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 459.5 complaints per year, while the CR-V averages 717.4. Outback owners report Eyesight failures and windshield cracks; CR-V owners face sticky steering and engine power loss. Both have safety implications. 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 the past decade, has drawn a high volume of complaints centered on its visibility systems and electrical gremlins. Owners frequently report the Eyesight driver-assist suite turning off without warning, which disables safety features like lane keeping and emergency braking. There are also reports of windshields cracking spontaneously and electrical issues, including corrosion in wiring harnesses that can knock out multiple safety-critical systems. While the Outback is known for practicality and all-weather capability, these patterns suggest potential reliability concerns that could affect daily usability and safety.
Honda CR V
The Honda CR-V shows a similar complaint volume but with a different focus: steering, engine, and forward collision avoidance issues dominate. A notable problem is 'sticky steering' at highway speeds, where the wheel can momentarily resist input, creating a safety hazard. Engine complaints include sudden loss of power and limp mode activation, often accompanied by warning lights. Additionally, the CR-V has reports of 'phantom braking' from its collision mitigation system, which can cause unexpected stops. These issues point to potential concerns with core driving dynamics and electronic driver aids.
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 | 4,595 Better | 7,174 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 26 Better | 40 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 134 Better | 244 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 459.5 Better | 717.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 81 Better | 214 |
| 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/WIPER1,452
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,434
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER880
- 04VISIBILITY244
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE221
Owners report the Eyesight system intermittently turning off, disabling all safety features like lane departure and emergency braking. Also, windshields have cracked spontaneously without impact, suggesting a structural weakness.
There are reports of corrosion on a CAN bus pin in the driver door wiring harness, causing simultaneous failure of multiple safety-critical systems. Other electrical issues include unexpected stalling and loss of power.
The Eyesight system's false activations or shutdowns can lead to unexpected braking or lack of braking, undermining driver confidence in the vehicle's safety features.
“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
- 01STEERING1,356
- 02ENGINE1,328
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE1,315
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,025
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM989
A widely reported 'sticky steering' defect causes the wheel to stick or pause at highway speeds, then release abruptly, leading to jerky movements. This is a safety concern as it can cause loss of control.
Owners report the check engine light flashing, followed by a loss of motive power and the vehicle entering limp mode. This can happen at highway speeds, creating a dangerous situation.
The collision mitigation system can engage 'phantom braking' at slow speeds, causing the vehicle to stop suddenly without an obstacle, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions.
“While driving my 2022 Honda CRV at highway speeds and at operating temperature, the steering sticks and/or pauses then releases causing the steering to jerk back in the opposite direction. This creates a major safety issue while driving on the highway and can…”
“My 2022 Honda CR-V experiences the "sticky steering" defect that has been widely reported and is currently under NHTSA investigation (EA23003). While driving at highway speeds, the steering wheel intermittently locks, requiring increased effort to move the wh…”
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 2023-2025 Acura Integra, Civic Type R, CR-V Hybrid, CR-V, HR-V, 2022-2025 Civic, Civic Hatchback, 2024-2025 Acura Integra Type S, 2025 CR-V Fuel Cell EV, Civic Hybrid, and Civic Hatchback Hybrid vehicles. The steering gearbox assembly may have b…
The risk: Difficulty steering can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the worm gear spring and redistribute or add grease as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2024. Owners may contact Honda Customer Service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers f…
Buyer analysis
Subaru Outback or Honda CR V: which should you buy?
The Subaru Outback has fewer complaints per year (459.5) compared to the Honda CR-V (717.4), indicating a lower frequency of reported issues. However, the Outback's problems often involve safety systems and electrical reliability, while the CR-V's issues are more focused on steering and engine performance. In practice, the Outback may offer a more predictable ownership experience in terms of complaint volume, but both have significant concerns to consider.
Key differences
- The Outback's top complaint area is visibility/wipers, with Eyesight failures and spontaneous windshield cracks, while the CR-V's top issue is steering, with sticky steering at highway speeds.
- The Outback has more electrical system complaints (1434) than the CR-V (1025), but the CR-V has more engine complaints (1328) than the Outback (not in top list).
- The CR-V has a higher number of crash-related complaints (244) and injuries (214) compared to the Outback (134 and 81), though the CR-V also has one reported death.
- Both vehicles have forward collision avoidance issues, but the Outback's are tied to Eyesight shutdowns, while the CR-V's involve phantom braking.
- Inspect the windshield for any signs of cracks or previous replacements, as spontaneous cracking has been reported.
- Check the driver door wiring harness for corrosion or damage, which can cause multiple system failures.
- Test the steering at highway speeds for any stickiness or hesitation, which is a known defect.
- Ask about any engine warning light incidents or limp mode occurrences, as these have been reported.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report to check for any open recalls or previous complaints.
- Have a mechanic inspect the Eyesight system on the Outback and the steering column on the CR-V.
- Test drive both vehicles at highway speeds to feel for steering issues or unexpected braking.
- Check for any signs of electrical problems, such as flickering lights or intermittent system failures.
- Review the NHTSA complaint database for the specific model year you are considering.
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 | 18 | 127 |
| 2025 | 75 | 243 |
| 2024 | 2 | 383 |
| 2023 | 89 | 516 |
| 2022 | 462 | 253 |
| 2021 | 296 | 326 |
| 2020 | 896 | 351 |
| 2019 | 1033 | 1088 |
| 2018 | 807 | 2128 |
| 2017 | 917 | 1759 |
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
- 4,595
- Honda CR V total complaints
- 7,174
- Subaru Outback total recalls
- 26
- Honda CR V total recalls
- 40
- Subaru Outback avg complaints/year
- 459.5
- Honda CR V avg complaints/year
- 717.4
- More reliable overall
- Subaru Outback
- Subaru Outback top complaint area
- VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Honda CR V top complaint area
- STEERING