One of the better Outback years
Owners filed about 49% fewer complaints than a typical Outback year. The area owners reported most is the engine and cooling, which half of owners reported by about 46,000 miles.
Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Outback years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
Owners have filed 297 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Subaru Outback. The most reported problem area is the engine and cooling (68, 23% of complaints), followed by the transmission and drivetrain and the air bags. That ranks 9th of 13 Outback years from 2012 to 2024 for complaints. It has 12 recalls.
3 of these complaints came from Utah owners.
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Start my car searchMost reported problems
Problem areas ranked by how many complaints mention them. One complaint can name more than one area. Open an area to see what to check on a 2013 Subaru Outback before you buy.
Engine and cooling
68 complaintsStalling, misfires, oil consumption, leaks, overheating and engine failure.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 46,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Ask the seller not to warm the car up, and start it cold. Listen for ticking, knocking or a rough idle in the first minute.
- Pull the oil dipstick and the oil cap. Low oil, a gasoline smell or a milky film on the cap are reasons to walk away or get an inspection.
- Plug in an OBD2 scanner. Stored or pending codes matter, and so do readiness monitors that show "not ready", which usually means the codes were cleared right before the sale.
- Ask for oil change records. A gap in the records on a model known for engine complaints is a negotiating point at minimum.
Tools that help
What owners said
According to my mechanic, the Engine Cradle is severly corroded and needs to be replaced. According to Subaru, today December 4, 2024, Subaru inspected my vehicle and determined it was badly corroded. I have pictures to show this and the report from Subaru showing they did look at this corrosion. I had wanted Subaru to replace the Engine…Owner complaint, filed 2024
We bought this around June 2018 with ~96,000 miles. I change oil every 6 months or 6,000 miles with OEM filters and Mobil 1 0w-30 oil. This car has burned 1/2 to 3/4 of oil initially. After 140,000 miles it climbed to over 1 1/2 quarts between changes. I had repeated O2 sensor codes and sensor replacements and finally catalytic converter…Owner complaint, filed 2024
Transmission and drivetrain
60 complaintsHarsh or delayed shifts, slipping, shuddering, CVT whine, and drivetrain clunks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 95,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Drive it from cold if you can. Shifts should be smooth in every gear, including reverse.
- Feel for slipping (revs rise without the car speeding up), shudder at low speed and a delay when you put it in gear.
- Listen for whining, which is a common CVT complaint, and clunks when you go from drive to reverse.
- If it has 4WD or AWD, engage it on the test drive and ask when the transmission and differential fluids were last changed.
Tools that help
What owners said
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…Owner complaint, filed 2026
At all speeds vehicle shudders when letting off accelerator then nearly stalls. This is extremely dangerous when entering expressways or crossing oncoming vehicles. Dealer identified transmission as the problem and could reproduce, but not determine reason. Said drive until Check Engine light comes on then bring back. Light has never lit…Owner complaint, filed 2023
Air bags
42 complaintsAir bag warning lights, air bags that did not deploy, and inflator recalls.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 47,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- The air bag (SRS) light should come on at startup and go out within a few seconds. If it stays on, the system may not work in a crash.
- Air bag recalls are some of the most serious. Check this exact VIN for open recalls and get proof any recall work was done.
Tools that help
What owners said
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…Owner complaint, filed 2026
The vehicle has had the seat belt replaced twice in one year for it dinging and now Subaru dealer says the ODS sensor is bad and does not detect a passenger in the seat therefore the air bag system is not functioning properly. The dealership strongly recommend that I contact Subaru and they will most likely fix it being a Subaru and a…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Steering
34 complaintsLoss of power steering assist, wandering, play in the wheel and noises when turning.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 2,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Turn the wheel lock to lock while parked and listen for groaning, clicking or binding.
- On a straight road the car should track straight with the wheel centered and no loose feeling.
- A power steering warning on the dash, even briefly, deserves a mechanic’s look before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
Power steering failed while driving. Power steering fluid had all leaked out. Luckily car was at a very low speed as steering was quite difficult. Repaired at Subaru dealer who discovered a leak in a metal high pressure line. There was no evidence of external damage to pressure line. Photo showed a hairline crack at the outside of a 90°…Owner complaint, filed 2021
Directional stability; difficult to keep car centered in lane; wanders off from where steering is set; steering will not center, but will stay in a gentle curve by itself until corrected, then will wander off center again. Contributing to problem is too much force is required in a steering action to correct a wander causing a slight…Owner complaint, filed 2020, at 20,000 miles
Brakes and stability control
33 complaintsBrakes that feel soft or grab, grinding, ABS and stability control faults.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 72,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- The pedal should feel firm and the car should stop straight without pulling, grinding or a pulsing pedal.
- The ABS and stability control lights should go out after startup and stay out.
- Look through the wheels at the rotors. A deep lip on the edge means brakes are due soon, which is a fair thing to negotiate on.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the brakes failed to engage. The contact stated that eventually, the brakes would return to normal operation. No warning light was illuminated. The contact researched and was made aware of NHTSA…Owner complaint, filed 2024, at 72,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the parking brake warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that several other unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the parking brake had seized. The parking brake…Owner complaint, filed 2024, at 154,500 miles
Cruise control and acceleration
26 complaintsHesitation, loss of power, sudden acceleration and cruise control problems.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 14,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- On the test drive, press the gas gently and firmly. The response should be smooth with no lag or surge.
- Set the cruise control, then use resume and cancel to make sure each one works.
Tools that help
What owners said
Cruise control bug. If I decrease my speed by 3 or more MPH in rapid succession, the cruise control resets to the original speed, I.e. The cruise control speed changes from 60 to 59 to 58 to 57 to 56 to 60. This seems like a dangerous bug since it causes unintended acceleration. I have a video that I can share for documentation.Owner complaint, filed 2016, at 25,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 subaru outback. The contact stated that while depressing the brakes, the engine rpms increased as the vehicle suddenly [VIN]. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The [VIN] was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 28,000. The VIN was not available.Owner complaint, filed 2014, at 28,000 miles
Electrical system
23 complaintsDead batteries, warning lights, failed screens and cameras, and electrical shorts.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 38,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Test every switch: windows, locks, mirrors, seat heaters, the screen, the backup camera, Bluetooth and every USB port.
- Watch the dash at startup. Every warning light should come on briefly and then go out.
- Have the battery and charging system tested. A weak alternator or battery drain shows up here.
Tools that help
What owners said
BACK UP CAMERA FAILURE! The camera in the lift gate get corrosion and stops working! the safety of people walking behind the vehicle.Owner complaint, filed 2023
Backup camera shows blue screen and backup guide lines but no camera image when transmission is placed in reverse. Occurs intermittently. Can occur either when vehicle is stationary (e.g., immediately on putting car in reverse) or in the middle of backing up. Sometimes camera image will come back on momentarily or not at all. This…Owner complaint, filed 2020, at 75,000 miles
Lights, wipers and visibility
22 complaintsHeadlights that dim or fail, wiper and washer failures, and windshield cracks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 47,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Check every light: headlights on low and high, fog lights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights.
- Run the wipers on every speed with washer fluid, and run the defroster front and back.
Tools that help
What owners said
The sun roof exploded. There was not prior damage (at least not visible to the naked eye). When it happened there was a very loud popping noise, which could be jarring enough to cause an accident. My sunroof cover was closed when the glass broke, but if it was open I could have been covered in shards of glass. I’m not sure if the sunroof…Owner complaint, filed 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while his wife was driving 75 mph, the sunroof exploded, and the glass shattered onto the shade guard. The contact stated that his wife veered to the side of the road, where she inspected the vehicle but could not determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated that his…Owner complaint, filed 2021
Fuel system
15 complaintsHesitation, stalling, fuel smell, fuel pump and injector failures.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 27,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Smell around the engine bay and under the rear of the car for raw fuel.
- On the test drive, accelerate firmly from a stop and up a grade. Stumbling, surging or a flashing check engine light are red flags.
- Fuel pump recalls are common. Check this exact VIN for open recalls before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
Issue: occasional non-response when depressing the accelerator. 1st occurrence about three weeks ago happen when I stopped for a light and then attempted to accelerate. Depressing the pedal has no response, attempted this three times. The rpm gauge reflected it was running. I turned on the car and started it again and it worked. 2nd…Owner complaint, filed 2017, at 62,000 miles
On a clear dry morning I pulled into a parking space on a slight incline in front of a brick office building. When I released the service brake (having reached the end of the parking space) the car bolted forward, jumped the curb, crossed a sidewalk, went thru shrubs, and hit the brick wall, causing severe damage to the car and building.…Owner complaint, filed 2016, at 60,000 miles
Suspension
15 complaintsClunks over bumps, broken springs, worn struts and uneven tire wear.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 1,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Drive over a few bumps and potholes slowly with the radio off and listen for clunks or rattles.
- Check the tires for uneven wear on the inside or outside edges, a sign of alignment or suspension trouble.
- Look behind the wheels for oily, wet shocks or struts.
Tools that help
What owners said
The subaru cannot hold the road and veers within the lane almost creating accidents while driving down the highway. The dealer was notified three weeks after purchasing the car that a problem existed. The car was taken into the dealer and the service manager drove the car and agreed that there was a problem. The problem was hypothesized…Owner complaint, filed 2013, at 2,000 miles
Vehicle does not handle well on the highway/interstate. Seems to drift and wander. I have driven many vehicles and this is the first vehicle that I have owned that I have had this experience with. I purchased my first 2013 that wasn't what I wanted so they ordered the same vehicle withe everything I wanted. Both of these outbacks did the…Owner complaint, filed 2013, at 300 miles
Body, doors and structure
13 complaintsRust, doors and liftgates that will not latch, leaks, and frame or structure concerns.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 30,000 miles. Parts named most: Body (8).
What to check before you buy
- Look underneath with a flashlight. Utah road salt is hard on frames, brake lines and the bottoms of doors.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the liftgate, and lock and unlock each one.
- Use a paint thickness gauge and compare panels. A panel that reads very differently from the rest has likely been repaired.
Tools that help
What owners said
The subframe has deteriorated beyond repair. This is our sixth Subaru Outback, either owned or leased, all in the same geographic area, housed 90% of the time in a covered garage. This is not normal wear and tear. The vehicle is dangerous, as inspected by a local independent service center that has serviced the car regularly for years. I…Owner complaint, filed 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a clunking sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was pulling to the right while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the sub-frame had fractured…Owner complaint, filed 2021, at 153,800 miles
Seats and seat belts
12 complaintsBelts that will not latch or retract, seat adjusters and passenger occupancy sensors.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 48,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Pull out and latch every seat belt, and let each one retract on its own.
- Try every seat adjuster, and watch for a passenger air bag "off" light when an adult is in the seat.
Tools that help
What owners said
Electronic seat recliner motor (outer bushing) noise when reclining, but Kendall Subaru in Eugene saying motor can not be fixed (defective design), only replaced with another (defective) motor @ cost near $1,000. Seat then stuck all the way back; even with seat headrest behind my back (w/sweaters on top of it even) driving…Owner complaint, filed 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that after driving for about two hours, she switched seats with her boyfriend. While her boyfriend was driving, there was an abnormal odor present. The contact noticed smoke under the front passenger seat. The driver was able to pull over to the side of the road. There were no…Owner complaint, filed 2022, at 173,400 miles
Wheels and tires
7 complaintsTire failures, wheels and lug nuts, and tire pressure sensor faults.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 6,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Read the four-digit DOT date on each tire. Tires older than about six years should be replaced, whatever the tread looks like.
- Check tread depth on all four. On AWD vehicles all four tires should match.
- The tire pressure light should go out after startup.
Tools that help
What owners said
Driver side rear wheel bearing speed sensor experienced a spontaneous failure, leading to ABS failure and nearly lost control when rapidly decelerating from 45mph to 0mph in a short left turning lane. Failure occurred in well maintained 2013 Subaru Outback with less than 70,000 miles on it. Vehicle immediately lit up several dashboard…Owner complaint, filed 2022
Alloy wheels failure. The wheels have catastrophic failure (large crack and hole in center of rim) while driving. Vehicle was in motion and there were no pot holes or debris in highway. Location: exit 1, us 7 in norwalk connecticut. Date/time: august 23, 2019 @ 6:00pm in full daylight.Owner complaint, filed 2019, at 75,000 miles
Driver assist systems
5 complaintsPhantom braking, false collision warnings, and lane keeping or backup sensors that act up.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Where it is safe, try the adaptive cruise and lane keeping on the test drive and watch for sudden braking or warnings with nothing there.
- Check the windshield in front of the camera and the bumper sensors for cracks, chips or poor repairs.
- Ask whether the windshield has been replaced. The camera has to be recalibrated afterward, and many shops skip it.
Tools that help
What owners said
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? ACTUATOR ASSY-EPB, part number 26002aj02c (from technical service bulletin), part is not available How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Brake light and iSight warning light comes on. Safety systems will not operate…Owner complaint, filed 2023
On a handful of occasions while driving, suddenly the car detects an object in front of the car that it believes I will hit. The beeping and object collision detection message appears on my dash. On all these occasions, there has never been on object. One time it automatic to control the vehicle before causing an accident. I don’t…Owner complaint, filed 2021
Subaru Outback complaints by year
Compare the 2013 with other years before you choose one. Tap a year to see its problems.
Compare with similar 2013 midsize SUVs
Each car is rated against its own other years, since popular models always get more complaints than rare ones.
| Car | Vs. its other years | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 Subaru Outback | One of the better years | 12 |
| 2013 Toyota Highlander | About average | 3 |
| 2013 Honda Pilot | One of the better years | 6 |
| 2013 Ford Explorer | Worse than most years | 12 |
2013 Subaru Outback recalls
Air bags Inflator module
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- Subaru will notify their owners.
Full recall summary
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Air bags Inflator module
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- Subaru will notify their owners.
Full recall summary
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Air bags Inflator module
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- Subaru will notify their owners.
Full recall summary
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Electrical system Switch
- Risk
- The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part. The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on the key ring and certain road conditions could cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.
Air bags Inflator module
- Risk
- An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, and Legacy vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Air bags Inflator module
- Risk
- An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Forester, 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, Legacy, and 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Air bags Inflator module
- Risk
- An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Parking brake
- Risk
- A vehicle rollaway can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPB actuator assembly, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with a manual transmission. The electronic parking brake (EPB) may not engage as intended, allowing the vehicle to rollaway if the transmission is not in the proper gear when parked.
Air bags Inflator module
- Risk
- An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Legacy, Forester, Tribeca, WRX and Outback vehicles, and 2009-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Windows, mirrors and wipers Motor
- Risk
- If the windshield wiper motor overheats, the wipers may fail, reducing driver visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor bottom cover assembly, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Legacy vehicles manufactured November 26, 2008, to June 7, 2013, and 2010-2014 Outback vehicles manufactured January 9, 2009 to June 7, 2013. Due to contamination, components within the windshield wiper motor bottom cover may interfere with each other. If an obstruction, such as a buildup of snow or ice prevents the wiper arms from being able to stop in the parked position, the wiper motor may overheat and the bottom cover may melt.
Steering
- Risk
- If the shafts become disengaged, the driver would lose the ability to steer the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering column assembly with a new one, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2013 Outback and Legacy vehicles manufactured from February 15, 2012, through June 15, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the inner and outer shafts of the steering column assembly may become disengaged from one another.
Electrical system
- Risk
- The engine may inadvertently start and run for up to fifteen minutes.
- Fix
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RES key fobs, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, certain model year 2012-2013 Impreza vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, and certain model year 2013 XV Crosstrek vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory. Additionally included are certain model year 2013 Legacy and Outback vehicles that may have received replacement RES fobs. If the RES fob is dropped, the fob may malfunction and randomly transmit an engine start request without pressing the button.
2013 Subaru Outback questions
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Subaru Outback?
The most reported problem areas on the 2013 Subaru Outback are the engine and cooling (68 complaints), the transmission and drivetrain (60 complaints) and the air bags (42 complaints).
Is the 2013 Subaru Outback a good year to buy?
One of the better Outback years. Owners filed about 49% fewer complaints than a typical Outback year. The area owners reported most is the engine and cooling, which half of owners reported by about 46,000 miles. Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Outback years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
How many recalls does the 2013 Subaru Outback have?
NHTSA lists 12 recalls for the 2013 Subaru Outback. The most recent, from Jan 2020, covers the inflator module. Recalls cover the whole model year, so check the VIN of the car you are looking at to see which are still open.
At what mileage do 2013 Subaru Outback problems start?
Half of the owners who reported a problem with the engine and cooling gave a mileage of about 46,000 miles or less. Half of the owners who reported a problem with the transmission and drivetrain gave a mileage of about 95,000 miles or less. Plenty of cars have these problems later or never, so ask for service records.
Which Subaru Outback years should I avoid?
The Outback years with the most complaints compared with the rest are 2019. Years with clearly fewer complaints are 2012, 2013 and 2014. Years from 2022 on are too new to rate fairly yet.
Check the exact car
These problems are for the model year as a whole. Here is how to find out about the one you are looking at.
Looking at a 2013 Subaru Outback?
We inspect the car with a scan tool and paint gauge, read the history report and tell you whether it is worth the asking price, before you hand over any money.
- Check a specific car for open recalls at NHTSA
- Decode a VIN to see recalls, safety ratings and complaints for that exact year, make and model