Spacious, comfortable, and easy handling are three words to describe the Subaru Outback. However, reliability-wise, some models of this midsize SUV still receive a mixed bag of reviews. There was even a lawsuit regarding this (more on it later). So, buckle up, get your pen and paper ready, and blacklist these worst years for Subaru Outback!
In This Article:
8 Subaru Outback Model Years To Avoid
If you want a reliable Subaru Outback, steer clear of the 2010, 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2017-2020 model years. These models are plagued with problems like defective airbags, engine stalls, loss of steering, windshield cracks, and electrical issues.
2010 Subaru Outback
With a whopping 18 recalls as of 2025, no wonder the 2010 secures a solid place among the Subaru Outback models to avoid over the years. The NHTSA also recorded 355 complaints revolving around airbag, transmission, and engine issues.
Ten recalls were issued to address the faulty front airbag inflators that could explode and cause injuries. However, many owners shared that the dealer took so long to repair the part due to unavailability.
What also concerns us is the car stalling midroad. We encountered this problem not once but twice during our test drive. When the car was in Drive, and we hit the brake pedal, it stalled, to our surprise. And the Check Engine Light had been flashing since then.
Other drivers also reported other warning lights coming on, such as Traction Control, Engine Oil, and Battery. The problem is exacerbated when slowing down or braking to the point that a complete engine failure could occur.
2011 Subaru Outback
The bad rep for safety concerns still haunted the 2011 Subaru Outback, evident in 9/16 recalls about defective airbags on NHTSA as of this writing. Similar to the 2010 models, this car still faces the widespread engine stall problem, with over 200 complaints.
But there is more to worry about this car! In particular, the 2011 Outback is plagued by a variety of electrical issues, such as blown headlights, corroded batteries, multiple warning lights flickering, frequent replacements of low-beam bulbs, faulty dome lights/remote key fobs/clocks, etc. Indeed, a search on NHTSA reveals hundreds of complaints about burnt headlights at around 10k-12k miles.
The service brakes are also a point of concern. According to many owners, the brake pedal feels soft and sacrifices the stopping power. In some cases, they spotted rust on the rear brake lines, leading to brake fluid leaks and a loss of hydraulic pressure (stopping power).
2013 Subaru Outback
If there is a year that leaves a black mark in Subaru Outback’s history, it will be the 2013 model. Remember the lawsuit we shared earlier? Yes, this model year set the stage for a notorious lawsuit in 2014.
A majority of owners complained that the cars, especially those with 2.5L engines, burned excessive oil, resulting from defective piston rings. So, they had to pay for not only the extra oil but also the piston ring replacement. That said, Subaru seemed to turn a blind eye to this, leading to the lawsuit.
It was not until 2016 that it finally came to an end. Subaru decided to reimburse the incurred costs and extend its warranty from 5 years (60k miles) to 8 years (100k miles).
This lawsuit alone has turned buyers away from the 2011 Outback. But that’s not all! Up to now, the model has received 289 complaints and 12 recalls on NHTSA, mostly related to malfunctioning airbags, disengaged steering, faulty electrical systems, and stalling/shuttering engines.
2015 Subaru Outback
Compared to other models on this list, the 2015 Subaru Outback has much fewer recalls (12) and complaints (485). But it’s a tremendous safety concern that takes a toll on its reputation—loss of steering ability.
It means no matter how hard you turn the steering wheel, it fails to turn the wheels accordingly. This unresponsive steering is incredibly dangerous on the road. Although Subaru issued a recall, which affected nearly 50,000 vehicles, the NHTSA still stamped a “Do Not Drive Warning” label on this car to warn drivers of its danger.
Apart from this major issue, the 2015 Subaru Outback is said to experience other electrical problems, like freezing screens and batteries draining quickly, shattered sunroofs, and weak acceleration.
2017 Subaru Outback
Although the lawsuit came to an end in 2016, the issue of lost steering ability still recurred in some 2017 models, leading to a recall. The root cause also lies in defective steering columns that render drivers’ steering attempts useless. This safety problem leads the NHTSA to once again issue a “Do Not Drive” warning.
As of this writing, the 2017 Subaru Outback accumulated 886 complaints on NHTSA, with most concerning electrical problems. The biggest pet peeve was the rapid battery drain; some drivers even reported they had to charge it after just 2 days.
We can relate! Our team purchased a 2017 Outback in 2018, and the battery was dead after only 18k miles. We were left stranded mid-road and had to jump-start the car. Even after replacement, we found that the battery seemed to deplete more quickly if the vehicle was left in the garage for 3 days on end.
2018 Subaru Outback
The 2018 Subaru Outback saw a significant decrease in the number of complaints related to loss of steering. But that doesn’t translate to a more stellar reputation for this model year. As of 2025, NHTSA has recorded 3 recalls and 751 complaints about this car.
The model is flagged with a plethora of electrical problems, especially premature battery drainage. These issues also manifest themselves in other parts, including unresponsive radio and navigation touchscreens, illuminated warning lights for no reason, malfunctioning infotainment systems with constant beeps, etc.
Owner complaints also reflect a problem with visibility, and the windshields are to blame. The OEM part is prone to cracking due to weather changes; even subtle temperature changes between day and night could leave a fracture, making it a safety hazard that blocks drivers’ visibility.
What’s more, the fuel system is susceptible to a variety of problems. The two most common issues are fuel pump failure and incorrect fuel range display, leading to unexpected engine stalls mid-road. Subaru has recalled over 400,000 vehicles due to these problems.
2019 Subaru Outback
The 2019 Outback has its fair share of issues, evident in 985 complaints and 3 recalls on NHTSA as of this writing. Electrical problems remain the biggest concern, mostly stemming from batteries, touchscreens, radios, and the infotainment system. Like the 2018 models, many 2019 Subaru Outbacks were also reported to come with easy-to-crack windshields, compromising visibility.
While loss of steering ability and engine stalls still recur, these issues were less prevalent and reported on fewer models. What really disappointed us was the forward collision avoidance system. Despite being an advanced safety feature, it turned out to put us in danger.
When we cruised on the highway at 68 MPH with cruise control mode activated, the parking brake suddenly engaged and abruptly stopped the car. No vehicle ahead and no Eyesight warning light at all! We couldn’t imagine what would happen if there were other vehicles driving fast behind us. After checking with the NHTSA website, we noticed some drivers also experienced the same issue.
2020 Subaru Outback
Despite being a relatively new car, the 2020 Subaru Outback ranks among the most complained-about models in its class, currently with 6 recalls and 861 complaints on NHTSA. Problems with electrical systems and visibility still steal the spotlight with hundreds of complaints.
However, we also spot other common issues with engines and transmission systems. Regarding transmission, Subaru admitted that the drive chain was improperly secured, making it easier to slip and cause a loss of drive power. The automaker has issued 2 recalls in 2021 and 2022 to fix this error, affecting around 200,000 vehicles.
Other major problems stem from the engine and its parts, such as oil leaks, coolant leaks, engine stalls, Check Engine Light turning on, etc.
10 Common Problems On Subaru Outback You Should Know
- Airbag defects (especially Takata inflators): Multiple model years, particularly 2010–2013, suffered from defective airbag inflators that could explode and cause injury. These issues led to widespread recalls, yet repair delays due to part shortages caused prolonged safety risks.
- Engine stalling: Stalling during braking or slowing down was frequently reported in 2010–2013 and 2020 models. It often triggered Check Engine and other warning lights, posing a significant hazard in traffic or highway conditions.
- Excessive oil consumption: The 2013 model year faced a class-action lawsuit due to defective piston rings causing high oil usage. Owners had to top off oil constantly or pay out-of-pocket for expensive engine repairs before Subaru finally settled the case.
- Loss of steering control: The 2015 and 2017 models had steering column issues where the wheels wouldn’t respond to steering input. This critical flaw led to “Do Not Drive” warnings and recalls involving tens of thousands of vehicles.
- Electrical system failures: Across almost all years (2011–2020), electrical problems like rapid battery drain, flickering lights, and dead infotainment systems were rampant. Owners often found themselves stranded due to dead batteries or dealing with constantly malfunctioning dashboard features.
- Cracking windshields: From 2018 onward, complaints surfaced about OEM windshields cracking from minor temperature shifts. This visibility hazard was worsened by the ease with which cracks spread, requiring costly replacements.
- Brake system issues: 2011 models experienced soft brake pedals and rusted brake lines that led to hydraulic pressure loss. This significantly impaired stopping power, creating a serious safety concern, especially in emergency braking situations.
- Transmission and drive chain failures: Particularly in the 2020 model, transmission issues arose from a poorly secured drive chain, which could slip and cause a loss of drive power. Subaru had to recall about 200,000 vehicles to address the flaw
- Infotainment and touchscreen glitches: In 2018–2019 models, owners reported freezing screens, malfunctioning navigation systems, and ghost beeping. These failures interfered with essential vehicle functions like rear cameras and media controls.
- Forward collision avoidance malfunctions: A few 2019 models dangerously activated the parking brake at high speeds without any warning. This glitch in the advanced safety system posed serious risks, especially during highway driving with cruise control enabled.
FAQs
What is the biggest issue with Subaru Outback?
The most frequently reported issue with the Subaru Outback is excessive oil consumption, especially in models from 2010 to 2013. This was primarily caused by defective piston rings, leading to oil leaks, rapid burning, and even engine failure in severe cases.
Which Subaru Outback year has transmission problems?
The 2010 and 2011 Subaru Outback models are widely reported to have transmission issues, including torque converter failure and noisy CVT performance. These problems led to vibrations, stalling, and costly repairs, especially in the early fourth-generation vehicles.
Which are the most reliable Subaru Outback years?
The best Subaru Outback model years include 2001, 2007, 2014, 2016, 2022, and 2024. They received high owner satisfaction ratings, solid safety scores, and fewer mechanical issues compared to other model years.
Is a used Subaru Outback worth the cost?
It depends on your needs and budget. A used Outback from a reliable year like 2016 or 2022 offers great value and proven durability. However, a new model ensures the latest tech, updated safety features, and warranty coverage. Choose based on what you prioritize most.
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