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Subaru Outback Reliability Grade

BOverall

Above-average reliability

EngineB+
TransmissionB

Grade a specific Subaru Outback

Reliability changes from year to year. Pick a model year to see its grade, then add mileage and price to get a deal score and estimated miles remaining.

The Subaru Outback earns a B overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a B+ for its engine and a B for its transmission. It ranks 6th of 23 midsize SUVs we grade. Its engine (B+) and transmission (B) grade about the same, so neither stands out as a weak point. Grades are based on 6,169 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.

Subaru Outback reliability by year

Overall grade for each model year, from owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Tap a year to see its full grade.

2000B2001A-2002A2003A2004A2005A-2006B+2007A2008A2009A-2010C2011C2012B-2013B-2014B+2015B-2016B-2017B-2018B2019B2020C+2021B-2022B-2023A-2024B+

Best years: 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2023

Faded years are recent, so fewer complaints have come in. Their grades may change.

How long does the Subaru Outback last?

220,000Estimated lifespan (miles)

A rough estimate for the model across all years, not measured for each model year.

Known Subaru Outback problems

We track 2 known problem areas for the Subaru Outback, including which model years they affect. They're in the full report, along with miles remaining and a deal score for the car you're looking at.

See Outback problems

Subaru Outback vs. other midsize SUVs

ModelEngineTrans.Overall
Nissan Murano A A A
Toyota 4Runner A A A
Buick Enclave A- B+ A-
Toyota Highlander A- B- B+
Mazda CX-9 B- B+ B+
Subaru Outback B+ B B
Chevrolet Traverse B C+ B-
GMC Acadia B C B-
Dodge Journey B- B- B-
Honda Pilot C C+ C+
Nissan Pathfinder B- C C+
Subaru Ascent B C- C+
Chevrolet Blazer C+ C- C+
Dodge Durango B- C+ C+
Jeep Grand Cherokee C C- C
Volkswagen Atlas C- B C
Ford Explorer C+ C C-
Honda Passport C C C-
Hyundai Santa Fe D C- D
Kia Sorento D C- D
Ford Edge C D D
Hyundai Palisade D D F
Kia Telluride D D F

Most reliable midsize SUVs →

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Subaru Outback reliability FAQ

Is the Subaru Outback reliable?

Above-average reliability. The Subaru Outback earns a B overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a B+ for its engine and a B for its transmission. It ranks 6th of 23 midsize SUVs we grade. Its engine (B+) and transmission (B) grade about the same, so neither stands out as a weak point. Grades are based on 6,169 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.

How many miles will a Subaru Outback last?

We estimate a well-maintained Subaru Outback lasts around 220,000 miles. That's a rough figure for the model across all years, not measured for each model year, so check the grade for the year you're looking at.

What are the best years for the Subaru Outback?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most reliable Subaru Outback model years are 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2023.

What Subaru Outback years should I avoid?

No Subaru Outback model year stands out as a problem year in NHTSA owner complaints.

Is the Subaru Outback transmission reliable?

GradeMyCar grades the Subaru Outback transmission a B (above-average reliability). Reliability varies by model year, so grade the specific year you're looking at.

Is the Subaru Outback engine reliable?

GradeMyCar grades the Subaru Outback engine a B+ (above-average reliability).