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2008 Subaru Outback repairs by problem area

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Chart based on 377 repairs.

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2008 Subaru Outback repair cost distribution

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Chart based on 296 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

See repairs for all Subaru Outback model years.

Subaru Outback in Washington, United States Dec 2016 - Jan 2017
Jan 2017 62000 mi US $279	Faulty electric seat adjustment. Replaced switch.

Subaru Outback in Wisconsin, United States Dec 2010 - Apr 2011
Feb 2011 35200 mi	car in shop 3 times, replaced dashboard gauges and then ECM still did not fix problem

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Subaru Outback in Colorado, United States Dec 2013 - Apr 2017
Jan 2016 99000 mi US $8400	Broken turbo and ruined engine
May 2016 99300 mi US $5400	Received a rebuilt engine
Feb 2017 102000 mi US $2800	The turbo failed again. Fixed it and sold the car.

Subaru Outback in Colorado, United States Feb 2014 - Jul 2022
Dec 2017 111000 mi	Audio would make switch randomly and by itself. We took it apart and found that the circuit board dirty. After cleaning the contacts with isopropyl alcohol the problems were fixed.

Subaru Outback in Connecticut, United States Jun 2009 - Aug 2009
Jul 2009 16000 mi	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.

Subaru Outback in Oregon, United States Aug 2009 - Jan 2010
Dec 2009 30000 mi	Check engine light was on, cruise control not functional, and shift mode (intelligent, sport, sport sharp) were not available, was locked in "sport" mode.

Subaru Outback in California, United States Feb 2008 - Sep 2014
Jun 2013 69000 mi	Turbo failure
Feb 2014 75800 mi	Turbo issues
Aug 2014 81000 mi	Turbo Failure.
Sep 2014 82000 mi	CV Boots both torn Power seat switch failing

Subaru Outback in California, United States May 2014 - May 2014
May 2014 81000 mi US $50	Sunroof motor burned out.

Subaru Outback in Alberta, Canada Dec 2014 - Apr 2016
Mar 2015 104160 mi C $500	Replaced all four struts with new KYB models. Used 2004 model for rear suspension to counter possible ghost walking as recommended on Subaru Outback forums. Squeaking noise when going over speed bumps, replaced stabilizer end links front and rear, also due to wear
Feb 2016 110360 mi C $130	Misfires in cylinder 4 with cold engine. Replaced plugs, swapped coils, replaced intake gaskets (lower and upper), injector service, fuel pressure, all ok. Still chasing issue, suspecting O2 sensor or exhaust valve.
Mar 2016 110360 mi C $125	Chasing misfire on cylinder 4: replaced A/F ratio sensor, misfires still present.
Apr 2016 110360 mi	Misfire on cylinder 4 never fixed. Possibly caused by a leaking head gasket.

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Subaru Outback in Minnesota, United States Feb 2015 - Sep 2015
Mar 2015 79000 mi US $2300	at 79,000 miles exhaust valves, short block failed. and a new clutch since the engine was out of the car. required a new short block, valve job new clutch. Subaru paid 75% of the engine costs, I paid for the remainder and the clutch parts

Subaru Outback in California, United States Jun 2011 - Jun 2018
Nov 2012 90000 mi	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.
Feb 2015 119100 mi US $5700	Cracked a piston ringland. Engine Bearings worn.
Dec 2015 127000 mi US $25	CV joint boot cracked and needed to be rebooted.
Jun 2018 141000 mi	Air pump recall

Subaru Outback in Quebec, Canada Dec 2012 - Jan 2022
Jan 2013 70680 mi C $1800	misfire cyl 4, replaced rusted ignition coil changed rubber parts - cv boots and other
Feb 2013 71980 mi C $100	trunk was not locking - electrical failure.
May 2013 77500 mi C $760	changes trailer arms+control arms bushings
Aug 2013 81840 mi C $100	check engine light came on - looks like everything is ok after all.
Nov 2013 86760 mi C $880	up pipe replaced. still having the P420 code. bringing it to the stealership - hoping that the cat converter will be the issue and that it will be covered by the warranty.
Dec 2013 86800 mi	had a short in my position lights circuit. they fixed it and replaced the fuse.
Jan 2014 87800 mi C $2000	cat converter replaced
Feb 2015 105400 mi	pcv valve replaced
Jun 2015 111600 mi C $500	misfire caused by worn out coil - replaced two rusted coils
Oct 2015 118300 mi C $2	drive shaft replaced right front wheel bearing replaced
Dec 2015 120900 mi	rear defrost fixed - rewelded
Aug 2016 134540 mi C $180	Engine light P0456 - change the gas plug
Oct 2016 136380 mi C $1400	gas tank replacement
Jul 2017 150040 mi C $1800	Replaced head gasket based on advice from a private mechanic. Did not solve the problem, but a further repair at a second garage, some kind of oil relay in the engine (replaced) fixed it.
Sep 2017 151280 mi C $500	rear left wheel bearing replaced
Nov 2017 155000 mi C $550	radiator blew up - replaced rad
Feb 2018 158100 mi C $400	changed a coil; spark plugs, cleaned engine, measured piston pressure
May 2018 159960 mi	short block replacement

Subaru Outback in Washington, United States May 2010 - Dec 2014
Apr 2014 56300 mi US $330	Engine light was on, apparently due to bad lubrication of the valves. They flushed the old lubricant replaced it with a lubricant / cleaner, then ran the engine at normal temperature, then put normal oil back in.

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Subaru Outback in Great Britain Jan 2018 - Jun 2018
Mar 2018 132000 mi £500	Drop links replaced. There was knocking and play in them, so they needed replacing, but not an actual failure.
Apr 2018 132302 mi £350	Head lamp levelling sensor
Jun 2018 135000 mi £512	Condenser and pipe replaced together with recharge

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Subaru Outback in Kentucky, United States Feb 2009 - Jun 2017
Nov 2015 100400 mi US $700	Both of my cv boots tore open on a cross country trip. In all fairness, all of the off-roading I have done probably helped dry them out more than the avg user. The dealership in Knoxville Tn, did the work. Replaced boots only, not cv joints.
Oct 2016 109500 mi US $900	Replaced all of the wheel hub/bearing assemblies.

Subaru Outback in California, United States Feb 2013 - Apr 2014
Mar 2013 43000 mi US $100	wheel bearing and front CV boot

Subaru Outback in Ohio, United States Feb 2008 - Aug 2015
Jul 2012 58000 mi US $100	Passenger visor needed replacement after it would no longer stay in a fixed position - hinge broken. Dealer claimed it was a common problem.
Aug 2015 89000 mi US $300	Right front CV boot ripped open.

Subaru Outback in New York, United States Apr 2012 - Aug 2014
Jul 2012 93300 mi US $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 99700 mi US $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 mi US $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.
Aug 2013 105000 mi US $282	Left rear wheel bearing was replaced. The right was done a few months ago. Kind of figured this would happen. OEM parts are expensive. $149 for the OEM bearing about $90 for a Timken. Going to start doing my own repairs and maintenance.
Jul 2014 112000 mi US $245	replace sway bar bushings

Subaru Outback in Virginia, United States May 2012 - Jun 2012
Jun 2012 37000 mi US $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 Virginia, United States Nov 2014 - Nov 2014
Nov 2014 128000 mi US $100	Both front wheel bearings making noise. Both wheel bearings replaced.

Subaru Outback in Texas, United States Oct 2013 - Jun 2018
Jun 2017 151000 mi	Rear wiper would not park properly

Subaru Outback in Texas, United States Sep 2011 - Sep 2017
Nov 2011 50000 mi US $620	CV Joint boot cracked due to heat from catalytic converter.
Dec 2011 51000 mi US $550	Replace passenger side front inboard CV boot
Jun 2012 53000 mi US $375	Radio amplifier went out.
Aug 2013 73100 mi US $100	Hinge on the passenger sun visor broke. Had to install new sun visor.
Aug 2014 83000 mi US $1599	A/C compressor was making a loud noise. Bearings going out. Replaced A/C compressor and recharged the system.
Apr 2015 91300 mi US $465	Radio amplifier went out. Installed new OEM radio from Panasonic.
Dec 2015 99000 mi US $600	Right front wheel bearing was making a noise. Wheel bearing was worn out. Installed a new hub assembly.
Jul 2016 102700 mi	Passenger sun visor broke.
Sep 2016 106000 mi US $135	Accessory drive belt needed to be replaced.

Subaru Outback in United Arab Emirates Jul 2008 - Sep 2012
Dec 2010 28520 mi ¤1000	Axle boot
Sep 2012 62000 mi ¤1500	There were leaks in the system. So parts had to be replaced.

Subaru Outback in Washington, United States Jan 2012 - Jun 2017
Dec 2012 60000 mi	Parking brake light on dash stays on when parking brake lever is fully released.
Mar 2014 82000 mi US $1419	Leak from steering rack and pinion boot. Replaced with new rack and pinion.
Nov 2015 122000 mi US $2500	Front struts replaced
Dec 2015 123000 mi US $375	Sensor for advancing timing
Oct 2016 134300 mi US $1100	Smelled burning oil was CV fluid on catalytic converter replaced front CV and shafts

Subaru Outback in British Columbia, Canada Apr 2017 - Jun 2018
Jun 2018 106640 mi C $1500	I brought the car in for scheduled maintenance. They said front and rear brakes were seized and changed calipers front and back, rotors (back only) and pads all around. Unfortunately the noise the brakes were making (occasional loud grinding noise when braking close to a stop) was still there after spending $1500 on brakes. I got a CEL. They said the exhaust is rusty so they would need to change the whole exhaust system at $7500. I paid $11000 for the car. I said no. I will fix it somewhere else.

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Subaru Outback in Vermont, United States Mar 2014 - Mar 2016
Mar 2014 100000 mi US $20	Map light console electrical failure, indicating an airbag error for passenger side. Bought a soldering iron for $20 and fixed the cracked solder joint at the root of the problem. Dealer had wanted $350 for an entire new console.
Jun 2014 110000 mi US $450	Front right wheel bearing failure (second bearing in this corner). Replaced at an independent shop using a USA-made bearing with 1-year warranty for less than dealer quote on OEM bearing.
Jan 2015 120000 mi US $1001	Clutch release bearing failure, requiring complete clutch job. Replacement bearing was defective, but shop redid the entire job at no cost.
Mar 2015 122000 mi US $1023	Clutch release bearing failure. Repair included a complete clutch job. Simultaneous wheel bearing failure (front left and right rear).
Apr 2015 122800 mi	Ordered Moog sway bar end links with grease fittings online to replace failed OEM links, $45 Replaced all four worn-out struts and strut mounts, $480. Repeat clutch release bearing failure. Replaced with another Subaru bearing, which failed a month later. Replaced that with a Six Star kit which includes an oversize Timken release bearing and a stainless steel sleeve for the input shaft.
Jun 2015 127000 mi US $160	Torn CV boot. Replaced whole CV shaft as the 'long-term' solution. In other words, I hope to get two years out of it.
Jul 2015 127700 mi	Exhaust leak developed right after the third clutch release bearing failure.
Sep 2015 131000 mi US $156	Failed exhaust mid-pipe gasket. Shop replaced (1.5 hr), but failed to completely remove all bits of the previous gasket. This lead to a poor fit and no change in exhaust note. Another shop fixed this 'repair' in a third of the time.

Subaru Outback in New York, United States Dec 2007 - Jan 2020
Dec 2013 97000 mi US $1188	This vehicle has a manual transmission. The throwout bearing failed and damaged the clutch fingers. The bearing, the pressure plate, and the clutch disc needed to be replaced.
Jun 2014 107000 mi US $1200	I heard noise that sounded like a wheel bearing that got louder as time progressed. Upon closer checking it was found that both a front and rear bearing were damaged.
Oct 2014 110300 mi US $400	Valve cover spark plug gaskets began leaking.
Apr 2015 116200 mi US $2400	Bearing failure in transmission and bad universal joint in driveshaft.
Jul 2015 117200 mi US $1200	Primary catalyst cracked at exhaust manifold.
Dec 2015 119000 mi US $2100	Left front wheel bearing failing. Replaced. Also, had the front struts replaced.
Oct 2016 129200 mi US $1600	Control arm bushings, right front lower ball joint, brake pads and rotors all around

Subaru Outback in Tasmania, Australia Aug 2014 - Sep 2019
Apr 2015 84620 mi A $300	replace drive shaft boot (split)
Jan 2017 85960 mi A $400	Replacement of front LH wheel bearing.

Subaru Outback in Ontario, Canada Dec 2010 - Aug 2015
May 2011 11460 mi C $300	Cracked ignition coil, affected by damp.
Jun 2013 27900 mi C $350	exhaust
Oct 2013 29440 mi C $1800	ignition wires replaced
May 2014 34400 mi C $1500	Rods, stabilisers.
May 2015 40300 mi C $120	exhaust shield loose
Jul 2015 40300 mi C $800	front driver-side wheel bearing replaced for safety certification
Aug 2015 40300 mi	Gaskets were leaking. Repair was not required for certification.

Subaru Outback in Pennsylvania, United States Jan 2015 - May 2018
Apr 2015 91200 mi US $250	Right front CV driveshaft was worn/loose. Replaced. I was having difficulty shifting into reverse so the mechanic lubricated the shift linkages
Jan 2016 US $775	Sway bar replaced.
Sep 2016 120000 mi	Front wheel bearings needed to be replaced
Mar 2017 135000 mi US $200	Replace rusted ball joint
Jan 2018 141000 mi US $301	Replace rear brake pads and rotors Replacing wheel bearing assembly

Subaru Outback in Utah, United States Oct 2008 - Dec 2020
Jan 2017 88700 mi US $1800	Needed a new clutch kit including flywheel and throw out bearing. Difficulty changing gears. Problem with hydraulic mechanism.

Subaru Outback in New Jersey, United States May 2008 - Dec 2017
Oct 2008 15000 mi	Airbag warning light came on.
Aug 2012 94200 mi	Driver side front axle replaced.
Oct 2013 113500 mi US $1400	Clutch failed - replaced. It shredded. It had been squealing like a belt slipping for about 10,000 miles, but that was clutch material getting spun around. I thought it was a belt slipping.
Jan 2014 121700 mi US $800	Both rear wheel bearings replaced
Feb 2014 123300 mi US $350	Airbag dash light stayed dash. Faulty sensor and bulb but had to take a lot apart in order to repair.
May 2015 146900 mi US $600	Service engine light came on. O2 sensor bad.
Jun 2016 185000 mi US $2100	Head gasket. Also did preventive on timing belt and water pump before needed.
Aug 2016 185000 mi US $3300	Head gasket leak caused problem with catalytic converter. Replaced catalytic converter.
Mar 2017 187000 mi US $250	Pads and rotors replaced
Jul 2017 191000 mi US $550	Replaced wheel bearing

Subaru Outback in Ontario, Canada Jan 2008 - Jul 2013
Jul 2013 68200 mi C $30	changed vvt valve sensor

Subaru Outback in Alberta, Canada Dec 2007 - Dec 2010
Feb 2008 C $2000	Bearing in center differential ceases due to incorrect install tolerances. Bearing failed, damaging center diff case, assembly and associated bearings.
Nov 2008 2480 mi	Diagnosed as either second failure of center differential assembly (which was replaced already in Feb 2008) or related transmission failure. Further diagnosis / repair planned for December 2008.
Dec 2008 2480 mi	Bearings replaced in transmission case due to oil starvation; same failure mechanism as earlier center differential assembly failure.
Jan 2009 3100 mi	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 mi C $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.

Subaru Outback in Nova Scotia, Canada Jun 2013 - May 2014
Jul 2013 79660 mi C $350	exhaust leak, custom pipes made to fix problem. Dealer estimate was $1200
Sep 2013 81220 mi C $450	Sixth wheel bearing failure on this car. Replaced part non Subaru product. $450 for this repair which seems high but after six replacement, this appears to be the going rate.

Subaru Outback in Maryland, United States Jun 2008 - Apr 2016
Jan 2014 86300 mi US $700	Both front inner CV boots torn, CV's contaminated, could not be cleaned and lubed, both CV's too worn. Both front axles replaced with re-man'd axels

Subaru Outback in New York, United States Jul 2013 - May 2014
Nov 2013 122000 mi	Passenger heat did not work. Heater core plugged. Opted to do coolant flush with success. Engine oil leaking from sensor.
May 2014 128000 mi	Took to Subaru certified mechanic to diagnose CEL. Compression, leakdown test, and visual inspection indicates a bad exhaust valve. Quoted $3200-3600 for repairs. Traded car in for 2014 Crosstrek.

Subaru Outback in Vermont, United States Apr 2013 - Jul 2013
Jul 2013 105000 mi US $650	replaced wheel bearings - AGAIN!

Subaru Outback in California, United States Sep 2010 - Mar 2023
Jan 2012 58000 mi US $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 mi US $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.
Feb 2015 71000 mi US $502	Water on passenger side floor mat when A/C was operating. Subaru dealer charged $150 for inspection and applied it all to clearing out clogged A/C drain tube. Loud noise on tight turns, esp when starting up. Dealer tightened my after market belts, told me they were not the correct size and tried to sell me new ones but much less expensive adjustment worked fine. $60. 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. Water on passenger side floor mat when A/C was operating. Subaru dealer charged $150 for inspection and applied it all to clearing out clogged A/C drain tube. 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. Loud noise on tight turns, esp when starting up. Dealer tightened my after market belts, told me they were not the correct size and tried to sell me new ones but much less expensive adjustment worked fine. $60 (survey won't let me add $)
Jul 2016 78000 mi US $2200	new radiator hoses, old were soft new axle boots new control arm bushings needed clutch pedal stuck to the floor, bearing was the problem, new clutch installed rather than repaired because of mileage
Dec 2017 84000 mi US $650	Power steering fluid pump leaking. Installed new pump.

Subaru Outback in Delaware, United States Oct 2007 - Sep 2011
Feb 2008 4000 mi	Rattle, something loose in the rear suspension.

Subaru Outback in Texas, United States Nov 2008 - Nov 2016
Sep 2011 35000 mi	Replaced catalytic converter under warranty
Mar 2012 36000 mi US $1600	Replace clutch
Dec 2013 58000 mi US $1000	Not sure of details. Wife dealt with dealer.

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Subaru Outback in Michigan, United States Sep 2012 - Mar 2017
Aug 2014 72200 mi US $2000	Blower motor and regulator Drive belt and power steering pump Bushing
Jan 2015 63500 mi US $300	Front and rear wheel bearings
Sep 2015 90000 mi US $500	Oil sensor
Sep 2016 108000 mi US $1500	105k maintenance, worn ball joints, end links.

Subaru Outback in New York, United States Jul 2014 - Oct 2016
Mar 2015 127000 mi US $600	Broken rear strut
Oct 2015 129500 mi US $430	Drive axles were replaced
Oct 2016 137000 mi	CEL would go on after it rained.

Subaru Outback in Pennsylvania, United States May 2015 - May 2015
May 2015 95000 mi	Exhaust header broke and had to be replaced

Subaru Outback in Washington, United States Nov 2017 - Nov 2019
Jan 2018 125462 mi US $1405	Rear hub replacement.

Subaru Outback in Idaho, United States Jul 2011 - Jun 2018
Jun 2018 148000 mi US $1100	Rack replacement

Subaru Outback in Vermont, United States Jan 2018 - Jun 2018
Jun 2018 105000 mi US $610	rear brakes and a wheel bearing

Subaru Outback in New York, United States Jul 2017 - Jul 2018
Jan 2017 169000 mi US $100	Windshield wiper motor linkage broken, motor replaced
Mar 2017 163000 mi US $300	Rotor replaced, routine maintenance [wheel bearing] Worn part replaced
Sep 2017 155000 mi US $300	[wheel bearing] Parts worn, required replacement
Dec 2017 167000 mi US $300	[wheel bearing] Worn part replaced
Feb 2018 172000 mi US $450	Shocks worn, replaced

Subaru Outback in New Hampshire, United States Oct 2016 - Dec 2016
Oct 2016 205000 mi US $1000	Bad spark plug wires, poor ignition, resulting in bad cat converter. Replaced all.
Nov 2016 205000 mi	Massive oil leak out of nowhere! Main seals gone, head gasket suspect. No overheating yet, just a matter of time. Upon research, it's a common problem. I'm lucky to get 207,000 miles out of it! I think this is the end.....
Dec 2016 205000 mi	The Subaru is done. She gave her last on Route128, left to be unceremoniously towed by the Mass State Police. Because of the main seal leak, weird ignition problems, and 211k miles, I had to give her away... She will be missed!

Subaru Outback in New Hampshire, United States Apr 2016 - Sep 2018
May 2016 77500 mi US $221	Engine running rough. Replaced ignition wires. Check engine light on. Replaced dirty oil (these early May/June repairs all related to pre-sale of car when it sat at the dealership for many, many months over the winter and early post-sale issues needing resolution. Partial success: 75K-mi. service not done after sitting for many months before sale: Replaced PCV valve; Trans. & Diff. Service; Brake fluid; Oil change, Coolant Low; Radiator Outlet cap dry cracked & leaking. Dealer towed to fix.
Jun 2016 79000 mi	FR & FL Axle Assembly Shafts, possibly caused by other dealer(which also suggested $3,500 in unnecessary repairs). Control Arm Bushing Front Rearward, worn but done now because axle being done.
Jul 2016 80000 mi US $244	Added muffler cement to Y section of center exhaust. Air bag light on. Replaced Upper Air Bag Module & Lamp Assy Map Driver's Seat Belt not retracing properly. Replaced.
Oct 2016 85976 mi US $89	Car towed to shop after owner noticed smoke/vapors from under hood. Replaced Driver's side VVT sensor (leaking) and degreased area. Found center exhaust leaking at "y" section - should be replaced.
Nov 2016 86516 mi US $400	Replaced Center exhaust pipe, gasket, bolts, etc. - was leaking at rear "y" section (previously noticed by mechanic)
Mar 2017 95285 mi US $65	Check engine codes: found Evap system leak and Right oil stiching valve solenois malfunction. Possible issue with VVT solenoid valve. Gas cap coming off hard. Replaced previous replacement gas cap. Threads in filler neck work. Sanded threads so opening works better.
May 2017 100117 mi US $440	Found code for Neutral switch system. Possible issue with inhibitor switch failing. Would need shift cable as cable adjuster is rusted/siezed. Body creaking noises. Replaced front sway bar end links; lubed front & rear sway bar bushings LF wheel bearings noisy. Replaced LF wheel bearing/hub assembly. Car does not start at times; no click. Possible ignition switch failing.
Jun 2017 100813 mi US $143	Replaced ignition switch after car not starting at times.
Jul 2017 104470 mi	Replaced broken gas cap and strap. For squeaking noise sprayed driver's side axle at the transmission w/grease. R side oil pressure switch - VVT Pressure Switch (replacing one already replaced on 9/6/16)
Aug 2017 106614 mi US $270	R&R Radio/Heater Control Panel - checked power, ground circuits (OK) Tightened power wire connector Front catalytic converter leak - crack between 1st & 2nd rib in flex pipe previously installed on 12/20/16. Replaced pipe under factory parts warranty, part cost covered by Subaru. Swapped Oxygen sensors Rubber transmission cooler line leaking at radiator. Replaced clamp and cleaned area. Replaced RR Shock & upper mount
Jan 2018 116777 mi US $207	Replaced RR wheel bearing/hub & axle nut Driver's side headlight had moisture in it - had to remove front bumper to access. Owner bought new LF headlight assembly ($125.69 of the total). Mechanic installed it.
Feb 2018 117304 mi US $56	VVT circuit pressure switch
May 2018 122902 mi US $33	Checked hesitation driving at times. Found light engine ping at times, ignition timing drops from app. 30 degrees to app. 15 degrees on accel. Condition possibly fuel related? Checked water leaking into tailgate. Found water inside LR reverse light. Water drips out of light into inside of tailgate panel. Cleaned and dried out lens. (Will need to replace lens)
Jul 2018 126000 mi US $320	RR outer brake worn to limits; other pads app. 3/4+ worn. Replaced Front brake pads; cleaned & lubed sliders; machined rotors. Replaced 1 brake caliper slider pin. 2 Fixes: 1-Replaced radio/audio/climate control center unit with a refurbished one bought by car owner ($235 of the total), after extended intermittent cutting in and out. 2- Replaced side market bulb (working but darkened/shorting) in R&R Tail light. Replaced tail light bulb (inoperative). Resealed lens to body with clear silicone.

Subaru Outback in Michigan, United States Feb 2015 - Jan 2022
Mar 2015 113000 mi US $50	One of the oil sensors has failed and had to be replaced.

Subaru Outback in New Mexico, United States Apr 2015 - Apr 2015
Apr 2015 99000 mi US $450	power steering hose leaking

Subaru Outback in Manitoba, Canada May 2015 - Jan 2019
Jul 2015 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.
Dec 2015 86800 mi C $2334	Left drivers side head gasket leaking engine oil. Left drivers side head gasket leaking engine oil at oil pressure line. Replaced both head gaskets, water pump, timing belt set. Replaced coil pack due to engine stall and P0301 P0302 codes. Repaired exhaust leak near cat. converter.
Jan 2016 87100 mi C $220	Check engine light on. P0420 received from ecu. Problem found at Oxygen sensor near catalytic converter. Wrong part found for engine type. Installed new o2 sensor for SOHC engine.
Apr 2016 89060 mi	Right front balljoint with free play movement.
Jul 2016 90200 mi	Both control arm bushings were badly torn. stabilizer bar bushings broke apart when removed. Replaced both.
Sep 2016 91760 mi	Both sides rear Trailing arm bushings
Jul 2017 100440 mi C $600	exhaust leaking at gasket. replaced exhaust pipe
Nov 2017 102920 mi C $180	Rear driver side wheel bearing humming noise. Replaced wheel bearing assembly.
Jan 2018 103602 mi C $150	Replaced Ignition Coil Pack again after it was replaced in 2015. Engine cyl. #1, 3, 4 misfire and check engine light was on, including cruise light and tract. ctrl light Scan Codes P0303...etc
Mar 2018 105400 mi C $150	Check engine light on. Scan came up with P0420 and EGR valve. Car running ok, but gas mileage is badly affected. EGR valve to be replaced
Jun 2018 107880 mi	Replaced both front strut assembly Replaced 1 worn alternator belt (serpentine) and as a preventative 1 ac belt
Sep 2018 109740 mi	Replaced front left wheel bearing hub assembly Humming noise coming from left side

Subaru Outback in Iowa, United States May 2015 - Jan 2021
Dec 2015 97000 mi US $1000	Front right wheel bearing needed to be replaced.
Jun 2016 108000 mi US $2200	Head gasket replacement and timing belt/water pump replacement
Sep 2016 112000 mi US $600	Front ball joint replaced. Oil pressure switch leaking and replaced.
Dec 2016 115000 mi US $191	Severe leak from right side cam seal. Replaced seal plug.
Feb 2017 118000 mi US $415	Hole in Y pipe. Replacement of length from resonator to ends of Y pipes and gaskets.
Jul 2017 125020 mi US $491	Left front wheel bearing replacement
Mar 2018 135000 mi US $170	Realigned front passenger window
May 2018 136723 mi US $1021	Left front inner tie rod Left front/rear sway bar links Left front inner CV boot Lower radiator hose replaced Alignment with all other parts replaced

Subaru Outback in South Australia, Australia Feb 2015 - Jul 2015
May 2015 68200 mi	Reversing lights not working, also due for 6 month service

Subaru Outback in Michigan, United States Nov 2011 - Sep 2018
Jul 2013 61700 mi US $1500	Head gasket oil leak
Oct 2013 65000 mi	0457 code appeared again after reset; replaced gas cap. Also, new code P0420 appeared for first time. Replaced gas cap. Codes continued, replaced catalytic converters under warranty.
Oct 2014 72700 mi	Replaced left & right front lower control arm rear bushings. Replaced sway bar link.
Feb 2015 76000 mi US $1000	Replace rear struts with only 76k miles on the car.
Jul 2015 79500 mi US $391	engine mount (torque rod) bolts - one missing and one falling out RF inner axle boot torn. Axle shaft removed and CV boot kit installed after shaft and related parts cleaned Heat shield rattle, adjusted best as possible, replacement in the future will be needed
Sep 2016 90000 mi US $550	Replaced torn front axle boot. Replaced four rusted and noisy heat shields. The mechanic said this heat shield issue has been a Subaru issue for years with no design fixes from the company.
Apr 2017 95000 mi US $1059	REAR SWAY BAR links replaced Front pads and rotors, brake fluid.

Subaru Outback in Massachusetts, United States Feb 2008 - Aug 2010
Jun 2008 6800 mi	Warranty - homeLink mirror failed
Mar 2010 30000 mi US $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 mi	Replaced rear struts.
Jun 2010 30000 mi	New stop light switch.

Subaru Outback in New York, United States May 2008 - Apr 2016
Sep 2008 5000 mi	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 mi	Rear seatbelt won't operate - it won't retract nor extend further than the position it is stuck in
Apr 2010 23000 mi	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 mi	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.
May 2013 49100 mi	Diagnosed front passenger airbag is not sensing. Light is on continually. I do not think they diagnosed accurately. We have had a continuous problem with electrical on passenger side of car. Rear passenger side door does not auto lock too.
Aug 2015 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.
Oct 2015 69800 mi US $295	Front inner axel boot split and leaking grease on exhaust, tons of black smoke coming out from under hood on the freeway. Dealer replaced axel boot.
Jan 2016 74700 mi US $600	Power steering pump leaking and changed out. They changed out 2 worn belts. Driver side front wheel axle boot cracked and leaking grease. Changed out blown headlight Radio shows it is on but won't work at all, no sound comes out. If I hit a bump sometimes the radio BLARES OUT sound and then comes off again. Must be a loose wire?
Apr 2016 78000 mi	Replaced cracked front driver's side CV joint that was identified in Dec. Radio/CD player does not turn on nor off except by itself when I hit a bump sometimes randomly. They took out the radio. checked it, says it works and gave me back car but there is still no sound coming out of it, but it does turn on/off. Rear bulb keeps blowing out. Replaced AGAIN, when it was replaced in December.

Subaru Outback in Massachusetts, United States Feb 2010 - Jan 2014
Jul 2011 59000 mi	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 77700 mi US $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.

Subaru Outback in Washington, United States Jul 2008 - Apr 2016
Apr 2009 15000 mi	Console clock skews one minute fast every one week. Problem went away after the clock was replaced.
Jul 2009 20000 mi	Squeaks from the driver's seat.
Apr 2016 87000 mi	CV boots torn.

Subaru Outback in California, United States Aug 2009 - Jun 2022
May 2016 118100 mi US $1100	Axle replacement
Feb 2017 127000 mi US $600	Front Struts. Front Lower Control Arms. Rear Shocks. Very worn / leaking. Replaced. Rear bearing making lots of noise. Fine after repair.

Subaru Outback in New York, United States Apr 2009 - Jun 2011
Jun 2009 12000 mi	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.

Subaru Outback in Massachusetts, United States May 2008 - Jan 2022
Jul 2009 30000 mi	GPS Nav screen developed lines - has to be replaced - ordered but not yet installed
Jun 2013 86000 mi US $600	replaced 1st of 2 wheel bearings
Jul 2013 86300 mi US $600	replaced 2nd of 2 wheel bearings
Jun 2018 142000 mi US $700	cruise control flashing, check engine light, low tire pressure flashing, flashing radio/heating panel - cruise control and check engine light temporarily fixed (went off) but later came back on
Dec 2019 148 mi	Bolt hole for passenger seat rusted out - not repaired due to cost

Subaru Outback in Michigan, United States Feb 2008 - Nov 2011
Dec 2008 14000 mi	Loose window seals around both rear doors.

Subaru Outback in Illinois, United States Aug 2007 - Jun 2022
Nov 2007 3000 mi	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 mi	Second unsuccessful attempt to fix rattle under car.
Dec 2014 104000 mi US $700	replaced both rear wheel bearings
Jun 2015 108000 mi US $300	torn axle boot
May 2018 128000 mi	rear stabilizer bars replaced
Jan 2022 143000 mi US $1200	front calipers. brakes

Subaru Outback in Pennsylvania, United States Apr 2008 - Mar 2013
Jul 2008 3000 mi	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 mi	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 mi	AC Condenser began dumping water into front passenger footwell. AC drain cleared.
Jun 2010 21000 mi	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 mi	Continuing unresolved problem with blanking audio/climate screens resolved with replacement of center stack screens.
Jan 2013 58000 mi US $100	Replace worn drive belts
Mar 2013 58000 mi	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 British Columbia, Canada Dec 2007 - Mar 2011
Jun 2010 9300 mi C $400	tire pressure sensors corroded and let tires down

Subaru Outback in Ontario, Canada Jan 2008 - Jun 2011
Nov 2008 30380 mi	Left rear wheel bearing shot.
Apr 2009 46500 mi C $450	Alternator failed- taking out the battery with it.
Aug 2009 59520 mi	FWD mode not engaging with spare tire fuse installed-always AWD. Wiring discrepancy undetermined.
Jul 2010 95480 mi C $330	rattling at start-up thought to be a loose heat shield but it was the cat.

Subaru Outback in New York, United States Feb 2008 - Dec 2010
Feb 2010 40700 mi	Body wiring harness to window controls was crimped.
Dec 2010 48000 mi US $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 New Jersey, United States Apr 2013 - Jun 2022
Aug 2013 62000 mi US $750	Replaced rear struts and springs
Dec 2013 67000 mi US $68	Replaced inner small axle clamps due to minor leak
Jan 2014 US $120	Replaced battery
Oct 2014 84200 mi US $350	Replace driver side axle due to to torn axle boot
Feb 2015 85000 mi US $300	Replaced leaking oil pan gasket
May 2015 93000 mi	Replaced front passenger side axle due to torn CV boot Replaced rear passenger side bearing Vibration at idle when in drive after replacing front passenger side driveshaft. Shop is investigating cause. Repair not successful yet. Still investigating
Dec 2015 102000 mi	Replaced driver side rear bearing. Loud hum from rear
Feb 2016 104300 mi	Front right axle replaced last April 2015 with brand new after market axle. That axle failed and replaced with Subaru rebuilt axle
Apr 2016 106700 mi US $2400	Replaced head gaskets, spark plug seals, timing belt and water pump, spark plugs, misc seals etc
Sep 2016 114301 mi US $109	Replace left front differential oil seal Repair dash rattles related to replacement of passenger side air bag Repair oil leak on front right differential oil seal
Oct 2017 139000 mi US $102	Replaced front brake pads and rotors
Jul 2021 196000 mi US $546	Replace exhaust mid-pipe
Sep 2021 200750 mi US $126	Replace Front Brakes
Apr 2022 211367 mi	Replace Timing Belt / Water Pump / Thermostat / Radiator / Belts Replace front axles

Subaru Outback in Connecticut, United States Nov 2010 - Apr 2014
Aug 2013 93300 mi US $1300	Replacement of cv joints and boots
Dec 2013 99000 mi US $3800	Head gasket replacement Front right differential bearing had to be replaced, was told ( by dealer repair shop) it was cheaper to replace the entire transmission than to dismantle the transmission to replace the individual bearing.
Apr 2014 99000 mi	Right front wheel bearing began to make a low noise, traded car for 2014 Outback

Subaru Outback in British Columbia, Canada Dec 2011 - Jan 2019
Feb 2012 55180 mi C $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 mi C $100	Other strut tower replaced. An after market transmission cooler was also installed. We live in a mountainous region and travel with big loads.
Jul 2013 70740 mi C $1100	Rear wheel bearing replaced
Apr 2014 83980 mi C $300	Rear wheel bearing failure
Feb 2015 100620 mi C $475	Replace front left and right wheel bearings for the second time.
Apr 2015 102300 mi C $2100	Timing belt,idler pulleys, water pump,thermostat,heads resurfaced,pcv valve, plugs. All necessary gaskets replaced.
Mar 2016 112220 mi C $1200	Struts and hats replaced. Rear hats rusted tbrough.
Jun 2017 121520 mi C $4700	After market tensioner failed, timing belt broke, bent valves. New heads with cams and valves, timing belt kit, gasket kit, thermostat, new coolant and oil.
Nov 2017 125240 mi C $900	All discs and pads replaced. Front calipers and brake lines replaced. Brake system flushed.
Mar 2018 127720 mi C $82	Took me about 30 minutes to replace high/low beam headlights. Dielectric grease on all electric contacts.
Dec 2018 142600 mi C $1600	Fuel tank rusted and replaced. EVAP canister replaced by shop mistake
Jan 2019 142600 mi C $570	wheel bearing replaced, 4-wheel alignment Front pads replaced because they fell apart

Subaru Outback in Ohio, United States Dec 2011 - Jun 2015
Jan 2013 74000 mi US $106	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 74500 mi	replaced a leaking head gasket and several leaking transmission fluid lines that could have been part of the earlier repairs
Dec 2014 93000 mi US $1776	Replace front cv joints. Replace rear wheel bearings.

Subaru Outback in Virginia, United States Sep 2012 - Jun 2015
Jun 2015 96000 mi US $1100	back left wheelbearing replacd

Subaru Outback in Pennsylvania, United States Oct 2012 - Oct 2013
Oct 2013 91000 mi US $340	rocker covers and spark plug tube seals were leaking oil.

Subaru Outback in New Hampshire, United States Nov 2012 - Jul 2014
Dec 2012 76000 mi US $45	head gasket leaking remote starter wouldn't hold programing remote starter failed to work again

Subaru Outback in Nova Scotia, Canada Feb 2011 - Sep 2012
Jul 2011 97420 mi C $520	Wheel alignment and all new rubbers on sway bars.

Subaru Outback in Washington, United States Jul 2011 - Jun 2015
Dec 2011 32000 mi	Fuel smell in interior at idle, mentioned at 30k checkup, indie shop examined and tightened all fuel connections, several were loose. No more smell!

Subaru Outback in Massachusetts, United States Feb 2011 - Apr 2012
Mar 2011 42000 mi US $50	Hard shifting from low to second gear with a noticable sound but it coud not be duplicated at the dealer

Subaru Outback in Indiana, United States Mar 2011 - Dec 2012
Apr 2011 51000 mi US $450	Car was making noise and not running smooth. could not go over 15 miles an hour.
Aug 2012 78100 mi US $300	Engine light kept coming on.Placed on computer, no problems but light still on.

Subaru Outback in Wisconsin, United States Mar 2011 - Jul 2018
Aug 2013 80100 mi US $201	Dealer replaced airbag sensor for drivers seat.
Jul 2014 99700 mi US $1087	Both OSV diagnostic switches were leaking oil so I had them replaced. $201.
Oct 2014 103700 mi US $700	CV boots on both front driveshafts had split. I could have waited longer but decided to get it done before winter. I elected to replace both front driveshafts, at a cost of $460 with a lifetime parts/labor warranty. While the driveshafts were being replaced, my mechanic noticed that brake pads on one side were wearing unevenly. I elected to replace both front calipers, rotors and pads at a cost of $250 (no labor charge).
Dec 2015 122000 mi US $2190	Replaced all 4 struts, stabilizer linke, etc. Had alignment done also. Factory original parts had finally worn out. $1,275. My mechanic discovered a crack in my exhaust system. So I had him replace the middle resonator pipe + both mufflers. $425. Mechanic discovered the rear brakes calipers had caused pads to wear unevenly. Replaced rear calipers, rotors, pads. $490.
Apr 2016 126500 mi US $3100	Head gasket replacement + valve job, necessitating the engine being removed from the car. Symptoms: oil seepage to exterior of engine + blowing back onto exhaust. New timing belt and spark plugs installed when the engine was re-assembled. Front brake pads and rotors were worn out. Right front caliper was sticking and not releasing properly. Both front calipers, rotors & pads replaced. $811
Nov 2017 149000 mi US $200	Had mechanic replace one of the O2 sensors which was causing a persistent "check engine" light.

Subaru Outback in District of Columbia, United States Mar 2011 - Mar 2018
Dec 2013 63000 mi US $315	Had to replace the rear bushings on the front control arms and the swaybar end links. (Drove over massive speed bumps for 3 years...)
May 2014 65900 mi US $100	Slight leak from the front differential. Problem was fixed with a new seal.

Subaru Outback in New York, United States Jun 2011 - Jun 2013
Oct 2011 46000 mi	Lid on console had come loose

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Subaru Outback in California, United States Feb 2008 - Mar 2010
Mar 2008 1000 mi	Annoying rattles in Moonroof. Not repaired because of insufficient time at dealer. Car was brought in at 3:00 p.m.

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Subaru Outback in Massachusetts, United States May 2011 - Aug 2011
Jul 2011 58000 mi US $350	Wheel bearing replaced passenger side front. Also replaced sway bar links and busings.
Aug 2011 60000 mi	3/4 transmission syncro replaced.

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2008 Subaru Outback Repair Histories