Last updated: 2026-04-20

2025 Subaru Outback Reliability Report
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.
Recalls
0
Complaints
43
Complaint Rate
2.7per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$607
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,150–$2,600
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Strong reliability record — a solid choice for buyers.
Top Issues to Watch
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)
- AIR BAGS (4)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (3)
Generation & Refresh (US)
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.
2020: Sixth generation (BT) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2023: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2025: This Model Year
2025 is the last model year of the Sixth generation (BT).
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).
At 2.7 per 10,000 vehicles sold, its complaint rate sits below the SUV segment average, and most owners report a trouble-free ownership experience.
A solid choice for buyers prioritizing dependability, 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

2025 Toyota Highlander
Reliability: 76/100

2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
Reliability: 80/100

2025 Ford Explorer
Reliability: 72/100

2025 Honda Pilot
Reliability: 71/100

2025 Ford Bronco-Sport
Reliability: 73/100
Common Problem Categories
Other
HIGH RISK- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (10)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)
Recall Overview
0
recalls on record
No recalls are on record for the 2025 Subaru Outback — uncommon, and a strong signal of manufacturing quality.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
2.7
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 4.1
Safety Incidents
3
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
Buying a used 2025 Subaru Outback? Check its history first
Every 2025 Subaru Outback has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2025 Subaru Outback NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 18.5%
Safety Technologies
Subaru OutbackRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based 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
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
23–28 MPG
Running cost: $2,750–$3,200/yr
Fuel + repair
21–26 city / 26–32 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2025 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outback AWD 2.5L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S8) | 26 | 32 | 28 | $2,150 |
| Outback AWD 2.4L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S8) | 22 | 29 | 25 | $2,400 |
| Outback Wilderness AWD 2.4L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S8) | 21 | 26 | 23 | $2,600 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2025 Subaru Outback.
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
2025 Subaru Outback Common Problems by Component
43 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
10 complaintsOwners 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
4 complaintsOwners 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.
AIR BAGS
4 complaintsOwners 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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (3 complaints)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
3 complaintsOwners 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.
VISIBILITY/WIPER (3 complaints)
VISIBILITY/WIPER
3 complaintsOwners 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.
LANE DEPARTURE (3 complaints)
LANE DEPARTURE
3 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
BACK OVER PREVENTION (3 complaints)
BACK OVER PREVENTION
3 complaintsOwners 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.
STEERING (2 complaints)
STEERING
2 complaintsOwners 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.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
SERVICE BRAKES (2 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaintsOwners 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.
When Do 2025 Subaru Outback Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Subaru Outback Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Subaru Outback Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe 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).
2025
(Current Model)
2024
2023
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).
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. Current year highlighted.
| 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 |
Subaru Outback Reliability Compared to Other Years
| Year | Score | vs Prior Year | Rating | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 80/100 (predicted) | — | Predicted | 0 | 0 |
| 2025(selected) | 82/100 | 0 | Excellent | 0 | 43 |
| 2024 | 82/100 | +5 | Excellent | 0 | 69 |
| 2023 | 77/100 | +10 | Good | 2 | 83 |
| 2022 | 67/100 | -2 | Good | 4 | 435 |
| 2021 | 69/100 | +9 | Good | 4 | 283 |
| 2020 | 60/100 | -3 | Good | 6 | 884 |
| 2019 | 63/100 | -1 | Good | 3 | 1017 |
| 2018 | 64/100 | — | Good | 3 | 779 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2025 Subaru Outback reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2025 Subaru Outback?
How many recalls does the 2025 Subaru Outback have?
Is the 2025 Subaru Outback expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2025 Subaru Outback without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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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.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Subaru Outback.
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