2007 Subaru Outback: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2007 Subaru Outback? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 129 complaints, with Airbag Malfunctions as the top reported area.
2007 Subaru Outback Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 7 2007 Subaru Outback trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 7 trims analysed.
2007 Subaru Outback Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2007 Subaru Outback 4-DR Wagon w/SABOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated15.9% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
15.9% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2007 Subaru Outback has 129 owner complaints, 9 crash-related complaints, and 8 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Airbag Malfunctions. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Subaru
- Model
- Outback
- Model year
- 2007
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 129
- Crash-related complaints
- 9
- Safety recall campaigns
- 8
- Top reported component
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 21
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 18 / 24
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Optional
Most Common 2007 Subaru Outback Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Airbag Malfunctions
Electrical Faults
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Electrical Faults, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2007 Subaru Outback?
The 2007 Subaru Outback shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2007 Subaru Outback
Inspection Focus
- Inspect airbag system for any warning lights or prior repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and engine components.
- Have a mechanic inspect suspension and brake systems before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect airbag system for any warning lights or prior repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and engine components.
- Have a mechanic inspect suspension and brake systems before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2007 Subaru Outback, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2007 Subaru Outback are concentrated in airbag malfunctions, electrical faults, and engine problems. Unintended acceleration and suspension failures also appear frequently. The data suggests potential issues with safety systems and powertrain reliability.
- Airbag malfunctions account for the largest share of complaints.
- Electrical faults and engine problems are also commonly reported.
- Unintended acceleration and suspension failures are notable concerns.
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Electrical Faults
- Engine Problems
All 2007 Subaru Outback Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2007 Subaru Outback. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Malfunctions | 46 | 5 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 20 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 18 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 17 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 14 | 2 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 9 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Brake System | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 6 | 4 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 6 | — | 1 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 5 | 2 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Interior Lighting | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Child Seat | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2007 Subaru Outback. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The contact owns a 2007 Subaru Outback. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V003000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for the recall repair; however, the dealer declined to repair the vehicle due to possible damage to the dashboard wh…
Lost brakes. Corroded brake lines. Recall was completed for this very issue. Fix was ineffective.
2007 Subaru Legacy Outback 2.5i automatic. Had recall campaign 14V311 completed in 2018 for brake lines. According to Subaru brake lines were rustproofed and/or replaced. 9 June 2024 I start vehicle and place it into drive in doing so applying brake pedal to allow selection of tr…
Both front driver and passenger side CV Boots have failed prematurely on several occasions well before the expected life and mileage expectancy for these parts (they have been replaced on four separate occasions). The CV boots hold grease in to provide lubrication to the axels. …
Driving down the freeway, snowy conditions, going roughly 50 mph in a straight line, no curves or turns in sight, hit a very small hump in the road and suddenly I found myself sideways from what seems like a rear steer situation, i corrected as best i could and luckily i was in t…
A couple of months ago I noticed the airbag lamp stayed on after starting my car. After I had parked and later restarted the car, the airbag light went off as normal. A month or so later the airbag light again stayed on after starting the car. I also noticed that the passenger a…
All rear lights, rear hatch lock, brake lights all failed due to wiring going from the body to the hatch getting cut from the action of opening and closing the hatch door. This seems to be a pretty common thing with at least the 2005-2007 models years.
The Airbag light on my dash was lighting intermittently. I called Kendall Subaru here in Fairbanks, AK and was told I shouldn't drive the car as such a light indicated a problem with my airbags and that even a low level bump could set them off or that they might not function at …
The contact owns a 2007 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle went over a bump in the roadway and went sideways. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and it was diagnosed that the rear stabilizer bar had detached. T…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE NOTICED THAT THERE WERE FOUR WIRES NEAR THE REAR DEFROSTER THAT WERE CUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRES CONTROLLED THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, HATCH DOOR LOCK, DEFRO…
WAS TOLD TO COME HERE TO RENDER A COMPLAINT. THEY WANT ME TO TRAVEL 4HRS THERE AND 4HRS BACK TO GET RECALL DONE. AT THIS TIME I AM UNABLE TO GET THIS DONE. AND I DON'T BELIVE I SHOULD HAVE TO PUT 8HRS OF WEAR AND TEAR ON MY VEHICLE FOR A SAFETY RECALL WHICH IS THE MANUFACTURERS R…
2007 SUBARU OUTBACK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BRAKE FAILURE. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE RIGHT REAR BRAKE LINE CORRODED AND FAILED WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED. *JS
AS I'M DRIVING MY AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON AND ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH STARTS FLASHING AND CRUISE CONTROL GETS DISCONNECTED ONE DAY IT WILL HAPPEN NEXT DAY IT WON'T
2007 SUBARU OUTBACK AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON. SUBARU CUSTOMER SERVICE SAYS THE AIRBAG SYSTEM WILL NOT FUNCTION IF THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON. THIS DEFECT SHOULD BE COVERED FOR NO CHARGE. PLEASE ISSUE A SAFETY RECALL. THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON UNDER ALL CONDITIONS AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE
I BOUGHT THE 2007 SUBARU OUTBACK LL BEAN NEW. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THAT THE AIRBAG LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY. THE FIRST TIME I REPLACED THE OVERHEAD CIRCUIT BOARD. THIS TIME I AM HAVING TROUBLE FINDING ONE. THE SOLDER JOINTS IN THE CIRCUIT BOARD ARE FAULTY, CAUSING…
RED AIRBAG WARNING IS INTERMITTENTLY DISPLAYED ON DRIVERS INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE PASSENGER AIRBAG IS ALSO SHOWN AS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY ABOVE THE REAR VIEW MIRROR. THE CAR CAN BE STATIONARY OR IN MOTION.
AN ACCELERATOR THAT BECAME UNRESPONSIVE WHILE DRIVING 65MPH ON 3 LANE HIGHWAY. THIS PROBLEM IS PREVALENT WITH SUBARU AND YOU CAN READ ABOUT MANY PEOPLE WHO HAVE THE PROBLEM WHICH IS AN EXTREME SAFETY ISSUE. IF YOU GO ONLINE AND SEARCH FOR SUBARU OUTBACK CODE P2138/THROTTLE POSI…
STEPPED ON THE BRAKES WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY AND THEY WENT TO THE FLOOR. FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO GRAB THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND DODGE INTO THE NEXT LANE OTHERWISE I WOULD HAVE SLAMMED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME, CAUSING UNKNOWN DAMAGE/INJURY. I USED THE PARKING BREAK AND MANUAL SH…
I WAS DRIVING DOWN A STREET WHEN MY CAR ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING BUT I HAD NO GAS PEDAL RESPONSE .SO L COASTED TO SIDE OF ROAD AN SHUT IT OFF AN STARTED IT .THEN AFTER I DID THAT I GOT GAS PEDAL RESPONSE .THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON AFTER RESTARTING VECHILE SO I HAD A CODE SCAN…
WE HAVE EXPERIENCE A MULTITUDE OF ELECTRICAL ISSUES WITH THE LL BEAN VERSION OF THE 2207 OUTBACK. MOST RECENTLY THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYING ON CONSISTENTLY, WHICH APPEARS TO BE A REPORTED ISSUE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE THE AIR BAG WILL NOT FUNCTION WITH THE LIGHT ON, IT IS CO…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2007 Subaru Outback.
2007 Subaru Outback Recalls
8 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2007 Subaru Outback. 8 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2007 Subaru Outback Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2007 Subaru Outback reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 129 owner complaints, 9 crash-related complaints, and 8 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2007 Subaru Outback shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2007 Subaru Outback?▾
#1: Airbag Malfunctions (46 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (20 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (18 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2007 Subaru Outback?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2007 Subaru Outback?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2007 Subaru Outback, NHTSA complaints include 9 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 129 total complaints. 6 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2007 Subaru Outback have any recalls?▾
Yes. 8 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2007 Subaru Outback. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. 8 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2007 Subaru Outback?▾
The 2007 Subaru Outback shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Airbag Malfunctions during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Subaru Outback reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2007 Subaru Outback based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.