A reliable SUV with a longtime record of high safety ratings, the Outback’s 2016 and 2017 models are among the wagon’s safest and best years. But the 2010 and 2011 editions’ extensive airbag recalls and many engine and transmission problems make them the worst years.
Key Points
- The 2010 and 2011 Subaru Outbacks have extensive recalls–18 and 16, respectively–for faulty airbag inflators and considerably high owner complaints. The two model years also suffered from extensive engine and transmission problems.
- The 2017 Subaru Outback is one of the vehicle’s best model years because of its strong reliability and excellent safety ratings. The 2017 Outback also ranks second out of 17 midsize SUVs based on owner reviews.
- Subaru Outback’s worst years are in the past, with cars 2015 and later being the best choices.
2010 and 2011 Subaru Outbacks Stand Out as the Worst Years Due to High Recall Count, Excessive Oil Consumption, Head Gasket Failures, and Transmission Problems
The 2010 and 2011 model years started the fourth-generation Subaru Outback in a troublesome fashion. These two examples remain the most plagued models in the wagon’s 27-year life. The 2010 Outback has a massive 18 recalls from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA,) and the 2011 model has 16.
Of those 18 recalls, 10 focus on faulty front passenger airbag inflators. In fact, the 2010 was the worst out of all the third-generation Outbacks in relation to this problem. Another serious recall is over potential failure of the electronic parking brake that can lead to vehicle rollaway and can increase the risk of a crash.
Both of these Outbacks also suffered from engine and transmission problems, including excessive oil consumption caused by faulty piston rings. Those faulty piston rings eventually led to Subaru having to settle a class-action lawsuit a few years later.
Transmission problems include excessive noise, rough shifting, and failure. A transmission replacement reportedly costs nearly $6,000, which is almost half of what these Outbacks are worth on the used market.
Lasting 250,000 Miles with No Major Mechanical Issues, the 2017 Model is One of the Outback’s Greatest Years
For buyers who are looking for an ideal balance of reliability and safety, the 2017 Outback was given the Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in addition to a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.
The 2017 Subaru Outback also has a lot of positive reviews from both owners and critics. Out of 496 owner reviews on Vehicle History, 76% of them are five stars. In terms of reviews, Edmunds rates it four out of five stars. Kelley Blue Book rates it 4.3 out of five stars. Lastly, Car and Driver calls it “a practical, capable, and safe choice.”
Unlike older Outback years, the 2017 car has no major mechanical problems. The 2017 Subaru Outback can easily last 250,000 miles with regular maintenance. That’s not to say it is not 100 percent problem-free though.
Some problems with this Outback include premature dead batteries and four recalls from the NHTSA. The most serious of which is a steering column recall. Additionally, there is one ongoing investigation into a potential airbag inflator issue that was opened in September 2021.
Lastly, prices for the 2017 Outback range from $19,960-$29,100 which is a bargain.
2016 Subaru Outback Shares 2017 Model’s Best Qualities, Including Excellent Reliability, Safety, and Positive Feedback from Owners
The 2016 Subaru Outback is pretty much identical to the 2017 in all the key areas. It has the same strong reliability, five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, and also has the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award.
It also scores very well with owners. Out of the 363 Vehicle History owner reviews, 73% percent of them are five stars. According to the same owner data, the 2016 Outback also ranks 4th out of 17 midsize SUVs.
Unfortunately, the 2016 Outback also shares the 2017’s bad sides. It has four serious recalls from the NHTSA. This Outback is part of the same open investigation into airbag inflator issues as the 2017 model.
Despite a Few Problem Years, the Subaru Outback is Still a Great Choice for a Reliable, Versatile, and Capable Family Wagon
Over its 27-year life, the Subaru Outback has seen some good and bad years. Every iteration has had its quirks and problems, whether mild or severe. That is definitely the case if you decide to look for Outback models pre-2015.
If you don’t want to look harder for cleaner examples of older models and are willing to spend the extra money, the 2015-2017 Outbacks are the best move. You are getting a car that has similar modern cabin amenities to the 2020-2021 models for a more reasonable price.
Photos: Subaru
