Outbackbuyer's guide

Subaru's FB25 engine in the 2015–2019 Outback has a documented oil consumption issue — some owners add a quart every 1,200 miles — and if a head gasket is already weeping, you're looking at $1,500–$2,500 before you've driven it a month. This guide tells you exactly what to look for at the car, without needing a mechanic or a lift.

This guide covers 5 documented faults in depth: FB25 oil consumption and head gasket weep (the most important check on any used 5th-gen Outback), CVT shudder under load on highway, windshield stress cracks near the A-pillar (a known structural issue on this generation), EyeSight camera calibration failure after windshield repair, and rear differential noise on AWD models. Each fault includes a step-by-step field check and realistic repair cost range.

Five faults is a short list — it reflects that the 5th-gen Outback is genuinely well-built. The faults that do exist are serious enough that finding them before buying matters.