock brakes | N |
| Cruise control | N |
| Number of cylinders | |
| Drive train type | |
| Transmission type | |
| Vehicle speed | 55 |
| DoT tire identifier | |
| Tire size | |
| Location of tire code | |
| Type of tire failure code | |
| Was defective tire repaired? | |
| Date of manufacture | |
| Type of child seat code | |
| Type of restraint | |
| Dealer's name | |
| Dealer's telephone number | |
| Dealer's city | |
| Dealer's state code | |
| Dealer's ZIP code |