Best Years to Buy a Used Subaru Outback

Known Issues — Subaru Outback

• 2000–2009: Head gasket failure — coolant and oil mixing on EJ25 engine [High severity]
• 2013–2017: Excessive oil consumption — FB25 engine burns oil between changes [High severity]
• 2017–2019: Premature battery failure — DCM telematics system drains battery [High severity]
• 2017–2017: Steering loss risk — improperly machined steering column; do not drive warning issued [High severity]

Best Years to Buy

Based on documented issues, the cleanest years for the Subaru Outback are: 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026. These model years avoid the most common documented failure points and represent the best value for used buyers.

Years to Avoid

Exercise extra caution with model years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 due to documented high-severity issues. If buying one of these years, have a pre-purchase inspection done and verify any known repairs have been completed.

• 2000–2009: Head gasket failure
• 2013–2017: Excessive oil consumption
• 2017–2019: Premature battery failure
• 2017–2017: Steering loss risk

What to Inspect Before Buying

• Run a VIN report (Carfax or AutoCheck) to check for accidents, title issues, and odometer rollbacks
• Ask specifically about Head gasket failure — verify it has been addressed
• Verify all open recalls at NHTSA.gov/recalls using the VIN
• Have an independent mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection ($100–$200)
• Ask for service records — consistent maintenance history is the best reliability indicator