2008 Subaru Outback Problems
What owners have reported about the 2008 Subaru Outback, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2008 Subaru Outback a good year?
It's one of the better years for the Outback. Owners have filed 226 complaints with NHTSA, the 13th most of 18 Outback model years. The most reported problems involve the airbags, electrical system and brakes.
226 complaints 8 recalls, 1 fire risk 13th worst of 18 Outback years
Top 2008 Subaru Outback problems
Airbag problems
104 complaints (46%) name the airbags, most often the frontal and front passenger.
Electrical problems
34 complaints (15%) name the electrical system.
Brake problems
31 complaints (14%) name the brakes, most often the ABS warning light.
Engine problems
20 complaints (9%) name the engine, most often the catalytic convertor.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (156 of 226). The amber line is the middle value, about 80,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2008 Subaru Outback recalls
Inflator module
S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners.
Recall 20V001000 · Jan 2020Inflator module
" These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners.
Recall 20V003000 · Jan 2020Inflator module
" These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners.
Recall 20V002000 · Jan 2020Switch
The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on the key ring and certain road conditions could cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine. The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash. If a crash occurs under this condition, the air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge.
Recall 19V297000 · Apr 2019Electrical
Fire riskThe relay that controls the secondary air injection pump may fail, causing the pump to continuously operate and overheat. If the air injection pump overheats, it may melt and increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary air injection pump relay, free of charge.
Recall 16V738000 · Oct 2016Inflator module
The affected vehicles are equipped with a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture upon its deployment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Subaru will notify their owners and General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge.
Recall 15V323000 · May 2015Hoses, lines / piping, and fittings
Salt water could splash on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector, resulting in excessive corrosion of the brake lines. Note that affected vehicles not currently, or formerly registered, in the salt belt states identified above are eligible for repair, at no cost to the customer, upon request. Brake line corrosion may result in brake fluid leakage. Fluid leakage may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will test the brake system by depressing the brake pedal and inspecting for brake fluid leaks. If no brake fluid seepage is observed, the affected areas will be rustproofed with anti-corrosion wax.
Recall 14V311000 · Jun 2014Hoses, lines / piping, and fittings
Salt water could splash on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector, resulting in excessive corrosion of the brake lines. Brake line corrosion may result in brake fluid leakage. Fluid leakage may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles. If no brake fluid seepage is observed, the affected area will be rustproofed with anti-corrosion wax.
Recall 13V110000 · Mar 2013Get an email when your 2008 Subaru Outback gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2008 Subaru Outback, you'll hear about it the same week.
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Outback years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
2008 Subaru Outback problems by system
Common questions
Is the 2008 Subaru Outback a reliable year?
It's one of the better years for the Outback. Owners have filed 226 complaints with NHTSA, the 13th most of 18 Outback model years. The most reported problems involve the airbags, electrical system and brakes.
What are the most common 2008 Subaru Outback problems?
Owners most often report problems with the airbags, electrical system, brakes and engine. 104 complaints (46%) name the airbags, most often the frontal and front passenger.
At what mileage do 2008 Subaru Outback airbags problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 55,000–100,000 miles, with a middle value near 79,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2008 Subaru Outback have?
8. Inflator module (20V001000); Inflator module (20V003000); Inflator module (20V002000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2008 Subaru Outback?
Ask for service records covering the airbags, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2025, 2023 and 2024 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.