Subaru Outback Generation 2 (2010–2014)

Subaru Outback Generation 2 (2010–2014) — production years, market prices by model year, NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, and live listings for sale on VehiSales.

Subaru Outback — body generations

Generation Produced Facelift
Generation 2 2010–2014 —
Model-year brochures (5)

Model-year reference; equipment varies by market and trim. This is not a VIN build sheet. Browse library

Generation 3 2015–2019 —
Model-year brochures (5)

Model-year reference; equipment varies by market and trim. This is not a VIN build sheet. Browse library

Generation 4 2020–2025 —
Model-year brochures (9)

Model-year reference; equipment varies by market and trim. This is not a VIN build sheet. Browse library

Generation 5 2026–present —
Model-year brochures (2)

Model-year reference; equipment varies by market and trim. This is not a VIN build sheet. Browse library

Vehicles within one generation share the same platform and body style.

Engines used in the Outback

Engine families this model shipped with, by NHTSA VIN build data — each links to every model that shares it.

Engine Years in this model Also used in VIN builds ⓘ
Subaru 2.5L Boxer (FB25/EJ25) 2010–2026 8 models 209
Subaru 2.4L 4-cylinder 2020–2026 5 models 45

Subaru Outback fuel economy: every year & engine (EPA) →

Used Subaru Outback prices by year → · Jeep Wrangler vs Subaru Outback · Ford Explorer vs Subaru Outback · Honda CR-V vs Subaru Outback

About this generation

Based on the fifth generation Legacy, the fourth generation Subaru Outback was introduced in April 2009 at the New York Auto Show, the fifteenth anniversary of the first Outback's introduction at the same event. The Outback was introduced in Japan on May 20, 2009. The "Legacy" prefix has been dropped internationally. Air Bags are offered for the driver and front passenger, side bolster airbags for front seats on the outer edge, side curtain airbags for front and rear passengers and a knee bolster air bag for the driver.

The ground clearance increases, and is the ninth Subaru vehicle to feature continuously variable transmission (CVT). The double-sized moonroof is no longer being offered, and has been reduced to a conventional size that doesn't extend over the rear seats. The turbocharged engine is also no longer offered on all international versions of the Outback. An engine coolant temperature gauge is no longer offered, replaced by a fuel economy gauge instead.

When the engine temperature is below normal, an indicator light shines blue and when the engine is overheating, the light turns red. Using the key to unlock the drivers' door after locking the vehicle with the remote will set off the security system; the vehicle must be unlocked with the remote, a tradition going back to the first generation when remote keyless access was introduced. The side windows are no longer frameless, ending a Subaru tradition started with the first generation Leone in the early 1970s.

The "D" pillar on the crossover is no longer covered in glass, also ending a design tradition established with the first generation and borrowed from the Subaru XT. The front and rear bumper covers are no longer painted a contrasting color, but the plastic side body cladding continues. The external "Limited" badge has been retired on North American vehicles, and if the vehicle has the 3.6 L six-cylinder engine, the rear of the vehicle has a "3.6R" badge applied internationally.

Black housing for headlights is not offered on the Outback worldwide. The Outback with 2.0 L diesel engine can be distinguished by its hood scoop and "Boxer Diesel" emblem on the rear. On January 21, 2010, the Outback was introduced for sale in South Korea. Subaru introduced improvements to the chassis that they call Dynamic Chassis Control Concept, which uses high-tensile steel in critical areas to achieve high strength with lighter weight.

The front-end structure introduces Cradle Mount that isolates the suspension and engine from the passenger compartment for a smoother and quieter ride using rubber mounts. New for this generation is a double wishbone rear suspension, with all suspension links and the rear differential isolated from the rear subframe with large rubber mounts to minimize noise and vibration intruding into the passenger compartment. Subaru has also added safety technologies such as Electronic Stability Control, Brake Assist, and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution to the list of standard features.

In North America, the fourth generation Outback won Motor Trend's Sport/Utility of the Year Award for 2010, and Ward's Automotive Group's 2010 Interior of the Year awards in the popular-priced car category under $29,999. Trim level designations have been modified based on the engine installed; the Subaru EJ engine 2.5 L naturally aspirated engine are labeled 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, and 2.5i Limited, with the Subaru EZ 6-cylinder engine identified as 3.6R, 3.6R Premium and 3.6R Limited.

As with previous generations, leather interior is only available in two colors (Warm Ivory or Off-Black) on Limited trim packages on specific exterior colors, and a glass moonroof is optional only on the Limited; cloth interiors are offered in the specified colors on lower trim level packages. A 440 W, 9-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system, using Dolby Pro Logic II technology and DTS Digital Sound, with Bluetooth and iPod capability is optional on the Limited trim packages.

Source: Wikipedia — Subaru Outback — Fourth generation (BR/BM; 2009), CC BY-SA.

Recalls & complaints by year (NHTSA)

Year Recalls Complaints Most reported
2010 18 360 Power Train, Engine, Air Bags
2011 16 652 Power Train, Exterior Lighting, Engine
2012 16 292 Power Train, Engine, Air Bags
2013 12 297 Engine, Power Train, Air Bags
2014 10 208 Air Bags, Engine, Electrical System

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.

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