Subaru Outback recalls and complaints, 2015–2016, 2019, 2021, 2023–2024
Every tracked model year in one table: NHTSA recalls, owner complaints and what they are about.
NHTSA lists 15 recall campaigns and 2,667 owner complaints for the Subaru Outback model years VinSnap tracks (2015–2016, 2019, 2021, 2023–2024). The most-recalled systems are power train (6), air bags (2) and fuel system, gasoline (2). Owners complain most about the electrical system (906), visibility/wiper (671) and engine (166). The 2019 model year has the most complaints (1,034, next is 2016 with 642); raw counts are not adjusted for sales or years on the road. Complaints report 87 crashes, 14 fires and 58 injuries.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA recalls and complaints databases
Subaru Outback recalls and complaints by model year
| Model year | Recalls | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 5 | 509 | 19 | 5 | 16 | 0 |
| 2016 | 4 | 642 | 22 | 3 | 13 | 0 |
| 2019 | 3 | 1,034 | 24 | 2 | 18 | 0 |
| 2021 | 4 | 296 | 9 | 1 | 4 | 0 |
| 2023 | 2 | 89 | 8 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| 2024 | 0 | 97 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 0 |
Recall and complaint counts per model year from NHTSA. Crash, fire, injury and death figures are what owners reported in their complaints, not confirmed findings. Year links open that year's specs, recall list and complaint breakdown.
Most-recalled systems
| System | Recall campaigns | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 6 | 2015–2016, 2021, 2023 |
| Air bags | 2 | 2016, 2021 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 2 | 2019 |
| Electronic stability control (esc) | 1 | 2015 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 1 | 2015 |
| Steering | 1 | 2015–2016 |
| Structure | 1 | 2019 |
| Trailer hitches | 1 | 2015 |
Most-complained-about components
| Component | Complaints | Share | Year with most |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 906 | 34% | 2019 (363) |
| Visibility/wiper | 671 | 25% | 2019 (326) |
| Unknown or other | 544 | 20% | 2019 (204) |
| Engine | 166 | 6% | 2016 (52) |
| Power train | 120 | 4% | 2016 (45) |
| Forward collision avoidance | 116 | 4% | 2019 (36) |
| Vehicle speed control | 99 | 4% | 2015 (26) |
| Visibility | 99 | 4% | 2019 (63) |
| Structure | 90 | 3% | 2015 (33) |
| Service brakes | 84 | 3% | 2015 (27) |
A complaint can name more than one component, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Which NHTSA model names are counted
NHTSA files recalls and complaints under exact model names. This page adds up: OUTBACK, OUTBACK WILDERNESS.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Subaru Outback have?
NHTSA lists 15 recall campaigns across the Subaru Outback model years 2015–2016, 2019, 2021, 2023–2024, most often for the power train (6), air bags (2) and fuel system, gasoline (2).
Which Subaru Outback year has the most complaints?
Of the years VinSnap tracks, the 2019 Subaru Outback has the most NHTSA complaints (1,034), ahead of the 2016 (642). Counts are not adjusted for how many were sold or how long they have been on the road.
What do Subaru Outback owners complain about most?
Across 2015–2016, 2019, 2021, 2023–2024, NHTSA complaints most often name the electrical system (906 complaints), visibility/wiper (671 complaints) and engine (166 complaints).
Are Subaru Outback recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are done free of charge by franchised Subaru dealers. Recalls apply to specific build ranges, so check your VIN to see which campaigns cover your vehicle.