Subaru Outback Fuel/propulsion System Problems
Owners have filed 271 complaints with NHTSA about fuel/propulsion system problems on the Subaru Outback across 27 model years. The 2018 model year has the most (43). The words owners use most often: “fuel gauge” (5% of reports).
- 271fuel/propulsion system complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 26mention a crash
- 9mention an injury
- 0related recalls
- 35%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Fuel gauge: mentioned in 14 of 271 complaints (5%)
At what mileage do fuel/propulsion system problems happen?
Based on 166 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 271 complaints, 26 mention a crash, 8 a fire, 9 an injury.
Subaru Outback fuel/propulsion system complaints by model year
| Model year | Fuel/propulsion System complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Outback | 2 | 2% | — |
| 2024 Outback | 2 | 2% | — |
| 2023 Outback | 2 | 2% | — |
| 2022 Outback | 6 | 1% | — |
| 2021 Outback | 10 | 3% | — |
| 2020 Outback | 14 | 2% | 3,300 |
| 2019 Outback | 23 | 2% | 10,000 |
| 2018 Outback | 43 | 5% | 5,585 |
| 2017 Outback | 16 | 2% | 31,000 |
| 2016 Outback | 13 | 2% | 7,200 |
| 2015 Outback | 18 | 4% | 33,350 |
| 2014 Outback | 12 | 6% | 20,200 |
| 2013 Outback | 12 | 4% | 42,500 |
| 2012 Outback | 4 | 1% | 121,000 |
| 2011 Outback | 12 | 2% | 88,000 |
| 2010 Outback | 4 | 1% | 87,300 |
| 2009 Outback | 7 | 7% | 115,000 |
| 2008 Outback | 3 | 1% | 108,900 |
| 2007 Outback | 4 | 3% | 91,250 |
| 2006 Outback | 29 | 10% | 107,866 |
| 2005 Outback | 13 | 5% | 162,167 |
| 2004 Outback | 3 | 3% | 119,845 |
| 2003 Outback | 1 | 1% | 80,000 |
| 2002 Outback | 8 | 6% | 129,000 |
| 2001 Outback | 4 | 2% | 102,611 |
| 2000 Outback | 5 | 2% | 124,400 |
| 1997 Outback | 1 | 1% | 213,500 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (0)
No safety recall lists fuel/propulsion system for the Subaru Outback. A pattern of complaints does not always lead to a recall.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
My 2022 Subaru Outback Premium has had repeated intermittent stall/no-start events. The exact failed component is UNKNOWN, but the issue appears related to the fuel system, engine control, electrical system, or heat-related sensor/relay failure. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request…
My complaint/safety issue is that while I was in my 2019 Subaru Outback, I experienced Unintentional acceleration. While waiting for the large chain-link fence at my storage unit to open, the Outback raced into the gate! I had one foot on the brake waiting for the gate, then I stomped the pedal…
NHTSA Complaint Narrative â Draft On July 9, 2026, in the evening, my leased 2026 Subaru Outback Touring caught fire while we were driving home. We were stopped in a left-turn lane waiting on a left-turn signal. When the light turned, the vehicle in front of us moved forward â which, in…
The warning lights on our 2020 Subaru Outback have lit intermittently for the past 2 years. When bringing the vehicle into the dealer for service and oil changes, this was reported. Recently the TPMS light began to light intermittently. Tire pressure was checked and adjusted but the problem…
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - Car fire, originating under the hood. Unknown if vehicle is available for inspection. Last reported by Insurance company to be at IAA; [XXX]; PH#: [XXX]. How was your safety or the safety of others…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Subaru Outbacks have fuel/propulsion system problems?
No. NHTSA has 271 owner complaints about fuel/propulsion system for the Subaru Outback. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Subaru Outback fuel/propulsion system?
No recall currently lists fuel/propulsion system for this vehicle.
What do owners say about fuel/propulsion system problems on the Subaru Outback?
The most frequent phrase is “fuel gauge”, in 14 of 271 complaints.
Other Subaru Outback problems
- Electrical System problems (2,285)
- Visibility/wiper problems (1,760)
- Power Train problems (988)
- Engine problems (718)
- Air Bags problems (693)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (530)
- Service Brakes problems (431)
- Steering problems (366)
See all Subaru Outback problems.