Last updated: 2026-03-04

82
ExcellentReliability score: 82 out of 100, rated Excellent
2025 Subaru Outback

2025 Subaru Outback Reliability Score & Common Problems

The 2025 Subaru Outback scores 82/100 ("Excellent") with a complaint rate below the segment average. Data shows a dependable ownership experience across 0 recalls and 43 owner complaints.

2025 is the last model year of the Sixth generation (BT).

Recalls

0

Complaints

43

Complaint Rate

2.7

per 10k sold

Below avg

Est. Annual Cost

$607

About avg

Major Repair Risk

12%

NHTSA Rating

5/5

Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity35%
82/100 (Excellent)

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs30%
70/100 (Good)

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact20%
100/100 (Excellent)

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity15%
83/100 (Excellent)

Breadth of reported problem categories

Buy

Strong reliability record — a solid choice for buyers.

Top Issues

UNKNOWN OR OTHER (10)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)AIR BAGS (4)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Final Year

2025 is the last model year of the Sixth generation (BT).

  • Final-year models are typically the most refined version of a generation.
  • 2 years after the last refresh (2023).
  • 6th generation Outback (US).

What this means for buyers

Final-year models are usually the most polished version of a generation, but resale value may dip as buyers anticipate the next redesign.

Sixth generation (BT)

2020redesign
2021
2022
2023refresh
2024
2025selected

Should You Buy the 2025 Subaru Outback?

The 2025 Subaru Outback earns an Excellent 82/100 reliability score. 2025 is the last model year of the Sixth generation (BT).

Its complaint rate (2.7 per 10k sold) sits below the SUV segment average, and most owners report a trouble-free ownership experience.

A solid choice for buyers prioritizing dependability, whether purchased new or used.

Compared to the 2026 Subaru Outback. See also the 2024 Subaru Outback for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • Strong reliability score
  • Low major repair risk (12%)
  • No recalls issued
  • Below-average complaint rate for SUV
  • 5-star NHTSA crash rating

Cons

  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER issues reported (10 complaints)
  • Windshield cracking reported at 0–4,000 miles

Compare 2025 Subaru Outback With

Common Problem Categories

Other

  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (10)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)
  • AIR BAGS (4)
  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING (3)
  • VISIBILITY/WIPER (3)
  • LANE DEPARTURE (3)
  • BACK OVER PREVENTION (3)
  • STEERING (2)
  • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2)
  • SERVICE BRAKES (2)
  • EQUIPMENT (1)
  • ENGINE (1)
  • TIRES (1)
  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1)
  • STRUCTURE (1)
  • FUEL SYSTEM (1)
  • LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (1)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

0

recalls on record

The 2025 Subaru Outback has no recalls on record, which is uncommon and a positive indicator of manufacturing quality.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

2.7

per 10k sold

Segment avg: 4.1

LowAvgHigh
Low

Safety Incidents

Crashes

3

Fires

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

0

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2025 Subaru Outback NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 18.5%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Not Available)Seat Belt Pretensioners (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Seat Belt Load Limiters (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Torso and/or Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (Seat Pan Airbag)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)Unattended Child Reminder Direct Sensing System (No)LATCH Locations (2nd row)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row, Roof)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Subaru Outback Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$607

vs $573 avg for midsize SUVs

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.4

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

12%

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

Outback
$607
Category Avg
$573
All Vehicles
$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

When Buying a Used 2025 Subaru Outback

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.

  • Inspect windshield for cracks or chips
  • Test infotainment system for pop-up ads during operation
  • Verify passenger airbag activation with a light passenger
  • Check headlight performance at night for shadows or low visibility
  • Test lane departure and collision avoidance systems for false alerts
  • Ensure sunroof integrity, especially if parked in hot conditions

Check Any 2025 Subaru Outback's History Before You Buy

Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2025 Outback in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Subaru Outback with a free VIN lookup.

Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.

2025 Subaru Outback Common Problems by Component

43 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

10
11
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (10)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)AIR BAGS (4)EXTERIOR LIGHTING (3)VISIBILITY/WIPER (3)LANE DEPARTURE (3)BACK OVER PREVENTION (3)STEERING (2)Other (11)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

10 complaints

Owners of the 2025 Subaru Outback frequently report issues with the infotainment system, including pop-up ads for SiriusXM that obscure important vehicle controls while driving, leading to potential distractions. Multiple complaints describe connectivity problems with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, where the connection is unstable and can disconnect randomly, affecting navigation use. A few reports also mention sudden windshield cracks and sunroof explosions without apparent external cause, as well as spontaneous emergency braking and lane-keeping assist malfunctions. These issues are often reported in vehicles with low mileage, sometimes as early as 4,000 miles, and have implications for driver safety, including increased distraction and potential for accidents.

10 complaints total

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 complaints

Owners report two primary issues with the 2025 Subaru Outback's electrical system. Firstly, multiple complaints describe the head unit and dashboard going completely dark while driving, resulting in the temporary loss of access to safety features and vehicle controls such as auto braking and turn signals. This issue is noted to occur randomly and without warning. Secondly, owners frequently mention unsolicited SiriusXM promotional pop-ups on the infotainment screen, which appear while the vehicle is in motion and require driver interaction to dismiss, causing distraction. These issues are reported to occur at various times, with no specific mileage mentioned, and have significant safety implications due to the potential for driver distraction and loss of control over vehicle functions.

4 complaints total

AIR BAGS

4 complaints

Owners report issues with the front passenger airbag system in the 2025 Subaru Outback. Complaints frequently mention that the airbag fails to activate for occupants weighing around 100 pounds, despite dealer information suggesting a lower activation threshold. Symptoms include the airbag status indicator remaining "off" even when an adult passenger is seated, leading to potential safety concerns for lighter passengers. Multiple owners describe being advised by dealerships that the system is functioning as designed, with no repair solutions offered. These reports do not specify mileage, suggesting the issue may arise soon after purchase.

4 complaints total
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (3 complaints)

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

3 complaints

Owners of the 2025 Subaru Outback report issues with the headlights, specifically noting a distracting shadow that appears to cross the road, diverting attention from driving. Multiple complaints describe inadequate low beam illumination, particularly when driving on inclines, necessitating the use of high beams, which some owners find problematic due to the risk of blinding oncoming traffic. These issues appear to occur at low mileages, with one report indicating a failure at approximately 71 miles. The described problems suggest a potential safety concern due to reduced nighttime visibility, particularly in rural areas.

3 complaints total
VISIBILITY/WIPER (3 complaints)

VISIBILITY/WIPER

3 complaints

Owners report that the 2025 Subaru Outback frequently experiences issues with windshield cracking. Complaints commonly describe sudden loud noises followed by the appearance of hairline cracks, often without any apparent debris impact. Another pattern noted is the windshield's heightened sensitivity to chips and cracks, with owners comparing it unfavorably to previous vehicles owned. Some reports suggest these issues arise shortly after purchase, although specific mileage is not consistently mentioned. Safety implications include potential driver distraction and impaired visibility, with concerns about the structural integrity of the windshield. This information may be useful for potential buyers considering the durability of the vehicle's windshield.

3 complaints total
LANE DEPARTURE (3 complaints)

LANE DEPARTURE

3 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report several issues with the lane departure and related safety systems in the 2025 Subaru Outback. Complaints frequently mention intermittent functionality of the EyeSight Assist, where it stops working without clear environmental triggers, and the lane departure warning system, which sometimes issues false alerts even when the vehicle is within the lane. One owner describes the lane departure system as ineffective in recognizing modified lane markers, leading to potentially hazardous situations in construction zones. Additionally, there is a report of abrupt, unprompted braking at various speeds, which the dealership denies as a feature. Safety implications include one crash in a parking lot linked to unexpected acceleration, resulting in vehicle damage. These issues are noted without specific mileage or timeline patterns from the complaints.

3 complaints total1 crash
BACK OVER PREVENTION (3 complaints)

BACK OVER PREVENTION

3 complaints

Owners report issues with the 2025 Subaru Outback's back over prevention systems, primarily involving misalignment of the rear camera and EyeSight system, which can be off by about 6 inches, potentially affecting lane departure and automated driving assistance. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle's failure to engage automatic braking when another vehicle is in front, with some owners experiencing recurring problems despite multiple service visits. Additionally, there are reports of infotainment system glitches that intermittently affect the backup camera, causing visibility issues during parking maneuvers. These issues typically emerge shortly after purchase, with one owner noting problems persisting even after three repair attempts. Safety implications include the risk of collisions due to camera misalignment and braking system failures, which potential buyers should consider.

3 complaints total
STEERING (2 complaints)

STEERING

2 complaints

Owners of the 2025 Subaru Outback report issues related to steering, specifically oversteering occurrences at various speeds. One complaint describes the vehicle's tendency to oversteer, nearly resulting in crashes on multiple occasions. This issue persists even after a dealer performed an alignment adjustment, suggesting that the problem may not be resolved by standard alignment corrections. The reported issue emerges at low mileage, around 44 miles, indicating it can occur early in the vehicle's life. Safety implications are notable, as the oversteering can lead to loss of control, posing a potential risk of accidents.

2 complaints total
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report issues with the vehicle speed control of the 2025 Subaru Outback, with symptoms including unintended acceleration and inconsistent operation of cruise control and other safety systems. One owner describes a crash occurring due to unintended acceleration while exiting a parking space, resulting in damage to other vehicles, although no injuries were reported. Another owner highlights persistent software problems affecting the cruise control and safety features like the rear collision system and eyesight system, despite multiple dealership visits for repairs. These issues are noted at low mileage, around 500 miles, and over a timeline of several months. Safety implications are evident, particularly in the case involving a crash.

2 complaints total1 crash
SERVICE BRAKES (2 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

2 complaints

Owners of the 2025 Subaru Outback report issues with the vehicle's driver-assist systems, particularly concerning the collision detection and lane-keeping features. Symptoms frequently described include the car unexpectedly slowing down due to perceived obstacles that are distant, and the vehicle attempting to maintain lane position against the driver's intentions, especially during lane changes. These incidents often occur during highway driving or when maneuvering in tight spaces, such as parking. The complaints highlight safety implications such as potential loss of control and the risk of rear-end collisions due to sudden braking. Prospective buyers should be aware that these features may not be fully disableable and can interfere with normal driving operations.

2 complaints total

When Do 2025 Subaru Outback Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

0–4,000 milesWindshield cracking
0–2,000 milesElectrical system failures
0–500 milesUnintended acceleration

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).

See full Subaru Outback years-to-avoid analysis →

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.

avg 71
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Subaru Outback reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201864/100Good
201963/100Good
202060/100Good
202169/100Good
202267/100Good
202377/100Good
202482/100Excellent
202582/100Excellent

Subaru Outback Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202680/100 (predicted)Predicted00
2025(selected)82/1000Excellent043
202482/100+5Excellent069
202377/100+10Good283
202267/100-2Good4435
202169/100+9Good4283
202060/100-3Good6884
201963/100-1Good31017
201864/100Good3779

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2025 Subaru Outback reliable?
Yes, the 2025 Subaru Outback is considered highly reliable with a score of 82/100 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and a complaint rate below the segment average, placing it among the more dependable vehicles in its class.
What are the most common problems with the 2025 Subaru Outback?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2025 Subaru Outback include: UNKNOWN OR OTHER (10 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4 complaints), AIR BAGS (4 complaints), EXTERIOR LIGHTING (3 complaints), VISIBILITY/WIPER (3 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2025 Subaru Outback have?
The 2025 Subaru Outback has no recalls on record, which is a positive indicator.
Is the 2025 Subaru Outback expensive to maintain?
The 2025 Subaru Outback is expected to have below-average maintenance costs at $607/year, which is $34 more than the midsize SUVs average of $573. Its high reliability score of 82/100 and complaint rate below the segment average suggest that unexpected repairs are uncommon.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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.

See incorrect data? Report an issue