Used-car buying guide · U.S. models
Start with the generation and engine. The 2017–2019 Outback offers a 2.5-liter four-cylinder or 3.6R six-cylinder; the redesigned 2020–2021 offers a 2.5-liter or an XT turbo. That choice changes the equipment to compare and the repair records to request.
Below: the changes that matter, documented repair programs and a checklist for the car in the listing. Use them to build a shortlist before comparing the public records.
By Tom Smith · Sources reviewed · Covers 2017–2021; the records table updates separately.
Choose around the features you need, then compare the actual cars' maintenance, repair history and asking prices. These are equipment-based starting points, not a ranking of failure rates.
The 2019 combines the pre-2020 generation with standard EyeSight, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Factory phone integration is also on the 2018; confirm EyeSight on that car. 2019 equipment · 2018 equipment.
Choose a listing explicitly identified as 3.6R; it is a different engine from the 2.5i and the later XT. Do not assume that choosing six cylinders avoids CVT-related questions: both earlier engines use a CVT. Subaru’s earlier lineup.
Both offer the newer body and XT turbo option. Check the display fitted to the trim; the large portrait screen is not in every car. The 2021 adds standard steering-responsive LED headlights. 2020 redesign · 2021 changes.
A cheaper car with unresolved symptoms or overdue work can need more spending immediately. Ask a mechanic for a written inspection and repair estimate, then compare that work with the asking-price difference. Keep fuel costs separate from repair costs.
A warranty extension identifies a repair to investigate. It does not prove that every car covered by the program has the fault, or that another year is more reliable.
These changes come from Subaru's U.S. product announcements. They add equipment and generation details that a comparison of EPA engine listings alone cannot show.
2.5i four-cylinder or 3.6R six-cylinder, both with a CVT. EyeSight availability depends on the trim and equipment.
Before buying: Confirm the engine and driver-assistance equipment. Ask about battery-drain diagnosis and any CVT repairs.
Equipment source: Subaru’s 2017 announcement · Full 2017 records
Updated styling and interior; Apple CarPlay and Android Auto added. The 2.5i and 3.6R choices continue. EyeSight is not yet standard across the range.
Before buying: Test the head unit and phone connection while parked. Get screen, battery/DCM and transmission repair records.
Equipment source: Subaru’s 2018 announcement · Full 2018 records
EyeSight becomes standard on every U.S. Outback. This is the last year of this generation and its 3.6R six-cylinder option.
Before buying: Compare the 2.5i and 3.6R on condition and fuel use. Check which DCM and infotainment repairs were performed.
Equipment source: Subaru’s 2019 announcement · 2020 engine change · Full 2019 records
Sixth-generation redesign. A 2.5-liter non-turbo four-cylinder or 2.4-liter turbo in XT trims replaces the previous lineup. The base trim has dual 7-inch displays; upper trims have an 11.6-inch display.
Before buying: Identify the engine before checking the CVT chain recall. Test the screen and ask about cooling-system and windshield repairs.
Equipment source: Subaru’s 2020 announcement · Full 2020 records
The 2.5-liter and XT choices continue. Steering-responsive LED headlights become standard across trims, with added rear-seat and passenger seat-belt reminders.
Before buying: Check the VIN even on an XT described as outside the 2020 recall. Review screen, cooling-system and glass history.
Equipment source: Subaru’s 2021 announcement · Full 2021 records
These comparisons show differences in imported EPA specifications, NHTSA ratings and recall campaign lists. Match equipment against the Subaru information above.
These summaries refresh from CarTold's EPA and NHTSA records. They describe listed differences; Subaru's announcements above supply the equipment and generation context.
These are selected issues supported by Subaru documents. The year range identifies where to ask the next question; the dealer must check the VIN, equipment, diagnosis and claim history.
Transmission · engine and VIN matter
WRK-21 / 21V955 includes certain 2020 2.4-liter turbo Outbacks. WRK-22 / 22V485 adds a small, selected population of 2020–2021 turbo cars. These chain-slip recalls do not apply to the 2.5-liter engine.
The remedy can involve software, slip-data checks and inspection; confirmed slipping or damage requires replacement. Ask what was done to this VIN: software and inspection, or a replacement CVT as well? Request the repair order and have continuing symptoms assessed independently. Subaru’s remedy instructions.
For 2017–2018 2.5i and 3.6R, separate bulletins announced CVT coverage of 10 years/100,000 miles, whichever comes first. These are warranty extensions, not the turbo chain recall or instructions to replace every transmission. Confirm remaining eligibility and any past transmission work. 2017 coverage · 2018 coverage.
Battery and no-start history · selected 2017–2019 equipment
Subaru documents excess current draw from the data communication module (DCM) on certain equipped vehicles. For 2017–2018, its bulletin describes unsuccessful attempts to contact the retired 3G network. The 2019 bulletin describes a different internal-memory concern.
Ask for the diagnosis and repair invoice. Repeated battery replacements should prompt questions about testing for parasitic draw and any DCM work. A recently fitted battery cannot tell you whether the cause of a drain was resolved.
The documents give DCM terms of 8 years/100,000 miles for 2017–2018 and 8 years/150,000 miles for 2019, subject to eligibility. On a 2019, clarify whether earlier work used a bypass box or a replacement DCM: Subaru revised its repair guidance in 2025. These programs are not general coverage for every flat battery. 2017–2018 DCM bulletin · 2019 DCM bulletin.
Infotainment · 2018–2021, with different programs
Try touch controls, audio and the phone features you use. Ask about blank screens, reboots, lost sound and intermittent faults, and request software-update or head-unit replacement invoices.
2018 and 2019 do not have the same coverage. The 2018 Harman Gen. 3.0 extension was 5 years/100,000 miles. It is historical coverage and may already have expired for the car being sold. 2018 terms.
A separate 2025 bulletin covers qualifying faults in 2019 Gen. 3.1 and 2020–2021 CP1 units with 8-year/150,000-mile terms. It requires diagnosis and applicable software first; a qualifying replacement is limited to one under the program. Ask whether that claim has already been used. Physical damage and faults in other audio components are excluded. Later head-unit terms.
Cooling system · 2020–2021 vehicles fitted with a thermo control valve
Subaru's thermo control valve bulletin describes a sensor-area concern and announces 15-year/150,000-mile coverage for qualifying valve failures. This is coverage for the specified component, not a blanket engine warranty. Confirm the equipment and eligibility by VIN.
If the seller mentions a check-engine light or valve replacement, ask for the diagnostic report and parts invoice. Have an unresolved warning assessed before buying; the existence of this bulletin is not a reason to replace a working valve on every car. Thermo control valve bulletin 09-119-24.
Windshield · qualifying cracks on 2020–2021
Subaru announced a one-time 8-year/100,000-mile extension for specified windshield cracks. Glass type, crack pattern and previous replacement matter; the bulletin excludes aftermarket glass and several damage patterns. It does not cover every chip or broken windshield.
Inspect the glass and request replacement invoices. If there is a crack, have Subaru assess it before accepting a promise that the replacement will be free. Ask the inspecting shop to check any required EyeSight work associated with past glass replacement. Windshield bulletin 12-257-25R.
Other recalls may apply. Check the VIN at NHTSA and ask Subaru about completed work and non-safety programs. A lookup showing no open recalls is not a full repair history. How to verify a claimed recall repair.
For an organized list to take with you, open the inspection checklist and choose Subaru, Outback and the year. Add the document-specific questions above.
Please send the VIN, current mileage, engine/trim and available service invoices. Has the car had repeated flat batteries, screen or audio faults, transmission work, cooling-system repairs or windshield replacement? Please include the repair orders and recall completion records. Can I arrange an independent inspection and see it started cold?
CarTold currently tracks 5 Outback model years, 2017–2021. Open a year to read its complaints, recalls, investigations, manufacturer communications and EPA variants.
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Investigations | Combined MPG | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 4 | 917 | 1 | 22–28 | Full report → |
| 2018 | 3 | 809 | 0 | 22–28 | Full report → |
| 2019 | 3 | 1,033 | 0 | 22–28 | Full report → |
| 2020 | 6 | 896 | 0 | 26–29 | Full report → |
| 2021 | 4 | 296 | 0 | 26–29 | Full report → |
The MPG range spans different configurations. Use the fuel calculator to compare the entries matching your shortlist, and check the price used for each car. The fuel estimate excludes maintenance, depreciation and insurance.
Open the compact year-comparison table · How to use complaint counts
Model-year changes come from Subaru's U.S. announcements. Repair-program details come from Subaru documents filed with NHTSA. The buying checks are CarTold's interpretation of those records; we have not inspected or road-tested these cars. The issues selected here are not an exhaustive defect list.
The source-review date applies to this written guide. Counts in the table come from CarTold's imports and can change separately. A publicly available bulletin may have a later dealer revision, so confirm current instructions and coverage with Subaru. See our methodology and guide to warranty extensions and recalls.