Subaru Outback problems by year
9,724 owner complaints filed with NHTSA across 31 Subaru Outback model years. Last verified Sep 22, 2026. Complaint totals are lifetime counts — years that have been on the road longer accumulate more reports.
Years with notably fewer complaints
1996 (46)
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most reported problem | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Limited reporting history | 16 | 0 | — | |
| 2025 Limited reporting history | 80 | 0 | Forward Collision Avoidance | |
| 2024 Limited reporting history | 102 | 0 | Unknown / Other | |
| 2023 Limited reporting history | 89 | 2 | Forward Collision Avoidance | |
| 2022 | 463 | 4 | Visibility/wiper | |
| 2021 | 296 | 4 | Visibility/wiper | |
| 2020 Most complained | 896 | 6 | Visibility/wiper | |
| 2019 Most complained | 1,033 | 3 | Electrical System | |
| 2018 Most complained | 811 | 3 | Electrical System | |
| 2017 Most complained | 917 | 4 | Electrical System | |
| 2016 | 643 | 4 | Electrical System | |
| 2015 | 510 | 5 | Visibility/wiper | |
| 2014 | 208 | 10 | Air Bags | |
| 2013 | 296 | 12 | Engine | |
| 2012 | 292 | 16 | Power Train | |
| 2011 | 651 | 16 | Power Train | |
| 2010 | 360 | 18 | Power Train | |
| 2009 | 106 | 13 | Air Bags | |
| 2008 | 226 | 8 | Air Bags | |
| 2007 | 129 | 8 | Air Bags | |
| 2006 | 276 | 7 | Vehicle Speed Control | |
| 2005 | 273 | 9 | Suspension | |
| 2004 | 90 | 10 | Air Bags | |
| 2003 | 93 | 14 | Air Bags | |
| 2002 | 143 | 4 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | |
| 2001 | 171 | 3 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 2000 | 207 | 1 | Power Train | |
| 1999 | 111 | 1 | Power Train | |
| 1998 | 127 | 1 | Engine and Engine Cooling | |
| 1997 | 79 | 1 | Engine and Engine Cooling | |
| 1996 Fewer complaints | 46 | 1 | Engine and Engine Cooling |
How to read this. Complaints are unverified reports owners file with NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation, counted once per case number. Raw totals are not adjusted for sales volume, and recent model years have had less time on the road. “Most complained” flags years well above the model’s median; treat it as a signal for deeper research, not a verdict. This page is not affiliated with Subaru.