PROBLEM GUIDE
Here's what owners are experiencing, based on our research of real owner reports and repair data.
Last updated July 2026
296
complaints filed for the 2013 model year
2010–2016
Model years affected
$5,400 – $7,500+
Typical repair cost, by problem
Click a problem for the full write-up — symptoms, what we found, and typical repair costs where we have them.
Tell us what's happening and get a preliminary diagnosis, typical cost range, and trusted shops near you.
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Start my diagnosis →"One quart every 250 miles"
Check engine light: On
Excessive engine oil consumption is documented — "needs a qt of oil every 1,000 miles," with another owner reporting "one quart every 250 miles," consistent with the EJ25 boxer engine's well-known oil-consumption reputation.
Described as a safety hazard
Check engine light: Off
The subframe shows "severe rust," described as a safety hazard, discovered during routine service.
Alongside separately-cited subframe rust repairs
Check engine light: Off
Takata airbag recall delays and parts unavailability are documented, alongside subframe rust repairs separately cited at $7,500+.
Echoes the Subaru Forester, same batch
Check engine light: On
Sudden unintended acceleration incidents are documented — the same is documented on the Subaru Forester.
"Vehicle failed to respond"
Check engine light: On
Brakes fail to engage despite the pedal being fully depressed — "vehicle failed to respond."
Warranty dispute over a low-mileage failure
Check engine light: On
CVT replacement or rebuild is documented at a range of mileages, including a low-mileage (34,000 mi) replacement described as a warranty dispute.
A vibration or shudder occurs on acceleration
Check engine light: Off
A vibration or shudder occurs on acceleration. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 303 owner reports on file.
Cooling system problems cause head gasket failure
Check engine light: Off
Cooling system problems cause head gasket failure. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 284 owner reports on file.
Engine oil leaks from the camshaft or crankshaft front seals
Check engine light: Off
Engine oil leaks from the camshaft or crankshaft front seals. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 33 owner reports on file.
A technical service bulletin addresses the ABS control module
Check engine light: Off
A technical service bulletin addresses the ABS control module. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 22 owner reports on file.
The oil pump seal may leak
Check engine light: Off
The oil pump seal may leak. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 11 owner reports on file.
Takata airbag recall parts have documented availability delays. Enter your VIN to get the confirmed, current recall picture for your specific car.
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.
Three problems stand out on this generation: excessive engine oil consumption ("one quart every 250 miles"), a subframe with "severe rust" discovered during routine service, and Takata airbag recall delays and parts unavailability. This is a different generation from the 2006-2009 Subaru Outback, which has its own separate problems.