What are the most common Subaru Outback problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2026-2026 Subaru Outback has 1 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: EyeSight Unintended / Phantom Automatic Emergency Braking (2023-2026 Pre-Collision Braking Defect, Hall v. Subaru). Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Subaru Outback reliable?

The 2026-2026 Subaru Outback has 1 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: EyeSight Unintended / Phantom Automatic Emergency Braking (2023-2026 Pre-Collision Braking Defect, Hall v. Subaru). 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.

Subaru · Known Issues

2026 Subaru Outback Problems: 1 Issue Every Owner Should Know

2026 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated June 2026

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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2026 Subaru Outback has 1 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is EyeSight Unintended / Phantom Automatic Emergency Braking (2023-2026 Pre-Collision Braking Defect, Hall v. Subaru) ($0-$0 repair). Across all issues, repair costs range from $ to $. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

All 1 Known Issues

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On the 2023-2026 Subaru Outback, owners of recent EyeSight-equipped Outbacks report unintended, sudden full-force automatic emergency braking ('phantom braking') with no obstacle present — at highway speed, in fog, in construction zones (mistaking cones for vehicles), and even reverse AEB while backing up. A 2026 class action (Hall v. Subaru) alleges the system was improperly tuned to command full ABS-module braking whenever the cameras perceive a stationary object regardless of actual collision risk, citing 25+ NHTSA consumer complaints; one cited 2024 Subaru braked twice without input at 65 mph and was rear-ended. This is distinct from EyeSight camera/driver-monitoring warning faults — the hazard here is unwanted braking that can cause rear-end collisions.

Common Symptoms

Sudden hard braking with no obstacle ahead (phantom braking)
False forward-collision warnings
Reverse automatic emergency braking with nothing behind the vehicle
Braking triggered by fog, shadows, overpasses, or construction cones
Inability to fully disable the intervention

How to Fix

No recall as of mid-2026; an NHTSA-complaint-driven class action is pending. Subaru dealers can update EyeSight/ABS-module software and recalibrate the stereo cameras (recalibration is also required after any windshield replacement). Keep the windshield clean and uncracked, use OEM-spec wiper blades and correct tire sizes (out-of-spec items can degrade EyeSight), and report phantom-braking events to NHTSA. Drivers can temporarily disable Pre-Collision Braking via the EyeSight controls when the behavior recurs.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $0

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High ConfidenceVerified0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Jun 2026

2026 Subaru Outback Problems: 1 Issue Every Owner Should Know

All 1 Known Issues

2023-2026 Subaru Outback: EyeSight Unintended / Phantom Automatic Emergency Braking (2023-2026 Pre-Collision Braking Defect, Hall v. Subaru)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Subaru Outback problems?

Is the Subaru Outback reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Subaru Outback problems?

What is the 2023-2026 Subaru Outback EyeSight Unintended / Phantom Automatic Emergency Braking (2023-2026 Pre-Collision Braking Defect, Hall v. Subaru)?