Avoid: 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2011 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2009 · Best recent: 2023
24 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 30 model years, the Subaru Outback has 9,837 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 196 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and visibility/wiper. 2019 drew the most complaints (1,034), 1997 the fewest of the years on the road 3+ years (80).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Subaru Outback vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $17,495–$25,992.
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 26 |
| 2025 | 162 |
| 2024 | 97 |
| 2023 | 94 |
| 2022 | 463 |
| 2021 | 296 |
| 2020 | 897 |
| 2019 | 1,034 |
| 2018 | 811 |
| 2017 | 917 |
| 2016 | 642 |
| 2015 | 509 |
| 2014 | 208 |
| 2013 | 297 |
| 2012 | 292 |
| 2011 | 651 |
| 2010 | 360 |
| 2009 | 112 |
| 2008 | 230 |
| 2007 | 129 |
| 2006 | 281 |
| 2005 | 273 |
| 2004 | 90 |
| 2003 | 95 |
| 2002 | 153 |
| 2001 | 170 |
| 2000 | 215 |
| 1999 | 112 |
| 1998 | 141 |
| 1997 | 80 |
Highest: 2019 (1,034 complaints). Lowest: 1997 (80).
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.
2020-2025): Buggy, laggy, unresponsive touchscreen, frequent crashes, screen delamination, connectivity problems with CarPlay/Android Auto. Requires dealership updates or unit replacement.
Long-term reliability doubts, specific reports of torque converter and clutch pack failures requiring replacement under warranty, fluid migration issues in turbo models (TR690 transmission). "Lifetime fluid" claim is disputed.
Window sticks open, especially in cold/wet weather, fails to close. Known service bulletin for warped channels/regulators.
Batteries dying around the 3-year mark, potentially linked to start/stop system and parasitic drain. Known service bulletin (07-213-22R) for 2020-2023 models.
Engines, particularly older 4-cylinder models (e.g., 2010-2012), noted for consuming oil. Requires regular level checks. Newer FB engines have cam carrier and oil pan leaks.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Outback. Individual model years are broken down above.
We're building a full check by VIN: the exact trim and engine, its known problems and recalls, what to inspect, a fair price, and how it compares with its rivals. Get an email when it's ready.
One email when it launches. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy