Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Subaru outback. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal would intermittently become unresponsive. The dealer repaired the defect, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 65,696 and the current mileage was 75,000.
2005 Subaru Outback cruise control problems
severe 30 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $600 · see cruise control across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
30
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$600
5crashes
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 30 cruise control complaints filed for the 2005 Subaru Outback, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 150,000+ mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 30 cruise control complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 17 model years of Subaru Outback in our records for cruise control problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2005 Subaru Outbacks describe a cluster of throttle and cruise control failures that affect driveability and safety. The most common and dangerous issue is the accelerator pedal becoming unresponsive while driving—it simply stops working regardless of pedal pressure, forcing the vehicle into limp mode at idle speed. This happens randomly, at any speed, with no warning. The check engine light comes on, often pulling diagnostic code P2138 (throttle position sensor issue). A restart restores power, but the failure is intermittent and recurs unpredictably. Owners report spending money on repairs—pedal sensor, throttle body, relays—only to have the problem return weeks or months later.
Cruise control also fails dangerously: it either refuses to disengage when the driver wants to slow down or coast, sometimes causing unexpected acceleration, or it unexpectedly drops out while the driver is unaware. One owner accelerated from 65 to 80 MPH while trying to coast. In other cases, cruise control surges wildly and pulsates when engaged downhill.
Additionally, owners report phantom revving (3000–5000 RPM spikes in neutral), rough running after rain, and power loss events requiring shutdown and restart. The common denominator in many cases is throttle position or pedal position sensor failure, though repair attempts often fail to permanently fix the problem. One dealer dismissed downhill cruise surge as normal design.
Same Subaru Outback cruise control reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007
Failure modes owners describe
Accelerator Pedal Loss of Response / Limp Mode
The accelerator pedal intermittently becomes unresponsive while driving, forcing the vehicle into a limp or failsafe mode where it will not accelerate above idle speed. The vehicle must be restarted to regain throttle control.
When: Intermittent; occurs at various speeds and driving conditions (highway and local roads); happens after a few weeks to several years of ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Accelerator pedal unresponsive when pressed; Vehicle speed drops to idle or near-zero despite pedal input; Check engine light illuminates; Cruise control light blinks or disables; Engine may rev at 1500–2200 RPM with no motive power; Condition clears after engine restart
Codes mentioned: P2138, P0638, P0500
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report repairs including replacement of accelerator pedal position sensor ($185 part plus labor), throttle position sensor, throttle body, throttle control relay, and complete pedal assembly. Some repairs fail to permanently resolve the issue, with failures recurring after weeks or months.
Cruise Control Failure to Disengage / Unintended Acceleration
The cruise control intermittently refuses to release control of the engine when the driver pulls the cruise control lever to coast or applies the brake. In some cases, the vehicle accelerates unexpectedly while the driver attempts to slow down or when cruise is engaged, particularly on hills.
When: Intermittent; since purchase in 2005; occurs on highways and varying terrain; some instances occur shortly after purchase or within first few weeks of ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control lever pulled to coast position but engine continues at set speed or accelerates further; Speed increase from baseline cruise speed to 10–15 MPH higher despite brake application; Brake pedal pressed but cruise does not disengage; Cruise control off button ineffective; Vehicle suddenly lunges forward at high speed; Engine acceleration without driver input, especially on hills; Irregular throttle surge or pulsation when cruise is engaged downhill
Repairs/costs cited: Subaru made changes to the vehicle computer (software) in at least one documented case. In another case with unintended acceleration, repair cost was $5,876.11. Some owners report damage from crashes caused by this failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One case cited a letter from Subaru of America requesting vehicle details and stating they could not help once the vehicle had been repaired. Another case noted no recall available per the manufacturer.
Cruise Control Unexpectedly Disengages
The cruise control turns off or kicks out unexpectedly and without warning while driving, particularly on highways. The driver may not notice immediately and must manually resume or re-engage cruise.
When: Intermittent; varies by duration, terrain, temperature, and speed; documented over multi-day, 1500+ mile road trips.
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control disengages without driver action; Vehicle speed drops when cruise turns off; Driver does not immediately notice disengagement; Sudden speed drop becomes apparent when traffic behind closes in; May occur with or without use of accel/decel buttons
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One dealer made a computer change via Subaru of America (SOA) that appeared to resolve the problem temporarily, but the issue returned.
Phantom Revving / High Idle
The engine revs up to high RPM (3300–5000 RPM) unexpectedly while the vehicle is in neutral or clutch depressed, either while stopped or while slowing down. The RPM elevation is difficult to bring back to normal idle.
When: Intermittent; sometimes daily, sometimes after a few days without occurrence; in cold and rainy weather noted in one case.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine revs to 3300–5000 RPM without driver input; Occurs while in neutral or with clutch fully depressed; Happens while stopped at traffic light or while slowing from any speed; Difficulty returning RPM to normal idle; Rough idle preceding failure (noted in one case)
Cruise Control Surge / Pulsation on Downhill Grades
When cruise control is engaged on downhill terrain, the throttle becomes irregular, causing the engine to surge and decelerate rapidly and repeatedly as if the fuel flow is being interrupted. The vehicle bucks or pulses until cruise is disengaged.
When: Occurs when cruise is engaged descending grades, including small hills.
Symptoms owners cite: Throttle hesitates and surges when descending hills; Engine pulsates or bucks as if fuel flow is interrupted; Vehicle oscillates between acceleration and deceleration; Distracting to driver; Condition stops immediately when cruise control is disengaged
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One dealer stated this is how the vehicle was designed and a fix is not possible.
Check Engine Light and Power Loss After Rain
Following rainstorms, the engine light blinks and the vehicle runs roughly with reduced power on startup. Power returns after a short time but the check engine light remains on for about a week before clearing.
When: Occurs approximately 10 times, specifically after rain events, on startup.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light blinks on startup after rain; Rough idle with little power; Power gradually returns after short time; Check engine light stays on for about one week after event; Vehicle runs normally after light clears until next rainstorm
Synthesized from 30 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
Accelerator pedal randomly stopped functioning while driving straight on flat road approximately 30mph, resulting in no speed control, able to drive only on idle speed. First seems like not 'shifting gears' correctly, then no speed control. (many comments in online forum of elusive problem to diagnose by Subaru dealers and much money spent with only random success.) when restarted car drove…
Tl* - the contact stated that the driver was pulling into a parking space with a 2005 Subaru outback when the car unintentionally accelerated. The contact stated that his mother was doing about 5 MPH. The contact stated that is was a nice day and weather was not an issue. The contact stated that the car stopped when it struck trees and that front end damage was done to the car. The contact…
2005 Subaru outback faulty cruise control. Consumer states that the invoice states that it turns off on its own but it should state that it turns on by itself. *kb the consumer stated while the cruise control was in use, suddenly and unexpectedly the vehicle lunged forward at a high rate of speed, jumping a 10 inch curb, striking a pine tree, then down a grassy slope and off a second curb into…
Intermittently and without warning, the accelerator pedal will become unresponsive. On multiple occasions, the vehicle was in motion when this happened. The speedometer fell to 0, and when pressed, the accelerator pedal did nothing. The vehicle had to be limped to the side of the road and restarted in order for it to work again. The check engine light would then come on. On other occasions, the…
Every time the cruise control is engaged while going downhill the throttle begins to rapidly and wildly accelerate and decelerate as if it is out of control. It stops when cruise control is disengaged. Very unnerving. *jb
Every once in a while the gas pedal stops functioning. It happens at highway speeds as well as local roads. When it does happen you have to find a safe spot to pull over and shut off the engine for at least a minute or more. Restart the car and the pedal comes back. This is very hazardous. I could end up getting rear ended. My grand children ride in the car. The scanner code came up p2138 Subaru…
Had cruise control trouble with your 2005 Subaru Outback?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the cruise control problem on the 2005 Subaru Outback?
It's a meaningful issue. 30 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $600.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Across the 24 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most cruise control failures cluster between 60,000 and 160,000 miles, with the median around 110,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 60,000; a quarter make it past 160,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $600 for cruise control repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to cruise control?
No active recalls currently cover cruise control issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2005/Subaru/Outback.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.