Head-to-head reliability
Subaru Outback vs Honda CR V
How the Subaru Outback and Honda CR V compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Subaru Outback vs Honda CR V: The Outback averages 455 complaints per year with 0 deaths, while the CR-V averages 702 complaints per year with 1 death. The Outback's main issues are electrical and windshield cracks; the CR-V's are steering stiffness and sudden power loss. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Subaru Outback or Honda CR V more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback, over a decade, has accumulated 4,554 complaints—averaging 455 per year—with 26 recalls. Owners frequently report issues with the Eyesight safety system turning off unpredictably, windshields cracking spontaneously, and electrical failures from corroded wiring harnesses. These patterns suggest a vehicle that can be frustratingly unreliable in its core safety and convenience systems.
Honda CR V
The Honda CR-V logged 7,015 complaints over 10 years (702 per year) and 40 recalls. The dominant problems are sticky or stiff steering, especially in heat, sudden loss of power on the highway due to engine or fuel system issues, and false activations of the forward collision avoidance system. This points to a vehicle with potentially dangerous drivability and safety system glitches.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Subaru Outback | Honda CR V |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 4,554 Better | 7,015 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 26 Better | 40 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 131 Better | 237 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 455.4 Better | 701.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 79 Better | 209 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Subaru Outback
- 01VISIBILITY/WIPER1,450
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,423
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER871
- 04VISIBILITY242
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE217
Owners report the Eyesight system (lane departure, crash avoidance, emergency braking) turning off without warning, and windshields cracking spontaneously from temperature stress, not impact.
Corrosion on CAN bus pins in the driver door wiring harness causes simultaneous failure of multiple safety-critical systems, and the car can stall or lose power unexpectedly.
The fixed-height passenger seat is positioned unsafely high, and the HVAC system can heat the cabin to over 100°F even when turned off, creating discomfort and potential distraction.
“1.) Eyesight constantly turns off on a whim. No reason or rhyme to it but just turns off. Meaning none of my "safety" systems (lane departure, crash avoidance, emergency braking, lane keeping assistance, collision warnings, collision braking) are functioning.…”
“Windshield made a very loud bang noise as if something hit it but nothing was observed to hit. After arriving home, I inspected the windshield and discovered a 4 inch straight hairline horizontal crack with no sign of debris impact (no chip, scratch, etc). Sa…”
Honda CR V
- 01STEERING1,304
- 02FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE1,302
- 03ENGINE1,296
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,007
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM965
Steering feels sticky, choppy, or becomes extremely stiff on hot days, making the car difficult to control; the issue persists even with lane departure assist off.
The system can suddenly brake or stall the car on the highway with no obstacle ahead, causing rapid deceleration and risk of rear-end collision.
Sudden loss of power on the highway with flashing check engine light; the car enters limp mode and won't respond to the gas pedal, forcing a dangerous stop.
“Choppy steering ,sticking, not smooth. Getting worse. It started when it was new . I did not know how lane departure assist worked,or felt. BUT EVEN IN THE OFF POSITION MY STEERING WAS STILL STICKY,AND CHOPPY. So I thought that this STICKY ,CHOPPY STEERING WA…”
“Every summer, on particularly hot days—typically after driving for about 10 minutes—the steering wheel feels as if it is jammed; turning it becomes extremely stiff and difficult. However, when the weather cools down, the steering becomes perfectly smooth agai…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Subaru Outback — 26 recalls
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Outback, Legacy, Ascent, and Impreza vehicles. The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, resulting in the disconnection of the front end of the driveshaft.
The risk: Separation of the front end of the driveshaft increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will clean the bolt mounting surfaces of the center support brace and install new bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Suba…
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
The risk: An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2021 Outback and Impreza vehicles. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) select lever cable nut may not have been tightened properly, allowing the nut to loosen.
The risk: A loose nut can lead to a lost of retention in the CVT select lever cable and the gear selector not functioning properly, increasing risk of crash.
The fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and, if necessary, tighten the nut, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is W…
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
The risk: An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.
Honda CR V — 40 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 CR-V vehicles. The rear subframe bolts were improperly manufactured and may loosen, allowing the rear subframe to separate.
The risk: A separated rear subframe reduces vehicle handling and can suddenly disable the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear subframe bolts and retorque them or replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2020. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Hon…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020 CR-V vehicles. The clip for the absorber inside the fuel tank was not secured properly and may detach, which can cause an inaccurate fuel gauge reading.
The risk: An inaccurate fuel gauge may result in the vehicle unexpectedly running out of fuel and stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 5, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is RCB.
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2020 CR-V, 2018-2019 Accord and Accord Hybrid, 2018-2020 Odyssey, 2019 Insight, and 2019-2020 Acura RDX vehicles. A manufacturing issue with the front seat belts may cause the seat belt buckle channel to interfere with the release button, p…
The risk: An unlatched seat belt cannot properly restrain the seat occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the driver and front passenger seat belt buckle release buttons or the buckle assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 18, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017, 2020, and 2022 CR-V vehicles. The certification label on the driver's side door states incorrect Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR), and tire size information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with th…
The risk: An incorrectly sized tire may cause premature tread wear, or a tire blow out, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will install a new corrected label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 18, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is CF7.
Buyer analysis
Subaru Outback or Honda CR V: which should you buy?
The Subaru Outback has fewer complaints per year (455 vs 702) and no reported deaths, while the Honda CR-V has one death and more frequent steering and power-loss issues. In practice, the Outback's problems are more about annoyance and cost, whereas the CR-V's steering and sudden power loss pose more immediate safety risks.
Key differences
- Subaru Outback: Eyesight system randomly deactivates; Honda CR-V: steering becomes stiff in heat.
- Subaru Outback: windshields crack spontaneously; Honda CR-V: sudden loss of power on highway.
- Subaru Outback: corrosion in wiring harness causes multiple system failures; Honda CR-V: false forward collision braking.
- Subaru Outback: 0 deaths; Honda CR-V: 1 death reported.
- Test the Eyesight system repeatedly in different conditions to see if it shuts off without cause.
- Inspect the windshield for any hairline cracks, especially near the edges, and ask about prior replacements.
- On a hot day, test the steering for stiffness or stickiness after 10 minutes of driving.
- Check for any history of sudden power loss or transmission replacement, and verify the fuel pump recall was performed.
Before you buy
- Check NHTSA recall status for both vehicles using their VINs.
- On the Outback, test all safety systems (Eyesight) and inspect the windshield for cracks.
- On the CR-V, test steering on a hot day and ask about any limp-mode incidents.
- Review service records for electrical repairs on the Outback and transmission work on the CR-V.
- Take both for an extended test drive including highway speeds to feel for power loss or steering issues.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Subaru Outback | Honda CR V |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8 | 113 |
| 2025 | 66 | 231 |
| 2024 | 2 | 370 |
| 2023 | 85 | 506 |
| 2022 | 456 | 240 |
| 2021 | 291 | 313 |
| 2020 | 893 | 335 |
| 2019 | 1030 | 1069 |
| 2018 | 806 | 2096 |
| 2017 | 917 | 1742 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Subaru Outback or Honda CR V in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Subaru Outback vs Honda CR V
- Subaru Outback total complaints
- 4,554
- Honda CR V total complaints
- 7,015
- Subaru Outback total recalls
- 26
- Honda CR V total recalls
- 40
- Subaru Outback avg complaints/year
- 455.4
- Honda CR V avg complaints/year
- 701.5
- More reliable overall
- Subaru Outback
- Subaru Outback top complaint area
- VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Honda CR V top complaint area
- STEERING