Photo: EurovisionNim, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
4 faults documented by at least two sources, listed by version then by mileage at onset when known.
4 known faults
Owners report a battery that empties or fails; one explanation put forward is that an electronic module does not go into standby and draws current when the car is switched off.
The continuously variable gearbox can judder or hesitate at low speed under light acceleration. Subaru has updated its software several times; reprogramming the control unit has sometimes improved things.
Owners and a US class action report windscreens that crack; replacement costs more because the EyeSight camera has to be recalibrated. Subaru denies any defect.
Owners report a battery that empties or fails; one explanation put forward is that an electronic module does not go into standby and draws current when the car is switched off.
Owners and a US class action report windscreens that crack; replacement costs more because the EyeSight camera has to be recalibrated. Subaru denies any defect.
The diesel's particulate filter is very sensitive to short journeys; incomplete regeneration can dilute the oil. The Car Checker report also mentions clogging of the EGR valve.
Owners report a battery that empties or fails; one explanation put forward is that an electronic module does not go into standby and draws current when the car is switched off.
The continuously variable gearbox can judder or hesitate at low speed under light acceleration. Subaru has updated its software several times; reprogramming the control unit has sometimes improved things.
Owners and a US class action report windscreens that crack; replacement costs more because the EyeSight camera has to be recalibrated. Subaru denies any defect.
The diesel's particulate filter is very sensitive to short journeys; incomplete regeneration can dilute the oil. The Car Checker report also mentions clogging of the EGR valve.
An OBD scanner plugged in under the steering wheel shows stored fault codes, even with warning lights off: useful during the test drive.
Compare prices of parts for the Subaru Outback V (BS) (timing, brakes, filters) to estimate the repairs to plan for.