Does the 2013 Subaru Outback have recalls?

NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns for the 2013 Subaru Outback, including Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor; Electrical System; Parking Brake. Recalls are matched by model year, so check your exact VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

What are the most common 2013 Subaru Outback problems?

Owners filed 297 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (67), power train (60), air bags (42), steering (34).

How much does a 2013 Subaru Outback cost to own for 5 years?

About $39,794 over 5 years ($663/month) at an estimated $7,250 purchase price and 12,000 miles a year, including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, loan interest and taxes. Run a VIN report to personalize it.

2013 Subaru Outback

The 2013 Subaru Outback earns a fair Throttlebook Ownership Score of 56/100. Expect about $39,794 to own it for five years, or $663 a month. NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 297 complaints.

Recalls: 12
Complaints: 297
5-yr cost: $40k
MPG (EPA): 20

Fair

Ownership Score

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12 recalls may apply

For the 2013 Subaru Outback. NHTSA matches recalls by model and year — confirm by VIN.

What's wrong: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Legacy vehicles manufactured November 26, 2008, to June 7, 2013, and 2010-2014 Outback vehicles manufactured January 9, 2009 to June 7, 2013. Due to contamination, components within the windshield wiper motor bottom cover may interfere with each other. If an obstruction, such as a buildup of snow or ice prevents the wiper arms from being able to stop in the parked position, the wiper motor may overheat and the bottom cover may melt.
Risk: If the windshield wiper motor overheats, the wipers may fail, reducing driver visibility and increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, the wiper motor cover may melt, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor bottom cover assembly, free of charge. The recall began October 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTK-71. Note: This recall supersedes recall 11V-469. All vehicles that were remedied under that campaign are affected by this campaign, and need to have their wiper motor bottom cover replaced again.

Check recalls for this exact VIN at NHTSA

Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.

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5-year cost to own

Estimated $7,250 price, 20% down, 11.19% APR for 60 months (Experian avg.), 12,000 mi/yr.

$39,794

$663/month · $0.66/mile

Depreciation	$1,640
Insurance (national avg.)	$12,000
Fuel / charging	$10,050
Maintenance	$8,625
Repairs	$4,000
Loan interest	$2,044
Taxes & fees	$1,435

Estimate, not financial advice. How we calculate.

Owner complaints & safety

What real owners reported to NHTSA for this model year.

297 complaints18 involved a crash6 involved a fire

Engine67
Power Train60
Air Bags42
Steering34
Vehicle Speed Control26
Service Brakes25

Complaint counts scale with how many were sold; compare against similar models.

NHTSA crash-test stars

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

Rated as: 2013 Subaru Outback SUV AWD

What to check on a used 2013 Subaru Outback

Ordered by what owners of this model year reported most. Reports are not proof of a defect.

Engine and transmission
- Cold start: listen for knocking, ticking or rough running.
- Shifts should be smooth with no slipping or jerking.
Airbags
- The airbag light should come on at start-up and then go out.
- Ask for proof that any airbag recalls were completed.
Steering
- Does the car drift or pull on a straight road?
- Turn the wheel lock to lock and listen for clunks or whines.

If anything in a safety area feels wrong (brakes, steering, airbags, tires), stop driving and get it inspected before you buy or drive it further. Paste a VIN above for the full printable checklist.

Common 2013 Subaru Outback problems

Cheaper alternatives

FAQ

Is the 2013 Subaru Outback a good car to buy?: The 2013 Subaru Outback earns a fair Throttlebook Ownership Score of 56/100. Expect about $39,794 to own it for five years, or $663 a month. NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 297 complaints.
Does the 2013 Subaru Outback have recalls?: NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns for the 2013 Subaru Outback, including Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor; Electrical System; Parking Brake. Recalls are matched by model year, so check your exact VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
What are the most common 2013 Subaru Outback problems?: Owners filed 297 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (67), power train (60), air bags (42), steering (34).
How much does a 2013 Subaru Outback cost to own for 5 years?: About $39,794 over 5 years ($663/month) at an estimated $7,250 purchase price and 12,000 miles a year, including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, loan interest and taxes. Run a VIN report to personalize it.

Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP ratings; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data refreshed weekly. Complaint counts scale with sales volume.