What are the most common Subaru Outback problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2021 Subaru Outback has 15 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Occupant Detection System (ODS) Sensor Failure — Front Passenger Airbag May Not Deploy (Recall 24V-227 / WRA-24), Thermo Control Valve Failure Causing Check Engine Light and Overheating Risk, Inhibitor (Park/Neutral) Switch Water Intrusion Disabling Reverse Lights and Rearview Camera (Recall 23V755000 / WRQ-23). Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Subaru Outback reliable?
The 2021 Subaru Outback has 15 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Occupant Detection System (ODS) Sensor Failure — Front Passenger Airbag May Not Deploy (Recall 24V-227 / WRA-24) and Thermo Control Valve Failure Causing Check Engine Light and Overheating Risk. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. 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 $3,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Occupant Detection System (ODS) Sensor Failure — Front Passenger Airbag May Not Deploy (Recall 24V-227 / WRA-24), typically costs $0-$0 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2020-2022 Subaru Outback Occupant Detection System (ODS) Sensor Failure — Front Passenger Airbag May Not Deploy (Recall 24V-227 / WRA-24)?
Certain 2020-2022 Outback (and Legacy) vehicles have defective Aisin Occupant Detection System sensors in the front passenger seat. A defect in the ODS sensor printed circuit board can crack a capacitor; moisture entering the capacitor causes a short circuit. This illuminates the… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2020-2023 Subaru Outback Thermo Control Valve Failure Causing Check Engine Light and Overheating Risk?
Multiple 2020-2023 Outback owners with the 2.5L FB25 engine report failure of the thermo control valve assembly, which can trigger a check engine light, disable normal coolant flow control, and in some cases lead to overheating or poor heater performance. Subaru issued a warranty… Repairs typically run $900-$1,800. Severity: high.
What is the 2021-2023 Subaru Outback Inhibitor (Park/Neutral) Switch Water Intrusion Disabling Reverse Lights and Rearview Camera (Recall 23V755000 / WRQ-23)?
An insufficient weld between the switch stator and cover of the transmission inhibitor (park/neutral start interlock) switch allows water intrusion over time, causing the switch to become inoperative. When it fails, the reverse lights do not illuminate and the rearview/backup cam… Repairs typically run $0-$0. 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 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 2020-2024 Subaru Outback Seat Heater Failure or Overheating in Front Seats?
Owners have reported front seat heaters that stop working, heat unevenly, or become excessively hot in localized areas. Complaints and forum reports point to failures in the seat heater element, thermostat/control logic, or seat cushion wiring within this generation. The issue is… Repairs typically run $300-$1,200. Severity: medium.
What is the 2020-2024 Subaru Outback Rear Gate Control Module / Power Liftgate Failure and Uncommanded Reversal?
Owners of 2020-2024 Outbacks frequently report power rear gate problems including failure to open or close, repeated beeping, stopping mid-travel, or reversing unexpectedly. Subaru issued service information for rear gate control module logic and initialization issues, and owner… Repairs typically run $150-$1,800. Severity: medium.
What is the 2020-2025 Subaru Outback FA24 2.4L Turbo Direct-Injection Intake-Valve Carbon Buildup (XT / Wilderness / Onyx Turbo Models)?
The turbocharged FA24 (FA24F/FA24DIT) 2.4L boxer in Outback XT, Onyx Edition XT, and Wilderness trims uses port-less direct injection only, so fuel never washes the back of the intake valves. Carbon sludge accumulates on the intake ports/valves, typically becoming noticeable arou… Repairs typically run $400-$1,200. Severity: medium.
What is the 2020-2025 Subaru Outback Driver Monitoring System and EyeSight Camera Faults Causing Persistent Warning Messages?
Owners across the 2020-2025 generation report recurring Driver Monitoring System and EyeSight-related warnings such as 'Driver Monitoring System Disabled' or temporary loss of driver-assist functions even in normal conditions. While some events are environmental, complaint patter… Repairs typically run $150-$2,000. 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 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 2013-2024 Subaru Outback Premature Rear Brake Pad and Rotor Wear?
A very common owner complaint is that the Outback's rear brake pads and rotors wear out dramatically faster than the fronts — often gone by 20,000-40,000 miles while the fronts still have most of their life. Multiple owners report metal-on-metal rear pads and scored rotors at low… Repairs typically run $250-$650. Severity: low.
What is the 2005-2022 Subaru Outback P0442 — Small EVAP Leak from Gas Cap O-Ring or Leaking Purge/Vent Valve?
P0442 means the ECM detected a small leak in the sealed evaporative-emissions system during its self-test. On the Outback the three usual culprits, in order, are: (1) the fuel filler cap — its rubber O-ring hardens and cracks with age, or the cap isn't clicked tight, or a non-OEM… Repairs typically run $20-$400. Severity: low.
