184 of the 3,749 complaints about the Subaru Outback (4.9%) concern Engine, making it the model's #4 problem area. That share is 0.2× the Engine share across all tracked vehicles.
184Complaints · Engine
4.9%Share of complaints
0.22×vs. all vehicles
31Last 12 months
13.0%Share involving a crash or fire
1Related recalls
Analysis
By model year, Engine complaints peak with the 2020 model (50, 6% of that year's complaints) and are lowest for the 2023 model (1). 31 Engine complaints were filed in the last 12 months versus 19 in the 12 months before — the pace is rising.
Owners most often describe: “engine”, “thermo”, “battery”, “control valve” and “eyesight”. 24 of these reports (13.0%) describe a crash or fire, with 2 injuries and 0 deaths mentioned.
1 recall campaign relates to this area, most recently campaign 22V473000 (2022-07-01, model years 2022).
NHTSA Complaint Narrative — Draft On July 9, 2026, in the evening, my leased 2026 Subaru Outback Touring caught fire while we were driving home. We were stopped in a left-turn lane waiting on a left-turn signal.
Engine · 2026-08-08 · ODI 11755608 · Fire
Vehicle was not accelerating properly, so took to the dealership (Mike Shaw Subaru) to have work completed. Technicians indicated that the engine valves (shim valves) all had to be replaced and other work needed to be performed such as: Intake manifold, shim…
Engine · 2026-07-27 · ODI 11753053 · Fire
Good Day! I bought my 2021 Subaru Outback XT Onyx in Jan 2021. I had waiting 6 yrs for Subaru to use the Turbo Motor in the Outback again. I've had this car for 5 years with my warranty running out Jan 2026, but I only drive 5000-7000 miles per/yr.
Engine · 2026-08-20 · ODI 11758285
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that on various occasions upon bringing the vehicle to a stop or upon acceleration the vehicle had experienced a total loss of automotive power, and all of the warning lights would remain illuminated.
Engine · 2026-08-19 · ODI 11757956
My 2022 Subaru Outback Premium has had repeated intermittent stall/no-start events. The exact failed component is UNKNOWN, but the issue appears related to the fuel system, engine control, electrical system, or heat-related sensor/relay failure.
Engine · 2026-08-18 · ODI 11757581
The contact owns a 2025 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start while attempting to start it. There were no warning lights illuminated.
Engine · 2026-07-30 · ODI 11753796
Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.
Related recalls
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM) Campaign 22V473000 · 2022-07-01 · Model years: 2022
Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2022 Outback vehicles. The engine wiring harness may have been damaged, resulting in a loose electrical connection to the engine control unit (ECU).
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine wiring harness and ECU, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 30, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRC-22.
Why modern engines burn oil, and what owner complaints revealThe design choices that make many recent engines consume oil, the warning signs owners describe, what counts as normal, and which tracked models draw the most engine complaints right now.
Frequently asked questions
How common are Engine problems on the Subaru Outback?
184 of the 3,749 complaints about the Subaru Outback (4.9%) concern Engine, making it the model's #4 problem area. That share is 0.2× the Engine share across all tracked vehicles.
Which Subaru Outback model years have the most Engine complaints?
By model year, Engine complaints peak with the 2020 model (50, 6% of that year's complaints) and are lowest for the 2023 model (1).
Is there a recall for Subaru Outback Engine problems?
1 recall campaign relates to this area, most recently campaign 22V473000 (2022-07-01, model years 2022).