2013 Subaru Outback Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 67about this part
- Share
- 23%of 297 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 48,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 67 complaints about the engine of the 2013 Subaru Outback, 23% of the 297 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 48,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“At 95,000 Subaru replaced my transmission which was covered under an extended warranty . It is now 1.5 years later, I have 117,000 miles and they say I need another new transmission but because it is over 100,000 miles they will not cover it. I have since found countless other people with the same problem”
NHTSA complaint #11387760, filed 2021-01, 117,000 miles“Issue is ongoing for the last 6 months. Vehicle intermittently stalls when at idle and placed in gear. Hesitation when accelerating while driving (acts as if it not getting enough power.) I have taken the vehicle to 3 different dealerships and contacted Subaru of america and I am not getting anywhere. Dealerships can't duplicate the problem, so therefore can't diagnose the problem. I have video records of this issue occurring.”
NHTSA complaint #11189965, filed 2019-03, 93,000 miles“The car looses power to the point where it occasionally stalls when I decelerate and come to a stop or just before the stop. I replaced the battery as it was on its way out anyway and the problem persists. I don't think it has anything to do with the alternator and I haven't brought the car to a dealer or mechanic yet. But want to raise the flag on the issue I'm having because I've seen lots of forums where other folks are experiencing a similar issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11280242, filed 2019-11, 81,000 miles“This vehicle has several issues. I had an oil change and within 1 week they had to add 1.3 quarts. Car had 23,767 miles. In just over a month I have had to add almost 4 quarts of synthetic oil and spent close to $100 for the oil. The car is an automatic with a manual option and I am also haveing problems where the gears won't change in auto nor manual operation. It revs the engine and I have to stop, turn it off then restart. …”
NHTSA complaint #10862189, filed 2016-04, 23,767 miles“The engine oil light turned on. Stopped to check oil--was very low. Bought a quart to add to the car. Took to dealership and explained what had happened. It has occurred two times already--same ordeal where I have to add oil to the engine. When will NHTSA start investigating this? I have read and talked to other Outback owners with the same issue. Right now the dealership has put the car on a 1200 mile inspection test..... Updated 09/30/15”
NHTSA complaint #10744393, filed 2015-07, 27,000 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).
- 11023536Sep 30, 2025In the interest of customer satisfaction Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the New Car Limited Warranty coverage in the models listed. The extension will address…
- 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.
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 2013 Subaru Outback
60 complaintsAir bags
42 complaintsSteering
34 complaintsBrakes
31 complaintsVehicle speed control
26 complaintsOther or unknown
25 complaintsElectrical system
23 complaintsFuel system
15 complaintsSuspension
15 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
14 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaintsSeats
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 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