2007 Subaru Outback

The 2007 Subaru Outback is a popular wagon/SUV known for its standard all-wheel drive, practicality, and reliability. Engine options include a 2.5L SOHC naturally aspirated flat-4 producing 175 horsepower and 169 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.5L turbocharged flat-4 producing 243 horsepower and 241 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0L H6 producing 245 horsepower and 215 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options are a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic (for 2.5L engines) or 5-speed automatic (for 3.0L engines). Owners often appreciate the Outback’s spacious interior, comfortable ride, and all-weather capability. Common complaints often revolve around higher repair costs compared to some competitors, and some model years experiencing specific issues.

Engine

2.5L SOHC Naturally Aspirated Flat-4

• Head Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, coolant loss, white smoke from the exhaust, bubbling in the coolant overflow tank.
  • Solution: Replacement of the head gaskets. Machining of the cylinder heads may also be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Catalytic Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light illuminated with codes related to catalytic converter inefficiency, reduced engine performance, failed emissions test.
  • Solution: Replacement of the catalytic converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from valve cover gaskets, cam seals, crankshaft seal, or oil pan gasket.
  • Solution: Replacement of the leaking gasket or seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ per leak location
  • Recalls: None Found

2.5L Turbocharged Flat-4

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling or whining noise from the turbocharger, check engine light illuminated, excessive oil consumption.
  • Solution: Replacement or rebuild of the turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Starvation (Especially with Modified Vehicles)
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine knocking, rapid engine failure, particularly after aggressive driving.
  • Solution: Addressing the root cause of the oil starvation (e.g., improper oil level, clogged oil pickup), engine rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $4,000 - $8,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Boost Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced power, poor fuel economy, hissing sound under acceleration.
  • Solution: Identify and repair or replace leaking hoses or components in the intake system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.0L H6

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from valve cover gaskets, cam seals, crankshaft seal, or oil pan gasket.
  • Solution: Replacement of the leaking gasket or seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ per leak location
  • Recalls: None Found
• Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Solenoid Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, check engine light, decreased performance.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty VVT solenoid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic (2.5L Engines)

• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, especially at low speeds, slipping between gears, stalling.
  • Solution: Replacement of the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

5-Speed Automatic (3.0L H6 Engine)

• Slipping or Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Delays in gear engagement, rough shifts, transmission slipping out of gear.
  • Solution: Transmission fluid flush, valve body repair or replacement, or complete transmission rebuild/replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (fluid flush) - $3,000+ (rebuild/replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

5-Speed Manual (2.5L Engines)

• Clutch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clutch slippage, difficulty shifting, clutch pedal sticking, burning smell.
  • Solution: Clutch replacement (clutch disc, pressure plate, throw-out bearing).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Wheel Bearings
  • Description/Symptoms: Grinding or humming noise from the rear of the vehicle, especially noticeable at higher speeds, excessive play in the rear wheels.
  • Solution: Replacement of the rear wheel bearing(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+ per wheel
  • Recalls: None Found
• Strut Mounts
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the suspension, especially when going over bumps, poor handling, uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replacement of the strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+ per axle
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Oxygen Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light illuminated with codes related to oxygen sensor malfunction, poor fuel economy, rough idle.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty oxygen sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ per sensor
  • Recalls: None Found
• Window Regulator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Window not going up or down, grinding noises when operating the window.
  • Solution: Replacement of the window regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per window
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rusting around wheel wells, rocker panels, and other body panels, especially in areas with road salt usage.
  • Solution: Rust repair or panel replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2000+, depending on the severity and location
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, leaking, unusual noises when operating the sunroof.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of sunroof motor, tracks, or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2007 Subaru Outback, while generally reliable, does have some common issues to be aware of. Head gasket failures on the 2.5L engines can be costly. Turbocharger issues and potential oil starvation are concerns on the turbocharged models. Suspension components like wheel bearings and strut mounts can wear out. Overall, potential buyers should have a pre-purchase inspection performed, paying close attention to these areas. The severity and cost of repairs can vary widely, but addressing potential issues proactively can help ensure a long and reliable ownership experience.