Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.
Chart based on 173 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.
Software updates to CPU that operates navigation, Eyesight and cruise control. All are freely provided by Subaru through the dealer. System would shut down and reboot while driving.
SInce the purchase of car the rubber sealant on front doors particular from driver's door keeps keeps coming loose. from the frame of the door. Under warranty, the seal has been replaced and adjusted three times. .
100 mi
Fuse box latch was cracked not allowing fuse box to seal all the way. Dealer installed new fuse box.
Passenger-side window would roll-down just fine, but when trying to raise the window, it would stop about 3/4 of the way up. I would have to pull the window up by hand. Dealer sprayed silicone in the tracks and this seems to have fixed the issue.
100 mi
Corrected dealer installation of trailer hitch by adding wiring harness bracket.
1250 mi
Rear drivers side passenger seat tilt adjustment broken. Dealer replaced parts and fixed problem
6000 mi
Windows would not open. Had to spray silicone grease into tracks
7000 mi
Radio head unit reprogrammed second time. Working much better now. Seat squeaks parts on order
windshield replacement and camera configuration, due to rock damage
2000 mi
Auto rear hatch stopped working. Dealer replaced a small clip they said was in a TSB. Took no more than 5 minutes
29000 mi
Seatbelt height adjusters froze on both sides and had to be replaced.
2000 mi
Side view mirrors do not comply with defensive driver recommendations. They don't swing out far enough to see full blind spots. This is "normal" for all the Outbacks.
Tire Pressure Monitor light came on. Outside temps had dropped to mid 30's F, I think. Checked four tires and they were only about two psi low. Checked the spare tire and it was 10 psi low. Pumped up all tires. Drove to dealer
The front passenger seat belt was overly sensitive and would lock up too easily. Subaru diagnosed it as a defective seatbelt assembly. Replace under warranty at no cost.
Gas cap wouldn't open. Have to push button while a 2nd person pried open cap. They loosened spring. Now it usually works but occasionally still won't open.
27000 mi
Replace Tires before FL trip
36000 mi
Passenger window would regularly roll down on its own. Inspected and replaced guide channels for window, which acted as resistance and caused window to not roll up properly.
57600 mi
Hydraulic struts on tailgate found to be defective. Symptoms were rattling at speed and inconsistent tailgate operation. Replaced under Subaru extended warranty.
The windshield has a 20 inch crack; there is no chip in the glass and I don't remember anything hitting the windshield. The crack began at the glue edge. It may be a stress crack associated with the new acoustic windshield (new for 2015).
25700 mi
Subaru replaced my windshield for the second time at no cost to me. They installed a Subaru windshield rather than the one that came with my car. No more problems. Subaru sent me 2 gifts to compensate me for my problems.
6000 mi
Gasoline cap cover is not opening properly. Dealer has tried three times to fix it, but it is still not working perfectly
12000 mi
Eye Sight programming was updated to prevent possible accidents.
12000 mi
Driver's side exterior mirror was misaligned after going thru dealer's car wash due to being knocked off a clip. Quick easy fix by dealer.
29000 mi
Fuel door was not opening and closing properly
10320 mi
The gas cap door was difficult to open. They replace the whole assembly. There is a service bulletin on this issue. The repair took 1.5 hours
41000 mi
Cracked windshield due to defective adhesive was replaced under extended warranty.
85000 mi
US $220
Trunk struts replaced.
52000 mi
US $400
Windshield cracked while parked, starting at the base on the passenger side, spreading across the windshield in the line of vision.
94000 mi
US $495
The windshield cracked on its own. Second time this has happened. First time the dealer covered it. Second time they blamed it on a rock that was never seen nor heard, so we had to file a claim against our insurance and pay nearly $500 out of pocket.
110000 mi
US $150
Car was making weird noise. Called dealer and described. They asked if I had driven on gravel recently. Answered yes. They removed heat shield. Wondering if they replaced it. I’m guessing gravel caught in it and perhaps it could have worked it’s way out. Oh well, no noise now.
28000 mi
One of the struts on the rear lift gate went bad. It was unable to hold the gate open. The dealer replaced the strut.
9000 mi
Voice recognition on navigation system not functioning properly.
55000 mi
Replace windshield
5000 mi
Gas cap door latch failed to open
27900 mi
Power liftgate was making a lot of noise when opening and closing as if it was getting stuck with a big clunk. Apparently there was a recall or a TSB for the motor assembly which was applied during my regular maintenance visit. The problem is now gone.
8000 mi
US $500
Windshield broke due to manufacturing defect. I received a letter from Subaru to be reimburse for the expenses.
Rear hatch wasn't latching unless door slammed. Latch mechanism lubricated and adjusted. Better, but still requires a lot of force to close. Used to automatic closing hatches, so this might be normal.
5000 mi
Liftgate closure was difficult. At times it looked closed but warning light would come on while driving.
54000 mi
Was driving when I heard a loud "pop" and felt it also in my lumbar area. The lumbar support broke. Took it to the dealer and got it fixed for free, minus the $50 extended warranty deductible. While the car was in the shop, the mechanic noticed my drive belt was getting lax, so I had that replaced.
7220 mi
Passenger seat behind driver would not fold flat due to a cable issue. Cable replaced.
32240 mi
C $60
The catch for the back seat to fold flat had the wire come off. Easy fix, but note the same issue in year 2. The seat is not folded that often as mostly just one driver and no passenger. Aside from that at 5.5 years no issues to speak of.
66340 mi
C $100
Gas hatchback struts not fully supporting hatch. Replaced gas cylinders.
Windshield cracked due to cold with the heating element in the bottom of the windshield. No mechanical issues with the vehicle, just the crack all the way across the bottom of the front windshield.
14500 mi
Serpentine belt replaced
38300 mi
US $120
Wheel stud was cross-threaded and over-torqued by the wheel gorilla during tire rotation. Replaced wheel stud.
44700 mi
Rubber drivers side window trim (inside bottom) folds into window and inside of door when window is lowered.
12000 mi
Tire pressure sensor replaced under warrantee.
3000 mi
Front right seat belt latch was wobbly. Found seat belt retainer bolt was cross-threaded. Removed and replaced lower seat assembly. Issue fully resolved.
Took 1.5 hours.
17500 mi
D/S window was pulling inner rubber window gasket down into door, causing binding and making the window stop and not go up or down.
Driver's side headlight had condensation on the inside, dealer replaced headlight assembly.
21300 mi
There's a bump under leather on driver's seat, as if part of the heated seating element had moved. Service rep took photos and said they have to ask Subaru what to do. Update: it has now been over 1 year with no response.
3720 mi
My Pioneer radio would skip to the next chanel without any request on my part. They had a service note to fix the problem. They installed a resistance at the back of the radio. Up to now no recurrence.
check engine light illuminated. took to dealer and found that the fuel cap was not tightened completely. dealer reset codes in ecm.
195000 mi
US $300
Tailgate latch worn away
105000 mi
US $150
Windshield washer fluid tank replaced
500 mi
Front passenger window wouldn't roll all the way up and seal. Could hear wind noise. Sometimes it would "thunk" into place. They took apart door and greased power window parts, etc.
27000 mi
US $100
Rear window broken while clearing snow - replaced
5500 mi
Sunroof was sticking. Removed and replaced.
12000 mi
Left rear door gasket around did not fully seal against body along a line just aft of the door window.
63000 mi
During routine oil/filter change and snow tire switchover, Dealer found a stripped lug nut. They fixed it for free.
The lumbar support gave out. Had to replace an s-clip to remedy.
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.
10478 mi
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.
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.
90000 mi
US $50
Fuel door spring wouldn't release door.
4400 mi
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
Steering wheel was shaking at highway speed. There's a TSB to address issue. Before replacing any suspension parts the dealer said I must replace all four tires with new. I declined since tires still had plenty of tread.
38000 mi
Never fixed intermittent vibration in steering wheel.
Right rear door would not open from interior.
Door mechanism changed on warranty.
6820 mi
The car was replaced for the brand new one by manufacturer
92000 mi
US $50
Seat lumbar support mechanism failed - fixed.
128340 mi
C $1300
cracked subframe
1960 mi
Tried for the 2nd time to balence wheels to address vibration in saet and stearing wheel at 60+ MPH. Could not fix. Tech called Subaru "Help Line" and was told they are awere of problem and do not have fix.
43000 mi
US $100
Passenger window would not seat properly when lowered and raised again. Window Motor actuator assy was replaced.
156000 mi
US $600
both rear wheel bearings were bad
14000 mi
Car would sometimes report that rear hatch wasn't closed all of the way. The dealer adjusted the rubber bumpers.
88000 mi
lumbar support failed
3720 mi
Car was test driven by the service manager. He observed steering wheel vibration at highway speed. Contacted Subaru Canada and they are sending a rep to test drive the car. The test drive is scheduled for Dec 10th.
15500 mi
Bad Drivers outside mirror was replaced, would not adjust from inside car.
15000 mi
Tire loses 4-7 psi every 2-3 weeks. To tire dealer 3x, can't find leak, replaced valve stem, re-mounted tire to seal bead. Said cld be crack in wheel, see dealer. Dealer couldn't find leak in wheel or tire. Said see tire mfgr. I'm stuck.
109000 mi
Wiper motor bottom cap recall.
46500 mi
Headlamp adjustment. Asked my local shop to fix a couple of times. Thought they'd forgotten (no better). This last time they remarked how low they were when we pointed it out. They fixed. No better. Broken? Dangerous. Will go back.
55800 mi
C $120
Replaced headlight bulb. Had a problem with the alignment of the lights (pointing too low). Mechanic billed $115 labour to adjust them. $5 for the bulb. We've had the "headlights pointing too low" problem before. Unclear what the prob is.
74400 mi
The heat shields were making a horrible rattling noise. It was repaired with a $10 clamp.
I was changing the bulbs when I broke the tab that holds the spring that holds the bulb. Yes it was my fault, however I think prospective Outback owners should be aware. It is ridiculously easy to incur a $300+ ($700 if you get a factory replacement and have the work done at the shop) repair just changing the freaking bulb. If you break the tab then the whole assembly needs to be replaced, and replacing it involves disassembling the bumper.
Door Gasket eroded dealer excepted original repair order and analysis of defect. They ordered replacement part but on return no record of original visit a year earlierr, claim not under warrenty.
18000 mi
Headlights were adjusted to low from factory. Subaru dealer would not repair. I did the work myself.
28800 mi
US $750
Cabin odor noticed when engine was hot and thought to be a fluid leak. Tech said no leaks but there was some residue around exhaust shroud which is underneath cabin air intake.
28520 mi
C $640
Gas cap tether broken
28820 mi
C $36
Gas cap tether was broken - had to buy a new gas cap and tether assembly -- dealer installed at no charge.
260000 mi
US $500
Replaced both headlight assemblies because the plastic covers had deteriorated so badly there were very few lumens emitted from the headlights and night driving was unsafe.
9 mi
Had to get the TPS tire pressure sensor re-set. IT WAS ON WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR. then discovered defective wheel, and they took one of another outback and replaced it and reset the TPS. NO OTHER PROBLEMS.
46200 mi
Seat belt wouldn't retract - repaired
18000 mi
Front end alignment
41000 mi
US $840
Rear Windshield Wiper system.
Replace harness, motor and arm/blade.
Check engine light was on, cruise control not functional, and shift mode (intelligent, sport, sport sharp) were not available, was locked in "sport" mode.
I left console light on all night, battery dead in morning, not even clicking. AAA charged up a little to get me started. Dealership did a slow charge and recommended replacing battery but after driving it for a week it was fully charged. Airbag light flashing intermittently on main panel codes 26 & S8 overhead pass airbag ctrl mod shorting out dlr replaced. I paid for it & complained to Subaru Corp, they promised to reimburse me. Filed complaint w/NHTSA bc common problem.
Rear hatch struts were getting weak. In extreme cold last winter they would not always hold the weight of the hatch. Starting to show symptoms in the warmer weather.
169000 mi
US $100
Windshield wiper motor linkage broken, motor replaced
83700 mi
Fuel door release cable, failed completely. Fuel filler door had to be manually pried opened. It was rusted out, or cracked. Replaced with new part. It should have been fixed during a safety inspection before it was transported.
9300 mi
C $400
tire pressure sensors corroded and let tires down
80000 mi
US $244
Driver's Seat Belt not retracing properly. Replaced.
15000 mi
Rear seatbelt won't operate - it won't retract nor extend further than the position it is stuck in
23000 mi
Rear passenger seat belt would not operate, it wouldn't retract and wouldn't pull out making it impossible to install a car seat for my kid. They replaced it.
69000 mi
US $25
The wheel lug studs broke off while tire place (Costco) was trying to change my tires. I had to take car to dealer to get studs replaced then go back to get new tires put on car. And another stud broke off so back to dealer to change new.
Driver door jammed shut and wouldn't open. Dealer quoted removing the door panel but recommended first lowering the window and using a coat hangar to manually release latch. I tried this and the door resumed operating normally.
Intermittent loud squeal from rear while in motion. It takes some distance at highway speed to start so dealer has not yet observed the noise, but they're making a good effort to replicate it.
The "extendable armrest" broke. It comes apart when you try to open it to reach the storage area underneath. It is technically an "assessory" and therefore not covered under the warranty. With the @$200+ cost, I decided to live with it. I thought it was a
19000 mi
US $4
I went in for a standard oil change and they had the armrest in stock. So I opted to have them do it right then and there. Took less than an hour. I earn "Subaru Bucks" from a Chase/Subaru credit card. I had $200 credit towards purchase/service and thus
Corrosion of the bead between the tire and the wheel
68000 mi
US $35
Again, corrosion of alloy rim causing slow leak between tire and rim--not the same wheel as in December 2013.
65000 mi
US $217
Rear driver side door handle internal mechanism broke; handle had to be replaced.
58000 mi
US $50
Passenger side brake light burned out due to water leaking in tail light assembly which was ordered and will be replaced next dealer visit. Taillight assembly $300+ but covered under Subaru extended warranty with $50 deductible.
59000 mi
Tail light assembly replaced after ordered part arrived.
Small part on wiper transmission worn, replaced wiper transmission.
78120 mi
Rear hatch lock unable to insert key as lock mechanism is jammed. Not repaired - left as is. Rear seat no longer able to fold up as jammed mechansim - not repaired. Left as is.
Car was running fine until stalling. Would not restart could hear the fuel pump but engine had no fuel pressure. There is a metal can on the fuel pump assembly that is normally under pressure but developed a crack on the mounting tabs=no psi
Brake light housing was cracked (internally) and leaked water in - continually blowing bulbs (but not fuses...) I pulled the housing, drained the water, drilled a hole in the bottom and its been fine ever since.
Check engine light came on after a long trip over mountains, etc. No obvious failure, likely emissions related. Within a week the light went off. I should have it checked out, but likely won't unless it returns.
Rear window washer intermittently spraying on own but not in response to driver controls. The reservoir of washer fluid, which usually lasts 4-6 months, was emptied in less than 2 months. New part (pump?) ordered- not a plugged valve as was suspected.
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 Subaru Outback problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.
