2013 Subaru Outback problems
Owners have filed 408 complaints about the 2013 Subaru Outback with NHTSA. Engine accounts for 16.4% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of power train at 14.5%.
Complaints408
Crashes36
Fires7
Injuries24
Deaths2
What owners report breaking
Engine 16.4% · 67
Power train 14.5% · 59
Air bags 10.3% · 42
Steering 8.3% · 34
Vehicle speed control 6.4% · 26
Unknown or other 5.9% · 24
Electrical system 5.6% · 23
Service brakes 5.6% · 23
Severity
Of those complaints, 36 describe a crash, 7 describe a fire, 24 report an injury and 2 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 28 model years of the Subaru Outback in this data, 2013 sits 11th by complaint volume. 2019 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 29 in the last three years against 67 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 40,000 miles.
In owners' own words
Oil consumption problem. Oil light comes on before recommended oil change. Did 1200 mile oil consumption test with no oil burned. At about 5,000 miles oil light comes on again. I believe there is a tsb out but I believe Subaru should fix problem regardless of expense. Still under warranty. Still working with dealer who have been very good about this problem so far. Engine
Oil was leaking from the engine area. Subaru of america authorized Subaru of sonora, ca to replace the cylinder head gaskets and related items/parts. The work was started on 8/2/17 and completed on 8/29/17 with 95,007 miles on the car. This repair work was completed under an extended warranty. I have a 3 page receipt from Subaru of sonora for this work. Engine · reported at 95,007 miles
This car is an extreme oil burner. We have to add oil every 1,000 miles. There was a lawsuit and Subaru is offering to replace the engine block, but our dealership says the car continues to pass the oil consumption test. Also, the clutch just went out at 58,000 miles. After an online search, I am seeing this is typical of this car. Engine
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…