Subaru Outback Problems by Year

We compared every Subaru Outback model year from 1996–2026 using 9,772 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 71 recalls and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 2019, 2020, 2017, 2018 and 2022, which drew far more complaints than other Outback years at the same age. The best years are 1996, 2004 and 2003.

31model years
9,772complaints
71recalls
2019, 2020worst years
1996, 2004best years

Complaints by model year

’96’97’98’99’00’01’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25’26467912711120717114393902732771292261063606522942972085106439198161.0k901298465891048319
Owner complaints per model year, Subaru Outback. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
202619−29%—ElectricalAverage
2025831.4×—Collision AvoidanceCaution
20241041.6×—Window & WiperCaution
202389typical2Collision AvoidanceAverage
20224655.2×4Window & WiperAvoid
20212983.0×4Window & WiperAvoid
20209018.1×6Window & WiperAvoid
20191,0368.4×3Window & WiperAvoid
20188166.0×3Window & WiperAvoid
20179196.1×4ElectricalAvoid
20166434.1×4ElectricalAvoid
20155103.1×5Window & WiperAvoid
20142081.3×10AirbagAverage
20132971.7×12EngineCaution
20122941.6×16TransmissionCaution
20116523.5×16TransmissionAvoid
20103601.9×18TransmissionCaution
2009106−50%13AirbagGood
2008226typical8AirbagAverage
2007129−52%8AirbagGood
2006277typical7AccelerationAverage
2005273typical9SuspensionAverage
200490−66%10AirbagGood
200393−61%14EngineGood
2002143−29%4Fuel SystemAverage
2001171−17%3Fuel SystemAverage
20002071.2×1TransmissionAverage
1999111−40%1TransmissionGood
1998127−32%2EngineAverage
199779−57%4EngineGood
199646−77%2EngineGood

* Complaints compared with the median Outback year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Subaru Outback problems

Latest Subaru Outback recalls

Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification › Front passenger

NHTSA recall 24V-227 · Mar 22, 2024 · 118,723 vehicles

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.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the ODS sensors on the front passenger seat, free of charge. Owner notifications were mailed February 3, 2025. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614.

Power train › Automatic transmission › Park/neutral start interlock switch

NHTSA recall 23V-755 · Nov 9, 2023 · 95,830 vehicles

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.

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.

Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft

NHTSA recall 23V-647 · Sep 21, 2023 · 4,311 vehicles

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 the driveshaft.

Remedy: Dealers will clean the bolt mounting surfaces of the center support brace and install new bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023.

Visibility › Windshield

NHTSA recall 22V-712 · Sep 22, 2022 · 42 vehicles

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 vehicle.

Remedy: Subaru will offer owners a vehicle exchange or repurchase, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 21, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614.

Power train › Driveline › Chain/belt

NHTSA recall 22V-485 · Jul 8, 2022 · 182 vehicles

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 completely clamped.

Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced.

All 71 Subaru Outback recalls by year →

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Subaru Outback should you avoid?

2019, 2020, 2017, 2018, 2022 and 2016 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Outback years at the same age, led by windows, wipers & sunroof problems in the 2019.

What is the best year for the Subaru Outback?

1996 has the fewest complaints compared with other Outback years at the same age, followed by 2004 and 2003. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common Subaru Outback problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the electrical system (2,286), windows, wipers & sunroof (2,077) and engine & cooling (999). Electrical complaints peak in the 2017 model year.

How many recalls has the Subaru Outback had?

71 recalls across 1996–2026. The model year with the most is 2010. See all Subaru Outback recalls by year.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.