2008 Subaru Outback Subaru Outback 2008

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2008 Subaru Outback repairs by problem area

Engine (32%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (15%)

Brakes and Traction Control (4%)

Suspension and Steering (26%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (14%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (5%)

Other (3%)

Chart based on 377 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2008 Subaru Outback.

2008 Subaru Outback repair cost distribution

$2500+ (4%)

$1000 - $2499 (18%)

$500 - $999 (14%)

$100 - $499 (32%)

< $100 (32%)

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

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.

2008 Subaru Outback

Engine not specified

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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2008 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 243hp 2.5L H4 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

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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2008 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 243hp 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD

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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2008 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 148hp 2.0L H4 Diesel 5-speed manual AWD

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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2008 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

245-horsepower 3.0L H6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

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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2008 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

170-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD

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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2008 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

170-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD

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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2008 Subaru Outback 4-door

turbocharged 4-cylinder automatic AWD

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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2008 Subaru Outback 4-door

4-cylinder manual AWD

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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See TrueDelta's information for all Subaru models.

2008 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 2008 Subaru Outback problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.