2021/2022 Subaru Outback reliability

[Cropduster172]

After having worked at a Subaru dealership as a service manager as well as owning a 2021 Outback myself, here are some things I would be wary of as a new car buyer considering this vehicle:

1. Weak windshields that crack frequently and usually require not only a windshield replacement but also eyesight system recalibration which are normally covered under an insurance claim.

2. Infotainment system issues, Subaru has simply not figured this stuff out yet and it frustrates a lot of people. To date I have not had any issues and I have found it very easy to use, however, it is not entirely intuitive for everyone. The systems can be very glitchy as well.

3. Maintenance issues with a 2.4L turbo engine: it is a TGDI engine and prone to having carbon buildup as well as being very hard on motor oil. If you get this engine, strongly consider changing your oil every 3,000 miles, period.

4. Factory tires are . If you can get more than 30,000 miles out of the factory tires consider yourself lucky, they neither perform well nor wear well.

4 very good reasons NOT to buy one.

 

[IndyIan]

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It's dirty and the back scenery sucks. But here it is.

Don

That's the Wilderness Edition? Looks good in white!

 

[sk_pete]

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It's dirty and the back scenery sucks. But here it is.

Don

looks lifted as hell
2017 was looking into cheapo impreza, but bad internetz stories bout cvt/boxer pushed me off. https://www.subaruslovakia.sk/impreza-prehlad.html

 

[BLND1]

That looks interesting….

I think I’m just getting old.

 

[super20dan]

dont buy subaru. junk

 

[Al]

dont buy subaru. junk

lol....coming from someone who owns a kia

 

[NO2]

Despite some reliability issues (at least compared to Toyota) , we are going to get another Subaru Outback in a year or two (after the redesign) with the regular 2.5 engine. I'm hoping the redesign fixes the infotainment issues. The NA engine gets 4 mpg better and I don't see the need for a turbo when we don't tow much. The 2.5 is fine for our conditions. I'd consider the turbo if I lived in the mountains.

Unless you have a Ford or a Chrysler, the infotainment system on most vehicles is rather lame. At least CarPlay works with most vehicles now.

The Subaru AWD is outstanding and we have not gotten stuck even in a foot of fresh snow. That utility, and the excellent safety systems, overrides the higher maintenance costs for us.

 

[wemay]

If my wife wasn't stuck on getting a 7 seater as her next vehicle, the Outback would be at the top of my list as far as my recommendations go.

 

[SammyChevelleTypeS3]

Considering an Outback as my next car. Never bought one in the past due to it having a CVT. But I guess that I should just get used to the CVT's as it seems they are everywhere. The only Outback I would buy will have the 2.4 turbo engine. Does anyone have first hand knowledge of the reliability of this engine? Also the "8-speed" CVT reliability? Any info will be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Don