NHTSA Data Explorer

Subaru Outback

Data refreshed July 24, 2026

Select a model year to filter results to that year of the Subaru Outback.

Complaints

9,681

Active records

Recalls

72

Active records

TSBs

2,062

Active records

Filing history

Monthly totals over the last 20 years. Click a legend item to show or hide that series.

Reported severity

Based on consumer complaints filed since 2000. Recalls and TSBs do not include severity data.

Deaths

5

Injuries

268

Crashes

401

Fires

91

Top reported issues — Subaru Outback

Click a category to expand its values.

Condition issue

3,670

Operating state

2,462

Electrical issue

1,900

Reporting mechanism

882

Engine behavior

829

Driver assistance issue

678

Safety restraint issue

600

Braking behavior

555

Infotainment behavior

549

Performance issue

475

Vibration/harshness

437

Fluid issue

402

Transmission/drivetrain behavior

396

Starting behavior

386

Noise

342

Access/entry issue

315

Lighting behavior

310

Ride/handling behavior

281

Thermal issue

235

Steering behavior

199

Safety restraint behavior

164

Powering on/off behavior

151

Smell

149

Recent change

123

HVAC behavior

55

Wiper/washer behavior

49

Communication/network issue

18

Electrified system issue

1

Recent filings

The 10 most recent filings for each type.

2012 SUBARU OUTBACK

Filed Jul 21, 2026


1 injured
Crash

Driving on the highway was side swiped then rearended at high speed causing my driver seat to fly backwards. So the locking mechanism on the manual seat adjuster either failed or never locked

2025 SUBARU OUTBACK

Filed Jul 21, 2026


The back passenger seatbelt does not retract. It stays loose after use and there are safety concerns. I don't feel safe having any passengers in my car.

2020 SUBARU OUTBACK

Filed Jul 21, 2026


The warning lights on our 2020 Subaru Outback have lit intermittently for the past 2 years. When bringing the vehicle into the dealer for service and oil changes, this was reported. Recently the TPMS light began to light intermittently. Tire pressure was checked and adjusted but the problem persisted. When we brought the vehicle in for service, it turned out that all tire pressure sensors needed to be replaced BUT the service techs identified other problems that surfaced JUST AS THE CAR WAS NOT…

2019 SUBARU OUTBACK

Filed Jul 20, 2026


Driver controls for windows do not work for front windows .. Can not put windows down. Therefore if window on passenger side or driver side gets foggy, can not lower to see out Dealer has stated that there is dirt in window. Not dirt , bad window motor per my experience. This has been occurring for about 2/3 years.

2016 SUBARU OUTBACK

Filed Jul 20, 2026


There is a crack in the exhaust manifold and the exhaust smell is entering the cabin affecting driver and passengers' health. The problem has been confirmed by a Subaru dealer and an independent mechanic. There were no warning lights, I was made aware after routine maintenance by an independent mechanic. The same part has failed in multiple Subaru models: Recall WUJ-95 (SOA says my car is not covered in the recall/campaign due to my car's production date being 24 days after the Affected…

2015 SUBARU OUTBACK

Filed Jul 19, 2026


Vehicle Component Affected: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM / FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE / BACK OVER PREVENTION Description of the Safety Defect: The factory infotainment touchscreen in my 2015 Subaru Outback Limited (VIN: [XXX]) has suffered a severe manufacturing defect where the internal chemical gel adhesive has melted, creating large, oily liquid bubbles across the display. This physical degradation causes the screen to suffer from continuous ghost touches, registering non-stop phantom inputs while…

2022 SUBARU OUTBACK

Filed Jul 19, 2026


2 injured

While day driving on a clearly marked interstate in slightly hazy weather from fires, the car suddenly, unprompted, steered to the left without any warning or any indicators going off. This caused the car traveling at highway speed to crash into a barrier wall, drive half way up before driver could regain control of the steering and then spun out across 4 lanes of traffic. Driver said cars lane assist was on and it was ping ponging for a moment before it suddenly steered to the left unprompted…

2013 SUBARU OUTBACK

Filed Jul 17, 2026


Please contact Carvana and make them take that vehicle off the market. I purchased it and by chance found out that bottom parts like subframe and exhaust pipe were inadequately installed . The mechanic said eventually I was going to flip over myself on the highway in that car. He also stated that this repair cost would be around $8000 - more than half of this used car was offered for on Carvana. I returned the car. Half a month later is back on Carvana website for the same price. Please help! I…

2018 SUBARU OUTBACK

Filed Jul 15, 2026


2018 Subaru Outback Infotainment center glass delamination causing the system to come on by itself start malfunctioning switching between channels or apps and potentially startle / distract the driver. Incident has been ongoing for over 8 months..

2018 SUBARU OUTBACK

Filed Jul 14, 2026


Engine cam carrier seals are leaking. Repair cost is $5,700 plus tax. Vehicle is well cared for and well maintained with only 96,000 miles The Subaru Manufacturer was contacted and will do nothing to fix and does not admit engineer defect nor manufacturing defect. Basically, 96,000 and needs a new engine. Please put out a national recall.

Data sourced from NHTSA's public datasets. Issue classifications are generated by Repair Surge. About this data.

Updated July 24, 2026. Refreshed nightly.