What are the worst Subaru Outback years?

Q: What are the worst Subaru Outback years?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints per year on the road, the worst Subaru Outback years are 2011, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 - complaint rates far above this model's median. The years with the fewest problems relative to time on the road: 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2009.

Subaru Outback: best and worst years

Every model year, ranked by owner complaints reported to NHTSA relative to time on the road. Click a year for its problems, recalls and trouble codes.

Years to avoid: 2011, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022

Complaint rates far above this model's median, even after adjusting for time on the road.

Held up best: 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2009

The fewest complaints relative to years on the road - at most half the model's median rate.

2025too new to judge81 complaints · 0 recalls 2024too new to judge102 complaints · 0 recalls 202389 complaints · 2 recalls 2022worst year464 complaints · 4 recalls 2021worst year296 complaints · 4 recalls 2020worst year899 complaints · 6 recalls 2019worst year1,034 complaints · 3 recalls 2018worst year812 complaints · 3 recalls 2017worst year917 complaints · 4 recalls 2016worst year643 complaints · 4 recalls 2015worst year510 complaints · 5 recalls 2014208 complaints · 10 recalls 2013297 complaints · 12 recalls 2012292 complaints · 16 recalls 2011worst year652 complaints · 16 recalls 2010360 complaints · 18 recalls 2009solid year106 complaints · 13 recalls 2008226 complaints · 8 recalls 2007solid year129 complaints · 8 recalls 2006277 complaints · 7 recalls 2005273 complaints · 9 recalls 2004solid year90 complaints · 11 recalls 2003solid year93 complaints · 15 recalls 2002143 complaints · 5 recalls 2001171 complaints · 4 recalls 2000207 complaints · 2 recalls 1999solid year111 complaints · 1 recalls 1998solid year127 complaints · 2 recalls 1997solid year79 complaints · 4 recalls 1996solid year46 complaints · 2 recalls

Ranked by complaints per year on the road (age capped at 12 years), so older years do not lead just because they have been around longer. Years under 3 years old are not judged - they have not had time to show their problems. Rates are relative to this model only and are not adjusted for sales volume.