2013 Subaru Outback

245 serious complaints of 297, the most about engine (67) and power train (60); per car on the road, 1.0× this model's usual year. 12 recalls.

What owners report

“The engine oil light turned on. Stopped to check oil--was very low. Bought a quart to add to the car. Took to dealership and explained what had happened. It has occurred two times already--same ordeal where I have to add oil to the engine. When will nhtsa start investigating this?”

An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the engine, Jul 2015

“The contact owns a 2013 subaru outback. While driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled and vibrated. Numerous unknown warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. Periodically, the vehicle would not start. The vehicle was taken to a local repair shop where the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced.”

An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the power train, Oct 2018

Fixes and extended coverage

• Extended coverage This Warranty Extension will not cover any excessive engine oil consumption found to be a result of any condition(s) other than those specifically described in this bulletin. As part of our dedication to customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. is initiating a program to extend the original… (02-157-14, Oct 2016)
• 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)

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.

297 owner complaints · 12 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 20–26 mpg · NHTSA: 5 of 5 stars · 2013 trims and features