Subaru Outback reliability
The Subaru Outback fails its MOT about as often as most cars over 10 years old: 38.2% of 3,282 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.
15 DVSA recalls for the Subaru Outback
Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.
SRT 351 - Malfunction of inhibitor switch on CVT
On affected vehicles the reverse lamp may not illuminate and / or the rear-view monitor may not display an image from the rear-view camera.
Fix: Replace the inhibitor switch with an improved part.
Recalled models: OUTBACK · 116 vehicles
The electronic park brake connector may disconnect
The electronic park brake connector may disconnect.
Fix: Inspect the electronic park brake connector and if necessary fit a retaining clip.
Recalled models: OUTBACK · 4,769 vehicles
The eyesight logic may cause an un-necessary activation of the pre-collision braking
The Eyesight logic may cause un-necessary activation of the pre-collision braking.
Fix: Re-program the Eyesight software
Recalled models: OUTBACK · 152 vehicles
A driving range indicator in the multi information display has a program error
Driver multi-function display inaccurate remaining fuel mileage range.
Fix: Affected vehicles will have a software enhancement.
Recalled models: OUTBACK · 422 vehicles
The load may exceed the valve spring's fatigue strength and the spring may fracture
Engine valve springs may fracture.
Fix: Replace all engine valve springs.
Recalled models: OUTBACK · 812 vehicles
Electronic parking brake capacitor on inner circuit board and magnet ring of the sensor may fracture
Electronic park brake capacitor may fracture and fail.
Fix: Replace the park brake actuator on affected vehicles.
Recalled models: OUTBACK · 4,199 vehicles
Mis connection of the fuel pump connector
Fuel pump wiring poor connection.
Fix: Replace fuel pump harness and inspect pump flange or damage. Replace if required.
Recalled models: OUTBACK · 6,649 vehicles
Obstruction in cowl area may force wipers to park out of position and overheat
If wipers become obstructed motor may over heat with risk of fire
Fix: Replace wiper motor bottom cover on affected vehicles
Recalled models: OUTBACK · 3,906 vehicles
Front passenger airbag inflator may rupture in a deployment event
Potential injury if Airbag deployed
Fix: On Affected vehicles replace Airbag inflator unit
Recalled models: OUTBACK · 7,589 vehicles
Front passenger airbag inflator may fail
Front passenger air bag inflator may fail.
Fix: On affected vehicles replace airbag inflator unit.
Recalled models: OUTBACK · 13,200 vehicles
Engine may stall
The crack on air intake ducts could cause the engine rough idle lower the power and the engine stall. Engine may stall whilst driving. Possible safety hazard whilst driving in traffic
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and check date on air intake duct. Depending on finds the air intake ducts may have to be replaced.
Recalled models: OUTBACK · 255 vehicles
Brake lamps may not function
There is no inherent problem with the brake lamp switch. However if the brake lamp switch did fail the driver would not be informed that the brake lamps were not working or the adaptive cruise control or pre-collision braking. The brake lamps not working would increase the risk of an incident during normal driving.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and reprogram the driving support system.
Recalled models: OUTBACK · 436 vehicles
Brake fluid may leak
It is possible that corrosion can form on unprotected hidden brake pipes. This could result in the failure of the pipes and loss of brake fluid which can affect the brake system and ultimately cause reduced braking efficiency.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to inspect and if required replace the subject brake pipes.
Recalled models: OUTBACK · 21,343 vehicles
Brakes may fail
It is possible that the metallic brake pipes that connect to the four way connector may be affected by corrosion in the Salt Belt Areas. If left unattended this could result in the pipes being subject to excessive corrosion which may cause a fluid leak. In extreme cases this may result in a reduction in braking efficiency.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to inspect and either provide additional protection or replace the brake pipes.
Recalled models: OUTBACK · 12,379 vehicles
Cvt gearbox oil may leak and loss of drive may occur
A gearbox oil cooler hose may split causing loss of drive and oil to leak onto the road surface with the ensuing danger to other road users.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to fit a modified oil cooler hose.
Recalled models: OUTBACK · 404 vehicles
Checking a Subaru Outback before you buy
Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.