Last updated: 2026-03-04

Subaru Outback

2 Subaru Outback Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Subaru Outback average of 71/100

The Subaru Outback years to avoid are 2020, 2019 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2020 with a reliability score of 60/100. The best Subaru Outback year to buy is 2025 82/100.

Verdict

The 2020, 2019 Subaru Outback score significantly below the model average of 71/100. The weakest year is 2020 with a score of 60/100 due to visibility wiper (284) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2023 77/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Subaru Outback Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Subaru Outback average of 71/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1202060/100Good6884Visibility Wiper (284)
2201963/100Good31017Electrical System (354)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

60
GoodReliability score: 60 out of 100, rated Good

2020 Subaru Outback

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).

6 recalls884 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Visibility Wiper (284), Electrical System (245), Unknown Or Other (124), Visibility (70), Power Train (42), Structure (17)

View full 2020 reliability report →
63
GoodReliability score: 63 out of 100, rated Good

2019 Subaru Outback

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).

3 recalls1017 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Electrical System (354), Visibility Wiper (283), Unknown Or Other (152), Visibility (62), Steering (35), Structure (21)

View full 2019 reliability report →

What Are Common Subaru Outback Problems?

Top reported issues across all Subaru Outback model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

1142 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

984 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

462 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

STEERING

95 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

POWER TRAIN

94 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

VISIBILITY

94 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2022

Best Subaru Outback Year to Buy Instead

77
GoodReliability score: 77 out of 100, rated Good

2023 Subaru Outback

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).

Score: 77/100 (Good)2 recalls83 complaints
View full 2023 reliability report →

All Subaru Outback Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Subaru Outback Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Subaru Outback years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Subaru Outback years: 2020 (score: 60/100), 2019 (score: 63/100). These model years score significantly below the Subaru Outback average of 71/100.
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 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 43 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Subaru Outback have?
Across all years in our database, the Subaru Outback has a total of 22 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Subaru Outback worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2025 model year, which scores 82/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 71/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Subaru Outback problems?
The most common Subaru Outback problems are visibility/wiper (1142 complaints), electrical system (984 complaints), unknown or other (462 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Subaru Outback reliable long-term?
The Subaru Outback has an average reliability score of 71/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Subaru Outback generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Subaru Outback generation is the Sixth generation (BT) with an average score of 73/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Subaru Outback?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Subaru Outback is $607 based on independent repair cost databases. This may vary depending on the model year and driving conditions.
Is the 2025 Subaru Outback a good used buy?
Yes, the 2025 Subaru Outback is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 82/100 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 43 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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.

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