Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Subaru Outback owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
This is the first Subaru I've ever owned and so far it's been a nightmare. I have had to repair: an oil leak in the engine that required the whole engine to be taken apart. While replacing a seemingly simple part, the hydraulic lifts that keep the back hatch open, the threading that holds the screw in broke off and I had to hire a mechanic yet again to weld that part to be able to screw in the screw to hold the lift in place. And now, the entire interior lighting doesn't work, including the stereo, all the dome lights and the remote control system. In addition to that, the rear wiper doesn't work properly.
Bought car in 2013, have replaced the turbo 3 times! First within less than a month of ownership. Again in 2016 & again 3 months later. January 2018, again the car left me stranded for the 4th time! The Outback has been in the garage for almost 4 weeks, only to find out the turbo had a stripped support, which cost me a 'new, used motor!!! I bought my 1st Outback in 2000 off the showroom floor, never had any major repairs, just routine maintenance. Drove her until sept 2013 due to a crash, which was totaled.
Traveling at highway speeds (~75 MPH) during the morning rush hour on the highway, experienced sudden loss of throttle control and resulting deceleration. The check engine light glowed steady and the cruise light was flashing. After pulling off to the shoulder (across three lanes) and shutting the engine off and restarting the engine, throttle control resumed. Check engine light still glows steady and the cruise light is flashing with the cruise control not working.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Subaru Outback. While driving at approximately 25 MPH, the accelerator pedal was applied and the vehicle experienced a loss of power as the check engine light blinked off and on. The vehicle was merged over to the side of the road and then driven to the contact's residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
Return fuel line leak. The leak is on the drivers side on top of the engine. A small rubber hose shrinks in the cold allowing fuel to leak on the engine block. A strong smell of fuel in the cabin when stationary. Leak goes away when the engine is warm. This problem has been reported in other Subaru models. I have repaired the problem once before as well as the previous owner of the car, and now it needs to be repaired again.
2005 Subaru Outback 2.5xt was parked in a public / private parking structure at approximately 6:30 pm on 10/13/2005. At approximately 8 pm the fire alarm was triggered by vehicle catching on fire. Fire dept found no signs of arson or foul play, looked to be an electrical fire in the front right headlight cluster. No response from Subaru, insurance dropped my policy - loss not covered!
Head gasket leak causing anti-freeze leaking.,. Began after 100K extended warranty expired. Told that caused due to defect in engine design. Later models with new design have not had problem. Subaru is knows about issue, but not taking any action to compensate for repair (ext. Cost around $3K).
At approximately 85,000 miles, the check engine light on our 2005 Subaru Outback xt went on and we took the vehicle in to our local repair shop to check the light and they recommended having the vehicle towed to our Subaru dealer. The vehicle was towed in and the dealer service person called stating that timthe turbo had failed (along with the cv boot & alternator belt). I provided the information regarding our official Subaru 100,000 mile gold plus "extended service contract" which we purchased for $1975. The service representative would not confirm whether or not these components would be covered under our service contract and then called me and said Subaru denied the claim pending receipt of service records. My husband and my father have changed the oil, air filters and performed general service in combination with service by various service shops. …
Subaru Outback 2005 pzev - head gasket failure. The cylinder head gaskets on this vehicle have failed such that engine oil drips onto the hot exhaust system, and produces visible, foul smelling smoke whenever the car is driven. Manufacturer has refused to repair under warranty, or recognize a problem, in spite of similar failures in earlier models, and previous class action lawsuit settlement because of those failures. The car is still under an emissions warranty that will expire at 157,500 miles. The car was sold as a partial zero-emissions vehicle, but clearly the smoke from the dripping oil exceeds any emission standard. My feeling is that the manufacturer should repair the car under the emissions warranty, as well as prior failure history.
2005 Subaru Outback. The car was in park and my right foot was tucked back behind my left foot which was resting on the foot rest pad on the far left side of the floor. The engine was idling normally when suddenly it went to very high revs for 4 to 5 seconds and then returned to normal idle. Later the same evening, as I slowly entered my garage and applied normal brake pressure, the car first slowed (as expected) then suddenly began to accelerate. I applied hard brake pressure and the car stopped. It did not seem like the engine had revved as high as the earlier incident and it only lasted for a couple of seconds, but there was a definite, brief surge forward as I entered the garage.
Engine complaints in other Outback years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2005 Subaru Outback?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2005 Subaru Outback, 10% of the model year's 273 complaints. The component named most often is engine (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Subaru Outback engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2005 Subaru Outback, though it has 9 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2005 Subaru Outback engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles, and 30% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.