EngineMedium
FB25 oil consumption on some engines.
- Typically appears
- 60,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Check oil level and top-up history; watch for smoke.
- Typical repair
- Oil leak trace & seal / gasket · £180–£700
Is the 2015–2019 Subaru Outback reliable?
Scored from 8 documented faults · reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team
Quick answer
6.3/ 10
MixedOn our documented-fault scoring the Subaru Outback rates 6.3 out of 10 · mixed. We hold 8 known faults for it and none of them are rated critical, so the risk is mostly wear rather than disaster. The weak points cluster around engine, transmission and electrical. A well-serviced example with evidence for the big-ticket items is usually a safe buy; the score describes the model, not the specific car in front of you.
Verdict · Negotiate · budget for the known faults
What the score is built from
- Critical
- 0
- High
- 0
- Medium
- 6
- Low
- 2
Weak points cluster around engine, transmission, electrical, chassis.
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Check this carThe faults that decide it
TransmissionMedium
CVT behavior — generally durable but service history matters.
- Typically appears
- Any
- What to inspect
- Test-drive for smooth power and confirm fluid service.
- Typical repair
- Routine repair · £180–£700
ChassisMedium
Wheel bearing wear.
- Typically appears
- 80,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Listen for a droning hum that changes with cornering.
- Typical repair
- Wheel bearing / CV joint · £180–£550
Body / ExteriorMedium
Power tailgate fails to open, reverses direction unexpectedly, or emits a continuous warning beep.
- Typically appears
- 50,000-80,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Operate the power tailgate using both the key fob and the dashboard button. Ensure it opens fully without groaning, does not reverse direction on its own, and latches securely when closed.
- Typical repair
- Door / window mechanism · £130–£600
SuspensionMedium
Clunking noise over bumps, vague steering feel, or uneven front tyre wear due to torn front lower control arm rear bushes.
- Typically appears
- 60,000-100,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Apply the handbrake, ensure the vehicle is in Park, and forcefully kick the front tyres front-to-back. Look for excessive rearward wheel movement or shine a torch into the wheel arch to check the rear bush for deep splits.
- Typical repair
- Suspension refresh (per axle) · £250–£1,100
Costs are indicative UK independent-garage bands for budgeting and negotiation · never a quote.
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