Here Are The Subaru Outback Years To Avoid
We've only identified one Subaru Outback year to avoid. We'll explore which year and why you should steer clear when weighing your vehicle options.
The Subaru Outback has been around for over two decades, making its name one of America’s favorite SUVs. It has the drive of a car with the same fuel economy while giving adventure seekers enough space to pack up and take off to the great outdoors.
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.
Subaru Outback Years to Avoid
Unlike other brands, you won’t find multiple years of the Subaru Outback to avoid. Still, there was one year when things went south for the company, and that was 2013. If you’re shopping preowned, you should avoid the 2013 model, and we’ll tell you why.
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The 2014 Lawsuit
After reports from multiple owners that they were buying oil in large quantities, Subaru eventually issued a recall. The 2011 to 2013 models had a defective piston ring that caused oil to leak or burn excessively. The excessive burning led to engine failure, which wasn’t discovered until much later.
Many reports of owners taking their Subaru in to get checked claim that they were told that the Subaru used much less oil, though that was not the case. This led to a 2014 class-action lawsuit, which was finally settled in 2016. Subaru paid for the damages from the owners’ pockets concerning pistons.
2013 Subaru Outback Issues
Oil is a big part of a vehicle. It works to keep things running smoothly and keeps all parts lubricated. It also helps the engine run smoothly, something that all cars need. With the 2013 Subaru, the piston rings were not working correctly, which allowed oil to leak into the combustion chamber.
Because the oil was not filtering to the correct place, it settled into another area where it formed carbon deposits. The loss of oil meant customers needed to change the oil more than usual, sometimes even every 2000 miles.
Best Subaru Outback Years
Though there are Subaru Outback years to avoid, many majorly successful years exist. If you’re looking at preowned, keep your eyes open for any of these Subaru Outback years, as they are the best.
ARE SUBARU OUTBACKS RELIABLE?
If you’re thinking about getting an Outback, it’s normal to wonder: are Subaru Outbacks reliable? After all, it’s a popular vehicle, but that doesn’t always mean it’s an effective vehicle or one that will last as long as you want it to.
The 2005 to 2009 Subaru Outback
The best years for the Subaru Outback were from 2005 to 2009. During this time, Subaru focused on the car’s performance, bringing the turbocharge XT model and boasting 250 horsepower with its 2.5L engine.
The body style changed slightly, but the brand went for a more compact version of an SUV as the industry turned toward demand for crossovers.
The 1994 to 1999 Subaru Outback
We know these may seem old, but if there are glory years of the Subaru, these are. It had a simple exterior with all the right specs that accounted for its smooth drive and reliability. This was when the Outback started to take off and make its way onto many driveways nationwide.
Today’s Subaru Outback
Looking back to the 90s version and comparing it to 2020 and beyond, the Outback might seem unrecognizable. The 2020 model is much larger and comes with several technological advances from the inside out. Today’s models come with 260 horsepower from a 2.4L four-cylinder engine. It also features upgraded safety features from the interior to the exterior.
Unlike previous models, the current generation doesn’t offer an optional 6-cylinder engine.
Common Subaru Outback Issues
According to RepairPal, there are a few issues with the Subaru Outback. Though there are a few complaints here and there, you won’t find enough to constitute a recall or give the brand a bad reputation. Still, the Subaru Outback is not perfect. Here’s a look at issues reported by drivers.
Vibration
About 280+ people have reported this issue about the Subaru Outback. This issue had to deal with acceleration, where drivers experienced an intense shudder as they sped up.
AC System
The second most reported issue with the Subaru Outback deals with the cooling system. In many reports, it started after more than 100,000 miles on the vehicle, but it was an issue.
O2 Sensor
The third most commonly reported issue with the Subaru was the front O2 sensor. 257 people said this issue and claimed it was present for many years. Though this is not something that all models or years have, many people have still reported it.
Weak Windshields
Many Outback owners weren’t so thrilled about the SUV’s weak windshields. Several buyers of the Outback 2017-2019 models claim that their vehicle’s windshield is prone to cracking. It’s said to be so weak that small debris may cause the windshield to crack or break. In some cases, the windshield cracked multiple times over a few months. The defect is allegedly a safety hazard since the crack may impair the driver’s view of the road. The problem became so prevalent that it led to a class action lawsuit.
Failure of the Cooling System
According to reports by numerous owners, the Subaru Outback 2000-2018 years have struggled with overheating issues – mainly due to a failing cooling system. The faulty cooling system has demonstrated symptoms such as a broken radiator, coolant leaks, and a broken thermostat. If left unattended, the overheating issues may damage the head gasket, leading to costly repair jobs.
Headlight Burnouts
Several owners have reported that their Outback’s headlights were prone to premature burnouts. According to reports, the headlights would burn out every four to six months, undoubtedly out of the ordinary. It would cost owners about $100 to replace the headlights.
Excessive Oil Consumption
Another significant issue with several Outback models is the reported excessive oil consumption due to leaks. In particular, owners of 2010-2012 Subaru Outback models have complained about rapid oil consumption, especially when equipped with the 3.6-liter 6-cylinder engine. Thankfully, this engine was later replaced by a new 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine with no reported oil consumption issues.
With that said, the issue was severe, that some drivers had to carry extra oil whenever they were on the road. The problem was determined to stem from defective piston rings that resulted in oil leaks and rapid oil burning. Some owners could fix the issue by replacing the oil rings, while some had to resort to an engine rebuild, which can be very expensive.
Unintended Acceleration
Apparently, the sixth-generation Outback models (2015-2019) were reportedly prone to unintended acceleration, which is a massive safety risk. Experts speculate that the issue may be due to an inadequate fault system or a faulty brake override system. Unfortunately, Subaru went down the route of blaming drivers for instances of unwanted accelerations, which led to multiple lawsuits.
THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE SUBARU OUTBACK
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?
Subaru Outback Years to Avoid: The Takeaway
The Subaru Outback is a reliable car that has an excellent reputation. One of the key reasons behind their reputation is that, over the decades, there haven’t been any significant issues. The recall on the 2013 model was the first major recall for the company, and it was resolved with a payment to all those affected. Other than that, a minimum number of issues are reported; most are minor and do not deal with anything that needs replacing.
So, what does that mean for the Subaru Outback? If you’re looking for a preowned, you’ll have the most success if you avoid 2013. Any other year will surely be a great car, even if the miles are up there. Throughout the decades, the 2005 – 2009 models have had the most success and not many problems.
Let us do the legwork if you’re on the hunt for a pre-owned Subaru Outback. Here at CoPilot, we will find the best matches for you in your area and help you take the hassle out of shopping for a preowned car.
FAQs: Subaru Outback Years to Avoid
Q: Which Subaru Outback years should I avoid?
A: When shopping for a pre-owned Subaru Outback, it’s advisable to steer clear of the 2013 model year. This particular year experienced significant issues, notably a defective piston ring that led to excessive oil consumption and potential engine failure.
Q: What was the major issue with the 2013 Subaru Outback?
A: The 2013 Subaru Outback was part of a recall due to a defective piston ring that caused oil to leak or burn excessively. This defect could lead to engine failure and was significant enough to prompt a class-action lawsuit settled in 2016.
Q: What are some common issues reported with Subaru Outbacks?
A: Common issues with Subaru Outbacks across various years include vibration during acceleration, problems with the AC system, O2 sensor failures, weak windshields prone to cracking, cooling system failures, headlight burnouts, excessive oil consumption, and unintended acceleration in specific models.
Q: Is the Subaru Outback a reliable vehicle?
A: Yes, the Subaru Outback is generally considered a reliable vehicle. Despite the issues with the 2013 model, Subaru Outbacks have maintained a good reputation for safety, reliability, and all-wheel-drive performance over the years.
How much does a new Subaru Outback typically cost?
The starting price (with destination charges) for an entry-level 2023 Subaru Outback is $29,600. Choosing the loaded 2023 Outback Touring XT will cost $43,520. These amounts don’t include any dealer fees or charges.
How much does a used Subaru Outback typically cost?
The Outback (originally called the Legacy Outback) has been sold in the U.S. for three decades, so a wide range of used options exists. An older Subaru Outback with 200,000 miles will run around $3,000. However, a like-new example of a Subaru Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) car could cost $40,000. Using the 2018 model year as an example, the CoPilot Price Pulse reveals an average price of $24,125. This amount is 20% higher than the original forecast due to abnormal market conditions.
Is the Subaru Outback a good car to purchase?
Yes, the Subaru Outback checks many boxes. Buyers appreciate the convenience of five doors (including ample cargo space), the company’s reputation for safety and reliability, and standard all-wheel drive. Don’t assume that every Outback is worth buying. Learn which models years to avoid.
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