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Subaru Outback — the used buyer's guide

Every generation: what ownership is like, what breaks at what mileage, what repairs cost, and what to check before you buy.

Search 'Subaru Outback years to avoid' and the lists point at a few places. CoPilot and a Reddit thread name 2013 for 2.5L oil consumption. MotorTrend names 2018 in the 2015-2019 stretch. Other lists point at 2010 to 2014 for Takata passenger air bag inflator recalls and for CVT trouble, and older cars carry the EJ25 head gasket reputation.

This page walks seven Outback generations back to 1995. For each, it shows what breaks, what the repair costs where we found sources, and what to check in person. We also show our own numbers, NHTSA complaints per catalog listing and how often ads mention a problem, always with the denominators.

Our fixed rule flags one Outback year, 2010: 360 complaints across 162 listings, 2.22 complaints per listing against a generation median of 1.03, and 36 of 105 ads mention a problem. A second year, 2020, passed the first test (902 complaints across 149 listings) but was dropped when the ad test was re-run without the 'rust' flaw, so it is not flagged. The best-known single years do not trip the rule: 2013 has 0.90 per listing (297 complaints across 331 listings) against the 2010-2014 median of 1.03, and 2018 has 2.75 (816 complaints across 297 listings) against a 2015-2019 median of 2.75.

The generations

problems cluster by generation, not by badge — know which one you're looking at

Gen 1 (1995-1999)1995–1999
Gen 2 (2000-2004)2000–2004
Gen 3 (2005-2009)2005–2009
Gen 4 (2010-2014)2010–2014
Gen 5 (2015-2019)2015–2019
Gen 6 (2020-2025)2020–2025
Gen 7 (2026-present)2026–2026

1995–1999

Gen 1 (1995-1999)

The original Outback, a raised Legacy wagon with standard all-wheel drive and 7.3 inches of ground clearance (Subaru of Ontario). We checked NHTSA's names OUTBACK, LEGACY OUTBACK and OUTBACK WAGON for these years; only OUTBACK returned records (the other two returned none), so only OUTBACK is counted. Records filed under plain LEGACY are the sedan and wagon and are not counted.

NHTSA complaints per catalog listing run from 12.33 for 1999 (111 complaints across 9 listings) to 31.75 for 1998 (127 across 4), against a generation median of 17.54. The highest year, 1998, is 1.8 times that median. No year reaches the 2.0x our rule needs together with an above-median ad share and 30 or more listings, so nothing is flagged.

What happens at what mileage

Miles	Item	Cost	Notes
any	Recall on file: front coil springs in salt-belt states (01V216000, 1999)	Free at a Subaru dealer when open	The recall applies to cars originally sold or registered in a list of salt-belt states. Confirm by VIN. Also check the floor, rocker panels and rear arches for rust.

Buying one — check these

Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and confirm the coil spring recall was done.
Check the floor, rocker panels, rear arches and suspension mounts for rust.
Ask for timing belt and head gasket service records and look for oil seepage at the heads.

1995 to 1999 Outbacks in our catalog clear between $2,575 and $2,800 depending on year (13 cleared sales in total). The lowest yearly median is 1998 at $2,575 (4 sales) and the highest is 1999 at $2,800 (9 sales). Years with fewer than 50 cleared sales: 1998, 1999. Read those loosely.

Full Gen 1 (1995-1999) guide →

2000–2004

Gen 2 (2000-2004)

The Outback became its own model for 2000 (Car and Driver) with unique sheet metal, up to 7.9 inches of ground clearance and an optional 3.0L flat-six (Subaru of Ontario).

NHTSA complaints per catalog listing run from 1.55 for 2004 (90 complaints across 58 listings) to 8.62 for 2000 (207 across 24), against a generation median of 5.07. The highest year, 2000, is 1.7 times that median. No year reaches the 2.0x our rule needs together with an above-median ad share and 30 or more listings, so nothing is flagged.

What happens at what mileage

Miles	Item	Cost	Notes
signs often around 150K (Vehicle Rides)	EJ25 head gasket seepage and failure	$1,500-$2,000 or more (Vehicle Rides); around $2,000 (Allied Motor Parts); $1,500-$2,500 (Au7o)	Sources describe head gasket work on the Outback generally. The only year-specific quote we found is a 2008 H6 at 150K miles quoted $3,700, and one owner post breaks a job into a $300 gasket, $300 head resurfacing and about 12 labor hours, so the bill is mostly labor. Check for oil or coolant seepage at the heads, coolant loss, and overheating on the test drive.
any	Recalls on file: rear suspension in salt-belt states (03V153000, 2000-2003), automatic transmission part (02V282000, 2001-2003), cruise control cable (04V128000, 2001-2004), Airtex fuel pump (13E065000, 2000-2004), air bag inflators (14V763000, 16V358000, 20V001000, 20V002000, 20V003000)	Free at a Subaru dealer when open	The suspension recall applies to cars sold or registered in a list of salt-belt states. Confirm each by VIN, and inspect the rear suspension and floor for rust.

Buying one — check these

Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and confirm the air bag inflator, suspension and fuel pump recalls were done.
Look for oil seepage at the bottom of both cylinder heads and check coolant level and color.
Check the rear suspension, floor and rocker panels for rust, and ask for timing belt records.

2000 to 2004 Outbacks in our catalog clear between $2,300 and $3,500 depending on year (144 cleared sales in total). The lowest yearly median is 2000 at $2,300 (23 sales) and the highest is 2004 at $3,500 (42 sales). Years with fewer than 50 cleared sales: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004. Read those loosely.

Full Gen 2 (2000-2004) guide →

2005–2009

Gen 3 (2005-2009)

A smoother, more upscale body with leather, navigation and turbocharged XT models, and stability control becoming available (Subaru of Ontario).

NHTSA complaints per catalog listing run from 1.01 for 2009 (112 complaints across 111 listings) to 3.23 for 2006 (281 across 87), against a generation median of 1.81. The highest year, 2006, is 1.8 times that median. No year reaches the 2.0x our rule needs together with an above-median ad share and 30 or more listings, so nothing is flagged.

What happens at what mileage

Miles	Item	Cost	Notes
signs often around 150K (Vehicle Rides)	EJ25 / H6 head gasket seepage and failure	$1,500-$2,000 or more (Vehicle Rides); around $2,000 (Allied Motor Parts); $3,700 quoted on a 2008 H6 at 150K (Subaru Outback Forums)	Sources describe head gasket work on the Outback generally. The only year-specific quote we found is a 2008 H6 at 150K miles quoted $3,700, and one owner post breaks a job into a $300 gasket, $300 head resurfacing and about 12 labor hours, so the bill is mostly labor. Check for oil or coolant seepage at the heads, coolant loss, and overheating on the test drive.
any	Recalls on file: brake hose corrosion in salt-belt states (13V110000, 14V311000, 2005-2009), ignition switch (19V297000), electrical (16V738000, 2007-2009), air bag inflators (16V358000, 17V014000, 17V026000, 18V012000, 18V013000, 18V014000, 20V001000, 20V002000, 20V003000)	Free at a Subaru dealer when open	The brake hose recalls cover 2005-2009 Outbacks. Confirm each by VIN and look at the brake lines for rust.

Buying one — check these

Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and confirm the brake hose, ignition switch and inflator recalls were done.
Look for oil seepage at both cylinder heads and ask for head gasket and timing belt records.
Check brake lines, rocker panels and rear arches for rust.

2005 to 2009 Outbacks in our catalog clear between $3,224 and $4,950 depending on year (405 cleared sales in total). The lowest yearly median is 2005 at $3,224 (82 sales) and the highest is 2009 at $4,950 (85 sales).

Full Gen 3 (2005-2009) guide →

2010–2014

Gen 4 (2010-2014)

A bigger, taller body with 8.7 inches of ground clearance (Subaru of Ontario). These are the first Outback years with the Lineartronic CVT (Rohnert Park Transmission). The older EJ25 head gasket problem is not the headline here.

NHTSA complaints per catalog listing run from 0.74 for 2014 (208 complaints across 281 listings) to 2.24 for 2011 (653 across 292), against a generation median of 1.03. The highest year, 2011, is 2.2 times that median. Flagged by our rule: 2010.

What happens at what mileage

Miles	Item	Cost	Notes
varies; coverage runs to 100K miles or 10 years where it applies	CVT shudder, overheating and premature failure	New or reman CVT $4,500-$7,000, independent rebuild $3,500-$5,000, used unit $2,000-$3,500 (Gearbox Insider); valve body or internal failure $0-$4,500 where the warranty extension applies (Au7o)	Subaru extended CVT coverage to 10 years or 100,000 miles on many 2010-2015 Legacy and Outback CVTs after a class-action settlement (Gearbox Insider). Coverage depends on the exact year and model, so confirm by VIN with Subaru before paying out of pocket. Rohnert Park Transmission says 2012 has the most CVT complaints. Test for shudder at low speed and slipping under load.
varies	2013 2.5L FB engine oil consumption	Covered as an oil consumption repair under the settlement for 2013 Outbacks (Jalopnik; Apex Tech Nation); outside it, an engine replacement is the fix forum owners describe	The settlement covers the oil consumption repair, not a blanket powertrain warranty (Apex Tech Nation). Subaru TSB 02-157-14R covers 2013-14 Outback with the 2.5L FB engine and a piston ring change. One Reddit post claims more than a quart per 1,000 miles; that is one owner's claim. CoPilot and the Reddit thread both name 2013 as the year to avoid. Ask for the oil consumption test history.
any	Recalls on file: Takata passenger air bag inflators (19V007000, 19V008000, 19V009000, 20V001000, 20V002000, 20V003000), wiper motor (16V694000), manual transmission parking brake (18V626000), steering (13V194000), 3.6R automatic transmission (13V336000)	Free at a Subaru dealer when open	Subaru says the Takata recall relates only to the passenger-side front inflator. AGT Auto notes many 2010-2014 Outbacks were recalled for it. Confirm each by VIN.

Buying one — check these

Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and confirm the passenger inflator recalls were done.
Ask Subaru by VIN whether the CVT extended coverage applies, and ask for CVT fluid service records.
On 2013 cars with the 2.5L, ask for oil consumption records and check the oil level at the start of the test drive.

Years flagged

A year is flagged by our rule only when all three hold: (1) its NHTSA complaints per catalog listing is at least 2.0x the median for its generation, (2) the share of ads that mention a problem is above the generation median, and (3) we track at least 30 listings for that year. The cutoff was fixed before we looked. Ad mentions are not failures, and a flag is a reason to inspect harder, not a verdict on any one car. We also re-ran the ad test with the 'rust' flaw left out, because the ad reader counts phrases like 'no rust' as mentions, and publish a flag only if it passes both ways.

2010 — flagged by our rule: NHTSA complaints are more than twice the generation norm, and ads mention a problem more often than the generation median. Inspect the items in this section and confirm recall work was done. complaints 2.22 complaints per listing (360 NHTSA complaints / 162 listings) vs generation norm 1.03 (generation median) · ad mentions 36 of 105 enriched ads = 34.3% (generation median 17.7%); with the 'rust' flaw excluded 32 of 105 · n=162

Complaints add up over a car's whole life, so older years in a generation can look worse here than they are. Read this flag next to the complaint details below.

2010 to 2014 Outbacks in our catalog clear between $4,900 and $7,950 depending on year (1070 cleared sales in total). The lowest yearly median is 2010 at $4,900 (127 sales) and the highest is 2014 at $7,950 (218 sales).

Full Gen 4 (2010-2014) guide →

2015–2019

Gen 5 (2015-2019)

Better insulation, larger touchscreens and the EyeSight driver-assist suite widely available (Subaru of Ontario).

NHTSA complaints per catalog listing run from 1.53 for 2015 (509 complaints across 333 listings) to 3.97 for 2019 (1,036 across 261), against a generation median of 2.75. The highest year, 2019, is 1.4 times that median. No year reaches the 2.0x our rule needs together with an above-median ad share and 30 or more listings, so nothing is flagged.

What happens at what mileage

Miles	Item	Cost	Notes
higher mileage	CVT chain stretch and valve body problems at higher mileage	New or reman CVT $4,500-$7,000, independent rebuild $3,500-$5,000, used unit $2,000-$3,500 (Gearbox Insider); valve body or internal failure $0-$4,500 where the warranty extension applies (Au7o)	Rohnert Park Transmission calls 2015-2019 significantly improved but still prone to chain stretch and valve body trouble. A forum post says only 2.5L 2019 cars have the 100K-mile extension, not the 3.6R. One Reddit owner reports a 2019 needing a CVT at 60.6K miles with about a $9,000 quote and a dealer that declined coverage. That is a single report. Confirm coverage by VIN.
varies	Windshield wiper and electrical complaints	Wiper motor recall repair is free; au7o lists $0-$150 for the wiper motor item	In our NHTSA data the top complaint areas for 2015-2019 are visibility/wiper and electrical system. CarComplaints lists electrical, interior accessories and engine as the worst areas for the 2016. MotorTrend names 2018 as the year to avoid in this stretch. Test wipers, infotainment and the driver-assist system on the drive.
any	Recalls on file: fuel pump (21V587000, 20V218000), steering column (16V292000, 16V716000), driveshaft (15V502000), air bag control module (19V910000), spot welds below cowl (19V493000), software (18V773000)	Free at a Subaru dealer when open	Confirm each by VIN.

Buying one — check these

Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and confirm the fuel pump and steering column recalls were done.
Ask Subaru by VIN about CVT warranty coverage and ask for CVT fluid service records.
Test the wipers, the infotainment screen and EyeSight on the drive.

2015 to 2019 Outbacks in our catalog clear between $8,729 and $14,900 depending on year (1149 cleared sales in total). The lowest yearly median is 2015 at $8,729 (264 sales) and the highest is 2019 at $14,900 (169 sales).

Full Gen 5 (2015-2019) guide →

2020–2025

Gen 6 (2020-2025)

Built on Subaru's Global Platform with a stiffer chassis, a turbocharged engine option and the Wilderness trim with 9.5 inches of ground clearance (Subaru of Ontario). Subaru of Ontario ends this generation at 2024; NHTSA and our listings treat 2025 as the same body, so we keep 2025 here.

NHTSA complaints per catalog listing run from 0.81 for 2024 (101 complaints across 125 listings) to 6.05 for 2020 (902 across 149), against a generation median of 2.47. The highest year, 2020, is 2.5 times that median. No year reaches the 2.0x our rule needs together with an above-median ad share and 30 or more listings, so nothing is flagged.

What happens at what mileage

Miles	Item	Cost	Notes
any	Front passenger occupant detection sensor may fail, so the passenger air bag may not deploy (24V227000)	Free at a Subaru dealer when open	NHTSA lists the recall for 2020-2022 Outback and Legacy. Au7o lists it among the most serious items. Confirm by VIN.
any	Driveshaft center-support bolts (23V647000, 2023)	Free at a Subaru dealer when open	Au7o describes a front propeller shaft separating from painted center-support brace bolt surfaces. Confirm by VIN.
any	Recalls on file: transmission control module programming (21V955000, 22V485000, 2020-2021), CVT shift linkage (21V024000), park/neutral (23V755000), engine wiring harness (22V473000), windshield clearcoat (22V712000), brake pedal bracket (19V664000)	Free at a Subaru dealer when open	Confirm each by VIN. The transmission control module recalls are software fixes done at a dealer.

Buying one — check these

Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and confirm the occupant sensor and transmission module recalls were done.
Check the windshield for clearcoat or crack problems and test the wipers.
Ask whether the factory warranty is still active and what it covers.

2020 to 2025 Outbacks in our catalog clear between $17,999 and $29,544 depending on year (498 cleared sales in total). The lowest yearly median is 2020 at $17,999 (127 sales) and the highest is 2025 at $29,544 (66 sales).

Full Gen 6 (2020-2025) guide →

2026–2026

Gen 7 (2026-present)

CarBuzz and Subaru of Ontario describe a seventh generation with a revised 2.5L engine, a 2.4L turbo and a new hybrid system (Subaru of Ontario dates it from 2025; CarBuzz says the 2026 model year).

NHTSA complaints per catalog listing run from 2.20 for 2026 (44 complaints across 20 listings) to 2.20 for 2026 (44 across 20), against a generation median of 2.20. The highest year, 2026, is 1.0 times that median. No year reaches the 2.0x our rule needs together with an above-median ad share and 30 or more listings, so nothing is flagged.

What happens at what mileage

Miles	Item	Cost	Notes
n/a	Too new for a repair history	Not enough data	We track too few listings and no recall records for 2026 to say anything about reliability. Check VIN recall status and the remaining factory warranty.

Buying one — check these

Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for open campaigns.
Confirm the factory warranty start date and what is left.

2026 to now Outbacks in our catalog clear between $36,620 and $36,620 depending on year (16 cleared sales in total). The lowest yearly median is 2026 at $36,620 (16 sales) and the highest is 2026 at $36,620 (16 sales). Years with fewer than 50 cleared sales: 2026. Read those loosely.

Full Gen 7 (2026-present) guide →

The wider family

Variant	Years	What it means for a buyer
Outback Wilderness	2023 onward (per NHTSA records)	NHTSA lists it as OUTBACK WILDERNESS. We include those complaints with the Outback and count each once. The 2024 year in particular sits almost entirely under that name.

The receipts — complaint & mention data

the story above, validated by two independent sources: federal complaints (NHTSA) + what sellers mention in 3011 real ads from our catalog

What sellers mention in their own ads

Issue	Ads mentioning	Rate
head gasket	174/3011	5.8%
rust	90/3011	3.0%
timing chain	73/3011	2.4%
engine replaced	42/3011	1.4%
electrical	41/3011	1.4%
transmission	27/3011	0.9%
suspension	6/3011	0.2%
oil consumption	6/3011	0.2%
ac failure	6/3011	0.2%

These are mentions, not confirmed failures — a seller writing "hybrid battery just replaced" and one writing "needs hybrid battery" both count. High rates mean the issue is common enough that sellers address it unprompted.

Federal complaints by model year (NHTSA)

complaint volume spikes show where problems cluster — higher bars, more owner pain

Year	Complaints	Top components
1995	2	Service Brakes, Hydraulic,vehicle Speed Control, Service...
1996	46	Engine And Engine Cooling, Air Bags, Suspension
1997	79	Engine And Engine Cooling, Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Power Train
1998	127	Engine And Engine Cooling, Power Train, Air Bags
1999	111	Power Train, Engine And Engine Cooling, Suspension
2000	207	Power Train, Engine And Engine Cooling, Tires
2001	170	Fuel System, Gasoline, Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Power Train
2002	147	Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Fuel System, Gasoline, Power Train
2003	95	Air Bags, Engine And Engine Cooling, Vehicle Speed Control
2004	90	Air Bags, Vehicle Speed Control, Engine And Engine Cooling
2005	273	Suspension, Air Bags, Vehicle Speed Control
2006	281	Vehicle Speed Control, Air Bags, Suspension
2007	130	Air Bags, Engine, Vehicle Speed Control
2008	230	Air Bags, Service Brakes, Electrical System
2009	112	Air Bags, Power Train, Engine
2010	360	Power Train, Air Bags, Exterior Lighting
2011	653	Power Train, Exterior Lighting, Air Bags
2012	295	Power Train, Air Bags, Service Brakes
2013	297	Engine, Power Train, Air Bags
2014	208	Air Bags, Engine, Power Train
2015	509	Visibility/wiper, Electrical System, Unknown Or Other
2016	642	Electrical System, Unknown Or Other, Visibility/wiper
2017	921	Electrical System, Visibility/wiper, Unknown Or Other
2018	816	Visibility/wiper, Electrical System, Unknown Or Other
2019	1,036	Electrical System, Visibility/wiper, Unknown Or Other
2020	902	Visibility/wiper, Electrical System, Unknown Or Other
2021	299	Visibility/wiper, Electrical System, Unknown Or Other
2022	465	Visibility/wiper, Unknown Or Other, Electrical System
2023	89	Visibility/wiper, Forward Collision Avoidance, Unknown Or Other
2024	101	Visibility/wiper, Unknown Or Other, Forward Collision Avoidance
2025	83	Unknown Or Other, Electrical System, Forward Collision Avoidance
2026	44	Unknown Or Other, Forward Collision Avoidance, Electrical System

total: 9,820 complaints on file · source: NHTSA complaints database (api.nhtsa.gov)

Recalls (69 campaigns)

Show all recall campaigns

Visibility:rearview Mirrors/devices 18V935000 · 31/12/2018

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Legacy, Outback, and BRZ vehicles. In the affected vehicles, a software issue may cause the audio display system to not initialize, resulting in the camera...

Power Train:automatic Transmission 02V282000 · 30/10/2002

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED TRANSMISSION PARKING ROD. WHEN THE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR LEVER IS PLACED IN THE "P"...

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump 13E065000 · 29/11/2013

Airtex Products LP (Airtex) is recalling certain model E8598M, E8518M, E8600M, E8596M, and E8597M fuel pumps manufactured July 26, 2013, and July 29, 2013 and used as aftermarket replacements on Subaru Baja's,...

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:pedals And Linkages 11V562000 · 29/11/2011

SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 IMPREZA SEDANS AND WAGONS (EXCEPT WRX/STI MODELS), MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 21, 2011, THROUGH NOVEMBER 15, 2011, AND LEGACY AND OUTBACK VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER...

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump 21V587000 · 29/07/2021

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module 15V323000 · 28/05/2015

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Subaru Baja vehicles manufactured January 22, 2003, to July 21, 2004, 2004-2005 Impreza vehicles manufactured January 28, 2003, to May 31,...

Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor 16V694000 · 27/09/2016

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Legacy vehicles manufactured November 26, 2008, to June 7, 2013, and 2010-2014 Outback vehicles manufactured January 9, 2009 to June 7, 2013....

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 16V251000 · 27/04/2016

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured on July 20, 2015. The brake fluid used in these vehicles may contain excess moisture which may adversely...

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings 13V110000 · 27/03/2013

Subaru is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Outback and Legacy vehicles manufactured from December 2003, through April 2009 and currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana,...

Exterior Lighting 12V602000 · 26/12/2012

Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010 and 2011 Legacy and Outback vehicles, certain model year 2006 through 2012 Tribeca vehicles sold before January 2012, and certain model year 2009 through 2012 Forester...

Structure 19V493000 · 26/06/2019

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Legacy and Outback vehicles. Spot welds located on the duct below the cowl panel may have been improperly applied, impacting the vehicle's body strength.

Suspension:front 03V232000 · 26/06/2003

ON SOME PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA,...

Power Train:shift Linkage/cable/rod 21V024000 · 26/01/2021

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2021 Outback and Impreza vehicles. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) select lever cable nut may not have been tightened properly, allowing the nut to loosen.

Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs 01V216000 · 25/06/2001

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FRONT COIL SPRINGS ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND,...

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module 16V361000 · 25/05/2016

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, and Baja vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine,...

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module 16V359000 · 25/05/2016

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, 2006-2008 Impreza, Tribeca, 2006 Saab 9-2x, and 2003-2006 Baja vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in...

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module 16V358000 · 25/05/2016

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, 2009-2011 Legacy, Outback, Forester, 2006-2011 Impreza, Tribeca, 2003-2006 Baja, and 2006 Saab 9-2x vehicles originally sold...

Electrical System 13V061000 · 25/02/2013

Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, certain model year 2012-2013 Impreza...

Power Train:driveline:driveshaft 15V794000 · 24/11/2015

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2016 Legacy vehicles manufactured October 24, 2015, to November 16, 2015, and Outback vehicles manufactured October 24, 2015, to November 17, 2015. ...

Steering:column 10V283000 · 24/06/2010

SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 OUTBACK AND LEGACY PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 16, 2009 THROUGH APRIL 12, 2010. THE WIRING IN THE STEERING COLUMN ELECTRICAL ROLL CONNECTOR LOCATED...

Visibility:windshield 22V712000 · 22/09/2022

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2022 Impreza and Outback vehicles. The incorrect paint clearcoat may have been applied, which can cause the windshield to be insufficiently bonded to the...

Suspension:rear 03V153000 · 22/04/2003

THIS RECALL APPLIES TO CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN,...

Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification:front Passenger 24V227000 · 22/03/2024

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...

Power Train:driveline:driveshaft 23V647000 · 21/09/2023

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Outback, Legacy, Ascent, and Impreza vehicles. The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, resulting in the disconnection of the front end of...

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap 03V303000 · 20/08/2003

CERTAIN PASSENGER OR SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES MAY HAVE A LOOSE OR OUT OF POSITION FUEL FILLER HOSE CLAMP.

Power Train:manual Transmission 10V326000 · 20/07/2010

SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 AND 2011 OUTBACK AND LEGACY PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 28 THROUGH JUNE 23, 2010. DUE TO A PROGRAMMING ERROR, A LUBRICATION HOLE WITHIN THE 6-SPEED MANUAL...

Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module 19V910000 · 19/12/2019

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Outback vehicles. A replacement air bag control module may have been installed that is not compatible with the passenger air bag module, possibly...

Trailer Hitches 14V577000 · 19/09/2014

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Outback vehicles manufactured January 22, 2014, to August 18, 2014, and equipped with a Subaru accessory trailer hitch assembly. During...

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:pedals And Linkages 19V664000 · 18/09/2019

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020 Outback and Legacy vehicles. The brake pedal mounting bracket may have a missing or insufficiently tightened bolt.

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump 20V218000 · 16/04/2020

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Impreza, Outback, Legacy, and Ascent vehicles. The low pressure fuel pump may become inoperative.

Vehicle Speed Control:cables 04V128000 · 16/03/2004

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER SEDANS, WAGONS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE COULD COME OUT OF ITS TRACK ON THE CRUISE CONTROL LEVER AND LODGE ON THE CONTROL LEVER TAB WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS...

Electrical System 16V738000 · 13/10/2016

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2008-2014 Impreza vehicles and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, all equipped with turbo-charged engines. ...

Parking Brake 18V626000 · 13/09/2018

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with a manual transmission. The electronic parking brake (EPB) may not engage as intended, allowing the...

Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System 02V240000 · 13/09/2002

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4-CYLINDER ENGINES, THE WATER PUMP PULLEY CENTER HOLE WAS IMPROPERLY MACHINED.

Steering 13V194000 · 13/05/2013

Subaru is recalling certain model year 2013 Outback and Legacy vehicles manufactured from February 15, 2012, through June 15, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the inner and outer shafts of the steering column...

Forward Collision Avoidance: Crash Imminent Braking 15V366000 · 12/06/2015

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Legacy vehicles manufactured March 10, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Outback vehicles manufactured February 24, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Impreza...

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder 02V079000 · 12/03/2002

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDERS MAY NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY IN AMBIENT TEMPERATURES BELOW FREEZING 32 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT AND LOWER).

Steering:column 16V292000 · 11/05/2016

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured February 29, 2016, to May 6, 2016. The steering column on the affected vehicles may have been...

Electrical System:ignition:switch 19V297000 · 11/04/2019

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca...

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module 17V026000 · 11/01/2017

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Baja, 2009 Forester, Legacy and Outback and 2006-2009 Impreza (including WRX and STI models) and Tribeca vehicles originally sold, or ever registered,...

Back Over Prevention:display Function 20V766000 · 10/12/2020

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with "high" grade and "mid" grade multimedia navigation. The August 2020 over-the-air software update may have timed...

Power Train:driveline:driveshaft 15V502000 · 10/08/2015

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015 and 2016 model year Subaru Legacy 4-Door and Outback vehicles manufactured July 3, 2015, to July 27, 2015. Transmission oil may leak from a deformed seal...

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings 14V311000 · 10/06/2014

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Outback and Legacy, 2008-2011 Impreza and 2008-2014 Impreza WRX/STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, currently, or formerly, registered in...

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module 17V014000 · 10/01/2017

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Subaru Baja, 2006-2011 Impreza (including WRX and STI models), 2006-2012 Tribeca, 2009-2012 Forester, Legacy, Outback, and 2012 WRX vehicles originally...

Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (Tcm/pcm/tecm) 21V955000 · 09/12/2021

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive...

Power Train:automatic Transmission:park/neutral Start Interlock Switch 23V755000 · 09/11/2023

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.

Air Bags:side/window 04V274000 · 09/06/2004

THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS IN CERTAIN VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THIS CAMPAIGN MAY NOT FULLY DEPLOY RAPIDLY ENOUGH WHEN ACTIVATED IN A SIDE IMPACT COLLISION. DURING A SIDE IMPACT TEST CONDUCTED BY THE...

Air Bags:side/window 12V047000 · 09/02/2012

SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 LEGACY AND OUTBACK VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 1, 2011, THROUGH DECEMBER 23, 2011. THESE VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS THAT CONTAIN AN...

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module 19V009000 · 09/01/2019

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska,...

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module 19V008000 · 09/01/2019

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, and Legacy vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of...

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module 19V007000 · 09/01/2019

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Forester, 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, Legacy, and 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California,...

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module 18V014000 · 09/01/2018

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009 Tribeca, Impreza, Forester, WRX, Legacy, and Outback vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine,...

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module 18V013000 · 09/01/2018

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2010 Tribeca, Impreza, Forester, WRX, Legacy, and Outback vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of...

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module 18V012000 · 09/01/2018

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Legacy, Forester, Tribeca, WRX and Outback vehicles, and 2009-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California,...

Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (Tcm/pcm/tecm) 22V485000 · 08/07/2022

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is...

Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly 11V467000 · 07/09/2011

SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 OUTBACK AND LEGACY VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 3, 2010, THROUGH JULY 1, 2011. THE MOONROOF GLASS MAY COME LOOSE OR DETACH. THE AMOUNT AND POSITION OF THE ADHESIVE...

Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:hoses/lines/piping/fittings 10V196000 · 07/05/2010

SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 OUTBACK AND LEGACY PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 31 THROUGH DECEMBER 1, 2009. A CRACK OR SPLIT CAN OCCUR IN THE CVT COOLER HOSE RESULTING IN A FLUID LEAK.

Steering:column 16V716000 · 06/10/2016

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured September 21, 2016, to September 23, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the knee guard bracket may not be...

Wheels 02V235000 · 05/09/2002

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 6-CYLINDER ENGINES, THE ALUMINUM WHEELS MAY HAVE AN OFF-CENTER DIAMETER.

Visibility/wiper 13V078000 · 05/03/2013

Subaru is recalling certain model year 2012 Outback and Legacy vehicles manufactured from April 6, 2011, through May 12, 2011. Components inside the wiper motor bottom cover may overheat.

Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly 13V077000 · 05/03/2013

Subaru is recalling certain model year 2012 Outback and Legacy vehicles manufactured from April 6, 2011, through May 12, 2011. The moonroof glass may come loose or detach. The amount and position of the adhesive...

Suspension 16V576000 · 03/08/2016

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2017 Outback vehicles manufactured June 20, 2016, to June 23, 2016. The affected vehicles may have improperly tightened attaching bolts for the front...

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module 20V003000 · 02/01/2020

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally...

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module 20V002000 · 02/01/2020

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module 20V001000 · 02/01/2020

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally...

Air Bags 14V763000 · 01/12/2014

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy and Outback vehicles, and 2003-2005 Baja vehicles sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute...

Electrical System:software 18V773000 · 01/11/2018

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles. Due to a software error, the low fuel warning light may not illuminate at the intended remaining fuel level and the...

Power Train:automatic Transmission 13V336000 · 01/08/2013

Subaru of America is recalling certain model year 2014 Legacy 3.6R and Outback 3.6R and 2013 Tribeca vehicles manufactured June 12, 2013, through June 28, 2013 and equipped with 5-speed automatic transmissions. In...

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:engine Control Module (Ecu/ecm) 22V473000 · 01/07/2022

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2022 Outback vehicles. The engine wiring harness may have been damaged, resulting in a loose electrical connection to the engine control unit (ECU).

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Questions people actually ask

What Subaru Outback years should you avoid?

We don't tell you to skip a year; we flag by a fixed rule, and it flags only 2010 (360 complaints across 162 listings, 2.22 per listing against a 2010-2014 median of 1.03). Third-party lists commonly name 2013 (CoPilot, a Reddit thread) for 2.5L oil consumption and 2018 (MotorTrend). 2013 has 0.90 per listing in our data and 2018 has 2.75, both short of the 2.0x cutoff for their generations.

Do Subaru Outbacks have head gasket problems?

Older EJ25 cars do. Vehicle Rides says signs often show around 150,000 miles and puts the repair at $1,500 to $2,000 or more; Allied Motor Parts says around $2,000; a forum member was quoted $3,700 on a 2008 H6 at 150,000 miles. Check for oil seepage at the heads and coolant loss. This is a model-wide pattern from repair sources, and our complaint data does not isolate it.

What is the Subaru Outback CVT problem?

The Lineartronic CVT debuted on the 2010 generation. Sources describe shudder, overheating and premature failure, and Subaru extended CVT coverage to 10 years or 100,000 miles on many 2010-2015 Legacy and Outback cars (Gearbox Insider). A replacement runs $4,500 to $7,000 new or reman, $3,500 to $5,000 for a rebuild and $2,000 to $3,500 used. Confirm coverage by VIN.

How much does an Outback CVT replacement cost?

Gearbox Insider gives $4,500 to $7,000 for a new or remanufactured CVT, $3,500 to $5,000 for an independent rebuild, $2,000 to $3,500 for a used unit, and $300 to $1,000 for early fluid or valve body work. One Reddit owner reports about $9,000 quoted for a 2019; that is a single report.

Which Subaru Outback generation is the most reliable?

We don't rank generations. Our own numbers: the 2010-2014 generation has a median of 1.03 NHTSA complaints per catalog listing and the 2015-2019 generation has 2.75. Those rates are not directly comparable across generations, because newer cars have had less time and different ways of filing complaints.

Does NHTSA count the Outback Wilderness separately?

Yes. NHTSA files it under OUTBACK WILDERNESS from 2023. We counted both names and each complaint once. The 2024 model year is almost entirely under the Wilderness name.