Is the Subaru Outback Reliable?
2000–2026 defect & recall-risk analysis from citable NHTSA data.
The score ranks this model's recall intensity against other suvs — plus systemic-defect concentration and any open federal investigations. It measures defect and recall risk, not long-term mechanical durability, and is deliberately not skewed by how many were sold.
Reliability Score
Own a Subaru Outback? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.
Subaru Outback Reliability by Year
| Model Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Reliability Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 20 | 3 | — | 85 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 0 | 78 | 1 | — | 85 | Excellent |
| 2024 | 0 | 95 | 2 | — | 85 | Excellent |
| 2023 | 2 | 61 | — | — | 85 | Excellent |
| 2022 | 1 | 293 | 5 | — | 75 | Good |
| 2021 | 2 | 227 | 8 | — | 79 | Good |
| 2020 | 3 | 573 | 1 | — | 60 | Good |
| 2019 | 1 | 659 | 10 | — | 60 | Good |
| 2018 | 0 | 529 | 13 | — | 60 | Good |
| 2017 | 1 | 543 | 23 | — | 60 | Good |
Reliability scores are proprietary to VinCheckEngine and incorporate multiple weighted safety signals.
How the Outback Compares to Similar Vehicles
The Outback scores 6 points above the average suv — a strong result.
Known Subaru Outback Reliability Issues
The following components appear most frequently in owner complaints filed with NHTSA:
Based on 3078 owner complaints across recent model years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Subaru Outback reliable?+
The Subaru Outback scores 75/100 on our reliability index — rated "Good." Across 10 recently analyzed model years, it accumulated 10 recall campaigns and 3078 owner complaints in the NHTSA database.
What year Outback is most reliable?+
Among the years analyzed, the 2026 Outback achieved the highest reliability score of 85/100 with 0 recalls and 20 complaints.
How many miles does a Outback last?+
With consistent maintenance, most Subaru Outback owners report 150,000 to 200,000+ miles of service life. Checking the VIN of any specific used Outback will reveal its actual mileage history and any title events.
More Subaru Outback Research
Check a Specific Subaru Outback VIN
Model-level reliability scores show general trends. A VIN-specific report reveals the exact history of any individual vehicle — accidents, odometer records, auction events, and open recalls.
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