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Subaru Outback (4th Gen)

10-14 · Subaru Outback

79out of 100

The 4th gen added standard ESC and Subaru improved (but did not fix) the head gasket design, the EJ253 is still a watch-item, but later build dates are more forgiving.

Score breakdown

70/ 100Reliability×2.574/ 100True Annual Cost×2.095/ 100Safety×2.565/ 100Practicality×2.0100/ 100Repairability×1.0

Our take

What it really is

An updated Outback with standard ESC from 2010, improved fuel economy, and a revised EJ253 with better head gasket sealing. The gasket failure rate dropped but didn't disappear, especially on early 2010 production. The 3.6L EZ36 flat-6 is more reliable (no head gasket issues) but costs more. IIHS Good, 5-star NHTSA.

Why it's on this list

Standard ESC, good safety ratings, and practical AWD wagon at $10k–$15k. A clean 4th gen with documented head gasket service is genuinely good value for a buyer who wants AWD utility.

The honest trade-offs

Head gasket still a concern on 10-11 models, improved but not eliminated. Timing belt still due every 60k. The 3.6L six is better but rarer. RepairPal $652/yr average, higher than Toyota/Honda.

What to buy and what to avoid

12-14 2.5i Limited with ESC (standard all trims). Verify head gasket and timing belt. Alternatively, the 3.6R model with the flat-six eliminates the head gasket concern at a slight cost premium.

Annual cost of ownership

Fuel (12k mi)
$1,595 (USD)[5]
Maintenance
$652 (USD)[1]
Tires (prorated)
$187 (USD)
Insurance (25yr male)
$1,900 (USD)[8]
Insurance (40yr female)
$1,460 (USD)[8]
Total (25yr male)
$3,034 (USD)
Total (40yr female)
$2,594 (USD)

Key specs

MPG combined
25[5]
MPG city / hwy
22 / 30[5]
Engine
2.5L flat-4 (EJ253)
Horsepower
170 hp
Torque
174 lb-ft
Seats
5
Cargo max
71.3 cu ft
Stock tires
225/60R17
Body
Wagon
Rear seats
60/40 split

Safety

NHTSA overall
5/5 ★[2]
Rollover risk
18%[2]
IIHS rating
Good[4]
ESC standard
Yes

Rust vulnerability

Overall severity
Low
Frame rust risk
Low

Reliability data

RepairPal annual cost
$652 (USD)[1]
Industry avg annual cost
$652 (USD)[1]
RepairPal rating
3.5/5[1]
Unscheduled visits/yr
0.4[1]
Severe issue probability
13%[1]
250k-mile survival
45%[7]

Repairability

Headlight type
Halogen
DIY replacement cost
$22 (USD)
At major retailer
Yes
Headlight benchmark
10/10

References

Sources used to research and score this vehicle. Superscript numbers in the sections above link here.

  1. [1]dataset
    RepairPal

    Annual repair cost, visit frequency, and severe issue probability. Used in the reliability formula.

  2. [2]government
    NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

    Federal crash test star ratings and rollover percentages. Used in the safety formula.

  3. [3]government
    NHTSA Technical Service Bulletins

    Manufacturer-issued service bulletins flagging known defects. Used in the PPI checklist generator.

  4. [4]dataset
    IIHS Safety Ratings

    Insurance Institute crash test ratings (small overlap, side, headlight quality). Used in the safety formula and the repairability headlight benchmark.

  5. [5]government
    EPA Fuel Economy Guide

    Official combined/city/highway MPG figures. Used in the true annual cost formula.

  6. [6]forum thread
    CarComplaints

    Owner-reported defect patterns by mileage and year. Used in the known-issues list and PPI checklist.

  7. [7]dataset
    iSeeCars Long-Term Reliability

    Probability of reaching 250,000 miles by make and model. Used in the reliability formula.

  8. [8]publication
    Bankrate / Insurify Insurance Estimates

    Full-coverage insurance estimates by driver profile (25M, 40F). Used in the true annual cost formula.

Before you buy

Looking to buy a Subaru Outback?

Start with our fully customized pre-purchase inspection checklist for you or your mechanic. Three versions: one for buyers who are not mechanics, one for enthusiasts with tools, one for handing off to a professional. Print or save as PDF.

Get the checklist

Modernize this car

CarPlay, backup cameras, blind spot monitoring, TPMS, and dashcams. Researched picks and honest watch-outs.

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