2013 Subaru Outback parts and specs

What changed for the 2013 Subaru Outback

• 2013–2014Minor facelift: revised front/rear fascias, updated infotainment options; mechanical specs carry over

Known problems with the 2013 Subaru Outback

6 of the 6 issues we track for the 2010–2014 generation are documented against the 2013 model year, and 4 carry a recall or service bulletin.

• Steering column intermediate shaft disengagement (recall)

  majorNHTSA 13V194000 (Subaru campaign WQI-45)

  On about 5,400 2013 Legacy/Outback vehicles, the intermediate steering shaft could separate from the steering gear, causing a sudden and complete loss of steering control. Subaru recalled the affected VINs; dealers inspect and replace the intermediate shaft assembly free of charge.

  Typical cost: Free under recall

• FB25 excessive oil consumption (class action settlement)

  moderateYaegar v. Subaru of America, Inc., No. 1:14-cv-04490 (D.N.J.)

  A subset of 2011–2014 FB25 engines burn oil faster than Subaru's acceptable threshold, traced to piston ring and PCV design. Owners sued (Yaegar v. Subaru of America); the settlement extended the powertrain warranty on oil-consumption repairs to 8 years/100,000 miles and reimbursed test costs, repairs, and up to six quarts of top-off oil. The claims deadline has passed, but the extended warranty coverage still applies to qualifying VINs.

  Typical cost: Covered under the settlement's extended warranty if still within 8 yr/100k mi; otherwise $0 (top-offs) to $3,000+ for ring/engine work

• Electronic parking brake actuator failure (recall, manual-transmission models)

  majorNHTSA 18V626 (Subaru campaign WTV-81)

  On 2010–2014 Legacy/Outback models with a manual transmission, a defective circuit board in the electronic parking brake actuator's control unit can cause the parking brake to disengage unexpectedly or fail to hold, risking rollaway. Subaru recalled all affected manual-trans VINs; the fix is a free actuator replacement.

  Typical cost: Free under recall

• Head gasket seepage at higher mileage

  moderate

  A minority of FB25 and EZ36 engines develop slow external head-gasket seepage past 100k miles, showing as coolant loss, a sweet smell, or crust near the cylinder-head mating surface. Far less common and less catastrophic than the internal head-gasket failures that plagued earlier EJ25-powered Subarus, but still worth a cooling-system check on a pre-purchase inspection.

  Typical cost: $1,000–$1,600

• CVT shudder, hesitation, or premature failure

  major

  Some 2.5i (Lineartronic CVT) models exhibit shuddering under light throttle, hesitation on takeoff, or a whining/grinding noise as the CVT chain and pulleys wear. NHTSA received hundreds of complaints on this generation's CVT. A full CVT replacement is the worst-case repair.

  Typical cost: $3,500–$5,500 for a CVT replacement out of warranty

• Takata airbag inflator recall

  majorMultiple NHTSA Takata campaigns (e.g. 15V-051, 16V-100 and later expansions)

  Part of the industry-wide Takata recall: the front passenger (and on some VINs, driver) airbag inflator can rupture in a deployment, sending metal fragments into the cabin. Subaru replaced inflators free of charge; check your VIN even if you believe a prior owner already had it done.

  Typical cost: Free under recall

Full detail, costs and sources on the Subaru Outback problems and years to avoid guide.