Subaru Outback Structure Problems
Owners have filed 293 complaints with NHTSA about structure problems on the Subaru Outback across 30 model years. The 2015 model year has the most (33).
- 293structure complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 24mention a crash
- 20mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 48%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
At what mileage do structure problems happen?
Based on 168 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 293 complaints, 24 mention a crash, 4 a fire, 20 an injury.
Subaru Outback structure complaints by model year
| Model year | Structure complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Outback | 1 | 6% | — |
| 2025 Outback | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2024 Outback | 2 | 2% | — |
| 2023 Outback | 2 | 2% | — |
| 2022 Outback | 7 | 2% | — |
| 2021 Outback | 7 | 2% | 500 |
| 2020 Outback | 21 | 2% | 8,600 |
| 2019 Outback | 27 | 3% | 4,600 |
| 2018 Outback | 15 | 2% | 15,000 |
| 2017 Outback | 26 | 3% | 25,000 |
| 2016 Outback | 19 | 3% | 22,000 |
| 2015 Outback | 33 | 6% | 17,600 |
| 2014 Outback | 11 | 5% | 51,000 |
| 2013 Outback | 11 | 4% | 48,500 |
| 2012 Outback | 5 | 2% | 47,000 |
| 2011 Outback | 11 | 2% | 120,000 |
| 2010 Outback | 14 | 4% | 49,000 |
| 2009 Outback | 5 | 5% | 52,412 |
| 2008 Outback | 6 | 3% | 53,000 |
| 2007 Outback | 5 | 4% | 129,000 |
| 2006 Outback | 2 | 1% | 94,058 |
| 2005 Outback | 7 | 3% | 77,000 |
| 2003 Outback | 5 | 5% | 73,000 |
| 2002 Outback | 10 | 7% | 150,000 |
| 2001 Outback | 15 | 9% | 155,490 |
| 2000 Outback | 13 | 6% | 130,000 |
| 1999 Outback | 4 | 4% | 155,500 |
| 1998 Outback | 2 | 2% | 109,000 |
| 1997 Outback | 3 | 4% | 138,000 |
| 1996 Outback | 3 | 7% | 87,696 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Structure
Model years: 2019
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Legacy and Outback vehicles. Spot welds located on the duct below the cowl panel may have been improperly applied, impacting the vehicle's body strength.
Risk: In the event of a crash, the reduced strength of the vehicle body may increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and repair or repurchase the vehicle, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 26, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUH-93.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
I was driving on the highway going 70 MPH when the hood latch suddenly came unlatched. The hood flew up and smashed into the windshield, blocking my view. I was able to slow down and pull onto the shoulder, but there was damage to my hood, windshield, rear view mirror, body panels, sunroof, roof…
Infotainment screen is delaminated and doesnât work
I own a 2010 Subaru Outback. While parked at a college in Medford, Oregon, it suffered a spontaneous electrical fire that originated inside the driver's door. This is the exact failure described in Subaru Safety Recall Campaign WQE-41. The NHTSA website states the recall was completed on this VIN…
Please contact Carvana and make them take that vehicle off the market. I purchased it and by chance found out that bottom parts like subframe and exhaust pipe were inadequately installed . The mechanic said eventually I was going to flip over myself on the highway in that car. He also stated that…
I am reporting a severe saftey and crash-compatibility defect on the front passenger side of the 2026 Subaru Outback Premium trim. This vehicle is equipped with a fixed-height passenger seat that is positioned unsafely high relative to the headliner and sun visor assembly. Because the seat height…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Subaru Outbacks have structure problems?
No. NHTSA has 293 owner complaints about structure 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 structure?
Yes: 1 safety recall list structure. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
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.