PROBLEM GUIDE
Here's what owners are experiencing, based on our research of real owner reports and repair data.
Last updated June 2026
230
complaints filed for the 2008 model year
2006–2009
Model years affected
Click a problem for the full write-up — symptoms, what we found, and typical repair costs where we have them.
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Start my diagnosis →Brake light and wiper failures, plus battery and alternator issues
Check engine light: Off
Degradation of the rear hatch wiring harness causing brake light and wiper failures, along with battery and alternator issues. This is an electrical fault and doesn't trigger a check-engine light on its own.
Not detailed beyond the named fault in our source sample
Check engine light: Off
CV boot failures and axle replacements across a wide mileage range — a routine wear item rather than a defect. Mechanical, so it doesn't trigger a check-engine light.
Not detailed beyond named failures in our source sample
Check engine light: On
Turbocharger failures on turbocharged Outback variants, including a documented turbocharger ball bearing failure requiring complete upper engine block replacement at just 5,000 miles, and a bad crank bearing requiring full engine replacement at 6,000 miles — both notably severe, low-mileage outliers.
Both documented cases are very-low-mileage catastrophic failures — severe outliers rather than typical wear, but notable for how early they occurred.
Vibration or shudder on acceleration
Check engine light: Off
Vibration or shudder on acceleration. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 303 owner reports on file.
Head gasket failure caused by cooling system problems
Check engine light: Off
Head gasket failure caused by cooling system problems. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 284 owner reports on file.
Oil leak from the camshaft/crankshaft front seals
Check engine light: Off
Oil leak from the camshaft/crankshaft front seals. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 33 owner reports on file.
ABS control module issue addressed by a technical service bulletin
Check engine light: Off
ABS control module issue addressed by a technical service bulletin. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 17 owner reports on file.
Oil pump seal leak
Check engine light: Off
Oil pump seal leak. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 11 owner reports on file.
This generation has a confirmed brake line corrosion recall (Campaigns WQK-47 and 14V311000) — but the remedy (a rust-inhibitor coating) has reportedly failed to hold for some owners, with brake line failures recurring after the recall repair. A Takata airbag recall (Campaign 15V323000) also applies, with reported parts-shortage delays. Given the severity, enter your VIN to get the confirmed, current recall picture for your specific car — and if you've had the brake-line recall performed, watch closely for any recurring symptoms rather than assuming the issue is permanently fixed.
The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a diagnosis. It is compiled from aggregated owner-reported data and publicly available sources, not from an inspection of your vehicle. Symptoms described here can have multiple causes, and the presence of a commonly reported problem does not mean your vehicle has it. Repair cost ranges are estimates that vary by region, shop, vehicle condition, and parts availability. Recall and service campaign information may be incomplete or out of date — verify current recall status with NHTSA or your manufacturer. MyGearGuru is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any vehicle manufacturer; manufacturer and model names are used for identification only. Always consult a qualified technician before making repair decisions.
This generation's most serious problem is brake line corrosion that can cause a sudden, complete loss of braking power. A recall exists, but Subaru's remedy applied a rust-inhibitor coating rather than replacing the brake lines outright — and multiple owners report the coating proved ineffective, with brake line failures recurring AFTER the recall repair was completed. If your Outback had this recall performed, don't assume the underlying issue is permanently resolved.