Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
2024 Subaru OutbackRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 2 owner complaints for the 2024 Subaru Outback. Most complaints involve equipment (1) and visibility/wiper (1). The EPA rates it 25–28 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Combined MPG
25–28mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
2
Top: equipment
Fuel cost / yr
$2,300est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2024 Subaru Outback as of Nov 3, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
2 complaints filed with NHTSA · May 2023 – Oct 2024
- Equipment1
- Visibility/wiper1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
By model year
Complaints for each Outback model year we’ve synced.
View as table
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 273 |
| 2006 | 281 |
| 2007 | 130 |
| 2008 | 230 |
| 2009 | 112 |
| 2010 | 360 |
| 2011 | 653 |
| 2012 | 295 |
| 2013 | 297 |
| 2014 | 208 |
| 2015 | 509 |
| 2016 | 642 |
| 2017 | 921 |
| 2018 | 816 |
| 2019 | 1,036 |
| 2020 | 905 |
| 2021 | 299 |
| 2022 | 465 |
| 2023 | 89 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 83 |
| 2026 | 21 |
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Deaths reported
- 0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Equipment
1 report
“The contact owns a 2024 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that after the purchase of the vehicle, the dealer informed the contact to schedule an appointment to install the trailer hitch harness. The contact was informed by the dealer that the vehicle could tow a capacity of 3,500 lbs. The contact wanted to attach a camper to the trailer hitch. The contact was then informed by the dealer when the dealer attempted to install the hitch harness that the vehicle did not have any trailer brakes to which the tow harness could not be installed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the dealer would not install the trailer brakes and referred the contact to an independent mechanic for further assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 3,395.”
Visibility/wiper
1 report
“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 the entire moon roof window. We had not even operated the moon roof. This vehicle has less than 100 miles on it. Called the dealership and was told to call my insurance company because I could not prove it was caused by a defect.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl · 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 Nov 3, 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 AWD Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · All-Wheel Drive | 26 | 32 | 28 | $2,300 | 314 |
| Outback AWD Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 22 | 29 | 25 | $2,550 | 356 |
- 28mpg comb.
- 25mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5Subaru Outback SW AWD
- Frontal crash
- 5 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 18.5%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 3, 2026Vehicle 19381
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 questions
How many recalls does the 2024 Subaru Outback have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 3, 2026.
What are the most common 2024 Subaru Outback problems?
Owners filed 2 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are equipment (1), visibility/wiper (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2024 Subaru Outback get?
The EPA rates the 2024 Subaru Outback at 25–28 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
How safe is the 2024 Subaru Outback?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2024 Subaru Outback 5 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 3, 2026