2008 Subaru Outback Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 6%of 226 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 100,450miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the engine of the 2008 Subaru Outback, 6% of the 226 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,450 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Vehicle has had severe oil leaking for 4 years. Dealership informed me of head gasket problems, but only offered repair at full shop rate prices. I see this a potential fire hazard.”
NHTSA complaint #11016306, filed 2017-08, 55,000 miles“My car has had cylinder misfires for over a year. Subaru has told me it is not their problem and they have charged me over $2,000 for the various times I have brought it in to fix the problem. They just fixed it last week and within 1 day, all my check engine lights came back on, and within 3 days it is misfiring again. They do not return my calls or properly service my car. I believe this is an engine recall problem they are avoiding for the costs associated with the recall. I do not want this dangerous car.”
NHTSA complaint #10925045, filed 2016-11, 98,000 miles“I was driving and without notice the cruise control shut off, because of a minor problem with the catalytic converter efficiency. Had the vehicle behind me been any closer I could have been rear ended. It turns out that Subaru has programed their vehicles to do this. Why would anyone program a car to have a sudden loss of power over such a minor issue.recalls for keys turning off have happened, and the manufacturers knew about it. Subaru knows this happens and I hope there will be a recall to fix this very dangerous situation. …”
NHTSA complaint #10967192, filed 2017-03, 173,200 miles“The timing belt failed prematurely. It had been replaced at 70k miles and failed at 140k miles on the second belt which only had 70k miles on it versus the manufacture recommended 100k miles replacement interval. This happened during highway travel and the vehicle immediately lost all power and only had 5 seconds to find a safe place to pull off the highway. …”
NHTSA complaint #11322692, filed 2020-04, 145,000 miles“Car check engine light on, along with traction light on, cruise light on. Can't shut any off. Car actually gets very hot to the touch drivers side near fender headlight. Could start on fire! Dangerous! Think there is a recall on front oxygen sensor, only if turbo? Rediculous! Should be all not just turbo model! Also had to replace head cover gasket and everything that goes with that 5/17/2017 108,900 miles. That should be a recall also.”
NHTSA complaint #11114370, filed 2018-07, 108,900 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11027982Jan 12, 2026This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedure for the STARLINK® Remote Engine Start (RES).
- 11027083Dec 8, 2025This Service Information Bulletin provides the Service Manual Correction to the diagnostic procedure for DTC B2A16 (Immobilizer Key Collation Diagnosis).
- 11022305Aug 11, 2025Subaru Service Technical Support Newsletter special edition.
- 11017452Apr 22, 2025This Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines.
- 11016224Mar 24, 2025The purpose of this bulletin is to advise of SOA’s revised Catalytic Converter Recycling Program shipping procedure.
- 11008282Sep 27, 2024This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 11008281Sep 26, 2024This Service Information Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines.
- 11008267Sep 17, 2024This bulletin announces availability of the NEW genuine Subaru engine oil filter.
- 11006934Aug 5, 2024The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.
- 11005608Jul 11, 2024This thermo control valve video contains information on the replacement of thermo control valve.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 5 | 6% |
| 2024 | 7 | 7% |
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 | 23 | 5% |
| 2021 | 21 | 7% |
| 2020 | 49 | 5% |
| 2019 | 39 | 4% |
| 2018 | 37 | 5% |
| 2017 | 44 | 5% |
| 2016 | 53 | 8% |
| 2015 | 47 | 9% |
| 2014 | 35 | 17% |
| 2013 | 67 | 23% |
| 2012 | 50 | 17% |
| 2011 | 85 | 13% |
| 2010 | 44 | 12% |
| 2009 | 15 | 14% |
| 2008 | 14 | 6% |
| 2007 | 15 | 12% |
| 2006 | 43 | 16% |
| 2005 | 10 | 4% |
| 2004 | 2 | 2% |
| 2003 | 5 | 5% |
| 2002 | 5 | 4% |
| 2000 | 3 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2008 Subaru Outback
104 complaintsElectrical system
34 complaintsBrakes
31 complaintsExterior lighting
15 complaintsSuspension
12 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsSteering
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Subaru Outback
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology