Subaru Outback Years to Avoid
We analyzed 6481 owner complaints and 73 safety recalls registered with the NHTSA to determine which Subaru Outback model years are lemons and which are safe to purchase.
Years to Avoid
Model year 2019 had the highest spike in defects, particularly in electrical system.
Best Years to Buy
Significantly lower defect frequency, few recalls, and refined mechanicals.
Electrical System
The #1 source of driver complaints on this vehicle. Inspect this subsystem thoroughly during pre-purchase inspection.
Subaru Outback Complaints & Defects by Model Year
Official consumer safety reports filed with the NHTSA. Click any year for the complete breakdown.
Subaru Outback Model Year Comparison Table
Detailed breakdown by model year showing complaint totals, safety recalls, and reliability verdicts.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Defect Score | Verdict | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Subaru Outback | 295 | 16 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2013 Subaru Outback | 297 | 12 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2014 Subaru Outback | 208 | 10 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2015 Subaru Outback | 509 | 5 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2016 Subaru Outback | 642 | 4 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2017 Subaru Outback | 921 | 4 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2018 Subaru Outback | 816 | 3 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2019 Subaru Outback | 1036 | 3 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2020 Subaru Outback | 904 | 6 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2021 Subaru Outback | 299 | 4 | 87/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2022 Subaru Outback | 465 | 4 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2023 Subaru Outback | 89 | 2 | 43/100 | Exercise Caution | Report → |
Buying a Used Subaru Outback: Key Reliability Insights
What are the Subaru Outback years to avoid?
Based on official NHTSA safety defect data, the Subaru Outback model years to avoid are 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022. These years exhibit significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recurring electrical system issues, and federal safety recalls.
What is the best year to buy for a used Subaru Outback?
The most reliable used model year for the Subaru Outback is 2023 (as well as 2023), which recorded the lowest defect score and minimal safety recalls on record.
What are the most common problems with the Subaru Outback?
The most frequently reported component issues for the Subaru Outback are Electrical System, Visibility & Wipers, Unknown Or Other. Owners reported premature component wear and software calibration glitches to federal investigators.
How many total recalls have been issued for the Subaru Outback?
Between 2012 and 2023, the NHTSA has published 73 safety recall campaigns and recorded 6481 official owner complaints for the Subaru Outback.