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
The 2019 Outback Limited comes with all the safety features you could want. However, the Apple Play feature on this car has been a constant source of frustration for me since I bought it new. Despite replacing the cord with an Apple brand cord twice, the connection can suddenly drop when I am driving to an unfamiliar destination. I am dependent on WAZE or Google Maps for navigation, which often take miles of driving before they display. This is especially frustrating in areas with good cellphone reception. On top of that, the owner's manual is poorly written and doesn't provide much help. Despite these issues, I have found the blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert to be incredibly helpful in busy parking lots like the one at Costco. The adaptive cruise control and pre-collision breaking are also great features. However, the cupholders are poorly designed and can only accommodate one cup with a handle in the front. The radio control knobs are also small and can be difficult to use. Overall, the car has its quirks, but the safety features make it worth it.I really appreciated not having to purchase any unnecessary options, like a sunroof, in order to get the safety features I wanted. Additionally, the visibility in this car is even better than that of the CRV or RAV4. While it may be different from most cars sold in the US, the gas fill pipe on the right is actually quite common in German cars, such as Audis.
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Vehicle year: 2005
I'm glad to hear that you're enjoying your Outback! It's interesting to hear that it gets better gas mileage than your previous Jetta, despite being a larger car and all-wheel drive. Safety is definitely a top priority, and it's great to know that you feel secure in your Outback. While it's unfortunate that you've had to spend money on brake repairs, it's good to hear that overall it's been a reliable car.
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Vehicle year: 2022
I hope you're enjoying your new car! It sounds like you've already put some miles on it and are getting used to the CVT. The Outback XT is definitely a powerful vehicle that can handle those mountain passes with ease. It's great to hear that you're taking advantage of the safety features, like the adaptive cruise control and blind spot warnings. With so many features available, it's important to read the manual and personalize the car to your liking. The Limited version has a high-quality interior and a great sound system. While the touch-screen interface could be improved, it's a common issue with many car makers. However, with some practice using your smartphone interface and voice commands, you'll be able to fully enjoy all the tech that this car has to offer. Happy driving!
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Vehicle year: 2016
We recently traded in our '13 Outback Premium with 50,000 miles on it for a '16 Limited and got a good deal. Although we went down a trim level, we are still happy with our purchase. The Outback strikes a good balance between size, performance, and economy. We did have a minor issue with a wear spot on the leather seat of our '13, but the local dealer worked with Subaru to get it repaired free of charge. The cloth seats in the '16 are a nice touch. We have driven 4,000 miles on the '16 and it drives better and gets better mileage than our '13. The CVT is calibrated differently and seems to do much less downshifting going up hills, making it more enjoyable to drive. The ride is more comfortable and compliant, and the car seems to corner a little flatter. We have also noticed an improvement in MPG's with the '16. The mid-level radio in our Premium is not too bad either. Overall, we are pleased with our purchase and look forward to driving it more.I would recommend opting for the plastic trim over the rear bumper by the tailgate, as well as the all-weather floor protectors, seat back protectors, and cargo protectors. We have the power rear gate, which works fine, but it's not a big deal to me. Ironically, since we've had the Outbacks, we've left the Midwest winters for the South Carolina area (and granddaughters), so we haven't actually had much snow experience yet. However, we are returning to Iowa for Thanksgiving in a few weeks, so who knows? We've just done the normal maintenance and haven't had any problems (other than the worn leather in the '13 that Subaru replaced). The Outbacks have been good, and the '16 is even better. One Year Review: We've had the car for a year now and have put 30,000 miles on it, driving back and forth between Iowa and South Carolina. The car has had no issues, just normal maintenance at Subaru dealers and a couple of recalls. Mileage seems to have improved since about 18,000 miles. Driving from South Carolina to Chicago this week, the first tank showed 32 MPG on the car computer and the second tank showed 31. We like the power liftgate more than we thought we would. We also like the cloth seats, which are comfortable and seem to be more durable than the leather on our '13. I wish Subaru would offer a mildly tuned turbo on the Outback that would have about 25 more horsepower and torque, but use regular gas and not use more gas. Overall, both of our Outbacks have been good, but the '16 is better due to its drivability and handling compared to our '13. Almost two years old now and with 43,000 miles, we still like the power liftgate more than we thought we would. It's handy when walking up to the car pushing a grocery cart, or at Costco with a load. The original tires are wearing out and need to be replaced, which is expected. Good car. Update July 2018: We traded in the '16 with 53,000 miles for a 2018 Outback. This time, we got the safety features instead of the sunroof. The lane watch is kind of touchy, but the adjustable cruise control is nice in stop-and-go traffic. On the highway, if you come up on someone slower, you have to remember to pass, or you will slow down and match their speed.I really like the styling of the 2018 model much better than the '13 & '16 we previously owned. Unfortunately, I am experiencing a recurring issue with the back-up camera. When I back out of the driveway, the screen is underexposed and blurry, making it difficult to see. However, after 7-8 seconds, the screen flicks and adjusts to normal, and I can see fine. This was not an issue with our '16 model. I have taken it to the dealer twice, but it has not been fixed yet. They tried reprogramming it, and now they are suggesting a new head unit (radio). I suppose I'll try that. The dealer in Charlott has been very helpful in trying to make it right. John, the service writer, is great to work with. I am really hoping that the issue gets fixed soon because a back-up camera that you can't see with isn't much help!
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Vehicle year: 2011
You've driven your 2011 Subaru Outback for about 1000 miles so far. You bought it used with 37K miles. I'm glad you decided to give this crossover a shot, even though you were hesitant at first. It's normal to need some time to get used to the CVT transmission and some Subaru quirks, but once you're acclimated, driving any other car is just not fun anymore. The spaciousness of the interior and the performance of the AWD and boxer engine are amazing. You get respectable gas mileage at around 25 miles combined. Everything the Edmonds/CR experts talk about is spot-on, but nothing to worry about. I'm so happy to hear that you love driving this thing around your town and can't wait for your next road trip!
Are you having problems with your Subaru Outback?
Laurel Reynolds 2025-10-01
Vehicle year: 2003
I purchased the car used with 140k miles on it, which means that the previous owner's handling of it may have had an impact. Unfortunately, in the first week, I had to replace the head gasket, oxygen filter, timing belt, and fix a radiator leak. In the fourth week, I had to replace the tires, brakes, CV joints, bent axis joint, and fix an oil leak. Currently, in the eighth week, I am dealing with a headlight electrical system failure. I paid $4,500 for the car, but the repair bill has already reached $5,000. While it may not have been the best purchase, I have learned a lot from this experience. The Outback has not been the most reliable or cost-effective car, especially considering that I mainly use my bicycle for work. In hindsight, I wish I had stuck with my old Honda CRV. Some of the downsides of the Outback include poor gas mileage in cities, loud exterior noise, and a bumpy ride. From my experience, I have found it to be unreliable.
Carol Medhurst 2025-09-29
Vehicle year: 2003
Although there were some issues with the car, such as the head gasket going just past the warranty and a fuel injector needing replacement, it is important to note that these are common issues with Subarus and not necessarily indicative of a larger problem with this particular car. The car's mileage in town is on the lower side, averaging around 19 mpg, and it does tend to lean on turns, which is characteristic of this model. However, it is important to be cautious when making a u-turn due to the car's poor turning radius. Overall, this car has its quirks but is still a reliable choice for those in the market for a Subaru.
Glen Franecki 2025-09-28
Vehicle year: 2018
Overall, this car has a lot of great features, such as the value and Eyesight. The Eyesight system has really grown on me over time. However, there is one major issue with the steering that prevents me from recommending this car. At higher speeds on the interstate, the steering control can temporarily leave, which can be quite scary. Additionally, in strong cross-winds, the steering can be difficult to control. I have seen other complaints online about this issue, so I know I am not alone. I plan to contact my Subaru dealer and have also notified the NHTSB. It's important to be aware of these issues before making a purchase. Thank you for your understanding.
Raoul Hand 2025-09-27
Vehicle year: 2022
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with my 2022 Subaru Outback that I've owned for a year now. Recently, on a pleasant spring day with a temperature of 62 degrees and overcast skies, I was driving on a 2-lane road going approximately 45 mph in desolate northwest Kansas. Suddenly, my sunroof exploded and the sound almost caused me to wreck. Unfortunately, I was told that the bumper to bumper warranty doesn't cover this issue. As someone in my 50's who has owned several vehicles, some with sunroofs, I've never experienced this problem before. I reached out to Subaru of America, but unfortunately, I didn't get very far. I'm just wondering why the warranty isn't being honored. Thanks for listening!
Wilton Stehr 2025-09-27
Vehicle year: 2023
Overall, I think it's a great car, but I probably wouldn't buy it again. This is our first Outback, and we enjoy it very much. I test drove several trim and engine models before selecting the Limited XT. The additional options on the Touring didn’t seem worth the extra money. The XT was a must, since the non-turbo models felt sluggish and heavy. The engine runs unusually loud on startup, but smooths out quickly. The interior is very well made and has quality materials. I think the seats are great, but my wife finds them uncomfortable. The controls are okay, but there are too many AC controls (max AC, vent selection, etc) buried deep in menus, and changing them while driving pulls your eyes from the road. That’s a prevalent problem with the menu system, causing enough of an attention pull that the car itself will warn you to The console well is deep and just fine, but the pockets on the side of the console are very narrow and I haven’t found any utility for them. The AC struggles against the Texas heat and the front vents are narrow, limited directionally and oddly placed so that the steering wheel blocks the airflow from directly reaching the driver. However, overall it's a great car, and while there are some annoyances, they are not deal-breakers and can be easily overlooked.