Which Years Of Used Subaru Outbacks Are Most Reliable?

in Reliability

We've identified 11 Subaru Outback years that are most reliable, so you can focus your car shopping search on dependable models with good track records.

Silver Subaru Outback
Source: Flickr

The Subaru Outback is a midsize SUV, but there’s a factor that makes it stand out on the market - it provides excellent off-roading abilities that many drivers enjoy. However, with many years on the market, it can be easy to get overwhelmed by the choices. You might want to ask yourself - what is the most reliable Subaru Outback year?

If you’re interested in learning more about the dependability of various Subaru Outbacks, you’ve come to the right place. If you want to keep money and time in your pocket, focusing on reliability is a necessity. Read on to learn more about the years of the Subaru Outbacks to avoid, which years are dependable, and other helpful information. 

Quick Answer: Avoid Subaru Outback Year Models 2013 and 2014.

When searching for the most dependable Subaru Outback, it’s vital to consider the worst. The least dependable selections will cost more money to keep in excellent condition and will take ample work to keep the vehicle in excellent condition. We advise avoiding the 2013 and 2013 Subaru Outbacks for your benefit. 

Which Year Models of Subaru Outback are Most Reliable? 

Some versions of the Subaru Outback aren’t dependable. However, there are also some you can count on. Let’s dive into the most reliable Subaru Outback year selections on the new and used car market.

Here are the best selections for the Subaru Outback:

  • 1994 Subaru Outback
  • 1995 Subaru Outback
  • 1996 Subaru Outback
  • 1997 Subaru Outback
  • 1998 Subaru Outback
  • 1999 Subaru Outback
  • 2005 Subaru Outback
  • 2006 Subaru Outback
  • 2007 Subaru Outback
  • 2008 Subaru Outback
  • 2009 Subaru Outback

These will provide the best experience on the road.

When examining dependability, these are the best among professionals and casual drivers. While the newer models are decent, they don’t match the quality of these earlier selections in the Subaru Outback lineup.

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Which Year Models of Subaru Outback Are Least Reliable?

We talked about some of the best selections for the Subaru Outback, but now it’s time to dive into some of the worst. These are terrible when considering their overall reliability. 

Here are the least dependable years for the Subaru Outback:

  • 2013 Subaru Outback
  • 2014 Subaru Outback

These have an unfortunate past on the road. 

Out of these years, the 2013 Subaru Outback is the worst. It experienced serious electrical issues. Frequent errors in this system included unexplained battery drain and the inability of the vehicle to start - both things that will destroy a car.

Common Subaru Outback Problems

When looking for the most reliable Subaru Outback year, it’s helpful to examine some of the frequent issues you might see in the vehicle. Understanding these will help you determine how to keep up with the dependability of this vehicle.

According to subarucompaints.com, here are the most common Subaru Outback issues:

  • Fuel pump failure
  • Cracked windshields
  • Headlights burning out
  • Rodents chewing wires

These are problematic in the Subaru Outback.

Those who don’t care for their vehicle are more likely to see these in their car than others. No matter what, if you see an issue, take the car to the mechanic as soon as possible to provide the best shot at life. 

Is the Subaru Outback Expensive to Maintain?

Before purchasing a vehicle, it’s helpful to examine how much it will cost to maintain. If you don’t have enough money to keep it in excellent condition, there’s little point in purchasing it.

According to caredge.com, the Subaru Outback will cost $8,037 over the first ten years of ownership. This number is better than the average for the industry by around $1,000, which is an excellent number.

In the first decade of ownership, there is a 23.97% chance the vehicle will need a major repair, which is 2.47% worse than other competitors. Subaru Outbacks are decent to maintain. 

Is It Worth It to Buy a Used Subaru Outback?

We’ve mentioned the most reliable Subaru Outback year and some of the worst, which leaves one question - is it worth it to invest in a Subaru Outback? Should you save money for this machine in your driveway?

Although the Subaru Outback is more likely to experience a serious repair, it’s cheaper overall for maintenance. Also, it tends to be dependable and is a popular choice on the market amongst many individuals. It’s worth it if you can afford the Subaru Outback.

THE SUBARU OUTBACK YEARS TO AVOID

Though there are many reliable Subaru models, not all perform as drivers expect. Below, we’ll look at the Subaru Outback years to avoid, helping you pick the best preowned.  

How Much Does a Subaru Outback Typically Cost?

Price is another crucial item when investing in a vehicle like the Subaru Outback. How much can you expect to pay for the car, whether purchasing new or used?

If you want the 2024 Subaru Outback brand-new, you will find it for a starting price of $28,895. If you want to invest in it used, you will find the price range between $8,000-$30,000, depending on the trim.

How Long Does a Subaru Outback Engine Last?

As with any vehicle, the core of the Subaru Outback is the engine. The lifespan of the engine inside the system will help influence the reliability of the vehicle. 

A standard Subaru Outback will last 160,000-220,000 miles. This lifespan offers around two decades of ownership, which is solid for the vehicle. 

FAQs: Most Reliable Subaru Outback Years

We recommend the 1994-1999 and 2005-2009 Subaru Outback selections on the market. They have an excellent history.

Q: What common issues should I be aware of in the less reliable Subaru Outback years?

The biggest issue in the least reliable versions of the Subaru Outback appears in the electrical system. These are significant, including items like the car refusing to start.

Q: Can I trust the Subaru Outback models from the early years?

There is a good mix of dependability in Subaru Outback models. The earliest versions of the Subaru Outback tend to be the more dependable selections. 

Q: Is the 2020 Subaru Outback model reliable?

The 2020 Subaru Outback isn’t terrible. However, it isn’t the best you will find in reliability.

HOW LONG DO SUBARU OUTBACKS LAST?

The Subaru Outback has earned a reputation as a reliable workhorse in the automotive world. What about its longevity? How long do Subaru Outbacks last?

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