Last updated: 2026-03-04
Subaru Outback Reliability by Year
The Subaru Outback averages 71/100 across 8 model years, rated good.
Subaru Outback Reliability Overview
Subaru Outback models from 2018 to 2026 show a mixed reliability performance, with scores ranging from 54 to 74 out of 100. Common issues across these years include windshield cracking and electrical system malfunctions, particularly affecting infotainment and battery reliability. Despite these concerns, complaint rates have significantly decreased in recent years, with the 2026 model having no reported complaints, indicating potential improvements in reliability.
Current generation: 7th gen (2026–2023).
Best & Worst Subaru Outback Years
Best Subaru Outback Years to Buy
The best Subaru Outback year is 2025 with a reliability score of 82/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2024 (82/100) and 2023 (77/100).
Subaru Outback Years to Avoid
The worst Subaru Outback year is 2020 with a score of 60/100, primarily due to visibility wiper (284) issues. Also avoid 2019 (63/100).
2020
6 recalls · 884 complaints
2019
3 recalls · 1017 complaints
Subaru Outback Reliability Score Trend
Subaru Outback reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 77/100 compared to 64/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 64/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 63/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 60/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 69/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 67/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 82/100 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 82/100 | Excellent |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2026 Subaru Outback
0 recalls · 0 complaints
The 2026 Subaru Outback has excellent reliability. There are 0 recalls and 0 owner complaints on file for the 2026 Subaru Outback.
2025 Subaru Outback
0 recalls · 43 complaints
The 2025 Subaru Outback has excellent reliability. There are 0 recalls and 43 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Subaru Outback. Severity signals include 3 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (10), Electrical System (4), Air Bags (4).
2024 Subaru Outback
0 recalls · 69 complaints
The 2024 Subaru Outback has excellent reliability. There are 0 recalls and 69 owner complaints on file for the 2024 Subaru Outback. Severity signals include 4 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Visibility Wiper (17), Unknown Or Other (12), Electrical System (9).
2023 Subaru Outback
2 recalls · 83 complaints
The 2023 Subaru Outback has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 83 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Subaru Outback. Severity signals include 7 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (15), Visibility Wiper (15), Unknown Or Other (14).
2022 Subaru Outback
4 recalls · 435 complaints
The 2022 Subaru Outback has good reliability. There are 4 recalls and 435 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Subaru Outback. Severity signals include 10 crash-related complaints and 4 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Visibility Wiper (237), Unknown Or Other (73), Electrical System (39).
2021 Subaru Outback
4 recalls · 283 complaints
The 2021 Subaru Outback has good reliability. There are 4 recalls and 283 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Subaru Outback. Severity signals include 6 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Visibility Wiper (89), Electrical System (70), Unknown Or Other (45).
2020 Subaru Outback
6 recalls · 884 complaints
The 2020 Subaru Outback has good reliability. There are 6 recalls and 884 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Subaru Outback. Severity signals include 18 crash-related complaints and 4 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Visibility Wiper (284), Electrical System (245), Unknown Or Other (124).
2019 Subaru Outback
3 recalls · 1017 complaints
The 2019 Subaru Outback has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 1017 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Subaru Outback. Severity signals include 22 crash-related complaints and 2 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (354), Visibility Wiper (283), Unknown Or Other (152).
2018 Subaru Outback
3 recalls · 779 complaints
The 2018 Subaru Outback has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 779 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Subaru Outback. Severity signals include 25 crash-related complaints and 4 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (248), Visibility Wiper (214), Unknown Or Other (105).
Subaru Outback Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
3.5/5
Annual Repair Cost
$607
Repair Frequency
0.4/yr
Major Repair Risk
12%
$34 above the midsize SUVs average of $573/yr.
Ranked #10 of 26 among midsize SUVs.
Subaru Outback Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
Most Reliable Subaru Models
Compare all Subaru models by reliability
Compare Subaru Outback With Similar SUVs
The Subaru Outback competes with other midsize suvs such as Toyota Highlander, Toyota Grand Highlander, and Ford Explorer.
Toyota Highlander reliability
9 years tracked · 1892 complaints
Toyota Grand Highlander reliability
3 years tracked · 204 complaints
Ford Explorer reliability
9 years tracked · 2694 complaints
Honda Pilot reliability
9 years tracked · 2382 complaints
Jeep Grand Cherokee reliability
9 years tracked · 2592 complaints
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Subaru Outback reliable?
- The Subaru Outback has good reliability with an average score of 71/100. Some model years are stronger than others — check individual years before buying.
- What is the best year for the Subaru Outback?
- The best year for the Subaru Outback is 2025 with a reliability score of 82/100, rated excellent. It has 0 recalls and 43 owner complaints on record. See full 2025 Subaru Outback analysis →
- What are the Subaru Outback years to avoid?
- The Subaru Outback years to avoid include 2020 (60/100), 2019 (63/100). These model years score significantly below the model average due to higher recall and complaint volumes. See the full years-to-avoid analysis for details. See full years-to-avoid analysis →
- How much does it cost to maintain a Subaru Outback?
- The Subaru Outback has an estimated annual repair cost of $607, which is $34 above the midsize SUVs average of $573. This includes both scheduled maintenance and unscheduled repairs based on independent repair data.
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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