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Subaru
Outback
BS (5th gen)·
2015-2020
suv-soft
Value
Price (AUD)
$15k-$38k
Body styles
5-door wagon
Drivetrain
Symmetrical full-time AWD
Origin
Japan
Built in
Japan
Overview
The BS Outback is a raised-ride-height Legacy wagon with Subaru's Symmetrical full-time AWD - a soft-roader/touring wagon rather than a true 4WD, with no low range. Sold in 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 3.6R and 2.0D diesel grades, with EyeSight driver assist progressively standardised across the range. The volume seller is the FB25 2.5L flat-four (129kW/235Nm) on a Lineartronic CVT; the smooth EZ36 3.6R flat-six (191kW/350Nm, also CVT) is the relaxed long-distance pick; and the EE20 2.0L turbo-diesel (110kW/350Nm, 6-speed manual or CVT) is the economy/torque option but was quietly dropped from the Australian range around 2018-2019 as Subaru wound diesel down globally. The CVT - much maligned on the earlier 2010-2014 cars - is a far better unit on the BS and is generally reliable if the fluid is changed; the bigger long-term watch-points are FB25 oil consumption on early build, the diesel's DPF and Takata airbag recall coverage. A comfortable, safe, sure-footed family wagon, but it is not a tow rig or a serious off-roader.
Engines & variants
2.5i FB25 petrol
Engine
2.5L DOHC naturally aspirated flat-four (boxer)
Config
Flat-4 NA
Displacement
2498cc
Power
129kW @ 5800rpm
Torque
235Nm @ 4000rpm
Drivetrain
Symmetrical full-time AWD
Economy
7.3 L/100km combined (claimed), 8-9.5 real world
Tow (braked)
1500kg
Tow (unbraked)
750kg
Transmission
Lineartronic CVT
Timing chain / belt / gear
Chain-driven (timing chain, generally lifetime)
Pros
- The mainstream, plentiful and affordable choice
- Timing chain (no belt interval to budget)
- Decent economy for a full-time AWD wagon
- EyeSight safety on most grades, good crash record
Cons
- Modest power - works the CVT hard when loaded or in hills
- Some early-build FB25 examples consume oil
- CVT, not a conventional auto - not for serious towing
- Boxer head gasket/oil-leak watch at higher km
Known problems
medium
FB25 oil consumption (early build)
Some FB25 engines, mainly earlier-build cars, consume oil between services (a known issue that triggered an overseas class action on the related 2013-2014 cars). Most BS examples are improved over the launch engines, but a minority still use oil.
Fix: Monitor oil level between services; an oil-consumption test establishes severity. Short-block replacement only in extreme cases - check service history for top-ups.
medium
Lineartronic CVT hesitation / fluid service
The CVT can show slow/jerky response, which Subaru addressed with a fluid change and ECU reflash. The BS unit is much better than the 2010-2014 cars, but neglected fluid shortens its life and replacement is expensive.
Fix: Change the CVT fluid (Subaru did not always specify it, but specialists recommend ~60-100k km); apply any TCU reflash; avoid heavy towing.
low
Boxer oil leaks / head gasket weeping
Like most Subaru boxers, the FB25 can weep oil from cam carrier/valve cover gaskets and, less often, head gaskets at higher km.
Fix: Reseal cam carriers/valve covers; head gasket work if confirmed - inspect for oil weep pre-purchase.
3.6R EZ36 petrol
Engine
3.6L DOHC naturally aspirated flat-six (boxer)
Config
Flat-6 NA
Displacement
3630cc
Power
191kW @ 6000rpm
Torque
350Nm @ 4400rpm
Drivetrain
Symmetrical full-time AWD
Economy
9.9 L/100km combined (claimed), 11-13 real world
Tow (braked)
1800kg
Tow (unbraked)
750kg
Transmission
Lineartronic CVT
Timing chain / belt / gear
Chain-driven (timing chain)
Pros
- Smooth, strong, effortless flat-six - the relaxed tourer
- Timing chain, robust and long-lived (EZ36 is well regarded)
- More torque and a higher tow rating than the 2.5
- No diesel emissions complexity
Cons
- Thirsty for the segment, especially around town
- Higher buy-in than the 2.5i and weaker resale
- Still a CVT - smooth but not a towing transmission
- Boxer oil-leak tendency at high km
Known problems
low
Fuel thirst
Real-world 11-13 L/100km, more in town - not a fault, but the running cost is the main reason the 3.6R is cheaper used than the 2.5.
Fix: Accept the fuel bill; the engine itself is the more durable of the petrols.
low
Boxer oil leaks (cam carrier / valve cover)
The EZ36 develops the usual Subaru boxer external oil weeps from gaskets over time.
Fix: Reseal cam carriers and valve covers as needed.
medium
CVT fluid neglect
The high-torque CVT behind the six relies on clean fluid; neglected fluid leads to harshness and eventual failure.
Fix: Periodic CVT fluid change by a specialist; avoid sustained heavy towing.
2.0D EE20 turbo diesel
Engine
2.0L common-rail turbo-diesel flat-four (boxer, DPF)
Config
Flat-4 turbo
Displacement
1998cc
Power
110kW @ 3600rpm
Torque
350Nm @ 1600-2800rpm
Drivetrain
Symmetrical full-time AWD
Economy
5.7-6.3 L/100km combined (claimed)
Tow (braked)
1700kg
Tow (unbraked)
750kg
Transmission
6MT, Lineartronic CVT
Timing chain / belt / gear
Chain-driven (timing chain - no belt interval)
Pros
- Excellent economy and strong low-down torque for touring
- Only boxer diesel in the class - long highway range
- Euro 6 BS engine improved over earlier crankshaft-failure-era diesels
- Timing chain, not belt
Cons
- DPF dislikes short urban-only running and can clog
- Diesel quietly dropped from the AU range ~2018-2019 - parts/support thinner
- EGR/intake soot and turbo carbon over time
- Costlier and more complex to repair than the petrols
Known problems
medium
DPF clogging (short-trip / urban use)
The diesel particulate filter clogs if the car only does short urban trips that never complete a regeneration, causing warning lights, limp mode and forced/failed regens. A split intercooler pipe causing excess soot is a known contributor on the boxer diesel.
Fix: Regular 20-30 min highway runs to allow regeneration; check the intercooler pipe; forced regen or DPF clean/replace if blocked.
medium
EGR / intake soot and turbo carbon
As with most modern diesels, EGR and intake-manifold soot build up, and the turbo can carbon up, causing rough running, lost power or limp mode.
Fix: EGR and intake clean; inspect/service the turbo; keep oil services strict.
medium
Injector / common-rail wear at higher km
Common-rail injectors can wear and fail at higher km, causing hard starting, smoke and rough idle.
Fix: Injector test and replacement by a diesel specialist; use quality fuel and filtration.
Common problems (all variants)
high
Takata airbag recall
Early BS Outbacks are caught by the Australia-wide compulsory Takata airbag recall - faulty inflators can rupture and fire metal fragments.
Fix: Check the VIN against Subaru/ACCC recall lists and confirm the airbag inflator has been replaced before purchase. Free of charge.
medium
Wheel bearing wear (rear especially)
Subaru wheel bearings, particularly rears, are a recurring wear item - a droning/humming noise that rises with speed.
Fix: Replace the affected hub/bearing assembly; do both sides if one has gone.
low
EyeSight camera / sensor faults
The windscreen-mounted EyeSight stereo cameras can be disabled by glare, a cracked or incorrectly-replaced windscreen, or fault, dropping driver-assist features.
Fix: Use Subaru-approved glass and recalibration; clear faults and recalibrate cameras.
low
Suspension bushes / sway-bar links and steering rattles
Front sway-bar links, control-arm bushes and steering components develop clunks and rattles over rough roads with age.
Fix: Replace worn links and bushes; standard suspension refresh.
low
Infotainment / electrical glitches
The Starlink infotainment unit can freeze, reboot or lose Bluetooth/phone connectivity; some software-fixable, some unit faults.
Fix: Software/firmware update where available; head-unit replacement if faulty.