2011 Subaru Outback engine problems
85 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2011 Subaru Outback — 13% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Purchased my 2011 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited from the dealership, new. Since 2013, the Subaru dealer has discovered multiple oil leaks, replaced the head gaskets 3 times, thermostat 4 times, the alternator 3 times, timing belt 4 times, radiator 3 times, starter once, and my HVAC system twice...all…”
filed May 13, 2026
“Took my vehicle in for oil change and was notified the cam carrier is leaking. Researching this issue online it seems this is a very common problem with this vehicle and if I had known earlier wouldn’t have purchased for my daughter. With such a common problem I wonder why a recall hasn’t been made?”
filed Apr 18, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Engine problems in other Outback years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Outback | 4 | 6% |
| 2024 Outback | 7 | 8% |
| 2023 Outback | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 Outback | 20 | 4% |
| 2021 Outback | 20 | 7% |
| 2020 Outback | 47 | 5% |
| 2019 Outback | 39 | 4% |
| 2018 Outback | 36 | 4% |
| 2017 Outback | 43 | 5% |
| 2016 Outback | 53 | 8% |
| 2015 Outback | 47 | 9% |
| 2014 Outback | 35 | 17% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2011 Subaru Outback
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.