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2013 Subaru

Outback AWD

Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L

Subaru Outback: best and worst years
2013 Subaru Outback AWD (photo 1 of 3)

Photo may show a different model year; you're viewing the 2013.

PhotoTTTNISCC0via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Body
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Transmission
Automatic (variable gear ratios)EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Engine & performance

Aspiration
Naturally aspiratedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Efficiency

Smog score
5/10
Real-world MPG
24.4 mpg, reported by 21 driversabout 1.6 mpg below the EPA combined estimate
SmartWay certified
Yes

Dimensions & capacity

GVWR class
Class 1C (4,001 to 5,000 lb)NHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 10/13/2026

Safety NHTSA record NHTSA, model year

Overall crash rating
★★★★★
Rollover rating
★★★★★
Stability control (ESC)
Standard
Forward-collision warning
Optional
Lane-departure warning
Optional
Recalls
12
Owner complaints
297 See on NHTSA
Reported injuries
13
Theft rate
0.5 per 1,000 produced (CY 2013 federal data)

Reported problems NHTSA record NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • ENGINE17%
  • POWER TRAIN15%
  • AIR BAGS10%
  • STEERING8%
  • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL6%
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER6%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 406 total.

Subaru Outback: best and worst years

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

305 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • May 18, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHER01-167-08R

    This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.

  • May 13, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEM16-156-25R

    This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability.

  • May 4, 2026POWER TRAINSubaruNet Announcement (R

    This announcement provides information on the remanufactured CVT transmission program.

  • Apr 30, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHER07-240-26R

    This Service Information Bulletin was developed to provide interim guidance for vehicles exhibiting DTC B2A20.

  • Apr 24, 2026POWER TRAIN03-97-26

    This bulletin announces the service manual correction regarding clutch master cylinder reservoir service procedures.

  • Apr 20, 2026WHEELS05-97-26

    This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedures to be followed when addressing customer concerns of steering wheel/vehicle body vibration when driving at highway speeds when tire/wheel balance is suspected.

  • Mar 26, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEM10-105-25R

    This bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak.

  • Mar 16, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEM15-219-18R

    This bulletin contains information to help when attempting to complete the STARLINK Telematics subscription process, an Error Code 202 and / or 204 may occur preventing the process from completing successfully

  • and 297 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
3 yr / 36k mi
Powertrain
5 yr / 60k mi
Roadside assistance
3 yr / 36k mi
EV battery
8 yr / 100k mi

Source: www.cars.com as of 2026-06

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.