Subaru Outback BS
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The BS Outback (2015-2019) is the first with standard EyeSight camera tech and plenty of electronics, which makes it more modern and safer but also more fault-prone than the old boxer classics. Comfortable, roomy, with real AWD and towing capacity, a typical family and touring rig for people who want a grown-up car without the SUV premium. On engines the FB25 four-cylinder dominates, a sensible, durable NA unit with no big dramas but no fire either, though cheap to run. The FA20DIT 2.0 turbo (XT, mainly US) adds far more punch but is more complex, thirstier and pricier to run. The EE20 diesel was only offered in early EU years. The biggest theme of this generation isn't the engine but the electronics and the glass. The windshield cracks remarkably often from minor stone chips or temperature swings, and in the US there was a class action over it. Replacement plus EyeSight calibration quickly costs 800-1,500 euros because the cameras must be recalibrated after every glass swap. EyeSight itself occasionally fails, with fault messages and system shutdown, and the Starlink infotainment can freeze or become sluggish. On the test drive: cycle through all driver aids, watch for warning lights in the cluster, and scan the windshield meticulously for fine cracks, ideally in raking light. The CVT still shudders on some examples, so test gently from a standstill several times and ask for the fluid history. Other known points: brake-line corrosion (check on a lift), leaking struts, visible as oil traces on the damper body, and again the rear wheel bearings, which announce themselves with a hum. 2026 market prices: solid FB25 from around 9,000-14,000 euros, well-kept examples and the sought-after FA20DIT turbos above that, diesels in between depending on condition. Insider pick: an FB25 with a proven replaced or crack-free windshield, fresh CVT fluid and fully working EyeSight, then you get the robust Subaru mechanicals without the typical electronics follow-up costs, a comfortable long-distance wagon that lasts.
Generations
Engine Overview
The Subaru Outback BS is available with 2 engine variants — from 167 to 260 hp.
The 2.5-litre NA petrol boxer with a timing chain uses port or direct injection depending on the year. At 125–134 kW it gives enough torque for the mid-size models and is fundamentally solid. The early 2011–2014 builds are affected by the known oil-consumption issue (piston rings, settled by a US class action). Across the years a cam-carrier oil leak appears, whose repair needs the engine out and can run into four figures. The direct-injection units from 2019 tend to coke the valves and have a fragile electronic thermo-control valve whose cracking plastic housing can cause overheating — here too the maker extended the warranty significantly. Otherwise a reliable daily engine with no timing-belt service.
- !! Thermo Control Valve Failure (2019-2022) from 60,000 km
The direct-injection engines' electronic thermo-control valve (from 2019) has a plastic housing that cracks; coolant vapour destroys the internal electronics. Stuck closed, the engine overheats within minutes. Subaru extended the warranty to 15 years/150,000 miles (part 21319AA010 → 21319AA040).
Symptoms: Check-engine light with codes P0128/P0125/P26Ax, no or delayed heater warmth, fluctuating coolant temperature, in severe cases sudden overheating. - !! Oil Consumption — Piston Rings (2011-2014) from 40,000 km
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 - !! Cam Carrier Seal Leak from 100,000 km
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
+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The 3.6-litre flat-six is one of Subaru's most reliable designs and is considered much more durable than the smaller H6 predecessor. Mileages beyond 300,000 km are not rare on cared-for examples. The timing chain is designed for engine life; only the plastic tensioner can develop play at high age. The most common issue is oil leaks: the timing-chain cover is sealed with liquid sealant rather than a gasket, which dries out after many years — a correct reseal is involved and often needs the engine out. The serpentine-belt tensioner also wears over time. Otherwise there are no design weak points. Regular oil changes and checking for damp seals low at the front are important.
- !! Timing Chain Tensioner Worn from 150,000 km
Plastic timing chain tensioner wears after 90,000+ miles and can no longer maintain adequate chain tension. Starts with cold-start rattle, can progress to timing chain jump. Expensive repair due to many bolts on the chain cover.
Symptoms: Rattling on cold start, loud chain noise, misfires at high mileage - !! Timing-cover oil leak from 160,000 km
The aluminium timing-chain cover is sealed not with a gasket but with liquid sealant. Over time it dries out and the engine seeps oil at the seams, later dripping. A correct reseal often needs the engine out.
Symptoms: Oil marks on the ground, an oil smell in the bay, seeping seams low on the timing cover, a slowly dropping oil level. - ! Oil Leaks at High Mileage from 120,000 km
Valve cover gaskets and timing chain cover become leaky at higher mileage. Typical for boxer engines with many sealing surfaces. Not a critical weakness, but noticeable cosmetically and by smell.
Symptoms: Oil spots under engine, oil smell when engine is hot
+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| EyeSight System Failure EyeSight camera system shuts down in cold, fog, or after windshield cleaning. BLS failure can permanently disable EyeSight. Software update available at dealer. Symptoms: EyeSight Disabled warning, emergency braking unavailable, warning lights on instrument cluster from 50,000 km | Low | |
| Starlink infotainment freezes The Harman Starlink system in late BS cars (from MY2019) freezes, reboots or shows a black screen. Touchscreen delamination causes ghost touches and a parasitic battery drain after the car is shut off. Symptoms: Frozen or black screen, spontaneous reboots, ghost-touch inputs, frozen reversing camera image, battery drain when parked. from 60,000 km | Medium |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 15 weaknesses have been documented for the Subaru Outback BS (2015–2019) — 8 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. One problem engine: FB25 (2.5L NA). Typical issues affect Electronics, Body, Gearbox, Brakes. Considered reliable: EZ36 (3.6L H6).
Outback (FB25, 2015–2019) — Stay Away!: Thermo Control Valve Failure (2019-2022), Oil Consumption — Piston Rings (2011-2014), Cam Carrier Seal Leak. Power: 175 PS.
What to watch out for with the Subaru Outback? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Subaru Outback BS have? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee