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.
2011GOOD BUYSerious complaints 1.3× usual, mostly power train and engine Extended coverage
479 serious complaints of 652, the most about power train (216) and engine (85); per car on the road, 1.3× this model's usual year. 16 recalls.
What owners report
“My 2011 outback has recently started stalling out at stop signs. It will stall 5 times in 2 miles. It starts right back up but will stall again at the next light or stop sign (local streets). Apparently subaru has a service bulletin 16-90-13r that indicates this problem is a poor design of the torque converter.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the power train, Oct 2016
“Car stalls out when I come to a complete stop, especially if I have to stop short due to being cut off. Car is an automatic, so this is not supposed to happen and is very dangerous when cars are coming behind me.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the engine, Feb 2020
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 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 Subaruâs 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)
- 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)
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.
652 owner complaints · 16 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 20–24 mpg · NHTSA: 4 of 5 stars · 2011 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
What changed for 2011
- Starting prices: +$200 to +$500 (4 trims; hover for each)
- Engine: 3.6-liter SUBARU BOXER® → 3.6-liter SUBARU BOXER (3.6R Limited, 3.6R, 3.6R Premium)
- Engine: 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® → 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER (2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited, 2.5i)
2011 Outback trims
| 2.5i | 2.5i Limited | 2.5i Premium | 3.6R | 3.6R Limited | 3.6R Premium | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | ||||||
| Starting MSRP | — | $28,495 | — | $28,195 | $31,495 | $29,195 |
| Powertrain | ||||||
| Engine | 2.5-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 |
| Horsepower | 170 hp | 170 hp | 170 hp | 256 hp | 256 hp | 256 hp |
| Torque | 170 lb-ft | 170 lb-ft | 170 lb-ft | 247 lb-ft | 247 lb-ft | 247 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Lineartronic CVT: Lineartronic 6-Speed Manual: — | Lineartronic | Lineartronic CVT: Lineartronic 6-Speed Manual: — | — | — | — |
| Gears | Lineartronic CVT: — 6-Speed Manual: 6 | — | Lineartronic CVT: — 6-Speed Manual: 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Drivetrain | Lineartronic CVT / 6-Speed Manual | Awd | Lineartronic CVT / 6-Speed Manual | Awd | Awd | Awd |
| Size and capability | ||||||
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Max towing | 2,700 lb | 2,700 lb | 2,700 lb | 3,000 lb | 3,000 lb | 3,000 lb |
| Cargo behind last row | 34.3 cu ft | 34.3 cu ft | 34.3 cu ft | 34.3 cu ft | 34.3 cu ft | 34.3 cu ft |
| Max cargo | 71.3 cu ft | 71.3 cu ft | 71.3 cu ft | 71.3 cu ft | 71.3 cu ft | 71.3 cu ft |
| Ground clearance | 8.7 in | 8.7 in | 8.7 in | 8.7 in | 8.7 in | 8.7 in |
| Length | 188.2 in | 188.2 in | 188.2 in | 188.2 in | 188.2 in | 188.2 in |
| Curb weight | Lineartronic CVT: 3,495 lb 6-Speed Manual: 3,386 lb | 3,564 lb | Lineartronic CVT: 3,536 lb 6-Speed Manual: 3,428 lb | 3,544 lb | 3,658 lb | 3,634 lb |
| Tech | ||||||
| Touchscreen | — | Optional | — | — | Optional | — |
| Apple CarPlay | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Android Auto | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Audio | — | Harman Kardon | Optional | — | Harman Kardon | Optional |
| Speakers | 4 | 9 | 4 + option | 4 | 9 | 4 + option |
| Comfort | ||||||
| Seats | Cloth | Leather | Cloth | Cloth | Leather | Cloth |
| Heated seats | — | Front | Optional | — | Front | Front |
| Climate zones | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Remote start | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Second row | Split Bench | Split Bench | Split Bench | Split Bench | Split Bench | Split Bench |
| Exterior | ||||||
| Sunroof | — | Optional | Optional | — | Optional | — |
| Wheels | 16 in | 17 in | 17 in | 17 in | 17 in | 17 in |
Packages and options (32)
| 2.5i | 2.5i Limited | 2.5i Premium | 3.6R | 3.6R Limited | 3.6R Premium | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All-Weather Package | — | Standard | Optional | — | Standard | Standard |
| harman/kardon® Audio Package | — | Standard | Optional | — | Standard | Optional |
| Navigation Package | — | Optional | — | — | Optional | — |
| Power Moonroof Package | — | Optional | Optional | — | Optional | — |
| Body Side Moldings | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Kayak Carrier | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Puddle Lights | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Side Window Deflectors | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Ski and Snowboard Carrier | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Splash Guards | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Trailer Hitch | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| All-Weather Floor Mats | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Auto-Dimming Mirror with Compass and HomeLink | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Dog Guard/Compartment Separator | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Remote Engine Starter | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Subaru Mobile Internet | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| BlueConnect® | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| SIRIUS Satellite Radio | Optional | — | Optional | Optional | — | Optional |
| XM Satellite Radio | Optional | Standard | Optional | Optional | Standard | Optional |
| Azurite Blue Pearl | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Caramel Bronze Pearl | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Crystal Black Silica | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Cypress Green Pearl | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Graphite Gray Metallic | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Ruby Red Pearl | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Satin White Pearl | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Sky Blue Metallic | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Steel Silver Metallic | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Off-Black Cloth | Optional | — | Optional | Optional | — | Optional |
| Off-Black Leather | — | Optional | — | — | Optional | — |
| Warm Ivory Cloth | Optional | — | Optional | Optional | — | 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: dimensions, exterior, interior, infotainment, safety, options, option rules, vin decode. "Optional" means a package or option adds it; hover for which.
Year by year
| Year | Engines | Drive | Fuel economy | Crash rating | Recalls | Owner complaints | Most-reported problem | CarPlay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2.4L 4-cyl turbo, 260 hp 2.5L 4-cyl, 180 hp | AWD | 23–27 mpg | Not rated | 0 | 27 | Forward collision avoidance (8) | — |
| 2025 | 2.4L 4-cyl turbo, 260 hp 2.5L 4-cyl, 182 hp | AWD | 23–28 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 | AWD | 23–28 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 | AWD | 23–28 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 | AWD | 24–29 mpg | 5 of 5 | 4 | 464 | Visibility/wiper (255) | Yes |
| 2021 | 2.4L 4-cyl turbo, 260 hp 2.5L 4-cyl, 182 hp | AWD | 26–29 mpg | 5 of 5 | 4 | 296 | Visibility/wiper (97) | Yes |
| 2020 | 2.4L 4-cyl turbo, 260 hp 2.5L 4-cyl, 182 hp | AWD | 26–29 mpg | 5 of 5 | 6 | 899 | Visibility/wiper (313) | Yes |
| 2019 | 2.5L 4-cyl, 175 hp 3.6L 6-cyl, 256 hp | AWD | 22–28 mpg | 5 of 5 | 3 | 1034 | Electrical system (363) | Yes |
| 2018 | 2.5L 4-cyl, 175 hp 3.6L 6-cyl, 256 hp | AWD | 22–28 mpg | 5 of 5 | 3 | 812 | Electrical system (266) | Yes |
| 2017 | 2.5L 4-cyl, 175 hp 3.6L 6-cyl, 256 hp | AWD | 22–28 mpg | 5 of 5 | 4 | 917 | Electrical system (391) | No |
| 2016 | 2.5L 4-cyl 3.6L 6-cyl | AWD | 22–28 mpg | 5 of 5 | 4 | 642 | Electrical system (309) | No |
| 2015 | 2.5L 4-cyl 3.6L 6-cyl | AWD | 22–28 mpg | 5 of 5 | 5 | 509 | Visibility/wiper (130) | No |
| 2014 | 2.5L 4-cyl 3.6L 6-cyl manual available | AWD | 20–26 mpg | 5 of 5 | 10 | 208 | Air bags (38) | No |
| 2013 | 2.5L 4-cyl 3.6L 6-cyl manual available | AWD | 20–26 mpg | 5 of 5 | 12 | 297 | Engine (67) | No |
| 2012 | 2.5L 4-cyl 3.6L 6-cyl manual available | AWD | 20–24 mpg | 4 of 5 | 16 | 292 | Power train (107) | No |
| 2011 | 2.5L 4-cyl 3.6L 6-cyl manual available | AWD | 20–24 mpg | 4 of 5 | 16 | 652 | Power train (216) | No |
| 2010 | 2.5L 4-cyl 3.6L 6-cyl manual available | AWD | 20–24 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…
Apple lists CarPlay for: Outback 2018–2025 (Apple).
Every NHTSA-rated version: crash ratings, safety tech, recalls, complaints
| Year | Version | Stars | Forward collision warning | Lane departure warning | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | SUBARU OUTBACK SUV N/A AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 0 | 16 |
| 2026 | SUBARU OUTBACK WILDERNESS SUV N/A AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 1 | 11 |
| 2025 | Subaru Outback SW AWD | 5 | Standard & Optional | Standard | 0 | 81 |
| 2025 | Subaru Outback Wilderness SW AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 0 | 81 |
| 2024 | Subaru Outback SW AWD | 5 | Standard & Optional | Standard | 0 | 101 |
| 2024 | Subaru Outback Wilderness SW AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 0 | 95 |
| 2023 | Subaru Outback SW AWD | 5 | Standard & Optional | Standard | 2 | 89 |
| 2023 | Subaru Outback Wilderness SW AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 0 | 5 |
| 2022 | Subaru Outback SW AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 4 | 464 |
| 2021 | Subaru Outback SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 4 | 296 |
| 2020 | Subaru Outback SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 6 | 899 |
| 2019 | Subaru Outback SW AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 3 | 1034 |
| 2018 | Subaru Outback SW AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 3 | 812 |
| 2017 | Subaru Outback SW AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 4 | 917 |
| 2016 | Subaru Outback SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 4 | 642 |
| 2015 | Subaru Outback SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 5 | 509 |
| 2014 | Subaru Outback SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 10 | 208 |
| 2013 | Subaru Outback SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 12 | 297 |
| 2012 | Subaru Outback SUV AWD | 4 | No | No | 16 | 292 |
| 2011 | Subaru Outback 4 DR AWD | 4 | No | No | 16 | 652 |
| 2010 | Subaru Outback 4-DR w/SAB | Not Rated | No | No | 18 | 360 |
Source: NHTSA.
Every EPA-rated version: engines and combined mpg
| Year | EPA model | Engines | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Outback AWD | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo |
24–27 |
| 2026 | Outback Wilderness AWD | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo | 23 |
| 2025 | Outback AWD | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo |
25–28 |
| 2025 | Outback Wilderness AWD | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo | 23 |
| 2024 | Outback AWD | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo |
25–28 |
| 2024 | Outback Wilderness AWD | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo | 23 |
| 2023 | Outback AWD | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo |
25–28 |
| 2023 | Outback Wilderness AWD | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo | 23 |
| 2022 | Outback AWD | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo |
26–29 |
| 2022 | Outback Wilderness AWD | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo | 24 |
| 2021 | Outback AWD | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo |
26–29 |
| 2020 | Outback AWD | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo |
26–29 |
| 2019 | Outback AWD | Auto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (AV-S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
22–28 |
| 2018 | Outback AWD | Auto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (AV-S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
22–28 |
| 2017 | Outback AWD | Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (AV-S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
22–28 |
| 2016 | Outback AWD | Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (AV-S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
22–28 |
| 2015 | Outback AWD | Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (AV-S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
22–28 |
| 2014 | Outback AWD | Auto (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 |
| 2013 | Outback AWD | Auto (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 |
| 2012 | Outback Wagon AWD | Auto (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 |
| 2011 | Outback Wagon AWD | Auto (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 |
| 2010 | Outback Wagon AWD | Auto (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.