r/subaruoutback

Hey! This is my first car and I’ve barely even gotten to drive it because things started failing the second I DID drive it. It was sitting for a few months so things like the battery dying I did expect, and later the drivers powered seat died too, but now my breaks completely don’t work. When I go to break the peddle sinks to the floor with no resistance whatsoever and the reservoir likes to keep very little break fluid in it no matter how many times I refill it. What could this be and how much would it take to fix it? Or should I just sell it roughly what I got it for and look for a whole new car? Help pls!

Don't know if its been covered here b4. Need (full) service manual for 2018 Outback 3.6 (6 cylinder) top tier.

I am inheriting my father's 2025 Outback Premium. Just wondering if the community has any tips and or tricks for me to get the most of it.

have been driving a 2009 toyota camry hybrid. LOVED it.

we need a new car. we don’t drive very often, not very much daily. a few times a month we’ll drive an hour or so out, a few times a year a longer road trip.

need room for a car seat (or two) and someone to sit comfortably in the back with the baby. need room for the stroller+groceries in the trunk and then occasionally the stroller + the family’s luggage.

looking for something safe and reliable that could last us at least 10 years. not too worried about tech or “driving experience” beyond that. although a power liftgate sounds pretty nice.

open to all kinds of options - rav4, kia sportage gas or hybrid, vw tiguan, mazda cx50, subaru outback?

thank you for your help

As the title says, I just impulse purchased a used ‘18 outback with the 2.5 liter, nearing 85k miles, interior is clean and the body work has seen better days but nothing severe. The owner said she’d performed “regular maintenance” but from what I can tell… not much more than oil changes and tire rotations… brakes and tires seem to be in good condition though there is a tpms system light that I assume means they need to be replaced.

Not really sure what my plan for the car is but I’ve always liked outbacks and there’s a million of them in my area so was kinda hoping to see if there’s a community or something because I just moved here and need to make some friends,

Typically turn my own wrench and do a full fluid replacement front to back when I buy a new car, though the oil looks untouched despite the sticker staying it was changed 3 months ago.

So what would you suggest I do maintenance wise off the bat? Any favorite mods? I live in a hilly/mountainous area and have always been curious about taking trails, but not sure the limits of these cars. I’ve always wanted a Subaru because I’m a passive rally fan and remember fondly the days when the Impreza was a force in wrc, though I realize rally modding an Outback might be silly…

For context, outback is 2021 with only 45,000 miles on it. Went to get an oil change they said this need immediate attention and quoted me $1,655 for replacement. Based on the research I have done sounds like if the car is driving normally and there aren't sizable tears / separation of rubber from metal it should be fine. I can't tell if this is bad enough to replace or if I still have some life on them.

https://preview.redd.it/94o1o1v11oah1.png?width=796&format=png&auto=webp&s=bdc5ffad4d3ef2f085d60700f3eb623377c53af4

https://preview.redd.it/g1dvq4v11oah1.png?width=763&format=png&auto=webp&s=dadcdce696dea683d7539cd33e1aef01755fa166

https://preview.redd.it/xc15b2v11oah1.png?width=958&format=png&auto=webp&s=64809db582ed488662bc01fd773774665319e146

https://preview.redd.it/cvkv83v11oah1.png?width=1010&format=png&auto=webp&s=1968cf212318f9a7669d1991f38d58e04a29018c

Bought a 2026 Outback Limited! It’s my first Subaru (I’ve always been a Nissan guy), and while I wish I could’ve afforded the XT or Touring for a little more driving fun, I’m really happy with the Limited. I love the leather, the Harman Kardon sound system, and I got it out the door for $42,000, including the mirror package, so I’m hoping that was a pretty good deal.

Overall, I absolutely love the car. I know I’m probably in the minority, but I actually like the new body style just as much as—if not more than—the previous generation. I’m hoping this Outback sticks with me for the next 10–15 years.
That said, I have a few questions and observations as a first-time Subaru owner:

1. ⁠It doesn’t automatically lock when I walk away. Even some older cars do this, so I’m surprised the Outback doesn’t. Is there a setting I’m missing, or is that just not a feature?
2. ⁠The lane centering in city driving has been a little underwhelming. With the triple LiDAR setup, I expected it to do a bit better on my commute. It’s excellent on the highway, but around town it’s just okay. (I know I don’t have the Touring with the hands-free system, but I was still expecting a little more.)
3. ⁠No hands-free liftgate? Not a huge deal since I plan on adding a hitch (which I understand would disable it anyway), but I was surprised the Limited didn’t include that feature.
4. ⁠What car wash products or methods do you all trust? Is it safe to use a pressure washer hose attachment at home, or is there any risk of damaging the paint? I already have weather mats—any other accessories you’ve found worthwhile?
5. ⁠Any advice for a new Subaru owner? Fun beginner off-roading ideas, maintenance tips, must-have accessories, or little things you’ve learned that make ownership even better?
6. ⁠I’m also thinking about getting the Subaru Gold extended warranty. For those of you who bought one, what did you pay and where did you get it? I’ve heard pricing can vary a lot between dealers. What’s considered a good deal these days?

Looking forward to learning from you all. I’m excited to finally be part of the Subaru family!

I have a 2018 Subaru (78k miles) that I’m driving cross-country from Oregon to Pittsburgh. I just had an oil change 1,750 miles ago and a pre-trip inspection — everything was clear.

Today I got a red oil pressure warning light. I pulled over immediately both times it came on. I checked the dipstick on a flat surface and oil is full, clean, and at MAX level. No oil on the ground, no leaks visible.

First time the light came on was after parking on a slight angle for 10 minutes — went away after restarting. Second time came on while driving on flat highway.

When parked and revving the engine, it has a noticeable misfire (missing under acceleration).

Currently being towed to a Subaru dealer in Lincoln, Nebraska.

My questions:

1.	Could a faulty oil pressure sensor explain both the warning and misfire together?  
2.	Could a bad spark plug cause a misfire that triggers oil pressure fluctuation?  
3.	What diagnostic tests should the mechanic run?  
4.	What’s the worst case given I stopped driving immediately each time?”

I have a 2015 Outback 3.6R on which I’ve had two engine covers that were damaged by mechanics (including Subaru mechanics) who didn’t realize you need to pull the cover from the back upwards and have left me with the front two tabs torn off. I am debating on buying another but I’m just curious what would the consequences be if I just left it off. Anyone have any thoughts or suggestions about this? Thank you.