Recalls · problems · safety

2013 Subaru Outback: recalls and problems

12 recalls and 297 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine.

12recalls
297complaints
18crashes reported
6fires reported
13injuries reported

Recalls

Check recalls for your exact VIN

Most common problems

  • Engine67 · 23%
  • Power Train60 · 20%
  • Air Bags40 · 13%
  • Steering34 · 11%
  • Vehicle Speed Control26 · 9%
  • Unknown Or Other24 · 8%
  • Service Brakes23 · 8%
  • Electrical System22 · 7%
  • Suspension15 · 5%
  • Fuel/Propulsion System12 · 4%

What owners report

Power Train

The cvt transmission in my 2013 subaru outback failed at approximately 93,000 miles. approximately three weeks prior to the failure, i noticed an unusual sound while driving, but no other symptoms were apparent at that time, so i continued monitoring it. on the day of the failure, the rear tires began hopping and i lost acceleration while driving. fortunately, this occurred while i was on my driveway, so i did not n

Power Train,Structure

Please contact carvana and make them take that vehicle off the market. i purchased it and by chance found out that bottom parts like subframe and exhaust pipe were inadequately installed . the mechanic said eventually i was going to flip over myself on the highway in that car. he also stated that this repair cost would be around $8000 - more than half of this used car was offered for on carvana. i returned the car. h

Air Bags,WheelsCrash

Not really sure, i don’t remember. it’s a wooded area , lots of deer etc. but i honestly don’t remember i saw my car it it fully intact , all doors , hood,trunk open, car starts too only front drivers wheel is bent in and lowest part of front bumper needs repair

Air Bags

The contact owns a 2013 subaru outback. the contact stated that after pulling into the driveway, the passenger-side door was opened and the driver-side airbag deployed. the contact stated the airbag had exploded inadvertently. the contact informed their insurance and was waiting for further instructions. the dealer was not informed. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not informed. the fai

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. They are owner reports and have not been verified.

Crash-test ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2013 Subaru Outback SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Source: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP APIs, covering Outback. Last refreshed 2026-09-29.