Subaru Outback

FB25 2.5L NA 175 hp Automatic All-wheel drive Wagon 2015–2019

– Be Careful

Engine FB25 – Be Careful 12,600–25,000 €

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.

Fun Factor? Decent

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

!! Oil Consumption — Piston Rings (2011-2014)

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

4,000–6,000 € from 40,000 km

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!! Cam Carrier Seal Leak

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

1,700–6,000 € from 100,000 km

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!! Thermo Control Valve Failure (2019-2022)

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

1,300–1,800 € from 60,000 km

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! Intake Valve Carbon Buildup (DI Variant)

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

300–600 € from 80,000 km

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Vehicle Weaknesses 5

!! Gearbox CVT Judder (Lineartronic)

Lineartronic CVT shows judder and valve body wear when maintenance is neglected. Warranty extended to 10 years/100,000 miles for affected model years.

4,000–7,000 € from 100,000 km

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!! Brakes Brake Line Corrosion

Steel brake lines can corrode in salt regions. Less systematic than older generations but inspect any BS from salt states before purchase.

400–900 € from 120,000 km

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! Electronics 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.

0–500 € from 50,000 km

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! Body Windshield Cracks Too Easily

Same issue as other EyeSight Subarus: windshield cracks rapidly from stone chips. Replacement expensive due to mandatory EyeSight recalibration ($500+).

400–1,000 € from 30,000 km

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! Suspension Front Struts Leaking

Front shock absorbers lose hydraulic fluid and become leaky — clunking over bumps, vehicle continues to bounce after road irregularities. Typical above 60,000 miles.

500–1,200 € from 100,000 km

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Reports & Tests

nhtsa_complaints NHTSA Complaint Summary 2026-03

Below Average

3844 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2015–2019). Most reported: Electrical (1434), Wipers & Visibility (977), Other (751).