2011 Subaru Outback Subaru Outback 2011

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2011 Subaru Outback repairs by problem area

Engine (22%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (13%)

Brakes and Traction Control (4%)

Suspension and Steering (16%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (29%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (10%)

Other (6%)

Chart based on 397 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2011 Subaru Outback.

2011 Subaru Outback repair cost distribution

$2500+ (2%)

$1000 - $2499 (8%)

$500 - $999 (10%)

$100 - $499 (29%)

< $100 (51%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 270 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2011 Subaru Outback

Engine not specified

Subaru Outback in Massachusetts, United States
Jul 2010 - Dec 2010
Aug 2010 The engine cover was broken when I received the car 
Sep 2010

1000 mi
Brake fluid contaminated from factory. Oily substance mixed in. Caused the brake fluid to darken to the point where it looked to have 20-30k of usage on it. Flushed the system and replaced the master cylinder. Persistent clink in the shift-interlock every time I came to a stop. Subaru's position was "normal noise, no problem". It drove me nuts in traffic. Needed the TSB for the rear view compass/backup camera mirror - the compass would lock-up. the TSB did fix the problem. 
Oct 2010

1000 mi
Nasty vibration from torque converter going in and out of lock-up. Dealer had car several times unable to replicate. I took off from work to take service manager and tech for instrumented ride, had no problem recreating problem. Replaced valve body. 
Dec 2010

1000 mi
Infamous steering wheel vibration/resonance problem. After 3 road force balances worse than when they started. Had approval for the major TSB, but dumped the car before that due to transmission. Valve body suffered major failure a month or so after replaced (lit up dash big-time), limp-home mode. The second valve body started acting up within a day or two, needed to be replaced when I traded it. 
Subaru Outback in Arkansas, United States
Jul 2011 - Aug 2011
Aug 2011

7000 mi
Transmision shifting problems from first day,new trans after 3 weeks of hassle,and one tow in and two times delivery by me. 
Subaru Outback in Massachusetts, United States
Jan 2021 - Jun 2022
Dec 2021

168000 mi

US $2500
Wheel bearings tie rod and ball joints all replaced 
Subaru Outback in Kansas, United States
Aug 2012 - Sep 2012
Sep 2012

25000 mi
Leather seats are worn. 
Subaru Outback in California, United States
Jul 2010 - Sep 2010
Sep 2010

4000 mi
Vehicle bought back after repeated unsuccessful attempts to fix steering wheel shake, including TSBs 05-50-10 and 05-48-10. The 2nd TSB is the major one and was done twice. 

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2011 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 148hp 2.0L H4 Diesel 6-speed manual AWD

Subaru Outback in Norway
Mar 2011 - Aug 2014
Jun 2012

26660 mi
Car intermittently refused to start. Finally brought in, but dealer found no fault. Replaced "starter module", will see if problem is fixed. 
Aug 2012

28480 mi
Same problem, refusing to start. To shop for the third try. Outcome: how it's designed to work. The steering lock jams when the car is parked on a slope to protect an actuator. Just need to release the brake then wiggle the wheel, and the car will start. 
May 2013

39060 mi
Slight noise when turning steering wheel. Adjusted connection from column. 
Nov 2013

45260 mi
Glow plugs shorted. Fuses blown. Dealer reset error code and changed fuse. Warning light from last repair returned the following day. Took it in again, and they looked at it further. Found that they needed to replace glow plugs and scheduled a repair at a later date. Had to leave the car at the dealer for a full day to change glow plugs. 

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2011 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

256-horsepower 3.6L H6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

Subaru Outback in Georgia, United States
Oct 2011 - Jul 2022
Dec 2013

32000 mi
Both HID low beam headlights burned out within weeks of each other, and I've read that you have to pull back the fender liner to replace them. I believe their short life has to do with the Automatic headlights, which come on under bridges. 
Jun 2021

73000 mi

US $250
The fuel door release latch cable broke and needed to be replaced. 
Subaru Outback in Ontario, Canada
Mar 2011 - Aug 2011
Aug 2011

8060 mi
Unfixable shaking at 100km/h 
Subaru Outback in Connecticut, United States
May 2012 - Jul 2012
Jun 2012

23000 mi
Check engine light on, diagnostic indicated cam sensor issue. Dealer replaced intake cam sensor, issue stopped for 24 hrs and returned. Dealer then replaced intake and exhaust cam sensors. Dealer says problem is fixed. 
Subaru Outback in Nebraska, United States
May 2010 - Apr 2014
Apr 2014

50000 mi
OEM battery was too small for the car; drains too quickly & often has trouble starting the car when car is exposed to frigid temperature. Subaru/dealer states battery is within design parameters. 
Subaru Outback in Ontario, Canada
Jun 2011 - Jul 2017
Jun 2016

27280 mi
Drivers side audio speaker malfunctioning 
Subaru Outback in Connecticut, United States
May 2011 - Aug 2016
Jun 2016

47000 mi

US $65
Replacement of a burned out light bulb in the headlight. 
Subaru Outback in Michigan, United States
Apr 2011 - Mar 2012
Feb 2012

11000 mi
Engine was consuming oil at a rate of 1 quart every 3,000 miles. 
Subaru Outback in Connecticut, United States
Jan 2011 - Dec 2014
Jul 2012

30200 mi
Seatbelt tensioner broke. Tensioner replaced. 
Subaru Outback in Virginia, United States
Apr 2011 - Apr 2020
Dec 2015

76000 mi

US $100
2011 Outback - 5 marker bulbs out and needed replacing. Audio/nav system grounding wire frayed and needed replacing. 
Jun 2017

99000 mi

US $50
replaced daytime running light 
Sep 2018

126000 mi

US $9600
Front brake pads replaced and rotors milled; new rotors and brake pads on rear 
Subaru Outback in Delaware, United States
May 2011 - Nov 2014
Mar 2014

23000 mi
Battery went dead 3x. Dealer tested and replaced at n/c under warranty. Funny, our 2005 outback went 8 years before I replaced the battery not because of problems but out of caution. 
Subaru Outback in Ontario, Canada
Apr 2012 - Jun 2022
Apr 2015

70740 mi

C $30
Replaced low beam headlight bulbs. This is the second set of replacements since new. Relatively difficult to replace (must be done from the wheel well). 
Apr 2017

104780 mi

C $700
Lock up clutch judder. Removed the torque converter and had it rebuilt with excellent results (at 25% of the price of a new one). The first repair other than consumables: pretty impressive! 
Jan 2018

122760 mi

C $95
New gas struts on the tailgate 
Apr 2018

122760 mi

C $200
Camshaft position sensors replaced. 
May 2021

164300 mi

C $50
Rebuilding the front calipers 
Jun 2022

171120 mi

C $900
Prop shaft u-joints were bad. Oil pan rusted through 
Subaru Outback in British Columbia, Canada
Jul 2011 - Oct 2018
Sep 2013

29760 mi
Squeaky latch on seat belt receiver on passanger side when occupied 
Mar 2014

34720 mi
Heat shields on exhaust vibrate loudly in gear until pipes expand to engine heat 
Subaru Outback in Virginia, United States
Sep 2012 - Mar 2013
Oct 2012

23500 mi
Driver seat squeaking Power adjustment switch broken 
Subaru Outback in Ontario, Canada
Jun 2016 - Jun 2018
Apr 2017

64480 mi

C $1600
New pads and rotors on all 4 wheels 
Apr 2018

68820 mi

C $120
Battery wore out. I had lots of advance warning. The battery was easy to replace. 
Subaru Outback in Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Mar 2014 - Jun 2018
Oct 2016

22320 mi
Factory recall for plastic on wiper housing. 
Subaru Outback in Pennsylvania, United States
May 2016 - Jul 2020
Jan 2018

94000 mi

US $8
Driver-side low-beam bulb replaced. My first time replacing a bulb on this car, it took nearly an hour and required the removal of the driver-side front wheel. Future bulb replacements will probably take closer to a half-hour. 
Jun 2018

96000 mi

US $20
Replaced passenger side headlight. It took 30-40 minutes because access is through the wheel well and even that is tight. 
Subaru Outback in California, United States
Sep 2010 - Jan 2018
Jan 2018

102000 mi

US $450
Corroded Idler Pulley and broken Drivebelt 
Subaru Outback in Massachusetts, United States
Apr 2014 - Jun 2022
May 2022

78000 mi

US $1400
Rattling AWD component replaced. Front speakers inoperative / scratchy sound. Dealer thought it was the amplifier but replacement did nothing to fix the problem. 
Subaru Outback in Georgia, United States
- Nov 2011
Nov 2011

980 mi
Shaking issue. Could not reproduce at dealership.  Front tires replaced for shaking at highway speeds. Back tires road forced balanced issue still exists  Misfires on cyc 1 3 and 5. Dealer cleared codes only.  
Subaru Outback in Alabama, United States
May 2016 - Jun 2016
Jun 2016

32000 mi

US $400
moonroof jammed ajar. a ton of water leaked in. dealer said tree pollen passes roof seal clogged drain caused roof to jam. water passed seal the water couldn't go out drain. flooded car. they said they cleaned drain cleaned track. still lek had get interior replaced due to mildew. next shop found moonroof still leaking found drain barely clean, tracks still filthy. headliner removed moonroof removed drain cleaned. had carpeting and driver seat replaced. 3rd outback.same problem 
Subaru Outback in North Carolina, United States
Feb 2014 - Feb 2014
Feb 2014

40000 mi
Temperature gauge on 3.6 engine going off. Dealer indicated difference in one head to the other was causing problem, Known issue with Subaru per bulletin Check oil light coming on after beginning to use synthetic oil due to high mileage driving. When checking dipstick, oil level is OK but light comes on intermittently. 
Subaru Outback in Ontario, Canada
Apr 2013 - Jun 2018
Sep 2014

27280 mi

C $100
left headlight 
Jul 2016

52280 mi

C $175
left interior light on, killed battery, now won't hold charge. got 5 good years. 
Jun 2017

59520 mi
Regular 96k maintenance 
Jan 2018

62000 mi

C $1000
Replaced brakes too soon. Backup camera intermittently failing. Dealer recommended complete replacement. Declined. Now working, mostly. I suspect a simple loose connection. 
Subaru Outback in Ontario, Canada
Mar 2013 - Mar 2014
Jan 2014

C $1400
Valve sticking. Replaced. 
Subaru Outback in Alberta, Canada
Jul 2015 - Jun 2022
Apr 2016

103940 mi

C $78
Replacement of serpentine/V-belt and noisy idler pulley - normal maintenance items. 
May 2016

105640 mi

C $486
Replaced all four struts and mounts due to normal wear. 
Jul 2017

122760 mi

C $100
Replaced rear door checkers since doors wouldn't stay open by themselves. 
Jan 2022

155620 mi

C $86
Extremely low outside temperatures (-30°C), engine block heater and battery warmer (new battery) plugged in all night. Drove short distance and parked. Upon engine restart, ATF temp warning light is flashing, as well as VDC and brake warning light. No trouble codes. While driving, transmission shifts into manual mode without gear lever being moved, had to move to manual position and back to drive to clear. Dealership failed to find cause. Replaced battery with good quality one, no more issues since. Turn signals stop working intermittently. Climate controls unresponsive intermittently. Dealer cannot replicate condition at time of inspection. 
Jun 2022

156860 mi

C $1064
Misfiring on cylinder #6, bad coil pack and fouled spark plugs. Coil pack and spark plugs replaced. 
Subaru Outback in Missouri, United States
Aug 2015 - Jun 2017
Sep 2015

49000 mi

US $100
Two lug nuts fell off; had them replaced. 
May 2017

68000 mi
17V014000 recall to replace front passenger airbag 
Subaru Outback in Wisconsin, United States
Aug 2012 - Jun 2014
Jun 2013

26000 mi
Noisy wheel bearing replaced by dealer. 
Subaru Outback in Massachusetts, United States
Oct 2011 - Jun 2018
Jan 2012

58200 mi
Navigation/Bluetooth/audio display screen freezes. 
Jun 2012

24000 mi
Nav and audio screen constantly freezing. They finally replaced the entire system. It was fine for a month but now periodically when the audio is turned off when the car is started the nav screen will again freeze. Unlike prior issues... 
Oct 2012

26500 mi
Check engine light and all dash lights came on while driving. Dealer reports deterioration on gas cap flange caused system to detect fuel leak. Dealer immed replaced gas cp. problem seems to have resolved. 
Dec 2012

29000 mi
Once again as back in Oct engine light oil AT temp light and a myriad of dash lights cameon while driving. Called dealer. Brought it right in. They found only 2 brke light bulbs out. No other explanation for all warning lights coming on 
Oct 2013

40300 mi

US $200
Front headlights. One was out so I had both replaced. Quite the ordeal to replace these-involved removal of wheel! Later confirmed w dealer that this is proper protocol. Lights still do not align properly. I'm told by many that this is not ? 
Apr 2015

57500 mi
Headlights-again! Don't know why so often or why these are so time consuming to replace.  Also continued problems with navigation. Screen freezes so even phone calls can't be made until the car is shifted to park then back to drive. 
Jun 2018

97000 mi

US $550
Rear sway bar and bushings. Was told there was wear and would get worse. Did not notice any signs while driving. 
Subaru Outback in California, United States
Dec 2010 - Nov 2020
Feb 2011

1000 mi
Discovered oil leaking from engine. Quantity was about 2 tablespoons per day. Dealer determined it was a faulty seal on the oil pan so they simply replaced the seal. All good now. 
Feb 2015

41000 mi
The torque converter was replaced due to severe vibration between 1500 and 2000 rpm under light loads. 
Jun 2017

67000 mi
Takata airbag recall 
Subaru Outback in Kentucky, United States
Sep 2010 - Jun 2017
Oct 2011

6000 mi
The sunroof was jamming when trying to open. Lived with problem for 2 months before taking in along with other sunroof recall. 
Subaru Outback in Ohio, United States
Jul 2010 - Jul 2012
Aug 2010

3000 mi
Front end shaking. In earlier repair trip rebalanced tires. This tim installed stabilizer kit and new steering wheel, which fixed the problem. Front passenger window would not close -- new track installed. Compass mirror did not work -- new mirror installed. 
May 2011

8000 mi
Oil sensor went on. Dealer said this was the third one they had to replace on other owner's cars. 
May 2012

17400 mi
Transmission is slipping into passing gear going uphill at high speeds. Also, transmission is having a hard time going from 2nd to 3rd gear going uphill. 
Subaru Outback in California, United States
Jun 2010 - Sep 2014
Sep 2010

4000 mi
Car has pulled to the right since day one. Dealer said they adjusted tire pressure and problem was fixed, but it still pulls to the right. Returned again to have alignment checked. After having the car five hours they called to say that (a) their alignment tech didn't show up and (b) they sent it out to a vendor but the vendor's alignment rack was broken. Yes, I'm upset. 
Oct 2011

24000 mi
Steering wheel shake at freeway speed. Said front wheels were out of balance; rebalanced and apparently rotated wheels. Problem is 90% better but not gone. 
Subaru Outback in Alberta, Canada
Jul 2010 - Sep 2015
Oct 2011

14260 mi
Sun roof was 'sticking' - when opened it would stick then 'thunk' as it pulled away -needed autobody realignment - took less than an hour 
Dec 2013

43400 mi

C $800
Bad Strut - Driver side front 
Oct 2014

52040 mi
Leaking Oil pan (slight) fixed with Silicone 
Subaru Outback in Ontario, Canada
Dec 2010 - Jul 2016
Mar 2013

42160 mi

C $125
Gas tank cap had tear in seal - pressure leak - check engine light on. 
Sep 2015

84320 mi
Upper brake light seal leaking 

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2011 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD

Subaru Outback in Ontario, Canada
Aug 2014 - Oct 2019
Jul 2015

70680 mi
Leaking oil, replaced gasket 
Jan 2017

68600 mi

C $200
Mud guard noise 
Subaru Outback in California, United States
Nov 2010 - Jun 2021
Oct 2019

70000 mi

US $1000
Control arms replaced. 
Subaru Outback in California, United States
Jun 2015 - Apr 2016
Aug 2015

50400 mi

US $400
Windshield wiper system switch had a defect that was known to Subaru. They "covered" it under warranty but the warranty was already expired when they announced it. So, in a word, it was NOT covered. 
Sep 2015

52000 mi

US $520
Coolant leak. I paid for diagnostics NOT REPAIR. This is a potentially catastrophic failure and I will never buy another Subaru because of it and how the company and its dealers handle situations like these. 
Dec 2015

54000 mi

US $1370
Cooling leak in the block. They are trying to deny it is a warranty issue. Coolant levels are going down again. 
Subaru Outback in Louisiana, United States
Jul 2010 - Jul 2018
Dec 2010

6000 mi
Moon roof would not consistently open and occasionally stuck or squeeked with use. The system was re-aligned. 
Dec 2014

48000 mi

US $135
original battery died. 
Dec 2016

67000 mi
Front driver side headlight was out. Covered by extended warranty 
Dec 2017

78311 mi
Projector headlamp burned out. Part of extended warranty program due to difficulty to replace. 
Subaru Outback in Newfoundland / Lab., Canada
Aug 2016 - Nov 2017
Aug 2016

70060 mi

C $700
heat shields underneath came loose Had the front left axle replaced as it had a rip in the CV boot Had to have the axle that was replaced...replaced again due to it being defective. Had to have this axle replaced a third time due to a problem with the replacement for the replacement... 
Nov 2017

86800 mi

C $1300
The propeller shaft had started to seize up causing the car to shake at high speeds and under hard excelleration 
Subaru Outback in Ontario, Canada
Dec 2015 - Jul 2022
Jan 2016

C $460
rear upper control arm 
Subaru Outback in Tennessee, United States
Jul 2015 - Jun 2018
Dec 2016

67000 mi
Low beam bulbs replaced per recall after both failed. It was an interesting week before we could get over to the dealer... 
Sep 2017

76000 mi

US $15
Tail light replacement, probably took 15 minutes. 
Dec 2017

78000 mi
Passenger side airbag replaced via recall 
Jun 2018

80000 mi

US $200
Aux input not working, replaced. 
Subaru Outback in Saskatchewan, Canada
Aug 2010 - Feb 2017
Jul 2012

14140 mi
Started oil consumption test. Dealer states within normal parameters 
Sep 2013

24180 mi
Replaced leaking strut. work done under warranty. 
Sep 2014

31620 mi
Stayed oil consumption test. Dealer states within normal parameters. 
Feb 2015

33340 mi

C $120
Replaced power steering hose. Replaced leaking oil sending unit 
Oct 2015

37400 mi
The lumbar support gave out. Had to replace an s-clip to remedy. 
Subaru Outback in Indiana, United States
Jul 2015 - May 2019
Sep 2015

75000 mi

US $81
Left headlight went out. Repair included removing left front tire and lining of wheel well. Addendum, April 2017 -- Subaru had a factory recall to replace the headlight lamps free; reimbursed me in full for my repair! 
Mar 2017

96000 mi

US $11
On vacation, suddenly 3 lights came on: Check Engine, Vehicle Dynamics Control, and BRAKE. Called nearest Subaru, no opening for 3 days, drove to AdvanceAuto for free code reading. Solution: Only needed to replace the gas cap! 
Sep 2018

107800 mi

US $82
Right headlight (need for frequent headlight replacement is a known major problem in 2011 Outback) 
Subaru Outback in New Jersey, United States
Aug 2010 - Sep 2012
Sep 2010

1000 mi
Noted smoke after extended drive and oil leak in driveway day after taking ownership. Damaged seal between engine block and - ? oil regulator? - caused severe leak. Towed to dealer and repaired. 
Subaru Outback in Virginia, United States
Nov 2012 - Feb 2019
Jan 2013

32000 mi
Moon roof would not open or seat properly. Dealer replaced under warranty. Plastic "metal" painted door trim vibrates whenever radio on. Dealer could not replicate issue. 
Mar 2013

38000 mi
Front driver and passenger window would not close completely when car was being operated at highway speeds. Both window Gaskets/Tracks replaced under warranty. Some water would get in. 
Dec 2014

88000 mi

US $35
Two swollen lug nuts were locked on and had to be replaced. 
Aug 2015

104300 mi

US $236
During routine timing belt replacement Valve Cover Gasket was found to be leaking oil. Cost to repair was significantly lower due to engine already having been disassembled During routine timing belt replacement Valve Cover Gasket was found to be leaking oil. Cost to repair was significantly lower due to engine already having been disassembled 
Oct 2015

108650 mi

US $397
Front right wheel bearing was making a grinding noise. Noise began in December 2014 as a rubbing noise on curves. Within one week of repair grinding noises began front front right area. Entire assembly was replaced. Front right wheel bearing was making a grinding noise. Noise began in December 2014 as a rubbing noise on curves. Within one week of repair grinding noises began front front right area. Entire assembly was replaced. 
Sep 2016

132000 mi

US $18
I replaced the low beams on this vehicle. It is a pain. This is the 8th set of Low Beam headlight bulbs. Subaru has extended the warranty on 2010-11 models for free low beam headlight replacement and testing for 10 years/unlimited miles. 
Subaru Outback in Nova Scotia, Canada
Dec 2012 - Dec 2017
Apr 2014

47120 mi

C $115
Drivers side door - loose trim - fixed no charge 
Oct 2014

55180 mi
Backup camera image became foggy 
Mar 2015

62000 mi
Rear hatch was leaking 
Jul 2015

79840 mi

C $900
Electric Parking brake / hill holder started making grinding noise when applied. Was told I have to get a new parking brake motor ($900 + labour). Update: was replaced. 
Jan 2017

66920 mi

C $140
Replace battery 
Apr 2017

104160 mi

C $650
Oil return valve was sticking. Replacement of it and associated sensor required. 
Aug 2017

108500 mi

C $3200
Leaking oil pressure valve Both rear wheel bearings replaced 
Dec 2017

117180 mi

C $230
Stabilizer bar bushings replaced 
Subaru Outback in Iowa, United States
Jan 2011 - Jun 2014
Sep 2012

33000 mi
The battery had a bad cel and was not capable of starting/running the car. 
Subaru Outback in Tennessee, United States
Aug 2010 - Apr 2012
Oct 2010

2000 mi
Have a metal clanking sound that appears to be coming from the transmission when slowing to a stop...dealer hasn't been able to fix it as they have not been able to replicate the sound. 
Mar 2011

7000 mi
On going problem of metal rattling under transmission when slowing to a stop. Level of noise ranges from loud to soft and is intermittent. Dealer heard it once but then could not replicate the problem. 
Mar 2012

21000 mi
Chrome accent piece came off of the driver side vent and was replaced under warranty. 
Subaru Outback in California, United States
Oct 2010 - Jun 2017
Oct 2012

13000 mi
Clicking/rattle sound at idle. Nothing broken, but distracting. 
Subaru Outback in Ontario, Canada
Sep 2010 - Jun 2013
Jul 2011

19840 mi
sunroof would not operate. Traced to poor electrical connection. 
Dec 2012

53940 mi

C $50
headlight replacement took 45 minutes! 
Subaru Outback in Missouri, United States
Feb 2013 - Sep 2016
Jan 2015

32200 mi

US $140
Headlight out 
Subaru Outback in Pennsylvania, United States
Jan 2014 - Jul 2018
Feb 2014

54700 mi
a bearing in the rights back wheel had to be changed 
Mar 2016

85000 mi

US $50
low beam was out. The car seem to have beams and bulbs go out too often 
Oct 2016

89300 mi

US $450
small muffler removed because it had a hole. Alternative was to install a whole new exhaust pipe 
Subaru Outback in Colorado, United States
Jan 2014 - Jun 2016
Feb 2014

56800 mi
Head gasket leaking internally. Dealer pulled engine, removed heads, sent to machine shop for resurfacing, replaced head gasket, replaced leaking TB tensioner, thermostat. 
Aug 2014

72000 mi
Instrument panel started looking like a Christmas tree. Cruise and auto emerg. brake release not working. Error code indic. bad CVT valve and/or harness, but code cleared okay. 
Subaru Outback in California, United States
Dec 2013 - Sep 2018
Mar 2014

39000 mi
Car randomly shudders front to back after coming to a full stop, like waiting at a light. Also riding very rough at times, like it is off-roading. Poor acceleration when need it most. No error codes, computer updated, still a problem. 
May 2016

59400 mi
rough handling and shifting. It was checked during the maintenance of the car. it was riding rough, parts were replaced in the transfer case 
Jul 2018

84000 mi
can't believe for a headlight replacement that one has to pull the front end/wheel well apart!? Who over-engineered this car? I was told it was the CVT going that many Subarus have. there is a roar coming from the unit, I have complained many times. Service managers just shrug their shoulders. the entire unit has to be replaced as "the box containing the CVT can't be opened for repair". Update: it turns out it was the serpentine belt(s) on the engine that were slipping and cracked at 84K and I am careful driving so it was a shock. Helps when you get a service person who actually knows something. 
Subaru Outback in Massachusetts, United States
Nov 2013 - Jun 2018
Oct 2015

48500 mi

US $20
Replaced rusted bolt on exhaust heat shield to stop annoying rattle 
Sep 2016

58000 mi

US $100
Leaking at a bushing on compressor/condenser Front right wheel bearing replaced. 
Jun 2017

67000 mi

US $25
Loose rattling heat shield 
Subaru Outback in Iowa, United States
May 2010 - Mar 2013
Oct 2010

2000 mi
Was getting spray/mist through the sun roof at car wash. They adjusted the sun roof, still sprays in at some car washes. Not sure problem is 100% fixed. 
May 2011

11000 mi
Front differential fluid is BLACK. They do not know what is causing it, drained & replaced fluid now tracking at next oil change if it is turning black again. 
Subaru Outback in New York, United States
Mar 2011 - Dec 2017
Mar 2017

80000 mi

US $80
Replaced both from stabilizer bar end links with moog replacements. Replaced malfunctioning/broken backup camera with new oem replacement 
Subaru Outback in California, United States
Jun 2014 - Jun 2018
May 2018

201500 mi

US $400
Replaced leaky valve cover gaskets and seals. 
Jun 2018

204645 mi
CVT valve body was replaced under a special extended warranty from Subaru of America. 
Subaru Outback in Alaska, United States
Jul 2017 - Nov 2022
Mar 2018

43000 mi

US $576
CV boot. Replace left front outer. 1. Recall WTK71. [wiper motor] cover assembly bottom. 2. 30,000 Mile Service 
Subaru Outback in Texas, United States
Apr 2017 - Apr 2018
Aug 2017

105081 mi

US $205
Driver side Window Motor/Assembly stopped working. I purchased the part from Subaru and installed it myself. The motor in the Window Assembly was worn out. 
Oct 2017

106550 mi

US $201
Front Wheel Bearing was making noise. Replaced by myself with Subaru OEM Wheel Bearing. 
Apr 2018

115753 mi

US $102
Rear Wheel Bearing was making noise. Replaced with BCA TNT bearing who manufactures Subaru bearings so it is the same as OEM. I did the replacement by myself. 
Subaru Outback in New York, United States
Dec 2016 - Mar 2018
Oct 2017

83000 mi

US $250
Both Oxygen sensors. Took 10 minutes, that includes locating them. Front one was hard to get out, otherwise it would have taken less. 
Subaru Outback in New York, United States
Oct 2017 - Dec 2022
Feb 2018

78000 mi
Right headlight replaced free under warranty. 
Jan 2021

125000 mi

US $1880
Torque Converter replaced due to occasional stalling when braking. 
Aug 2022

127000 mi

US $100
Tail light replaced. Bulbs tend to go out often. 
Subaru Outback in Virginia, United States
Nov 2019 - Nov 2022
Jun 2019

90000 mi

US $260
Replace LF Brake Caliper and Hose 
Mar 2020

100000 mi

US $320
Replace LR Axle Nut in Wheel Bearing 
Jan 2021

110000 mi

US $565
Replace RR wheel bearing and RF inner tie rod end 
Mar 2021

110000 mi

US $100
Hard line on power steering rack was loose, leaking p/s fluid. 
Jun 2021

116000 mi

US $380
LF Caliper sticking, replace hose and caliper 
Nov 2022

135000 mi

US $250
Valve Body was replaced, $1,300 covered by service contract. 
Subaru Outback in Washington, United States
Apr 2015 - Apr 2021
May 2018

146000 mi
CVT transmission pan was leaking VERY slowly. I brought it in to the dealer for an inspection, and they did not recommend any repair work due to how minor the leak was. Because my vehicle is covered by Subaru's extended CVT warranty that expires 08/2018, I insisted that the source of the leak be identified and addressed, because leaks do not tend to get better with time. They pulled off the pan and found minor corrosion to the transmission fluid pan seal, so they replaced the seal. Pan has not leaked since the repair. 
Subaru Outback in South Dakota, United States
Feb 2018 - Jun 2018
Jun 2018

66000 mi

US $500
rear and front brakes worn out and rotors 
Subaru Outback in Georgia, United States
Apr 2012 - Apr 2022
Jun 2018

90000 mi

US $300
This was the second time had to replace driver's seat panel. Plastic has broken twice now! 
Apr 2022

136000 mi

US $900
replaced wheel bearings at front 
Subaru Outback in Illinois, United States
Mar 2011 - Jun 2018
Apr 2018

125000 mi

US $3400
head gasket replacement,  radiator repair 
Subaru Outback in Ontario, Canada
Apr 2018 - Jun 2022
Jul 2018

77500 mi
Water entering tailgate during storms. Rear upper brake light on tailgate was loose. Tightened bolts from inside. Radio and cd player stopped working for no obvious reason. Removed and confirmed fuse for radio (in engine bay) was good. Reinserted fuse and radio now works. What caused the problem remains a mystery. 
Jan 2019

84320 mi
Heat shield rattle caused by heat shield making contact with exhaust. Problem seems to have been caused by accumulation of snow underneath car while highway driving during severe winter storm. 
Nov 2019

99200 mi

C $600
rear driver side wheel bearing replaced 
Jun 2020

102300 mi

C $76
rear sway bar bushings replaced cracked serpentine belt 
Jul 2020

102300 mi

C $560
replaced passenger side rear wheel bearing 
Aug 2020

102300 mi

C $669
this repair was for right and left rear upper control arms. Suspension repairs over previous 9 months total C$ 2000 
Jun 2021

11160 mi

C $500
Drive shaft 
Apr 2022

117800 mi

C $500
Muffler and rear pipe 
Subaru Outback in New Jersey, United States
Jan 2018 - Jun 2018
Feb 2018

93000 mi
Replaced both rear wheel bearings 
Jun 2018

98000 mi

US $600
Compressor 
Subaru Outback in Pennsylvania, United States
Jan 2017 - Mar 2018
Mar 2018

85000 mi

US $4500
cylinder #4 zero compression. Replaced engine, all gaskets including head gasket, timing belt, water pump,etc. 
Subaru Outback in Pennsylvania, United States
Mar 2016 - Oct 2021
Apr 2017

118000 mi

US $125
Determining location of a leak in the system 
Jul 2018

127000 mi

US $1400
Tie rod ends and front struts 
Subaru Outback in Texas, United States
Jul 2010 - Oct 2013
Aug 2012

22500 mi
issue with outside temperature sensor, replaced by dealer 
Subaru Outback in Pennsylvania, United States
Mar 2016 - Jun 2018
Apr 2017

122000 mi

US $135
AC system was recharged and filled with due to look for a leak. 
May 2017

125000 mi

US $130
Tried to diagnose problem with A/C 
Jul 2017

126000 mi

US $135
Faulty gas cap. Cap was replaced Tried to diagnose ac problem. Recharged system. 
May 2018

1000000000 mi

US $200
Still trying to fix the ac problem 
Subaru Outback in Wisconsin, United States
Nov 2010 - Jul 2022
Jan 2013

19800 mi
Fuel tank cover replaced. 
Jun 2016

74000 mi

US $350
Driver side electric window operator failure. Regulator replaced. 
Subaru Outback in Nebraska, United States
Aug 2010 - Jun 2011
Dec 2010

3000 mi
window seal causing air leak 
Subaru Outback in New York, United States
Nov 2010 - Jun 2017
Jun 2017

62000 mi

US $145
Front and rear brake pads replaced. Rear rotors replaced. Front rotors looked good, no replacement necessary. Dealer quoted $660. I did repair for $145 (after discount) using CarQuest premium parts. 
Subaru Outback in Maryland, United States
Jun 2010 - Aug 2014
Nov 2010

7500 mi
Satellite radio connection malfunctioned. Head unit replaced. 
Aug 2012

42200 mi

US $113
Sunroof drains clogged, leaking into interior. Drains cleaned, no leaks since. 
Nov 2013

62000 mi

US $399
Numerous dash lights, car was shifting harshly when engaging reverse or drive. Diagnosed as a faulty valve body which was replaced. Problem continued, transmission controller replaced, problem solved. 
Subaru Outback in California, United States
Sep 2013 - Sep 2017
Aug 2017

146000 mi

US $800
Suspension (control arm?) bushings replaced 
Subaru Outback in Florida, United States
Sep 2016 - Mar 2018
Jan 2018

87000 mi

US $250
Check engine light on. Subaru mechanic said nothing could be found that was critical. Outbacks have chronic CEL issues, sometimes a catalytic converter, sometimes faulty gas cap, these both checked fine. He said lots of time a ghost like problem with Outbacks. He is a Subaru only mechanic. 
Subaru Outback in New Jersey, United States
Aug 2014 - Jun 2022
Jan 2017

78000 mi

US $50
headlight replaced 
Mar 2022

122000 mi

US $600
exhaust flanges and bolts replaced 
Subaru Outback in New York, United States
- Sep 2010
Sep 2010

500 mi
Dealer botched reflashing of the software on the compass mirror, had to come back to install a working one. 
Subaru Outback in Colorado, United States
Jun 2011 - Jun 2022
Dec 2021

79000 mi

US $50
Right headlight inoperative had it replaced 
Subaru Outback in New Hampshire, United States
Dec 2010 - Mar 2011
Jan 2011

10000 mi
VIBRATION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS 
Feb 2011

10500 mi
vibration at highway speeds. replaced steering column and front control arms 
Subaru Outback in Pennsylvania, United States
Jun 2011 - Sep 2018
Nov 2012

31600 mi
Reprogram transmission computer because car would shudder and nearly stall when climbing very steep hills at low speed (parking garage ramps) Passenger seatbelt latch makes squeaking noise occasionally. Drivers power window occasionally loud and forceful at upper stop, as if the window intends to keep going through the top of the door. 
Sep 2014

72000 mi

US $5
Both front corner marker lights burnt out. Dealer wanted $100 because repair involves going in through fender liners/wheelwell. I did them myself and it was miserable, tedious work. I had bulbs, but to buy them would have been about $5. 
Subaru Outback in California, United States
May 2011 - Jan 2022
Dec 2012

33000 mi
rear hatch would not stay closed and locked.My local mechanic died and I was in sacramento and went to Maita Subaru, and they replaced the locking mechanism. 
Feb 2015

73000 mi

US $81
replaced battery and cleaned off corrosion off of holddown bracket, and painted bracket 
Jan 2018

106000 mi

US $9800
The car would slow down to almost stopping, and then would resume speed. The dealer determined that the CVT trans. was at fault. the CVT was back ordered and I had a free loaner car for about 32 days. 
Subaru Outback in Louisiana, United States
May 2011 - Feb 2019
May 2012

26700 mi
Got Error code P050A. Look up came back as "Raw Selected Monitor Diag Code P050A, Cold Idle Air Control" - Reflashed ECM. 
Oct 2015

66800 mi
Engine RPM would dip down to 400-500 from the normal idle around 700 rpm. The engine would shudder when this happened. Dealer updated the ECM and the issue is mitigated. RPM still goes down a bit but not as low as 400-500. Reflashed ECM and issue mostly went away. 
Subaru Outback in Washington, United States
May 2011 - Jan 2018
May 2012

14300 mi
If the front passenger window was rolled down at highway speeds it would not close completely unless the vehicle was brought to a stop or much slower speed. The window would appear to be closed but a whistling noise could be heard. 
Jul 2013

34700 mi
Air leak in front passenger window. Seal replaced for a second time. Front passenger airbag sensor and seat belt buckle sensor malfunctioned sporadically. Resulted in chime when no passenger or weight in the front passenger seat. 
Dec 2017

90000 mi

US $50
Fuel door spring wouldn't release door. 
Subaru Outback in Oregon, United States
Mar 2011 - Jun 2015
Jan 2012

12200 mi
Right drive door window seal had air leak. Rattle from right front speaker area in dashboard. Update: rattle not fixed at the time, later went away on its own. 
Nov 2013

19000 mi
Air flow would default to defrost mode. A solenoid that controls this was changed. 
Subaru Outback in Maine, United States
May 2011 - Mar 2018
Oct 2012

20700 mi
Bad headlight relay 
Nov 2017

91000 mi

US $127
Third center brake light on hatchback had a leaking weather seal. 
Subaru Outback in Vermont, United States
Jul 2011 - Oct 2014
Sep 2012

20000 mi
shifts hard out of park when on any incline. Dealer stated this was "normal." Nothing was done... 
Subaru Outback in Pennsylvania, United States
Jun 2020 - Jun 2022
Nov 2021

151000 mi

US $1000
Leaking cap Wheel bearing 
Subaru Outback in Iowa, United States
Dec 2011 - Sep 2015
Sep 2015

65000 mi
Control arm bushing loose, replaced under warrantee 
Subaru Outback in Texas, United States
Jun 2010 - Jun 2011
Jul 2010

1000 mi

US $1
Slight steering wheel vibration at highway speed 
Subaru Outback in Vermont, United States
Apr 2011 - Apr 2012
Jul 2011

8000 mi
ticking noise at 1200-1400rpm. compared with other 2011 Outbacks - normal noise. 
Subaru Outback in North Carolina, United States
Apr 2011 - Sep 2011
May 2011

5000 mi
Car lurches and idle ramps up and down. Almost hit another car while pulling into a parking space when idle increased and car lurched forward. When stopped at light, engine idle decreased so much that the engine stalled. 
Jun 2011

5500 mi
new software was installed Dealer reprogrammed the computer with new software from Subaru 
Sep 2011

5500 mi
Subaru bought the car back and gave me a new 2011 Outback with a minor cash difference. Subaru stepped up to the plate! 
Subaru Outback in Texas, United States
Jan 2011 - Oct 2014
Jan 2013

17800 mi
The brake light on the dash flashes when the engine is warm and restarted. The dealer didn't find anything wrong; the brake light continues to flash. 
Jul 2014

65000 mi

US $298
Both low beam bulbs had to be replaced and the battery. This was the battery that came with the car. 
Subaru Outback in Virginia, United States
May 2010 - Mar 2016
Dec 2012

51000 mi
Engine would stall when coming from high speed to a stop. They replaced the entire transmission. 
Subaru Outback in Oregon, United States
Jan 2011 - Feb 2012
Apr 2011

2000 mi
Problem when delivered new: Passenger airbag activation unpredictable, off more than on when occupied by an adult. Passenger seat replaced - sensor and computer included. 
Jul 2011

4400 mi
Front passenger airbags -This is a DESIGN DEFECT, the weight sensors do not work properly [several NTSA reports]. They fail to go 'ON' and default to 'OFF', suggested fix to Subaru, default to 'ON', simple SW fix, declined - The passenger airbag problem persists. Back from the dealer with the same problem. Notified Subaru of America that proplem is not fixed. Registered problem with NTSA. Told them how to fix MY problem, [default to alway ON]. waiting  
Sep 2011

6000 mi
Dealer and Subaru won't fix. Multiple NHTSA reports of same problem on same model, no fix forthcoming A serious safety problem, needs to be recalled. 
Feb 2012

9000 mi
Passenger air bag problem still unresolved 
Subaru Outback in Vermont, United States
Jan 2011 - Jan 2012
Jan 2012

12000 mi
the brake pedal made a funny noise,.. kind of a sticking noise 
Subaru Outback in Kentucky, United States
Dec 2010 - Jun 2022
May 2012

17300 mi
Replaced AM antennae amplifier. This was covered by warranty. 
Subaru Outback in Connecticut, United States
Feb 2011 - Jan 2018
Feb 2016

88800 mi

US $350
Replace rear axle bearing 
Subaru Outback in Texas, United States
Mar 2011 - Mar 2014
Mar 2013

15000 mi
Window trim was pulling away from sill. Dealer replaced under warranty. 
Subaru Outback in New York, United States
Mar 2011 - Apr 2016
Nov 2013

27400 mi
Airbag light was steadily on after a long period of coming on intermittently for some time. The dealer stated the cause was using a inferior cell phone charger. I agreed to not use any of the 12 plugs. Returned to dealer after warning light came back on without using 12v plugs. The dealer replaced the passenger weight sensor. 
Sep 2014

45000 mi

US $12
Right Headlight not working 
Mar 2015

50000 mi

US $8
Drivers side headlight replaced 
Sep 2015

62000 mi

US $90
Windshield wiper switch failed electrically. It was replaced. 
Mar 2016

67000 mi

US $15
Yet another headlight bulb out. I replaced it. The Outback requires you to go in from the bottom by removing/loosening the wheel well liner. Maybe 15-20 minutes. 
Subaru Outback in Massachusetts, United States
Mar 2011 - Apr 2020
Sep 2011

5000 mi
Very subtle vibration at highway speeds. They balanced the tires, but unfortunately it didn't fix the problem. I'll try again on the next oil change. 
Subaru Outback in Ontario, Canada
Mar 2011 - Jun 2013
Jun 2011

3100 mi
A rear door was squeaking.  
Subaru Outback in Montana, United States
Aug 2012 - Jun 2022
Mar 2013

78000 mi

US $30
Chrck 
Jun 2013

91000 mi
Transmission oil pan had a tiny leak. It didn't warrant repair as it wasnt dripping but I had the seal replaced to avoid future issues. 
Feb 2015

182000 mi

US $1942
Transmission valve body replaced. $900 part, 8q T fluid, 5 hr labor. 
Jun 2015

200000 mi

US $480
Replaced radiator for over heating. Didn't fix the problem. Replaced thermostat. Fixed problem. Was only partially opening. I recommend changing every 100k 
Sep 2015

211000 mi

US $400
Replace stabilizer bar and bushings 
Jul 2016

249700 mi

US $440
Resolved both right bearings Bushings 
Subaru Outback in California, United States
Jul 2011 - Jul 2022
Dec 2016

58000 mi
Low beam out, replaced under extended warranty. 
Feb 2017

59000 mi
Low beam headlight went out again. Dealer replaced under warranty. 
Feb 2021

113000 mi

US $700
Been having intermittent issues with car failing to start and errors with warning lights. Dealer has been unable to diagnosis issue thus far. 
Subaru Outback in Illinois, United States
Nov 2010 - Feb 2022
Jan 2014

71800 mi
Front passenger wheel bearing was making a noise. Dealer replaced under warranty. 
Subaru Outback in Montana, United States
Dec 2011 - Apr 2012
Jan 2012

15000 mi
Rear hatch rattles. 
Subaru Outback in Washington, United States
Jun 2011 - Jun 2018
Jan 2014

53700 mi

US $46
low beam light bulb replacement 
Subaru Outback in Nova Scotia, Canada
Jul 2011 - Jun 2014
Oct 2011

2360 mi
passenger side window rubber gasket not sealing, esp at highway speed, replaced by dealer on second visit after part ordered in 
Subaru Outback in North Carolina, United States
Mar 2012 - Apr 2012
Apr 2012

29000 mi
two weeks before the wheel bearings, I made two separate trips to this dealer. first time they did a Road Force balance and alignment. This temporarily fixed the vibration, then it came back. They did a second RFB Vibration in steering wheel/tire. Dealer replaced two front wheel bearings 
Subaru Outback in British Columbia, Canada
Apr 2011 - Mar 2016
Aug 2015

27560 mi
Rear view camera distorted 
Subaru Outback in Tennessee, United States
Jan 2011 - Jan 2022
Jul 2018

114000 mi

US $900
Dealer replace both rear wheel bearings 
Aug 2018

114000 mi

US $2100
Transmission failure, car hauled to Dealer. Dealer replaced transmission valve assembly 
Subaru Outback in Ohio, United States
Jun 2012 - Apr 2017
Jun 2015

90000 mi
E-Brake partially engaged, determined rear O2 sensor is faulty and replaced, problem solved. 
Dec 2015

108000 mi
Replaced EGR valve. 
Mar 2017

131000 mi
Overheated, replaced thermostat. 
Apr 2017

132000 mi

US $2400
Head gasket replacement. Started leaking after the engine overheated. 
Subaru Outback in North Carolina, United States
Nov 2010 - Mar 2012
Feb 2011

6600 mi
Slight vibration in steering wheel and driver seat at speeds above 68 MPH. Wheel and Tires road force balaced and problem was temporarily resolved. 
Apr 2011

11000 mi
Latest TSB performed for excessive steering wheel vibration. Problem is 95 percent fixed. Still some symptoms occassionally. 
Mar 2012

37000 mi
Rattle from under the hood when driving over certain bumps. Dealer adjusted rubber bumper pad on the hood and all is well. 
Subaru Outback in New Jersey, United States
Nov 2010 - Jun 2018
Oct 2011

12000 mi

US $23
Releasing brake pedal makes "popping" noise; told "they all do that." 
Subaru Outback in Texas, United States
Dec 2010 - Jun 2022
Jun 2013

35000 mi
Repaired bad weld in exhaust after catalytic converter. 
Aug 2017

106000 mi
Had water inside rear center brake light assembly. Dealer wanted to replace entire brake light assembly. I removed the trim and tightened two nuts, no water leaks for the last two months, 
Mar 2018

112000 mi
Torque converter was slow to release. Replaced under warranty. 
Jan 2021

135000 mi

US $250
Replaced lower control arms and sway bar links. Worn out bushings causing noises going over bumps in the road. 
Apr 2022

177000 mi

US $200
Replaced thermostat 
Subaru Outback in Texas, United States
Nov 2010 - Mar 2016
Feb 2013

23800 mi
Rear passenger side seat would not fold forward. 
Jan 2016

30000 mi

US $2300
Malfunction solenoid in transmission valve body. Needed new valve body and transmission fluid flush 
Subaru Outback in Quebec, Canada
Aug 2011 - Jun 2018
Dec 2012

19840 mi
"Angry bees" syndrome (loud buzzing noise when Thule box on roof rack is installed at speeds above 60km/h) caused by loose seal on roof rack. Fixed with silicone by dealer at no cost. 
Sep 2015

48360 mi
Rear bushings and link replaced under warranty 
Subaru Outback in Ontario, Canada
Aug 2011 - May 2015
Jun 2012

10478 mi
The AM antenna was broken, so I had no AM radio reception. They sent out for parts. This is the 2nd time I have had it in. The AM antenna is broken, so I have no AM radio reception. They are sending out for parts. This is the 2nd time I have had it in. They hope to have it fixed next week. 
Apr 2013

21480 mi
The body side molding was coming off. It was replaced with new ones under warranty 
Subaru Outback in West Virginia, United States
Aug 2011 - Jun 2016
Jan 2012

7000 mi
Rear passenger window regulator malfunctioned and disabled the use of the window. The window would not seal or move up and/or down. The part was on order and this trip was to replace the broken regulator. 
Jul 2012

16700 mi

US $120
Vehicle was hesitating during startup. Throttle plate replaced due to carbon buildup. 
Aug 2014

67000 mi

US $635
Replace low beam headlights 
Mar 2015

70000 mi

US $80
Replaced low beam headlights 
Subaru Outback in Texas, United States
Jun 2011 - Sep 2011
Sep 2011 CEL kept coming on. After a good bit of investigating, the Subaru people were able to determine that it was a very rare issue with the PZEV and manual transmission and the software glitch appears to be unfixable. Replaced with another Outback. 
Subaru Outback in Wisconsin, United States
Jul 2011 - Nov 2021
Sep 2011

2000 mi
I smell coolant when running the heater. They say there is no leak. 
May 2014

36000 mi

US $464
struts replaced. They were leaking. 
Jan 2016

14700 mi

US $22
Daytime driving light out. Lights on this are a pain to replace, let the dealer do it. 
Jan 2017

61700 mi

US $124
Hatch mounted 3rd tail light was leaking water into car. Replaced. 
Jan 2018

79000 mi

US $300
Both VVL pressure switches leaking oil. Both replaced. 
Subaru Outback in Quebec, Canada
Dec 2010 - Feb 2022
Aug 2012

20440 mi
Steering wheel-mounted audio controls started to sporadically not work. Seemed to be worse when it got very hot outside and the car had been sitting out for long. They changed the whole part (all audio controls), it had bad contacts. 
Jun 2015

55800 mi

C $300
The oil pressure sensor failed in some sort of explosive way, and oil spilled all over the engine. They had to give it a shampoo (their expression), change the sensor and the oil. 
Apr 2017

73780 mi

C $200
One of the brakes got stuck. They pried the pieces apart and cleaned it up. 
May 2017

74400 mi

C $150
Had this repeating problem when winter turns to spring turns to summer where something in the suspension starts vibrating. They said it was a loose plate, just had to fix it in place. 
Jul 2017

75640 mi

C $100
Water starting leaking from the hatch's middle brake light (they call it the cyclops). Had to bring it twice, and additional insulation still hasn't done the trick, I need to replace the whole light. 
Feb 2022

111600 mi
Replacement of the universal joint in the drive shaft to the rear wheels. 
Subaru Outback in Ohio, United States
Jul 2011 - Dec 2016
Nov 2015

55100 mi

US $15
Replaced driver side low beam. 
Subaru Outback in Indiana, United States
Jun 2011 - Jun 2022
Oct 2015

66800 mi

US $100
Replaced 1 low beam headlight, passenger side. 
Dec 2015

71000 mi

US $100
Replaced 1 low beam headlight, driver side. 
Subaru Outback in North Carolina, United States
Sep 2011 - May 2018
Sep 2016

76000 mi
Recall: replaced left low beam headlight 
May 2018

93000 mi
Blew head gaskets and warped head beyond repair; required head replacement. Fortunately, still barely within the extended 7 yr/100k warranty period and Subaru honored the warranty without any fuss. 
Subaru Outback in Pennsylvania, United States
Aug 2011 - Jan 2022
Dec 2015

127000 mi

US $1550
Multiple indicator lights illuminated or blinking; trouble code P0743 Torque converter solenoid circuit low. Dealer diagnosis recommended replacement of valve body assembly. 
Mar 2021

209000 mi

US $1100
Camshaft seals were leaking - to repair, the timing belt needed to be removed. Replaced the following items: Camshaft seals Timing belt Water pump and tensioner Passenger headlamp 
Subaru Outback in Rhode Island, United States
Aug 2011 - Jul 2017
Mar 2012

10000 mi
replacement of door trim rubber 
Feb 2014

38000 mi

US $100
Replacement of Windshield Wiper Switch 

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2011 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed manual AWD

Subaru Outback in Washington, United States
Oct 2016 - Apr 2022
Jun 2018

50000 mi
wipers were falling off because their recall repair didn't properly tighten them down air bag light came on in the dash after the airbag recall work was done because the dealer left a cable unplugged 
Subaru Outback in New York, United States
Aug 2021 - Jul 2022
Jul 2022

250000 mi

US $350
old age noise from front [replaced wheel bearing] 
Subaru Outback in New York, United States
Oct 2012 - Dec 2012
Nov 2012

67800 mi

US $50
Starter was making a grinding noise at 69,000 miles and only below freezing. Replaced with new one. It turns over a lot quicker. 
Subaru Outback in Utah, United States
Jul 2013 - Aug 2014
May 2014

36100 mi
A flap in the HVAC system was malfunctioning causing a strange sound in driver compartment. 
Jun 2014

37000 mi
Serpentine belt replacement that was causing a chirping sound in the engine bay upon start up of engine. 
Subaru Outback in California, United States
Feb 2011 - Jan 2012
Dec 2011

12000 mi
Both front struts were leaking. Both were replaced under warranty and a 4-wheel alignment was performed. 
Subaru Outback in Pennsylvania, United States
Jan 2011 - Jul 2018
Oct 2011

21500 mi
driver side low beam was out and needed replaced. 
Jan 2012

29000 mi
burnt out passenger low beam headlight replaced 
Oct 2012

51200 mi

US $30
LH low beam head light out for the 2nd time on same side 
Jan 2013

58200 mi

US $81
12 lightbulbs, 2.5 hrs of work to replace all of them. 
Sep 2013

79000 mi

US $7
clutch pedal cover worn out along top and was moving around and buckling up under my foot while trying to drive. 
Nov 2013

83000 mi

US $32
Headlight low lh side 
Dec 2013

87000 mi
Headlight burnt out . Low beam RH 
Mar 2014

93000 mi
unknown cause, water sloshing sound coming from dashboard for ~ a week so i made an early oil change appt so they could check sound out as well. they did not hear it & sent me on way. made another appt for this week. (april) in shop now. 
Apr 2014

94200 mi

US $63
left cooling fan failed, engine supposedly overheated but no lights ever indicated so and does not have a temp guage to know if ever ran hot. warped cylinder heads redone, fan replaced, head gaskets and all other gaskets replaced. warrenty 
Dec 2014

116000 mi

US $23
driver low beem and 1 marker light replacement 
Sep 2015

135000 mi

US $1300
replaced clutch. pedal stuck down at a stop light on way to work but was stilll in gear, allowed me to start out and switch between 1 and 2 on last mile to work.. could lift the pedal to up position but if touched, it went back to floor no tension. 
Dec 2015

146000 mi

US $70
passenger low beam replacement. 
Feb 2016

151000 mi

US $196
Worn right front inner tie rod end. Replaced, did not have to remove engine block as originally expected. 
Mar 2016

156000 mi
back up camera no longer working check engine and cooresponding cruise, slippery when wet and flashing brake lights on. code read p0420 catalytic converter, but tech indicated car running rough and ck age of spark plugs. changed spark plugs and the catalytic converter code has been gone for over 2000 miles and has not returned. read in a forum the p0420 catalytic code is sometimes thrown when spark plugs are getting worn. 
Jun 2016

164000 mi

US $300
car throwing catalytic converter code again after 6000 miles, but rear oxygen sensor reading erratic, so opted to try to fix that first. code lights out for 600 miles, on a day and back out for 1200, 
Jul 2016

165000 mi

US $327
clutch fork failure just under 1 year after main clutch pressure plate and other pieces replacement. entire trans and stuff had to be removed again, was not happy about the labor recharge, garage negotiated a discount $18 part $600 labor. 
Sep 2016

170000 mi
pulsing brakes, brakes checked - not replaced transaxle leaks not repaired tire tread low - not replaced 
Feb 2017

183210 mi

US $953
Cracking drive belt replaced Rear stabilizer bushings replaced Catalytic converter code. Converter replaced. Backordered so a couple weeks after the other repairs. 
Feb 2018

207100 mi

US $52
low driver beam out, passenger marker bulb out 
Jul 2018

217000 mi

US $20
Passenger low beam replaced 
Subaru Outback in Georgia, United States
Nov 2010 - Jan 2022
Dec 2015

62000 mi

US $200
Timing Belt worn, replaced 
Jun 2016

68000 mi

US $70
Replace Headlight 
May 2017

77000 mi

US $80
Replaced headlight under warranty 
Jul 2017

78000 mi

US $1300
Replaced clutch throw-out bearing; while inside transmission, also replaced clutch pack and machined flywheel. 
Feb 2018

93000 mi

US $1000
Wheel bearings replace for both rear wheels 
Jul 2020

125000 mi

US $1000
Knocking sound while turning when car driven more than 20 minutes. Replaced steering control arms; did not fix sound. 
Jan 2021

136000 mi

US $800
Knocking when turning after driving 20+ minutes; replaced passenger front axle half. After picking up the vehicle, I drove it for 20 minutes, discovered the knocking, and returned to dealer. After another day of diagnosis, dealer stated transmission needed replacement and quoted $8000. 
Subaru Outback in Ohio, United States
Jun 2011 - Jul 2017
Feb 2014

76000 mi

US $2000
New clutch. Throw out bearing .flywheel resurfaced and pilot bearing. Check engine light came on. Obdurate said that misfire on cylinder 3. Replaced coil pack and all of the spark plugs Rear driver side seat wouldn't release when tab was pulled. Found cable dislodged and now works.dealer had to take apart rest seat. 
Dec 2016

145000 mi

US $100
Intake was cleaned due to session light plus engine was misfiring 
Feb 2017

149000 mi

US $2300
Valve job..#3 cylinder valve was burnt 
Subaru Outback in Kansas, United States
Nov 2010 - Mar 2015
May 2011

7000 mi
Squeaking/rattling in several spots in the dash and doors. 

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2011 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

165-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD

Subaru Outback in New South Wales, Australia
Feb 2015 - Jun 2018
Jun 2018

93620 mi

A $3500
Tranny fault P2762 TQ clutch pressure control solenoid circuit range/performance, cant purchase solenoid separately, valve pack $3300 aust 800US. rang three tranny specialists none would repair a CVT tranny. Subaru advised replace tranny at cost of $7500. Replaced tranny with a secondhand tranny from wreckers(65000kms). This is poor service from Subaru Australia, there is an obvious fault with this tranny when Subaru USA increased the tranny warranty from five years to TEN years 100000 miles. In Aust THREE years warranty.This is a very expensive failure on a non serviceable component that Subaru Australia should acknowledge and fix, Beware all Australians owners of Subarus with CVT transmissions. 
Subaru Outback in Ontario, Canada
Jun 2014 - Mar 2015
Sep 2014

50220 mi

C $200
Loose heat shields all the time. My dealership won't cut them off so they keep re-clamping them. Did it for free first couple of times, but charged me $100 last time. Will bring to local shop next time to get cut off. Electrical hum when iPhone attached to USB hub. The hum would become higher pitched as the engine revved higher. Ended up being a pinched cable in the wire harness, from a tie-wrap too tight. Took two trips to shop to recognize and fix. 
Subaru Outback in Nova Scotia, Canada
Oct 2020 - Jul 2022
Nov 2020

137024 mi

C $24
Note: Not maintenance. Asked for quote on repair costs for - steering wheel radio volume button not working. -when rear defrost turned on then get no radio reception, just get static. *Quotes> replace lower half of steering wheel so have new radio volume button> cost: $322.88 >replace rear windshield, as antennae embedded in windshield is now damaged and thus affected by rear defroster. >cost: $1,459.33 Needless to say I had neither of these completed. 
Dec 2020

137112 mi

C $356
-New muffler installed. -Exhaust gasket replaced. 
Jun 2021

132343 mi

C $901
Both control arms w/ ball joint of the lower front suspension were replaced. Front sway bar link also replaced. -Rear brake pads replaced with ceramic pads. -Rear Brake rotors replaced. -Front Brake rotors replaced. 
Jul 2021

139169 mi

C $268
Parking brake shoes were replaced. 
Aug 2021

139581 mi

C $37
Replaced passenger side brake light bulb. 
Dec 2021

140120 mi

C $36
tire wall had separated from rim 
Jul 2022

141980 mi

C $900
Both control arms replaced at rear. 

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See TrueDelta's information for all Subaru models.

2011 Subaru Outback Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2011 Subaru Outback problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.