Subaru Outback problems
The Subaru Outback is an automotive nameplate used by the Japanese automaker Subaru for two different SUV-themed vehicles: a Legacy-derived crossover station wagon, the Outback (1994–present, also sold as Legacy Outback (Japanese: スバル・レガシィアウトバック, Hepburn: Subaru Regashi Autobakku) in some markets), and an Impreza-derived off-road themed hatchback, the Outback Sport (1994–2011).
Most versions of the Outback wagon and Outback Sport have had all-wheel drive as standard equipment.
History
The original Outback station wagon was derived from the wagon variant of the second-generation Subaru Legacy. The first-generation Legacy, which made its debut in 1989, did not receive the cosmetic and suspension modifications to create an Outback version, although Subaru offered an Outdoor option package for the 1994 model year Legacy L all-wheel drive model, which added a compressed air strut height adjustable suspension, a luggage rack, a skidplate, and mud flaps.
Earlier, a raised-roof "Touring Wagon" variant had been offered on the preceding Subaru Leone for the 1988 and 1989 model years. Subaru also sold a raised-roof variant (chassis code BF) of the first-generation Legacy wagon outside the United States. North American Legacy wagons were only offered as the flat-roof variant (chassis code BJ) until a special "GT" model was marketed for the 1994 model year.
The second-generation Legacy wagon became the first generation of the Outback crossover series, called the "Legacy Grand Wagon" in Japan in 1995, and the "Legacy Outback" in most other markets. Compared to the existing Legacy wagon, the "Outback" variant added partial protective plastic side body cladding for off-road conditions, used a raised roof, and would later raise the suspension to provide additional ground clearance. It was introduced at the 1994 New York Auto Show. Aside from other small differences in trim, the Outback shares almost all of its components with the Legacy donor model.
When launched in Australia in 1996, the name "Legacy Outback" was shortened to "Outback", followed in other markets afterwards. In the United States, Subaru also retailed the Legacy SUS sedan between the 1997 and 2007 model years, with similar modifications to distinguish it from the equivalent Legacy model sedan. The Impreza Outback Sport was introduced at the 1996 New York Auto Show, but for the 1997 model year, the donor model names were dropped, and the cars were known as the "Outback" and "Outback Sport".
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Subaru Outback model years
Common Subaru Outback problems
Common Problems with Subaru Outback Cars:
- Oil Leaks and Oil Consumption: Oil leaks are a common problem in Subaru Outbacks, particularly in the 2013 model, which may suffer from a defective piston. Older models, such as those from 2000-2003, may also experience oil leaks due to camshaft and crankshaft seal failures. In some cases, these issues may require an expensive engine rebuild.
- Cooling System Failure: Many Subaru Outbacks, particularly those released between 2000 and 2018, may experience cooling system failure. This issue often starts with minor problems like a broken thermostat, radiator issues, or coolant leaks, which can lead to more severe damage, such as head gasket failure. Subaru has extended the warranty for this issue, which typically occurs at the 100,000-mile mark.
- Transmission Issues: Transmission problems have affected various model years of the Subaru Outback, with the 2002 and 2004 models being particularly prone to issues like clutch damage and high-pitched noises. These problems can lead to more severe issues, such as transmission slippage, which can be dangerous on the road.
- Electrical Problems: Electrical issues are the worst problem category for the Subaru Outback, with the 2013 model year being the worst due to higher repair costs and more problems at lower mileage.
- AC System Issues: Drivers have reported problems with the AC system in the Subaru Outback, with some experiencing intense shuddering during acceleration.
- Weak Windshields: Subaru Outback windshields are prone to cracking, particularly in the 2013 model year, which was part of a recall due to a defective piston ring that caused oil to leak or burn, potentially leading to engine failure.
- Vibration During Acceleration: Approximately 280+ people have reported an intense shudder during acceleration in the Subaru Outback.
- Dead Battery: The most-reported problem for the Subaru Outback is the dead battery issue in the 2017 model year.
While the Subaru Outback has faced various issues in the past, newer models, such as those released after 2018, have seen improvements in reliability and durability, particularly in the CVT transmission.
What is the most common problem with the Subaru Outback?
A list of some of the most common issues Outback owners have to deal with.
- Rodents Chew Subaru's Soy Wires. ...
- Legacy and Outback Headlights Burn Out. ...
- Melting Dashboards. ...
- Subaru EyeSight Problems. ...
- Subaru Vehicles with Recalled Takata Airbags. ...
- Excessive Oil Consumption. ...
- Rust and Corrosion Problems. ...
- Leaky Head Gaskets.
What year is bad for Subaru Outback?
Quick Answer: Avoid Subaru Outback Year Models 2013 and 2014. When searching for the most dependable Subaru Outback, it's vital to consider the worst.
Is a Subaru Outback a reliable car?
Q: How reliable is the Subaru Outback? A: The Subaru Outback is considered one of the more reliable vehicles in its class and price range. With proper maintenance, typical users can expect 16-20 years of use before significant repairs or breakdowns are needed.
What are common Subaru Outback starting problems?
The most common reasons a Subaru Outback won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Subaru Outback years
We have researched Subaru problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Subaru Outback cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Subaru Outback model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Subaru Outback model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Subaru Outback years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Subaru Outback car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Subaru Outback , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Electrical system problems
- Visibility/wiper problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Power train problems
- Air bags problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Subaru Outback vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Outback model years
A total of 365 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Outback model years
There were a total of 76 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Outback model years
There were a total of 238 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Outback model years
There were a total of 6 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 9068 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Subaru Outback . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Subaru Outback vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Subaru Outback 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-13
- Date Complaint: 2024-11-21
- VIN: 4S4BSAFC0K3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Infotainment unit failed. Battery died and was replaced with a larger capacity battery. Shortly after, the infotainment head unit became inoperable with ghosting of buttons. Then, the car would not hold a charge again and a bypass box for the digital communication center is being installed today under a recall. The ghosting/inoperable infotainment center remains non-functional and is apparently a separate issue? It randomly beeps and selects buttons, which is distracting. Unit has to be shut off to avoid this.
Subaru Outback 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-08
- Date Complaint: 2024-11-19
- VIN: 4S4BSANC4K3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Battery goes dead after not using car for 4 days. Subaru said the battery that came with the car was not strong enough. There was a lawsuit, but i missed the date to buy a new battery. I bought a strong battery, but problem happed again. Based on many forum messages, there is a parasitic battery drain while car is off. Problem is tied to Starlink Fuse. Also saw a new lawsuit on the fact that Starlink is trying to connect to 3G network, which no longer exists. Subaru is not fixing this problem. Google Subaru 2019 Starlink battery, it is all over the place.
Subaru Outback 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-14
- Date Complaint: 2024-11-14
- VIN: 4S4BTGPD9N3
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: Have second deep crack with light rock impact in less than one year
Subaru Outback 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-27
- Date Complaint: 2024-11-04
- VIN: 4S4BTGLD5N3
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: Windshield has a crack. There is no external force, neither accident happened
Subaru Outback 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-19
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-30
- VIN: 4S4BSAFC7K3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: DCM battery drain and bad head unit display. The class action law suit does not cover the fix for the battery drain problem. Just a new battery. My is the battery continues to drain. I cannot afford to replace the problem DCM. I had to pull that fuse as a fix. I now do not have fro t speakers or Bluetooth. My CarPlay maps no longer tell me where I need to turn. Causing me to looks at the display more frequently. This is not good in busy areas. The other issue is with the head unit. When it gets warm and humid, the display doesn’t work. It clicks all over causing issues with CarPlay, Bluetooth and the radio. This is due to moisture getting in the display. Again causing problems and distractions. This will cause accidents if it hasn’t already. There are a lot of complaints out there for this as well as the DCM battery drain.
Subaru Outback 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-07
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-27
- VIN: 4S4BSAFC6K3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Head unit delaminating after Data Control Module repair in 2023. Head unit is entirely inoperable and poses a safety risk to driver by turning radio on and off, switching stations, raising and lowering volume level, and affecting the eyesight periodically. Head unit can be turned off after multiple attempts, however powers back up on its own continuing the previously mentioned issues.
Subaru Outback 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- VIN: 4S4BSBJC2F3
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The horn stopped working on my vehicle. This puts my safety and other driver's safety at risk since I can not alert them if they are coming into my lane. I contacted Subaru Customer Advocacy but they are not willing to fix this problem. I checked the online forums and this seems to be a common problem.
Subaru Outback 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2021-03-25
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- VIN: 4S4BRBGC0C3
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that his vehicle was consistently burning out head light bulbs. The contact stated that in a 3 year period he had replaced the both the driver's side and the passenger side bulbs 7 times, and following one failure he had replaced the passenger side housing. The contact stated that the bulb in the new housing had blown out. The contact stated that he had also blown a headlight while driving at night at an undisclosed speed. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic was diagnosed and it was determined that the wiring and electrical system was in working order. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Subaru Outback 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-18
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-23
- VIN: 4S4BSENCSK3
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: See attached document for complaint.
Subaru Outback 2024
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-21
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-21
- VIN: 4S4BTGUD5R3
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: The contact owns a 2024 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that after the purchase of the vehicle, the dealer informed the contact to schedule an appointment to install the trailer hitch harness. The contact was informed by the dealer that the vehicle could tow a capacity of 3,500 lbs. The contact wanted to attach a camper to the trailer hitch. The contact was then informed by the dealer when the dealer attempted to install the hitch harness that the vehicle did not have any trailer brakes to which the tow harness could not be installed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the dealer would not install the trailer brakes and referred the contact to an independent mechanic for further assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 3,395.
Subaru Outback 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-18
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-21
- VIN: 4S4BTGPD7N3
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: DEFECTIVE WINDSHIELDS: COSTLY REPAIR: I purchased this car when it was 9 months old with 7800 miles on it. I now have 30, 080 miles. and I have had to replace the windshield 3 times. I also had one a chip repaired. This means I have replaced the windshield every 7427. miles. Once the crack has started the lane sensing and brake stopping programs are halted. This is a serious safety issue. This is BEYOND RIDICULOUS for a NEW MODEL car. There much be something wrong with the making of these windshields, or the material used to make these windshields. This is a costly repair, being that the windshield needs re-calibrating each time. It's been around $2500.00 each time. The Subaru Dealer I purchased the car from has been made aware, but they have no solutions, no discounts, or no other options. Other than empathy, and tell me many others are having the same problems.
Subaru Outback 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-18
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-19
- VIN: 4S4BTGPDXP3
- Components: POWER TRAIN,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: When coming to a stop at a stop sign, the car jerks and the engine appears to stall. I have brought it to 2 dealerships and both have said that it is "normal". I have had dozens of cars and none have ever performed in this manner. The adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking frequently brakes for no reason or does not recognize cars in front of me. It regularly misses large objects directly in front of the car. The system also has a lot of failures and turns itself off randomly for unknown reasons. (again, "working as designed")
Subaru Outback 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-03
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-17
- VIN: 4S4BSATCXH3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Battery drain kept on happening. The nth time after buying 2 batteries and getting battery recharge 2x, Subaru sent me a letter of notice of possible problems with car keeps on finding radio or gps signal thus drains the battery. Brought car to Subaru then they changed the signal unit and gave me a new battery as well.
Subaru Outback 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-16
- VIN: 4S4BSANC8J3
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Summary: The infotainment screen has delaminated rendering it unusable and will intermittantly interrupt the backup camera while moving. This is the second screen already with this issue in my vehicle
Subaru Outback 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-16
- VIN: 4S4BTAAC7M3
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Thermo control valve failure. Would not cover it
Latest 5 recalls Subaru Outback
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 199 recalls for different components of the Subaru Outback.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Subaru Outback 2020
- Report Received Date: 2024-03-22
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
- Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A capacitor in the sensors for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may crack and short circuit, which can prevent the front passenger air bag from deploying in a crash.
- Consequence: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the ODS sensors on the front passenger seat, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed May 17, 2024. Owners will receive a second letter once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRA-24.
- Model: Subaru Outback 2022
- Report Received Date: 2024-03-22
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
- Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A capacitor in the sensors for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may crack and short circuit, which can prevent the front passenger air bag from deploying in a crash.
- Consequence: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the ODS sensors on the front passenger seat, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed May 17, 2024. Owners will receive a second letter once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRA-24.
- Model: Subaru Outback 2021
- Report Received Date: 2024-03-22
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
- Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A capacitor in the sensors for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may crack and short circuit, which can prevent the front passenger air bag from deploying in a crash.
- Consequence: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the ODS sensors on the front passenger seat, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed May 17, 2024. Owners will receive a second letter once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRA-24.
- Model: Subaru Outback 2022
- Report Received Date: 2023-11-09
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH
- Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
- Consequence: An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.
- Model: Subaru Outback 2021
- Report Received Date: 2023-11-09
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH
- Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
- Consequence: An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.
Latest negative Subaru Outback car reviews
Latest positive Subaru Outback car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2019
When I was looking for a new car, I knew I needed something with a certain ruggedness since my last vehicle was a Jeep. I have absolutely no regrets about choosing this car. As someone who is only 5'1
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Vehicle year: 2021
I'm glad to hear that you've been enjoying your Outback since 2014! It sounds like it's been a reliable car for you, especially during winter driving conditions. The symmetrical all-wheel drive is definitely a standout feature that sets it apart from other cars in its class. It's great to hear that you've had no issues driving up deep snow packed and slippery hills. I can understand your initial concern about switching from a 6 cylinder to a flat-4, but it's reassuring to know that you've been able to keep up with fast-moving traffic and lane changes with ease. The lower center of gravity of the flat-4 Boxer engine definitely helps with handling. It's exciting to hear that you're considering upgrading to a newer model in the next couple of years and visiting a Subaru dealer. The newer turbo-charged version sounds like it would be a game changer! While the CVT transmission may have a slight lag with sudden acceleration, it's good to know that it's not a major issue once you get used to it.
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Vehicle year: 2015
Congratulations on passing the three-year anniversary with your first Subaru Outback! It's great to hear that your wife, Coco the Wonder Dog, and you all love it. The Outback is versatile, practical, and surprisingly comfortable. During the summer months, you have your Yakima bike rack on the back to ride the trails at a local forest preserve several times a week. As owners already know, it is fantastic in bad weather. You have not had any issues and it remains as solid and comfortable as the first day you brought it home. It's good to hear that you are enjoying your very first Subaru Outback. Your initial impressions of the 2015 Subaru Outback are very positive. It's comfortable, quiet, has a great driving position, and great visibility. It also has a lot of space for hauling stuff. You purchased the 2.5i Limited, which has leather seats and soft touch materials. It seems very solid and refined for a vehicle designed to go off-road. The performance of the 4-cylinder engine is just fine, and the overall build quality is outstanding. The only thing you hope Subaru does on the next generation is put a better sound system in the car. The one in it now is not bad, but it could be better.
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Vehicle year: 2015
Hands down the best vehicle in snow I have ever had. I have had Jeeps, SUVs, 4 Wheel Drive Trucks, but nothing compares to the sure-footedness of the Subaru. Prior to this, I had a 2001 Outback with 300,000 miles on it, and I sold it for $6000. These cars are built to last, hold their value, and are as advertised. Great technology is now available that wasn't back then.
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Vehicle year: 2017
After one month and 1,100 miles on our 2017 Outback 3.6R Touring, I can't say enough great things about this wagon. It's been an absolute dream to drive! The adaptive cruise control is a gem of a feature that adapts to the distance of the car in front of you, making it very handy when you get cut off by a slow-poke. The car slows down for you and when the slow-poke moves over out of your way, the Outback smoothly moves back up to your preset speed or to a safe distance from the next car in front of you. The blind spot indicators are also a great feature that I experienced with great joy. I know some think it's an SUV, but it's not. Moving from the American Blue Oval (Ford) to the Japanese Blue Oval (our car was made in Lafayette, IN, incidentally - I think all U.S. market Subarus are; I could be wrong) was a decision I don't regret. Ford just didn't have what I liked or needed this time around. For the last year, we've been doing the on-line research and always came back to the Outback 3.6R as the prime choice. At the Chicago Auto Show, we got to test drive one for the first time. We also test drove something we hadn't considered previously and that was the Kia Sorento which is more crossover than wagon, but it had us thinking. In the end, it was the Outback itself as well as Subaru dealers (and the one we bought from in particular) over the Kia dealers that sold us. We didn't get much meaningful response from the Kia dealers (on the phone or internet) - maybe they didn't take us seriously; at least not until after we'd had our Outback for a few weeks! So anyway, I highly recommend the Outback to anyone looking for a reliable and enjoyable driving experience.On the interstate, it always seems like there's a car driving in my blind spot! Now I don't have to take my eyes off the road ahead to know there's a car invisible to me on my left or right. Out in the country, the Outback is in its element. We haven't tested it much yet, but we did have some soft, mushy areas to drive through that would have been a challenge to a vehicle without AWD and the ground clearance of the Outback. Other things I've come to appreciate over the last month with the Outback is the CVT - Continuously Variable Transmission. It's been around on several cars for years, but it's new to me - and I actually prefer it to the step shifting of the traditional 6 speed I had in my Fusion. I've read lots of car enthusiasts' opinions who won't go near a CVT (favoring a manual transmission), but I think for me (and a lot of people like me) it's a welcome change - though I do have to watch out for speeding since I don't have that step sensation through the gears on a rather powerful 3.6-liter six! Which brings me to another primary reason for going with the six; towing capacity through, potentially, mountains. We haven't tried it yet, but I just couldn't see winding up the 2.5-liter four with 1 1/2 tons of stuff through the Rockies. I know I'm not alone on that assessment either, having read concurring remarks in professional reviews. I have no fears whatsoever with the six. It's a powerful and peppy power plant! The ride of the Outback is smooth and comfortable. The suspension smooths out some of the worst washboards I drive on better than any car I've had before. And because we opted for the Touring sub-model, comfort is better than anything I've owned before. This is the first car I've had with heated leather seats (though my wife had them in a Buick LeSabre Limited more than a dozen years ago) AND a heated steering wheel!I'm still learning all about the electronics. Right now, I'm happy with just figuring out the radio and how to play my iPod Nano (3rd gen). I was a tiny bit disappointed that my Nano doesn't play well through the iPod function, which displays the information from your iPod on the infotainment screen. It will play a couple of songs and then blank out. I've read that this has been happening to many people with even newer iPod equipment than my 10-year-old Nano. So, all I do is run it through the Aux function, and things are as good as in my previous cars, except for the sound system, which is a spectacular Harmon-Kardon layout! I LOVE the sound! The navigation system is super spectacular for me, having come from a 4
Are you having problems with your Subaru Outback?
Bertram O'Keefe 2025-09-11
Vehicle year: 2015
The Outback Wagon I purchased did not meet my expectations, especially when compared to my previous Subaru WRX. While the car is comfortable and spacious, Subaru's reliability has taken a hit. The transmission takes almost 2 seconds to shift gears, which can be problematic in snowy conditions. Despite my concerns, both the dealership and Subaru claim that the car is within specifications. The Check Engine light also keeps coming on, and while the dealership attempts to fix it, the issue persists. Unfortunately, Subaru of America has not been helpful in resolving these issues. While I had hoped for a better outcome, I have decided to trade in the car at a loss and will not be purchasing another Subaru in the future. Subaru may not always show their love, but they are a reliable and trustworthy brand. As a former Subaru fan, I can attest to their quality and performance.
Harrison Gleichner 2025-09-10
Vehicle year: 2021
I've owned eight new cars overall, and while the Outback isn't at the top of my list, it's still a decent choice. The interior is spacious and comfortable, and the cargo space is practical. The leather seats and dash are a nice touch for the price point. It's also a comfortable car for long drives. The styling, drivetrain, and handling are all okay, but not exceptional. The exterior and interior design are attractive but not particularly exciting. The engine has plenty of power, but it lacks refinement and can be rough. The CVT can also be a bit confusing at times. The handling is competent but not very inspiring. The Harman Kardon stereo is serviceable, but nothing special. The standard tires are not great, and I got stuck in the snow in the first week of owning the car. The electronic safety and convenience features are the weakest point of the car. They are unreliable, distracting, and poorly executed. The distracted driver monitoring system is a feature that nobody asked for and went off every few seconds, even when I was paying full attention to the road. The departure warning system is also over-sensitive and had to be deactivated. The auto-start stop feature is also frustrating and cannot be permanently disabled. Despite these flaws, the Outback still offers good value for money.The touch screen display could benefit from sharper resolution and better visibility in bright light. Some users may find the menu layout confusing and difficult to navigate, particularly for certain functions. The climate controls being on the screen may not be the most intuitive design choice. One of the features that could use improvement is the driver recognition system, which is tied to seat position, mirror settings, and other preferences. Some users have reported difficulty getting the system to recognize them consistently. It would be helpful if there was a manual profile selection option as a backup to the automated system. The Eyesight and backup warning systems have been known to throw dealer service check errors after only a few months of use. If you have a dog in the back seat, be prepared for random beeps that may be distracting. The adaptive cruise control can be a bit confusing, as it will brake if you use the gas to exceed the cruise speed setting temporarily. Some users may find this feature frustrating. The car's electronics could benefit from more elegant design and better user experience. While the safety features are appreciated by some, others may feel that the money could have been better spent on improving other aspects of the car, such as the interior quality, transmission, engine NVH refinements, tires, and stereo. Overall, this car may appeal to those who value safety features, but others may prefer a different set of priorities.
Ottis Gleason 2025-09-09
Vehicle year: 2022
During the first month of owning the car, I experienced an issue where the car applied emergency braking on an open road on a sunny day with no traffic. Despite taking it to the dealer, the problem could not be found. Unfortunately, this issue has occurred twice since and the dealer still cannot find the problem. Additionally, the GPS has stopped working twice and there is a serious rattle that the dealership can hear but cannot locate. Although I consider myself a fairly conservative driver, the vehicle uses about 30% more fuel than EPA with mixed city/highway driving of 13L/100km. The radio also keeps going off station and the volume varies. It has been one year now and I am already on my 3rd 12v battery. I have owned 7 new cars in the past, but this is the only one with problems, and unfortunately, Subaru has been unable to repair them.
Kyler Senger 2025-09-08
Vehicle year: 2000
In the past two years, my car has required several repairs, including a head gasket replacement during the warranty period at around 34,000 miles. Unfortunately, it now needs another head gasket replacement at 113,000 miles, as well as repairs for an oil leak. Last year, I spent $2,500 on rebuilding the transmission and replacing the CV boots. This year, I had to spend $500 on a rear O2 sensor and $1,500 on a catalytic converter due to check engine light issues. Although I have already spent $4,500 on repairs, I cannot afford to spend another $2,500. As a result, I have to sell this car. I had hoped to drive it for a few more years, but unfortunately, that is not possible.
Green Smith 2025-09-08
Vehicle year: 2020
Our family has owned a 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 Outback 3.6R Limited. We recently traded in the 2018 for a 2020 Limited XT. In my opinion, the 2018 with H6 was much quieter than the buzzy 2.4 Turbo in the 2020. While many have said that the 2020 interior is an improvement over the outgoing model, I personally disagree. I noticed a lot of cost-cutting on the 2020 compared to the 2018. However, the handling is better on the 2020. I do have a 2019 Tesla, so I can say that the UI is not as good as a Tesla's. It's a nice car, but I should have kept the 2018 3.6R H6, as it was smooth as butter and very quiet. I would have saved $10,000 as well. So, if you're a 3.6R Limited owner, think twice about switching to the buzzy four-banger with a lot of surge acceleration (not smooth). Of course, it's my fault as I did a factory order, sight unseen. However, you all have the option to see and drive it now that they are out and in dealership lots across the county. Your mileage may vary.