EZ Swap LLC services the Subaru Outback in Phoenix, AZ, covering model years 2005 to 2027. If your Outback has a warning light, a strange noise or a safety recall question, our mechanics can diagnose it and give you a clear quote first.
To help Outback owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 8,618 owner complaints on file for the Outback and 57 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are electrical system (2,221), visibility/wiper (1,739), power train (817).
Most-Reported Subaru Outback Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the Outback (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 2,221 | 25% | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1,739 | 20% | |
| Power Train | 817 | 9% | |
| Engine | 698 | 8% | |
| Air Bags | 609 | 7% | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 421 | 4% | |
| Service Brakes | 415 | 4% | |
| Steering | 341 | 3% |
Electrical System
2,221 of the 8,618 complaints (25%) mention the electrical system. Electrical problems are made worse by desert heat, which ages batteries, cables and connectors. We test the battery, starter and charging system and trace faults to the actual part. See our battery replacement and starter & alternator repair pages.
Visibility/Wiper
1,739 of the 8,618 complaints (20%) mention lighting and visibility. Lights, wipers and visibility items are quick to fix and are on every rideshare inspection checklist. We check them as part of our inspection prep. See our rideshare inspection prep page.
Power Train
817 of the 8,618 complaints (9%) mention the powertrain. Powertrain complaints can range from rough shifting to loss of drive. We road test, scan for stored codes and inspect fluids before recommending any repair. See our auto repair page.
Subaru Outback Complaints by Model Year
The Outback model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2019, 2017, 2020. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 273 | |
| 2006 | 281 | |
| 2007 | 130 | |
| 2008 | 230 | |
| 2009 | 112 | |
| 2010 | 360 | |
| 2011 | 653 | |
| 2012 | 294 | |
| 2013 | 297 | |
| 2014 | 208 | |
| 2015 | 509 | |
| 2016 | 642 | |
| 2017 | 919 | |
| 2018 | 816 | |
| 2019 | 1,036 | |
| 2020 | 901 | |
| 2021 | 298 | |
| 2022 | 465 | |
| 2023 | 89 | |
| 2024 | 2 | |
| 2025 | 83 | |
| 2026 | 20 |
Most Common Subaru Outback Check Engine Codes
Owners often put the exact trouble code in their NHTSA complaint. These are the codes cited most often for the Outback. The most-cited is P2138 (throttle or pedal position sensor voltage correlation), mentioned in 77 complaints. Counts reflect complaints that name a code, not every car on the road.
| Code | What it means | Complaints citing it |
|---|---|---|
| P2138 | Throttle or pedal position sensor voltage correlation Failing accelerator pedal sensor or throttle sensor; can cause reduced power. | 77 |
| P2764 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 4 |
| C0057 | Manufacturer-specific chassis code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 3 |
| P0700 | Transmission control system malfunction The transmission computer stored its own code. A scan of the transmission module shows the real fault. | 3 |
| P0304 | Cylinder 4 misfire Commonly a bad spark plug or ignition coil on that cylinder. | 2 |
| C0054 | Manufacturer-specific chassis code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 2 |
| P1710 | Manufacturer-specific powertrain code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 2 |
| P0420 | Catalyst efficiency below threshold (bank 1) Often a worn catalytic converter, but failing oxygen sensors or exhaust leaks can set it too. Can cause an emissions test failure. | 2 |
A code is a clue, not a diagnosis. The same code can have several causes, so we test before replacing parts. See our check engine light diagnostics, and read whether it is safe to drive with the check engine light on.
Subaru Outback Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 57 recall campaigns for the Outback in these model years, most often involving air bags, power train, visibility. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2024 recall, Air Bags (campaign 24V227000): Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A capacitor in the sensors for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may crack and short circuit, which can prevent the front passenger air bag from...
- 2023 recall, Power Train (campaign 23V755000): Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
- 2023 recall, Power Train (campaign 23V647000): Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Outback, Legacy, Ascent, and Impreza vehicles. The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, resulting in the disconnection of the front end of the driveshaft.
- 2022 recall, Power Train (campaign 22V485000): Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.
- 2022 recall, Engine And Engine Cooling (campaign 22V473000): 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).
- 2022 recall, Visibility (campaign 22V712000): Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2022 Impreza and Outback vehicles. The incorrect paint clearcoat may have been applied, which can cause the windshield to be insufficiently bonded to the vehicle.
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the Outback, 301 involved a crash, 72 involved a fire, 201 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Subaru Outback Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Subaru will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a Outback that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for Outback owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Subaru Outback, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Subaru Outback Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Subaru Outback repair service, or choose a service below.
Battery Replacement
Test, replace and protect against Phoenix heat.
Details →Starter & Alternator Repair
Charging and starting system repair.
Details →Rideshare Inspection Prep
Get approved for Uber, Lyft and more.
Details →Auto Repair
All makes and models, from domestic trucks to imports.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Car A/C Repair
Phoenix heat demands cold air.
Details →Subaru Outback FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Subaru Outback?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Subaru Outback are electrical system (2,221), visibility/wiper (1,739), power train (817). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which Outback model years have the most complaints?
The Outback model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2019, 2017, 2020. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What are the most common check engine codes on the Subaru Outback?
In NHTSA owner complaints for the Subaru Outback, the codes cited most often are P2138 (throttle or pedal position sensor voltage correlation), P2764 (powertrain code), C0057 (manufacturer-specific chassis code). A code points to a system, and testing confirms the actual failed part.
Does the Subaru Outback have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 57 recall campaigns for the Subaru Outback across model years 2005 to 2027. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Subaru Outback in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Subaru vehicles including the Outback, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Subaru Outback?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Subaru Outback in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Subaru Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.