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Subaru Outback problems, repairs and warranty value

Review possible repair costs and submitted NHTSA records for the Subaru Outback. Compare documented symptoms and manufacturer repair guidance, then choose your model year for its available records and repair estimates.

12model-year profiles
5,877submitted complaints
24unique vehicle recall campaigns
GasolineEPA powertrain choices
Animated diagnostic illustration for the Subaru Outback

Model records

What changes the warranty calculation

The Subaru Outback records contain 5,877 submitted complaints across 12 matched model years. The median is 487.5 reports per matched year. NHTSA source snapshot: 2026-10-18.

The 2019 record contains 1,036 complaint reports, the highest raw count among matched years here; other years may tie. Vehicle sales and time on the road differ, so this comparison does not establish a failure rate.

Engine replacement or major internal repair has the highest arithmetic midpoint for parts in the applicable planning estimates, at $8,000 before labor. Confirm the configuration and remaining factory coverage before using this broad estimate to compare a service contract.

35 recall/model-year entries. A campaign can cover several years; the unique campaign count removes that repetition. Missing model-name matches remain unavailable.

Problem research and repair guidance

Subaru Outback: symptoms, affected vehicles and documented fixes

Match the symptom and the exact vehicle scope before arranging work. The imported catalogue is an editorial index of source documents, not an independent safety authority. Recall text is checked against NHTSA; each record links to the evidence that supports its scope and remedy.

5documented issue files
5vehicle systems

3 recall files · 2 other manufacturer files. These are editorial file counts, not distinct campaign totals, failure rates or a complete recall history.

Engine cooling

Warranty extension published2020, 2021, 2022

Thermo control valve warning codes

A check-engine light with P2682 or a P26A-series code appears in Subaru's thermo-control-valve diagnostic record.

Subaru extended warranty coverage for the thermo control valve on specified Outback model years after identifying that coolant vapor could enter the sensor portion of the valve. That condition can set P2682 or P26A-series codes. The codes must be read and the vehicle checked because unrelated cooling, wiring and sensor faults can produce similar warnings.

Symptoms to compare
  • The check-engine light illuminates with P2682 or a P26A-series code stored
  • A scan shows that the engine control module detected the valve or sensor-related condition
  • A technician confirms the vehicle still has an affected thermo control valve design

Other ways owners describe it: Subaru thermal control valve failed; check engine light and EyeSight disabled; engine temperature warning; P26A3 code; P2682 code; heater takes too long to warm up; all dashboard lights came on.

Diagnostic trouble codes: P2682, P26A-series. A code identifies a condition to investigate, not a part to replace.

Which vehicles the source covers
  • 2020 to 2022 Subaru Outback
  • The extension also lists specified Legacy, Forester and Crosstrek model years
  • VIN eligibility must be confirmed through Subaru

Subaru Bulletin 09-119-24 extended thermo control valve coverage to 15 years or 150,000 miles for eligible vehicles. A Subaru vehicle coverage inquiry is required before repair.

Manufacturer position and diagnosis

Subaru directs technicians to verify coverage and replace the thermo control valve using the applicable service manual. The replacement design uses an enhanced internal shaft and additional sensor waterproofing.

Run a coverage inquiry and replace the valve if confirmedSubaru or qualified engine technician · Workshop repair

Ask a Subaru retailer to read the stored codes, check the VIN for the active extension and follow the service-manual thermo control valve replacement procedure when the condition is confirmed.

Limit: The procedure involves the cooling system, fuel delivery pipe and one-time-use gaskets. It is intended for trained technicians.

Save the codes and check coolant only when coldBasic observation and code scan · 10 minutes after the engine cools

Save a scan report before clearing anything. Once the engine is completely cold and on level ground, compare the reservoir level with the owner's manual marks and photograph any warnings for the service visit.

Limit: Never open a hot cooling system. A code match is not confirmation that the valve is the only fault.

Evidence for this issue
Open this problem file →

Source review: August 2, 2026

Infotainment & connectivity

Manufacturer software procedure2020, 2021, 2022

Infotainment screen freezes, goes black or reboots

A frozen center display or repeated rebooting is among the conditions addressed by Subaru's Gen 4 software updates; hardware faults remain possible.

Subaru maintains a service bulletin for Gen 4 Denso CP1 software updates in 2020 to 2022 Outback vehicles. Its history covers display and audio faults, including blank screens or spontaneous reboots. Some Apple CarPlay and Android Auto faults are also covered. A hardware or power fault can look similar; so can a phone or cable problem.

Symptoms to compare
  • The center information display freezes or remains blank after startup
  • The system restarts by itself or enters a repeated reboot cycle
  • Radio, SiriusXM or phone audio is missing
  • Apple CarPlay or Android Auto fails to connect or disconnects unexpectedly
  • Touch controls or vehicle-setting menus do not respond as expected

Other ways owners describe it: Subaru screen keeps restarting; big screen went black; radio freezes; touchscreen not responding; CarPlay keeps disconnecting; Android Auto not working; no sound after starting; navigation keeps rebooting.

Which vehicles the source covers
  • 2020 to 2022 Subaru Outback with the Gen 4 Denso CP1 system
  • Base, mid and high head units use different update files
  • Outback Wilderness uses a separate update package where specified

The bulletin is organized by model year and head-unit type. Installed software matters as well, while warranty coverage is separate from whether an update applies.

Manufacturer position and diagnosis

Subaru provides version-specific software files and a controlled dealer update procedure. The bulletin warns that all files in the matching set must be used and that a Wilderness package must not be installed in a different Outback variant.

Check the installed version and apply the matching updateSubaru service procedure · Version check plus software update

A Subaru technician identifies the head-unit variant and current software, then installs the complete matching file set or uses the supported over-the-air path where applicable.

Limit: An interrupted or mismatched USB update can leave the display or climate interface inoperative. Do not use files copied from another model or online forum.

Record the trigger before resetting the systemBasic observation · 5 minutes

While safely parked, photograph the screen and note whether a phone or USB device was connected. Record the active audio source, then save the software version if the settings menu remains accessible.

Limit: Do not troubleshoot the display while moving. Stop somewhere safe before disconnecting devices or restarting the system.

Evidence for this issue
Open this problem file →

Source review: August 2, 2026

POWER TRAIN

Official NHTSA safety recall2015, 2016Campaign 15V502000

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT: recall 15V502000

If the transmission oil leaks onto the exhaust pipe, there is a possible risk of fire.

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015 and 2016 model year Subaru Legacy 4-Door and Outback vehicles manufactured July 3, 2015, to July 27, 2015. Transmission oil may leak from a deformed seal cap on the propeller shaft yoke.

Condition in the official record

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015 and 2016 model year Subaru Legacy 4-Door and Outback vehicles manufactured July 3, 2015, to July 27, 2015. Transmission oil may leak from a deformed seal cap on the propeller shaft yoke.

Which vehicles the source covers
  • NHTSA model names: OUTBACK. Model years: 2015, 2016.
  • NHTSA campaign 15V502000
  • The complete campaign lists 2,893 potentially affected units across all listed vehicles.
  • A make, model and year match does not establish VIN eligibility.

Campaign 15V502000 is based on the recalled vehicle population and VIN, not a published mileage threshold. Mileage alone cannot confirm or exclude it.

Component in the source: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Jurisdiction: United States

Published recall remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the propeller shaft, free of charge. The recall began on August 28, 2015. Owners may contact 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQU-56.

Consequence in the NHTSA record: If the transmission oil leaks onto the exhaust pipe, there is a possible risk of fire.

Official recall remedyManufacturer or authorized dealer · Confirm with the dealer

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the propeller shaft, free of charge. The recall began on August 28, 2015. Owners may contact 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQU-56.

Limit: Confirm VIN eligibility and current remedy instructions with the manufacturer.

Check the complete VINVIN lookup · Before arranging repairs

Check the 17-character VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls and ask the manufacturer whether this campaign remains open for the vehicle.

Limit: The model-year list is not proof that an individual vehicle is affected.

Evidence for this issue
Open this problem file →

Source review: 2026-10-18

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Official NHTSA safety recall2020Campaign 19V664000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES: recall 19V664000

A missing or loose bolt may cause the brake pedal mounting area to deform over time, which can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020 Outback and Legacy vehicles. The brake pedal mounting bracket may have a missing or insufficiently tightened bolt.

Condition in the official record

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020 Outback and Legacy vehicles. The brake pedal mounting bracket may have a missing or insufficiently tightened bolt.

Which vehicles the source covers
  • NHTSA model names: OUTBACK. Model years: 2020.
  • NHTSA campaign 19V664000
  • The complete campaign lists 3,467 potentially affected units across all listed vehicles.
  • A make, model and year match does not establish VIN eligibility.

Campaign 19V664000 is based on the recalled vehicle population and VIN, not a published mileage threshold. Mileage alone cannot confirm or exclude it.

Component in the source: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

Jurisdiction: United States

Published recall remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake pedal mounting bracket hardware and replace the hardware or brake pedal assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUL-97.

Consequence in the NHTSA record: A missing or loose bolt may cause the brake pedal mounting area to deform over time, which can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.

Official recall remedyManufacturer or authorized dealer · Confirm with the dealer

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake pedal mounting bracket hardware and replace the hardware or brake pedal assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUL-97.

Limit: Confirm VIN eligibility and current remedy instructions with the manufacturer.

Check the complete VINVIN lookup · Before arranging repairs

Check the 17-character VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls and ask the manufacturer whether this campaign remains open for the vehicle.

Limit: The model-year list is not proof that an individual vehicle is affected.

Evidence for this issue
Open this problem file →

Source review: 2026-10-18

STEERING

Official safety recall2015, 2016, 2017Campaign 16V292000

STEERING:COLUMN: recall 16V292000

The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash.

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured February 29, 2016, to May 6, 2016. The steering column on the affected vehicles may have been improperly machined, and as a result, turning the steering wheel may have no effect on the direction of the wheels.

Condition in the official record

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured February 29, 2016, to May 6, 2016. The steering column on the affected vehicles may have been improperly machined, and as a result, turning the steering wheel may have no effect on the direction of the wheels.

Which vehicles the source covers
  • NHTSA model names: OUTBACK. Model years: 2015, 2016, 2017.
  • NHTSA campaign 16V292000
  • The complete campaign lists 48,819 potentially affected units across all listed vehicles.
  • A make, model and year match does not establish VIN eligibility.

Safety recall eligibility is based on the VIN and campaign scope, not ordinary warranty mileage. Check the complete VIN even when the vehicle is outside its original warranty.

Component in the source: STEERING:COLUMN

Published recall remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lot number on the steering column, replacing the steering column, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783 or by visiting http://www.wtd65.service-campaign.com. Subaru's number for this recall is WTD-65. Note: Until the vehicles have been inspected, owners are advised not to drive their vehicles.

Consequence in the NHTSA record: The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash.

Official recall remedyManufacturer or authorized dealer · Confirm with the dealer

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lot number on the steering column, replacing the steering column, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783 or by visiting http://www.wtd65.service-campaign.com. Subaru's number for this recall is WTD-65. Note: Until the vehicles have been inspected, owners are advised not to drive their vehicles.

Limit: Confirm VIN eligibility and current remedy instructions with the manufacturer.

Check the complete VINVIN lookup · Before arranging repairs

Check the 17-character VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls and ask the manufacturer whether this campaign remains open for the vehicle.

Limit: The model-year list is not proof that an individual vehicle is affected.

Evidence for this issue
Open this problem file →

Source review: 2026-10-18

Confirm who pays before authorizing work

A recall remedy follows the campaign and VIN eligibility. A service bulletin provides diagnosis or repair instructions; it does not by itself promise payment. Manufacturer warranty extensions and support programs have their own conditions.

Compare recalls, bulletins and warranty extensions →

Keep a current problem separate from future coverage

These files do not supply a shop quote. Ask for a diagnosis and written estimate, then check recall remedies or existing coverage. A new vehicle service contract generally excludes pre-existing conditions.

Prepare a useful description for the mechanic →

Each file retains its original source review date. Historical remedy wording can change; check the current manufacturer notice and NHTSA VIN lookup for your vehicle. The separately dated NHTSA counts elsewhere on this page use a different dataset and scope.

Read the evidence for this vehicle

What can the data tell you about Subaru Outback?

No model-specific individual-repair price keys are retained for Subaru Outback in this library. Generic parts and labor estimates, public records and separate annual cost references may still be available.

Individual-repair price scopeGeneric inputs

Model-level range presence is a source-coverage check. It does not confirm that a repair fits every engine or model year.

EPA configuration match29 source rows

The mapped years for this model can include different equipment. Use the VIN and original specifications to identify the actual configuration.

Cited manufacturer programs1 selected file

The cited documents have their own condition, time, mileage and start rules. Ask the manufacturer to confirm current VIN eligibility.

Price-key audit reviewed October 18, 2026; EPA source snapshot 2026-08-07. Individual-repair ranges and annual repair-budget references are different datasets.

EPA configuration facts

Engines and drivetrains sold under this model name

FuelEconomy.gov lists 29 matched Subaru Outback configurations across the model years shown here. Trim, engine and drive layout can change which repairs belong in a warranty comparison.

Vehicle classSmall SUV
Fuel choicesGasoline
Drive layoutsAll-wheel drive
Engine range2.4 to 3.6 L; 4 to 6 cylinders
EPA efficiency range22 to 29 mpg
Transmission typesAutomatic

These are ranges across EPA configurations, not the specification of every trim. The VIN and original window sticker settle the exact equipment. Source: FuelEconomy.gov vehicle data, dataset updated 2026-08-07.

Possible repair costs

Major repairs for this powertrain

These estimates use parts benchmarks and modeled independent-shop labor rates for 50-metro reference, so you can compare models using the same labor assumptions.

RepairEstimated range
Engine replacement or major internal repair$6,095 to $16,964
Transmission replacement$6,079 to $6,995
Transfer case replacement$2,189 to $8,192
Turbocharger replacement$1,662 to $6,524
Head gasket replacement$2,339 to $3,728
Strut and control arm repair$1,053 to $4,545
Compare a warranty quote with repair costsAll Subaru models