Used Subaru OUTBACK

What to know before buying: Subaru OUTBACK

From 1 forum thread and 3 press tests · updated 11/10/2026

What the reviews say

• The Outback blends an AWD estate with an SUV, offering generous clearance, protective cladding and high-profile tyres for rough roads.[1]one source
• Equipment includes permanent AWD, rough-road modes and the EyeSight safety system; physical buttons simplify key controls.[1]one source
• BP and BR models use boxer engines and AWD, with several petrol versions and the 2.0-litre EE20 diesel offered.[2][3]Outback BPOutback BR
• Its long cabin and practical ability suit work and outdoor use; the reviewed car is rated to tow two tonnes.[1]one source

Typical faults

• The 2008–2013 EE20 2.0 diesel is known for crankshaft failures plus flywheel and DPF trouble; the crank improved around 2013, but urban use still troubles the DPF.[2][3]Outback BPOutback BR

  100 000+ km · 2008–2013 · EE20 2.0 diesel

• Some EJ petrol boxer engines suffer oil consumption and gasket problems that can cause oil or coolant leaks.[2][3]Outback BPOutback BR

  EJ petrol

• The fourth-generation 2010–2014 CVT can slip, shudder and, in some cases, fail completely.[4]one sourceOutback BR

  2010–2014

• Excessive oil consumption is linked to piston-ring design on the 2013 2.5-litre engine and 2010–2012 3.6-litre engines.[4]one sourceOutback BR

  2.5 petrol (2013), 3.6 petrol (2010–2012)

• The oxygen sensor on 2000–2015 Outbacks can crack and fail, causing rough idle, sluggish acceleration, overheating, a petrol smell or starting trouble.[4]one source

  2000–2015

• 1996–1999 cars are reported with internal head-gasket leaks, while 2000–2009 cars can develop external leaks that allow coolant into the oil.[4]one source

  1996–2009

Which engine and version to take

• The reviewed current Outback has one engine: a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre, 169 hp four-cylinder boxer.[1]one source

What to avoid

• Buy the EE20 2.0 diesel, especially 2008–2013 versions, only after close inspection: crankshaft, flywheel and DPF risks are reported from about 100,000 km.[2][3]Outback BPOutback BR
• Check oil consumption especially carefully on the 2013 2.5-litre and 2010–2012 3.6-litre petrol engines; the source links the issue to piston rings.[4]one sourceOutback BR

What to check at the inspection

• On an EE20 diesel, listen for lower-engine knocking, check for vibration, inspect DPF data and verify whether the engine has been replaced.[2][3]Outback BPOutback BR
• For an EJ engine, inspect underneath, check the oil level and cold start, and look for oil or coolant leaks and signs of pressure in the cooling system.[2][3]Outback BPOutback BR
• For an EJ engine, demand a timing-belt replacement record; the sources state about 100,000 km, while FB and FA series use a chain.[2][3]Outback BPOutback BR
• Ensure all four tyres have matching wear. At 200,000–300,000+ km, test AWD operation, listen for noise and scan stored diagnostic faults.[2][3]Outback BPOutback BR
• On 2010–2014 cars, test the CVT in different modes and under load; slipping or shuddering can signal transmission trouble.[4]one sourceOutback BR

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]iauto.lv — TV AUTO ZIŅAS TESTĒ: Subaru Outback tiek pie jaunām ... · forum
2. [2]autoradars.lv — Subaru Outback Outback BR (2009 - 2014): проблемы и риски · press
3. [3]autoradars.lv — Subaru Outback Outback BP (2003 - 2009): проблемы и риски · press
4. [4]autotheme.info — Які Subaru Outback з пробігом не варто купувати в жодному ... · press

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