Subarus are famous for safety and capability, but the reliability of the 2013 Outback is questionable due to numerous airbag recalls, and complaints of engines excessively burning oil and transmissions failing.
Key Points
- The 2013 Subaru Outback received an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award and a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA.
- Over half of the 2013 Outback’s 12 recalls relate to faulty airbag components that could rupture.
- The 2.5-liter flat-four engine received numerous complaints of excessive oil consumption that could cause the engine to seize.
- The 2013 Outback’s transmission is also problematic, with owners reporting valve body and torque converter issues between 50,000 to 100,000 miles.
- The 2013 Outback has 253 owner complaints on the NHTSA, with the majority being engine and powertrain issues. Many owners report engine stalls with the brake pedal depressed and the majority of their service lights coming on.
Seven of the 12 Recalls for the 2013 Subaru Outback are for Exploding Front Passenger Airbag Inflators
Despite strong safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the 2013 Subaru Outback has been recalled 12 times. Seven of those recalls are related to exploding front passenger airbag inflators.
Exposure to extreme temperature and humidity changes causes the airbag inflators to explode. In the event of a crash, metal fragments could strike occupants when the airbags deploy. Millions of Subarus have been recalled between 2018 and 2020 for this issue. However, there are no NHTSA complaints of owners experiencing this.
Subaru will replace the front airbag inflator on affected vehicles, as needed.
2013 Outback Owners Complain Most About Excessive Oil Consumption on the 2.5-liter Flat-four Engine
Engine problems account for almost a quarter of the 253 complaints reported to the NHTSA for the 2013 Subaru Outback. Excessive oil consumption is the most common problem with the Outback’s 2.5-liter engine.
Burning oil has been an issue since this vehicle was new. Owners state a need to add oil every 250 to 1,000 miles, well before the recommended 7,500-mile mark.
Multiple forums point to defective piston rings as the cause of excessive oil consumption. There is no recall, but a class-action lawsuit settlement did extend warranties for certain 2013 Outbacks.
It is important to double-check the oil level even if a dealer is monitoring it. Owners on Car Complaints report concerns of dealers overfilling the oil to remedy the problem. Overfilling engine oil is not a suitable solution to excessive oil consumption. Low oil levels also put the vehicle at risk for engine damage and failure.
Complaints of Transmission Failure are Common on the 2013 Outback Due to Faulty Valve Bodies and Torque Converters
Another significant trouble spot on the 2013 Outback is the transmission. Of its 253 NHTSA complaints, 52 are for powertrain issues. Owners report issues with stalling, shuddering, and abnormal noises. Unfortunately, transmission failure and replacement are the most common outcome.
According to owners on the Subaru Outback forum, the torque converter and valve body are the most problematic components. The torque converter connects the engine to the transmission, and the valve body is the transmission’s control center.
Replacing the valve body or torque converter can cost between a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Some owners were quoted complete transmission replacement costs of nearly $10,000. In extreme cases, owners experienced transmission failure more than once.
Issues with the transmission tend to arise around 100,000 miles. Currently, there is no recall available, and vehicle warranties are probably expired. Changing the transmission fluid every 30,000 miles is the best preventative measure.
2013 Subaru Outback is Less Problematic Than Some Newer Model Years but Mechanical and Safety Problems Could Lead to Costly Repair Bills
“Love. It’s what makes a Subaru, a Subaru” might be the automaker’s signature tagline, but the 2013 Outback could be hard to love. While it has good safety ratings and a few hundred NHTSA complaints, the 2013 Outback has a dozen recalls. Over half of the recalls are for exploding airbag components, which is a concerning safety hazard.
The complaints of engines burning oil and faulty transmission components are also discouraging. If you want a 2013 Outback to last over 100,000 miles, it’s going to take diligent effort to maintain. As with any vehicle, lack of proper care could lead to costly repairs.
The 2013 Subaru Outback can be problematic, but some newer model years are even worse. Considering another vehicle model altogether might be a better option.
Photos: Subaru
