Model Year Matters

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2010 Subaru Outback

SUV · 2010–2026

2010–2014 Subaru Outback
2010–2014 pictured. Photo: OSX, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Which year to buy

Too new to judge: 2026. Give a new year a year or two of owner reports.

Bar height: serious owner complaints to NHTSA for that year per car on the road, against this model's usual year. first year of a new design.

2010GOOD BUYSerious complaints 1.4× usual, mostly power train and engine Extended coverage

291 serious complaints of 360, the most about power train (94) and engine (44); per car on the road, 1.4× this model's usual year. 18 recalls.

What owners report

“Recently, while driving home in traffic, with the car in drive while braking, my car stalled in the middle of the road. Since then, it has happened 4 times. Upon breaking while the car is in Drive, the car stalls and Check Engine Light, Battery, Engine Oil, Oil Temp, AWD, and Traction Control Warning Light come on.”

An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the power train, Aug 2022

“The contact owns a 2010 subaru outback. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle started to overheat and the coolant temperature warning indicator illuminated. The contact also stated that there was fuel leaking from the rear of the vehicle.”

An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the engine, May 2018

Fixes and extended coverage

  • Extended coverage This change is in response to an identified condition which in some cases, can cause the EPB system to not operate as designed. Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the New Car Limited Warranty coverage for the Electric Parking Brake (EPB) assembly used in the above listed models and model… (06-71-19, Sep 2019)
  • Extended coverage Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling all 2010-2014 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with a manual transmission (M/T), to replace the electronic parking brake (EPB) actuator assembly. However, they will be covered under an extended warranty. (WTV-81, Oct 2018)
  • Extended coverage Subaru owner letter. As the warrantor of Subaru vehicles in the United States, Subaru of America is implementing an EPB Warranty Extension program which extends warranty coverage for the EPB on the models listed above that were sold or leased in the United States. (Warranty, Sep 2019)
  • Extended coverage As part of Subaru’s dedication to customer satisfaction, SOA is announcing an Electric Parking Brake (EPB) Warranty Extension program, which extends the New Car Basic Limited Warranty coverage of the EPB actuator assembly for 2010-2014 Legacy/Outback vehicles with CVT or 5AT Transmission that… (Retailer, Sep 2019)
  • Extended coverage As part of Subaru's dedication to customer satisfaction, SOA is announcing a Low-Beam Halogen Headlamp Bulb Warranty Enhancement program. This extends warranty coverage for 2010 - 2012 Legacy (for the 2012 model year, the affected models are vehicles that were manufactured through August 8, 2011)… (ONEILL, Jul 2016)
  • Extended coverage Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the original warranty on the low-beam ONLY halogen headlamp bulbs to 10 years / unlimited miles from the vehicle's original warranty start date. (711016, Aug 2016)

From the manufacturer's bulletins filed with NHTSA. A dealer can look up whether a car has had the work done or is still covered.

360 owner complaints · 18 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 20–24 mpg · NHTSA: Not rated · 2010 trims and features

Every Outback year's verdict →

Verdicts computed from NHTSA owner complaints, defect investigations and recalls. Cars on the road from New York State registrations. (How we judge.) Data checked 2026-10-06.

Trims and features

20102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026

What changed for 2010

First year we have trim data for.

2010 Outback trims

2.5i2.5i Limited2.5i Premium3.6R3.6R Limited3.6R Premium
Price
Starting MSRP—$27,995—$27,995$30,995$28,995
Powertrain
Engine2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER®2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER®2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER®3.6-liter SUBARU BOXER®3.6-liter SUBARU BOXER®3.6-liter SUBARU BOXER®
Horsepower170 hp170 hp170 hp256 hp256 hp256 hp
Torque170 lb-ft170 lb-ft170 lb-ft247 lb-ft247 lb-ft247 lb-ft
TransmissionLineartronic CVT: Lineartronic
6-Speed Manual: —
LineartronicLineartronic CVT: Lineartronic
6-Speed Manual: —
SPORTSHIFT®SPORTSHIFT®SPORTSHIFT®
GearsLineartronic CVT: —
6-Speed Manual: 6
—Lineartronic CVT: —
6-Speed Manual: 6
555
DrivetrainLineartronic CVT / 6-Speed ManualAwdLineartronic CVT / 6-Speed ManualAwdAwdAwd
Size and capability
Seats555555
Max towing2,700 lb2,700 lb2,700 lb3,000 lb3,000 lb3,000 lb
Cargo behind last row34.3 cu ft34.3 cu ft34.3 cu ft34.3 cu ft34.3 cu ft34.3 cu ft
Max cargo71.3 cu ft71.3 cu ft71.3 cu ft71.3 cu ft71.3 cu ft71.3 cu ft
Ground clearance8.7 in8.7 in8.7 in8.7 in8.7 in8.7 in
Length188.2 in188.2 in188.2 in188.2 in188.2 in188.2 in
Curb weightLineartronic CVT: 3,495 lb
6-Speed Manual: 3,386 lb
3,564 lbLineartronic CVT: 3,536 lb
6-Speed Manual: 3,428 lb
3,544 lb3,658 lb3,634 lb
Tech
Touchscreen—Optional——Optional—
Apple CarPlayOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Android AutoOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Audio—Harman KardonOptional—Harman KardonOptional
Speakers494 + option494 + option
Comfort
SeatsClothLeatherClothClothLeatherCloth
Heated seats—FrontOptional—FrontFront
Climate zones121121
Remote startOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Second rowSplit BenchSplit BenchSplit BenchSplit BenchSplit BenchSplit Bench
Exterior
Sunroof—OptionalOptional—OptionalOptional
Wheels16 in17 in17 in17 in17 in17 in
Packages and options (30)
2.5i2.5i Limited2.5i Premium3.6R3.6R Limited3.6R Premium
All-Weather Package —StandardOptional—StandardStandard
Voice-activated 8-inch Touch-screen GPS Navigation System —Optional——Optional—
Power Tilt/Sliding-glass Moonroof —OptionalOptional—OptionalOptional
Hood Protector OptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Kayak Carrier OptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Puddle Lights OptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Rear Bumper Cover OptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Ski and Snowboard Carrier OptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Splash Guards OptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Trailer Hitch OptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
All-Weather Floor Mats OptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Auto-Dimming Mirror with Compass and HomeLink OptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Dog Guard/Compartment Separator OptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Remote Engine Starter OptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
BlueConnect® OptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
440-watt 9-speaker Harman Kardon Premium Audio System —StandardOptional—StandardOptional
SIRIUS Satellite Radio OptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
XM Satellite Radio OptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Azurite Blue Pearl OptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Crystal Black Silica OptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Cypress Green Pearl OptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Graphite Gray Metallic OptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Harvest Gold Metallic OptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Satin White Pearl OptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Sky Blue Metallic OptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Steel Silver Metallic OptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Off-Black Cloth Optional—OptionalOptional—Optional
Off-Black Leather —Optional——Optional—
Warm Ivory Cloth Optional—OptionalOptional—Optional
Warm Ivory Leather —Optional——Optional—

Trim data from OpenSpec (ODbL 1.0), built from Oem brochure, Oem brochure, Nhtsa vin decode. Still partial for this year: exterior, interior, infotainment, safety, option rules, vin decode. "Optional" means a package or option adds it; hover for which.

Year by year

YearEnginesDriveFuel economyCrash ratingRecalls Owner complaintsMost-reported problemCarPlay
2026 2.4L 4-cyl turbo, 260 hp
2.5L 4-cyl, 180 hp
AWD23–27 mpg Not rated 0 27 Forward collision avoidance (8) —
2025 2.4L 4-cyl turbo, 260 hp
2.5L 4-cyl, 182 hp
AWD23–28 mpg 5 of 5 0 81 Forward collision avoidance (20) Yes
2024 2.4L 4-cyl turbo, 260 hp
2.5L 4-cyl, 182 hp
AWD23–28 mpg 5 of 5 0 97 Unknown or other (28) Yes
2023 2.4L 4-cyl turbo, 260 hp
2.5L 4-cyl, 182 hp
AWD23–28 mpg 5 of 5 2 89 Forward collision avoidance (22) Yes
2022 2.4L 4-cyl turbo, 260 hp
2.5L 4-cyl, 182 hp
AWD24–29 mpg 5 of 5 4 464 Visibility/wiper (255) Yes
2021 2.4L 4-cyl turbo, 260 hp
2.5L 4-cyl, 182 hp
AWD26–29 mpg 5 of 5 4 296 Visibility/wiper (97) Yes
2020 2.4L 4-cyl turbo, 260 hp
2.5L 4-cyl, 182 hp
AWD26–29 mpg 5 of 5 6 899 Visibility/wiper (313) Yes
2019 2.5L 4-cyl, 175 hp
3.6L 6-cyl, 256 hp
AWD22–28 mpg 5 of 5 3 1034 Electrical system (363) Yes
2018 2.5L 4-cyl, 175 hp
3.6L 6-cyl, 256 hp
AWD22–28 mpg 5 of 5 3 812 Electrical system (266) Yes
2017 2.5L 4-cyl, 175 hp
3.6L 6-cyl, 256 hp
AWD22–28 mpg 5 of 5 4 917 Electrical system (391) No
2016 2.5L 4-cyl
3.6L 6-cyl
AWD22–28 mpg 5 of 5 4 642 Electrical system (309) No
2015 2.5L 4-cyl
3.6L 6-cyl
AWD22–28 mpg 5 of 5 5 509 Visibility/wiper (130) No
2014 2.5L 4-cyl
3.6L 6-cyl
manual available
AWD20–26 mpg 5 of 5 10 208 Air bags (38) No
2013 2.5L 4-cyl
3.6L 6-cyl
manual available
AWD20–26 mpg 5 of 5 12 297 Engine (67) No
2012 2.5L 4-cyl
3.6L 6-cyl
manual available
AWD20–24 mpg 4 of 5 16 292 Power train (107) No
2011 2.5L 4-cyl
3.6L 6-cyl
manual available
AWD20–24 mpg 4 of 5 16 652 Power train (216) No
2010 2.5L 4-cyl
3.6L 6-cyl
manual available
AWD20–24 mpg Not rated 18 360 Power train (94) No

Owner complaints are unverified reports to NHTSA, counted as filed: older years have had longer to collect them and sales aren't adjusted for, so see Which year to buy for a fair comparison. Most-reported problem: the component named in the most complaints that year. Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Apple.

Which years have…

Wireless Apple CarPlayWireless Android AutoApple CarPlay (wired or wireless)Wireless phone chargingAWD or 4WDPower liftgateAdaptive cruise with stop and goLane centeringBlind-spot monitoring360-degree cameraHeated front seatsHeated second-row seatsVentilated (cooled) seatsHeated steering wheelLeather seatsRemote startSunroof or moonroof

Apple lists CarPlay for: Outback 2018–2025 (Apple).

Every NHTSA-rated version: crash ratings, safety tech, recalls, complaints
YearVersionStarsForward collision warning Lane departure warningRecallsComplaints
2026 SUBARU OUTBACK SUV N/A AWDNot Rated StandardStandard 016
2026 SUBARU OUTBACK WILDERNESS SUV N/A AWDNot Rated StandardStandard 111
2025 Subaru Outback SW AWD5 Standard & OptionalStandard 081
2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness SW AWDNot Rated StandardStandard 081
2024 Subaru Outback SW AWD5 Standard & OptionalStandard 0101
2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness SW AWDNot Rated StandardStandard 095
2023 Subaru Outback SW AWD5 Standard & OptionalStandard 289
2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness SW AWDNot Rated StandardStandard 05
2022 Subaru Outback SW AWD5 StandardStandard 4464
2021 Subaru Outback SUV AWD5 StandardStandard 4296
2020 Subaru Outback SUV AWD5 StandardStandard 6899
2019 Subaru Outback SW AWD5 StandardStandard 31034
2018 Subaru Outback SW AWD5 OptionalOptional 3812
2017 Subaru Outback SW AWD5 OptionalOptional 4917
2016 Subaru Outback SUV AWD5 OptionalOptional 4642
2015 Subaru Outback SUV AWD5 OptionalOptional 5509
2014 Subaru Outback SUV AWD5 OptionalOptional 10208
2013 Subaru Outback SUV AWD5 OptionalOptional 12297
2012 Subaru Outback SUV AWD4 NoNo 16292
2011 Subaru Outback 4 DR AWD4 NoNo 16652
2010 Subaru Outback 4-DR w/SABNot Rated NoNo 18360

Source: NHTSA.

Every EPA-rated version: engines and combined mpg
YearEPA modelEnginesCombined
2026Outback AWDAuto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L
Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo
24–27
2026Outback Wilderness AWDAuto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo 23
2025Outback AWDAuto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L
Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo
25–28
2025Outback Wilderness AWDAuto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo 23
2024Outback AWDAuto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L
Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo
25–28
2024Outback Wilderness AWDAuto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo 23
2023Outback AWDAuto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L
Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo
25–28
2023Outback Wilderness AWDAuto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo 23
2022Outback AWDAuto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L
Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo
26–29
2022Outback Wilderness AWDAuto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo 24
2021Outback AWDAuto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L
Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo
26–29
2020Outback AWDAuto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L
Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo
26–29
2019Outback AWDAuto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.5 L
Auto (AV-S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L
22–28
2018Outback AWDAuto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.5 L
Auto (AV-S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L
22–28
2017Outback AWDAuto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L
Auto (AV-S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L
22–28
2016Outback AWDAuto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L
Auto (AV-S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L
22–28
2015Outback AWDAuto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L
Auto (AV-S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L
22–28
2014Outback AWDAuto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L
Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 3.6 L
20–26
2013Outback AWDAuto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L
Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 3.6 L
20–26
2012Outback Wagon AWDAuto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L
Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 3.6 L
20–24
2011Outback Wagon AWDAuto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L
Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 3.6 L
20–24
2010Outback Wagon AWDAuto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L
Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 3.6 L
20–24

Source: fueleconomy.gov.

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