Subaru Outback problems and known issues

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The most significant documented Outback problems are recalls rather than one chronic defect: Takata passenger air bag inflators across 2003–2014 models, corroding brake lines on 2005–2009 cars in salt states, failing low-pressure fuel pumps on 2018–2020 models, and a 2020 CVT drive-chain software fix. The 2013 2.5L Outback was also part of a court-approved oil-consumption settlement.

CarWhere lists 17 documented Outback issues, including 14 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source. Recall entries come from NHTSA's recall dataset on the DOT open-data portal, which may not list every campaign, so run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup.

Outback generations at a glance

Subaru Outback generations and the known issues listed for each
GenerationModel yearsIssues on this page
Second generation2000–2004Takata passenger air bag inflator may rupture (recall 15V323) · Takata replacement inflators replaced again (recall 20V001)
Third generation2005–2009Brake lines may corrode in salt-belt states (recall 13V110) · Secondary air pump relay can stick on and overheat (turbo models) (recall 16V738)
Fourth generation2010–2014Takata passenger inflators, climate-zone campaigns (recall 16V358) · CVT cooler hose may crack and leak fluid (recall 10V196) · Wiper motor cover can overheat and melt (recall 16V694) · Electronic parking brake may not hold (manual transmission) (recall 18V626) · Oil consumption: 2.5L FB engine class settlement
Fifth generation2015–2019Steering column may be improperly machined (recall 16V292) · Low-fuel warning may not light (recall 18V773) · Low-pressure fuel pump may fail (recall 21V587) · Battery drain: class settlement for 2015–2020 Outbacks
Sixth generation2020–2025CVT clutch may engage before the drive chain is clamped (recall 21V955) · Passenger air bag occupant sensor may short (recall 24V227) · Inhibitor switch can let water in, disabling reverse lights and camera (recall 23V755) · Windshield cracking: class settlement for 2020–2022 Outbacks
Seventh generation2026 onwardNo widespread issue documented here

Second generation Outback problems (2000–2004)

Takata passenger air bag inflator may rupture (recall 15V323) (2003–2008)

Safety recall
Generation:
Second generation (2000–2004) and third generation (2005–2009)
Years:
2003–2008
Powertrain:
All

Passenger frontal air bag inflators in certain 2003–2008 Legacy and Outback models (plus 2004–2005 Impreza and 2003–2004 Baja) can absorb moisture over time and rupture when the air bag deploys, throwing metal fragments. Dealers replace the passenger inflator free of charge. The 432,016 figure covers every vehicle in campaign 15V323, not just the Outback.

Symptoms

  • No warning signs before a crash

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Subaru retailer for the repair order showing the passenger air bag inflator replacement
  • If the car lived in a hot, humid state, check that every Takata campaign on the VIN is closed, including the 2020 re-replacement

NHTSA recall: 15V323 (2015-05-28) · 432,016 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [1]

Takata replacement inflators replaced again (recall 20V001) (2003–2014)

Safety recall
Generation:
Second generation (2000–2004) through fourth generation (2010–2014)
Years:
2003–2014
Powertrain:
All

Vehicles that already had a passenger inflator replaced under an earlier Takata recall with an inflator of the same design were recalled again so dealers could fit an alternate inflator, free of charge. Matching campaigns 20V002 and 20V003 cover the other climate zones. The 258,813 figure covers every vehicle in campaign 20V001, not just the Outback.

Symptoms

  • No warning signs before a crash

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Subaru retailer for the repair order showing the passenger air bag inflator replacement
  • If the car lived in a hot, humid state, check that every Takata campaign on the VIN is closed, including the 2020 re-replacement

NHTSA recall: 20V001 (2020-01-02) · 258,813 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [7][8][9]

Third generation Outback problems (2005–2009)

Brake lines may corrode in salt-belt states (recall 13V110) (2005–2009)

Safety recall
Generation:
Third generation (2005–2009)
Years:
2005–2009
Powertrain:
All

In salt-belt states (and on request elsewhere), road salt can splash onto the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector and corrode them until brake fluid leaks, lengthening stopping distances. Dealers check for leaks, apply anti-corrosion wax and replace lines that seep, free of charge. A 2014 follow-up campaign (14V311) widened the inspection and repair. The 274,402 figure covers every vehicle in campaign 13V110, not just the Outback.

Symptoms

  • Brake pedal sinks or feels soft
  • Brake fluid spots near the fuel tank

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Subaru retailer for the repair order showing the brake line inspection and anti-corrosion treatment
  • Look under the car near the fuel tank for wet or rusted brake lines

NHTSA recall: 13V110 (2013-03-27) · 274,402 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [10][11]

Secondary air pump relay can stick on and overheat (turbo models) (recall 16V738) (2007–2009)

Safety recall
Generation:
Third generation (2005–2009)
Years:
2007–2009
Powertrain:
Turbo 2.5L

On turbocharged 2007–2009 Outbacks (and turbo Legacy, Impreza and Forester models), the relay controlling the secondary air injection pump can fail so the pump runs continuously, overheats and may melt, creating a fire risk. Dealers replace the relay free of charge. The 100,127 figure covers every vehicle in campaign 16V738, not just the Outback.

Symptoms

  • Whirring from the engine bay that continues after a cold start
  • Burning plastic smell

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Subaru retailer for the repair order showing the secondary air pump relay replacement

NHTSA recall: 16V738 (2016-10-13) · 100,127 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [12]

Fourth generation Outback problems (2010–2014)

Takata passenger inflators, climate-zone campaigns (recall 16V358) (2003–2004, 2009–2014)

Safety recall
Generation:
Fourth generation (2010–2014), plus 2003–2004 and 2009 models
Years:
2003–2004, 2009–2014
Powertrain:
All

Later Takata passenger-inflator campaigns, split by climate zone, cover more model years; the hot-humid 'Zone A' states were recalled first, with matching campaigns for the other zones. The inflator propellant can degrade with long-term heat and humidity and the inflator may rupture in a crash. Dealers replace the passenger inflator free of charge. Campaign 16V358 covered 2003–2004 and 2009–2011 Outbacks in Zone A; 18V012 and 19V007 extended Zone A coverage through the 2013 and 2014 model years. The 302,127 figure covers every vehicle in campaign 16V358, not just the Outback.

Symptoms

  • No warning signs before a crash

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Subaru retailer for the repair order showing the passenger air bag inflator replacement
  • If the car lived in a hot, humid state, check that every Takata campaign on the VIN is closed, including the 2020 re-replacement

NHTSA recall: 16V358 (2016-05-25) · 302,127 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [2][3][4][5][6]

CVT cooler hose may crack and leak fluid (recall 10V196) (2010)

Safety recall
Generation:
Fourth generation (2010–2014)
Years:
2010
Powertrain:
CVT models

Some early 2010 Outbacks and Legacys built July–December 2009 can develop a crack in the CVT cooler hose. If all the fluid leaks out while driving, the car will come to a stop. Dealers replace affected hoses free of charge. The 29,443 figure covers every vehicle in campaign 10V196, not just the Outback.

Symptoms

  • Red fluid drips under the front of the car
  • Transmission warning light or loss of drive

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Subaru retailer for the repair order showing the CVT cooler hose replacement

NHTSA recall: 10V196 (2010-05-07) · 29,443 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [13]

Wiper motor cover can overheat and melt (recall 16V694) (2010–2014)

Safety recall
Generation:
Fourth generation (2010–2014)
Years:
2010–2014
Powertrain:
All

On 2010–2014 Outbacks and Legacys, contamination inside the windshield wiper motor bottom cover can let parts bind. If snow or ice stops the wipers from parking, the motor can overheat, the wipers can fail and the cover can melt, which is also a fire risk. Dealers replace the bottom cover assembly free of charge. The 592,647 figure covers every vehicle in campaign 16V694, not just the Outback.

Symptoms

  • Wipers stop working in snow or ice
  • Burning smell near the base of the windshield

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Subaru retailer for the repair order showing the wiper motor cover replacement

NHTSA recall: 16V694 (2016-09-27) · 592,647 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [14]

Electronic parking brake may not hold (manual transmission) (recall 18V626) (2010–2014)

Safety recall
Generation:
Fourth generation (2010–2014)
Years:
2010–2014
Powertrain:
Manual transmission

On 2010–2014 Outbacks and Legacys with a manual transmission, the electronic parking brake may not engage as intended, so the car could roll away if it is not left in gear. Dealers replace the parking brake actuator free of charge. The 27,175 figure covers every vehicle in campaign 18V626, not just the Outback.

Symptoms

  • Parking brake light behaves inconsistently
  • Car creeps on a slope with the parking brake set

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Subaru retailer for the repair order showing the EPB actuator replacement

NHTSA recall: 18V626 (2018-09-13) · 27,175 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [15]

Oil consumption: 2.5L FB engine class settlement (2013–2014)

Moderate
Generation:
Fourth generation (2010–2014)
Years:
2013–2014
Powertrain:
2.5L FB25 (non-turbo)

A federal court approved a class settlement in 2016 over excessive oil consumption in early FB-series engines. Covered vehicles included the 2013 Outback 2.5L and 2013–2014 manual-transmission Outback 2.5L. Subaru agreed to cover oil-consumption repairs for 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first, with free oil-consumption testing; a car failed the test if it used more than one-third of a quart in 1,200 miles. Subaru denied the claims.

Symptoms

  • Oil level low between changes
  • Low-oil warning light

Check before buying

  • Ask a Subaru retailer whether oil-consumption bulletin repairs were performed on the VIN
  • Check the oil level at the inspection and ask for oil-change records

Sources: [24]

Fifth generation Outback problems (2015–2019)

Steering column may be improperly machined (recall 16V292) (2016–2017)

Safety recall
Generation:
Fifth generation (2015–2019)
Years:
2016–2017
Powertrain:
All

Certain 2016–2017 Outbacks and Legacys built February 29–May 6, 2016 may have a steering column machined incorrectly, so turning the wheel may not steer the car. NHTSA lists this campaign as do-not-drive until repaired. Dealers check the column lot number and replace it as needed, free of charge. The 48,819 figure covers every vehicle in campaign 16V292, not just the Outback.

Symptoms

  • Steering feels loose or disconnected

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Subaru retailer for the repair order showing the steering column lot-number inspection

NHTSA recall: 16V292 (2016-05-11) · 48,819 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [16]

Low-fuel warning may not light (recall 18V773) (2018)

Safety recall
Generation:
Fifth generation (2015–2019)
Years:
2018
Powertrain:
All

A software error on 2018 Outbacks and Legacys can keep the low-fuel light off and show a positive miles-to-empty figure when the tank is empty, so the car may run out of fuel and stall. Dealers reprogram the instrument cluster free of charge. The 228,648 figure covers every vehicle in campaign 18V773, not just the Outback.

Symptoms

  • Miles-to-empty reads above zero as the engine starts to stumble

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Subaru retailer for the repair order showing the combination meter reprogramming

NHTSA recall: 18V773 (2018-11-01) · 228,648 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [17]

Low-pressure fuel pump may fail (recall 21V587) (2018–2020)

Safety recall
Generation:
Fifth generation (2015–2019) and sixth generation (2020–2025)
Years:
2018–2020
Powertrain:
All

The in-tank low-pressure fuel pump on certain 2018–2020 Outbacks (and several other Subaru and Toyota models) may fail, which can stall the engine while driving. An earlier campaign, 20V218, covered 2019 Outbacks. Dealers replace the fuel pump free of charge. The 175,968 figure covers every vehicle in campaign 21V587, not just the Outback.

Symptoms

  • Engine stalls or will not restart
  • Rough running or hesitation

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Subaru retailer for the repair order showing the low-pressure fuel pump replacement

NHTSA recall: 21V587 (2021-07-29) · 175,968 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [18][19]

Battery drain: class settlement for 2015–2020 Outbacks (2015–2020)

Minor
Generation:
Fifth generation (2015–2019)
Years:
2015–2020
Powertrain:
All

A class action alleged that the electrical system in 2015–2020 Outbacks (and Forester, Legacy, WRX and 2019–2020 Ascent) could keep drawing current after shutdown and drain the battery. The court approved a settlement in January 2023 that extended warranty coverage for qualifying battery failures and reimbursed some past battery costs. Subaru denied the claims.

Symptoms

  • Dead battery after the car sits for a day or two
  • Repeated jump starts

Check before buying

  • Ask whether the battery has been replaced and when
  • Have the battery and parasitic draw tested before buying

Sources: [25][26]

Sixth generation Outback problems (2020–2025)

CVT clutch may engage before the drive chain is clamped (recall 21V955) (2020)

Safety recall
Generation:
Sixth generation (2020–2025)
Years:
2020
Powertrain:
CVT

A programming error in the transmission control unit on 2020 Outbacks and Legacys (and 2019–2020 Ascents) can let the clutch engage before the CVT drive chain is fully clamped, so the chain may slip and break and the car lose drive power. Dealers reprogram the TCU, check its data for chain slip and replace the transmission if damage is found. Campaign 22V485 added more 2020–2021 cars. The 198,255 figure covers every vehicle in campaign 21V955, not just the Outback.

Symptoms

  • Sudden loss of drive power
  • Transmission warning light

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Subaru retailer for the repair order showing the TCU reprogramming and chain-slip check

NHTSA recall: 21V955 (2021-12-09) · 198,255 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [20][21]

Passenger air bag occupant sensor may short (recall 24V227) (2020–2022)

Safety recall
Generation:
Sixth generation (2020–2025)
Years:
2020–2022
Powertrain:
All

A capacitor in the front passenger seat occupant detection sensors on 2020–2022 Outbacks and Legacys can crack and short circuit, which can stop the passenger air bag from deploying in a crash. Dealers replace the sensors free of charge. The 118,723 figure covers every vehicle in campaign 24V227, not just the Outback.

Symptoms

  • Passenger air bag OFF indicator lit with an adult seated
  • Air bag warning light

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Subaru retailer for the repair order showing the passenger seat ODS sensor replacement

NHTSA recall: 24V227 (2024-03-22) · 118,723 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [22]

Inhibitor switch can let water in, disabling reverse lights and camera (recall 23V755) (2021–2023)

Safety recall
Generation:
Sixth generation (2020–2025)
Years:
2021–2023
Powertrain:
All

An insufficient weld on the transmission inhibitor switch in certain 2021–2023 Outbacks and Legacys (plus 2021 Crosstrek and 2022 Forester) can let water in, so the switch fails and the reverse lights and rearview camera image may not work. Dealers replace the switch free of charge. The 95,830 figure covers every vehicle in campaign 23V755, not just the Outback.

Symptoms

  • Backup camera does not appear in reverse
  • Reverse lights out

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Subaru retailer for the repair order showing the inhibitor switch replacement

NHTSA recall: 23V755 (2023-11-09) · 95,830 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [23]

Windshield cracking: class settlement for 2020–2022 Outbacks (2020–2022)

Minor
Generation:
Sixth generation (2020–2025)
Years:
2020–2022
Powertrain:
All

A class action alleged that windshields on 2020–2022 Outbacks (and 2019–2022 Ascent and Forester and 2020–2022 Legacy) could crack without a clear impact. In October 2024 a federal court preliminarily approved a settlement that offers reimbursement of certain past costs and an 8-year/100,000-mile extended warranty covering a one-time replacement with an updated windshield at a Subaru dealer. Subaru denied the claims.

Symptoms

  • Crack that spreads from the edge of the windshield
  • EyeSight camera warnings after a windshield replacement

Check before buying

  • Ask whether the windshield has been replaced and whether EyeSight was recalibrated afterward
  • Look for cracks along the edges of the glass

Sources: [27]

Related Outback research

This page explains specific mechanical issues and recalls. Which model years drew the most owner complaints relative to the rest of the model’s history is answered in the years-to-avoid research where CarWhere publishes it.

Confirm how an Outback was built before you buy.

Engine, transmission and packages decide which of these issues apply. The CarWhere Subaru build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Subaru build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What year Outback has head gasket problems?

NHTSA's Subaru recall data contains no head gasket safety recall for any Outback, so head gasket repairs are not handled as a free recall. The documented Outback engine issue with an official remedy is oil consumption: a 2016 court-approved settlement covered the 2013 Outback 2.5L and 2013–2014 manual Outbacks for 8 years or 100,000 miles.

Which Outback years have Takata air bag recalls?

Takata passenger air bag inflator recalls cover 2003–2014 Outbacks across several campaigns: 15V323 for 2003–2008, climate-zone campaigns starting with 16V358 for 2003–2004 and 2009–2014, and 20V001 to replace earlier replacement inflators. Dealers fix them free of charge.

Does the Outback CVT have a recall?

Yes. Recall 21V955 covers 2020 Outbacks and Legacys (and 2019–2020 Ascents) whose transmission software could let the CVT drive chain slip and break; dealers reprogram the control unit and replace damaged transmissions. Recall 10V196 replaced cracking CVT cooler hoses on early 2010 Outbacks.

Is there a fuel pump recall on the Outback?

Yes. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the tank can fail and stall the engine on certain 2018–2020 Outbacks. Campaign 20V218 covered 2019 models and 21V587 covered 2018–2020 models; dealers replace the pump free of charge.

Why does my 2015–2020 Outback battery keep dying?

A class action alleged that 2015–2020 Outbacks could keep drawing power after shutdown and drain the battery. A court approved the settlement in January 2023, which extended warranty coverage for qualifying battery failures. Subaru denied that the vehicles were defective.

Sources

Issue descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs are shown only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

  1. Recall 15V323: Air Bags — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  2. Recall 16V358: Air Bags — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  3. Recall 16V359: Air Bags — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  4. Recall 16V361: Air Bags — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  5. Recall 18V012: Air Bags — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  6. Recall 19V007: Air Bags — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  7. Recall 20V001: Air Bags — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  8. Recall 20V002: Air Bags — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  9. Recall 20V003: Air Bags — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  10. Recall 13V110: Service Brakes, Hydraulic — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  11. Recall 14V311: Service Brakes, Hydraulic — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  12. Recall 16V738: Electrical System — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  13. Recall 10V196: Engine And Engine Cooling — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  14. Recall 16V694: Visibility — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  15. Recall 18V626: Parking Brake — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  16. Recall 16V292: Steering — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  17. Recall 18V773: Electrical System — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  18. Recall 21V587: Fuel System, Gasoline — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  19. Recall 20V218: Fuel System, Gasoline — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  20. Recall 21V955: Power Train — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  21. Recall 22V485: Power Train — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  22. Recall 24V227: Air Bags — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  23. Recall 23V755: Power Train — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  24. Yaeger v. Subaru of America, No. 1:14-cv-04490 (D.N.J.), opinion granting final approval of oil-consumption settlement (Aug. 31, 2016) — U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey (via GovInfo)
  25. In re Subaru Battery Drain Products Liability Litigation, No. 1:20-cv-03095 (D.N.J.): official settlement website — JND Legal Administration (court-appointed settlement administrator)
  26. Subaru Battery Settlement: frequently asked questions — JND Legal Administration (court-appointed settlement administrator)
  27. Powell v. Subaru of America, No. 1:19-cv-19114 (D.N.J.), order granting preliminary approval of windshield settlement (Oct. 3, 2024) — U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey (via GovInfo)

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