Subaru Outback Used: Common Problems & What to Check

If you're about to look at a used Subaru Outback, here's what actually matters: the common problems by generation and engine, what to inspect, and how to avoid overpaying. Outback-specific, honest, and to the point.

Quick verdict

The Outback is a likable, capable wagon-SUV with standard all-wheel drive and a devoted following — but Subaru's boxer engines and CVT carry a few well-known caveats, so year choice matters. Older EJ25 engines are tied to head-gasket issues; the FB25 engine in the 2013-2017 range drew an oil-consumption class action; and the 2010-2018 CVT had slip/shudder complaints (Subaru extended that warranty). The 2020+ cars are meaningfully better engineered. Pick the right year and inspect, and the Outback is a comfortable, sure-footed buy.

Who it's a fit for: someone who wants AWD capability, comfort, and cargo room — especially in snowy or rural areas. Just shop by year and verify the engine and CVT.

Generations and how to tell them apart

• BR (2010–2014) — fourth gen; introduced the FB25 engine (2013) and the Lineartronic CVT. 2013 is the year most associated with oil consumption; 2013-2014 are a value sweet spot if checked.
• BS (2015–2019) — more refinement, but oil consumption (2015-2016 especially) and CVT complaints persisted.
• BT (2020+) — genuinely better engineered: head-gasket era behind it, improved CVT, timing chain instead of belt. The strongest used Outbacks.

Known weak points and common problems

Head-gasket history (older EJ25). The naturally aspirated 2.5L EJ25 (roughly 1999-2011) is famous for head-gasket failures (external/internal leaks). Subaru largely resolved this from 2011 with multi-layer steel gaskets. The H6 six-cylinder is much more robust. On older cars, check for coolant/oil mixing and leaks.

FB25 oil consumption (2013-2017). The FB25's low-tension piston rings could fail to seal, causing excessive oil consumption (often ~1 quart per 1,000-3,000 miles). It prompted a class action and an extended warranty (8 years/100,000 miles) on affected cars; 2013 and 2015-2016 were among the worst. Check the dipstick and ask about top-offs.

Lineartronic CVT (2010-2018). Some CVTs developed slipping, shudder, valve-body, or chain issues (Subaru issued a TSB and extended the CVT warranty to 10 years/100,000 miles). Replacement is expensive ($6,000-8,000). Feel for shudder/hesitation on the test drive and ask for fluid history.

Smaller items. Battery drain/electrical on some 2017-2020 cars, sunroof leaks, door-latch and tailgate-strut wear.

That's the Outback in general. Want to know what to check on THE specific car you're going to see — its year, mileage and engine? Generate your free report on LemonProof and walk in with your homework done.

Engines and transmissions: which to look for and which to avoid

• 2020+ 2.5L (FB25, revised) — the most trouble-free choice with the improved CVT and chain-driven engine.
• 2013-2014 FB25 — a value sweet spot, if oil consumption checks out.
• H6 six-cylinder (older cars) — robust engine for those who find one.
• EJ25 (pre-2011) — only with head-gasket work documented.
• CVT — verify no shudder and check warranty status on 2010-2018; the XT turbo (where offered) adds its own considerations.

What to actually check on this car

Everything above is the Subaru Outback in general. Which of these issues actually matter for the exact car you're looking at — and the paperwork worth pulling, like the vehicle history report, title status, and an open-recall check — depends on its year, mileage, engine, and how it was driven. Instead of a one-size-fits-all checklist, LemonProof turns all of that into a tailored inspection list for your specific Subaru Outback: what to look at, what to ask the seller, and what to negotiate.

Is the price fair?

Outbacks hold value well, especially newer AWD examples in snow regions. A fair price depends on generation, engine, trim, mileage, condition and region, so don't treat an exact figure as fact. A 2020+ with clean history asks more than a 2015-2016 with an open oil-consumption question.

Walk in knowing the realistic range for that specific car and what to knock off for pending items (oil consumption, CVT risk, head-gasket history on older cars, tires). LemonProof's report cross-references the model, year, miles and asking price and tells you whether the number adds up. Check whether the asking price is fair →

FAQ

Is a used Subaru Outback reliable? It's comfortable and capable with standard AWD, but it carries a few known caveats by year: older head-gasket issues, FB25 oil consumption (2013-2017), and 2010-2018 CVT complaints. The 2020+ cars are meaningfully better.

Does the Subaru Outback burn oil? The FB25 engine in roughly 2013-2017 Outbacks could burn oil (low-tension piston rings), prompting a class action and an extended 8-year/100,000-mile warranty on affected cars. Check the dipstick and ask about oil top-offs.

Do Subaru Outbacks have head gasket problems? The older naturally aspirated EJ25 engine (about 1999-2011) is known for head-gasket failures; Subaru largely resolved this from 2011 with improved gaskets. On older cars, check for coolant/oil mixing and leaks.

Which Subaru Outback years are best to buy used? The 2020+ cars are the most refined and trouble-free; 2013-2014 can be a value sweet spot if oil consumption checks out. Approach 2015-2019 with a careful inspection (oil use, CVT) unless priced accordingly.

Related models: Toyota RAV4 used · Honda CR-V used · Toyota Highlander used.