Used Subaru Outback 2015-2021 reliability
Category: Estate car
The Outback is roomy and well equipped, but it's not quite good enough to challenge the class best
What should I look for in a used Subaru Outback estate?
When viewing a used car, always follow our used car buying checklist.
There is more than a chance that your Subaru Outback will have been used off-road, even if not in the real wilds, so check the car carefully for any damage to the bodywork, especially underneath.The main thing to remember is that parts are pricey, so make sure small details all work, such as all the lights and electrical equipment in the interior. Both petrol and diesel engines have been known to develop oil leaks, which can point to potentially more costly fixes. Also check the clutch on the manual diesel models, as they can be used hard. On the whole, though, Subaru’s high reputation for reliability and its obvious build quality have so far indicated few problems of major note.
What are the most common problems with a used Subaru Outback estate?
At the time of writing, the Outback has four recalls listed. To find out whether a car has been affected, you can contact your local Subaru dealer. You will not need to pay for anything involving the recall.
Reason for recall
There is no inherent problem with the brake lamp switch. However, if the brake lamp switch did fail, the driver would not be informed that the brake lamps were not working. The same goes for the adaptive cruise control and pre-collision braking system. The brake lamps not working would increase the risk of an incident during normal driving.
How the manufacturer will repair: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and reprogram the driving support system.
Number of affected vehicles: 436
Date of recall: 11/06/2015
Reason for recall
A crack on air intake ducts could cause the engine to idle rough, lower the power and stall. The engine may stall while driving, too. Possible safety hazard while driving in traffic
How the manufacturer will repair: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and check the date on the air intake duct. Depending on findings, the air intake ducts may have to be replaced.
Number of affected vehicles: 255
Date of recall: 01/08/2016
Reason for recall
Potential injury if airbag is deployed.
How the manufacturer will repair: Replace airbag inflator unit on affected vehicles.
Number of affected vehicles: 7589
Date of recall: 23/07/2018
Reason for recall
The electronic park brake connector may disconnect.
How the manufacturer will repair: Inspect the electronic park brake connector and if necessary fit a retaining clip.
Number of affected vehicles: 4769
Date of recall: 01/09/2022
Is a used Subaru Outback estate reliable?
The Outback had too few responses to feature in the latest What Car? Reliability Survey, as did Subaru as a brand. However, historically, Subaru has scored reasonably well for reliability.
Used Subaru Outback: the owners' view
In our latest reliability survey, owners said the Subaru Outback (2015-2021) is a fundamentally robust estate, though it isn't immune to faults. Reliability remains a strong suit for both petrol and diesel models, with many owners reporting few major mechanical issues. However, recurring electrical niggles were identified, particularly regarding the infotainment screen and software, which can be laggy or unresponsive. Another common issue is battery drain, which often requires a dealer fix to prevent unexpected flat batteries.
Readers also highlighted surprisingly fragile windshields, which proved expensive to repair. While the EyeSight safety system is highly valued, some reported warning lights triggered by faulty sensors or cameras, leading to costly out-of-warranty visits. Dealer service was generally praised for technical expertise, though the small network size can be inconvenient. A few owners also noted excessive noise from the CVT gearbox. Overall, the Outback remains a reliable, if occasionally expensive, choice.
