Outback — Generation guide
BT (6th gen) (2020–present)
Subaru Global Platform underneath. FA24DIT turbo replaces the H6 in XT trims. Wilderness debuts 2022. 11.6" portrait infotainment polarizes — early units had reboot issues addressed via OTA + 22V-628 reprogram campaign.
Generation highlights
Documented problems (2020–present)
All problems →Subaru Outback Windshield Cracking & EyeSight Issues
2015-2024 Subaru Outbacks frequently suffer from spontaneous windshield cracking or extreme fragility due to thin acoustic glass and structural tension.
Repair: $900–$1,600
Subaru Outback Rear Differential Whine & Bearing Failure
Owners of 2015-2022 Subaru Outbacks often report a high-pitched metallic whining or humming noise from the rear of the vehicle, typically signifying premature rear differential bearing failure.
Repair: $1,200–$2,200
Subaru Outback EyeSight Calibration Drift & Sensor Failure
Subaru Outback EyeSight systems from 2015-2024 can experience operational failure or 'drift' requiring professional recalibration due to windshield changes or sensor misalignment.
Repair: $250–$1,200
Outback Windshield Wind Noise
A-pillar molding gaps allow wind whistle above 55 mph; dealer fix is reseat + foam.
Repair: $250–$650
Outback 11.6" Screen Black-Out
Center screen reboots or stays black on cold start.
Repair: $0–$1,500
Outback HVAC Mold & Musty Smell
Damp evaporator core breeds mold; dirty sock smell on AC startup.
Repair: $25–$350
NHTSA recalls
All recalls →Defective Forward-Facing Camera (EyeSight)
Increased risk of frontal collision; pre-collision braking may not activate.
Fuel Pump Impeller Failure
Engine stall without warning; restart may not be possible. Crash risk.
2022 Outback – Front Passenger Airbag Sensor
An air bag that does not deploy during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
2023 Outback – Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch
An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
2023 Outback – Driveshaft
Separation of the front end of the driveshaft increases the risk of a crash.
2022 Outback – Windshield
An insufficiently bonded windshield can detach during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
2021 Outback – Control Module (TCM/PCM/TECM)
An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
2022 Outback – Engine Control Module (ECU/ECM)
A loose electrical connection to the ECU may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
2020 Outback – Control Module (TCM/PCM/TECM)
An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
2020 Outback – Fuel Pump
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
2021 Outback – Shift Linkage/Cable/Rod
A loose nut can lead to a lost of retention in the CVT select lever cable and the gear selector not functioning properly, increasing risk of crash.
2020 Outback – Display Function
The intermittent loss of the rearview image reduces the driver's visibility and increases the risk of crash.
2020 Outback – Brake Pedal and Linkage
A missing or loose bolt may cause the brake pedal mounting area to deform over time, which can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
Repair-cost references
All costs →Repair-cost entries are model-wide; verify applicability for 2020–present before quoting.