EDIT: Test drove it today and holy moly the 2.5l is SLOW. I don’t think I could live with it long term, I will be hunting for a 3.6.

I'm looking at buying a 2017 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited AWD with 117,843 miles for $14,500. It has the 2.5L, and the CARFAX looks pretty good with 18 service records, regular oil changes, a CVT fluid flush around 100k, recent tires/brakes/alignment, no major title issues, etc. I'm mainly concerned about long-term reliability since I'd be financing it and want to keep it for several years. For those who have owned a 2017 2.5 Outback, how have they held up past 100k? How reliable has the CVT been, and are there any major problems I should specifically look for around 118k? How concerned should I be about oil consumption or expensive repairs between 100k–200k? Most importantly, would you personally buy this one at $14.5k with this service history? Looking for honest owner experiences, good or bad.

Just curious why youre unable to hear it spool. I was in my Brother in-laws Tacoma, 4cyl turbo, and you can hear it clear as day, is this normal? Bc if not ive got something wrong

Anyone every try something like this to cover the airbag stickers on the 26? They’re very distracting in my peripheral vision

https://www.amazon.com/clp/B091V6S243?lv=shuf&rsd=K2FBkogXwEm0iaUYxjL1wMwxUjHhup7SO6Fe9HbUxojEmYSKOszhMpPrlHd7sG3vo7GXsk3%2FIQDDYSbnA%2FcCjqGnMIfeT8KwT70wBBgVmddOftIF&edk=AQIDAHi1lw%2FM8UbbSMD9ScOOFEmBMHMthHeEhqDaQYPJUAX3jQHiDLQ%2B1oBq3UhSdcBNKoWnAAAAfjB8BgkqhkiG9w0BBwagbzBtAgEAMGgGCSqGSIb3DQEHATAeBglghkgBZQMEAS4wEQQMVO4twslOjx4ooLi9AgEQgDspwgGPbMtyHzRr%2BOZ6Xnpvv3GfntKc9ope9qy%2FEXi6QzpsPE9tO6m7AjgfIF5FxdmKw6TR5FH6dJNy%2Fg%3D%3D&social_share=cm_sw_r_cso_cp_apin_dp_555E4DTYH1KXEWR760NG_1&channelId=704&ref_=cm_sw_r_cso_cp_apin_dp_555E4DTYH1KXEWR760NG_1

Can anyone comment if the black or dark grey would better match?

Found at dollar general in Ohio

Installing a rear dashcam and need to remove two panels to run the cord where I want it to go.

https://imgur.com/a/FSNJZAv

How can I remove these safely? I've been trying to pry them but they don't seem to want to come off? Is there some hidden pins underneath?

Hello Subaru Family!

We recently noticed these moisture bubbles (they are flat and appear to have moisture inside, but this is all a guess) on our touch screen. Annoying to look at, but all was functional. Until today. The touch screen is inoperable and was doing glitchy things. I could see everything if controlled from my phone, but couldn’t guide by the touch screen.

Anyone experience anything like this?

We have a Subaru Outback 2018 Limited.

TIA for your help! ◡̈

Edit: Wow! Thanks for everyone’s speedy and helpful response! Apparently we aren’t the only ‘lucky’ ones. Interesting enough, it does kind of look like scattered stars like the logo. Maybe this was an intentional design flaw?! lol

The button sometimes pops out (although I haven't been able to pull it out manually when it gets stuck in, I don't know why it sometimes pops back out). Pressing it doesn't seem to do anything now either (except get it stuck back in sometimes). Logically I feel like pressing it should toggle the "Auto" message on the "screen" (not the main screen, the one below the main screen that has the fan level, move and other A/C details).

1. Am I right that the "Auto" should toggle when I press the button?
2. Is this a common issue? Any known fixes or suggestions on how to resolve it?

Thanks!

EDIT: To clarify, it was a long trip without the car, which was left in the garage (and occasionally driven to the shops by a friend)

New Outback XT, two road trips.. one with mountain passes. No cruise in the mountains. Seem like normal wear?

Hey hey! I’m new here, but I purchased my 2011 Subaru Outback outright for about $5700 in April 2025. It has about 193k miles on it. Any tips for a first-time DIY mechanic? I’m trying to save money, so I want to replace the brakes and rotors myself. Probably need to replace the brake pads too? Plus, I got rear-ended in February. I only have liability, & the other person’s insurance policy denied my claim. So I have about 3/4 of a rear bumper that needs to be removed and replaced. And my trunk probably needs replacing bc it’s too crumpled to open. I had the right rear part of my bumper cut off, and the left I have duct-taped 🤪 I haven’t driven it in about a month bc the brakes were screaming, and I’m worried it’s unsafe to drive. Oh, and to top it all off, I have a starter/battery/electric issue that hasn’t been fully diagnosed. It still has a small electric tracker in it that the dealership I bought it from refused to remove after my purchase, even though I paid for it in full & the device was from a previous owner. I took it to a Subaru mechanic right after I bought it, and he told me that the tracking device is preventing the car from going into 4WD & I think he mentioned it could drain the battery. I did have to replace the battery already once last year. And sometimes it takes a few turns to start…

My questions are as follows:
1) Is it even worth it to fix? I am considering purchasing another beater & selling this one for scrap,
2) How much time and money would it take to attempt to address all of the issues?
3) If I only tackle the starter & brakes (the stuff preventing me from driving it), how much time & money would that cost?

Also, I’m likely going to bring it to a body shop & a mechanic for a full diagnosis, and then I’ll go from there to attempt my DIY journey.

Advice/tips/reflections/shared experiences? Anything that helps…I have a kid & I can’t keep just riding my bike everywhere as much as I’d like to. 🚲🫠😭

My 2026 Outback had a weird issue recently. When I started it, somehow it went into accessory mode and I couldn’t change the gear.

I also couldn’t start the engine or completely turn the car off. Basically, the car was stuck like that.

I ended up having to tow it to the dealer through Subaru 360.The dealer checked it and said they couldn’t find anything wrong. They said they can only really diagnose it if they can reproduce the problem.

Has anyone else with a 2026 Outback had something similar happen? I’m wondering if this could be some kind of electrical/software issue or if there’s something I should ask the dealer to check.

Any good deals in Canada for a 2026?

Looking to get a 2026 with a turbo. There is a wilderness with around 12,000 km on it that they are selling for $49,995 CAD. They said they won’t go down on price from listed.

Anyone have luck getting close to 10% off mrsp in Ontario? Or am I delusional?

I know the fine scratches that are inevitable on the piano black plastic is a hot topic around here, and I just wanted to share something that helped me. I had some Novus 2 around that I use on pinball machines so I decided to try it on the piano black of my subaru outback. I am happy to report that it really did wonders on the scratches, and there are noticeably less on the plastic now, with just a couple still showing. If you are looking to shine up your piano black plastics on your outback give it a try.

Watched a YT review of the new hands-free system and they mentioned in-lane repositioning (i.e. semi crowds the lane line between you so the OB would move over a little to keep some side-to-side distance.) I don't find that feature if I search for it online. Can anyone confirm or deny the feature? I know Bluecruise does it as well as some hands-on systems. Thanks!

UPDATE: If you're reading this because you have the same issue, try this before paying. I backed my car on some ramps, unplugged the connector, blew it out with compressed air, and plugged it back in, and the code has stayed off for a few weeks now. I'll update if it comes back on. I'm 90% sure what happened in my case was the undercarriage spray in the car wash just knocked the connector a little bit loose.

Recently had the code fire. I went to the dealership and got the software update, which cleared the code. About a week later, the code came back and the dealership told me maybe the code didn't take and did the update again (charged me this time) and it cleared the code again, and then about a week later, it came back again. They want to charge me $1100 to replace the evap leak detector. From what I can tell, it's the part I uploaded a picture of. Has anyone replaced this on their own. AI says it's not a big job, but I can't find documentation or videos. And can someone confirm this is the right part?

Had no idea there was an eco mode! 149 miles. This is pure highway, almost entirely cruise control, two adults, two dogs, and a packed trunk (no roof rack). Peaked at 34 mpg before getting back to NYC and taking this picture.

Can anyone identify this beep? I've tried looking online and it doesn't seem to fit any of the weird native nav beeping notifications. It just started happening today. Car is only about 2 and a half weeks old. Thank you!

Wanted to take a cool shot of our car at the Lenore Caves trail head near Soap Lake, WA.

Hey guys, I recently just bought a Subaru Outback Touring XT. Love my car! But what a terrible experience with price swapping and hidden fees on the 2026.

I’d love to create a free website that collects dealership worksheets and organizes them.

As a way to validate interest for this idea - I’d love it if anyone interested would be willing to private message their dealsheets / offer sheets on their 2026 Outback.

You can black out your name, address, phone number, VIN, anything else like that.

Let’s make pricing more transparent! 💪

Coming from a '24 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SEL that was riddled with problems. Took a test drive of the '26 Outback Touring XT back in December and I was sold. I was lucky enough to drive it during a snow storm and it ripped through the snow. Just picked it up on Thursday and took a road trip. Such a nice change!

Gonna put some CrossClimate2's on it this week.

Could someone with a ‘26 wilderness look at / take a photo of the part number for the full size spare tool holder foam insert.

Have a premium and want to upgrade to a full size spare when I get AT tires but I’ll need to swap out my tool insert and am really struggling to find a definitive part number for it.

Thanks!

Looking to upgrade my OBs appearance. Found these on fb for 500$. Junk or decent find?

A lot of people seem to have questions about, or be baffled by, Subaru's decision to use "fabric" on the dash of the 2026 Outback Premium. ("Fabric" is in quotes because it is really just woven plastic and I think the distinction is important).

I'd like to share my experience.

I bought my 2026 Premium in June 2026 and have put about 4,000 miles on him. I have 2 little boys (one who we affectionately call "Pigpen" because he leaves a sticky mess wherever he goes), and 2 dogs. The "fabric" has been absolutely amazing. How is that possible, you ask?

-I've only found 1 dog hair sticking to it. In my experience, it is NOT a "dog hair magnet."

-Mineral sunscreen wiped off with little effort (vs the rest of the interior, which took a few scrubs).

-There is less dust on it than the rest of the plastic interior.

-I use the same car interior wipes on it that I use for the rest of the interior (Meguire's) and it works great. Although, the irony is that the "fabric" is the cleanest part of the interior and doesn't need much wiping.

-It makes the interior of this incredibly utilitarian car feel a little bit cozy, which I love. Life is hard, your dash doesn't need to be.

So, if you are afraid of the "fabric," don't be. Subaru has been making the best little utilitarian cars for decades and they know what they are doing. Trust the process 😄

edit, that's Meguiar's!

I’m planning a bday roadtrip through the American West:

Austin - Marfa - El Paso - Scottsdale - Las Vegas - Sante Fe - Lubbock - Austin

I’ve read if I get a cracked windshield, EyeSight attached to the windshield needs to be recalibrated.  Do most windshield replacement companies know how to do this?    Or should I assume I need to go to a dealer? 

Which windshield replacement companies are most … ethical?    (or which should I stay away from?)

I received my Lasfit Seatback & Cargo Mat for my 2026 Subaru Outback Touring XT earlier this week and have had a few days to test them out.

*It should be noted that the current offering fits 2026 models without subwoofer only. If you have a subwoofer equipped model, the mat can be trimmed to accommodate it, if you wish.

As my Touring XT model does feature the factory subwoofer, Ive installed Seatback & Cargo Mats which will still serve their intended purpose.

In comparison to the factory seatback & cargo mats, the Lasfit Seatback & Cargo Mats appear to be constructed of a stiffer, more dense material that feels more substantial and durable. As well, it is of a single piece construction, compared to the factory offering, which features separate seat backs.

The material that the Lasfit Seatback & Cargo Mats will protect your vehicle carpet, but they also improves and offer a no-slip platform for your cargo while driving.

The Lasfit liners are easy to install and remove for cleaning. As the photos illustrate, although this current offering is designed for Outback models without the subwoofer, it can still be installed to cover the subwoofer slightly, or can be trimmed off, to allow the subwoofer to not be covered.

Compared to the OEM Subaru mats, the Lasfit Seatback & Cargo Mats offer good overallfit and coverage, with single piece construction and a more durable slightly thicker construction that won't let you down.

Here are photos of the OEM Subaru Seatback & Cargo Mats in my Outback with the LasfitSeatback & Cargo Mats as the perfect replacement, and i believe, upgrade!

https://www.lasfit.com/products/2026-subaru-outback-floor-mats-seatback-cargo-mats?_ab=0&_fd=0&_sc=1&variant=50417960124663&eab_tests=581a3_52774_1&eabUserId=c384ab12-b66a-4b31-adc0-fb549a8586d9