Subaru Outback VIN Number Check

Decode a Subaru Outback VIN free with NHTSA vPIC. See its generation and the NHTSA recalls for that model year, then read what owners have reported.

VIN prefix4S4JF2

Free decode plus the NHTSA recalls for its model year. 17 characters, no I, O or Q.

Subaru Outback

About the Subaru Outback

Subaru has sold the Outback in the US since the 2005 model year, and there have been five generations. The BP came first (2005–2009); BR (2010–2014), BS (2015–2019), BT (2020–2025) followed, and the BU took over for 2026. Across those years NHTSA lists 57 vehicle recall campaigns and 8,697 owner complaints. Complaints pile up on the BS. Its 2019 and 2017 model years alone account for 1,951 of them, with owners bringing up electrical system most often and visibility after that. EPA rates the BP at 19–22 mpg combined, while the BU gets 23–27 mpg. A free VIN decode gives you NHTSA vPIC’s record for the car (model year, engine, plant) and the NHTSA recalls for its model year. It won’t show theft, flood or lemon-law history.

US model years2005–2026

GenerationsBP · BR · BS · BT · BU

NHTSA recall campaigns57

Owner complaints8,697 at NHTSA

Subaru Outback photographed at a US vehicle auction — Auction lot photo, for illustration

Generations

Subaru Outback generations

Five generations since the 2005 model year. The BS (2015–2019) has the most owner complaints, the BR (2010–2014) the most recall campaigns (25).

5 / 5

20265th generation

Photo: Raszbeary, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

20052010201520202025

2026· Generation 5 of 5

BU · 5th generation

PlatformSubaru Global

EPA combined mpg23–27

NHTSA recalls0

Engines (EPA)

2.4 L 4-cyl (turbo) · 2026
2.5 L 4-cyl · 2026

Drive & transmission (EPA)

AWD/4WD
CVT (2026)

Known issues to check

Electrical system (5)Forward collision avoidance (5)Seats (2)

Mentions in 16 NHTSA complaints.

Sample VIN pattern · BUJF2BURJD?TY······NHTSA vPIC decodes it as a 2026 Subaru Outback Touring, built in Shoyacho, Ota, Gunma Prefecture

Check an Outback VIN

Sources: Wikipedia · EPA · NHTSA · vPIC

NHTSA campaign data

Which Outback model years each recall covers

NHTSA data

NHTSA has 57 campaigns on file for Outback model years 2005–2026, and the 2010 shows up in more of them than any other year (18), ahead of the 2011 (16). Move the line to your model year to see which apply.

Pick a row

What to ask

Source: NHTSA recall database, vehicle campaigns only; row text is NHTSA’s summary. A listed year does not mean every car is covered, so check the VIN.

Canada rows: Transport Canada recalls database. Transport Canada recalls that match an NHTSA campaign are folded into that row by VinNumber.net; rows with the Canadian flag have no NHTSA match. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada · Transport Canada.

Owner reports · NHTSA complaints

What Subaru Outback owners report

Owner summaries + NHTSA data

Complaints peak with the 2019 (1,034 of 8,697). Tap any bar or generation.

8,697NHTSA complaints, 2005–2026

306mention a crash

73mention a fire

205injuries reported

Owner complaints by model yearBU: 16 complaints · most for the 2026 (16)

Top complaint areas · BU

Mentions in 16 complaints, 2026.

Electrical system5

Forward collision avoidance5

Seats2

Speed control / acceleration2

Tires1

Seat belts1

Crashes 1Fires 0Injuries 4

2026 (BU)

NHTSA data summary

No other generation’s complaints mention crashes as often as the BU’s, at 1 of 16 (6.2%, against 3.5% across all Outback model years). Its first model year, the 2026, drew more complaints than any other (16 of 16). Owners across the generation name electrical system most often (5 mentions), then forward collision avoidance (5).

What Outback owners report across recent generations

Owner summary

2020–2025 (6th generation)

Cracked windshields dominate NHTSA complaints for the 2020, with owners describing cracks from tiny stones or none at all and several replacements in a few years. Dead batteries are the second big theme. CarComplaints ranks a cracked windshield, a dead battery and battery failure as the top 2020 problems. Recalls cover transmission control software on 2020–2021 models that could let the clutch engage before the drive chain is fully clamped, and an occupant detection sensor on 2020–2022 models that can keep the passenger air bag from deploying. [1] [2]

2015–2019 (5th generation)

The same two themes lead this generation. On the 2019, NHTSA owners most often describe windshields that crack easily and batteries that go dead, along with infotainment and radio faults. CarComplaints ranks a windshield that cracks easily first for 2018, followed by a dead battery and steering that pulls to one side. Recalls cover a low pressure fuel pump that may stop working and, on some 2019 models, improperly applied spot welds below the cowl. [3] [4]

2010–2014 (4th generation)

Stalling leads NHTSA complaints for the 2011, with owners describing the engine dying at stops as if a manual car were left in gear, which some tie to the torque converter and a service bulletin rather than a recall. CarComplaints ranks transmission failure first for 2011, followed by stalling while braking and shuddering. Headlight complaints are also common, and recalls cover front passenger air bag inflators on 2010–2014 models. [5] [6]

What to check before buying

Run the VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup, including the air bag inflator recalls on 2010–2014 models and the transmission software and occupant sensor recalls on 2020–2022 models.
Ask for records of windshield replacements, battery replacements and torque converter or CVT work.
On the drive, inspect the windshield for cracks, come to several full stops to check for stalling or shudder, and confirm the steering tracks straight.

Sources (6) and method

Sources:

Counts: NHTSA complaints file, records to October 1, 2026, one count per complaint; areas are NHTSA component groups.

Owner summary updated September 25, 2026.

Owner opinions · Reddit

What Subaru Outback owners say on Reddit

Summarized from public threads

SummaryPros & consThreads

Subaru Outback owners on Reddit mostly praise older cars that hit 150,000 to 260,000 miles with steady fluid service, and several traded a high mileage Outback only because they wanted another. Newer 2024 to 2026 trucks draw more complaints about DCM and cockpit software, long dealer waits for modules on back order, window regulators, rattles and early brake wear. A few also report CVT valve body or transmission work under warranty on recent models.

Pros

Many older Outbacks reach 150,000 to 260,000 miles with fluid service on time
AWD confidence and road trip comfort keep owners coming back
Some 2023 and Wilderness owners report tens of thousands of miles with only routine care

Cons

DCM and cockpit software failures on 2025 and 2026 models with long parts waits
Window regulators, seat squeaks and door rattles on newer Wilderness trucks
CVT valve body or full transmission repairs on some recent cars
Early brake pad wear reported around 22,000 to 40,000 miles

Advice needed: 2026 Outback with dealership for repairs r/Subaru_Outback · 2026-02-19
2025 Outback Recall r/subaruoutback · 2025-01-20
2025 outback wilderness issues. r/Outback_Wilderness · 2026-01-22
2024 Outback in the shop for a month and a half r/subaruoutback · 2025-07-15
I was super close to buying a Subaru Outback or Forester, but concerned about reliability. I want to be convinced to come back r/subaru · 2026-05-28

Opinions of individual owners, summarized in our own words. Not verified data; check recalls and complaints above.

Owner complaints · by model year

Outback complaint breakdown by model year

NHTSA data

Every Outback version is counted together. Tap a year to see its top systems.

8,697complaints, 2005–2026

306mention a crash

73mention a fire

205injuries reported

1complaint reports a death

Most complaints: 2019 (1,034), 2017 (917), 2020 (899)

2019 · 1,034 complaints

Crashes 24 · fires 2 · injuries 18

Electrical system363

Visibility/wiper326

Unknown or other204

Visibility63

Engine39

Systems as NHTSA names them; a complaint can list several. Source: NHTSA complaints data, records to October 1, 2026.

EPA fuel economy & emissions

Outback CO₂, smog rating and yearly fuel cost

EPA data

EPA lists 74 Outback versions for model years 2005–2026. The lowest tailpipe CO₂ is 308 g/mi (2022). Pick a model year and powertrain to see each version.

BP2005–2009

19–22 mpg · CO₂ 404–468 g/mi

BR2010–2014

20–26 mpg · CO₂ 341–444 g/mi

BS2015–2019

22–28 mpg · CO₂ 319–398 g/mi

BT2020–2025

23–29 mpg · CO₂ 308–378 g/mi

BU2026

23–27 mpg · CO₂ 330–385 g/mi

Model year2025

28combined MPG

314CO₂ grams per mile (tailpipe)

$2,400EPA yearly fuel cost

6/10Smog rating

1 = worst · 10 = cleanest

6/10Greenhouse gas rating

California LEV-III SULEV30 · Federal Tier 3 Bin 30Emission standard

Cleanest gas version of 2025: AWD · Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L — 28 MPG · 314 g/mi

Best (lowest) CO₂ by model year

Gas

Annual fuel cost is EPA’s estimate at its current fuel-price assumptions (15,000 miles a year, 55% city driving), so older years are priced at today’s fuel prices. Smog rating and emission standard can differ by sales area (federal vs. California); both are shown. Greenhouse-gas ratings start with the 2013 model year. Source: fueleconomy.gov.

Compare rivals

Outback vs Toyota RAV4 vs Honda CR-V

NHTSA + EPA data

Take 2020–2025. NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns for the Outback, against 17 for the Toyota RAV4 and 20 for the Honda CR-V. Pick a range to compare.

Subaru OutbackBU

Model years 2026

NHTSA recall campaigns: 0
NHTSA owner complaints: 16
EPA combined mpg: 23–27
Engines (EPA): 4-cyl 2.4, 2.5 L
Also listed: turbo
Drive (EPA): AWD/4WD

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Electrical system 5
Forward collision avoidance 5
Seats 2

Toyota RAV4

Model years 2026

NHTSA recall campaigns: 2
NHTSA owner complaints: 35
EPA combined mpg: 38–43
Engines (EPA): 4-cyl 2.5 L
Also listed: hybrid
Drive (EPA): AWD/4WD, FWD

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Forward collision avoidance 11
Electrical system 7
Powertrain (transmission, driveline) 7

Honda CR-V

Model years 2026

NHTSA recall campaigns: 1
NHTSA owner complaints: 146
EPA combined mpg: 29–40
Engines (EPA): 4-cyl 1.5, 2.0 L · Electric
Also listed: turbo, hybrid
Drive (EPA): AWD/4WD, FWD

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Electrical system 27
Forward collision avoidance 25
Visibility (glass, wipers, mirrors) 24

NHTSA recalls (vehicle campaigns for all powertrain versions; equipment and tire campaigns left out), complaints (not sales-adjusted) and 5-Star overall ratings for the latest year rated for all three; EPA mpg, engines and drive. Rivals: same EPA class, picked by VinNumber.net.

Subaru Outback VIN number location

Where to find the VIN on an Outback

Tap a spot. Every location should show the same 17 characters.

Gray Subaru Outback (sixth generation) crossover wagon, front three-quarter view, with the VIN locations marked

Photo: Hans Haase, CC BY-SA 3.0, cropped

Illustration: VinNumber.net

Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0; edited and VIN pins added by VinNumber.net

The Outback carries its VIN on a plate at the base of the driver's side windshield, with a door jamb sticker and a trunk lid label as secondary locations. Some model years also carry a stamp on the driver's door sill. The BU generation starts with the 2026 model year; the VIN’s 10th character (T for 2026) shows which side of that line a car falls on.

Windshield plateRead it through the glass at the base of the driver's side windshield.
Source: 49 CFR 565.13(f) (NHTSA): VIN inside the passenger compartment, readable through the glazing next to the left windshield pillar
Door jamb labelOpen the driver's door: the certification label on the B-pillar lists the VIN.
Source: 49 CFR 567.4 (NHTSA): certification label with VIN at the driver door hinge pillar, latch post or door edge

The title, registration and insurance card show the VIN as well. All locations should match.

FAQ

Common Subaru Outback VIN questions

Which Subaru Outback model years have the most owner complaints?

The 2019 leads with 1,034, ahead of the 2017 (917) and 2020 (899). Those first two alone make up 22% of the 8,697 Outback complaints filed with NHTSA, not adjusted for sales.

How many recalls has the Subaru Outback had?

NHTSA’s recall records show 57 vehicle campaigns for model years 2005–2026, leaving out equipment and tire campaigns. By generation, BR leads with 25. Then come the BP (16), BS (14), BT (11) and BU (0), and a campaign can span two generations.

Which Subaru Outback recalls are high risk?

15V-323, 16V-358, 17V-014 and 17V-026 cover air bag inflators that can rupture. 20V-001, 20V-002, 20V-003, 18V-012, 18V-013, 18V-014, 19V-007, 19V-008 and 1 more cover air bag inflator modules and how they deploy. NHTSA’s record names a fire risk in 16V-738, 12V-602, 16V-694, 13V-078, 15V-502 and 15V-794. Do-not-drive advisories came with 16V-292. Each should show as closed on a VIN check.

Which Outback generation am I looking at?

By US model year, the BP is 2005–2009 and the BR 2010–2014. BS spans 2015–2019, BT 2020–2025 and BU 2026. Read the year off the VIN’s 10th character (T is 2026).

What fuel economy does the Subaru Outback get?

It varies. EPA rates the 2026 BU at 23–27 mpg combined, depending on engine and drive, up from 19–22 mpg for the 2005–2009 BP (fueleconomy.gov).

How does the Subaru Outback compare with the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V on recalls?

For 2026 models the Outback has 0 NHTSA recall campaigns. The Toyota RAV4 has 2, the Honda CR-V 1. Complaints run 16, 35 and 146 in that order, with no sales adjustment.

What crash rating does the Subaru Outback have?

NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2025 Outback 5 stars overall. One version, AWD, is rated.

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Subaru Outback VIN Number Check

About the Subaru Outback

Subaru Outback generations