# Subaru Outback check engine light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 67 - **Most complaints:** 2020 (19) - **Related recalls:** 10 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 67 owner complaints about the check engine light on the Subaru Outback (2015-2026 models), most for the **2020** model year (19). There are **10 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. ## Subaru Outback check engine light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the check engine light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 9 | 509 | 2% | | 2016 | 4 | 642 | 1% | | 2017 | 7 | 921 | 1% | | 2018 | 3 | 816 | 0% | | 2019 | 4 | 1036 | 0% | | 2020 | 19 | 905 | 2% | | 2021 | 10 | 299 | 3% | | 2022 | 8 | 465 | 2% | | 2025 | 3 | 83 | 4% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Subaru Outback recalls related to the check engine light **[23V755000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V755000)** (2021-2023 models, reported 2023-11-09): An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. **[23V647000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V647000)** (2023 models, reported 2023-09-21): Separation of the front end of the driveshaft increases the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will clean the bolt mounting surfaces of the center support brace and install new bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023. **[22V485000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=22V485000)** (2020-2021 models, reported 2022-07-08): An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 24, 2022. **[22V473000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=22V473000)** (2022 models, reported 2022-07-01): A loose electrical connection to the ECU may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the engine wiring harness and ECU, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 30, 2022. **[21V955000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=21V955000)** (2020 models, reported 2021-12-09): An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 19, 2022. This recall includes all... **[21V587000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=21V587000)** (2018-2020 models, reported 2021-07-29): Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21. **[21V024000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=21V024000)** (2021 models, reported 2021-01-26): A loose nut can lead to a lost of retention in the CVT select lever cable and the gear selector not functioning properly, increasing risk of crash. **Remedy:** Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and, if necessary, tighten the nut, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2021. **[20V218000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V218000)** (2019 models, reported 2020-04-16): If the low pressure fuel pump fails, the engine may stall without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2020. **[15V794000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=15V794000)** (2016 models, reported 2015-11-24): If the drive shaft detaches from the rear differential, it may strike the fuel tank and result in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the fastening nuts, and tighten or replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 10, 2015. **[15V502000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=15V502000)** (2015-2016 models, reported 2015-08-10): If the transmission oil leaks onto the exhaust pipe, there is a possible risk of fire. **Remedy:** Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the propeller shaft, free of charge. The recall began on August 28, 2015. Recall repairs are free at any Subaru dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Subaru Outback owners report - "On June 2 when I was driving home from work on the I 94 Highway in Detroit Michigan I was going about 50 mph when my check engine light went on and within seconds the engine failed. The car was still on, but the gas pedal wouldn't work and I was in the far left-hand side lane of the highway. I was able to slowly..." -- owner of a 2025 Subaru Outback, complaint filed 2026 - "Warning lamps appeared at the time of failure, including multiple dashboard lights/check engine-type warnings after the engine shut off. There were no consistent warning messages before the stall/no-start events." -- owner of a 2022 Subaru Outback, complaint filed 2026 - "After jump start several check engine lights came on, cruise control did not work. lane control and "EYESIGHT" failure warning light was on. Subaru dealer replaced battery under warranty" -- owner of a 2021 Subaru Outback, complaint filed 2022 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the check engine light means The check engine light means the engine computer has stored a diagnostic trouble code for an emissions, engine or transmission fault. Common causes include a loose gas cap, a failing oxygen sensor, a worn catalytic converter, and misfires from plugs or coils. A steady light is usually not an emergency, but a flashing light means a severe misfire and you should reduce speed and get it checked right away. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Loose gas cap or EVAP system leak** (common) 2. **Failing oxygen sensor** (common) 3. **Catalytic converter efficiency below threshold** (common) 4. **Misfire from worn spark plugs or ignition coils** (common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Check engine light](/warning-lights/check-engine). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Subaru Outback check engine light? Yes. NHTSA lists 10 related recalls (23V755000, 23V647000, 22V485000, 22V473000, 21V955000, 21V587000, 21V024000, 20V218000, 15V794000, 15V502000) covering 2015-2023 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Subaru Outback years have the most check engine light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2020 and 2021 Outback model years have the most complaints mentioning the check engine light, with 19 for 2020. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Subaru Outback with the check engine light on? Drive to a shop this week. With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. If the light is flashing, the engine runs very rough, or the temperature or oil light also comes on, stop driving and have it checked. ### How do I check if my Subaru Outback has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Subaru dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Subaru Outback warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/subaru-outback): 10 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/subaru-outback): 33 complaints - [Battery (charging system) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/subaru-outback): 14 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/subaru-outback): 46 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/subaru-outback): 25 complaints - [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/subaru-outback): 18 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/subaru-outback): 33 complaints - [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/subaru-outback): 13 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/subaru-outback): 15 complaints ## Check engine light on other models - [Ford Escape](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-escape): 2245 complaints - [Ford Edge](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-edge): 1380 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-silverado): 911 complaints - [Kia Soul](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-soul): 785 complaints - [Hyundai Sonata](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-sonata): 731 complaints - [Hyundai Tucson](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-tucson): 705 complaints - [Chevrolet Malibu](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-malibu): 666 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chrysler-pacifica): 630 complaints - [Hyundai Santa Fe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-santa-fe): 602 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/jeep-cherokee): 587 complaints ## Subaru Outback - [Subaru Outback specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/subaru-outback) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/subaru-outback Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.