Subaru Outback Reviews

I bought a new Subaru Outback Outdoors XT in 2020. After about 33000 km the car started to shake at braking. Their own service people said that the rotors were warped and needed replacement. However, since it was 'more than 1 year old' they refused to replace the defective parts, and quoted me over $700 for parts and labour. I am very disappointed with Subaru's quality. They are certainly not as safe as they advertise, and have zero interest in looking after their customers. I would never buy another Subaru again, and would recommend to stay away from the brand that uses low quality parts and offers no regard for their customers.

I started having problems with my 2015, 6 cylinder Outback at 75,000 miles in 2019. That's when the oil light first came on between oil changes but it "passed" an oil consumption test. Subaru assured me that 6 cylinders don't have oil consumption problems and that the tech likely only filled enough oil for a 4 cylinder. It is now 2022. The oil light has come on 7 more times. Each oil consumption test passed with the exception of the last one and Subaru kept assuring me that it is normal to add oil so often between oil changes. I took the car to another mechanic who did a smoke test and said the piston seals are leaking. I was already aware of the class action lawsuit.

I'm an owner of 3 Subaru outbacks. Past 2 did not have much problem. My recent Subaru Outback Wilderness (less than a year with low mileage) Battery Died. I guess it was a lemon & took it to dealer & they did not perform any diagnostic check on why it died & simply recharged the battery. So, I contacted Subaru Customer Advocacy dept & explained all my problems. They assured me it will be fixed or at a minimum battery will be replaced. At the new Subaru dealer, my car was kept for almost a day, findings were battery was weak & they recharged it. I tried to contact the Customer Advocacy dept again but did not get a response. I'm now nervous on when & where my battery will be dead again.

UPDATED 6/24/2022: First off Subaru claims to be this great family company. They claim they donate over 140 million dollars in donation to pet homeless and a few others. I brought my brand new car in that has a weak windshield (broke at 30 mph, broke at 45 mph and third time it broke we were barely taking off from a red light and a pebble broke it again), faulty cheap parts ( coolant pump) that go out in the middle of the highway. The passenger window rolls up halfway before rolling back down automatically and my dash turning on and off at will.

I bought a pristine 2003 Subaru Outback for my 18 year old grandson. Subaru's reputation for saving lives does live up to its claim. He was coming home from school, went around a turn, 1/2 mile from our house, hit gravel, he overcorrected and hit a small tree which in turn the car rolled on to the driver side where it came to rest. He climbed out through the passenger side. Thankfully, he only wound up with a few scratches and a lot of bruising, and hurt pride and ego. The car was totaled but did protect him from seriously getting hurt or even worse. I have three other Subarus and will be get him another Subaru. Thank you Subaru.

We ordered the Outback 3.6R NEW due to its alleged reliability. When the car was delivered there were cracks in the steel on both driver and passenger front window frame posts. We found this days after we got the car home. I had to be brought back and re-welded. Now at 40K miles, we have all the dash warning lights on, including the check engine light. I have only owned Toyotas and I have never had any problems with them. I tried Subaru. Unfortunately I will be returning to Toyota.

At only 50,000 miles, had to replace two front wheel bearings. At 105,000 miles, just out of warranty, had to replace the catalytic converter and the $8000 CVT Transmission! Then, just a bit later at 115,000 miles, another wheel bearing went bad. One of the worst vehicles I've ever owned - and I have had over 30 vehicles!

I recently hit a deer, and my 2014 Subaru Outback was totaled. Five airbags deployed, and I walked away without a scratch. A few days later, I purchased a 2019 Subaru Outback from Moe ** at Concordville Subaru. It was the best auto purchasing experience in my life; seamless and efficient. This review is twofold, first as a heartfelt thank you to the construction and safety of the Outback, and second, a big compliment to the sales department at Concordville Subaru.

I purchased a 2011 Subaru Outback in March of last year. Upon purchase, I was not told of the impending transmission problems that almost every car of this make experiences. Now, I am up against a $1250 repair and Subaru is offering me no assistance with a problem that nearly every owner has experienced. I am disappointed to be left hanging like this with a problem that wasn’t a result of bad ownership but a faulty product. I was hoping that they would extend a good will warranty to me, or at least cover a portion of the cost, but they have stood firm against any help whatsoever. This certainly has shaken my faith in the brand, and I would suggest that everyone look further into specific problems with their make and model before buying a Subaru, because this isn’t the first time and it will not be the last.

After much research and many excellent reviews I settled on a used 2013 Outback. After driving the car 500 miles I learned of a nasty OIL consumption issue with this model. Subaru claimed the only repair was $5500 short block replacement. This was an official recall however my mileage was just over the 125K thresh-hold. Subaru would not work with us.... not half price. Nothing. I did replace the short block issue on my own ($5000). After this major swap the puddle lights ($315) and catalytic converter ($1300) have since failed on this POS. And I'm going to have to pay for these new repairs.

Our 2018 Outback almost killed my husband. He was getting into the car (it was running) and just opened the door, when the car rolled back. He was pinned between the door and the garage frame and fortunately the he was able to roll into the garage. He hit so hard and landed on the side of his mountain bike (was inside the door) that it punched a hole through the wall. I came out to find him laying on the ground in the garage and the car sitting in my driveway just outside the garage. There is a natural slope and it was stopped where it levels off. The door ended up being caught on the frame of the garage and opened all the way and then some before slamming back. The door is not functional and it damaged the front quarter panel as well as the driver door.

The ride height. The smooth ride. The impeccable symmetrical AWD. The luxury options. The spacious interior. What’s not to like about a Subaru Outback. It’s the best of both worlds. An SUV and a full-size sedan in one. I couldn’t be any happier with my choice of vehicle and would certainly buy another. The only downside to this vehicle I would have to say is the fuel economy, this vehicle has always hovered around the 18-30mpg marker. SAD. But overall a great car, 11/10 would recommend.

Great vehicle, handling, powerful Smooth (6cyl), mileage 28+, quiet. BUT..Concerned about the CVT transmission longevity (not made by Subaru). Understand they are made by the same maker as in the Nissan. Not a good reputation for reliability.

Reasonably good car, the issues I've had were battery failure, the dealer replaced it. The fuel gauge is inaccurate, even after a recall, I refill early to keep fuel from running out, and finally, the car cuts out after filling the fuel tank, apparently due to pressure buildup. Not a issue in the winter, just summer. Dealer could not solve.

Reliable performer in all weather conditions, comfortable, safe, holds value. Good driving position and visibility. Very good gas mileage. Roomy area with back seat down or up. Body style holds up over the years.

We bought this 2016 Subaru Outback in January 2016 and it had all the bells and whistles as we traded in our 2012 Mazda3 which we bought new as well but wanted something with all wheel drive for the mountains so we looked at Mazda's first but all the seats would not tilt (as I have back problems) so we looked at Subaru's next and the Outback stood out for all the technology we got for a great price. We love the way it sits so high with great visibility. I like the way it handles too. The only thing I wish was different is a mouse for the GPS/Radio screen. Trying to push on it and hitting a small spot while driving is treacherous.

Our Subaru Outback is a very good, well built vehicle that we have been very happy with. It is solid and almost impossible to get stuck, especially in the winter (with snow tires). Although it is classified as a station wagon, not an SVU, it's ability to haul stuff is amazing. I will probably never buy another Subaru however. Why? First, all the dealerships I deal with where I live are poor to awful. They treat their employees poorly and are very bottom line focused to the detriment of providing good service and a positive feeling when you buy a car from them. Second, they do not have an electric, environmental friendly vehicle available nor do I expect them to be able to easily catch up enough to be able to produce one.

Subaru builds the Swiss Army Knife of cars. Nothing flashy. Conservative and incremental style changes. The four-wheel drive is unequaled in snow or rain! Lowest depreciation! The first car I have ever kept for more than 7 years and more are expected.

A safe, roomy, dependable, no frills car which explains its popularity. The 4 cylinder engine is a bit underpowered when it comes to passing, but the ride is solid and smooth. The all wheel drive is amazing in mud or snow. I have over 62,000 trouble-free miles on mine and expect it will go another 100,000 with little more than routine maintenance.

My 2018 Outback replaces my 2011 Outback. I opted for the 3.6R package and with the CVT transmission is a great match for the Texas Hill Country. The suspension has been improved and the vehicle tracks much better. Safety features with Isight is fantastic and very intuitive. Very comfortable interior and it is very roomy. CVT transmission is much quieter. Economy is still excellent. Visibility is very good.

I have a 2015 Subaru Outback. It has a different transmissions than previous years. It is very dangerous because when you are backing out of a driveway onto a road and you put it into drive it takes 2 or more seconds for the vehicle to go forward. It increases the likelihood of being rear-ended. The back up camera indicators take 5 seconds to appear which does not happen in other vehicles. After starting and stopping the vehicle 5 or 6 times, the battery goes dead. After the 5 year warranty expires things immediately need replacement or repair (radio system $1,000, Battery and more). Go for a 7 year warranty. I am going to consider another vehicle next time I buy one.

My 2015 Subaru Outback is a fault-free AWD "wagon" possessing sure-footed, comfortable driving. I haven't had "one" problem with this car... Amazing... from the word "go." Fit and finish are excellent!

It provides a very comfortable ride, especially for long distances. I love the seats and back support. The vehicle size is perfect for our family, and it is a safe car. We appreciate that the local dealer contributes to local charities. This is our third Outback.

Economical, peppy performance, good ride and outstanding control during hazardous conditions such as snow and ice. My first snow experience the car was equipped with normal street tires w/o chains. Didn't have a bit of trouble.

I have a 2017 Subaru Outback, it is great car! My job requires daily driving to different locations, the Outback is great on gas! It is a safe, stylish and has plenty of room for cargo, friends and family and of course our best furry friends!

Subaru of America, Inc. has failed their customer service test. My 2012 Outback has mostly been a pretty good workhorse but this $2,000 repair has me reconsidering recommending a Subaru to anyone. I only have 172k miles on it, which is a little more than half of what I had on my Nissan or Toyota in the past. The issue with the transmission is one that Subaru issued a warranty extension rather than a recall on 1.5 million cars. I called to ask for some type of rebate or coupon to help with the cost of a repair that they have helped others with but since I'm past the warranty extension, they offered a discount on a new car? No thanks, I don't need a new car, I just need help paying for a new valve body which should never need replacement in the first place. I won't be buying another Subaru.

It is a very safe and powerful car. Lots of cargo space. Feels very agile on the highway. The gas mileage is way above what you would expect from this car. I would definitely purchase another Outback.

This car is safe, reliable, and has enough room for a family to go on vacation or a single person to go camping. I moved all but the biggest furniture out of my house with this car, and never questioned my ability to do so. I highly recommend this car to everyone I meet.

RE: 2017 Subaru Outback. I was most impressed at this car's ability to climb a steep hill from a dead stop. Unlike 4 wheel drive trucks that have a low range transmission choice, this car does not have that low range but it doesn't seem to have any problem climbing. Continuously Variable Transmission & the best All Wheel Drive system are the reason I'm sure. It's a nice comfortable car too. Gets good fuel mileage too. This is a great car.

We have been driving Subarus for many years. Subarus have been dependable and high on the safety rating. We ran a driving school for over 20 years and most of those were in Subarus because of their safety rating.