If you plan to buy a new or pre-owned vehicle, you really want to know what problems exist with it, if any. Most cars will have some customer complaints and service requirements. That’s true for the Subaru Outback as well. Sometimes these lead to recalls or significant repairs down the road.
Does the Subaru Outback have significant problems you should know about before buying?
Yes, there are some complaints you should know about including:
- Cooling system failures
- O2 sensor failures
- Engine oil leaks from the camshaft
- Vibrations and jerking when accelerating
- ABS control module problems
- Oil pump leak seal
It’s always important for owners to know what to expect when buying a vehicle. That’s why we’ll provide you with a breakdown of the most common problems listed here. Then, take the time to check out the Vehicle History of the vehicle you plan to buy to stay up to date on any changes.
Cooling System Failures
Subaru extended the warranty on 16 model years of the Subaru Outback (starting in 2000) due to problems with the head gasket. In these vehicles, the head gasket fails at a higher rate than it should. When that happens, it causes the cooling system in the vehicle to fail, leading to the engine overheating and stalling.
The problem seems to be related to one or more components including leaking oil. The bearings on the vehicle can also suffer damage from this. The company knows about the problem and has said that the original head gaskets installed with inferior products.
O2 Sensor Failures
When a vehicle has an O2 sensor failure, it can be very frustrating. The Outback has had a few of these problems. This is the front oxygen sensor. It was found that the O2 sensor can crack. When the sensor cracks or is otherwise deformed, it can cause the vehicle’s check engine light to come on. This can seem worrisome, but the repair is not that bad.
There was a service program issued for this problem. That was the Subaru Service Problem WXW-80. It was not a recall.
However, the technicians did take a closer look at the problem, and if there was evidence of poor manufacturing, cracks, or early wear and tear, they replaced these sensors. Subaru did not outright say what causes this to occur, though.
Engine Oil Leaks from the Camshaft
Oil leaks coming from either the camshaft seal or the crankshaft’s front seal are another of the Subaru Outback problems. This happens due to improper installation or failure of the seal for unknown reasons. These seals are important for maintaining the functionality of the vehicle.
It is not uncommon for problems like this to develop in any vehicle. However, it was a concern for the Outback from 2003 and 2004.
It is also important to note that if these seals are damaged, there is also likely damage to the timing belt. These may need to be replaced. Owners noted these problems occurred around 120,000 miles.
They recalled massive oil leaks that continued to happen until the technicians replaced the seals.
Vibrations and Jerking When Accelerating
One of the biggest complaints across the line up of Outback vehicles from Subaru has to do with the vibrations drivers feel when operating this vehicle. Keep in mind this has happened on numerous model years ranging from 2000 through 2012.
Drivers note that their vehicles tend to shake or jerky when they are driving them. It typically happens when they press the gas pedal.
This shuddering, as some drivers reported, is not always fully explained. Some technicians have noted the problem relates to the torque converter failure. The problem tends to develop in the Subaru Outback as it ages, and reaches mileage of around 100,000.
ABS Control Module Problems
The ABS Control module can develop problems with it as well. Subaru issued a technical service bulletin for this component to its dealerships (this is not a recall but a needed repair). The problem was not fully explained, but it required that these modules be replaced.
These were typically early problems with the vehicles, causing failure nearly right away after ownership purchase.
Drivers reported there were problems with the anti-lock brake hydraulic unit in some vehicles. With this service bulletin, though, the technicians were able to make repairs without having to replace the entire system.
Oil Pump Seal Leak
Another of the Subaru Outback problems relates to a leak that develops from the oil pump seal. This seal may have been placed improperly. Some customers reported smelling burning oil before they were able to have the vehicle repaired.
Others reported they saw both smoke a leak from the engine, which turned out to be a leak related to the oil pump.
The company did not replace the fuel pump in all cases. No recall was issued. However, it did have technicians take a closer look at the fuel pump’s seals to ensure they were properly positioned and in good working order and made repairs as needed. This problem affected vehicles around 80,000 miles.
Should You Buy a Subaru Outback with These Problems?
While these repairs and problems may seem worrisome, the Subaru Outback is a reliable vehicle for the most part. This vehicle has been produced in one or more forms since 1994. It is well respected for its overall design and efficiency.
What’s most important is to learn as much as you can about the specific vehicle’s problems. You can look up recall and service bulletins related to the vehicle you are thinking about buying. To do this, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website. Enter the VIN of the vehicle.
It will show a wide list of concerns from customers and provide info on necessary repairs the vehicle may need.
