Model overview

The Subaru Outback is a nameplate utilized by the Japanese carmaker Subaru for two distinct cars: a Legacy-based station wagon, the Outback (1994–now), and an Impreza-derived hatchback, the Outback Sport (1994–2011). Most variants of the Outback wagon and Outback Sport have had an all-wheel-drive as either an option or by default equipment.

The initial Outback station wagon was originated from the wagon model of the second-generation Subaru Legacy. The first-generation Legacy, which debuted in 1989, did not get the qualifications to produce an Outback variant, although Subaru gave an Outdoor option package trim for the 1994 model year Legacy.

The Subaru Outback is available in six trim levels: base, Premium, Limited, Touring, Onyx Edition XT, Limited XT, and Touring XT. The base, Premium, Limited, and Touring all are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (182 horsepower, 176 lb-ft). The XT models are equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (260 hp, 277 lb-ft). Both powertrains are matched with all-wheel drive and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

Subaru Outback known problems

Some of the common problems or complaints owners have about the Subaru Outback are:

Oil leaks and seals breaking

Vibration and shuddering while accelerating

Head gaskets failure and cooling systems

The Subaru Outback’s oxygen sensors break

Subaru Outback PDF owner manual

Below you can find the owners manuals for the Outback model sorted by year. The manuals are free to download and are available in PDF format. Is is recommended to check the owners manual corresponding to the correct year of your Subaru Outback to solve the problems or to get insights about the car.