2025 Subaru Outback
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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 | 276 |
| 2007 | 129 |
| 2008 | 226 |
| 2009 | 106 |
| 2010 | 360 |
| 2011 | 651 |
| 2012 | 292 |
| 2013 | 296 |
| 2014 | 208 |
| 2015 | 509 |
| 2016 | 642 |
| 2017 | 917 |
| 2018 | 811 |
| 2019 | 1033 |
| 2020 | 896 |
| 2021 | 296 |
| 2022 | 462 |
| 2023 | 89 |
| 2024 | 102 |
| 2025 | 78 |
| 2026 | 15 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
27% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 21 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing warnings and automatic emergency braking.
CRASH24% of complaints: lane departure — 19 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing assist and warning.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
Unforced acceleration occurred in a parking lot. I had my foot off the gas pedal, and had the car easing to a stop, when the car sped up rapidly and scraped the side of a large van.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250815
Also filed under BACK OVER PREVENTION
17% of complaints: electrical system — 13 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing software and instrument cluster/panel.
CRASH FIRE8% of complaints: steering — 6 distinct reports on file.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
When engine auto-restarts after Auto Start-Stop has started engine, steering wheel jerks violently if it is not completely straight, dislocated my 5th finger.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260817
6% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 5 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2025 Subaru Outback — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for forward collision avoidance issues (21 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for lane departure issues (19 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (13 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2025 Subaru Outback reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2025 Subaru Outback is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2025 Subaru Outback?
The most-reported component is forward collision avoidance, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2025 Subaru Outback have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.