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Subaru Outback Reliability by Model Generation
Results are for year ending June 30, 2018. Only successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.
| Year and Model | % of Average Repair Frequency | |
 2018 Subaru Outback |
Best
47%
Worst
|
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| 2015 - 2017 Subaru Outback |
Best
75%
Worst
|
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 2013 - 2014 Subaru Outback |
Best
89%
Worst
|
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|
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 2010 - 2012 Subaru Outback |
Best
108%
Worst
|
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 2005 - 2009 Subaru Outback |
Best
146%
Worst
|
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 2000 - 2004 Subaru Outback |
Best
135%
Worst
|
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TrueDelta Reviews the Reliability And Durability of the Subaru Outback
| Subaru Outback Reliability And Durability: Neutral | |
| Year | Comment |
| 2015 | Most people would assume that the Outback will also prove far more reliable than the Cherokee (a Jeep with Fiat roots), and buy the Subaru for this reason. But they're about even in our reliability stats so far--both are good but not great--and some owners of 2011-2013 Subarus with this four-cylinder engine have been reporting excessive oil consumption. Odds based on the past history of Subarus and Jeeps still favor the Outback, but I'll withhold judgment for at least another year or two. full 2015 Subaru Outback review |
What Our Members Are Saying about the Reliability And Durability of the Subaru Outback
| Subaru Outback Reliability And Durability: Pros | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2012 | 4dr Wagon 256-horsepower 3.6L H6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
I have nearly 30,000 miles and other than oil changes and other Subaru recommended service zero issues. I am just not noticing that my brakes aren't as strong as they once were, will probably have the pads replaced next service interval. full 2012 Subaru Outback review |
| 2011 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
So far everything is great and it goes like crazy in the snow. full 2011 Subaru Outback review |
| 2011 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
Reputation and family and friends experience tell me I will have this vehicle for a long time. full 2011 Subaru Outback review |
| 2011 | 4dr Wagon 256-horsepower 3.6L H6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Most owners rave about its Duability and Reliability and a big percentage of the autos are on the road after 10 years full 2011 Subaru Outback review |
| 2011 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
I just took my 2011 Outback 2.5 Limited in for its timing belt. I have 105,230 miles on the car and bought it new. It is hard to think this car was anything but a great purchase decision. $30 in repairs (gas cap, wasn't stranded) was all I've spent. I had a 2009 Jetta TDI before despite the mileage of the TDI, the Outback is much cheaper to drive. I have purchase a new battery, changed the differential fluid for the 3rd time and use Mobil 1 syth+filter every 7500 mi. Changed the spark plugs at 60k. Don't. Waste of time. They looked brand new. Will do again every 100k. Air filters every 20-30k. Headlights are a pain to change (Youtube). Mine lasted 60k. Guessing the shop will tell me when I need brakes. I think it will be a while still. full 2011 Subaru Outback review |
| 2010 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
Proven reliability. full 2010 Subaru Outback review |
| 2010 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
My wife and four kids drive Subarus. All are expected to be driven well over 100,000 miles. None have disappointed us. The AWD system is bulletproof. Standard maintenance procedures will assure long life. full 2010 Subaru Outback review |
| 2010 | 4dr Wagon 256-horsepower 3.6L H6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Too early to tell. full 2010 Subaru Outback review |
| 2010 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
Everything about this car seems to be about for and function. Based on reports and friends own experiences I have been told to expect excellent reliability and durability. Most importantly are the number of satisfied owners I have questioned at random. full 2010 Subaru Outback review |
| 2010 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
I purchase a 1-2 year old used vehicle which I then drive for 10 years at a time. I chose the Subaru due to it's longevity and reliability and it's not been disappointing so far. I'm hoping to get 200k+ miles out of this vehicle and from rea full 2010 Subaru Outback review |
| Subaru Outback Reliability And Durability: Cons | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2010 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
No repairs needed except for headlamp bulbs and my brakes are still almost new after 78,000 miles. full 2010 Subaru Outback review |
| 2007 | 4dr Wagon 175-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
I do have some reliability concerns, as this engine is notorious for head gasket problems. I noticed that my coolant tank was empty a couple weeks ago. I'm going to track it closely now, but I will be very disappointed if I have to do major work on this engine (head gaskets). full 2007 Subaru Outback review |
| 2005 | 4dr Wagon 168-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD |
Anecdotal reports of engine head gasket problems made me wary. full 2005 Subaru Outback review |
