Subaru Outback Years To Avoid (Best and Worst)

The Subaru Outback has been a reliable and popular choice for adventure-seekers and daily commuters alike. However, not all model years are created equal. As with any car, there are certain Subaru Outback years to avoid and others that stand out as the best.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss the best and worst years for the Subaru Outback, so you can make an informed decision when shopping for a used one.

Revving up for your next big trip or trying to avoid getting left behind on the road, knowing which years to consider (and which to avoid) is key.

On the other hand, we’ll also highlight the best years for the Subaru Outback, so you can keep an eye out for those if you’re in the market for a preowned vehicle.

These are the model years that have proven to be highly successful and reliable.

By knowing which Subaru Outback years to avoid and which ones to consider, you’ll have the knowledge you need to make a smart choice when buying a used Outback.

Subaru Outback Model Years to Avoid

In the Subaru Outback, there are not many years that you need to avoid. However, there is one year that stands out as a model to steer clear of the 2013 Subaru Outback.

The 2013 Subaru Outback

This particular model year had some significant issues that you should be aware of if you’re considering buying a preowned Outback.

One of the major problems with the 2013 Outback was a defective piston ring. This caused oil to leak or burn excessively, leading to engine failure.

Many owners reported having to buy oil in large quantities and having to change the oil more frequently than usual, sometimes even every 2000 miles. Subaru eventually issued a recall for the 2011 to 2013 models due to this issue.

The 2014 Subaru Outback

In 2014, a class-action lawsuit was filed against Subaru regarding the defective piston rings. Many owners claimed that they were told by Subaru that their cars used less oil than they actually did.

The lawsuit was settled in 2016, with Subaru paying for the damages caused by the faulty pistons.

2015-2018 Model Years

The 2013 model year is the one to avoid, there were also some problems with the 2015-2018 models. Specifically, these years had issues with the electrical system, with modern interior features often stopping working.

However, the 2019 model year has proven to be one of the most reliable versions of the Subaru Outback.

If you’re shopping for a preowned Subaru Outback, it’s best to avoid the 2013 model year due to the piston ring issue.

Best Used Subaru Outback Year

If you’re in the market for a pre-owned Subaru Outback, it’s important to know which years are considered the best.

There are certain years of the Outback to avoid, but there are also many majorly successful years to consider.

The 2005 to 2009 Subaru Outback

One of the best Subaru Outback years to look out for is from 2005 to 2009. During this time, Subaru focused on improving the car’s performance. The turbocharged XT model was introduced, boasting 250 horsepower with its 2.5L engine.

The body style also changed slightly, with Subaru opting for a more compact version of an SUV as demand for crossovers increased.

The 1994 to 1999 Subaru Outback

Another standout period for the Subaru Outback was from 1994 to 1999. While these years may seem old, they were the glory years for the Outback.

The exterior was simple yet stylish, and the vehicle had all the right specs for a smooth and reliable drive. It was during this time that the Outback began to gain popularity and make its way onto driveways across the country.

Subaru Outback New Version

If you’re more interested in a newer model, the current generation of the Subaru Outback is also highly recommended. Comparing the 90s version to the 2020 model and beyond, the Outback has undergone significant changes.

The 2020 model is much larger and comes with advanced technological features both inside and out. It boasts 260 horsepower from a 2.4L four-cylinder engine and includes upgraded safety features.

However, unlike previous models, the current generation no longer offers an optional 6-cylinder engine.

By keeping an eye out for the best years of the Subaru Outback, you can ensure that you’re getting a reliable and high-performing vehicle.

Do Subaru Outbacks have problems?

Ah, the beloved Subaru Outback. It’s a versatile and dependable vehicle that can take you on adventures and daily commutes alike. But, like any car, it’s not without its faults.

So, let’s dive into the question on everyone’s mind: Do Subaru Outbacks have problems?

Well, here’s the good news. If you take care of your Subaru Outback properly, it can go over 200,000 miles without needing any major repairs.

That’s quite impressive! However, there are a few common issues that you should be aware of.

One of the top problems with the Subaru Outback is weak windshields. Many owners have reported issues with cracked or easily damaged windshields, which can be quite frustrating.
Some models have poor cooling systems, which can lead to overheating and other related problems.
Another common issue is oxygen sensor failure. This can cause a decrease in fuel efficiency and even trigger the check engine light.
Excessive oil consumption is another problem that some Subaru Outback owners have experienced. This is often due to oil leaks, which can be a costly repair.
Faulty airbags have been reported in certain models of the Subaru Outback. This is a serious safety concern and should be addressed immediately if you suspect there’s an issue.

So, while the Subaru Outback is generally a reliable vehicle, it’s important to be aware of these potential problems.

Is Subaru Outback high maintenance?

Subaru vehicles, including the Outback, are known for their reliability and performance. They handle well and are generally trustworthy on the road. However, it’s important to note that Subarus can be expensive to fix and maintain.

Routine maintenance is essential for any car model, Subarus may require more frequent inspections and repairs compared to other vehicles.

This is partly due to their unique features and components. To maintain a low cost of ownership for your Subaru Outback, it’s crucial to stay on top of regular inspections and maintenance tasks.

Regular inspections, routine maintenance, and timely repairs are key to ensuring the longevity and performance of your Subaru Outback.

Where does the Subaru Outback rank in reliability?

The reliability of the Subaru Outback ranks slightly below average compared to other makes and models we examined. The long-term quality rating for the Subaru Outback is 36.6, while the average rating across all makes and models is 43.

The Subaru Outback is generally a reliable vehicle, it’s important to consider which years to avoid in order to maximize its reliability.

As we discussed earlier, the 2013 model year should be avoided due to issues with defective piston rings and excessive oil consumption. This model year had a significant impact on the overall reliability rating of the Outback.

By being aware of the years to avoid and conducting thorough research, you can make an informed decision when purchasing a Subaru Outback.

What are common Subaru Outback starting problems?

Ready to hit the road in your Subaru Outback and it won’t start, it can be incredibly frustrating. So, what are some common Subaru Outback starting problems?

Well, the most common reasons for a Subaru Outback not starting are usually a dead battery, an alternator problem, or a failed starter.

A dead battery is a common issue that can occur if you accidentally leave your lights on or if your battery is old and needs to be replaced.
An alternator problem can prevent your battery from being charged properly, leading to a lack of power to start your vehicle.
A failed starter can prevent the engine from turning over, resulting in a non-starting car.

If you’re experiencing any of these starting issues with your Subaru Outback, it’s a good idea to reach out to a professional technician. So, don’t let a starting problem hold you back from your adventures.

Are Subaru’s reliable cars?

Subaru is known for being a reliable car brand. It has an overall reliability rating of 3.5/5 according to RepairPal, ranking 14th out of 32 car brands. The average annual repair cost for Subaru models is $617, which is slightly better than the overall average repair cost of $652 across all models.

Conclusion

After examining the best and worst years for the Subaru Outback, we can draw some conclusions.

The Subaru Outback has had its fair share of problems, but there are also many reliable and high-performing years to choose from. The 2013 model year should definitely be avoided due to issues with defective piston rings and excessive oil consumption.

This year had a significant impact on the overall reliability rating of the Outback.

On the other hand, the best years for the Subaru Outback are generally considered to be from 2005 to 2009.

During this time, Subaru focused on improving the car’s performance, introducing the turbocharged XT model and boasting 250 horsepower. The body style also changed slightly, making it a more compact and stylish option.

If you prefer a newer model, the current generation of the Subaru Outback, starting in 2020, has seen significant improvements and technological advancements.

With a larger size, upgraded safety features, and a 2.4L four-cylinder engine, it’s a reliable and modern choice.

If you’re shopping for a preowned Subaru Outback, avoid the 2013 model year and consider the years from 2005 to 2009 for the best performance. Don’t forget to properly maintain your Outback to ensure its longevity and reliability.

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