Subaru Outback recall history and complaint patterns

Comprehensive recall and complaint data for the Subaru Outback, sourced from official National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) records.

Last updated: 2025-12-22 (NHTSA data snapshot)

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At a Glance

Stats focus on model years from 1960 onwards. Earlier years appear in the detailed table below where data exists.

Key Takeaways

A quick scan of where recalls and complaints concentrate for the Subaru Outback, based on aggregated NHTSA counts and campaign metadata.

• Coverage spans model years 1995–2025 with 198 recall campaigns and 11980 complaints in NHTSA data.
• Years with the most recall activity: 2010 (18), 2012 (16), and 2011 (16).
• Years with the most complaint volume: 2019 (1265), 2020 (1113), and 2017 (1081).
• Top recall themes: Airbags, Powertrain, and Brakes.
• Most reported complaint areas (across all years): Electrical system, Visibility/wiper, Power train.
• Complaints are not proof of a defect, but repeated themes can be useful signals when researching a used vehicle.
• Always check your specific VIN for open recalls (open recalls are VIN-specific and can change over time).

Recall Themes

Instead of listing long campaign narratives, this groups recall campaigns into a few recurring areas. Each theme links back to official notices as evidence.

Most Reported Issues

Across all model years, the most frequently reported areas for the Subaru Outback in NHTSA complaint data are Electrical system, Visibility/wiper, Power train.

Jump to Model Year

Year-by-Year Overview

Each row shows how often this model appears in NHTSA recalls and consumer complaints for a given model year. These are counts of campaigns and complaints, not risk predictions.

What to Do Next

• Check open recalls by VIN on the official NHTSA site (open recalls are VIN-specific).
• If buying used, ask for proof of recall remedy completion (dealer paperwork helps).
• If symptoms match common complaint themes, consider a mechanic inspection before purchase or long trips.

Check Your VIN on NHTSA.gov

Recall Evidence by Year

A compact evidence view of recall campaigns that include this model. The default text is an original summary line, with official notice text available on demand.

Most common areas involved: Air bags , Power train and Service brakes

Other Subaru Models

Explore recall and complaint data for other Subaru models.

• Ascent 2019–2027
• B9 Tribeca 2006–2014
• Baja 2003–2006
• Brat 1981–1986
• BRZ 2013–2027
• Crosstrek 2016–2027
• DL 1981–1989
• Forester 1998–2027
• GL 1981–1989
• Impreza 1993–2027
• Justy 1987–1994
• Legacy 1990–2027
• Loyale 1990–1994
• Solterra 2023–2027
• SVX 1992–1997
• WRX 2015–2027
• XT 1985–1991
• XT6 1988–1991
• XV CrossTrek 2012–2015

⚠️ Important Safety Information

Recall Explained provides independent analysis of official NHTSA data. This site does not replace the official NHTSA VIN lookup and should not be treated as legal or safety advice for your specific vehicle.

For any safety concerns: Always check your VIN on the official NHTSA site and contact an authorized dealer.

Check Your VIN on NHTSA.gov