TireKick

Published generation acquisition guide

Outback years to avoid—and the years we refuse to over-rank

This answer is generated only from the published Sixth generation guide. It names applicable issues, configuration caveats, remedies, exposure eligibility, and the claim receipts behind every year conclusion.

Year-by-year answer

2020
Buy with conditions

Proceed only after the named candidate-verification and record checks pass.

clm_subaru-outback-2020-recall-recall-19v664000-obs-1515

Applicable issues

  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Pedals And Linkages safety campaign (high; verified remedy) · Inspect: Check the VIN for open NHTSA actions, then ask the inspector to test the named system and document the result.

Configuration: 2 reviewed 2020 configurations exist; the model-year authority does not guess which one a buyer has.

Exposure: No verified positive production denominator is present for 2020; normalized year comparison is refused. No configuration-specific denominator is available.

Open 2020 authority →
2022
Buy with conditions

Proceed only after the named candidate-verification and record checks pass.

clm_subaru-outback-2022-recall-recall-22v473000-obs-1579

Applicable issues

  • Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Engine Control Module (Ecu/Ecm) safety campaign (high; verified remedy) · Inspect: Check the VIN for open NHTSA actions, then ask the inspector to test the named system and document the result.

Configuration: 2 reviewed 2022 configurations exist; the model-year authority does not guess which one a buyer has.

Exposure: No verified positive production denominator is present for 2022; normalized year comparison is refused. No configuration-specific denominator is available.

Open 2022 authority →
2021
Insufficient evidence

Insufficient evidence for a responsible candidate verdict.

clm_subaru-outback-2021-recall-recall-21v024000-obs-1548

Applicable issues

  • Power Train:Shift Linkage/Cable/Rod safety campaign (high; verified remedy) · Inspect: Check the VIN for open NHTSA actions, then ask the inspector to test the named system and document the result.

Configuration: 2 reviewed 2021 configurations exist; the model-year authority does not guess which one a buyer has.

Exposure: No verified positive production denominator is present for 2021; normalized year comparison is refused. No configuration-specific denominator is available.

Open 2021 authority →

What you trade between adjacent years

Dossier receipts

clm_subaru-outback-2020-recall-recall-19v664000-obs-15152020 Subaru OutbackEvidence: Medium confidence

The official record describes a potential crash, fire, injury, or loss-of-control consequence.

“Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020 Outback and Legacy vehicles. The brake pedal mounting bracket may have a missing or insufficiently tightened bolt. A missing or loose bolt may cause the brake pedal mounting area to deform over time, which can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake pedal mounting bracket hardware and replace the hardware or brake pedal assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUL-97.”
NHTSArecallOpen source record
clm_subaru-outback-2021-recall-recall-21v024000-obs-15482021 Subaru OutbackEvidence: Limited confidence

The official record describes a potential crash, fire, injury, or loss-of-control consequence.

“Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2021 Outback and Impreza vehicles. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) select lever cable nut may not have been tightened properly, allowing the nut to loosen. A loose nut can lead to a lost of retention in the CVT select lever cable and the gear selector not functioning properly, increasing risk of crash. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and, if necessary, tighten the nut, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRA-21.”
NHTSArecallOpen source record
clm_subaru-outback-2022-recall-recall-22v473000-obs-15792022 Subaru OutbackEvidence: Medium confidence

The official record describes a potential crash, fire, injury, or loss-of-control consequence.

“Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2022 Outback vehicles. The engine wiring harness may have been damaged, resulting in a loose electrical connection to the engine control unit (ECU). A loose electrical connection to the ECU may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the engine wiring harness and ECU, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 30, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRC-22.”
NHTSArecallJan 2022Open source record

Publication contract

Evidence: Limited confidence

Release rel_v4_cohort_20260726 · methodology m1-v4-authority-cohort. Raw complaint totals never choose an avoid year.