Subaru Outback Reviews

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About Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback is an SUV. Older models are station wagons. Read more Subaru reviews to learn about other models.


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Subaru Outback Reviews

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    How do I know I can trust these reviews about Subaru Outback?
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    Page 1 Reviews 0 - 10
    Installation & Setup

    Reviewed May 16, 2025

    We bought a Subaru Outback in 2021. We really enjoyed the car for the first 3 years and then the battery problems started. We had a dead battery in December. AAA replaced the battery but we kept getting the dead battery issue. Took it to Subaru service center a few times. Initially they found no problem, then later found some relay switch that they thought was causing a parasitic current draw. They fixed it (and charged us) but the problem didn't go away. And are now saying that the battery the car comes with is not sufficient and that the car needs a bigger battery. This is a big design problem with the car.

    The customer advocacy has been reviewing this case for the past month and has only offered to reimburse us for the cost of replacing the relay switch. And leave us to deal with design issues that require us to install a bigger battery than the car came with. We always wanted to get a Subaru and were very excited when we got one. But after this experience with the car and the support we are getting, we're never getting another one and will advise all our friends and family against getting a Subaru.

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    Customer ServicePriceStaff

    Reviewed July 28, 2024

    My wife and I bought two 2017 brand new Subarus, an Outback, and a Crosstrek. From what we heard and saw that Subaru was a very safe and reliable vehicle. We very faithfully, change the oil regularly and kept up on the maintenance. Well in 2022 the driver's door started rusting on the outback. Well it was a defect in the weld on the door. We contacted Subaru on this matter, and they split the cost with us on replacing the door. So $1,500 on our half later we have a new door. Then in the last part of 2023 the Outback's oil pressure light started coming on. With the miles only being at 95,000. We took it to the dealership to be looked at. They explained to us that Subaru had this problem with their engines, and all the can do is monitor it at this time, because it was not bad enough yet to replace the engine.

    So after four oil changes later, in 2024 at a 109,000 miles, the engine failed. After I did a lot of research Subaru lost a class action lawsuit on this issue, but they only extended the engine warranty to 100,000 miles knowing the engine would give out right afterwards. So l again called Subaru, and confronted them with all this, their answers was sorry for your problems, and that the miles was past the warranty. They recommended l should get another vehicle. Well my wife and l are very honest people. We were not going to trade in a vehicle with a bad engine on a new one. So we explained that's not a option. So Subaru offered $750.00 towards the $6,000 to put another engine in. So now we have a new engine in or Outback.

    The service center also gave us a heads up, that some of the transmission are bad as well. So don't be surprised at 150,000 miles We'll have to replace our transmission. Cost $7,000. Right now the Crosstrek has 87,000 miles on it. So far so good for now. But yes some time soon it will have the same engine failure. And this time there will be no help at all from Subaru. It's sad when Subaru, say their vehicles are the most safe and reliable vehicles made. When they don't stand behind them. It's all about the money, not the vehicle, or the customer. So customers beware. Do your homework on the vehicle you want to buy. If we would of did more research into Subaru's problems with their vehicles, We would of not have bought either one of them. It's our lesson learned.

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      Reviewed May 28, 2024

      Two sensors came in,, still need a third, the shop has no estimate on when. Need the third or car is not drivable. This problem only occurs with the 2020 Subaru Outback. That diminishes the value severely since car will not operate without all three sensors. Jay still will not bring this issue to his supervisor. Obviously, this is at management direction. What good is a car that performs great in an accident, but Subaru USA will not stock parts to fix it!!!. Unfortunately, there is no government agency that can control the manufacturer! Shame on your organization for dealing with your customers in this fashion!!!! You get zero stars.!!.

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      Price

      Reviewed May 2, 2024

      Looks like over 50% rate you a 1 or a 2. If you had a zero, it would be 75%. You should be ashamed to manufacture a car and not have adequate part to repair it in an accident. Waiting 5 months now for 3 sensors. Obviously you waited till you need an amount that would give you a price break when you ordered. Think of us who can't drive our car because of your actions. NEVER BUY a SUBARU!!!!

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      Customer ServiceStaff

      Reviewed Feb. 8, 2024

      I have 2018 Subaru Outback. My infotainment system has not worked for some time. I am now aware that there was a class action lawsuit that lead to an extended warranty of 5 years and 100,000 miles, but unfortunately I am now outside of these parameters. I was not notified at the time although Subaru claims they sent a letter.

      The representative repeatedly stated that if I used the dealership for servicing rather than a more cost effective mechanic I would have been notified. I realize I have no recourse at this point, but the fact is the company sold a faulty product and has made no effort to make it right with a customer. Maybe they made it right with the class action trial lawyers on order from a judge, but not with me, a Subaru owner and paying customer. Honestly otherwise the car has been pretty good, the radio is just kind of a big deal. They want $2200 to replace it now and the attitude in the company response really got to me. Think I will go another direction with my next vehicle.

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      Customer Service

      Reviewed Sept. 25, 2023

      The engine of my 2018 Outback was recently diagnosed leaking to exhaust pipeline. Can't believe that Subaru still making cars with engine problems.... Called Subaru USA, very bad experience with those guys.... STAY AWAY FROM SUBARU IF WANT HAVE YOUR CAR LONGER.

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      Reviewed Sept. 3, 2023

      While the car itself is great… The electronics ie touchscreen is worse than you can imagine. There are so many glitches in this thing I can’t list them all. I have had the car for two months now and I am still finding new ones. The safety features are over the top and annoying to say the least. This is my third Subaru and I am already considering getting rid of this one.

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      Reviewed July 8, 2023

      Seems like they should have adequate parts inventory for a 5 year old car. Contacted both the dealer and Subaru, Subaru said they knew they had a problem. Car is now not only disabled but not salable. Nor being able to replace a key part is not acceptable.

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      Installation & Setup

      Reviewed March 26, 2023

      This is my first Subaru as I have historically purchased Fords in the past. I bought a brand new Touring XT Outback with the promise that it could tow 3500 lbs as advertised and reinforced by everyone at the dealership. When I received the Outback I immediately had a hitch installed as I needed it to tow a trailer. The hitch that was installed only provided a 4 pin connector but I need a seven pin connector to tow my trailer with electric brakes. The owner’s manual states the vehicle can only tow 1000lbs with a trailer without brakes (4 pin connector) which is understandable. However a seven pin connector is needed to tow every trailer with electric brakes (standard type).

      When I spoke with the dealership to get a 7 pin connector installed which I would have assumed would have been installed with the 3500 lb hitch, I was told Subaru doesn’t provide this connector and I need to go to a 3rd party to have it installed but this installation would void the warranty. Now I’ve owned this vehicle for one week and already cannot use it as it was intended. I can either install a seven pin connector and use my trailer and potentially void the warranty or I need to find another vehicle to tow my trailer. I would not recommend this vehicle or this manufacturer to anyone. Since manufacturer is fraudulent with this minor issue I fear what other issues I will encounter in the future. Save your money and go with a logical manufacturer that will stand by their vehicles and would prefer to keep their new customers happy.

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      Reviewed Feb. 1, 2023

      I purchased a 2016 Subaru Crosschek with 40,000 miles from the Glendale Subaru dealership, not realizing they had just replaced a blown head gasket. The Head Gasket blew again at 50,000 destroying the block and the Palm Desert Subaru replaced the block because it was still under warranty. The Head Gasket blew again at 70,000 miles and the Subaru CS is going to assist with $2500 of the $4800 bill, so I'm in for $2300 bill. My goal of purchasing a Crosstrek and getting 200,000 miles is bunk! Three blown gaskets in 70,000 miles! Wow!!

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      Subaru Outback Company Information

      Company Name:
      Subaru Outback
      Website:
      www.subaru.com