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: Over 10 years, the Outback averaged 462 complaints per year with 26 recalls, while the CR V averaged 728 complaints per year with 40 recalls. The Outback had 135 crash-related complaints and 84 injuries; the CR V had 248 crashes and 221 injuries. 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 is a wagon-like SUV that owners often keep for many years, but NHTSA data shows a steady stream of complaints—about 462 per year over the last decade. The most common trouble spots are the visibility/wiper system and the electrical system, with reports of sparkling windshields, shattering moonroofs, and batteries that fail to hold a charge. There are also 26 recalls, many for power train issues like the park/neutral start interlock, which can affect how the car starts and shifts. Overall, it's a vehicle that may need extra attention to glass, battery, and driver-assist electronics as it ages.
Honda CR V
The Honda CR V is a popular compact SUV with a higher complaint rate—about 728 per year—and more recalls (40) than the Outback. Owners frequently report problems with steering, engine, and forward collision avoidance, including sudden steering freezes, engine noise or failure, and false automatic braking. There are also 248 crash-related complaints and 221 injuries reported, plus one death, which suggests some issues may have serious consequences. Electrical and fuel system complaints round out the top five, pointing to a range of potential headaches for buyers.
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 | 4,621 Better | 7,275 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 26 Better | 40 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 135 Better | 248 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 462.1 Better | 727.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 84 Better | 221 |
| 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/WIPER1,454
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,440
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER885
- 04VISIBILITY244
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE228
Owners report windshields that sparkle like thousands of diamonds in direct sunlight, making it hard to see, and moonroofs that shatter spontaneously—sometimes within days of purchase. These issues can impair visibility and lead to unexpected glass repairs.
Complaints include complete failures to start due to battery problems, as well as malfunctions in the EyeSight driver-assist system, brakes, and central electrical system. Such failures can strand you and disable safety features like automatic emergency braking.
The EyeSight system is reported to malfunction, which may cause automatic braking or other driver-assist functions to behave unpredictably. This matters because it's a key safety feature that owners expect to work reliably.
Owners complain about non-working SOS buttons after failed software updates and wireless charging pads that overheat phones. These may seem minor but can affect emergency communication and device safety.
“When driving east into direct sunshine, the entire windshield sparkles with thousands of diamonds, making it hazardous to drive. Just bought the car June 8, 2023, as a Certified Pre-Owned (it had been a dealer loaner). Had to dealer last week, they claim not…”
“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…”
Honda CR V
- 01STEERING1,394
- 02ENGINE1,344
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE1,322
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,045
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1,008
Owners report sudden momentary freezing of steering, often accompanied by warning lights, especially in rain. This can make the vehicle hard to control and may require pulling over to reset the system.
Complaints include engine noise followed by a loud pop, smoke, and loss of oil pressure in very new vehicles, as well as power train and brake issues on inclines. Such failures can lead to sudden breakdowns and costly repairs.
The Honda Sensing system is reported to trigger severe, abrupt false-positive braking events in common driving situations like steep driveways. This unexpected braking can startle drivers and increase crash risk.
Owners report infotainment and wireless Apple CarPlay disconnects while driving, plus concerns about the front radar module being easily accessible. These issues can distract drivers and affect safety systems.
“I am requesting immediate assistance with an ongoing safety issue involving my 2026 Honda CR-V EX AWD, VIN [XXX], which I purchased in July 2025. Each time it rains, multiple warning lights come on in my vehicle. The warning message shown includes: “Electric…”
“While driving on a mountain road/ 2 lane highway, I experienced a sudden momentary freezing of my steering. I saw a warning flash on my dashboard and thought I saw the word "steering". I pulled over, turned my car off and then back on to "reset" the computer.…”
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 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.
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV,…
The risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansi…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022…
The risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH,…
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…
Buyer analysis
Subaru Outback or Honda CR V: which should you buy?
The Subaru Outback has fewer complaints per year (about 462 vs. 728 for the Honda CR V) and fewer recalls (26 vs. 40). In practice, that means you may encounter fewer reported problems overall with the Outback, but both vehicles have notable safety-related complaints. The CR V's higher rate of steering and engine issues could mean more frequent trips to the shop.
Key differences
- The Subaru Outback has about 462 complaints per year, while the Honda CR V has about 728 per year, indicating a higher reported problem rate for the CR V.
- Subaru Outback complaints often center on visibility (sparkling windshields, shattering moonroofs) and electrical failures (battery, EyeSight), whereas Honda CR V complaints frequently involve steering freezes and engine failures.
- The Honda CR V has more crash-related complaints (248) and injuries (221) than the Subaru Outback (135 crashes, 84 injuries), though both have safety concerns.
- Recalls differ: Subaru Outback recalls often involve power train components like the park/neutral start interlock, while Honda CR V recalls include fuel pump and air bag sensor issues.
- Inspect the windshield for any sparkling or pitting when viewed in direct sunlight, and check the moonroof for cracks or previous repairs.
- Test the battery and starting system, and verify that the EyeSight driver-assist features (automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise) function without error messages.
- Test the steering for any momentary freezing or warning lights, especially after rain or on winding roads.
- Listen for engine noises, check oil pressure, and scan for any stored codes related to the engine or forward collision avoidance system.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models using the NHTSA VIN lookup tool.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic who specializes in Subaru or Honda, focusing on the complaint areas listed above.
- During a test drive, specifically test the driver-assist systems (EyeSight for Subaru, Honda Sensing for CR V) in various conditions.
- For the Subaru Outback, inspect all glass surfaces and the moonroof for cracks or unusual sparkles; for the Honda CR V, test steering feel and listen for engine noises.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for battery replacements, software updates, and any repairs related to steering or engine components.
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 | 27 | 146 |
| 2025 | 81 | 253 |
| 2024 | 2 | 393 |
| 2023 | 89 | 515 |
| 2022 | 464 | 262 |
| 2021 | 296 | 331 |
| 2020 | 899 | 353 |
| 2019 | 1034 | 1101 |
| 2018 | 812 | 2150 |
| 2017 | 917 | 1771 |
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
- 4,621
- Honda CR V total complaints
- 7,275
- Subaru Outback total recalls
- 26
- Honda CR V total recalls
- 40
- Subaru Outback avg complaints/year
- 462.1
- Honda CR V avg complaints/year
- 727.5
- More reliable overall
- Subaru Outback
- Subaru Outback top complaint area
- VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Honda CR V top complaint area
- STEERING