Subaru Outback BS 2.5i

The TR580 Lineartronic CVT is generally durable with proper maintenance, but the valve body is its weakest component. Solenoids can fail, triggering codes P2764 or P0700 and causing harsh shifting, shuddering during light acceleration, or complete loss of drive. Failures typically appear between 120,000 and 180,000 km. A valve body replacement at a Subaru dealer costs approximately 1,200 to 1,800 euros. If the torque converter or chain is also damaged, a full CVT replacement can reach 4,000 to 5,500 euros. Regular CVT fluid changes every 50,000 km significantly reduce the risk. Subaru extended the CVT warranty to 10 years / 160,000 km on certain models, so check whether your car is still covered.

This is a widespread issue affecting virtually all 2015-2020 Outbacks with the Starlink system. The DCM module continuously attempts to connect to the 3G cellular network, which has been shut down in most countries. This parasitic draw drains the 12V battery within 3 to 7 days of parking. Symptoms include a dead battery 2-3 times per year and premature battery failure every 12-18 months. The fix is either a DCM reprogramming at a Subaru dealer (free under the extended service campaign), or simply pulling the DCM fuse if you do not use Starlink services. A class action lawsuit settlement provides reimbursement for battery replacements caused by this issue. Battery replacement costs 150 to 250 euros, and repeated replacements can add up.

Wheel bearing failure is a well-known Subaru issue that affects the Outback particularly due to its weight and AWD system loading. The rear bearings are most commonly affected, producing a humming noise at highway speeds that worsens with mileage. Most owners report needing at least one bearing replaced between 80,000 and 130,000 km, with all four eventually requiring replacement on high-mileage cars. A single bearing replacement costs approximately 300 to 500 euros at an independent shop (parts and labor). Dealer pricing for both rear bearings can reach 800 to 1,000 euros. The AWD system requires all four tires to be within 2-3 mm of tread depth difference, and running mismatched tires accelerates bearing wear.

Since 2015, Subaru switched to acoustic glass windshields which are more fragile than standard glass. Owners report cracks appearing from seemingly minor stone chips or even temperature changes, with some going through multiple replacements. On EyeSight-equipped models, every windshield replacement requires camera recalibration at a Subaru dealer, adding approximately 200 to 300 euros to the glass replacement cost. A standard replacement with acoustic glass costs around 400 to 600 euros. With EyeSight recalibration, the total can reach 700 to 900 euros. A class action lawsuit settlement covers 2020-2022 models, but earlier BS-generation cars are not included.

The Starlink infotainment system in the BS Outback is prone to hardware failures. The touchscreen develops ghost touches caused by internal layer delamination, creating bubbles under the glass and registering phantom inputs. Symptoms include frozen screens, radio volume blasting unexpectedly, and complete system lockups. Software updates do not resolve this because it is a hardware defect. The only fix is replacing the entire head unit, which costs 800 to 1,200 euros at a dealer. A 2020 class action settlement extended the infotainment warranty to 5 years / 160,000 km and provided reimbursement for earlier repairs. Check whether your vehicle's head unit has already been replaced.

The FB25B engine used in 2013-2015 Outbacks had a known oil consumption issue caused by poorly designed piston rings. Affected engines consume significantly more oil than normal, sometimes requiring a top-up every 3,000 km. Subaru addressed this with updated piston rings in production from mid-2015 onwards. For 2014-2015 models, Subaru offered a warranty extension and would replace the short block if the oil consumption test showed more than one-third of a quart burned per 2,000 km. Most affected engines have been repaired by now, but verify oil consumption on any 2014-2015 model during a test drive. Later 2016-2020 models have largely resolved this issue.