Is the Subaru Outback reliable?
60% of the 40 we inspected scored 60/100 or higher, with an average of 63/100 — it scores a little better than average.
40
Cars inspectedreal pre-purchase inspections63/100
Average conditionall cars we check: 61/10060%
In good shape (60+)all cars we check: 53%Across 40 used Subaru Outbacks we inspected, this model scores a little better than average — average condition 63/100 vs 61 for all cars we check. Every number on this page comes from real pre-purchase inspections — cars people were about to buy and paid an independent inspector to go through point by point, engine to underbody, paint depth to error codes. Not owner surveys, not warranty statistics, not forum lore: what we actually found.
What we found
Most common faults
Oil leaks · Engine
65%
Cracked or torn suspension bushings · Suspension
35%
Low coolant / cooling system issues · Engine
30%
Tires condition & wear · Brakes and tires
20%
Fluid leaks · Steering (hydraulic power)
20%
Share of inspected Subaru Outbacks where each item was flagged.
How they score
Excellent 20%
Good 40%
Mediocre 35%
Poor 5%
Hidden history
What the seller might not mention — how often we find it on this model.
63%had a repainted or replaced panelall cars: 75%
5%showed structural repairall cars: 4%
23%had fault codes recently clearedall cars: 23%
How long does a Outback stay good?
Good cars by mileage
Share of Subaru Outbacks in good shape (scoring 60+/100) by mileage and by age when we inspected them (each dot ≥5 cars; rolled-back odometers excluded from the mileage curve). The dashed grey curve is all cars we check.
More on Subaru
Other Subaru models we've inspected — or see the full Subaru profile.
Straight from recent Subaru Outback reports
2010 Subaru Outback · 152k mi — flagged: low coolant / cooling system issues, oil leaks, fuel trim out of range. Inspected Jul 23.
2023 Subaru Outback · 13k mi — flagged: oil leaks, cockpit control unit. Inspected Jun 8.
The bottom line
The Outback's story centers on engines that commonly weep oil and run low on coolant, paired with suspension bushings that crack or tear. Nearly two-thirds show oil leaks, so begin any walk-around by checking for drips under the motor and around the valve covers, then pressure-test the cooling system and inspect every bushing for play or splits. Panel repaints turn up often enough to expect cosmetic work, yet structural repairs stay rare—any frame evidence is grounds to walk. Lean on those engine and suspension findings to negotiate hard or pass when the leaks look long-term.
FAQ
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What are the most common problems on a used Subaru Outback?
The items we flag most often are oil leaks (65%), cracked or torn suspension bushings (35%), low coolant / cooling system issues (30%). Have these checked before buying.
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Should I worry about cleared fault codes?
On 23% of these cars the ECU codes had been erased shortly before sale, which can hide active faults. Ask for a diagnostic scan and start the engine from cold.
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Based on 40 inspections · updated Aug 1, 2026
