2024 Subaru Outback: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Sixth-gen at its most sorted, minimal complaints, resolved early-run glitches, standard AWD and top-tier safety make this a strong used pick, with insurance the main cost consideration. 3 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2024 Subaru Outback ranged from $28,895 to $42,795 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Sixth-gen at its most sorted, minimal complaints, resolved early-run glitches, standard AWD and top-tier safety make this a strong used pick, with insurance the main cost consideration.
Sources (2)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=subaru&model=outbac…
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/subaru/outback
Known issues
-
Battery parasitic drain that leaves the car dead after a few days, plus intermittent EyeSight driver-assist and electrical faults.
commonly reported · 190 NHTSA complaints · electrical
-
Windshield prone to spontaneous and impact cracking, with owners reporting cracks appearing overnight or from minor chips; subject of a class-action settlement.
widespread · body
-
Starlink 11.6-inch infotainment screen freezing, rebooting and lagging.
occasional · electrical
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (3)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=subaru&model=outbac…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=subaru&model=outbac…
- classaction.orghttps://www.classaction.org/subaru-cracked-windshield-defect-lawsuits
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Strong ground clearance and genuine all-weather and light-trail capability.
- Available 2.4-liter turbo adds welcome midrange power.
- Modern safety tech, standard all-wheel drive and a comfortable, spacious cabin.
Cons
- Spontaneous windshield cracking is a widely reported, costly nuisance.
- Battery-drain and infotainment/EyeSight electrical complaints, especially on early cars.
- Touchscreen-centric controls can be distracting to use.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | $28,895 | discontinued | — | — |
| Premium | $31,195 | $34,995 | — | — |
| Limited | $35,795 | $41,715 | — | — |
| Onyx Edition | $36,105 | discontinued | — | — |
| Onyx Edition XT | $39,360 | discontinued | — | — |
| Wilderness | $39,960 | $44,995 | — | — |
| Limited XT | $40,195 | $44,365 | — | — |
| Touring | $40,345 | $45,395 | — | — |
| Touring XT | $42,795 | $47,995 | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (2)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2024-subaru-outback-price
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/subaru-outback-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($28,895). Higher trims started higher (up to $42,795), and options added more.
Curve outlook: a typical 2024 loses roughly another 29% of its value over the next 3 years. These are estimates from public data, not a market-price claim.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/subaru-outback/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $600–650/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $2,300–2,400/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~250k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/subaru/outback
- moneygeek.comhttps://moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/subaru-outback-insurance/
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2024 Subaru Outback have?
Documented issue patterns include: Battery parasitic drain that leaves the car dead after a few days, plus intermittent EyeSight driver-assist and electrical faults; Windshield prone to spontaneous and impact cracking, with owners reporting cracks appearing overnight or from minor chips; subject of a class-action settlement; Starlink 11.6-inch infotainment screen freezing, rebooting and lagging. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2024 Subaru Outback reliable?
Sixth-gen at its most sorted, minimal complaints, resolved early-run glitches, standard AWD and top-tier safety make this a strong used pick, with insurance the main cost consideration.
How much did the 2024 Subaru Outback cost new?
Between $28,895 and $42,795 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the Subaru Outback expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $600–650/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.