2024 Subaru Outback Problems
Compared with other Subaru Outback years
Too new to compare
- Model years are compared once their first three years of complaints are in; the 2024 can be compared from 2027.
- Most reported problem: Windshield and sunroof glass cracking (23 complaints).
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2023
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 104filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 3,395miles, 9 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- Too newThis model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall
- EPA fuel economy
- 25 mpgcombined, 2.4L 4-cyl AWD · 22 city / 29 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2024 Subaru Outback (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Complaints from owners of this 2024 Outback center on driver-assistance and infotainment behavior: automatic braking that engages when nothing is in the path, EyeSight functions cutting out, and satellite-radio pop-up ads that block the center screen. Windshield and sunroof glass cracking is the other recurring theme, and most complaints arrive at very low mileage, often within the first few thousand miles of ownership.
- Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
Windshield and sunroof glass cracking
- 23 complaints (22%)
- typically at 1.0 yrs old
- filed 2023–2026
Complaints describe windshields chipping or developing long cracks from small road debris, and in several cases cracks spreading from the edge or from the camera area with no reported impact. A few owners report the sunroof or a side window shattering. Complaints say dealers and the manufacturer declined warranty coverage, often citing a chip found on inspection. Usually on vehicles under about 7,000 miles, sometimes within days of purchase; a few reports note very hot outside temperatures.
What to check: Inspect the windshield edges and the area around the EyeSight camera for chips or hairline cracks, and confirm glass coverage in the warranty or insurance.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Windshield cracked after a rock hit. This is the first crack I have ever had and I believe Subaru glass to be at fault. It continued to splinter while driving at a quick rate even on a smooth road. Which also seems unreasonable. This seems like a safety issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11564519, filed 2024-01“In my first “road trip” with the vehicle I experienced a cracked windshield. Less than 2000 miles from new. I was told by dealer nothing can do and that’s why they stress “extended warranty packages”. Sold a >$1,000 package that replaced windshield and converter several more. It seems that this is a very common occurrence from reviewing online forums. It should not be the customers fault for normal driving and the windshield be so thin / incapable of normal rocks etc not causing damage.”
NHTSA complaint #11580959, filed 2024-04 - Forward collision avoidance
Unrequested automatic braking or failure to brake
- 16 complaints (15%)
- median 100 mi at 0.5 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2024–2026
Owners describe the vehicle slowing or braking hard on its own with nothing ahead, sometimes in highway traffic and sometimes while backing out of a driveway. Others report the opposite — no warning or braking when approaching a vehicle ahead. Complaints say dealers either duplicated nothing, recalibrated the system, or described the behavior as normal for the design. Reported across a wide mileage range, from vehicles barely driven to over 30,000 miles, in highway, driveway and fog or construction conditions.
What to check: During a test drive, try adaptive cruise and low-speed backing in a quiet area, and ask the seller whether any recalibration or camera-related service was done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While going 65-70 mph on the freeway the car began braking on its own with no cars nearby. It almost came to a complete stop but then started moving, then hesitated once more before releasing. I reported it to the dealership. They said they could try to recalibrate but otherwise I should contact Subaru of America because I no longer felt safe on busy California freeways.”
NHTSA complaint #11576944, filed 2024-03“The car Will stop going backwards down a steep driveway thinking that the road is something that I’m going to hit. It will break going forward, including on the highway when there’s nothing in front of it it will break in the fog if the fog is heavy enough. In construction zones, it thinks every cone is a moving car and stops often. I contacted Subaru and they have not addressed my concerns.”
NHTSA complaint #11624592, filed 2024-11 - Other or unknown
Pop-up ads taking over the center screen
- 13 complaints (13%)
- typically at 2.6 yrs old
- filed 2025–2026
Owners report satellite-radio promotional messages that appear on the infotainment display at startup or while driving and stay until manually dismissed. Because climate and other controls run through the same screen, complaints describe the pop-up blocking functions and requiring the driver to reach across the display. Reported on vehicles of varying mileage, typically when starting the car and occasionally while driving.
What to check: Check the head unit software version and ask whether any infotainment updates or reprogramming have been applied.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Sirus XM advertisements, whilst driving, taking over display, despite opting out of all possible options, disablement and NEVER purchasing the satellite radio service or wanting it in vehicle. I paid for the car, now I have to be subject to distracting advertising that requires user input even though I already have carplay open with driving directions. …”
NHTSA complaint #11703105, filed 2025-12“12/4/2025 Over the past two weeks, two uncommanded pop-up ads from SiriusXM have appeared in the middle of my infotainment screen. The ads pop up in front of anything else that might be on the screen. The ad blocks are bright white and eye-catching (distracting), particularly at night. SiriusXM has never been active in this car, nor do I even have a SiriusXM account.”
NHTSA complaint #11703087, filed 2025-12 - Air bags
Passenger airbag shows off with an adult seated
- 5 complaints (5%)
- median 6,000 mi at 0.2 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2024–2026
Complaints describe the passenger airbag indicator showing off during highway driving with an adult in the seat, with shifting the seat sometimes bringing it back on. Another owner reports airbags not deploying in a collision. Complaints say dealers performed sensor calibration and opened technical cases without a permanent resolution. Reported on vehicles at low to moderate mileage, during normal highway driving with adult passengers.
What to check: With an adult in the passenger seat, watch the airbag status indicator through a start-up and a short drive, and ask whether any occupant-detection calibration was performed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Driver and adult passenger were traveling at highway speed on the NJ Turnpike. The passenger noticed that the airbag light on the display showed Passenger Airbag OFF We stopped at the next rest area and found guidance online that the Occupant Detection System sometimes doesn't properly register the weight in the seat so shifting the seat could turn the airbag back on. We did this and the light did come back on. We continued our trip. Shortly after the same issue occurred again. We shifted the seat again and the light came on again. …”
NHTSA complaint #11744977, filed 2026-06“This vehicle was purchased in April 2018. It was noticed that, when an adult passenger weighing between 100 and 105 lbs sits in the passenger seat, the occupant airbag system does not activate all the time. According to the manufacturer this is normal for the design of this protection system and this situation cannot be corrected.the problem has reoccurred several times.”
NHTSA complaint #11603043, filed 2024-07 - Transmission and drivetrain
CVT shudder or jerk on deceleration
- 12 complaints (12%)
- median 1,000 mi at 0.6 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2023–2026
Owners describe the transmission shuddering or jerking when slowing to a stop or holding a steady speed, occasionally severe enough to feel like the wheels are losing contact. Complaints say dealers replaced the transmission control module and reprogrammed it, and in some cases the symptom returned. Reported from roughly 1,000 miles up to around 32,000 miles, often on longer highway trips.
What to check: Drive at steady speed and decelerate from highway speed to a stop, and ask for any transmission reprogramming or control module service history.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“This vehicle has severe CVT problems. It shifts back and forth with a clunk on level roads at a steady speed. I have a 2015 Murano with over 80,000 miles that does not display this type of behavior. I am driving a loaner which is a 2023 Subaru with the same engine and transmission as mine and it has none of my safety problems. …”
NHTSA complaint #11579793, filed 2024-03“On deceleration the cars CVT has an intermittent shudder. Sometimes minor sometime severe making it feel like the wheels will slow too quickly and lose contact with the road. The dealer verified the problem changed the transmission control module and re programmed it. That did not correct the problem. I can’t force it to recreate the problem it happens when one least expects it.i take the car on only long trips to visit family in NY 600 miles away and during the trip it happens multiple times times. …”
NHTSA complaint #11739936, filed 2026-05
Buying note. These complaints cluster at low mileage, so a careful test drive of the driver-assistance systems, transmission behavior and the infotainment screen matters more than the odometer. Ask for service records showing camera calibrations, infotainment and transmission software updates, and any glass replacement.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 104 consumer complaints for the 2024 Subaru Outback. 9 of the complaints include a mileage, and 100% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 3,395 miles. Of all complaints, 5 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 4 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 243 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Other or unknown29 28%
- Electrical system16 15%
- Engine7 6.7%
- Air bags6 5.8%
- Lane departure6 5.8%
- Steering5 4.8%
- Brakes4 3.9%
Also reported: Back-over prevention (rear camera) (3), Exterior lighting (3), Latches, locks and linkages (3), Suspension (3), Vehicle speed control (3), Fuel system (2), Seats (2), Body and structure (2), Wheels (2), Equipment (1), Tires (1).
Example complaints
Other or unknown: “The infotainment screen pushes ads for Sirius XM even while the car is in motion. This is where the GPS is located and it gets blocked from the ads. It causes me to drive distracted in order to clear away the ad to allow the GPS to work again making me more likely to get into an accident. There is no way to disable the ad feature either.”
NHTSA complaint #11702782, filed 2025-12Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “The moon roof shattered. Have not even had the vehicle two days yet. It was fine yesterday (5/26/2023). Went out this afternoon (5/27/2023) and found the moon roof completely shattered and fractured. There is a hole near the rear center and fractures covering the entire moon roof window. We had not even operated the moon roof. This vehicle has less than 100 miles on it. Called the dealership and was told to call my insurance company because I could not prove it was caused by a defect.”
NHTSA complaint #11524134, filed 2023-05Forward collision avoidance: “In a residential area at night there is a film or tint that covers at least three quarters of the windshield. No problem on bright highways. I complained to three different dealers. They can't confirm because they are not allowed to touch eyesight/camera. I called Subaru USA. Gary told me that it's to expenses and offered me service coupons, insulting.”
NHTSA complaint #11637136, filed 2025-01Electrical system: “Sirius XM Ads are popping up on infotainment screen caused me to become distracted while operating my vehicle. I had to remove my eyes from the road to find the button to close the ad, then click on the ad to remove it from my screen. It has popped up twice in the last two weeks.”
NHTSA complaint #11701126, filed 2025-11Mileage when problems were reported
100% of the 9 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 1,000 and 7,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
This model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2024 Subaru Outback. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outback · wagon AWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 18.5% risk |
| Outback Wilderness · wagon AWD | not rated | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | — |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2024 model year: forward collision warning standard on some versions, lane departure warning standard, automatic emergency braking standard on some versions.
Neighbouring years: 2023: same overall rating; 2025: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2024 Subaru Outback version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outback AWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | CVT | 22 | 29 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Outback AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | CVT | 26 | 32 | 28 | $2,400 |
| Outback Wilderness AWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | CVT | 21 | 26 | 23 | $2,900 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2024 Subaru Outback in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 243 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037943Oct 5, 2026Other or unknown, Electrical system. This announcement provides information on a new software update for the Midtronics Dss and DCA machines.
- 11037942Sep 28, 2026Electrical system, Transmission and drivetrain. This announcement provides information on an enhancement of the TechShare CVT diagnostic assitance application.
- 11037940Sep 18, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin provides paint code information for 2027 model year vehicles.
- 11037938Sep 18, 2026Electrical system. "This Bulletin announces additional troubleshooting steps for the following DTCs: DTC C1956: RH Actuator Circuit DTC C1957: LH Actuator Circuit"
- 11037930Sep 15, 2026Other or unknown. This announcement provides an update to all 2027 model year Subaru warranty coverages for wear items and adjustments.
- 11037929Sep 14, 2026Other or unknown, Electrical system. This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.
- 11037927Sep 14, 2026Electrical system. This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.
- 11036819Aug 31, 2026Electrical system. This bulletin announces an inspection procedure for the Smart Rear View Mirror Assembly.
- 11036804Aug 21, 2026Transmission and drivetrain, Electrical system. This Announcement provides diagnostic assistance for CVT issues.
- 11036814Aug 20, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. This bulletin provides guidance when diagnosing chain slip, judder, shudder, and hesitation concerns on the TR580 model CVT transmissions used in the models listed.
Other model years of the Subaru Outback
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 21 | — | 0 | — | 24 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 83 | 2,000 | 0 | 5 | 25 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 104 | 3,395 | 0 | 5 | 25 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 89 | 7,500 | 2 | 5 | 25 | 0 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 465 | 13,947 | 4 | 5 | 26 | 77 · More | Stable |
| 2021 | 298 | 3,600 | 4 | 5 | 29 | 59 · Typical | Falling |
| 2020 | 901 | 5,750 | 6 | 5 | 29 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2019 | 1,036 | 10,194 | 3 | 5 | 28 | 87 · More | Falling |
| 2018 | 816 | 16,794 | 3 | 5 | 28 | 72 · More | Falling |
| 2017 | 919 | 30,000 | 4 | 5 | 28 | 68 · More | Falling |
| 2016 | 643 | 35,000 | 4 | 5 | 28 | 54 · Typical | Falling |
| 2015 | 510 | 20,000 | 5 | 5 | 28 | 70 · More | Falling |
| 2014 | 208 | 35,000 | 10 | 5 | 24 | 13 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2013 | 297 | 44,100 | 12 | 5 | 24 | 21 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 294 | 90,000 | 16 | 4 | 22 | 3 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2011 | 653 | 85,000 | 16 | 4 | 22 | 46 · Typical | Falling |
| 2010 | 360 | 68,000 | 18 | — | 22 | 37 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 106 | 70,350 | 13 | — | 20 | 0 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2008 | 226 | 79,150 | 8 | — | 20 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 130 | 81,147 | 8 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 277 | 95,316 | 7 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 273 | 82,000 | 9 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 90 | 67,693 | 10 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 93 | 73,762 | 14 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 143 | 70,500 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 171 | 72,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 207 | 68,318 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 111 | 89,500 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 127 | 91,486 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 79 | 103,995 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 46 | 125,453 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Subaru Outback model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2024 Subaru Outback?
Complaints from owners of this 2024 Outback center on driver-assistance and infotainment behavior: automatic braking that engages when nothing is in the path, EyeSight functions cutting out, and satellite-radio pop-up ads that block the center screen. The issues reported most often: Windshield and sunroof glass cracking; Unrequested automatic braking or failure to brake; Pop-up ads taking over the center screen.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2024 Subaru Outback have?
NHTSA recorded 104 consumer complaints for the 2024 Subaru Outback as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2024 Subaru Outback is reported most often?
Other or unknown is named most often, in 29 complaints (28% of the total), followed by visibility with 23.
Has the 2024 Subaru Outback been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2024 Subaru Outback do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2024 Subaru Outback 5 out of 5 stars overall. Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2024 Subaru Outback get?
The EPA rates the 2024 Subaru Outback (Outback AWD, 2.4L 4-cyl) at 25 mpg combined, 22 city and 29 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2024 Subaru Outback reported?
Among the 9 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 3,395 miles and the middle half falls between 1,000 and 7,000 miles; 100% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.