2013 Subaru Outback: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2013 Subaru Outback? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 293 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2013 Subaru Outback Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2013 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. 3 trims analysed.
2013 Subaru Outback Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
17.4% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
17.4% 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 2013 Subaru Outback has 293 owner complaints, 17 crash-related complaints, and 12 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Subaru
- Model
- Outback
- Model year
- 2013
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 293
- Crash-related complaints
- 17
- Safety recall campaigns
- 12
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 24
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 21 / 28
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2013 Subaru Outback Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Transmission / Drivetrain
Airbag Malfunctions
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Transmission / Drivetrain, Airbag Malfunctions. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2013 Subaru Outback?
The 2013 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 2013 Subaru Outback
Inspection Focus
- Request service records for Engine Problems and Transmission/Drivetrain repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on engine and transmission health.
- Check for any airbag-related recalls or repairs.
Before You Close the Deal
- Request service records for Engine Problems and Transmission/Drivetrain repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on engine and transmission health.
- Check for any airbag-related recalls or repairs.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2013 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 2013 Subaru Outback are concentrated in engine and transmission issues, with a notable number of airbag and steering complaints. The data suggests potential problem areas, but the low confidence level means these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Engine Problems account for the highest number of complaints at 68.
- Transmission/Drivetrain issues are the second most reported component with 58 complaints.
- Airbag Malfunctions total 40 complaints, indicating a possible safety concern.
- Engine Problems
- Transmission/Drivetrain
- Airbag Malfunctions
All 2013 Subaru Outback Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Subaru Outback. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 68 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 58 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 40 | 9 | 1 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 34 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 26 | 7 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 25 | 2 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 24 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 23 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 15 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 12 | 4 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 11 | — | 1 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 10 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 9 | 1 | 2 | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 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 2013 Subaru Outback. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The vehicle has had the seat belt replaced twice in one year for it dinging and now Subaru dealer says the ODS sensor is bad and does not detect a passenger in the seat therefore the air bag system is not functioning properly. The dealership strongly recommend that I contact Suba…
The vehicle caught fire while driving along the interstate. It's a total loss.
I purchased this car may 28th 2025 and had it over the weekend and check engine light came on and took it Monday once shop opened and came back for catalytic converter and o2 sensor I letted the dealership know about it and said its not much that i can fix it but I figured would …
I purchased a car from Middletown Nissan on May 24, 2025. The car was assured to have all these different safety checks so far it had to have the power steering pump replaced twice the power steering lines replaced all new control arms a new bearing brand new back brakes which in…
I was pulling into a parking spot, without any warning the car accelerated through a fence and hit a tree. There were no injuries and the airbags did not deploy. A man was waving me to stop and I could not. Fortunately the small tree stopped the car. At first I thought maybe the…
The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the brakes failed to engage. The contact stated that eventually, the brakes would return to normal operation. No warning light was illuminated…
According to my mechanic, the Engine Cradle is severly corroded and needs to be replaced. According to Subaru, today December 4, 2024, Subaru inspected my vehicle and determined it was badly corroded. I have pictures to show this and the report from Subaru showing they did look …
The subframe has deteriorated beyond repair. This is our sixth Subaru Outback, either owned or leased, all in the same geographic area, housed 90% of the time in a covered garage. This is not normal wear and tear. The vehicle is dangerous, as inspected by a local independent serv…
The contact owned a 2013 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, he lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a metal guard rail on the driver's side along the length of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle had bounced off of the r…
The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the parking brake warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that several other unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact st…
We bought this around June 2018 with ~96,000 miles. I change oil every 6 months or 6,000 miles with OEM filters and Mobil 1 0w-30 oil. This car has burned 1/2 to 3/4 of oil initially. After 140,000 miles it climbed to over 1 1/2 quarts between changes. I had repeated O2 sensor co…
The contact owned a 2013 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the contact's residential driveway, the contact noticed the smoke exiting from the hood area of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was on fire. The fire department arriv…
* I detected a noise in the front end and an instability in the handling. My independent service mechanic found the cradle on the right front severely rusted out at the point where the control arm attaches. He had to condemn the vehicle. * My mechanic says that it could have r…
Piston rings are defective heavy oil consumption caused my engine to seize with only 150,000 miles
Strapped kayak to roof rack. Roof rack ripped off car while in traffic. Kayak went flying and was hit by a truck.
I was driving on a highway when my car started to suddenly stutter, hesitate, and jerk after about an hour on the road. I pulled over on the shoulder immediately and tried to better position the car further off the highway with the same vehicle behavior. Initially I thought a tir…
Electronic seat recliner motor (outer bushing) noise when reclining, but Kendall Subaru in Eugene saying motor can not be fixed (defective design), only replaced with another (defective) motor @ cost near $1,000. Seat then stuck all the way back; even with seat headrest behind my…
At all speeds vehicle shudders when letting off accelerator then nearly stalls. This is extremely dangerous when entering expressways or crossing oncoming vehicles. Dealer identified transmission as the problem and could reproduce, but not determine reason. Said drive until Check…
middle seatbelt continues to tear in multiple placed . very disturbing
I was pulling into a parking space very slowly when the car went into overdrive and suddenly accelerated at a high speed. It plunged down a slight decline and hit a large tree. My airbag failed to deploy although I was thrown violently forward, and the car sustained severe front …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2013 Subaru Outback.
2013 Subaru Outback Recalls
12 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2013 Subaru Outback. 12 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.
2013 Subaru Outback Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2013 Subaru Outback reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 293 owner complaints, 17 crash-related complaints, and 12 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2013 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 2013 Subaru Outback?▾
#1: Engine Problems (68 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (58 complaints). #3: Airbag Malfunctions (40 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2013 Subaru Outback?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2013 Subaru Outback?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2013 Subaru Outback, NHTSA complaints include 17 crash-related reports and 6 fire reports out of 293 total complaints. 13 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2013 Subaru Outback have any recalls?▾
Yes. 12 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2013 Subaru Outback. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. 12 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 2013 Subaru Outback?▾
The 2013 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 Engine Problems 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 2013 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.