Compact SUVs · BS generation
Fair Below average
It scores 38 out of 100 for reliability compared with other compact and small SUVs. Over the next 5 years we expect it to cost about $12,584 to own, including $2,581 in repairs.
Early estimate: this rating uses our own sales estimate for the Subaru Outback.
Reliability
38/100
Below average
Repairs, 5 years
$2,581
at 12,000 mi a year
Fuel, 5 years
$7,286
28 mpg, $3.40/gal
Price today
$14,723
$12,956 – $16,490, estimate
Recalls
4
on record
Owner complaints
921
filed with NHTSA
These are estimates, not guarantees. They come from public NHTSA complaint and recall data and EPA fuel economy, assuming 5 years of ownership and 12,000 miles a year. Change the assumptions or see how it works.
Expected over 5 years, by area of the car.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Outback vehicles. A replacement air bag control module may have been installed that is not compatible with the passenger air bag module, possibly affecting air bag deployment.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured September 21, 2016, to September 23, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the knee guard bracket may not be properly attached to the steering beam assembly.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2017 Outback vehicles manufactured June 20, 2016, to June 23, 2016. The affected vehicles may have improperly tightened attaching bolts for the front left and right brake calipers, wheel hubs, and the right stabilizer clamp.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured February 29, 2016, to May 6, 2016. The steering column on the affected vehicles may have been improperly machined, and as a result, turning the steering wheel may have no effect on the direction of the wheels.
Check whether a specific car still has open recalls with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
These links go to independent sites. We don't earn anything from them.
Of the years we rate, the 2023 scores best (88/100) and the 2020 worst (25/100).
| Year | Reliability |
|---|---|
| 2027 | Not rated yet |
| 2026 | Not rated yet |
| 2025 | Not rated yet |
| 2024 | 68/100 |
| 2023 | 88/100 |
| 2022 | 44/100 |
| 2021 | 60/100 |
| 2020 | 25/100 |
| 2019 | 34/100 |
| 2018 | 50/100 |
| 2017 | 38/100 |
| 2016 | 49/100 |
| 2015 | 69/100 |
Not especially. It scores 38 out of 100, below average for compact and small SUVs; the 2015, 2023 and 2024 scored better.
It scores 38 out of 100 against other compact and small SUVs from 2015 to 2024, which is below average. Based on 921 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, we expect about $2,581 in repairs over the next 5 years at 12,000 miles a year.
About $12,584 over 5 years: $2,717 in lost value, $2,581 in repairs and $7,286 in fuel at $3.40 a gallon. A typical one sells for about $14,723 today.
Of the years we rate, the 2023 scores best (88/100) and the 2020 worst (25/100).
4 recalls on record with NHTSA.