Subaru Outback & Forester Problems by Year 2010-2026: Head Gaskets, CVT & Repair Costs

The Subaru Outback and Forester years with the most problems are the 2010 to 2014 Outback and 2009 to 2013 Forester, which are known for head gasket leaks and oil burning, and the 2015 to 2019 models, where CVT shudder, CVT failures and EyeSight camera faults are common. The safest used picks are a 2020 to 2022 Outback with the non-turbo 2.5-liter engine and a 2019 to 2021 Forester.

This guide covers Subaru Outback and Forester problems by year, what each repair costs, which years to avoid, and how to check a used one before you buy.

Common Subaru Outback and Forester Problems

Most owner complaints fall into five areas, and each one is tied to specific years:

• Head gasket leaks: 2010 to 2014 Outback and 2009 to 2013 Forester with the non-turbo 2.5-liter engine, usually between 80,000 and 120,000 miles.
• Oil consumption: worst on 2010 to 2012 models (about a quart every 1,000 miles) and milder on 2015 to 2019 models (about a quart every 4,000 to 5,000 miles).
• CVT shudder and failure: 2015 to 2019 models, often between 80,000 and 120,000 miles. Some 2020 to 2022 cars still shudder.
• EyeSight camera faults: false collision warnings and phantom braking on 2015 to 2019 models, worst in glare, rain and snow.
• Newer-model issues: carbon buildup on the Outback 2.4-liter turbo after about 60,000 miles, and slow or crashing infotainment on 2022 and newer models.

Why Subaru Head Gaskets Fail and Which Years Are Affected

Subaru head gasket failure is a documented problem, not a myth. It mainly affects the non-turbo boxer engines built from the 2000s into the early 2010s.

Subaru's flat-four boxer engines run hotter than typical inline engines, and the gasket seal on some aluminum cylinder heads was marginal. When it fails, coolant gets into the oil. Look for a milky paste on the dipstick or under the oil cap, followed by overheating and loss of power. Fixing it usually costs $1,500 to $3,500, depending on how easy the engine is to reach and whether the heads need machine work. See our head gasket repair cost guide for a full breakdown.

Subaru began improving gasket materials and engine design around 2012, and the redesigned engines in 2015 and newer Outbacks and Foresters have nearly eliminated the problem.

2010-2014 Subaru Outback & Forester: Head Gasket and Oil Burning Years

Outback 2010-2014 Problems

This is where Subaru's boxer engine problems peaked. The non-turbo 2.5-liter engine was most likely to lose its head gasket between 80,000 and 120,000 miles.

Oil consumption complaints are common too, especially on 2010 to 2012 models, with some owners adding a quart every 1,000 miles. Subaru extended coverage for some owners, but once that coverage is gone, the choice is frequent top-ups or an engine rebuild.

These models use a conventional automatic, not a CVT, so they avoid the transmission problems of later years. Some cars also have interior rattles, sunroof leaks and door latch faults. The 2009 to 2013 Outback is also on our list of used cars to avoid.

Estimated major repair costs:

• Head gasket replacement: $1,800 to $2,400
• Oil consumption repair: up to $1,200, depending on warranty status
• Sunroof replacement: $600 to $1,200

Forester 2009-2013 Problems

The Forester from these years has the same head gasket and oil consumption pattern as the Outback, and the 2009 and 2010 models were hit hardest. Its smaller size meant slightly fewer parts to fail and fewer electrical problems than the Outback.

Verdict: If you are looking at a 2010 to 2014 Outback or a 2009 to 2013 Forester, budget an extra $2,000 to $3,000 for engine work. Get a pre-purchase inspection that checks for head gasket leaks and includes a compression test.

2015-2019 Subaru Outback & Forester: CVT and EyeSight Problems

These years fixed the head gasket problem but brought a new one: the continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Outback 2015-2019 Problems

CVT failures between 80,000 and 120,000 miles are the main risk. Symptoms start as a mild shudder or hesitation when pulling away and get worse over time, with slipping and, in some cars, complete failure. A replacement costs about $3,000 to $5,000. Subaru extended CVT coverage to 10 years or 100,000 miles on some models, with conditions and service record requirements, so ask a Subaru dealer to check the VIN before you pay for a repair.

Belt-and-pulley CVTs are sensitive to fluid condition and heat. Fresh fluid helps, but it is not an official fix.

Oil consumption is lower than on the 2010 to 2014 models, though some cars still use a quart every 4,000 to 5,000 miles. EyeSight cameras on these years can give false collision warnings and struggle in bright sun and wet weather.

Major issues by year:

• 2015 to 2016: CVT problems start to appear, and early EyeSight is basic.
• 2017 to 2018: CVT problems peak, and EyeSight faults are widespread.
• 2019: improved, but many cars still have CVT complaints. Camera calibration is better.

Estimated major repair costs:

• CVT replacement out of warranty: $3,200 to $4,800
• CVT fluid change: $150 to $250
• EyeSight camera replacement: $800 to $1,500
• EyeSight software update: usually no charge when Subaru releases one

Forester 2014-2018 Problems

The Forester had the same CVT problems as the Outback, but complaints focus more on sluggish acceleration than on shudder. Some dealers first called it normal CVT behavior.

EyeSight is the bigger issue on 2015 to 2017 Foresters. Owners report phantom braking, where the car brakes hard at highway speed with nothing ahead, and trouble recognizing other vehicles. Glare, snow, heavy rain and road markings can confuse the cameras. Software updates helped, but some owners turned the system off.

Verdict: These are transition years. The engines are better than on 2009 to 2013 models, but the transmission and electronics are weaker. Change the CVT fluid every 30,000 miles if you tow or make many short trips, and have EyeSight scanned for fault codes.

2020-2026 Subaru Outback & Forester: What Still Goes Wrong

Outback 2020-2026 Problems

The Outback added a 2.4-liter turbo engine (2.4T) next to the non-turbo 2.5-liter. The turbo is strong and efficient but costs more to run, and some owners report carbon buildup on the intake valves after 60,000 miles.

The CVT is more reliable, but some 2020 to 2022 cars still shudder. Subaru released software updates, and well-maintained transmissions generally hold up. EyeSight hardware was upgraded and works better. Infotainment on 2022 and newer models can lag or crash, which is annoying but not a safety issue.

Estimated major repair costs:

• Turbo intake carbon cleaning: $400 to $800
• CVT service: $150 to $300
• Infotainment unit replacement: $1,200 to $1,800

Forester 2019-2026 Problems

The 2019 and newer Forester fixed many of the earlier CVT complaints. The non-turbo 2.5-liter engine is reliable, and the CVT lasts longer with regular fluid service. The 2019 to 2021 models are the strongest.

Some owners report a whining differential caused by worn-out fluid, a repair that costs $600 to $1,000.

Verdict: 2019 to 2022 Foresters are well built and the best-value years. Newer models have less long-term data, so an inspection and service records matter more.

Subaru Outback and Forester Repair Costs by Year

The head gasket years and the early CVT years cost the most to keep on the road. The first table shows estimated average yearly repair costs, and the second shows what the big single repairs cost.

Estimated Annual Repair Cost by Model Year

Repair Costs by Problem

Protect this repair: A failed CVT can cost $3,000 to $5,000 and a head gasket $1,500 to $3,500 once the factory warranty is gone. The CoverageX Essential plan covers the engine, transmission and drivetrain, including seals and gaskets, and CoverageX pays the repair shop directly. Enter your Subaru's year, make, model and mileage for an instant quote or call 1-800-258-3413.

Best and Worst Subaru Outback and Forester Years to Buy

• Best Outback years: 2020 to 2022 with the non-turbo 2.5-liter engine. A 2023 or newer model is a reasonable pick if you are comfortable with the turbo.
• Outback years to avoid: 2010 to 2014 (head gaskets, oil burning) and 2015 to 2019 (CVT and EyeSight), unless the price is well below market and an inspection comes back clean.
• Best Forester years: 2019 to 2021, with 2022 and newer non-turbo models also solid.
• Forester years to avoid: 2009 to 2013 (cheap but risky engines) and 2014 to 2018 (CVT and EyeSight problems).

How to Check a Used Outback or Forester Before You Buy

• Ask for service records, especially CVT fluid changes and oil changes.
• Pull the dipstick and the oil cap. A milky residue points to a head gasket leak.
• On the test drive, pull away gently from a stop and feel for shudder, hesitation or slipping.
• Check that EyeSight shows no warning lights and does not brake for no reason.
• Pay for a pre-purchase inspection with a compression test. It typically costs $100 to $200.
• Ask a Subaru dealer to run the VIN for open recalls and any extended CVT coverage.

Cross-shopping other compact SUVs? Compare the Honda CR-V problems by year and the Toyota RAV4 problems by year. Looking at a Subaru past 100,000 miles? Read what to expect from a car with 100,000 miles.

How to Protect a Subaru After the Factory Warranty Ends

The costly Subaru repairs (CVTs, head gaskets and turbo parts) tend to show up between 80,000 and 120,000 miles, often after the factory warranty has ended. There are three ways to handle them:

• Maintain it: change the CVT fluid on schedule (every 30,000 miles under heavy use), check the oil level between changes and keep every receipt.
• Save for it: if you can pay a $3,000 to $5,000 bill from savings, you may not need a plan, especially on a low-mileage 2019 to 2021 Forester with full records.
• Cover it: a vehicle service contract pays for covered breakdowns after the factory warranty ends.

CoverageX auto protection comes in four plans. Essential covers the engine, transmission and drivetrain, including seals, gaskets and turbocharger components where applicable. Signature adds electrical systems, air conditioning and suspension. Premium adds advanced technology components. Executive covers everything except a short list of exclusions.

Know the limits before you buy. Coverage starts 30 days after purchase and after you drive 1,000 miles, and problems that exist before then are not covered. A Subaru that already leaks coolant into the oil or shudders when pulling away needs that fixed first. Routine maintenance such as oil and CVT fluid changes is not covered.

On an approved claim, CoverageX pays the shop directly, diagnostic fees are covered, and you pay one deductible. Plans work at licensed repair shops nationwide and include 24/7 roadside assistance. CoverageX does not sell vehicle service contracts in California. For older cars, see our guide to extended protection for high-mileage vehicles.

Bottom Line: Is a Used Subaru Outback or Forester Worth It?

Yes, if you pick the right years. The 2010 to 2014 head gasket years and the 2015 to 2019 CVT years carry the most risk, and 2020 and newer models are better built. To see how the Outback compares with other SUVs, read our list of the most reliable SUVs of 2026.

If you buy used, aim for a 2020 or newer model with service records. If you own a 2010 to 2019 model, keep up with maintenance and plan for transmission or engine work.

Want a fixed monthly cost instead of a surprise repair bill? Get your instant quote with your Subaru's year, make, model and mileage, or call 1-800-258-3413. The quote shows which plans fit your car.

Subaru Outback and Forester Problems: FAQ

What years of Subaru Outback should you avoid?

Avoid the 2010 to 2014 Outback unless the head gasket has been replaced, and be careful with 2015 to 2019 models. The older cars are known for head gasket leaks and oil burning, and the 2015 to 2019 cars for CVT shudder, CVT failures and EyeSight faults. The 2017 to 2019 models have the highest estimated yearly repair costs of the CVT years.

What years of Subaru Forester should you avoid?

The riskiest Forester years are 2009 to 2013, because of head gasket leaks and oil consumption, and 2014 to 2018, because of CVT problems and EyeSight phantom braking. The 2017 and 2018 models have the highest estimated yearly repair costs of the CVT years. A 2019 to 2021 Forester is the safest used buy.

Are newer Subaru Outback and Forester models more reliable?

Yes. 2020 and newer Outbacks and 2019 and newer Foresters have far fewer head gasket and CVT complaints, and their estimated yearly repair costs are about half or less of those in the worst years. They still have smaller issues, such as turbo carbon buildup on the Outback 2.4T and slow infotainment on 2022 and newer models.

What repairs are most expensive on an Outback or Forester?

The CVT is the most expensive common repair, at about $3,000 to $5,000 for a replacement. A head gasket job usually costs $1,500 to $3,500, and an infotainment unit $1,200 to $1,800. See the transmission replacement cost guide for more on CVT pricing.

Did Subaru fix the head gasket problem?

Mostly, yes. Subaru began improving gasket materials and engine design around 2012, and the redesigned engines in 2015 and newer Outbacks and Foresters have nearly eliminated the problem. Head gasket failure is mainly a risk on non-turbo 2.5-liter engines in the 2010 to 2014 Outback and 2009 to 2013 Forester.

How long does a Subaru CVT last?

Many Subaru CVTs last well past 100,000 miles with regular fluid service, but 2015 to 2019 units have a record of failing between 80,000 and 120,000 miles. Watch for shudder or hesitation when pulling away. Changing the fluid every 30,000 miles under heavy use, such as towing or short trips, helps.

Does Subaru's warranty cover CVT problems?

Sometimes. Subaru extended CVT coverage to 10 years or 100,000 miles on some models, with conditions and service record requirements. Ask a Subaru dealer to check your VIN before paying for a CVT repair. Once that coverage has ended, the repair is yours to pay unless you have other coverage.

Is it worth buying a Subaru with over 100,000 miles?

It can be, if it is a strong year and has records. A 2019 to 2021 Forester or 2020 to 2022 Outback with documented CVT fluid changes is a far safer high-mileage buy than a 2010 to 2019 car near the 80,000 to 120,000 mile failure window. Get an inspection first, and read what to expect at 100,000 miles.

Can an extended auto protection plan help with Subaru repair costs?

Yes, for breakdowns that happen after coverage starts. The CoverageX Essential plan covers the engine, transmission and drivetrain, including seals, gaskets and turbo parts, and CoverageX pays the shop directly. Coverage starts after 30 days and 1,000 miles, problems that already exist are not covered, and maintenance is not included. Get a quote to see which plans fit your car.