Is a used Subaru Outback a good deal?
Short answer: A used Subaru Outback can be a good deal when the price is in line with local comparable listings, open recalls are fixed and the out-the-door quote has no padded fees. It holds value better than average: iSeeCars measures 39.9% five-year depreciation vs 41.7% for all vehicles, so used prices stay high and discounts are smaller. The biggest money leaks we see are dealer add-ons and fees, not the sticker price.
Looking at a used Subaru Outback? Check its VIN free for recalls and complaints, then scan the dealer quote free for junk fees. Want an expert? Check My Deal for $19 (money-back guarantee).
Depreciation and value retention
| Age | Depreciation | Value kept | Typical resale value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 years | 22.5% | 77.5% | $27,121 |
| 5 years | 39.9% | 60.1% | $21,048 |
| 7 years | 51.1% | 48.9% | $17,128 |
| 10 years | 65% | 35% | $12,262 |
Its class (midsize wagon/SUV) averages 39.9% after five years; all vehicles average 41.7%. Source: iSeeCars, Subaru Outback resale value.
Recalls and complaints by model year
| Model year | NHTSA recalls | Owner complaints | Most-reported areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 3 | 1035 | Electrical System (364), Visibility/Wiper (326), Visibility (63) |
| 2020 | 6 | 899 | Visibility/Wiper (313), Electrical System (259), Visibility (70) |
| 2021 | 4 | 296 | Visibility/Wiper (97), Electrical System (75), Forward Collision Avoidance (29) |
| 2022 | 4 | 464 | Visibility/Wiper (255), Electrical System (51), Visibility (26) |
| 2023 | 2 | 89 | Forward Collision Avoidance (22), Electrical System (17), Visibility/Wiper (16) |
Source: NHTSA recalls and complaints APIs, pulled 2026-10-07. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Example recall campaigns
- 19V493000 (Structure): Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Legacy and Outback vehicles. Spot welds located on the duct below the cowl panel may have been improperly applied, impacting the vehicle's body strength.…
- 21V587000 (Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump): Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may …
- 20V218000 (Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump): Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Impreza, Outback, Legacy, and Ascent vehicles. The low pressure fuel pump may become inoperative.…
- 20V766000 (Back Over Prevention:display Function): Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with "high" grade and "mid" grade multimedia navigation. The August 2020 over-the-air software update may have timed out wi…
- 21V955000 (Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/Pcm/Tecm)): Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain …
Fuel cost
The EPA estimates $2,300–$2,800 per year in fuel for 2022 Subaru Outback versions (24–29 MPG combined across 3 configurations). Source: fueleconomy.gov (EPA/DOE).
Dealer add-ons to watch for
- Paint and fabric protection or ceramic coating packages
- VIN etching and "anti-theft" packages
- Nitrogen-filled tires
- Dealer prep, reconditioning or "certification" fees on top of the advertised price
- Market adjustment or "additional dealer markup" stickers
- Window tint, door-edge guards and all-weather mat bundles
- In the finance office: extended warranties, GAP, tire-and-wheel and key-replacement plans. All optional; get prices in writing
What to check before you buy
- Run the VIN through our free VIN check or NHTSA and confirm open recalls were repaired.
- Owners report problems most often with: Visibility/Wiper, Electrical System, Visibility. Ask for service records covering these and have a mechanic look at them.
- Get a vehicle history report and a pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic.
- Compare the price against local listings of the same year, trim and mileage. Dealers price strong-resale models firmly.
- Read the FTC Buyers Guide on the window: it says whether the car is sold as-is or with a warranty (FTC).
- Ask for the full out-the-door price in writing before you visit.
FAQ
Is a used Subaru Outback a good deal?
A used Subaru Outback can be a good deal when the price is in line with local comparable listings, open recalls are fixed and the out-the-door quote has no padded fees. It holds value better than average: iSeeCars measures 39.9% five-year depreciation vs 41.7% for all vehicles, so used prices stay high and discounts are smaller. The biggest money leaks we see are dealer add-ons and fees, not the sticker price.
How much does a Subaru Outback depreciate?
iSeeCars estimates a Subaru Outback loses 39.9% of its value after five years (22.5% after three years, 65% after ten).
Does the Subaru Outback have recalls?
NHTSA lists 19 recall campaigns across the 2019–2023 model years combined (counted per year, so a campaign covering several years counts in each). Check any specific car by VIN: an open recall should be fixed free by a franchised dealer before you buy.
Which Subaru Outback year has the most complaints?
Among 2019–2023, the 2019 has the most NHTSA owner complaints (1035). Complaint counts also grow with sales volume and time on the road, so compare years, not models.
How much does a Subaru Outback cost to fuel per year?
The EPA estimates $2,300–$2,800 a year in fuel for 2022 versions, based on its standard mileage and price assumptions.
What dealer add-ons should I refuse on a used Subaru Outback?
Common ones are paint/fabric protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires, dealer prep fees and market adjustments. They are optional; ask for them to be removed or get an itemized out-the-door price.
Looking at a used Subaru Outback? Check its VIN free for recalls and complaints, then scan the dealer quote free for junk fees. Want an expert? Check My Deal for $19 (money-back guarantee).
Data as published by each source; pulled 2026-10-07. All used car models