Engine
2.5L 4-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 898 of 899 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 405 of 899 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Glass & wipers
384 complaint records1 crash report
"WINDSHIELD CRACKED WITHOUT A REASON. CAR PARKED AT NIGHT. NEXT MORNING WINDSHIELD CRACKED WITHOUT ANY SIGN OF AN IMPACT..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse glass & wipers parts in the directory →
Electrical system
261 complaint records3 crash reports
"Car was purchased in 9/2020. Battery died in March 2021 (needed jump start) and again in October 2021 (battery replaced)..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Driver assistance
107 complaint records9 crash reports
"CRACKED WINDSHIELD WHICH WE HAD REPAIRED ON 10/1/2020 FOR $821.71. CRACK APPEARED SEEMINGLY FROM NOWHERE ON THE MORNING OF 9/22/20...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse driver assistance parts in the directory →
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24V227000 | Air Bags | Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A capacitor in the sensors for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may crack and short circuit, which can prevent the front... | Normally free |
| 22V485000 | Power Train | Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely... | Normally free |
| 21V955000 | Power Train | Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles. | Normally free |
| 21V587000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. | Normally free |
| 20V766000 | Back Over Prevention | Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with "high" grade and "mid" grade multimedia navigation. | Normally free |
| 19V664000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020 Outback and Legacy vehicles. The brake pedal mounting bracket may have a missing or insufficiently tightened bolt. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024546 2024-08-15 | Label | 499,490 | Issue: On certain vehicles, the compliance label may be missing information in French. The words listed on the label for "Tires", "Rims", "Front" and "Rear" appear in English only, when they should be listed as "Tires/Pneus",... |
| 2024190 2024-03-22 | Airbag | 5,870 | Issue: On certain vehicles, an electrical component in the sensors for the occupant detection system (ODS) may not have been manufactured properly and could crack. Over time, moisture could enter the crack and cause a short circuit. |
| 2021745 2021-12-10 | Powertrain | 13,034 | Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem in the transmission control unit (TCU) may cause the drive chain to slip or break. If this happens while the vehicle is in motion, there could be a loss of power to the wheels. |
| 2021466 2021-07-29 | Fuel System | 13,717 | Issue: On certain vehicles, the low-pressure fuel pump could fail. If this happens, then engine may run rough or may not start and the check engine light may turn on. This could also result in a sudden loss of engine power while driving. |
| 2020607 2020-12-10 | Visual System | 438 | Issue: On certain vehicles, a software update could cause the Centre Information Display ("CID") to go blank. When this happens, the cockpit control module ("CCM") will continuously reboot every three (3) minutes. |
Show 1 more Canadian recalls
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019536 2019-10-25 | Accessories | 355 | Issue: Certain vehicles were shipped with the incorrect floor mat bracket. As a result, the floor mats may not be properly attached. A driver’s floor mat that moves could interfere with the accelerator or brake pedals. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| SubaruNet Announcement (M Oct 2026 | Electrical System | This announcement provides information on a new software update for the Midtronics Dss and DCA machines. | |
| SubaruNet Announcement (T Sep 2026 | Power Train | This announcement provides information on an enhancement of the TechShare CVT diagnostic assitance application. | |
| 18-244-26 Sep 2026 | Electrical System | "This Bulletin announces additional troubleshooting steps for the following DTCs: DTC C1956: RH Actuator Circuit DTC C1957: LH Actuator Circuit" | |
| 13-109-26 Sep 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This bulletin provides paint code information for 2027 model year vehicles. | |
| SubaruNet Announcement (C Sep 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This announcement provides an update to all 2027 model year Subaru warranty coverages for wear items and adjustments. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15-304-22R Sep 2026 | Electrical System | This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. This is an revised version of the original bulletin. | |
| 15-322-25R Sep 2026 | Electrical System | In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the New Car Limited Warranty coverage for the CP1 & Gen 3.1 Head Unit used in the listed models and model years to (8) eight years / 150,000 miles to cover certain qualifying repairs to the... | |
| 15-333-25R Sep 2026 | Electrical System | This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the original bulletin. | |
| 05-62-18R Aug 2026 | Structure | This bulletin provides a procedure to address customer concerns of surface rust accumulating in the top center retaining nut area of the front strut mounts. This is an revised version of the original bulletin. | |
| 15-261-20R Aug 2026 | Electrical System | This bulletin announces reprogramming file availability and provides a software update installation procedure to optimize the new Gen 4 Denso CP1 Audio and Navigation head units utilized in the models listed.This is an revised version of the original bulletin. | |
| SubaruNet Announcement (C Aug 2026 | Electrical System | This Announcement provides diagnostic assistance for CVT issues. | |
| 16-132-20R Aug 2026 | Power Train | This Bulletin provides updated diagnostic procedures to follow and a brief questionnaire to complete when diagnosing an alleged Chain Slip condition on the TR580 and TR690 model CVT transmissions used in the models listed. This is an revised version of the original bulletin. | |
| 15-308-23R Aug 2026 | Electrical System | This Service Information Bulletin outlines a systematic procedure for diagnosing parasitic draw (dark/standby current) in vehicles experiencing battery drain when the ignition is off, leading to no-start conditions or frequent jump-starts.This is an revised version of the... | |
| 16-150-24R Aug 2026 | Power Train | This bulletin announces availability of new reprogramming files developed to address SYMPTOM 1: A jerk or judder sensation felt from the powertrain during braking with the air conditioning on. | |
| 16-154-25R Aug 2026 | Power Train | This Service Information Bulletin announces the release of a new diagnostic assistance application for TR690 and TR580 CVT-equipped vehicles. This is an revised version of the original bulletin. | |
| 02-196-26R Aug 2026 | Engine | This service bulletin outlines the diagnostic and repair procedure for white smoke emitted from the exhaust after startup. This is an revised version of the original bulletin. | |
| 16-158-26 Aug 2026 | Power Train | This bulletin provides guidance when diagnosing chain slip, judder, shudder, and hesitation concerns on the TR580 model CVT transmissions used in the models listed. | |
| 15-304-22R Aug 2026 | Electrical System | This Bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.) | |
| Article Locator Aug 2026 | Electrical System | Techtips newsletter locator index. | |
| 15-333-25R Aug 2026 | Electrical System | This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the original bulletin | |
| 09-123-24R Jul 2026 | Electrical System | This bulletin announces the design change made to the high-pressure fuel pump developed to prevent DTC P0087 (Fuel Rail/System Pressure – Too Low Bank 1). (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.) | |
| 09-81-21R Jul 2026 | Electrical System | This bulletin announces design changes made to the fuel injector in response to the DTCs listed. (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.) | |
| 16-159-26 Jul 2026 | Electrical System | This bulletin provides new diagnostic steps for DTC P0851 and P0852 to be used in conjunction with the applicable Service Manual. | |
| 15-246-19R Jun 2026 | Electrical System | This Service Information Bulletin outlines a new required procedure to follow when performing immobilizer-related repairs on the vehicles listed. (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.) | |
| 02-193-24R Jun 2026 | Engine | This bulletin provides updated parts information and a service procedure to follow for removing accumulated carbon deposits from fuel injectors and internal engine components (e.g. intake valves and / or manifold, and combustion chambers). | |
| 09-74-21R Jun 2026 | Engine | This bulletin provides updated parts information and a service procedure to follow for removing accumulated carbon deposits from fuel injectors and internal engine components (e.g. intake valves and / or manifold, and combustion chambers). | |
| 09-81-21R Jun 2026 | Fuel/Propulsion System | This bulletin announces design changes made to the fuel injector and fuel pipe in response to the DTCs listed DTC P030* / Engine Knocking / DTC P219C-D-E-F. (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.) | |
| 02-196-26 Jun 2026 | Engine | This bulletin outlines the diagnostic and repair procedure for white smoke emitted from the exhaust after startup. | |
| 16-159-26 Jun 2026 | Electrical System | This bulletin provides new diagnostic steps for DTC P0851 and P0852 to be used in conjunction with the applicable Service Manual. | |
| SubaruNet Annoucement (E Jun 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This announcement is requesting retailer staff to retain the EyeSight protective hood covers from Generation 4 EyeSight cameras. | |
| 16-151-24R Jun 2026 | Power Train | This bulletin provides guidance when diagnosing chain slip, judder, shudder, and hesitation concerns on the TR690 model CVT transmissions used in the models listed. (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.) | |
| 09-130-25R Jun 2026 | Engine | This bulletin announces the design change made to the exhaust manifold flange nut material that has been changed from stainless steel to medium carbon steel. This change also necessitates a revised tightening torque specification. | |
| 18-240-26 Jun 2026 | Engine | "This bulletin provides a new diagnostic procedure for vehicles equipped with a Denso CP 1, 1.5 and 2.5 head units to provide an enhanced version of the troubleshooting steps for Sound does not come out from the speaker." | |
| 18-241-26 May 2026 | Electrical System | This Bulletin announces a correction to the diagnostic procedures for certain CVT related DTCs, including P0730, P0746, P0747, P0841, P0846, P0867, P1867, P1894, and P2723. | |
| 01-167-08R May 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models. | |
| 15-261-20R May 2026 | Electrical System | This bulletin announces reprogramming file availability and provides a software update installation procedure to optimize the new Gen 4 Denso CP1 Audio and Navigation head units utilized in the models listed. | |
| 02-193-24R May 2026 | Engine | This bulletin provides updated parts information and a service procedure to follow for removing accumulated carbon deposits from fuel injectors and internal engine components (e.g. intake valves and / or manifold, and combustion chambers). | |
| 16-157-26 May 2026 | Electrical System | This bulletin announces a design change to the TR690 CVT control valve body which features an enhanced line pressure sensor O-ring, designed to prevent abnormal sensor readings caused by O-ring leakage. | |
| SubaruNet Announcement (R May 2026 | Power Train | This announcement provides information on the remanufactured CVT transmission program. | |
| 18-230-26 May 2026 | Engine | This bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be used when DTCs B1571(REFERENCE CODE INCOMPATIBILITY IMMOBILIZER CM TO ECM) and B1572(IMM CIRCUIT EXCEPT ANTENNA CIRCUIT) are detected by Keyless Access with Push Button Start(KACM). | |
| 07-240-26R Apr 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This Service Information Bulletin was developed to provide interim guidance for vehicles exhibiting DTC B2A20. | |
| SubaruNet Announcement Apr 2026 | Electrical System | This announcement is an update to safety recall WRA-24 ODS sensor replacement for 2020-2022 MY Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles. | |
| 16-155-25R Apr 2026 | Power Train | In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the New Car Limited Powertrain Warranty coverage for the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) on the above listed models and model years from the original five (5) years or sixty thousand... | |
| 01-167-08R Apr 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models. | |
| 03-97-26 Apr 2026 | Power Train | This bulletin announces the service manual correction regarding clutch master cylinder reservoir service procedures. | |
| 05-97-26 Apr 2026 | Wheels | This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedures to be followed when addressing customer concerns of steering wheel/vehicle body vibration when driving at highway speeds when tire/wheel balance is suspected. | |
| 01-167-08R Mar 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models. | |
| 10-105-25R Mar 2026 | Electrical System | This bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak. | |
| 15-219-18R Mar 2026 | Electrical System | This bulletin contains information to help when attempting to complete the STARLINK Telematics subscription process, an Error Code 202 and / or 204 may occur preventing the process from completing successfully | |
| WRA-24R Mar 2026 | Air Bags | Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) has initiated a safety recall for certain 2020-2022 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles to replace all (four) of the Occupant Detection System (ODS) sensors on the front passenger seat. | |
| SubaruNet Announcement (A Mar 2026 | Electrical System | This announcement provides information on the use of aftermarket services or tools for programming immobilizer keys/fobs. | |
| 07-240-26R Feb 2026 | Electrical System | This Service Information Bulletin was developed to provide interim guidance for 2026 model year vehicles exhibiting DTC B2A20 with gen 4 Telematics. | |
| 10-105-25R Feb 2026 | Electrical System | This bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak. | |
| SubaruNet Announcement (W Feb 2026 | Seats | This announcement provides updates for WRA-24 ODS Sensor Replacement. | |
| Subaru Tech Tips Special Jan 2026 | Electrical System | This Subaru service and technical support line newsletter provides information on the next phase of TechShare. | |
| Subarunet Announcement (E Jan 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This announcement has been created to address difficulties with software updates on Subaru Select Monitors with DST-010 interface firmware has been updated. | |
| 15-300-22R Jan 2026 | Electrical System | This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedure for the STARLINK® Remote Engine Start (RES). | |
| 15-246-19R Jan 2026 | Electrical System | This Service Information Bulletin outlines a new required procedure to follow when performing immobilizer-related repairs on the vehicles listed. | |
| 09-123-24 Jan 2026 | Engine | This bulletin announces the design change made to the high-pressure fuel pump developed to prevent DTC P0087 (Fuel Rail/System Pressure – Too Low Bank 1). | |
| 15-246-19R Dec 2025 | Engine | This Service Information Bulletin outlines a new required procedure to follow when performing immobilizer-related repairs on models listed. |
Showing 60 of 590 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Run the wipers and washers, and test every window.Slow or stuck regulators, streaking wipers, and windshield cracks are this vehicle's visibility complaints.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Try the camera, sensors, and any driver-assist features in a parking lot.A blank or frozen backup camera image and phantom sensor alerts are this vehicle's driver-assistance complaints.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 6 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Subaru Outback →