Subaru Outback Years to Avoid
Every Outback model year ranked by owner complaints filed with NHTSA, with recalls and the top problem for each year.
Updated Oct 16, 2026.
Which Outback years should you avoid?
The 2019, 2017 and 2020 Outback have the most NHTSA complaints. Adjusted for how long each year has been on the road, the 2009, 2008 and 2014 models have the fewest problems.
Complaints by model year
Total complaints. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing.
Every year at a glance
| Year | Complaints | Per year | Recalls | Top problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 82 | 41 | 0 | Emergency Braking |
| 2024 | 104 | 35 | 0 | Wipers and Visibility |
| 2023 | 89 | 22 | 2 | Emergency Braking |
| 2022 | 465 | 93 | 4 | Wipers and Visibility |
| 2021 | 298 | 50 | 4 | Wipers and Visibility |
| 2020 | 900 | 129 | 6 | Wipers and Visibility |
| 2019 | 1,036 | 130 | 3 | Wipers and Visibility |
| 2018 | 814 | 90 | 3 | Wipers and Visibility |
| 2017 | 918 | 92 | 4 | Electrical |
| 2016 | 643 | 58 | 4 | Electrical |
| 2015 | 510 | 43 | 5 | Wipers and Visibility |
| 2014 | 208 | 16 | 10 | Airbags |
| 2013 | 297 | 21 | 12 | Engine |
| 2012 | 292 | 19 | 16 | Transmission |
| 2011 | 652 | 41 | 16 | Transmission |
| 2010 | 360 | 21 | 18 | Transmission |
| 2009 | 106 | 6 | 13 | Airbags |
| 2008 | 226 | 12 | 8 | Airbags |
"Per year" divides complaints by the years since that model year went on sale, so new and old years compare fairly. Highlighted rows have the most complaints.
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Common questions
What is the worst year for the Subaru Outback?
The 2019 Outback, with 1,036 complaints. Its most reported problem area is the wipers and visibility.
What is the best year for the Subaru Outback?
Among years with at least three years of owner reports, the 2009 Outback has the fewest complaints per year on the road.
Which Subaru Outback years should I avoid?
Be most careful with the 2019, 2017 and 2020 models. Check service records and recall work before buying.