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Subaru Outback VI faults

3 faults documented by at least two sources, listed by version then by mileage at onset when known.

Good choice, check first
Reliability
5.0/5

3 known faults

2.5i Premium 175 ch Lineartronic

  1. CVT gearbox chain (recall)

    Manufacturer recall

    Subaru recalled 2020-2021 Outback and Legacy models in the United States: a programming error in the gearbox control unit can make the clutch engage before the chain is fully tensioned, which can make it slip. The remedy is to reprogram the control unit, check the chain and replace the gearbox if slipping or breakage is found. The original recall (21V955) mainly concerns turbo versions: the exact scope for the 2.5 sold in France needs to be confirmed by the Subaru network with the serial number.

    Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

    Versions
    2.5i Premium 175 ch Lineartronic, 2.5i Luxury 175 ch Lineartronic, 2.5i Exclusive 175 ch Lineartronic
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  2. Passenger seat occupant detection sensors (recall)

    Manufacturer recall

    NHTSA recall 24V227: on Outback and Legacy models built from June 2020 to July 2021, a capacitor in the passenger seat sensors can crack, let in moisture and cause a short circuit; the passenger airbag may then fail to deploy in an accident. Replacement of the sensors is free (US recall: to be confirmed for cars sold in France).

    Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

    Versions
    2.5i Premium 175 ch Lineartronic, 2.5i Luxury 175 ch Lineartronic, 2.5i Exclusive 175 ch Lineartronic
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  3. Central screen switching off or restarting

    Severity 1/3 · Annoying

    On 2020 Legacy and Outback models, a software update could make the central screen go black, with the cockpit module restarting roughly every three minutes and the reversing camera image briefly disappearing. The remedy is a software update, then replacement of the module if the screen still does not work.

    Versions
    2.5i Premium 175 ch Lineartronic, 2.5i Luxury 175 ch Lineartronic, 2.5i Exclusive 175 ch Lineartronic
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

2.5i Luxury 175 ch Lineartronic

  1. CVT gearbox chain (recall)

    Manufacturer recall

    Subaru recalled 2020-2021 Outback and Legacy models in the United States: a programming error in the gearbox control unit can make the clutch engage before the chain is fully tensioned, which can make it slip. The remedy is to reprogram the control unit, check the chain and replace the gearbox if slipping or breakage is found. The original recall (21V955) mainly concerns turbo versions: the exact scope for the 2.5 sold in France needs to be confirmed by the Subaru network with the serial number.

    Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

    Versions
    2.5i Premium 175 ch Lineartronic, 2.5i Luxury 175 ch Lineartronic, 2.5i Exclusive 175 ch Lineartronic
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  2. Passenger seat occupant detection sensors (recall)

    Manufacturer recall

    NHTSA recall 24V227: on Outback and Legacy models built from June 2020 to July 2021, a capacitor in the passenger seat sensors can crack, let in moisture and cause a short circuit; the passenger airbag may then fail to deploy in an accident. Replacement of the sensors is free (US recall: to be confirmed for cars sold in France).

    Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

    Versions
    2.5i Premium 175 ch Lineartronic, 2.5i Luxury 175 ch Lineartronic, 2.5i Exclusive 175 ch Lineartronic
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  3. Central screen switching off or restarting

    Severity 1/3 · Annoying

    On 2020 Legacy and Outback models, a software update could make the central screen go black, with the cockpit module restarting roughly every three minutes and the reversing camera image briefly disappearing. The remedy is a software update, then replacement of the module if the screen still does not work.

    Versions
    2.5i Premium 175 ch Lineartronic, 2.5i Luxury 175 ch Lineartronic, 2.5i Exclusive 175 ch Lineartronic
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

2.5i Exclusive 175 ch Lineartronic

  1. CVT gearbox chain (recall)

    Manufacturer recall

    Subaru recalled 2020-2021 Outback and Legacy models in the United States: a programming error in the gearbox control unit can make the clutch engage before the chain is fully tensioned, which can make it slip. The remedy is to reprogram the control unit, check the chain and replace the gearbox if slipping or breakage is found. The original recall (21V955) mainly concerns turbo versions: the exact scope for the 2.5 sold in France needs to be confirmed by the Subaru network with the serial number.

    Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

    Versions
    2.5i Premium 175 ch Lineartronic, 2.5i Luxury 175 ch Lineartronic, 2.5i Exclusive 175 ch Lineartronic
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  2. Passenger seat occupant detection sensors (recall)

    Manufacturer recall

    NHTSA recall 24V227: on Outback and Legacy models built from June 2020 to July 2021, a capacitor in the passenger seat sensors can crack, let in moisture and cause a short circuit; the passenger airbag may then fail to deploy in an accident. Replacement of the sensors is free (US recall: to be confirmed for cars sold in France).

    Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

    Versions
    2.5i Premium 175 ch Lineartronic, 2.5i Luxury 175 ch Lineartronic, 2.5i Exclusive 175 ch Lineartronic
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  3. Central screen switching off or restarting

    Severity 1/3 · Annoying

    On 2020 Legacy and Outback models, a software update could make the central screen go black, with the cockpit module restarting roughly every three minutes and the reversing camera image briefly disappearing. The remedy is a software update, then replacement of the module if the screen still does not work.

    Versions
    2.5i Premium 175 ch Lineartronic, 2.5i Luxury 175 ch Lineartronic, 2.5i Exclusive 175 ch Lineartronic
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

Price and diagnose repairs

Read fault codes

An OBD scanner plugged in under the steering wheel shows stored fault codes, even with warning lights off: useful during the test drive.

Parts and maintenance

Compare prices of parts for the Subaru Outback VI (timing, brakes, filters) to estimate the repairs to plan for.

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