Subaru Outback
Subaru's volume boxer: 2.5L NA in Legacy, Outback, Forester. Oil consumption class action for 2011-2014 models — piston rings didn't seat properly. Cam carrier seal leaks from ~60k miles (labor-intensive). Thermo control valve on 2019-2022 models: plastic housing fails under heat — Subaru extended warranty to 15 years. Improved from 2023.
AWD wagon for all conditions — Subaru's bestseller
The Outback is the reason Subaru exists: AWD, ground clearance, reliability. Not a fun car, but a faithful companion for any road. Cult status in snow country.
Engine Weaknesses 4
Class action for 2011-2014 Forester, Legacy, Outback. Piston rings didn't seat due to variable bore roughness. Worst cases: 1 quart per 800 miles.
Symptoms: Extreme oil consumption, frequent top-ups needed, blue smoke possible
Known FB engine problem: seal between cam carrier and cylinder head fails. Labor-intensive due to poor access. Service bulletins published.
Symptoms: Oil stain under engine, oil smell while driving, visible oil seepage at cylinder head
Electronic TCV plastic housing fails above 200°F. All warning lights simultaneously (EyeSight, front collision). Warranty extended to 15 years/150k miles. Mechanical thermostat replaces TCV from 2023.
Symptoms: All warning lights at once, no heater, fault codes P2682/P26A3/P26A5
Direct-injected FB25D variant (from 2020) has the same carbon buildup issue as all DI engines. Budget for walnut blasting.
Symptoms: Rough idle, power loss
Vehicle Weaknesses 2
Control arm mount can break off the subframe due to rust — erratic handling possible. Safety-relevant in salt belt regions. Recall for certain rear subframes due to poor paint quality.
Rear wheels particularly affected. Accelerated wear from corrosion in salt regions. Replacement relatively straightforward.
Reports & Tests
1796 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2010–2014). Most reported: Powertrain (500), Engine (279), Airbags (234).