Subaru Outback parts reviews

I have a 2015 OB, just surpassed 200k. This car has gone coast to coast, up to the Great Lakes, across to PA, through the desert, everywhere, all for DOG SHOWS and sports. The past 6 weeks I had two trips to TN, one to MO, and one to KY. It has hair in it that’ll never get out again, but I bought this vehicle to haul them as well as equipment and people. Worst thing to happen to it is my AC went out this year (I live in Texas) and I had to get a new compressor for it.

The reality is that they need more thoughtful and consistent maintenance than other cars, and the maintenance tends to cost a bit more.

As long as you pony up the effort and money to maintain them, they are very reliable.

And I'll repeat, again, as I have so many times: Change your CVT fluid every 30k miles.

Also consider doing cvt fluid changes every 30k or so despite dealers considering it a “lifetime sealed unit”. So far mine hasn’t had the slightest hiccup over its 50k miles. They’re relatively simple and easy to service if you’re even slightly hands on as well. I certainly expect to get more than 10 years out of mine

I just recently switched to Nokian Wrg5 and so far I'm loving these on my 3.6 Outback. These seem to be a bit more winter focused.

I had 2 of the exact same vehicle (Subaru Outback). One had Michelin X-Ice dedicated winter tires and the other had Michelin Cross Climate All Weather tires. Last year, after a fresh snowfall, I took both cars out, drove down the street and took quick turns, braking, starts from stop etc. I then went to an open parking lot and did the same. I didn't notice much difference at all in those types of conditions.

I run snows on the '03 Outback and the '21 Mazda, I have a very early, 20+ mile commute to work, and live in the snow belt. So, roads are generally not plowed. They both do great on unplowed roads.

Got my Outback used with 46k miles on it (23 model) and it is completely covered in tiny little chips. They don’t go through but they reflect like crazy when the sun is low. Hate it and strongly considering trying to get a new windshield. Will consider a protection film if I do that. Not bad enough to fail inspection but just one of those things that gets under my skin. Must be weaker glass- never seen that before like this

Fram filters are awful.

My 2020 Outback OEM battery only lasted 3-ish years.

Owned my 2025 Outback for 6 months. 9K miles. 3 chips already repaired by safelite