Subaru Outback BT
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The 6th-gen Outback (2020–2025) is the best-selling midsize wagon in the US — standard AWD, good ground clearance, and Subaru's reliability reputation. But this generation has a signature defect that defines the ownership experience: windshields that crack spontaneously.
The ceramic deicer element in the windshield creates stress fractures — often with no impact, sometimes from temperature changes overnight. The 2021 had 97 visibility complaints with an average failure at 821 miles. Owners report 3+ replacements in under 12 months. Average repair: $900–$1,400. Subaru issued a warranty extension covering one windshield replacement on affected VINs — and refuses coverage after that. The root cause is confirmed: ceramic deicer material. Check any used Outback windshield carefully before buying.
Powertrain pick: 2.5L FB25D (182 hp, CVT) is the safe, boring choice — oil burning largely resolved vs. pre-2015 generations, 2022+ shows dramatically fewer complaints. 2.4T FA24F (260 hp, Wilderness/XT) is genuinely capable but requires strict 0W-20 oil and 6,000-mile intervals. Early Wilderness (2022) showed FA24 oil pan leaks below 10,000 miles and cam phaser issues — 2023–2024 Wilderness is the sweet spot.
CVT reliability — yes, significantly better than 2010–2015 era. The Lineartronic got better cooling, tougher clutch packs, revised software. CVT failures are not a top complaint on the 6th gen. Fluid change every 25,000–30,000 miles (~$450). Full replacement if neglected: $4,000–$7,000. Head gasket legacy — not for FB25 or FA24. The EJ25 disaster (1999–2011) is not inherited; current engines use Multi-Layer Steel gaskets with redesigned coolant routing. Zero documented head gasket failures as a pattern.
Other issues: parasitic battery drain (average failure 3,563 miles on 2022, two documented electrical fires), EyeSight false emergency braking at highway speed (2021 recall covered 5,402 units), StarLink infotainment freezes (11.6" touchscreen disables HVAC + adaptive cruise simultaneously).
NHTSA recalls: ODS airbag sensor (WRA-24, 103,114 units, 2020–2022 — front passenger airbag may not deploy), CVT inhibitor switch moisture (2021–2023, 95,830 units), driveshaft bolts (2023, 4,311 units), plus 6 recalls on the 2020 model alone including drive chain and fuel pump.
Test-drive checklist: windshield micro-cracks at deicer strip, EyeSight phantom braking at 65+ MPH, cold-start FA24 cam phaser rattle, infotainment lag (>2 seconds switching screens predicts freeze behavior), battery stress test on 2020–2021.
2026 market: 2020 Base–Limited $17,000–$23,000. 2022 Wilderness $21,000–$30,000. 2023 $22,000–$33,000. Insider pick: 2023 Outback — fewest complaints, post-windshield-fix era, improved EyeSight, two-year depreciation absorbed. Avoid 2020–2021 entirely unless well under $18,000 with all 6 recalls confirmed completed.
Generations
Engine Overview
The Subaru Outback BT is available with 2 engine variants — from 167 to 272 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 2.4-litre turbo boxer with direct injection is the larger-displacement evolution of the smaller turbo DI — same basic concept, but more low-end torque and smoother running. Direct injection brings the same valve coking, so regular intake cleaning should be planned. On assembly too much oil-pan sealant was sometimes used, which can break loose and clog the oil screen — on purchase watch the oil pressure and a clean service history. Oil-pan and timing-cover leaks and a brief cold-start chain rattle are known. Overall a strong, daily-usable engine whose weak points are manageable with good maintenance.
- !! Recall: PCV Valve Separation (WUW-08)
Recall WUW-08 (Dec 2019): ~51,600 vehicles. Steel washer in PCV valve separates due to heat cycling — engine oil and fragments enter combustion chamber. Engine loses drive power. Free repair; short block replaced if valve fragments not found.
- !! Sealant clogs the oil pickup screen from 20,000 km
Excess oil-pan RTV silicone breaks loose in the crankcase and collects on the oil pickup screen. With enough material it throttles oil flow to the point of starvation and major engine damage — sometimes at low mileage.
Symptoms: Oil-pressure warning light, knocking or rattle from the bottom end, sudden power loss up to engine seizure. - !! Recall: low-pressure fuel pump (NHTSA 20V218)
Low-pressure pumps with insufficient impeller density can crack. The pump runs inefficiently or fails, the engine can stall while driving and not restart. Subaru replaces the pump free of charge.
Symptoms: Warning light, power loss, sudden stalling while driving, a no-restart.
+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Windshield Cracks Too Easily Same class action as Impreza/Forester: windshields with EyeSight calibration particularly expensive to replace. Symptoms: Rapid crack spread after stone chip from 30,000 km | Medium |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 18 weaknesses have been documented for the Subaru Outback BT (2020–2025) — 11 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. One problem engine: FB25 (2.5L NA). Typical issues affect Body, Electronics, Other, Gearbox.
Outback (FA24F, 2020–2025) — Be Careful: Recall: PCV Valve Separation (WUW-08), Sealant clogs the oil pickup screen, Recall: low-pressure fuel pump (NHTSA 20V218). Power: 260 PS.
Outback (FB25, 2020–2025) — 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
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee