Cam Sensor Issues?

[CTSpace55]

So since I couldn’t seem to find a thread about my particular problem, I decided to start a new one…..

Background: I have had my ’11 Outback 3.6R Limited since November 2010. I currently have 22,600 miles on it. I wish I could say it has been problem free. At about 6,000 miles the dreaded shakes turned up. I went through all the hassle of the testing, wheel balancing, etc. until I had the “big TSB” applied. The shakes seemed to go away for the most part, but they come and go and I truly can’t seem to identify any sort of pattern as to why this would happen. I guess you could say I am not 100% satisfied post-TSB, but I thought I could at least live with it.

Current Issue: At around 21,000 miles, I started getting the check engine light (solid), brake light (solid), and traction control/cruise control lights (flashing) randomly coming on. The first time it came on and went off shortly thereafter. It stayed off for a few weeks, then came on when I started my car to drive to work on a Monday morning. I called the dealership, they told me to drive it straight in. They diagnosed it as a faulty cam sensor. After a few days of waiting for the part, the dealer replaced the sensor and I was on my way. The same combination of lights came on the very next day. Back to the dealer. This time, it took them a week to figure out what was going on. Despite my persistent inquiries, this is the best explanation I could get from the service manager: “We weren’t really sure what was going on. The problems were occurring around the same cylinder. We replaced the cam sensor on the intake side twice. We also replaced the cam sensor on the exhaust side. The voltage running to these sensors is on the low end.” Me: “Is this problem a concern for a newer car with 22,000 miles on it?” Service Mgr: “Well, we like to think everything comes from the factory perfect, but that just isn’t the case.” That was it…..

My question: has anyone else had this cam sensor problem on the 4th Gen Outback? Despite my searching here and elsewhere, I can only seem to find discussions pertaining to 10 year old cars or older. Should I be concerned? I am at the point where I am seriously considering trading in for something else. Intermittent vibration, goofy jarring transmission, plus I have got all the door/sunroof/B-pillar rattles (worsening) and that isn’t helping matters. My car has been in the shop a total of 15+ days with the shake and cam sensor issues. It’s a shame because (minus the problems) this is the perfect car for me.

[MadDad]

Have you looked into enacting the lemon law. It think the third time is a charm.

[certez]

8700 miles on mine and no issue so far.
When replacing camshaft sensor, crankshaft sensor needs to be replaced also. Those two magnetic sensors cooperate together with the computer. Are they replaced both? On my previous car Nissan Altima I have replaced them three times (120 000 mi)
Not shure about Subaru engine specifications, but I think maybe this is a problem.

[CTSpace55]

MadDad, I have though about enacting the Lemon Law. The problem for me with the Connecticut law, however, is I need to have 4 or more repair visits for the same problem OR 30 days in the shop. Three visits for the shake issue and two visits (so far) for the cam sensor issue. Total of 15 days. I haven't hit that threshold for the Lemon Law yet

certez, thanks for the feedback. I don't know a whole lot about the electronics in cars, but I am trying to learn. It doesn't help that I am female in trying to reason with the Service Dept., I don't think. They are being cagey about this issue just like they were about the issue with the shakes. They don't want to reveal any information about how many cars they have seen with these issues. I am fearful that - like on your Altima - this could be a recurring issue or a symptom of a bigger problem. I paid too much money for this car not to have any faith in it! My last Subaru was a rock for 100k+ miles. What happened, Subaru??

[CTSpace55]

Thanks for the advice so far. Anyone have any other experience with this on their 4th Gen Outback? Just trying to get a sense for whether this is a one-off event or a sign of a dud......