What are the most common Subaru Outback problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 7,660+ owner reports, the 2018 Subaru Outback has 25 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Excessive Oil Consumption, CVT Transmission Shudder/Hesitation, Head Gasket Issues. None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.
Is the Subaru Outback reliable?
The 2018 Subaru Outback has 25 known issues documented across 7,660+ owner reports. No issues are rated critical, suggesting generally good reliability. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Subaru Outback problems?
Repair costs for known Subaru Outback issues range from $0 to $4,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2011-2019 Subaru Outback Excessive Oil Consumption?
The FB25 2.5L engine is known for excessive oil consumption, sometimes using 1 quart every 1,000-2,000 miles. Subaru extended warranty coverage and offered piston ring replacement for affected vehicles. Most common on 2011-2014 models. Repairs typically run $0-$4,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 2012-2019 Subaru Outback CVT Transmission Shudder/Hesitation?
The Lineartronic CVT can develop shudder, hesitation, or jerky operation, especially during light acceleration at low speeds. Subaru has updated CVT software multiple times to address these concerns. Repairs typically run $0-$4,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 2011-2019 Subaru Outback Head Gasket Issues?
While the FB25 has improved head gasket reliability compared to older EJ engines, some vehicles still experience head gasket failures. External oil leaks and coolant leaks can develop, particularly at higher mileage. Repairs typically run $1,200-$2,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2011-2019 Subaru Outback A/C Compressor Failure?
The A/C compressor can fail, particularly on vehicles in hot climates with heavy A/C usage. Internal compressor failure can contaminate the A/C system with debris. Repairs typically run $600-$1,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2010-2024 Subaru Outback Front and Rear Wheel Hub Bearing Failure Causing Droning/Humming Noise?
Owners across multiple Outback generations report premature wheel hub bearing failure, most commonly showing up between roughly 80,000 and 120,000 miles. The classic symptom is a low-pitched droning/humming or 'beehive' noise that begins around 45-55 mph and gets louder with spee… Repairs typically run $200-$700. Severity: medium.
What is the 2015-2022 Subaru Outback A/C Condenser / Refrigerant Line Leak Causing Loss of Cooling?
The forward-mounted A/C condenser and its connecting refrigerant lines are vulnerable to leaks - sometimes from road-debris/stone damage to the thin condenser, sometimes from a damaged line or failed O-ring at a hose connection. The system slowly loses refrigerant and cooling fad… Repairs typically run $500-$1,100. Severity: medium.
What is the 2010-2019 Subaru Outback P0430 — Bank 2 (Driver-Side) Catalytic Converter Efficiency Loss, Often Preceded by Oil-Coked Rear O2 Sensor?
On the Subaru boxer engine, Bank 2 is the driver's side (cylinders 2 and 4). P0430 sets when the driver-side rear (downstream) O2 sensor tracks the front sensor too closely, telling the ECM the catalytic converter is no longer scrubbing exhaust efficiently. On the Outback this mo… Repairs typically run $250-$2,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2010-2022 Subaru Outback P0455 — Gross EVAP Leak from Failed Purge Control Solenoid or Charcoal Canister Assembly?
P0455 indicates a large (gross) EVAP leak — the system can't hold pressure/vacuum at all during the self-test. Across the Subaru lineup (Outback, Forester, Impreza, Crosstrek) the standout pattern is the purge control solenoid valve failing due to internal seal degradation, which… Repairs typically run $30-$700. Severity: medium.
What is the 2010-2019 Subaru Outback P0011 — Bank 1 Intake Cam Timing Over-Advanced from Clogged AVCS Banjo-Bolt Filter or Faulty Oil Control Valve?
P0011 sets when the Bank 1 (passenger-side) intake camshaft is advanced beyond the ECM's commanded position — the AVCS phaser is stuck advanced or the ECM can't control it. On the Outback this is almost always oil-related: low or dirty engine oil, or the passenger-side intake oil… Repairs typically run $70-$450. Severity: medium.
What is the 2013-2019 Subaru Outback P0016 — Bank 1 Crank/Cam Correlation Fault from Low/Dirty Oil, Clogged Banjo-Bolt Filter Screen, or Failed AVCS Oil Control Valve?
P0016 means the ECM sees the Bank 1 (passenger-side) intake camshaft out of sync with the crankshaft. Subaru's variable valve timing (AVCS) is oil-pressure driven, so on the FB-series Outback (FB25/FB20) this code is highly sensitive to oil level and condition. The common Subaru-… Repairs typically run $70-$2,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2015-2024 Subaru Outback Rodent-Chewed Wiring (Soy-Based Insulation) Causing Electrical Faults?
Like many modern automakers, Subaru switched to soy/plant-based wire insulation, and owners widely report that rodents (mice/rats) are attracted to and chew through the harnesses, causing warning lights, no-starts, sensor faults, and blown fuses. Documented Outback repair bills r… Repairs typically run $500-$3,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2010-2022 Subaru Outback Sunroof/Moonroof Drain Tube Clog Causing Interior Water Leaks?
Outbacks with a sunroof/moonroof commonly develop interior water leaks caused by clogged, kinked, or (on some 2020 Touring XT builds) factory-blocked sunroof drain tubes. Rather than draining out, water backs up in the sunroof frame and overflows into the headliner and down the A… Repairs typically run $150-$800. Severity: medium.
What is the 2015-2022 Subaru Outback Rear Differential / Driveline Carrier Bearing Whine?
Owners report a speed-dependent whine/howl or turbine-like noise from the rear/undercarriage that turns out to be the rear differential or a driveline carrier bearing rather than a wheel bearing. The tell-tale difference: differential and driveshaft-related noise rises in pitch a… Repairs typically run $100-$3,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 2013-2019 Subaru Outback FB25 Cam Carrier / Valve Cover Oil Leak?
The FB25 2.5L engine (2013+ Outback) has a widely reported oil leak from the cam carrier — the aluminum housing that holds the camshafts and functions as the valve cover on this engine. The RTV/gasket seal between the cam carrier and cylinder head degrades and weeps oil, which po… Repairs typically run $1,500-$3,800. Severity: medium.
What is the 2011-2019 Subaru Outback Catalytic Converter / Front Exhaust Pipe Failure Triggering P0420?
2.5L Outbacks are prone to premature catalytic converter degradation that sets a P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold) check-engine light, often well before 100,000 miles. On some 2015-2016 2.5L Legacy/Outback models the front exhaust pipe assembly (which houses the… Repairs typically run $0-$2,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2018-2019 Subaru Outback Harman Kardon Touchscreen Delamination / Bubbling and Ghost Touches?
Gen-5 Outbacks (and Legacys) equipped with the larger Harman Kardon infotainment head unit suffer from touchscreen delamination: the silicone gel bond between the glass digitizer and the LCD fails, producing bubbles, lifting/oil-slick spots at the edges, and — most disruptively —… Repairs typically run $0-$3,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 2015-2019 Subaru Outback Starlink Infotainment Issues?
The Starlink infotainment system can experience freezing, lag, and connectivity problems. Bluetooth pairing issues and touchscreen responsiveness problems are common complaints. Repairs typically run $0-$1,000. Severity: low.
What is the 2011-2019 Subaru Outback Front Strut/Suspension Noise?
The front suspension can develop clunking or squeaking noises, often from worn strut mounts, sway bar end links, or control arm bushings. This is common on vehicles with higher mileage or those driven on rough roads. Repairs typically run $150-$800. Severity: low.
What is the 2014-2019 Subaru Outback Battery Drain/Weak Battery Issues?
Some Outback owners experience battery drain issues, especially with vehicles that have keyless access and push-button start. The Eyesight system and other electronics can contribute to parasitic draw. Repairs typically run $150-$400. Severity: low.
What is the 2011-2019 Subaru Outback Windshield Cracking (Eyesight Equipped)?
Outbacks equipped with Eyesight can be prone to windshield cracking, possibly due to stress from the Eyesight camera mounting or windshield design. Replacement windshields require Eyesight camera recalibration. Repairs typically run $500-$1,200. Severity: low.
