2008 Subaru Outback Reliability ReportKeepScore 72/100 · top failure points · buy or avoid
Quick Facts · 2008 Subaru Outback
- Scores 6 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2007 Subaru Outback earns a 78.
- The system most likely to surface first: 2.5l engine head gaskets (major severity).
- Has 8 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module.
2008 Subaru Outback: Buy or Avoid?
The 2008 Subaru Outback is a solid, practical wagon offering legendary AWD and versatility, but it's held back by a few common and potentially costly engine-related issues. If you're willing to address these known weak points proactively, it can be a reliable adventure companion, otherwise, you could face significant repair bills.
Biggest Strengths
- Excellent Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system
- Robust frame and excellent crash safety ratings
- Practical cargo space and ground clearance for its class
2008 Subaru Outback — Known Trouble Spots
The systems that break first on the 2008 Subaru Outback. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
Safety Recalls on the 2008 Subaru Outback
8 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
What breaks on the 2008 Subaru Outback?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Subaru Outback — Year-by-Year Comparison
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Subaru Outback. Click any year for its full report.
Competing 2008s Worth a Look
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
Relevant Products for Your 2008 Subaru Outback
Parts and accessories matched to your 2008 Subaru Outback
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Frequently Asked Questions
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