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: 2016
I have owned several Subaru vehicles over the years, and while I wouldn't consider myself a die-hard Subaru fan, I have to say that the latest generation of Subarus is truly impressive. In fact, I would say that they are among the best in their class. Of course, no car is perfect, and there are a few areas where Subaru could improve. For example, while the front acoustic glass does a great job of reducing wind and road noise, there is still some noise from the chassis that could be addressed. Additionally, some of the displays on the dashboard are a bit small, and the technology can be overwhelming at times. However, these are relatively minor issues, and they don't detract from the fact that this is an excellent car with many great features. The 6-cylinder engine is particularly impressive, providing quiet and refined acceleration that really changes the character of the vehicle for the better. And when you compare this car to others in its class, it's clear that it offers more features at a better price. Overall, I have found Subarus to be reliable, capable, and to hold their value well over time. And with this latest generation, they are better than ever before. I have owned this vehicle for over a year now, and I am more than satisfied with it in so many ways.Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my thoughts on the Outback. While I think it's a great vehicle overall, I have noticed that the noise level has increased a bit as the tires have worn down. I think it would be great if Subaru could work on reducing this noise and making the Outback even better. I've also noticed that it's not quite as quiet as our old BMW X3, which is surprising since the X3 wasn't known for being particularly quiet. Despite these minor issues, I still think the Outback is a fantastic vehicle. Thanks for listening!
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Vehicle year: 2005
Hello! Thank you for sharing your review of this product. I noticed that you had a blowout on the left front tire and had to replace all four tires due to the wear on the tire being greater than 3/32
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Vehicle year: 2016
I'm thrilled to share that my 2016 Outback 2.5 Limited has already clocked over 2600 miles, with 2000 of those being from a round trip to St. Louis and back. I can confidently say that I love this car! It's incredibly spacious and comfortable, handles like a dream, and has impressive acceleration for a 2.5 liter four cylinder. Plus, it gets an impressive 33+ mpg on the highway! So far, it has exceeded all of my expectations. The sound system is simply awesome, and the safety features are outstanding. I had a close call while travelling on the interstate at around 65 mph when a car suddenly switched lanes and cut in front of me. However, the Outback's Eye Sight system detected the danger and automatically applied the brakes, slowing me down. I'm yet to test its reliability, but based on Subaru's history, I expect it to be top-notch. While I have a few minor complaints, such as the clock and outside temperature display being on a small information strip on the lower part of the dash, I still think that the car is fantastic. The manuals are a bit tricky to use, but they contain a ton of information. Overall, I'm very pleased with my decision to opt for the Subaru. I believe that it offers great value, and I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone considering it.
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Vehicle year: 2023
I think the 2023 OB Limited is top-of-the-line! While there is a bit of a learning curve to understand all the features, there are so many safety features built in that the driver is the most crucial part. I'm a little concerned about how the 11.6” tech-screen will hold up in the long run, so I'm considering an extended warranty. But, I understand that it's a mass-produced, highly technical vehicle with lots of software, so it's naive to think it will work perfectly forever. Overall, it's a pleasure to drive and I love the protective systems. I think it's a keeper!
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Vehicle year: 2017
We recently upgraded from a 2015 2.5 Limited to a 3.6r Limited and we are thrilled with the results. The six-cylinder engine has made a significant difference in the overall quality of the car. It runs smoother, is quieter, and is definitely faster. During a recent trip over two mountain passes, we noticed that the 2.5 had to work hard to keep up, which resulted in poor gas mileage. However, with the new safety features on the 2017 model combined with the 3.6 engine, we had a much better driving experience.
Are you having problems with your Subaru Outback?
Clay Rippin 2025-08-20
Vehicle year: 2007
I used to own a '97 Outback, so when I found a good deal on the '07 model, I was initially excited. I appreciated the high ground clearance, increased horsepower, larger fuel tank, and spacious interior. However, I did notice some drawbacks such as weak fuel efficiency, cheap knobs, hard-to-clean interior fabric, and windows that catch. Unfortunately, my head gasket failed at 97.5k miles, just like my '97 model which failed at 105k miles. Although Subaru claimed to have fixed this issue, many others have experienced the same problem. It's unacceptable. In my opinion, Subaru has lost its quality and should cover the cost of repairs for their poor design. I may consider a different car brand next time.
Kellen Cole 2025-08-18
Vehicle year: 2022
I've been driving my 2022 Outback Limited XT for about a year and a half now. After updating the software to the 2023 version, the touch screen is much better. However, the backup camera is still too low on the display. You can find the firmware/software online and install it yourself. It's a large update, so it can't be done over WiFi. If your car is under warranty, the dealership will update it for free. I mainly use this car for trips and use my 2021 Crosstrek for town driving. It gets an average of 26 MPG, which isn't great, but the turbo provides good power. You just need to get used to the throttle response. The seats and ride are great, and I haven't had any problems other than adjusting to the touch screen. I do wish there were buttons instead of relying on voice commands, which are almost useless. The navigation is in an outdated TomTom format, but if you keep your maps updated, it's more accurate than my Garmin. I recommend the Outback Limited XT, especially if you have the latest firmware/software for the touch screen.
Jarvis Waters 2025-08-15
Vehicle year: 2006
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I read your message about your LL Bean Wagon and I can definitely understand your frustration. It seems like the car wasn't designed with families in mind. Specifically, the LATCH system is really hard to reach and the front seat has to be pushed so far forward to accommodate rear-facing car seats. I can imagine how uncomfortable that must be for you, especially since you're 5'11
Stephon Wisoky 2025-08-15
Vehicle year: 2012
I purchased a family car that was advertised to have high mileage and kept up with regular maintenance for three years. Unfortunately, while driving down the interstate, multiple warning lights illuminated on the dashboard and upon pulling over, I discovered that there was a significant amount of antifreeze leaking. The issue was diagnosed as an oil sending unit failure, which has resulted in the need for a new motor and potentially other repairs. Despite my disappointment, I am confident in my decision to invest in the necessary repairs, which will cost approximately $6000. I will be more cautious in my future car purchases.
Lee Padberg 2025-08-13
Vehicle year: 2014
I bought a used 2014 Subaru Outback in the spring of 2017 with 117k miles. The car was previously a company fleet vehicle, hence the higher mileage. No modifications were made to the vehicle except for a trailer hitch. Maintenance-wise, I had the spark plugs replaced at the dealer and did the brakes myself, which were as easy as any other brake job. Here are some of the things I love about this car: First and foremost, the symmetrical AWD system is the best. I've driven this car in the snow up in northern Michigan and it handles amazingly well on ice and snow at all speeds. The utilitarian aspects of the car are also great. I've towed a dual-axle 27ft pontoon with this car and it did great. I've also towed plenty of Uhauls and fishing boats around town and the car performed well. The car has tons of room in the back, which is perfect for me as I play in a band and can load almost all the gear to shows. The sound system is amazing and the car looks great. I've colored the wheels a dark grey to match the paint and people compliment it all the time. The factory-installed roof racks are perfect if you have any Yakima applications or for a canoe. Subaru keeps it simple when it comes to their designs and clearly it works. Subaru is known to hold its value very well, which makes me feel good about what my car is still worth today. Bonus Pro: Someone rear-ended me fairly hard and was driving an older Impala. Their car was totaled and limped away billowing smoke. The Subaru's bumper cracked a bit and I had to pop the corner back out. The only downside to this car is the power train, specifically on the highway. The car is very underpowered.Entering a freeway can be a bit of a challenge as the engine struggles to get up to speed. Additionally, the car doesn't sit very well at 80mph, causing the transmission to constantly shift and run at higher RPMs. The CVT transmission can be jerky and doesn't seem to be a good fit for the car. Although the car still drives fine, it's a little worrisome that it almost stalls when shifting into drive from reverse or coming to a stop. The entire driving experience with this transmission is unsatisfying due to its numbness. The engine is also quite noisy, and the car tends to be noisy on the highway. The engine uses oil, and the 'oil level low' light comes on frequently. However, keeping an extra quart of oil in the back can help. The 'instant mpg' gauge instead of an engine temp gauge may not be the most useful feature, but it's still interesting to see. The hazard button is located at the bottom of the hvac controls, so be careful not to accidentally put your hazards on. Lastly, the steering and accelerator pedal are quite stiff, which may take some getting used to. Overall, this car has its quirks, but it's still a decent ride after getting used to it.- This car may not be the best performer or workhorse, but it has served me well and I plan on keeping it in the family for as long as possible. Living in Michigan, the AWD has been a lifesaver and this car definitely delivers. While it may not be an SUV, it's still a great option for city driving and hauling things around. If you're looking for a spacious car to take your dogs on a ride or run errands, this car is perfect for you. However, if you're looking for a car with high performance or heavy-duty capabilities, this may not be the best option. Overall, it's a reliable car that gets the job done. If I had to replace it, I would consider an SUV that's better suited for my needs (especially since it only gets 24mpg).