Subaru

Outback (2025)

2025 · Midsize SUV ยท 2 engines
Best Engine โœ… Recommended (3.7)
54 NHTSA Complaints
0 Recalls
0 Fire Reports
4 Crash Reports
Includes data from: OUTBACKOUTBACK WILDERNESS
View all 6 generations of the Subaru Outback → ๐Ÿ“‹ Inspection checklist

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (18.5% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard & Optional LDW: Standard
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
โ€”
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard

Engine Reliability Ratings

NA, U4

2.4L 4-cyl / 260 hp
โœ… Recommended (3.7)
24 complaints 12.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
11
other
8
electrical
2
steering
1
transmission
1

Known Issues

Safety Systems Issues (11 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (2 complaints)
Steering Issues (1 complaints)

Same engine used in

U5

2.5L 4-cyl / 182 hp
โœ… Recommended (3.5)
27 complaints 18.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
12
other
7
electrical
4
engine
2
exterior
2

Known Issues

Safety Systems Issues (12 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (4 complaints)
Engine Issues (2 complaints)
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints and aren't included in the main ratings above. Low counts can mean a genuinely clean record, but they can also reflect VIN-decode anomalies in NHTSA data. Treat as informational, not as a confident rating.

Subaru Outback Unidentified Engine

โœ… Recommended (4.5)
3 complaints 3.0 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

fuel system
1
other
1
exterior
1

Known Issues

Fuel System Issues (1 complaints)
Exterior Issues (1 complaints)

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Subaru Outback regardless of engine variant.

Safety Systems Issues (23 complaints)
safety_systems critical
Electrical System Issues (6 complaints)
electrical cosmetic

Alternatives in Midsize SUV

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2025-2025 Subaru Outback problems?

The 2025-2025 Subaru Outback has accumulated 54 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Safety Systems, Electrical System, Engine. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Subaru Outback engine is most reliable?

The 2025-2025 Subaru Outback was offered with 3 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.4L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2025-2025 Subaru Outback a good used car?

The 2025-2025 Subaru Outback can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 54 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2025-2025 Subaru Outback have?

The 2025-2025 Subaru Outback has 54 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2025-2025 Subaru Outback?

There are 0 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2025-2025 Subaru Outback vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN โ€” check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Subaru Outback?

Before buying a used Subaru Outback, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Safety Systems, Electrical System, Engine, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Outback?

The 2025 Subaru Outback received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 5 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (18.5% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard & Optional. Lane Departure Warning: Standard. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 54 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-07-24.

© 2026 The Weekly Driver