Is the 2007 Subaru Outback reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2007 Subaru Outback is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2007 Subaru Outback?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 37% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2007 Subaru Outback have?

8 recalls on file for this model year.

2007 Subaru Outback

▲ Better than typical

2007 Subaru Outback
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:43:26.351Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 130
Recalls: 8
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Air bags

Complaints per year

2007: 130 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1995	2
1996	46
1997	79
1998	127
1999	111
2000	207
2001	171
2002	143
2003	93
2004	90
2005	273
2006	277
2007	130
2008	226
2009	106
2010	360
2011	652
2012	295
2013	297
2014	208
2015	509
2016	642
2017	921
2018	816
2019	1,035
2020	903
2021	299
2022	465
2023	89
2024	105
2025	82
2026	21

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Air bags

37% · 48 reports

Most commonly citing side/window and frontal.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Driver side impact to 07 Subaru Outback damaged frame, insurance totaled vehicle, seatbelt did not hold driver in seat and none of the airbags deployed resulting in permanent injuries to neck and lower back as well as head hitting on driver side...

NHTSA ODI report, 2010-10-05

2007 Subaru Outback airbags failed to deploy. Consumer states that the vehicle went through a guardrail rolled down an embankment and ended up on its tires and the driver was severely injured and airbags did not deploy.

NHTSA ODI report, 2008-01-08

I purchased this 2007 Subaru Outback for my daughter after checking Subaru's official recalls website. That site listed Takata recall WQR-53 as completed [XXX].

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-22

Electrical system

15% · 20 reports

Most commonly citing software.

Vehicle speed control

13% · 17 reports

Most commonly citing accelerator pedal and cruise control.

Engine

12% · 15 reports

Suspension

11% · 14 reports

Most commonly citing rear.

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

Driving down the freeway, snowy conditions, going roughly 50 mph in a straight line, no curves or turns in sight, hit a very small hump in the road and suddenly I found myself sideways from what seems like a rear steer situation, i corrected as best...

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-01-22

Refer to NHTSA complaint 10558038 vehicle was driven a couple of times on good dry roads after December complaint about rear end stability and traction problems.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-02-05

Also filed under Electronic stability control (esc) and steering

Safety timeline

8 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2013-05-30Service brakes, hydraulic13V110000 Subaru is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Outback and Legacy vehicles manufactured from December 2003, through April 2009 and currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware…

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles. If no brake fluid seepage is observed, the affected area will be rustproofed with anti-corrosion wax. If brake fluid seepage is…

Check if this car was fixed →
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2014-07-23Service brakes, hydraulic14V311000 Subaru of America, Inc.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will test the brake system by depressing the brake pedal and inspecting for brake fluid leaks. If no brake fluid seepage is observed, the affected areas will be rustproofed with anti-corrosion wax.

Check if this car was fixed →
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2015-06-17Air bags15V323000 Subaru of America, Inc.

Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners and General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The Subaru recall began on June 17, 2015.

Check if this car was fixed →
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2016-12-16Electrical system16V738000 Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2008-2014 Impreza vehicles and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, all equipped with turbo-charged engines.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary air injection pump relay, free of charge. The recall began December 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTM-73.

Check if this car was fixed →
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2019-05-10Electrical system19V297000 Subaru of America, Inc.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 10, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614.

Check if this car was fixed →
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2020-01-07Air bags20V002000 Subaru of America, Inc.

Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614.

Check if this car was fixed →
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2020-01-07Air bags20V001000 Subaru of America, Inc.

Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2020-01-07Air bags20V003000 Subaru of America, Inc.

Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2007 Subaru Outback — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Air bags: 48 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 20 reports on file for this year.
Vehicle speed control: 17 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 13V110000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Recall 14V311000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Recall 15V323000 · Air bags
Recall 16V738000 · Electrical system
Recall 19V297000 · Electrical system
Recall 20V002000 · Air bags
Recall 20V001000 · Air bags
Recall 20V003000 · Air bags

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2007 Subaru Outback reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2007 Subaru Outback is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2007 Subaru Outback?: The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 37% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2007 Subaru Outback have?: 8 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.