2008 Subaru Outback Problems and Repair Histories
2008 Subaru Outback problems reported via the Car Repair History and Car Reliability Surveys
See what people are saying about 2008 Subaru Outback problems
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Subaru Outback
2008 Subaru Outbacks for which no problems have been reported are not displayed. So the 2008 Subaru Outback problems and repair histories you see here should not be used to infer car problem frequency.
For 2008 Subaru Outback problem frequency, check the Car Reliability Survey result. For the problems behind the score, check the 2008 Subaru Outback problems and repair histories that follow it.
Subaru Outback Reliability through March 31, 2013
General NotesModels and statistics marked with an asterisk (*) have very low sample sizes. These results, visible only to logged-in members, provide only a rough estimate of car reliability.Any result under 20 repair trips per 100 cars is likely a result of the small sample size, and should be expected to increase to 20 or so in future updates.
New models often start out with high repair rates, and then improve as the manufacturer identifies and addresses common problems. MethodologyOnly successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.
| Year | Make/Model | Trips/Year/100 Cars | Compared to all models for the same year | |
| 2008 | Subaru Outback | 63 Outbacks, 9.1 months of data per Outback, average 60600 miles42 |
Fewest Trips
Most Trips
|
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Non-members can see only ten 2008 Subaru Outback problems and repair histories. Log in or join us to see them all.
Repair costs are in local units.
2008 Subaru Outback
Engine not specified
| Subaru Outback in Wisconsin, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2010 | 34000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2011 | 35500 | 0 | car in shop 3 times, replaced dashboard gauges and then ECM still did not fix problem |
| Apr | 2011 | 36000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2008 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon
turbocharged 243hp 2.5L H4 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| Subaru Outback in Connecticut, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2009 | 16000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2009 | 16000 | 0 | Following rain, computer prevents car from starting. Check engine light and flashing dash lights (i-drive/cruise). Dealer (and mfg) cannot track down problem. Numerous sensors replaced. Issue has occurred more than 8 times. Buyback in progress. |
| Aug | 2009 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Subaru Outback in Oregon, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2009 | 25000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2009 | 30000 | 0 | Check engine light was on, cruise control not functional, and shift mode (intelligent, sport, sport sharp) were not available, was locked in "sport" mode. |
| Jan | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2008 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon
turbocharged 243hp 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD
| Subaru Outback in Connecticut, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2010 | 45000 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2011 | 55000 | 0 | new front brake rotors (due to excessive rust) and pads installed |
| Apr | 2013 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Subaru Outback in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2011 | 68000 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2012 | 89500 | 0 | Clutch wore out. Something else broke so extended warranty covered that part and the labor. I had to pay for the parts only for the clutch. |
| Mar | 2013 | 95000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Subaru Outback in Quebec, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2012 | 70060 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2013 | 70680 | 1800 | misfire cyl 4, replaced rusted ignition coil changed rubber parts - cv boots and other |
| Feb | 2013 | 72580 | 100 | trunk was not locking - electrical failure. |
| May | 2013 | 80600 | 760 | changes trailer arms+control arms bushings |
2008 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon
245-horsepower 3.0L H6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| Subaru Outback in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2013 | 43000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2013 | 43000 | 100 | wheel bearing and front CV boot |
| Subaru Outback in New York, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2012 | 92000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2012 | 93700 | 45 | VDC,Check Engine, SDrive, Cruise, ABS warning lights on. Car was running and stopping fine. Dealer found P0500 code. Did a road test with scanner found no problems. Cleared codes. Very impressed with this dealer, first time there 4.0. |
| Feb | 2013 | 99500 | 340 | Humming noise at 55mph, gone over 65mph. No change with road surface, no change with coasting. Suspect rear wheel bearing. Took to dealer, road test and put on lift confirm RR wheel bearing. Replaced, road test noise gone |
| Mar | 2013 | 100000 | 100 | Fuel gauge dropped to E suddenly.Then check engine, S Drive ABS lights came on. Dealer got CEL P0463 fuel level sensor. Diagnose as per service manual, system has returned to normal, could reproduce condition. Fingers crossed expensive job. |
| Subaru Outback in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2011 | 48000 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2011 | 50000 | 620 | CV Joint boot cracked due to heat from catalytic converter. Brake pads down to 3mm. Needed to be replaced. |
| Dec | 2011 | 51000 | 550 | Replace passenger side front inboard CV boot |
| Jun | 2012 | 53000 | 375 | Radio amplifier went out. |
| Apr | 2013 | 72000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Subaru Outback in Ohio, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2008 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2012 | 58000 | 100 | Passenger visor needed replacement after it would no longer stay in a fixed position - hinge broken. Dealer claimed it was a common problem. |
| Mar | 2013 | 64000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Subaru Outback in United Arab Emirates | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2008 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2010 | 28520 | 1000 | Brake discs and pads, brake bleeding, full service. Axle boot |
| Sep | 2012 | 62000 | 1500 | There were leaks in the system. So parts had to be replaced. |
| Subaru Outback in Virginia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2012 | 37000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2012 | 37000 | 550 | Belt tensioner making noise and dealer suggested replacing it. Transmission hum noise was reason for visit and noise is still there. |
| Subaru Outback in Washington, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2012 | 48000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2012 | 60000 | 0 | Parking brake light on dash stays on when parking brake lever is fully released. |
| Mar | 2013 | 65000 | 1700 | Worn pads scored rotors on front end |
2008 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon
170-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD
| Subaru Outback in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2010 | 35000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2012 | 47300 | 50 | both tail lights were out, replaced bulbs, not sure if they went out one at a time because I didn't know about it until I got a ticket for both being out |
| Jun | 2012 | 53000 | 150 | I killed the 4-yr old battery by leaving key in and accessory on for 3 hours. It would jump start but then drain overnight. |
| Apr | 2013 | 61000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Subaru Outback in Indiana, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2011 | 50000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2011 | 51000 | 450 | Car was making noise and not running smooth. could not go over 15 miles an hour. |
| Aug | 2012 | 78300 | 300 | Engine light kept coming on.Placed on computer, no problems but light still on. |
| Dec | 2012 | 86000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Subaru Outback in Alberta, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2007 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2008 | 2000 | Bearing in center differential ceases due to incorrect install tolerances. Bearing failed, damaging center diff case, assembly and associated bearings. | |
| Dec | 2008 | 2480 | 0 | Bearings replaced in transmission case due to oil starvation; same failure mechanism as earlier center differential assembly failure. |
| Jan | 2009 | 3100 | 0 | Front differential bearings failed. New diagnosis for all failures is oil starvation given shared lubrication oil supply for all three parts that have failed. Full transmission replaced. |
| May | 2009 | 4340 | 60 | Poor idle, particularly when coasting to a stop. Revs between 800 and 3000 rpm repeatedly until placed in gear and accelerator pressed. Fixed by reflash of ECU. |
| Dec | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Subaru Outback in New Jersey, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2008 | 6000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2008 | 15000 | 0 | Airbag warning light came on. |
| Aug | 2012 | 94500 | 0 | Driver side front axle replaced. |
| Sep | 2012 | 96000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Subaru Outback in Delaware, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2007 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2008 | 4000 | 0 | Rattle, something loose in the rear suspension. |
| Sep | 2011 | 58000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Subaru Outback in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2008 | 19000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2011 | 35000 | 0 | Replaced catalytic converter under warranty |
| Mar | 2012 | 36000 | 1600 | Replace clutch |
| Mar | 2013 | 42000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Subaru Outback in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2010 | 8680 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2011 | 11160 | 300 | Cracked ignition coil, affected by damp. |
| Jun | 2013 | 27900 | 350 | exhaust |
2008 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon
170-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| Subaru Outback in Washington, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2011 | 28000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2011 | 32000 | 0 | Fuel smell in interior at idle, mentioned at 30k checkup, indie shop examined and tightened all fuel connections, several were loose. No more smell! |
| Mar | 2013 | 47000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Subaru Outback in New Hampshire, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2012 | 76000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2012 | 76000 | 89 | head gasket leaking remote starter wouldn't hold programing remote starter failed to work again |
| Subaru Outback in Michigan, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2011 | 49000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2012 | 55000 | 300 | New rear brake rotors and pads, plus oil change and tires rotated |
| Mar | 2013 | 60000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Subaru Outback in New York, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2011 | 42000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2011 | 46000 | 0 | Lid on console had come loose |
| Mar | 2013 | 58000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Subaru Outback in British Columbia, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2011 | 53940 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2012 | 55180 | 370 | Replaced struts and springs but original strut top was bad. The bearings were worn. I am now waiting for parts because the other side needs replacing also. |
| Mar | 2012 | 55800 | 100 | Other strut tower replaced. An after market transmission cooler was also installed. We live in a mountainous region and travel with big loads. |
| Dec | 2012 | 63860 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Subaru Outback in Nova Scotia, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2011 | 92380 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2011 | 97520 | 520 | Wheel alignment and all new rubbers on sway bars. |
| May | 2012 | 106000 | 821 | Timing belt was schedule to repair. flushing of Transmission. |
| Sep | 2012 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Subaru Outback in Ohio, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2011 | 63000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2012 | 69700 | 495 | needed to replace pads on all 4 wheels and replaced front rotors |
| Jan | 2013 | 74000 | 212 | Check engine light came on, found O2 sensor had failed (replaced) and found VVT solenoid was leaking (removed and resealed). oil pressure switch was leaking and was replaced: coolant cross over was leaking so gaskets were replaced: replaced piston pin seal |
| Feb | 2013 | 75000 | 0 | replaced a leaking head gasket and several leaking transmission fluid lines that could have been part of the earlier repairs |
| Mar | 2013 | 76000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Subaru Outback in Wisconsin, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2012 | 36000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2013 | 44000 | 350 | New pads & rotors |
| Subaru Outback in Massachusetts, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2011 | 42000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2011 | 42000 | 50 | Hard shifting from low to second gear with a noticable sound but it coud not be duplicated at the dealer |
| Apr | 2012 | 66000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Subaru Outback in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2008 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2008 | 30380 | 0 | Left rear wheel bearing shot. |
| Apr | 2009 | 46500 | 450 | Alternator failed- taking out the battery with it. |
| Aug | 2009 | 59520 | 0 | FWD mode not engaging with spare tire fuse installed-always AWD. Wiring discrepancy undetermined. |
| Jul | 2010 | 95480 | 330 | rattling at start-up thought to be a loose heat shield but it was the cat. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Subaru Outback in Michigan, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2008 | 1000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2008 | 14000 | 0 | Loose window seals around both rear doors. |
| Nov | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Subaru Outback in New York, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2008 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2008 | 5000 | 0 | Rearview mirror was not dimming in dark. Came to have rearview mirror changed out b/c it was not dimming in the dark like it was supposed to. |
| Jul | 2009 | 15000 | 0 | Rear seatbelt won't operate - it won't retract nor extend further than the position it is stuck in |
| Apr | 2010 | 23000 | 0 | Rough ride from engine and transmission extremely hard gear changing 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. |
| Sep | 2010 | 26000 | 0 | Repair to engine computer board. Transmission not shifting properly and about 2miles per gallon OFF of my expected gas mileage. March 2011 update: Fix worked for a while but now 8 MPG lower, need to go back in. |
| Mar | 2013 | 48000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Subaru Outback in Illinois, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2007 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2007 | 3000 | 0 | Something rattles under the car when going over bumps they have tried fixing the exhaust shield and splash cover with no success . |
| Apr | 2008 | 10000 | 0 | Second unsuccessful attempt to fix rattle under car. |
| Mar | 2013 | 75000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Subaru Outback in Pennsylvania, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2008 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2008 | 3000 | 0 | Loud but intermittent squeak from center console. Dealer could not replicate and did not take action. Leather shift knob defective at delivery--leather loose/wrinkled on knob. New part ordered under warranty. |
| Aug | 2008 | 4000 | 0 | Defective leather shift knob replaced. Continuing console squeak problem; could not replicate and disassembly of console did not reveal any visible assembly problems. |
| Sep | 2008 | 6000 | 0 | AC Condenser began dumping water into front passenger footwell. AC drain cleared. |
| Jun | 2010 | 21000 | 0 | TPMS light indicates error in system on long trips (has done so since car was new). Dealer unable to identify problem or any stored codes. |
| May | 2011 | 32000 | 0 | Continuing unresolved problem with blanking audio/climate screens resolved with replacement of center stack screens. |
| Jan | 2013 | 58000 | 100 | Replace worn drive belts |
| Mar | 2013 | 58000 | 0 | The TPMS system still had a (very) intermittent problem. On occasion, it would indicate a problem on long trips even though none existed. The dealer never replicated the problem, and it was not enough of an issue for me to continue pressing them on it. |
| Subaru Outback in Washington, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2008 | 4000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2009 | 15000 | 0 | Console clock skews one minute fast every one week. Problem went away after the clock was replaced. |
| Jul | 2009 | 20000 | 0 | Squeaks from the driver's seat. |
| Mar | 2013 | 59000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Subaru Outback in New York, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2009 | 11000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2009 | 12000 | 0 | Water from a.c. was leaking into passenger floor area. The vent was plugged, so the repair just involved blowing out the plugged line to clear out accumulated debris. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Subaru Outback in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2007 | 4000 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2010 | 24000 | 200 | Cleaned fuel injectors. |
| Jul | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Subaru Outback in British Columbia, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2007 | 1240 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2010 | 9300 | 400 | tire pressure sensors corroded and let tires down |
| Mar | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Subaru Outback in New York, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2008 | 12000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2010 | 41700 | 0 | Body wiring harness to window controls was crimped. |
| Dec | 2010 | 48000 | 100 | Very rough idle the day after or when it had rained heavily. No CEL though. Was like running on half cylinders. PCM showed nothing. Dealer couldn't duplicate problem. I suspected a vacuum leak or bad MAF. The dealer didn't bother to look. |
| Subaru Outback in Massachusetts, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2010 | 36000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2011 | 59000 | 0 | Had pictures of the weeping area around the head gaskets. They acknowledged it looked like oil, claimed to have added some additive to the oil to stop HG leaks (first I heard of Subaru sanctioning snake oil additive, so I'm skeptical they did anything). |
| Aug | 2012 | 77500 | 50 | Replaced both Head Gaskets. If car was started with someone in passenger seat, the Airbag light on the dash would illuminate. Turning the car off and restarting would clear the 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. |
| Mar | 2013 | 85000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Subaru Outback in Massachusetts, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2008 | 8000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2009 | 30000 | 0 | GPS Nav screen developed lines - has to be replaced - ordered but not yet installed |
| Jun | 2010 | 45000 | 800 | replaced brake pads; polished rotors |
| Dec | 2012 | 80000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Subaru Outback in Massachusetts, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2008 | 0 | Warranty - homeLink mirror failed | |
| Mar | 2010 | 30000 | 22 | Passenger side rear strut is weeping oil around seal. Dealer has ordered two rear struts and will replace under warranty. Discovered front struts were leaking, had them on hand, and replaced them. |
| May | 2010 | 30000 | 0 | Replaced rear struts. |
| Jun | 2010 | 30000 | 0 | New stop light switch. |
| Aug | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2008 Subaru Outback 4-door
turbocharged 4-cylinder automatic AWD
| Subaru Outback in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2008 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2008 | 1000 | 0 | Annoying rattles in Moonroof. Not repaired because of insufficient time at dealer. Car was brought in at 3:00 p.m. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2008 Subaru Outback 4-door
4-cylinder manual AWD
| Subaru Outback in Massachusetts, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2011 | 41000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2011 | 58000 | 350 | Wheel bearing replaced passenger side front. Also replaced sway bar links and busings. |
| Aug | 2011 | 60000 | 0 | 3/4 transmission syncro replaced. |
Expert 2008 Subaru Outback Repair Advice
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