The best and worst Subaru Outback years, by the numbers
Short answer: among Subaru Outbacks old enough to judge (2010–2022), the 2012–2014 and 2021 have the fewest owner complaints per 10,000 sold. The 2011 and 2019–2020 have the most.
We counted every owner complaint filed with the federal government (NHTSA) for each model year and divided by how many were sold that year, so a year that sold more doesn’t look worse just for being popular. Years newer than 2022 are shown but not ranked — they haven’t been on the road long enough. How this is calculated.
Years with the most complaints
2011 Subaru Outback · 62.5 per 10,000 sold (1.8× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Torque converter and shudder, typically around 114,000 miles; then wiring harness, grounds and connectors.
2019 Subaru Outback · 57.0 per 10,000 sold (1.6× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Water leaks and seals, typically around 10,250 miles; then battery, alternator and charging.
2020 Subaru Outback · 58.5 per 10,000 sold (1.7× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Water leaks and seals, typically around 6,000 miles; then battery, alternator and charging.
Years with the fewest complaints
2012 Subaru Outback · 24.3 per 10,000 sold (0.7× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Torque converter and shudder, typically around 112,000 miles.
2013 Subaru Outback · 25.1 per 10,000 sold (0.7× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 40,000 miles.
2014 Subaru Outback · 15.0 per 10,000 sold (0.4× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 45,250 miles.
2021 Subaru Outback · 19.1 per 10,000 sold (0.5× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Water leaks and seals, typically around 2,100 miles.
Every year: complaints per 10,000 sold
Typical Subaru Outback year: 35.2 per 10,000 sold.
Complaints are counted once each, even when an owner lists several parts. Sales are US units sold in the calendar year, a close stand-in for the model year.
Common questions
What is the worst year for the Subaru Outback?
Among Subaru Outbacks old enough to judge (2010–2022), the 2011 has the most owner complaints per 10,000 sold: 62.5, about 1.8× a typical Subaru Outback year. The 2019–2020 also stand out.
What is the best year for the Subaru Outback?
The 2014 has the fewest owner complaints per 10,000 sold among Subaru Outbacks from 2010–2022: 15.0, against 35.2 for a typical year. The 2012–2013 and 2021 are also well below typical.
What goes wrong on the 2011 Subaru Outback?
The most-reported problem on the 2011 Subaru Outback is torque converter and shudder, typically around 114,000 miles.
Why aren't the newest Subaru Outback years ranked?
The 2023–2026 haven't been on the road long enough. Newer cars have fewer complaints mainly because they're newer, so ranking them would flatter them.
Looking at a specific Subaru Outback?
See what it’s likely to cost you over the next 3 years from its year and mileage.
Open the cost estimator → Full Subaru Outback reportCompare the Subaru Outback with
Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; US sales from public industry figures. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. This is not an inspection and not a recommendation to buy or avoid any vehicle.