Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
2024 Subaru Outback WildernessRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 98 owner complaints for the 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness. Most complaints involve visibility/wiper (19) and forward collision avoidance (18). The EPA rates it 23 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
23mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
98
Top: visibility/wiper
Fuel cost / yr
$2,800est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness as of Oct 29, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 29, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
98 complaints filed with NHTSA · Aug 2023 – Oct 2026
- Visibility/wiper19
- Forward collision avoidance18
- Electrical system16
- Engine7
- Air bags6
- Power train6
- Lane departure6
- Service brakes4
- Steering4
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 29, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Visibility/wiper
19 reports
“This complaint is regarding a 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness with approximately 68,000 miles. The vehicle's low windshield-washer-fluid warning remains illuminated even when the washer-fluid reservoir is full. As a result, the warning system no longer provides reliable information regarding the actual washer-fluid level. Subaru has documented this condition in Technical Service Bulletin 12-266-25, NHTSA ID 11018906, which applies to 2020–2024 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles. The bulletin states that the low washer-fluid warning may illuminate despite an adequate fluid level and announces a design change to the washer tank incorporating an enhanced level sensor. Subaru states that the updated sensor float was designed to resist fluid immersion and provide more accurate readings. My concern is not simply that a warning light is illuminated. Because the warning remains on continuously when the reservoir is full, the driver can no longer rely on the vehicle to provide an accurate warning when the washer-fluid reservoir actually becomes empty. Windshield-washer fluid is important for maintaining visibility when the windshield becomes contaminated by road spray,…”
Forward collision avoidance
18 reports1 crash
“My 2024 Subaru Outback rapidly deaccelerated/tried to stop in the middle of the highway twice! This is a safety issue and an accident waiting to happen. This car has been to the Subaru dealer 4 times for this issue and the dealer says they can’t figure it out. The last time the car slowed drastically and in the middle of the highway, we had three of our little grandkids (all under 6) in the backseat. It was very scary and it almost caused a very serious accident. I am now too afraid to ride in that car especially with my babies.”
Electrical system
16 reports1 fire
“I purchased this 2024 Subaru Outback three months ago with 19,000 miles. It currently has 26,000 miles and is still under its factory powertrain warranty. On October 25, 2026, after completing a short trip, I was stopped at a red light on State Road 524 in Cocoa, Florida. When the light turned green, the vehicle began to accelerate forward, but the Auto Start-Stop system failed to successfully restart the engine, causing the vehicle to completely stall in the middle of active traffic. I shifted the vehicle into Park, depressed the brake, and pushed the ignition button to restart it. Instead of cranking, the vehicle experienced total electrical chaos—the dashboard, infotainment screen, and interior electronics began flashing erratically, and the engine refused to start. The vehicle had to be pushed out of the path of traffic by hand and subsequently towed to a Subaru dealership. The dealership confirmed that the Auto Start-Stop system had critically drained the battery below operating thresholds. There were absolutely no prior warning signs, dashboard battery lights, or slow engine cranks leading up to this event. The vehicle simply died without warning in live…”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 29, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
1 version rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl turbo
- Transmissions
- Automatic (AV-S8)
- Drive
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 29, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outback Wilderness AWD Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 21 | 26 | 23 | $2,800 | 378 |
- 23mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 29, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness as of Oct 29, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 29, 2026Vehicle 19382
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2024 Outback Wilderness questions
How many recalls does the 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 29, 2026.
What are the most common 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness problems?
Owners filed 98 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are visibility/wiper (19), forward collision avoidance (18), electrical system (16). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness get?
The EPA rates the 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness at 23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 29, 2026