Subaru Outback Years to Avoid

Why 2019 and 2020 made the avoid list

2019 Subaru Outback

AvoidTop issue: visibility · 44% of complaints · median 11,000 miles

Owners of the 2019 Outback describe EyeSight driver-assist braking or steering unexpectedly, windshields cracking with little or no impact, and batteries repeatedly draining and leaving them stranded. Some say dealers denied windshield warranty coverage or couldn't find a lasting fix for battery and EyeSight problems.

Full 2019 report ›

2020 Subaru Outback

AvoidTop issue: visibility · 45% of complaints · median 6,000 miles

Owners of the 2020 Outback describe batteries that repeatedly drain and leave the car unable to start, plus sudden stalling or power loss with warning lights. Many also report windshields cracking easily or spontaneously, with some dealers declining warranty coverage.

Full 2020 report ›

Summaries are written with AI from the owner complaints on NHTSA's site and checked against them; the counts and mileages come from our data.

Best Subaru Outback years to buy

2009 Subaru Outback

Best betTop issue: speed control · 10% of complaints

Owners filed 20 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009 Outback in its first five years, about 38 for every 100,000 sold: 0.2× the rate of a typical Outback year. 10% of them involve speed control.

Full 2009 report ›

2012 Subaru Outback

Best betTop issue: powertrain · 28% of complaints · median 13,000 miles

Owners filed 58 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Outback in its first five years, about 51 for every 100,000 sold: 0.4× the rate of a typical Outback year. 28% of them involve the powertrain (transmission and drivetrain), at a median of 13,000 miles.

Full 2012 report ›

2014 Subaru Outback

Best betTop issue: powertrain · 14% of complaints · median 6,000 miles

Owners filed 109 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014 Outback in its first five years, about 82 for every 100,000 sold: 0.5× the rate of a typical Outback year. 14% of them involve the powertrain (transmission and drivetrain), at a median of 6,000 miles.

Full 2014 report ›

A best bet drew 0.6× the complaint rate of a typical Outback year or less in its first five years on the road. How we rate

1. Visibility35% of complaints · 1,819 complaints · median 3,000–47,000 miles by year · worst years: 2019, 2020 and 2022
2. Electrical25% of complaints · 1,323 complaints · median 2,000–45,000 miles by year · worst years: 2017, 2019 and 2020
3. Engine6% of complaints · 312 complaints · median 5,000–32,000 miles by year · worst years: 2010, 2013 and 2020
4. Powertrain5% of complaints · 285 complaints · median 4,000–35,000 miles by year · worst years: 2016, 2017 and 2020
5. Driver assistance5% of complaints · 258 complaints · median 1,000–21,000 miles by year · worst years: 2019, 2020 and 2021

Complaints owners filed with NHTSA in each model year's first five years on the road, all years combined. A complaint can name more than one area. Worst years are the rated years with the most complaints about that area. Mileage is reported on about half of complaints.

Questions owners ask

Which Subaru Outback years should you avoid?

Counting complaints owners filed with NHTSA in each year's first five years on the road, per vehicle sold, the 2019 and 2020 Outback drew the most: each more than twice the rate of a typical Outback year, spread across more than one problem area. The 2017, 2018 and 2022 also ran above average; use caution with them.

What is the best year for a used Subaru Outback?

The best bets are the 2009, 2012 and 2014 Outback, which drew far fewer complaints per vehicle sold than a typical Outback year. The 2009 drew the fewest for its time on the road (0.2× the rate of a typical Outback year). Years from 2023 on haven't had five years on the road, so they aren't rated yet.

What is the most common problem with the Subaru Outback?

Across every year, the problem area owners report most is visibility (glass, wipers, mirrors) (35% of complaints), followed by the electrical system (25%) and the engine (6%). A complaint can name more than one area.

Has the Subaru Outback been recalled?

Yes. NHTSA lists 55 recall campaigns covering Outback model years 2008 to 2026, the most recent in March 2024. Enter a vehicle's VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to see whether its repairs were done.