2013 Subaru Outback problems
The 2013 Subaru Outback has 296 NHTSA owner complaints and no active recalls. Here's where owners say it breaks.
The 2013 Subaru Outback has 296 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is powertrain at 57 complaints, typically surfacing around 95,059 miles (~$2,500 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 Outback | 359 | 0 |
| 2011 Outback | 649 | 0 |
| 2012 Outback | 291 | 0 |
| 2013 Outback (this page) | 296 | 0 |
| 2014 Outback | 208 | 0 |
| 2015 Outback | 506 | 1 |
| 2016 Outback | 639 | 0 |
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.
- Steering: 34 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 2,000–37,000 mi
- Reliability score 7.2/10 — around the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings 5 / 5 overall
Driver-assist features on the tested model: Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2013 Subaru Outback SUV AWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2013 Subaru Outback? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
- powertrain — 57 owner reports · tends to show around 95,059 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
- engine — 47 owner reports · tends to show around 59,604 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
- airbags — 40 owner reports · tends to show around 52,940 mi · ~$1,100 to fix
- steering — 34 owner reports · tends to show around 18,301 mi · ~$700 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: airbags is flagged severe on this model , showing up around 52,940 mi. Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — no active recalls on this model right now, but confirm none were opened after this car was built.
Verdict for buyers: 7.2/10 model. The priciest documented failure is engine (~$3,100) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →Ask anything about your 2013 Subaru Outback
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints
Your road ahead on this 2013 Subaru Outback
When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you, what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
- ~3,200 misteering~$700
- ~49,935 mivisibility~$350
- ~52,000 miengine~$3,100
- ~54,000 miairbags~$1,100
- ~64,000 mielectrical~$850
- ~104,000 mipowertrain~$2,500
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Subaru outback. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked inside the garage, a crack formed on the upper passenger's side of the windshield. The contact stated that he checked the security footage around his home where the vehicle was…
In motion driving straight down county route 80 on a good weather day slowed down going to turn into a shop and takata airbag deployed. Was loud bang and horn would not stop going off. Pulled off road in front of a art gallery, called aaa they towed car to a garage called…
Was driving south on I-5 near orland, ca on 12/26/18 when my outback began shaking and attempting to "brake" (I was doing between 65 - 70 MPH). I looked down and the parking brake signal was illuminated. (I had not engaged the brake.) I was able to pull to the side of the road.…
Excessive oil usage, regularly occurs within 6000 miles of oil change burns one quart of synthetic engine oil. Also note bushing in drivers side lower control arm has failed as of 50,000.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2013 Subaru Outback reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.2 out of 10 based on 296 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 Subaru Outback is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2013 Subaru Outback?
The 2013 Subaru Outback is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Steering: 34 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 2,000–37,000 mi; Reliability score 7.2/10 — around the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2013 Subaru Outback?
Inspect the powertrain first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 57 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 95,059 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2013 Subaru Outback a good used car to buy?
It scores 7.2 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 296 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is powertrain. Typical failure occurs around 95,059 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2013 Subaru Outback?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 57 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 95,059 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 95,059 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Subaru Outback has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2013 Subaru Outback?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 296 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.