Popular all-wheel drive wagon for families and outdoor enthusiasts. The FB25 engine resolved the head gasket issues of earlier Subaru models and uses a timing chain instead of a belt. Main concerns are CVT transmission reliability (especially 2015 models), windshield cracking (class action settlement for 2015-2016), and buggy StarLink infotainment. The 2015 model year had more issues as the first of this generation - 2016-2017 are more refined, and 2019 is considered the most reliable with all bugs resolved. Avoid DSG-only short trips to prevent CVT issues.
CVT hesitation, shuddering, fluid leaks - 2015 models most affected · more· less
The CVT (continuously variable transmission) is the Achilles heel of the 5th generation Outback. Common symptoms include shaking or jerking when accelerating from a stop, hesitation when pressing the gas pedal, whining noise indicating worn pulley bearings, and fluid seepage. 2015 models had the most CVT problems, leading Subaru to extend CVT warranty to 10 years/100,000 miles for 2012-2017 models. Unfortunately, Subaru CVTs are not easily rebuildable - most shops must replace the entire unit. Replacement costs €4,000-7,000 at independent shops, up to €9,000-11,000 at dealerships. Avoid cars driven only for short trips as CVT fluid degradation accelerates. The external oil cooler wasn't added until 2015, and cooler line fittings can fail, allowing coolant and CVT fluid to mix.
Spontaneous cracks without visible impact, often near wiper area · more· less
Windshield cracking is extremely common on 2015-2019 Outbacks, with hundreds of NHTSA complaints filed. Many owners report spontaneous cracks starting near the wiper area and spreading rapidly across the windshield without any visible rock impact. Subaru issued a Technical Service Bulletin in 2016 identifying ceramic materials used for the black perimeter combined with silver-colored wiper deicer material as the culprit. A class action lawsuit resulted in Subaru extending windshield warranty from 5 years/unlimited miles to 8 years/unlimited miles for 2015-2016 models. Replacement costs €950-1,400 including EyeSight camera recalibration. Some unlucky owners have replaced windshields multiple times.
StarLink infotainment system failure€800 - €2,000
Screen freezing, black screen, constant rebooting, failed updates · more· less
The StarLink infotainment system is notoriously problematic on Gen 5 Outbacks. Common failures include screen stuck on backup camera view while driving forward, complete black screen with no functionality, constant system rebooting before reaching full startup, screen delamination (bubbles), and ghost touches. Over-the-air update failures can brick the system entirely, disabling backup camera, navigation, phone/USB connectivity, and StarLink safety features. This is a hardware problem with the StarLink processor and touchscreen that software updates cannot fix - the entire head unit must be replaced at €800-2,000. Problems occur intermittently, making dealer diagnosis difficult unless the system is failing at the time of service.
Battery drain from 3G network issue (2016-2018)€200 - €400
DCM constantly searching for retired 3G network, kills battery within 7-10 days · more· less
A widespread issue affecting 2016-2018 models (and some 2019s): the Data Communication Module continuously tries to connect to the 3G cellular network which was shut down, draining the battery completely within 1-2 weeks if the car isn't driven. Subaru was aware of this since 2015 but only addressed it with a software update in late 2023. Affected vehicles: certain 2016-2018 Legacy, Outback, Impreza, Crosstrek, Forester and 2017-2018 WRX. Solution: DCM reprogramming to enable 4G service (free at dealer - reference TSB 15-316-23R). Subaru extended DCM warranty from 3 years/36,000 miles to 8 years/100,000 miles. Temporary workaround: pull the fuse, but this disables other features. Replacement batteries cost €200-400.
AC compressor failure€1,200 - €1,700
Premature AC compressor failures reported, especially on 2014-2015 models · more· less
AC compressor failures have been reported more frequently than expected for this generation, with some owners experiencing failures shortly after warranty expiration. The 2014-2015 models had particularly high failure rates - mechanics reported entire compressor failures along with evaporator and refrigerant leakage issues. Replacement cost is €1,200-1,700 including labor, and the orifice tube and receiver dryer must also be replaced to prevent metallic debris contamination. AC compressors should ideally last the vehicle's lifetime, so premature failure suggests quality control issues.
Wheel bearing noise and failure€400 - €900
Growling or humming noise increasing with speed, typically after 80,000-120,000 km · more· less
Wheel bearing failures produce a characteristic growling, humming, or squealing noise that grows louder with vehicle speed and worn bearing progression. Common on Outbacks between 80,000-120,000 km. Dealership replacement costs €500-900 per wheel bearing including 2 hours labor. Independent shops charge €400-600 per bearing. Both front and rear bearings can fail, and if one side fails, the other side often follows within 20,000-30,000 km. Symptoms include vibration through steering wheel and uneven tire wear if left unaddressed.
EyeSight safety system intermittent failures€0 - €1,200
System randomly shuts down, especially in high temperatures or weather conditions · more· less
EyeSight (Subaru's driver assistance system) experiences intermittent shutdowns on 2015-2019 models. The system turns off randomly on clear, cloudy, and rainy days, with warning lights appearing then disappearing after 5-10 minutes. The issue is more common on 2018 3.6R models and in high ambient temperatures (over 40°C). When the Check Engine light illuminates, EyeSight often shuts down because it depends on upstream subsystems. EyeSight also has difficulty in fog, heavy rain, bright direct sun, dust, windshield fog, and gets confused by shiny roads during heavy rain at night. A 2015 model recall addressed a defective brake light switch shutting down the system (72,000 vehicles affected). If EyeSight components need replacement, costs can reach €1,200+, but most issues are software-related and covered under warranty.
Front suspension components (sway bar links, struts)€400 - €1,000
Clunking noises over bumps, typically between 60,000-100,000 km · more· less
Approximately 15% of Outback owners report suspension issues within the first 100,000 miles. The most common culprits are sway bar links (end links) which produce clunking or popping noises when turning or going over bumps. Sway bar bushings can cause groaning noises. Struts and strut mounts typically wear out around 60,000-100,000 km, leading to rough ride and handling issues. Ball joint failures are less common on Subarus - they're generally robust and rarely fail. Front end link replacement costs €200-400 per side. Strut replacement costs €400-700 per axle at independent shops.
Above average reliability for the segment, but watch the CVT
The 5th generation Outback (2015-2019) is more reliable than many competitors in this class, with the FB25 engine resolving Subaru's notorious head gasket issues from earlier generations. The timing chain (no belt replacement needed) and robust AWD system are strong points. However, the CVT transmission remains a concern - especially on 2015 models - and can be catastrophically expensive to replace. Avoid 2015 if possible; 2016-2017 are solid choices, and 2019 is the most refined. Service history showing regular CVT fluid changes is essential.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete Subaru dealer or specialist records essential. Verify CVT fluid changes every 30,000-60,000 km.
Cold start
Start engine completely cold. FB25 should start smoothly without unusual noises.
Body condition
Check for rust on undercarriage (common in salt-belt regions), accident damage, paint mismatch.
Test drive
Minimum 30 minutes including highway speeds to get CVT up to full operating temperature.
Specific for this vehicle
CVT transmission operation (CRITICAL)
Drive for at least 20-30 minutes. Feel for hesitation when accelerating from a stop, shuddering, jerking, or delayed response. Listen for whining noises. Check undercarriage for CVT fluid leaks (red/brown fluid near transmission area). Any hesitation or shuddering is a red flag - walk away.
Inspect windshield carefully for cracks
Examine entire windshield, especially around wiper area and edges. Look for small chips that could spread. Check if windshield has already been replaced (ask owner). 2015-2016 models have extended 8-year windshield warranty if original.
StarLink infotainment system full test
Test all functions: radio, navigation, backup camera, phone pairing, USB connectivity. Watch for screen freezing, slow response, or rebooting. Try over-the-air update if possible (do NOT buy if update fails). Many issues are intermittent.
Battery health and DCM software update (2016-2018 models)
Ask if DCM software update has been performed for 3G network issue. Test: let car sit for 3-4 days without driving - battery should still start vehicle. Check battery date code (should be less than 3-4 years old).
Listen for wheel bearing noise
On highway test drive at 80-100 km/h, listen for humming, growling, or squealing that increases with speed. Rotate steering left and right slightly - noise changing indicates wheel bearing issues.
Check for suspension clunking
Drive over speed bumps and rough roads. Listen for clunking or rattling from front suspension. Check sway bar links for play by pushing down on front corners of vehicle.
Test EyeSight system
Enable adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist on test drive. System should engage smoothly without error messages. Try in various lighting and weather conditions if possible.
AC system full test
Run AC on maximum cold for 15+ minutes. Should blow ice cold air. Listen for unusual compressor noises. Check for refrigerant smell (sweet odor indicates leak).
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
CVT warranty extension (2012-2017 models)Extended to 10 years/100,000 miles
Windshield warranty extension (2015-2016)Extended to 8 years/unlimited miles
DCM battery drain (2016-2018)Software update available - TSB 15-316-23R
EyeSight brake switch (2015)Recall for 72,000 vehicles - verify completed
Steering column (2016-2017)Recall for out-of-spec parts - verify completed
Electronic parking brake software (2015)TSB for EPB software modification
Verify all recalls and TSBs completed
Contact Subaru dealer with VIN to verify all recalls have been completed. The CVT and windshield warranty extensions are particularly important - confirm eligibility and coverage. For 2016-2018 models, ensure the DCM software update for 3G network battery drain has been performed.
Warranty Status
Factory bumper-to-bumper warranty3 years/36,000 miles (expired on all)
Powertrain warranty5 years/60,000 miles (expired on most)
CVT extended warranty (2012-2017)10 years/100,000 miles - check eligibility
DCM extended warranty (2016-2018)8 years/100,000 miles
Subaru Added Security (extended warranty)€1,200-3,000 - available if purchased before factory warranty expired
All 2015-2019 models outside original factory warranty
The original 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty has expired on all Gen 5 Outbacks. However, the CVT extended warranty (10 years/100,000 miles for 2012-2017 models) may still provide coverage - verify eligibility with VIN. The DCM warranty extension covers 2016-2018 models for 8 years/100,000 miles. Subaru Added Security extended warranty plans (Classic or Gold Plus) can only be purchased before the factory warranty expires, so used car buyers cannot add this coverage.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.