Best & Worst Years of Subaru Outback – Graphs & Owner Surveys

Best Years of the Subaru Outback

FIXD Reliability and Owner Reliability Scores, NHTSA safety testing and recall information, and EPA fuel economy data help determine the best years of the Subaru Outback. The most common diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) are also in the mix.

2021 Subaru Outback

The sixth-generation Outback shares little with its earliest predecessors besides a name and similar layout. Today’s Outback is a refined machine bristling with the latest technology. So, it’s unsurprising to find the 2021 model year on our list of the best Outback examples. However, 2020, the first year of the sixth generation, doesn’t make the cut, which is explained later.

A perfect rating (10 out of 10) for the FIXD Reliability Score and the Owner Reliability Score is just one reason the 2021 Outback is a winner. Meager maintenance costs are another. 

Surveyed owners report spending an average of only $313 in 2022 to keep their 2021 Outbacks on the road. Admittedly, expensive wear-and-tear work involving the tires and brake pads has kicked in yet, but isn’t that the point of buying a newer car?

Further, there are no reports of expensive ($500+) engine or transmission repairs for the 2021 Subaru Outback. That may not seem likely with such a new vehicle, but it’s the main reason why the 2020 Outback sits on the worst years list. 

A 4.7 (out of 5) in NHTSA safety testing is another reason to praise the 2021 Outback. If this Subaru has any shortfalls, it’s not performing well with fuel economy. As discussed, competing crossovers like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V need fewer stops at the gas pump. The 2021 Outback’s 28 MPG is acceptable but not stellar. 

A review of the FIXD sensor data shows only a handful of DTC error codes and none pointing to a pattern or particular trouble area. This could change, but for now, the 2021 Outback gets a clean bill of health regarding check engine lights.

As of this writing, there are only two recalls for the 2021 Outback, and each involves only a few hundred units, indicating isolated problems. It’s always a good idea to check for recalls via the NHTSA website before buying any vehicle. 

The 2021 Outback’s KBB market value average ($25,297) reflects private-party transactions; retail pricing may be higher.  Second-hand 2021 Outbacks sell for $25,000 to $36,000 at dealers. High-mileage examples may cost less, and prices may vary depending on how in-demand all-wheel drive is in a particular market. 

A Note About The 2022-2023 Subaru Outback: The newest Outbacks may deserve a place on our best years list. However, there isn’t sufficient information about repairs, maintenance, and other ownership experiences. Until these details are available, we’ll hold off on deciding a verdict for the 2022-2023 Outback.

2016-2019 Subaru Outback

For the most part, the fifth-generation Outback is a solid entry on our best year list. The first year (2015) gets a thumbs down (covered later). Otherwise, the 2016-2019 model years are great choices for used Outbacks.

There’s a lot of confidence in FIXD Reliability Scores of 8 or 9. And owners thought even higher, giving this group of Outbacks a 9 or 10 for an Owner Reliability Score. Another reason to like the 2016-2019 Outbacks is lower annual upkeep costs. Across these four years, owners spent an average of $496 to keep their Subarus in running condition. That’s well below the $706 average for all 21st-century Outbacks. 

Surveys show that those with a 2018 Outback spent $825 last year, but a dive into the data shows some of this expense involves brake repairs for some owners. It’s inevitable for every car and doesn’t indicate reliability issues.

We should mention that because these Outbacks aren’t new, the occasional powertrain repair can arise. Less than 8% of surveyed 2017 Outback owners had to spend at least $500 on engine work, and a similar number of those with a 2018 edition needed costly transmission servicing. Ideally, this shouldn’t happen with newer vehicles, but no car is perfect. If anything, these repairs serve as a reminder to always have a used car inspected by a mechanic before buying. 

While the 2016-2019 editions don’t have an overwhelming number of error codes, there are a few check engine light causes to be aware of. 

At the top of the list is code P0455, a leak in the evaporative emission control (EVAP) system. The good news is that the fix usually involves tightening the gas cap. If that remedy doesn’t take care of things, you’ll need to move to other solutions, like a new gas gap ($20-$60) or EVAP line ($50-$100). Sometimes, replacing a valve ($150-$200) or the EVAP charcoal canister ($200-$600) is required.

Owners may also have to deal with P0420, a bad catalytic converter. In truth, this shouldn’t be an issue with vehicles less than a decade old, but the FIXD app data says differently. At its simplest, the problem only needs an exhaust system leak sealed ($100-$200) or a new oxygen sensor ($275-$500). Replacing the catalytic converter runs $400 to $2,400. Be sure that any pre-purchase inspection includes a pressure test of the catalytic converter. 

This group of Outbacks is also prone to code P2004; the intake manifold runner control (IMRC) for bank #1 of the engine is stuck open. This issue can affect performance and is potentially serious and should be looked at immediately. Diagnostic work runs from $75 to $150 per hour. Repairs could require a new IMRC actuator or fixing the intake manifold or associated wiring. 

Recalls are part of modern car ownership, but at least they’re not overwhelming for these Outbacks. The 2016 and 2017 model years have four recalls each, while the 2018 and 2019 editions have three.

It’s also worth mentioning that with an average NHTSA safety score of 4.8, the 2016-2019 model years are among the best-performing Outbacks in government crash tests. 

Dealer pricing for 2016-2019 Outbacks varies from $15,000 to $30,000, depending on year, condition, mileage, and equipment. And careful shopping may yield better deals. These Subarus are the sweet spot among used Outbacks. You can get a well-equipped model that’s relatively new for far below $20,000, which is reasonable given the volatile used car market. 

2014 Subaru Outback

If the budget is tight, your best hope for a used Subaru Outback rests with the 2014 model year. But you’ll still need to cough up $15,000 to $18,000 for one, not on its last legs. Sadly, all older Outbacks don’t pass muster and are covered below in the worst years section.

However, let’s get back to why the 2014 Outback is a worthy consideration. A FIXD Reliability Score of 5 doesn’t seem encouraging, but an Owner Reliability Score of 9 certainly is. However, we have to look beyond these measurements to see why this Subaru shines.

Mainly, this involves no reports of costly drivetrain repairs last year. That’s especially notable for a decade-old vehicle. In addition, the typical owner spent $607 to keep their 2014 Outback running. That’s about $100 below the average for all surveyed Outbacks. Brakes are the only frequently cited repair.

At the same time, check engine light incidents are modest. The most frequent code is for P0420, a faulty catalytic converter. 

Yet, there are some occurrences of P0700, malfunctioning transmission control module (TCM). This has the potential to be severe, so owners should address this issue right away. With luck, the correction only requires topping off the transmission fluid ($50-$200). However, expect to pay up to $500 if there’s a bad wiring harness or $750 to $808 to swap out the TCM.

Don’t be overly disturbed by the ten recalls issued for the 2014 Outback; most of these notices revolve around the infamous Takata airbag issue. 

Meanwhile, an NHTSA safety score of 4.8 continues the Outback’s tradition of strong performance in government crash tests. 

The Worst Years of the Subaru Outback 

Subaru fans will be disappointed to learn that more the 70% of the Outback model years we’ve analyzed aren’t worth buying. Low engine reliability scores and high repair costs are just some reasons to focus shopping efforts elsewhere.

2001-2004 Subaru Outback

Mid-grade Owner Reliability Scores (5-7) may seem acceptable, but poor FIXD Reliability Scores often accompany them. That’s the case with the 2001-2004 Outback model years. The 2002-2003 editions rank 1 for engine reliability (the FIXD Reliability Score), and the 2004 Outback isn’t much better with a 2. 

But looking beyond the abundance of check engine lights is the jaw-dropping frequency of engine repairs. Almost one in four owners (23.4%) of these Outbacks spent at least $500 in 2022 on engine work. That’s unacceptably high.

Meanwhile, keeping the 2003-2004 model years on the road is costly. These owners spent $1,167 (2003) and $1,333 (2004) on upkeep, making them the most expensive to maintain. 

Recalls are also worrisome. The 2003 Outback has 15 recalls. After taking out the notices covering airbag issues, we still have seven recalls, including a fuel pump leak and defective cruise control. There are 11 recalls for the 2004 Outback (including eight for the airbags). 

At least recalls are lower for the earlier years: four for the 2001 edition and five for the 2002 Outback. One type of recall that applies to the 2001-2003 model years is particularly troubling; it covers subframe corrosion in the rear suspension area. 

Further, the 2001-2004 Outbacks have their share of trouble codes, including hundreds of incidents of P0420 (a malfunctioning catalytic converter). A frequent cause of check engine lights is code P0442, a problem with the EVAP system (repairs are similar to code P0455).

Owners of these Outbacks may also encounter code P0302, a warning about engine misfires. Often, new spark plugs ($66-$250) or spark plug wires ($180-$240) will solve the problem. But, there are a host of other remedies: fixing a vacuum leak ($100-$200), replacing fuel injectors ($1,500-$1,900), or installing a new fuel pump ($1,300-$1,700).  

The group of Outbacks also has a dubious reputation for defective head gaskets. It’s a problem well-known to mechanics and diehard Subaru fans. In fact, the issue continued through the 2009 model year. If you’re not worried about trouble codes and surveys citing engine troubles, a bad head gasket should be a cause for concern. On older Outbacks, such repairs cost more than the car is worth. 

2005-2009 Subaru Outback

Unfortunately, every model year among the third-generation Outback is problematic. 

We’ll start with the 2005 edition. Not only does it have a FIXD Reliability Score of 1, but this model year has the dubious distinction of having the second-most number of check engine lights (as detected by installed FIXD sensors) than any other Outback (2010 is the worst). 

We’ll also mention it’s good advice to avoid the first model year of an all-new design (the 2005 version is the first edition of the third generation). Avoiding these first-year gremlins saves money and headaches. 

We’ll stop picking on the 2005 Outback and move on. The 2006 and 2009 model years stand out, but not in a good way. Owners of these versions spent at least $1,000 last year to keep their Outbacks in working order. That’s 30% above average. 

Costly engine repairs also go hand-in-hand with ownership of a 2006-2009 Outback. Surveys uncovered that almost one out of every five owners (18%) spent at least $500 for engine work. 

And remember that all the Outbacks in this group are vulnerable to bad head gaskets. 

2005-2009 Outbacks are plagued with check engine lights for code P0420 (a faulty catalytic converter). Numerous error messages also relate to engine misfires: P0301, P0302, P0303, and P0304. As mentioned, repairs can involve replacing the spark plugs, spark plug wires, fuel injectors, or the fuel pump or sealing a vacuum leak. 

The 2009 Outback has 14 recalls, the most of any model year from this generation. There are nine notices for the 2005 and 2008 model years, while there are eight for the 2007 edition. The 2006 Outback has seven recalls. The majority of these recalls continue to involve troublesome airbags. 

2010-2013 Subaru Outback

The only saving grace for the fourth-generation Outback is the 2014 model year, which made our best years list. That leaves the 2010-2013 versions, which get a thumbs down.

Interestingly, this group is unique because while it has respectable Owner Reliability Scores (7-8) and average FIXD Reliability Scores (5-6), it still isn’t good enough to get on the best year’s list. Why?

The reason is obvious for the 2010 edition; it’s the first year of the fourth-generation Outback. And this model year has more check engine lights than any other 21st-century Outback. In the meantime, 25% of surveyed 2010 Outback owners spent $500 or more on engine repairs. It’s also the same for those with a 2012 Outback. Owners of the 2011 and 2013 editions also faced similar expenses, although at reduced levels. 

Unsurprisingly, FIXD sensors report thousands of error codes for the 2010-2013 Outbacks. The biggest offender is a familiar warning message, code P0420 (a troublesome catalytic converter). Misfire-related codes (P0301, P0302, P0304, P0305, and P0306) are also commonplace. 

Code P0400, a malfunctioning engine exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve, is a frequent problem for the 2010-2011 Outback. Replacing the EGR valve costs $332 to $413.

There are an eye-popping number of recalls for these Outbacks, and airbag issues continue to play a role in these notices. The 2010 Outback has 18 recalls, while there are 16 for the 2011 and 2012 editions. Recalls dropped to 12 for the 2013 model year. 

2020 Subaru Outback

Seeing perfect (10 out of 10) FIXD Reliability and Owner Reliability Scores for the 2020 Outback might give this vehicle winner status. However, this Subaru has two strikes against it. 

The 2020 model year marks the launch of the six-generation Outback. As we’ve advised, staying away from the first model year of an all-new design is smart car shopping. However, there’s an even greater concern, a history of costly powertrain troubles. These two words, “powertrain troubles,” should never be associated with a vehicle that is only a few years old. 

The surveys show that 12% of 2020 Outback owners spent $500 or more for engine repairs. And almost 9% encountered similar issues with the transmission. The level of serious troubles is much lower than other Outbacks on the worst years list, but these Outbacks have an average of only 50,000 miles.

The FIXD Reliability Score of 10 translates into a few check engine lights. However, FIXD sensor data shows several related codes for the 2020 Outback. P2689, P26A3, and P26A5 are all associated with a malfunctioning engine coolant bypass valve, which can affect the heat in the cabin.

As of June 2023, there are five recalls for the 2020 Subaru Outback.

2015 Subaru Outback

If you’re wondering why a car with a decent FIXD Reliability Score (7) and strong Owner Reliability Score (9) is on the worst years list, it’s understandable. Further adding to the confusion are moderate average annual upkeep costs ($600) and an excellent NHTSA safety score (4.8). Also, there are no reports of costly powertrain repairs.

However, the 2015 model year is the first edition of the fifth-generation Outback.

And while this version appears to have escaped first-year gremlins, we still suggest being cautious given the Outback’s complicated history with new model debuts. Spending extra money on a 2016 or later edition will likely lead to a smoother ownership experience. 

For the record, the 2015 Outback has five recalls. There are also numerous check engine lights, including P0400, a bad EGR valve. Owners can also experience P0171, an improper fuel-air ratio (insufficient fuel or too much air). This usually is caused by a faulty mass airflow (MAF) sensor. Often, cleaning the MAF sensor ($20-$100) will take care of things. Further work might require sealing a vacuum or exhaust leak ($100-$200) or replacing the MAF sensor ($300). A new air fuel sensor or oxygen sensor ($200-$300) or a new fuel pump could also be part of the repair process.

The records show that P0137, low voltage for an oxygen sensor, is another common code to the 2015 Outback. Repairs are similar to what’s needed for other pollution-control systems: correcting a vacuum or exhaust leak or replacing an oxygen sensor.

FAQs

What years of the Subaru Outback have engine and/or transmission problems?

Numerous Subaru Outback model years are prone to expensive engine troubles; these include 2001-2004, 2006-2009, 2010-2013, and 2020. The 2004, 2006, 2012, and 2020 Outbacks have a history of transmission problems.

What is considered high mileage for a Subaru Outback?

The numbers reveal an average of 116,621 miles of use among all surveyed Outbacks. This data point creates a good benchmark for when to attach a high-mileage label to these Subaru. For simplicity, we’ll call it 120,000 miles.

But high mileage doesn’t mean the end of an Outback’s usefulness. We can be confident in this determination because the surveys show that the Outback is clearly capable of racking up more miles. 

The 2001 model year has an average usage of 225,000 miles. And the 2006 Outback comes close to the 200,000-mile threshold (it has an average of 191,667 miles). Several model years have 150,000 miles or more: 2002, 2004, 2007, 2008, and 2010. 

Outside of accidents and other mishaps, longevity is determined by the vehicle’s condition and how well it’s cared for. An Outback with 150,000 miles of mostly highway use that’s received diligent regular maintenance will likely have many more miles ahead. Compare that to a 100,000-mile Outback that’s seen nothing but city use and never received regular maintenance; it could already be struggling.

This means that a qualified mechanic best determines high-mileage status and vehicle lifespan. Always get professional advice about any used car under consideration. 

What other vehicles should I consider?

The company offers other options if the Outback isn’t the ideal Subaru. The Ascent provides three rows of crossover versatility, while the smaller Subaru Forester has two rows. You can also go further down in size with the Subaru Impreza and Subaru Crosstrek, both five-door wagons with crossover vibes.

Shoppers frequently shop the Outback against compact crossovers, like the Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, Nissan Rogue, Toyota RAV4, and Volkswagen Tiguan.

What owners of the Subaru Outback like to use their cars for:

Frequent Use Categories:	How Useful? (Out of 5 Stars)
Family Vehicle	*****
Lots of Driving (travel/long commute)	***
Outdoor/Off-Road	**
Hauling/Towing	*
Office on Wheels	*
Sport/Fast Driving	*
Luxurious Driving	*

A Note About Data and Information Sources

This article has many details about Subaru Outback reliability; here’s what we used for our assumptions and recommendations.

• FIXD Reliability Score & Data: Engine reliability information is captured via the FIXD App. 

The FIXD Reliability Score is calculated using the number of DTCs per year, weighted by mileage. This is then turned into a scale of 1-10 for easy graphing. 

This is an objective score.

• Owner Reliability Score & Data: This data is the result of surveying Subaru Outback owners who use FIXD. 

The Owner Reliability Score comes straight from the owners of the Subaru Outback.  

This is a subjective score.

To determine the Owner Reliability Score, we ask each car owner:

How reliable would you say your Subaru Outback is?

a. Just point A to point B driving

b. A Daily Commuter

c. Good for a 100-mile road trip

d. Good for a 500-mile road trip

e. I could take a cross-country road trip, no problem

From here, we translate their answers into the Owner Reliability Score:

a. = 2

b. = 4

c. = 6

d. = 8

e. = 10

Keep in mind owners may think their car is more or less reliable than it actually is. 

One potential problem is that people often buy the same make or model they are used to when they go car shopping, just a newer year.

Ford, for instance, has a number of consumer loyalty awards for the Ford F-Series, Ford Mustang, and Ford Expedition.

Car owners may be so loyal to the make or model they currently own that they would have trouble accurately comparing their cars’ reliability to others. 

It’s for this reason that we ask car owners a question that is relative to mileage rather than relative to other cars. 

Still, be mindful of the accuracy of these Owner Reliability Scores; people’s perceptions and unconscious blindspots can skew data. 

We suggest looking at both the FIXD Reliability Score and the Owner Reliability Score for this reason.

• KBB Value: Average private-seller valuations as supplied by Kelley Blue Book (KBB), based on a Subaru Outback with typical mileage for that respective model year.
• Fuel Economy: Mileage-per-gallon estimates according to the EPA MPG on Fueleconomy.gov
• Annual Maintenance/Repair: Upkeep expenses as reported by surveyed Subaru Outback owners
• Safety Rating: Crash test data collected and reported by NHTSA. We average all ratings for each year to come up with a simplified, average safety score. This makes it easier to look at on a graph.

References

1. Subaru Outback model-specific information, edmunds.com (various dates). Retrieved June 29, 2023, from https://www.edmunds.com/
2. Model-specific recall information as per the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. Retrieved June 29, 2023, from https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls