2010 Subaru Outback

The 2010 Subaru Outback marked a significant shift for the model, moving further away from its wagon roots and more towards a crossover SUV. Two engine options were available: a 2.5L naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 170 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.6L six-cylinder engine producing 256 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. The 2.5L engine could be paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), while the 3.6L engine was only available with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciated the Outback’s versatility, spacious interior, and standard all-wheel drive. Common complaints revolved around the base engine’s perceived lack of power, the CVT’s behavior, and some reliability concerns.

Engine

2.5L Naturally Aspirated 4-Cylinder

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: The 2.5L engine is known to consume excessive amounts of oil, sometimes requiring owners to add oil between changes. Symptoms include low oil level warnings, blue smoke from the exhaust, and potential engine damage if not monitored.
  • Solution: Subaru issued a technical service bulletin (TSB) and extended warranty for affected vehicles. The recommended fix often involves replacing the piston rings. In some cases, the entire short block needs to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Head Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The 2.5L engine in this era of Subaru vehicles is known for head gasket failures. Symptoms include overheating, coolant loss, and white smoke from the exhaust.
  • Solution: Replacement of the head gaskets, often along with resurfacing of the cylinder heads.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.6L 6-Cylinder

No Issues Found

Transmission

CVT (paired with 2.5L engine)

• CVT Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The CVT transmission is prone to failure. Symptoms include shuddering, hesitation, and complete loss of drive.
  • Solution: Replacement or rebuild of the CVT transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $8,000
  • Recalls: None Found

5-Speed Automatic (paired with 3.6L engine)

No Issues Found

Suspension

• Rear Shock Absorber Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature failure of the rear shock absorbers, leading to a bouncy ride and reduced handling.
  • Solution: Replacement of the rear shock absorbers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery drains quickly, even when the vehicle is not in use. This can lead to difficulty starting the car.
  • Solution: Diagnosing and repairing the source of the drain, which could be a faulty relay, sensor, or aftermarket accessory.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Radio/Navigation System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The factory radio or navigation system may experience glitches, freeze up, or fail to power on.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the head unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

No Issues Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracking of the dashboard material, particularly in vehicles exposed to high temperatures and sunlight.
  • Solution: Dashboard replacement is the only solution, but it’s expensive. Some owners opt for a dashboard cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2010 Subaru Outback has some notable common issues. The most concerning are the excessive oil consumption and head gasket failures with the 2.5L engine, and CVT failures if equipped. These can be expensive to repair. Other issues like suspension and electrical problems are less severe but still require attention. Potential buyers should thoroughly inspect the vehicle, check its maintenance history, and be aware of these potential problems.