Subaru Outback reliability and problems by year
Owners have filed 7,679 complaints about the Subaru Outback with NHTSA since 2010, most often about electrical system and visibility and wipers. Subaru has filed 26 warranty extensions and 15 service campaigns for it, and there are 49 safety recalls on file.
From NHTSA's public data files, downloaded 2026-10-10.
How reliable is the Subaru Outback? What NHTSA's records show
We don't give the Outback a reliability score. NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. Here is what's on file for model years 2010 on.
- Owner complaints
- 7,679
- Filed with NHTSA, all model years
- Warranty extensions
- 26
- Filed by Subaru
- Service campaigns
- 15
- Filed by Subaru
- Safety recalls
- 49
- Each covers part of the model
Every model year compared
Complaints rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so a newer or rarer year will show fewer. Compare years of the Outback with each other.
| Year | Complaints | Most named | Recalls | Warranty / campaigns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 16 | Other or unspecified (38%) | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 82 | Automatic emergency braking and collision warning (24%) | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | 104 | Other or unspecified (28%) | 0 | 1 |
| 2023 | 89 | Automatic emergency braking and collision warning (25%) | 2 | 2 |
| 2022 | 465 | Visibility and wipers (55%) | 4 | 6 |
| 2021 | 296 | Visibility and wipers (33%) | 4 | 8 |
| 2020 | 899 | Visibility and wipers (35%) | 6 | 14 |
| 2019 | 1,035 | Electrical system (35%) | 3 | 8 |
| 2018 | 813 | Electrical system (33%) | 3 | 9 |
| 2017 | 918 | Electrical system (43%) | 4 | 7 |
| 2016 | 643 | Electrical system (48%) | 4 | 14 |
| 2015 | 510 | Visibility and wipers (25%) | 5 | 14 |
| 2014 | 208 | Airbags (18%) | 10 | 6 |
| 2013 | 297 | Engine (23%) | 12 | 6 |
| 2012 | 292 | Transmission and drivetrain (37%) | 16 | 7 |
| 2011 | 652 | Transmission and drivetrain (33%) | 16 | 8 |
| 2010 | 360 | Transmission and drivetrain (26%) | 18 | 9 |
Look up one model year, or a VIN
See the complaints, recalls and warranty extensions for a single Outback model year, with the typical mileage when owners reported each problem.
Acknowledged by Subaru
Warranty extensions and service campaigns Subaru filed with NHTSA for the Outback, in its own words. A warranty extension means Subaru pays for the repair beyond the normal warranty.
- Warranty extensionMar 2025· Visibility and wipers· model years 2020–2022
This announcement is in regard to the warranty extension initiated for windshields for the models listed.
- Warranty extensionMar 2025· Visibility and wipers· model years 2020–2022
In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc.
- Warranty extensionJan 2025· Electrical system· model years 2019–2022
As part of Subaru's dedication to customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is announcing a Warranty Extension of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage for the CP1 & Gen 3.1 Infotainment head units for the models listed.
- Warranty extensionDec 2024· Fuel and propulsion· model years 2018–2020
In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the Warranty coverage time period for the fuel pump impeller to 15 years.
- Warranty extensionDec 2024· Visibility and wipers· model years 2020–2022
This announcement is in regard to settlement in a class action lawsuit for vehicles that will receive a limited warranty extension for original equipment Subaru windshields experiencing a qualifying crack.
- Warranty extensionSep 2024· Fuel and propulsion· model years 2018–2020
In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the Warranty coverage time period for the fuel pump impeller to 15 years.
- Warranty extensionSep 2024· Fuel and propulsion· model years 2017–2020
Denso low pressure fuel pump warranty extension.
- Warranty extensionApr 2024· Electrical system· model years 2019
This bulletin announces the availability of the DCM Bypass Box designed to be used as an alternative replacement part for Data Communication Module (DCM) in vehicles with no active STARLINK subscription.
- Warranty extensionApr 2024· Electrical system· model years 2016–2019
T16 VoLTE Warranty Extension (15-318-24R) Frequently Asked Questions.
- Warranty extensionApr 2024· Electrical system· model years 2020–2022
This bulletin announces the extended warranty coverage for the Thermo Control valve (TCV) used the the models listed. The coverage will be extended to (15) fifteen years / 150,000 miles.
- Warranty extensionJan 2023· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2020
CVT Assembly (WRK-21) Warranty Extension.
- Warranty extensionSep 2022· Equipment and accessories· model years 2015–2020
Battery Drain Class Action Settlement- Warranty Extension Training.
- Warranty extensionAug 2022· Electrical system· model years 2015–2020
This bulletin announces a warranty extension information regarding 12 Volt vehicle batteries.
- Warranty extensionFeb 2021· Body and structure· model years 2015–2016
Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) Quality Assurance has identified an increase in the number of cracked windshields on some 2015 and 2016MY Legacy and Outback models. SOA has now further extended the warranty to 8 years / unlimited miles.
- Warranty extensionFeb 2020· Engine and cooling· model years 2015–2016
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a service campaign/voluntary emissions recall for certain 2015-2016 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles. This campaign will involve replacement of the front exhaust pipe containing the catalytic converter.
- Warranty extensionOct 2019· Parking brake· model years 2010–2014
In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc.
- Warranty extensionSep 2019· Parking brake· model years 2010–2014
In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc.
- Warranty extensionSep 2019· Parking brake· model years 2010–2014
As part of Subaru of Americaâs dedication to customer satisfaction, this letter is to inform you of an extension to the Basic New Car Limited Warranty for your vehicleâs Electric Parking Brake Assembly (EPB).
- Warranty extensionSep 2019· Parking brake· model years 2010–2014
As part of Subaruâs dedication to customer satisfaction, SOA is announcing an Electric Parking Brake (EPB) Warranty Extension program, which extends the New Car Basic Limited Warranty coverage of the EPB actuator assembly for 2010-2014 Legacy/Outback vehicles with CVT or 5AT…
- Warranty extensionOct 2018· Electrical system· model years 2010–2014
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling all 2010-2014 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with a manual transmission (M/T), to replace the electronic parking brake (EPB) actuator assembly.
- Warranty extensionOct 2016· Engine· model years 2013–2014
2013-14MY Legacy and Outback Models with 2.5L FB Engines - 2011-14MY Forester Models with 2.5L FB Engines - 2015 MY Forester (Manual Transmissions Only) with 2.5L FB Engines - 2012-13 MY Impreza and XV Crosstrek Models with 2.0 FB Engines - 2014-15 MY Impreza and XV Crosstrek…
- Warranty extensionAug 2016· Exterior lights· model years 2010–2012
Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the original warranty on the low-beam ONLY halogen headlamp bulbs to 10 years / unlimited miles from the vehicle?s original warranty start date.
- Warranty extensionJul 2016· Exterior lights· model years 2010–2012
As part of Subaru's dedication to customer satisfaction, SOA is announcing a Low-Beam Halogen Headlamp Bulb Warranty Enhancement program.
- Warranty extensionNov 2015· Visibility· model years 2015–2016
In an effort to clarify information contained in the windshield warranty extension tsb #12‐192‐15 dated 10/12/2015, please review the following:  repairs covered under this warranty extension are not subject to the $500.00 PRE‐AUTHORIZATION requirement.
- Warranty extensionOct 2015· Visibility· model years 2015–2016
Subaru of america, inc. (soa) quality assurance has identified an increase in the number of cracked windshields on some 2015 And 2016MY Legacy and outback models.
- Warranty extensionMay 2015· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2015–2016
Subaru of america, inc. Will be releasing a warranty extension to address cracks or breakage around spot welds where the clutch pedal assembly mounting bracket attaches to the front panel and duct (bulkhead) on certain 2008, 2009, and early production 2010 Impreza wrx or wrxsti…
- Service campaignFeb 2026· Electrical system· model years 2023–2024
This announcement provides information for the WRB-26 DCM replacement and CCU initialization service campaign - completion and parts ordering.
- Service campaignMay 2024· Electrical system· model years 2020–2022
This is an update for owner notification for Safety recall WRA-24 to replace the ODS sensor replacement.
- Service campaignOct 2022· Electrical system· model years 2023
This is to provide both new and updated information on the 2023 Legacy and 2023 Outback Warranty Compliance Campaign notice that was posted to Subarunet on September 26 and the initial Service Campaign notice WRI-22 posted on October 12.
Manufacturer reference SOA Fixed Operat: quote it to a dealer to check whether a car is covered.
- Service campaignJan 2021· Electrical system· model years 2020–2021
In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. is initiating a service campaign for certain 2020-2021 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles to update the Cockpit Control Module (CCM) software to the latest version.
What owners report most
The parts of the car owners named in their complaints, across every Outback model year. Unverified, and not a failure rate.
- Electrical system2,087 (27%)
- Visibility and wipers1,686 (22%)
- Other or unspecified1,255 (16%)
- Transmission and drivetrain719 (9%)
- Engine599 (8%)
- Airbags263 (3%)
- Steering238 (3%)
- Visibility230 (3%)
Safety recalls
49 recalls cover at least one Outback model year. Each covers a range of VINs, not every car. Check one car at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.
An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, resulting in the disconnection of the front end of the driveshaft.
The incorrect paint clearcoat may have been applied, which can cause the windshield to be insufficiently bonded to the vehicle.
A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.
The engine wiring harness may have been damaged, resulting in a loose electrical connection to the engine control unit (ECU).
A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.
The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
The continuously variable transmission (CVT) select lever cable nut may not have been tightened properly, allowing the nut to loosen.
The August 2020 over-the-air software update may have timed out without completing the installation, corrupting the data, and causing the rearview display to shutoff intermittently.
The low pressure fuel pump may become inoperative.
The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design.
A replacement air bag control module may have been installed that is not compatible with the passenger air bag module, possibly affecting air bag deployment.
And 34 more recalls on NHTSA.
NHTSA investigations
Defect investigations NHTSA opened. Many close without a recall.
- EA21002Engineering analysis· opened Sep 2021, still open· Airbags· model years 2015–2017
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
- EQ12002Investigation· opened Feb 2012, closed May 2012· Airbags· model years 2012
Autoliv Air Bag Propellant Mixture
NHTSA's own page for the 2026 Subaru Outback has the complaint text and every document.
Common questions
Is the Subaru Outback reliable?
We don't score reliability: NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. What's on file for model years 2010 on: 7,679 owner complaints, 26 warranty extensions and 15 service campaigns Subaru filed, and 49 safety recalls. The model years with the most complaints are 2019 (1,035), 2017 (918), 2020 (899). Whether a known problem was fixed on one car is what its service records show.
What are the most common problems with the Subaru Outback?
Across every model year since 2010, owners' complaints to NHTSA most often name electrical system (27%), visibility and wipers (22%), other or unspecified (16%). Subaru has filed 26 warranty extensions covering the Outback, listed on this page.
Which Outback model years have the most complaints?
2019 (1,035), 2017 (918), 2020 (899). Complaint counts rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so compare years of the Outback with each other rather than with other models.
Has Subaru extended the warranty on the Outback?
Yes: visibility and wipers (model years 2020–2022); visibility and wipers (model years 2020–2022); electrical system (model years 2019–2022), and 23 more. A dealer does a covered repair for free within the extended time or mileage.
How do I check recalls on a Outback?
Enter the car's 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. That answers for one vehicle; the 49 recalls listed here are for the model, and each covers only part of it.