Is the 2013 Subaru Outback reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2013 Subaru Outback is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Subaru Outback?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2013 Subaru Outback have?

12 recalls on file for this model year.

2013 Subaru Outback

◆ Worse than typical

2013 Subaru Outback
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had 30% to 100% more 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: 297
Recalls: 12
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Engine

Complaints per year

2013: 297 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	129
2008	226
2009	106
2010	360
2011	652
2012	292
2013	297
2014	208
2015	509
2016	642
2017	918
2018	813
2019	1,034
2020	899
2021	296
2022	465
2023	89
2024	103
2025	81
2026	16

Known problem areas

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

Engine

23% · 67 reports

CRASHFIRE

Power train

20% · 60 reports

Show complaint excerpts

The CVT transmission in my 2013 Subaru Outback failed at approximately 93,000 miles.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-18

Please contact Carvana and make them take that vehicle off the market. I purchased it and by chance found out that bottom parts like subframe and exhaust pipe were inadequately installed .

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-17

Also filed under Structure

Air bags

14% · 42 reports

Most commonly citing air bag/restraint control module.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

I was pulling into a parking space very slowly when the car went into overdrive and suddenly accelerated at a high speed. It plunged down a slight decline and hit a large tree.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-10-04

Also filed under Vehicle speed control and fuel/propulsion system

My friends' son and wife had a crash on I 55 north near meadowbrook road on January 28, 2018.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-02-06

I was in an accident where the other driver failed to yield to oncoming traffic at an intersection and slammed into my drivers side door. My airbags failed to deploy during the accident.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-01-22

Steering

11% · 34 reports

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

2013 Subaru Outback 3.6R w/sap I am experiencing a heavy steering issue. Where the return to center does not happen unless I manually steer it back to center. Steering is so heavy that after 3000 miles.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-09-24

Vehicle speed control

9% · 26 reports

Most commonly citing cruise control.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Prior to this incident, I had noticed several occasions where the engine would suddenly rev for no reason while I was driving at a slow speed or braking. This incident happened on dec 2, 2014 at approx. 7:40AM eastern time.

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-01-05

Safety timeline

12 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

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

▮
2013Complaint volume 297 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2013-04-22Electrical system, equipment13V061000 Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, certain model year…

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RES key fobs, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2013-05-14Steering13V194000 Subaru is recalling certain model year 2013 Outback and Legacy vehicles manufactured from February 15, 2012, through June 15, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the inner and outer shafts of the…

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering column assembly with a new one, free of charge. The recall began on May 14, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2016-10-25Visibility16V694000 Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Legacy vehicles manufactured November 26, 2008, to June 7, 2013, and 2010-2014 Outback vehicles manufactured January 9, 2009 to June 7, 2013.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor bottom cover assembly, free of charge. The recall began October 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-02-09Air bags18V012000 Subaru of America, Inc.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2019-01-25Air bags19V008000 Subaru of America, Inc.

Remedy: Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-19.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2019-01-25Air bags19V007000 Subaru of America, Inc.

Remedy: Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-19.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2019-01-25Air bags19V009000 Subaru of America, Inc.

Remedy: Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

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 →
R

2019-07-19Parking brake18V626000 Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with a manual transmission.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPB actuator assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 19, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTV-81.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

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 →
R

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

2013 Subaru Outback — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine: 67 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 60 reports on file for this year.
Air bags: 42 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 13V061000 · Electrical system, equipment
Recall 13V194000 · Steering
Recall 16V694000 · Visibility
Recall 18V012000 · Air bags
Recall 19V008000 · Air bags
Recall 19V007000 · Air bags
Recall 19V009000 · Air bags
Recall 19V297000 · Electrical system
Recall 18V626000 · Parking brake
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 2013 Subaru Outback reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2013 Subaru Outback is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Subaru Outback?: The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2013 Subaru Outback have?: 12 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.

2013 Subaru Outback

Complaints per year

Known problem areas

Engine

Power train

Air bags

Steering

Vehicle speed control

Safety timeline

Buy-smart checklist

Inspect

Verify these recalls were completed

Other years of this model

▲Best years3 years

■Worst years3 years

FAQ

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years