Power
Fuel (combined)
What owners say
Overview
Mixed sentiment with a strong generational divide. Long-term reliability is a core positive, with many owners reporting vehicles reaching 200,000+ miles with proper maintenance, particularly for non-turbo models. The Outback is consistently praised for its practicality, spacious
Best version
Consensus is not clear on a single "best" version due to differing powertrain preferences. The 3.6R (H6) engine in older generations (pre-2020) is highlighted as particularly solid and avoids the head gasket issues of older 4-cylinder engin
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearSource: NHTSA (US)Show table
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 128 | 0 | forward collision avoidance |
| 2022 | 453 | 4 | visibility/wiper |
| 2021 | 290 | 4 | visibility/wiper |
| 2019 | 1,028 | 3 | electrical system |
| 2018 | 803 | 3 | electrical system |
| 2014 | 207 | 10 | air bags |
| 2013 | 295 | 12 | engine |
| 2010 | 359 | 18 | power train |
| 2009 | 111 | 13 | air bags |
| 2007 | 129 | 8 | air bags |
| 2003 | 95 | 15 | air bags |
| 1999 | 112 | 1 | power train |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices81 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2022 · engine and engine cooling:engine:engine control module (ecu/ecm)campaign 22V473000
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).
2022 · visibility:windshieldcampaign 22V712000
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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
2022 · power train:automatic transmission:park/neutral start interlock switchcampaign 23V755000
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.
2022 · air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passengercampaign 24V227000
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.
2021 · power train:shift linkage/cable/rodcampaign 21V024000
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.
2021 · power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)campaign 22V485000
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.
2021 · power train:automatic transmission:park/neutral start interlock switchcampaign 23V755000
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.
2021 · air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passengercampaign 24V227000
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.
2019 · structurecampaign 19V493000
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.
2019 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 21V587000
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.
2019 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 20V218000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Impreza, Outback, Legacy, and Ascent vehicles. The low pressure fuel pump may become inoperative.
2018 · visibility:rearview mirrors/devicescampaign 18V935000
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 display remaining blank. If this occurs, the rearview image will not display while backing up the vehic
2018 · electrical system:softwarecampaign 18V773000
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 miles-to-empty display may incorrectly indicate a positive number despite the tank being empty.
2018 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 21V587000
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.
2014 · parking brakecampaign 18V626000
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 vehicle to rollaway if the transmission is not in the proper gear when parked.
66 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
Generation
Version
Wilderness 2.4 Turbo (260 Hp) AWD Lineartronic CVT
From 2025-2026
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